Why the Flick?

Why the Flick?

A movie podcast that asks the hard-hitting question, "Why the flick?" Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and follow @whytheflick on Instagram, TikTok, and Letterboxd.

  1. 108: The Birdcage (1996) "Mrs. Doubtfire It"

    Jun 23

    108: The Birdcage (1996) "Mrs. Doubtfire It"

    Pride Month may be ending, but our joyful subtheme continues for one more episode—only this time we’re swapping a gay fight club for a gay nightclub with The Birdcage (1996). Starring comedic geniuses Nathan Lane and Robin Williams, this beloved farce remains as hilarious as ever thanks to its sharp wit and surprisingly pointed social commentary. On top of its unforgettable performances, the film was also ahead of its time in the way it challenged misconceptions about the LGBTQ+ community and paved the way for more playful queer representation. To celebrate its 30th anniversary, we’re diving into it all while putting a spotlight on the funniest one-liners, Val’s villainy, and the power of drag. Resources https://www.nytimes.com/1996/03/08/movies/film-review-la-cage-aux-folles-but-in-south-beach.html https://www.today.com/popculture/nathan-lane-says-robin-williams-protected-interview-oprah-winfrey-rcna76537 https://deadline.com/2024/06/nathan-lane-robin-williams-advice-coming-out-birdcage-1235975010/ https://people.com/nathan-lane-robin-williams-the-birdcage-incredibly-generous-exclusive-8661593 https://people.com/nathan-lane-wasnt-brave-enough-to-come-out-when-the-birdcage-was-released-11945651 https://www.slashfilm.com/1801031/why-gene-hackman-starred-the-birdcage/ https://flaszonfilm.com/2026/02/02/the-birdcage-at-30-cultural-de-escalation-through-exposure-therapy-and-points-of-no-return/ https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20210310-the-birdcage-at-25-a-pioneering-moment-in-mainstream-cinema

    1h 54m
  2. 107: Bottoms (2023) "Less Sexual Lust, More Blood Lust"

    Jun 9

    107: Bottoms (2023) "Less Sexual Lust, More Blood Lust"

    It’s time for Pride Month and this year we’re putting the spotlight on joyful LGBTQ+ stories, starting with Bottoms (2023). From Shiva Baby creator Emma Seligman with acting duo Rachel Sennott and Ayo Edebiri, this female-led flick is both an ode to and fresh take on the raunchy teen comedy. Thanks to its absurdist tone and neverending visual gags, the story flips the genre on its head by centering queer characters who start a fight club to win over their cheerleader crushes—all while tackling conversations on coming of age and female solidarity. This episode, we’re along for the ride as we discuss our favorite jokes, the standout soundtrack, and all the gloriously chaotic fighting. Resources https://variety.com/2023/film/reviews/bottoms-review-rachel-sennott-1235550522/ https://www.indiewire.com/features/craft/bottoms-emma-seligman-editing-improv-1234902688/ https://people.com/marshawn-lynch-took-role-in-bottoms-for-his-queer-sister-exclusive-7964651 https://mashable.com/article/bottoms-makeup-natalie-christine-johnson https://clutchpoints.com/entertainment/bottoms-stunt-coordinator-deven-macnair-exclusive-interview https://filmmakermagazine.com/121937-interview-emma-seligman-bottoms/ https://www.vulture.com/article/bottoms-emma-seligman-rachel-sennott-ayo-edebiri.html

    1h 53m
  3. 106: The Last Unicorn (1982) "Beware the Triple Nipple"

    May 26

    106: The Last Unicorn (1982) "Beware the Triple Nipple"

    The time has come for us to sadly close out Ani-MAY-tion Month so we’re ending on the perfect note with our final pick: The Last Unicorn (1982). Based on the acclaimed story by Peter S. Beagle, it’s a cult classic that mixes '80s dark fantasy with '70s medieval revival in a way that gives peak weirdness. But despite its strange visuals, this Rankin-Bass and Top Craft (pre-Studio Ghibli) collaboration is a celebration of animation brought to life with a soundtrack by America and legendary voice acting from Mia Farrow, Christopher Lee, Jeff Bridges, and more. For the final episode of our themed month, we’re embarking on a quest through book vs movie comparisons, mortality themes, and our dangerous boobs era. Resources https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Last_Unicorn_(film) https://www.slashfilm.com/751443/turns-out-the-last-unicorn-is-a-secret-studio-ghibli-film/ https://gamerant.com/last-unicorn-studio-ghibli-connection/ https://collider.com/what-did-peter-s-beagle-think-of-the-last-unicorn-movie/ https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2015/06/christopher-lee-obituary-peter-s-beagle https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8prJxxf

    1h 46m
  4. 105: Coraline (2009) "Dangerous Boobs"

    May 12

    105: Coraline (2009) "Dangerous Boobs"

    There’s something about stop-motion animation that’s equal parts beautiful and creepy so naturally we made sure to fit this art style into our Ani-MAY-tion Month lineup. And no movie captures those cozy-yet-nightmarish vibes better than Coraline (2009). A debut feature from the newly formed Laika and directed by animating legend Henry Selick, it was a labor of love that expanded the medium to a vibrant 3D world for the first time ever. Featuring a spooky backdrop, this flick also earns its reputation as the perfect gateway into horror for any little goth at heart. In our second theme pick, we’re doing our best to unravel the mysteries behind Other Mother’s origin, jumping mice, and those terrifying button eyes. Plus, one of our cohosts might finally be over their lifelong claymation phobia. Resources Hand-Making Coraline: Behind LAIKA’s First Feature Animating Coraline - Behind the Scenes Hand Made in 3D: Behind the Scenes of Coraline Biggest Smallest World: Behind the Scenes of Coraline https://collider.com/coraline-3d-animation/ https://oregonconfluence.com/2020/10/12/how-the-classic-oregonmade-film-coraline-came-to-be-set-in-ashland-or/ https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/features/52484-dakota-fanning-is-the-voice-of-coraline https://coraline.fandom.com/wiki/April_Spink

