Welcome to the end of season 5! For our 99th bonus episode, we left it up to our listeners to decide and the people have spoken—our winning flick is The Mummy (1999). Made in a carefree era of blockbuster cinema, this instant crowd pleaser blends action, adventure, horror, romance, and comedy into a wild ride that somehow just works. Stephen Sommers’ passion project pays loving homage to the 1932 classic while giving it a modern twist, complete with juicy CGI effects and one of the most attractive casts to ever grace our screens. On a special finale of Why the Flick?, we’re remembering what it’s like to have fun at the movies as we decipher the film’s lasting popularity, questionable Egyptology, and peak eyebrow game.
Resources
https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-mummy-1999
https://www.thrillist.com/entertainment/nation/the-mummy-1999-review-perfect-movie
https://ew.com/movies/2019/08/13/the-mummy-making-of-brendan-fraser-stephen-sommers/
https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/director-stephen-sommers-recalls-origin-of-his-hit-mummy-films
https://screenrant.com/mummy-movies-details-behind-scenes-trivia/
https://vfxblog.com/2017/06/05/the-mummy-1999-vfx/
https://nilescribes.org/2022/01/08/egyptological-review-of-1999-mummy/
https://egyptmanchester.wordpress.com/2017/07/22/representation-and-reality-in-the-mummy-1999/
https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/brendan-fraser-officially-confirms-the-mummy-4-with-rachel-weisz
Brendan Fraser & Dwayne Johnson Actors on Actors: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaIgDbFz-sY
Christmas is only two sleeps away which means we needed a holiday flick that perfectly fit the jolly and joyous season. Of course, we’re talking about The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992). Charles Dickens may not have envisioned puppets when he wrote this literary classic, but it’s definitively the best adaptation and for good reason. Quite frankly there’s no better cast to bring this beloved story to life than Kermit, Gonzo, Miss Piggy, Rizzo, and the legendary Michael Caine in undoubtedly his most famous role. And that’s before we get to the musical of it all, even if only one of your cohosts really vibed with all the songs. This week, we’re leaving it to the Muppets to teach us some culture, decode 19th-century slang, and remind us of the true meaning of Christmas.
Resources
https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2015/dec/21/how-we-made-the-muppet-christmas-carol
https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/making-of-muppet-christmas-carol/
Your Muppet Christmas Carol Character: https://www.instagram.com/p/DRubNitkRee/
Brett Goldstein Muppets Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3gzf9ej18I
There’s an icy chill in the air and with it comes seasonal depression—so when we decided our next flick needed to capture those sad winter vibes we knew we had to go with Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004). Recognized by critics and film nerds as one of the best movies of the 21st century, this breakup story starring acting favorites Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet was revolutionary at the time for its existential meaning and emotional impact. But does it still hold up with a 2025 lens? We’re getting to the bottom of this question and more in our newest episode that unpacks the unique narrative structure, Michel Gondry’s questionable directing style, and how it fits within the sci-fi genre.
Resources
https://screenrant.com/eternal-sunshine-spotless-mind-ending-explained-joel-clementine/
https://www.focusfeatures.com/article/eternal-sunshine-of-the-spotless-mind_20th-anniversary
https://theasc.com/articles/forget-me-not-eternal-sunshine-of-the-spotless-mind
It seems only right that since we started this season with The Substance it was time to circle back to her campy, slapstick sister Death Becomes Her (1992). Serving up more body comedy than body horror, this cult classic starring Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn, and Bruce Willis is rife with cultural impact. It’s a flick that walked (or tumbled down a staircase) so others could run, inspiring generations of artists from Broadway to Sabrina Carpenter and most iconically the drag community. On a new episode of Why the Flick?, we’re going bottoms up into the Robert Zemeckis comedy to explore its relevance to anti-aging fads, groundbreaking special effects, and the living dead in Beverly Hills.
