Why the Flick?

It’s the finale of our Scream King Month and since we started this special event with one of Stephen King’s best adaptations, we’re switching gears for part two to spotlight one of his worst—which brings us to Children of the Corn (1984). Despite its stinker reception, this short-story-turned-feature film has earned a reputation for sparking fear in anyone who finds themselves near a cornfield and rightfully so. But while this crop is arguably the most terrifying, between the rows of murderous kids and devil cults, this flick is filled with less chills, more camp, and a surprise appearance from pre-Terminator Linda Hamilton. On our newest episode, we’re digging into all the nuances of corn and making 1,000 puns along the way while doing our best to recap this unhinged plot.

Spooky season is upon us and your hosts have conjured up one of our best themes yet. Introducing Scream King Month—a two-episode special event celebrating adaptations from the king of scares himself, Stephen King. For the first flick in our lineup, we knew we had to go with one of the most iconic horror movies of all time. And with a new TV series putting this story back in the spotlight, it was the perfect time to revisit the original Carrie (1976). Best known for its prom-gone-wrong finale and standout performances from Sissy Spacek and Piper Laurie, this classic is also packed with ‘70s vibes and plenty of other horrors, both on screen and behind the scenes. Join us as we explore it all, including period portrayals, excessive slapping, and cinematic references galore.

Resources
https://screenrant.com/stephen-king-carrie-biggest-differences-book-movie/
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/apr/04/stephen-king-how-i-wrote-carrie-horror
https://www.slashfilm.com/1201929/1976s-carrie-ending-explained-feminine-rage-unleashed/
https://collider.com/carrie-mike-flanagan-female-directors-kate-siegel/
https://www.teenvogue.com/story/meet-summer-h-howell-carrie-exclusive-interview
https://mashable.com/entertainment/stephen-king-carrie-tv-show-review
https://collider.com/carrie-stephen-king-highest-ranked-rotten-tomatoes-movie/

Fall is officially here and we’re embracing the cozy vibes with a flick that embodies the autumnal season to its fullest—Knives Out (2019). An instant classic when it hit theaters, Rian Johnson revived the murder mystery genre, bringing the whodunnit into the 21st century with its unexpected structure, sharp social commentary, and plenty of fun twists along the way. Starring Daniel Craig as the newest detective on the scene and fan favorite Benoit Blanc, this first installment set the tone for what’s now become a beloved franchise that leaves us itching for whatever case Johnson has planned next. But until then, this episode we’re figuring out the donut hole of clues while discussing the huge cast, the moody mansion, and, of course, the cable knit sweater.
Resources
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/knives-director-rian-johnson-tackling-a-whodunnit-1236039/
https://www.gq.com/story/rian-johnson-knives-out-interview-2019
https://ew.com/movies/2019/11/26/rian-johnson-knives-out-script-interview/
https://knives-out.fandom.com/wiki/Joseph_Gordon-Levitt
https://www.vogue.com/article/knives-out-interview-rian-johnson-casting
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/making-knives-how-rian-johnson-assembled-a-star-studded-jigsaw-puzzle-1253787/
https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2022-11-16/daniel-craig-glass-onion-knives-out-netflix-james-bond
https://www.setdecorators.org/?art=film_decor_features&SHOW=SetDecor_Film_KNIVES_OUT
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/how-knives-costume-designer-chose-chris-evans-perfect-sweater-1257525/

Welcome back to Roulette Bonanza! In part two of this special event, the wheel gave us the perfect flick to kick off spooky season—The Babadook (2014). This Australian film from director Jennifer Kent introduced one of the genre’s most haunting new baddies while earning him gay icon status. But beyond the scares and the memes, this flick set the standard for “elevated horror,” exploring complex themes of grief, motherhood, and trauma. In our latest episode of Why the Flick?, we’re unpacking all the unsettling moments, striking visuals, and the Babadook’s incredible pop-up book skills.

Resources
https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/jennifer-kent-interview-directing-the-babadook/
https://www.hammertonail.com/interviews/jennifer-kent/
https://horrorpress.com/interviews/7985/interview-you-cant-get-rid-of-the-babadook-jennifer-kent-discusses-her-feature-debut-at-10/
http://thefilmexperience.net/blog/2014/11/30/interview-jennifer-kent-on-her-babadook-breakthrough-and-wha.html
https://zoebrenzel.substack.com/p/how-the-babadook-became-a-queer-icon
https://www.slashfilm.com/807216/the-age-of-the-babadooks-star-presented-a-unique-problem/

We love the power to pick our own flicks, but sometimes it’s more fun to leave it up to fate which brings us to Roulette Bonanza. For part one of this special event, the almighty wheel decided we should cover the oldest film yet on the pod—12 Angry Men (1957). One of the earliest courtroom dramas, this adapted teleplay starring Henry Fonda gave audiences an inside look at the twists, turns, and tea of jury duty, where the facts of the case aren’t nearly as black and white as the color of the screen. On a new Why the Flick?, we’re considering all the evidence as we examine how this surprise choice became an unexpected favorite.

Resources
https://cinephiliabeyond.org/12-angry-men-everlasting-testament-sidney-lumet-reginald-roses-filmmaking-prowess/
https://fords.org/twelve-angry-men-and-the-creation-of-a-genre/