    1h 49m
  5. 104: The Prince of Egypt (1998) "Brother Issues and Daddy Issues"

    Apr 28

    104: The Prince of Egypt (1998) "Brother Issues and Daddy Issues"

    We’ve been cooking on our next theme for a while now, listeners, so when the time finally came around we knew we had to unveil Ani-MAY-tion Month. For the next four weeks, we’ll be immersing ourselves in the world of animated cinema and there’s no better place to start than with The Prince of Egypt (1998). One of Dreamwork’s first projects, this flick brings the Passover story to life in the grandest, most epic way possible, complete with a banger soundtrack and top-tier voice cast that includes the likes of Val Kilmer, Ralph Fiennes, and Michelle Pfeiffer. Tune into our newest episode of Why the Flick? as we dive into the film’s stunning visuals, its Exodus adaptation, and the high-stakes of sibling rivalries. Resources Jews on Film: The Prince of Egypt w/ Stephanie Butnick The Prince of Egypt VFX Featurette https://www.filmsound.org/studiosound/postpro.html https://www.cinemantics.org/p/why-the-prince-of-egypt-is-the-best https://www.cloudypicture.com/p/the-prince-of-egypt-and-the-power https://www.filminquiry.com/animation-sensation-the-prince/

    1h 45m
  6. 103: Pride & Prejudice (2005) "Fingering of the Frock"

    Apr 14

    103: Pride & Prejudice (2005) "Fingering of the Frock"

    Did Jane Austen invent the enemies to lovers trope? We can’t say for sure, but she certainly perfected it if Pride & Prejudice (2005) has anything to say about it. For Danielle’s birthday episode, we’re stepping into Regency-era England to gush over one of the most beloved adaptations from the famous romance author herself. Featuring a phenomenal cast led by Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen, this film delivers peak yearning and more pop culture memes than we can count. This episode, we’re swooning over it all as we talk on-set romances, beet root makeup, the Learned Pig of Norwich, and that iconic hand flex. Resources https://collider.com/pride-prejudice-best-jane-austen-adaptation/ https://screenrant.com/pride-prejudice-movie-2005-book-differences-comparison/ https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/film-tv/a64526182/pride-and-prejudice-joe-wright-20th-anniversary-interview/ https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/story/pride-and-prejudice-20th-anniversary-director-joe-wright-interview Darcy Says Please

    2h 13m
  7. 102: Suspiria (2018) "Raising the Roof on Tilda”

    Mar 31

    102: Suspiria (2018) "Raising the Roof on Tilda”

    It might be sacrilegious to suggest watching Suspiria (2018) before Suspiria (1977), but if this episode is any indication, that might be the best approach. Whichever order you choose, we’ve got you covered with a surprise double feature. Check out our discussion of the remake here and our take on the original over on Reel Millennials (Don’t Remember). Don’t be fooled though—these films might have the same title, but the vibes couldn’t be more different. Luca Guadagnino’s homage to Dario Argento’s beloved classic stands firmly on its own two feet, even if it was divisive among critics (and your two hosts). On a new Why the Flick?, we’re invoking the spirit of dance and jumping all over the place as we unravel German history, femininity, and Tilda Swinton’s prank side. Resources Reel Millennials—Suspiria (1977) Episode https://www.wired.com/story/suspiria-movie-review/ https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/suspiria-explained-what-is-movie-trying-say-1157724/ https://www.autostraddle.com/luca-guadagnino-suspiria-2018-good-horror-remakes/ https://layeredbutter.com/editorial/suspiria https://www.vulture.com/2018/10/suspiria-a-german-history-primer.html https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2018/10/tilda-swinton-old-man-suspiria-who-plays-helena-markos

    2h 2m
  8. 101: Hamnet (2025) "Jaunty Little Earring"

    Mar 17

    101: Hamnet (2025) "Jaunty Little Earring"

    The Oscars might be over, but when we recorded this episode we had high hopes that Hamnet (2025) would see some award love. Thankfully, this time our instincts were right with Jessie Buckley clinching her much-deserved Best Actress win. Because even though this film is based around one of the most famous plays of William Shakespeare, it’s really Agnes’ story. This week on the podcast, we’re experiencing all the emotions in the critically acclaimed drama from Chloé Zhao that may or may not have been inspired by real historical events. One thing we know for sure is it’s richly layered in its portrayal of nature, mysticism, and a family’s enduring love. Join us as we dive into all the scrumptious symbolism, learn about 16th century earrings, and reckon with the fact that the Bard had a wife and kids?! Resources https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/film-tv/a69593641/hamnet-william-agnes-shakespeare-true-story/ https://www.vulture.com/article/hamnet-review-the-most-devastating-movie-ive-seen-in-years.html https://filmalysis.substack.com/p/the-hidden-genius-of-hamnet https://time.com/7333783/jacobi-jupe-noah-jupe-hamnet-interview/

    1h 39m
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4.7
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

A movie podcast that asks the hard-hitting question, "Why the flick?" Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and follow @whytheflick on Instagram, TikTok, and Letterboxd.

Information

  • Creator
    Why the Flick?
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    109
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Why the Flick?
  • Show Website
    Why the Flick?