Resources
Sabrina Carpenter - Taste: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEG7b851Ric
https://creepycatalog.com/death-becomes-her-1992-trivia/
https://people.com/death-becomes-her-revolutionized-special-effects-8730702
Spooky season might be over, but we’re keeping the vibes going…and with a certain cinematic conclusion on the horizon, we felt it was the perfect time to revisit another sequel in the same universe (albeit less critically acclaimed) with Return to Oz (1985). Released during Disney’s experimental phase, this beautiful weirdo is a far cry from its OG predecessor—think less technicolor musical, more 80s fantasy meets 19th-century fairy tales. It’s a faithful adaptation to L. Frank Baum’s books complete with fever dream horrors ranging from electroshock therapy to creatures with wheels for hands and feet. Despite its creep factor being misunderstood at the time, it’s since amassed a loyal cult following for its dark tone and surprisingly paved the way for films like The Nightmare Before Christmas and the Star Wars prequels. In celebration of this flick’s 40th anniversary, we’re teaming up with movie milestone expert Release Date Rewind on our newest episode that covers Oz parallels, impressive practical effects, and all the fabulously dressed villains.
Listen to Release Date Rewind on Apple and Spotify. Follow @releasedaterewind on Instagram and YouTube.
Resources
https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20250616-the-darkest-childrens-film-ever-made
Halloween is almost here so obviously our Season of the Witchtober had to end on theme. No witchy flick fits the holiday as perfectly as Hocus Pocus (1993) and no trio of diabolical witches is as iconic as the Sanderson sisters. After all, when you’ve got the combined powers of Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker you’re practically unstoppable (critics be double damned). This cult classic is the definition of spooky camp complete with a mid-act musical number and weird virgin plot lines that only the ‘90s could pull off. And after three decades, it’s brewed tons of behind-the-scenes stories and fun facts we couldn’t resist diving into. For the finale episode of our themed month, we’re talking cast crushes, All Hallows’ Eve nostalgia, and why Doug Jones continues to be the absolute best.
Resources
https://screenrant.com/hocus-pocus-behind-scenes-details-making-trivia/
https://ew.com/movies/hocus-pocus-cast-reunion-best-behind-scenes-stories/
https://www.hollywoodancestry.com/post/sarah-jessica-parker-descended-from-accused-witch
https://www.slashfilm.com/1579992/hocus-pocus-billy-moths-real-doug-jones-star-trek/
https://variety.com/2025/film/news/bette-midler-hocus-pocus-3-script-disney-1236556265/
Everyone knows witches and woods go hand in hand. So for the second installment of Season of the Witchtober, we’re taking it back to a film that sparked all our deeply-rooted fears of camping—The Blair Witch Project (1999). This culturally significant flick catapulted the found footage genre in a way that no one has been able to capture since. From the method filming experience to the viral marketing campaign, its release was perfectly timed with the early days of the internet, making everyone from boomers to babies think it might actually be real. In this episode of Why the Flick?, we’re speculating on all the theories and interpretations over the years as we deep dive the most famous witch never to be seen on camera (while also spiraling off into more than one unrelated movie tangent).
Resources
https://www.vice.com/en/article/blair-witch-project-oral-history-20th-anniversary/
https://collider.com/the-blair-witch-project-monster-design/
https://variety.com/2024/film/news/blair-witch-project-cast-robbed-financial-success-1236033647/
Here at Why the Flick? we love to get a little spooky. And with October right around the corner, we felt it was only right to celebrate the supernatural with our newest theme—Season of the Witchtober. All month long, we’ll be tapping into our witchy side and to kick things off we’re dabbling in The Craft (1996). This flick is the epitome of ‘90s witchcore aesthetic, complete with goth fashion, an ethereal soundtrack, and real-life inspired spells. Featuring an iconic female cast that includes Robin Tunney, Fairuza Balk, Rachel True, and a pre-Scream Neve Campbell, it not only defined a vibe but also popularized the teen witch genre, making it the perfect first pick in our lineup. This episode, we’re embracing our weirdo selves while breaking down teen girl friendships, elemental symbolism, and the logistics of summoning 10,000 snakes.
