The Flick Lab
Prometheus is the return of director Ridley Scott to the Alien franchise. This is in fact a standalone story based on the same Alien universe, but not an Alien movie per se. It provides ample story elements, but are most of them driven to any conclusion? Do the writers and the director even know the meaning of their own plot threads? Karri and Henrik also discuss the film's atmosphere, the character's decision-making, Ridley's 'space jesus' concept, and other topics. Films covered in this episode:
info_outline #190 - Alien: Resurrection (1997) - The Hated Sequel - Film AnalysisThe Flick Lab
"Alien: Resurrection" is often considered the black sheep of the franchise, and the passing decades have not been kind to it, at least among some fans. What could be behind the venomous hate towards "Alien: Resurrection"? Is this the lowest point in the franchise, or is that still yet to come? Is "Alien: Resurrection" successful at its self-parody? Hear how Henrik makes his case for "Alien: Resurrection" and Karri argues against it. Films covered in this episode:
info_outline #189 - Alien 3 (1992) Film Analysis - Director David Fincher's NightmareThe Flick Lab
Alien 3 was a nightmare production for the first-time feature director David Fincher. As the young master was trying to put together the best film he could under the circumstances, the studio and even scriptwriters kept interfering with his attempts at applying his vision to a material that he had only few weeks to mull over before shooting had to begin. This combined with onset antics and disagreements between actors. What came out keeps splitting the fan base to this day. Is Alien 3 actually a much better film than its reputation? Films covered in this episode: Hosted by Karri Ojala and...
info_outline #188 - Aliens (1986) Film Analysis - Why it's a Sci-Fi MasterpieceThe Flick Lab
The Flick Lab rarely indulges in hyperbolic adulation or labels films as masterpieces. However, we do consider James Cameron's Aliens (1986) to be a masterpiece. This landmark film in the sci-fi genre transformed the Alien franchise into a global phenomenon. In this episode, we delve into the film’s themes, the shift from slow burn to action, the bug hunt aspect, character dynamics, Alien genetics and reproduction, plausibility of Burke's schemes, the differences between the Theatrical and Special Edition, Vietnam War allegories, the tech of Aliens, and more. Films covered in this...
info_outline #187 - From Artistic Roots to Industry TruthsThe Flick Lab
Karri and Henrik delve into their personal experiences from their artistic roots and TV/media industry. Among the discussion points are Karri's loss of interest in the industry, the industry's brutality, the tools they've utilized in media, advancements in editing on Linux, the debate over high-framerate in the film industry, challenges with high-resolution remasters of old films, AI enhancement, and other topics. Hosted by Karri Ojala and Henrik Telkki. Edited by Karri Ojala. The Flick Lab theme tune performed by Nick Grivell.
info_outline #186 - Catch-up 2024 Part 2 - Movies We’ve Been WatchingThe Flick Lab
In this podcast episode, Karri and Henrik discuss the movies and TV series they've watched over the past year or so, ones that haven't received dedicated coverage in previous episodes. This segment marks the second part of a two-part series. Films covered in this episode: For All Mankind (TV Series, 2019-) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7772588 Moonfall (2022) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5834426 Home Alone (1990) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099785 The Pope's Exorcist (2023) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13375076 Nope (2022) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10954984 Kung Fury (2015)...
info_outline #185 - Catch-up 2024 Part 1 - Movies We've Been WatchingThe Flick Lab
In this podcast episode, Karri and Henrik discuss the movies and TV series they've watched over the past year or so, ones that haven't received dedicated coverage in previous episodes. This episode marks the first part of a two-part series. Films covered in this episode: Reacher (TV Series, 2022-) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9288030 White Fang (1991) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0103247 Bullet Train (2022) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12593682 Sanshiro Sugata, Part Two (1945) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0038268 The Nun II (2023) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10160976 The 400 Blows (1959)...
info_outline #184 - Healing Plan With Actress Matilde Silva and Director Samantha JoiaThe Flick Lab
The Flick Lab podcast recently had the pleasure of watching 'Healing Plan', a short film by two recent NYU graduates. Actress Matilde Silva and Director Samantha Joia joined us to discuss their new film. Luna, a Portuguese teen struggling with insomnia and her recent move to America, is sent to a celebrity doctor to help cope with her adjustment. His revolutionary sleep therapy brings her back to the beginning of her move and several of the struggles she has faced since. But his “healing plan” has some devastating drawbacks she is not quite ready to face. The film infuses dream-like...
info_outline #183 - The Thing: 1951 vs. 1982 vs. 2011 - 3-Movie Comparison - Film AnalysisThe Flick Lab
In this episode of the podcast, the hosts Karri and Henrik compare the original Howard Hawkes / Christian Nyby 1951 version of The Thing to John Carpenter's 1982 reimagining and finally to the 2011 prequel / remake, directed by Matthijs van Heijningen Jr. There's also a discussion on the original source novella by John W. Campbell from 1938. Each film version is a time capsule, reflecting their respective zeitgeist. Which film adaptation is the best one? Films covered in this episode: Hosted by Karri Ojala and Henrik Telkki. Edited by Karri Ojala. The Flick Lab theme tune written and...
info_outline #182 - Jävla pappa ('Goddamn Dad') with Director Niklas Gyberg IvarssonThe Flick Lab
In this episode of the podcast, the director of Jävla pappa ('Goddamn Dad'), Niklas Gyberg Ivarsson, joins to discuss his documentary film about his complicated relationship to his alcoholic father. While they're building an RV together, the two are forced to confront their complicated feelings. This directorial debut of Niklas, published by the Swedish public broadcasting company SVT, has gained recognition in Swedish film festivals and public schools. Niklas's portrayal of universal struggles within the film has resonated widely, garnering unexpected levels of exposure. Currently, the film...
info_outlineIn this episode of the podcast, we look at Mission Impossible III. Is it a triumph or... just okay? Is it a glorious high or an uninspiring return to form? While Karri struggles to locate the movie's identity or anything truly worthwhile, Henrik takes a more generous view but admits that time has dulled some of its luster.
As they dive deeper, the hosts explore the film's influence on the subsequent 'Mission' movies and whether they surpassed its achievements. The episode raises the question: where does Mission: Impossible III stand in the franchise's evolution, and how has its legacy been impacted by the later films? With the benefit of hindsight, can we now fully appreciate MI3's place in the larger context of the Mission: Impossible series?
While the hosts may not always agree on the film's merits, one thing is certain: Mission: Impossible III is a movie.
Films covered in this episode:
Mission: Impossible III (2006)
Hosted by Karri Ojala and Henrik Telkki. Edited by Karri Ojala. The Flick Lab theme tune written and performed by Nick Grivell.