From 1995's Stallone spectacle to 2012's Karl Urban reboot, Judge Dredd straddles a bizarre line between political satire and fascist power fantasy. In this episode of The Flick Lab, Karri and Henrik break down the paradox; is Dredd a warning against authoritarianism, or a celebration of it? Even more importantly, what may be the behavioral consequences to our societies? We'll discuss the character's comic book origins, compare the two movies, and explore how a supposed critique of fascism can s...
Aug 12, 2025•2 hr 8 min•Ep. 197
The Silence of the Lambs catapulted Anthony Hopkins to global stardom. Thomas Harris' novels have lead the series forward, even by forcing the writer's hand to continue the story. What has made the films resonate? Has the series been standing largely on his shoulders, or is there more to it? Why do audiences and even the author increasingly sympathize with a serial killer character? Films covered in this episode: Manhunter (1986) The Silence of the Lambs (1991) Hannibal (2001) Red Dragon (2002) ...
Jul 08, 2025•3 hr 33 min•Ep. 196
At its surface, Possession (1981) can be described as an exploration of identity dissolution, grief, and transformation. However, this characterization scarcely captures the film's psychological intensity, depth and impact. It stands as one of the most disturbing films we've analyzed on The Flick Lab. Films covered in this episode: Possession (1981) Film recommended by Nick Vaky from Mint Volcano ....
May 28, 2025•1 hr 49 min•Ep. 195
Joel Haver is a Canadian indie filmmaker and YouTuber known for his experimental film projects. In an ambitious move last year, he set out to create 12 films in 12 months. What might have motivated such a demanding challenge? And how could this rapid production schedule influence the perceived quality of the films? With modern technology drastically lowering the barrier to entry for aspiring filmmakers, how much do tools versus talent truly impact the final product? The Flick Lab decided to expl...
Apr 19, 2025•1 hr 32 min•Ep. 194
Is Alien Romulus the greatest Alien movie since James Cameron's Aliens, or an overhyped letdown? Let's find out. Films covered in this episode: Alien: Romulus (2024) Hosted by Karri Ojala and Henrik Telkki. Edited by Karri Ojala. The Flick Lab theme tune performed by Nick Grivell .
Mar 06, 2025•2 hr 12 min•Ep. 193
Following Ridley Scott's Alien-prequel-spinoff Prometheus came Alien Covenant. It was expected to deliver both on audience expectations (Aliens appearing in an Alien franchise) and to provide some answers to the questions presented by Prometheus. In a way, neither would be delivered on. What's the legacy of Alien Covenant, now that the further sequels to Ridley Scott's storyline have been effectively cancelled? Films covered in this episode: Alien: Covenant (2017) Hosted by Karri Ojala and Henri...
Nov 27, 2024•2 hr 7 min•Ep. 192
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 episod...
Sep 03, 2024•2 hr 9 min•Ep. 191
"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: Alien: Resurrection (1997)...
Jul 16, 2024•2 hr 37 min•Ep. 190
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...
Jun 16, 2024•1 hr 33 min•Ep. 189
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 Speci...
May 20, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 188
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 them...
Apr 28, 2024•1 hr 41 min•Ep. 187
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...
Apr 08, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 186
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.c...
Mar 29, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 185
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” h...
Feb 21, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 184
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: The Thing ...
Dec 09, 2023•1 hr 36 min•Ep. 183
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 ...
Nov 19, 2023•50 min•Ep. 182
In this episode of the podcast, filmmaker and podcaster Martin Kessler joins the show to discuss the film The Ear, also known as Ucho. This Czechoslovakian classic, directed by Karel Kachyňa, unravels a Czech couple (Radoslav Brzobohatý, Jirina Bohdalová) consumed by fear and paranoia, vividly depicting the psychological toll of living in a communist surveillance state, "the all-hearing ear". Throughout the night, the couple confronts their deepest fears, and the underlying fractures in their tu...
Nov 06, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 181
In this episode of the podcast, musician Pat Smith joins Karri and Henrik to delve into the critically acclaimed film Whiplash. Is it a story about transcending mediocrity to achieve brilliance in your chosen art, in this case, drumming? Alternatively, is Whiplash a gripping tale of a descent into madness, fueled by a mentorship gone awry? Perhaps it is neither, and instead, a narrative that simply observes ambiguity. Does Whiplash communicate an empowering message or potentially something harmf...