Resources
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/the-craft-oral-history_n_5734f7c9e4b060aa7819d362
https://screenrant.com/the-craft-movie-behind-scenes-details-trivia/
What is it about being a kid and just wanting to be cool? It’s that universal dream we all low-key wished for and no early-aughts movie exudes absolute coolness more than Spy Kids (2001). Robert Rodriguez had his finger on the pulse when he debuted his first kid flick and launched the child espionage genre into popularity. Whether you watched it on repeat on cable TV or collected the McDonald’s Happy Meal toys, it’s a Y2K pop culture staple featuring an A-list cast and tons of surprise cameos—everyone from Cheech Marin to Danny Trejo and even George Clooney. In our latest episode, we’re unlocking core memories while discussing Latino representation, reminiscing on sibling rivalries, and unraveling all the nightmare-fuel visuals.
Resources
https://www.latimes.com/delos/story/2023-09-22/robert-rodriguez-spy-kids-film-director-armageddon
https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/spy-kids-anniversary-latinx-representation
Sometimes when you’re the reincarnation of a mythical princess and fighting facism, you gotta disobey a few rules. That’s the lesson we’re gleaning, anyway, from the dark fairy tale that is Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)—a movie all three of your hosts had never seen before, but one that’s instantly recognizable for its iconic visuals and nightmarish creatures. Guillermo del Toro is no stranger to fantasy and this one certainly cemented him as a genius in the genre. It’s a rich parable packed with enough symbolism to keep the internet ruminating with fan theories and interpretations for years. On our newest episode, we’re doing our part to unpack its many meanings while diving into our love of Doug Jones, the real vs imagined debate, and what the hell is up with the Pale Man.
Resources
https://www.cmucollege.com/blog/oscars-lookback-inside-the-world-of-pans-labyrinth/
https://www.slashfilm.com/1131730/why-doug-jones-thought-he-was-going-to-ruin-pans-labyrinth/
https://www.cbr.com/pans-labyrinth-underworld-real-or-imagined/
https://www.theotherfolk.blog/dissections/pans-labyrinth
https://medium.com/@culturalcurfew/the-hidden-meaning-behind-pans-labyrinth-1c06086919d
https://www.vivianasimos.com/incidental-mythology/the-meaning-of-the-pale-man
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/25-best-horror-movies-of-the-21st-century-ranked/
The time has come, Twihards. We've reached the end of Twilight Summer so obviously we had to go big for our series finale. This episode, we’re closing out the epic conclusion of the saga with a double feature of Breaking Dawn Part 1 and 2. Like many book adaptations of the 2000s era, this franchise split the last installment into a two-part cinematic event and for good reason. Because it turns out there’s a lot to unpack—from the wedding that turned A Thousand Years into the official aisle walk song, to the Renesmee/Chuckesmee debacle, and that famous bold choice ending. We also knew we couldn’t tackle these dual flicks alone which is why we invited actor and friend of the pod Abby Walburn to help make sense of all the chaos. So grab your blood cups, assemble your vampire Avengers, and join us for one last trip to Forks.
Follow Abby Walburn on Instagram and watch her TikTok video Pride and Prejudice: Unscripted
Resources
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/nov/05/chuckesmee-twilight-toddler-puppet-movie
How many ways can you call a worm a worm? Turns out quite a few if Tremors (1990) has anything to say about it. This horror comedy wiggled its way from box office bust to beloved cult classic thanks to the golden age of home video. And it’s no surprise considering it’s packed with a star-studded ensemble that includes Kevin Bacon, Fred Ward, and THE Reba in her film debut. Now 30 years later, this OG creature feature has spawned a franchise so unhinged we low-key want to binge the whole thing. On the latest episode of Why the Flick?, we’re digging into what makes the movie so endearing, comparing cinematic worms, and pitching the next sequel (spoiler: it involves graboids in space).
Resources
OK listeners. It’s that time in the Twilight Summer series we’ve all kind of been dreading. Every franchise has its low point and in this case Eclipse (2010) is no exception. Despite the third installment in the saga delivering peak Edward-Bella-Jacob love triangle, its commitment to nonsense leaves us begging the question, “are you sure, Stephanie?” Whether it’s the lack of a decent wig budget or a completely unnecessary Confederate vampire subplot, it’s filled with more frustrating moments than Jacob at his most insufferable. In our newest episode, we’re doing our best to laugh through the cringe of it all while debating bald bloodsuckers, bizarre backstories, and *~battlescars~*.
