Why the Flick?

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/

In the summer of 2016, the search for Nicolas Cage was underway when he visited our neck of the woods to film a horror comedy about murderous parents. And now, 10 years later, we’re coming full circle by finally watching Mom and Dad (2017). The second flick as part of our prisoner exchange, this supposed B-movie delivers an absolutely wild premise that asks what would happen if a parent’s natural instinct to protect their child was suddenly reversed. It’s right up the kooky Cage alley (if that’s your jam) and makes space for countless theories, even if it didn’t quite nail the execution. On our latest episode, we’re sawzall-ing our way through Louisville cameos, aging themes, and hokey pokey beef.

Resources
https://www.newsandtribune.com/nicolas-cage-sightings/html_ba8659ea-58c6-11e6-926b-631ceaad254e.html
https://www.whas11.com/article/news/local/stars-movie-crews-invade-louisville-for-mom-and-dad/417-286868659
https://www.wdrb.com/news/mom-and-dad-movie-starring-nicolas-cage-and-selma-blair-and-shot-in-louisville-showing/article_998e36f4-8731-5d6b-8d53-c236e1fdb76e.html
https://collider.com/nicolas-cage-interview-mom-and-dad/
https://rue-morgue.com/exclusive-interview-mom-dad-writer-director-brian-taylor-on-killing-kids-nicolas-cages-madness-and-more/
https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/mom-dad-star-selma-blair-tells-messed-scene-ever-shot-life-201147607.html
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2610017/nicolas-cage-claims-christopher-nolan-cut-ties-after-actor-turned-down-insomnia

If we were going to watch any new release from this year, it was going to be The Odyssey (2026). Christopher Nolan’s long-awaited adaptation of Homer’s epic adventure is the movie everyone is talking about, so naturally, we had to join the conversation. Thankfully, it lived up to the hype both on screen and behind the scenes. Whether it was shooting entirely on IMAX cameras, recreating ancient Greek instruments, or building a 60-foot Cyclops puppet, there’s no doubt Nolan went all out for the cinematic experience. And while his interpretation has sparked debate among literary classicists, beneath the spectacle is an emotional story with plenty to say about society and civilization. On our newest episode, we’re taking our own personal odyssey through the shocking practical effects, colossal cast, and unforgettable ending.

Resources
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/17/movies/the-odyssey-christopher-nolan.html
The Odyssey - Official Completely in IMAX Behind the Scenes Clip
https://nofilmschool.com/the-odyssey-practical-effects
https://www.slashfilm.com/2218098/christopher-nolan-the-odyssey-cyclops-showdown-changes-explained/
https://www.comicbasics.com/matt-damon-reveals-the-wild-practical-effects-trick-behind-the-odysseys-scylla-monster-attack/
https://www.allure.com/story/the-odyssey-film-hair-makeup-interview
The Odyssey Special Effects Explained
Laestrygonian Practical Effects
Circe Practical Effects
Hades Practical Effects
https://variety.com/2026/artisans/news/the-odyssey-ludwig-goransson-film-score-1236813153/
Making of the Soundtrack
https://www.elle.com/culture/movies-tv/a73170278/the-odyssey-movie-zeus-law-explained/

Are we the only people who haven’t seen Mission: Impossible (1996) until now? Probably not, but we’re accepting our mission to finally meet Ethan Hunt in the story that started it all—and we’re joined by guest and fellow first-time watcher Meghan Dhawan. Before Tom Cruise was known for risking life and limb, Brian De Palma brought the hit TV series to the big screen with a tamer take on the franchise we know and love today, though not without its share of drama. Even so, this OG flick gave fans a hint of what was to come with its action-packed stunts, elaborate disguises, and surprising twists. This episode, we’re breaking down our different entry points to the franchise, favorite spy tech, and the question on everyone’s mind: where did all the magic tricks go? This message will self-destruct in 5 seconds.

Follow Meghan Dhawan on Instagram @meghan_dhawan and @meghan.on.the.mic

Resources
https://www.rogerebert.com/features/a-lit-fuse-the-history-of-the-mission-impossible-franchise
https://deadline.com/2025/05/mission-impossible-directors-interview-de-palma-woo-abrams-1236385521/
https://boldentrance.com/mission-impossible-train-sequence/amp/
https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/the-behind-the-scenes-battles-of-the-mission-impossible-franchise/