Resources
https://www.vogue.com/article/the-twilight-saga-eclipse-45-thoughts-i-had
https://www.teenvogue.com/story/on-twilight-and-fictions-history-of-confederate-vampires-fan-service
There’s nothing like that summer camp feeling. The friendships. The outdoor activities. The accidental discovery of a secret twin sister. OK maybe not that last one, unless you’re in The Parent Trap (1998). In our latest episode, we’re getting nostalgic over the iconic remake that introduced Lindsay Lohan to the world so convincingly, we all believed there really were two of her. Rom-com queen Nancy Meyers was absolutely cookin’ with this one, serving up peak Napa Valley chic and a generation’s worth of unforgettable trends—from Oreos and peanut butter (yum) to DIY ear piercings (ouch). Join us as we point out homages to the 1961 original flick, debate American vs English accents, and try not to think too hard about that questionable custody arrangement.
Resources
https://www.buzzfeed.com/noradominick/parent-trap-behind-the-scenes-facts
https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2018/07/204967/lindsay-lohan-parent-trap-twins-first-movie
https://www.the-independent.com/life-style/elaine-hendrix-meredith-blake-tiktok-b2131000.html
Twilight Summer is back, baby! All season long, we’re diving into the wacky, wild world of Stephanie Meyer and next up is New Moon, the second installment and emo middle child of the franchise. Sure it might not be as fun as the original (it’s certainly the most depressing of the bunch) but despite bad breakups and dramatic paper cuts there’s still a lot to keep us entertained. Like the iconic chair spinning window montage. Italian vampires doing the absolute most. And best part of all—where the hell you *been* loca? This episode, we’re finding the bright spots in all the melodrama, from a perfectly moody soundtrack to a battle of the abs and even a well-deserved MTV award.
Resources
https://people.com/taylor-lautner-says-he-was-almost-recast-twilight-saga-8415680
https://www.autostraddle.com/twilight-new-moon-soundtrack-review-20184/
https://screenrant.com/twilight-quileute-controversy-native-mythology-scandal-explained/
https://filmdaze.net/twilight-sagas-issue-with-indigenous-culture/
https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a349249/twlights-robert-pattinson-taylor-lautner-abs-comparison-un
https://thetuscanmom.com/where-was-twilight-filmed-in-italy/
https://ew.com/article/2009/11/25/twilight-new-moon-dakota-fanning/
Happy Pride Month! This episode, we’re celebrating the moment with one of the most iconic films in queer cinema: But I’m a Cheerleader (1999). This cult classic redefined LGBTQ+ representation with its authentic portrayal of the femme lesbian experience and satirical commentary on the absurdity of conversion camps. Despite critics (and the rating system) not getting it at the time, Jamie Babbit’s campy gem has become a beloved favorite, packed with a killer cast, colorful visuals, and unforgettable needle drops. On our newest episode, we’re breaking out our pom-poms to discuss Natasha Lyonne and Clea DuVall’s rom-com chemistry, RuPaul pre-Drag Race, and more of our favorite Pride Month picks.
Resources
https://people.com/but-im-a-cheerleader-lgbtq-legacy-clea-duvall-exclusive-11745026
https://www.slashfilm.com/1045074/but-im-a-cheerleader-ending-explained-conversion-camps-are-absurd/
https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2024/06/28/style/but-im-a-cheerleader-movie-visuals
All good things must come to an end. Or do they? As we finally close out Monster Mania May with the movie that inspired the whole theme, we’re also kicking off a brand new event. Welcome to…Twilight Summer! For four months, we’ll be diving into the moody, sparkly, and supernatural saga so naturally we have to begin with the one that started it all—Twilight (2008). Before it became a worldwide phenomenon (and a box office juggernaut), this first flick was more akin to a small-budget indie, complete with a blue-tint look and soundtrack that still slaps. Catherine Hardwicke brought emo to the forefront along with a generous amount of unintentionally hilarious moments. On our latest episode, we’re breaking it all down with special guest and artist behind our logo Kate Bashaw. So hold on tight spider monkeys while we share our franchise histories, talk gaslighting vampires, and experience our own on-air Bella moment.
Follow Kate on Instagram and visit her website at kbashawart.com
Resources
https://collider.com/twilight-movie-book-comparison/
https://slate.com/culture/2021/07/twilight-music-list-best-movie-soundtrack-netflix.html
https://www.billboard.com/culture/tv-film/twilight-soundtrack-oral-history-8481427/
https://screenrant.com/twilight-movie-blue-color-tone-edward-bella-reason/
https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/robert-pattinson-performed-two-songs-on-twilight-soundtrack?amp
https://screenrant.com/twilight-quileute-controversy-native-mythology-scandal-explained/
https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/twilight-director-interview-2023
https://www.stylist.co.uk/entertainment/film/twilight-catherine-hardwicke-interview/841605
https://www.reddit.com/r/twilight/comments/1ks7t9k/catherine_hardwicke_chose_not_to_return_to_the/
Have you been absolutely loving Monster Mania May? We know you are, which is why we’re continuing our themed lineup with one of the most iconic creature features of all time: Alien (1979). That’s right, it’s the Ridley Scott genre-defining original that sparked a whole film franchise and launched Ellen Ripley into final girl fame. And with a new TV series on the horizon, one thing is certain—this classic is still very much in the cultural zeitgeist. On a new episode of Why the Flick?, we’re tackling our fears of deep space while exploring every moment that has us saying ooh and eww. From the legendary xenomorph design to the unforgettable chestburster scene, it’s a film that’s sick in more ways than one. So come along for the ride as we make Star Wars connections, debate Mother vs ChatGPT, and unpack the KY jelly of it all.
Resources
https://marygabriellestrause.medium.com/final-girl-and-ridley-scott-s-alien-74f5738d7dab
https://screenrant.com/alien-geiger-practical-effects-xenomorphs-scary/
https://alltherightmovies.com/feature/the-creation-of-the-alien/
https://www.cbr.com/alien-xenomorph-weyland-yutani/
https://www.slashfilm.com/1441564/alien-alternate-ending-disturbing-explained/
It’s been a hot minute since Why the Flick? had a monthly theme. Thankfully your three favorite accidental geniuses have come up with something special to keep you entertained over the next four weeks: introducing Monster Mania May! To kick things off, we knew we had to take it back to the classic universal monsters. Our first pick may not be one of the cinematic OGs, but it certainly was inspired by them which brings us to Young Frankenstein (1974). Mel Brooks and Gene Wilder’s parody of the reanimated neck-bolted monster (or zipper in this case) not only pays tribute to both Mary Shelley’s novel and the 1930s Hollywood films, but adds in a fresh mix of comedic elements—everything from witty puns to even a perfectly choreographed dance number. On our latest episode, we’re breaking down this cult classic while sharing our funniest moments, exploring the choice to film in black and white, and talking love cubes.
Resources
https://theasc.com/articles/the-story-behind-the-filming-of-young-frankenstein
https://www.moviemaker.com/young-frankenstein-article/
https://screenrant.com/young-frankenstein-behind-scenes-facts/
It’s a certain someone’s birthday on the pod! We’re celebrating our Taurus queen Danielle and gifting her the pick of this episode. So naturally, we chose a flick that’s quite literally the opposite of birth—The Death of Stalin (2017). Following the posthumous events of the Soviet dictator, it leans less historical drama and more political satire in a way that proves fact is often stranger than fiction. From a re-staged concert to funeral faux pas, it’s chock full of one ridiculous moment after another, all brought to life by a gaggle of comedic actors who really committed to the bit. But beyond the funny (not funny) of it all is also a terrifying reminder of just how easy it is for power to fall to egotistical maniacs. Join us as we laugh through the cringe while tracking down Stalin’s missing brain and thwarting possible Russian interference.
Resources
https://slate.com/culture/2018/03/whats-fact-and-whats-fiction-in-the-death-of-stalin.html