Oct 21, 2023•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 180
Filipino cinema is in a state of emergency. It is grappling with an artistic gridlock that confines new films to a limited spectrum between rom-coms and slapstick. Amidst this cinematic stagnation, the cinema-goers gravitate towards Hollywood blockbusters, meanwhile relegating the rich Filipino cinematic heritage to neglect. However, a resurgence is underway as initiatives emerge to salvage and revive the remnants of this cinematic legacy. The Flick Lab takes on the responsibility of honoring Fi...
Oct 08, 2023•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 179
In this episode of the podcast, Karri and Henrik delve into the origins of 'Friday the 13th,' exploring the first three films that birthed the iconic Jason Voorhees phenomenon. While the hockey mask-wearing serial killer has become a cultural staple, the question arises: do the initial entries in this enduring franchise truly merit their place in cinematic history? They also examine the enduring power of nostalgia in shaping the series' cultural significance compared to the movies themselves. Th...
Sep 23, 2023•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 178
American writer-director-editor Nick Vaky and Taiwanese photographer-cinematographer Luke Liu form a filmmaking and production company/art collective. Nick and Luke's serendipitous meeting took place in Taiwan. They quickly discovered they have an abundance of chemistry between them and forged a lasting creative partnership, resulting in a prolific body of work encompassing short films, photo shoots, and diverse projects. Their collaborative endeavors extend to the YouTube channel Mint Volcano ,...
Sep 10, 2023•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 177
The Flick Lab turns half a decade old. Hosts Karri and Henrik are interviewed about the podcast experience by Aku, Karri's astute sibling of the male kind. The situation quickly escalates into two hours of alleged hilarity. What have been the shining moments and the darkest hours of podcasting? Would Karri and Henrik recommend podcasting to anybody? Given the opportunity to turn back the clock, would the architects of The Flick Lab embark on this odyssey once more? Karri comes clean with his cur...
Aug 26, 2023•2 hr 4 min•Ep. 176
In this episode of the podcast, the Lab has a discussion on "All Quiet on the Western Front," the story of timeless impact; a renowned German novel that has inspired three film adaptations. There is the Academy Awards-winning 1930 film, celebrated as a monumental incarnation of the story; the praised 1979 TV movie, which garnered accolades like the Golden Globe and Emmy; and the 2022 Netflix adaptation, with four Academy Awards to its credit. Karri and Henrik debate and decide which adaptation t...
Aug 06, 2023•1 hr 51 min•Ep. 175
In this episode of the podcast, Karri and Henrik investigate the highly successful Chinese action movies Wolf Warrior 1 and 2, which perhaps ironically, rely heavily on Hollywood's cinematic language while looking at the world through Chinese patriotically tinted glasses. But instead of nationalistic fervor, do the movies accidentally end up communicating more about Chinese political frustrations, weaknesses, or perhaps even revealing a Chinese state-level inferiority complex? Films covered in t...
Jul 23, 2023•1 hr 35 min•Ep. 174
In this episode of the podcast, two Westerners analyse two Chinese war "propaganda" movies, The Battle at Lake Changjin I & II (Water Gate Bridge), offering their candid feedback. These are among the most successful Chinese 'blockbusters' of all time, the first part being the biggest hit in China's history, grossing at least $913 million after its 2021 release. The topic of these action-heavy war movies is China's role in the Korean War, with a particular focus on the showdown in Changjin, p...
Jul 08, 2023•1 hr 37 min•Ep. 173
In this episode of the podcast, Karri and Henrik discuss Die Hard, but what's left to say about it? The duo believes there's still room to discuss some of the less frequently tooted perspectives out there. Yet even The Flick Lab has to ask THE most frequent Die Hard question and answer it, so on behalf of all humanity, we can put the subject to bed once and for all and media doesn't have bring it up ever again. Films covered in this episode: Die Hard (1988) Hosted by Karri Ojala and Henrik Telkk...
Jun 24, 2023•49 min•Ep. 172
In this episode of the podcast, Karri and Henrik embark on an exploration of Sisu, the Finnish nazi butchering hit action movie that has been making waves around the world. As devoted advocates of Finnish culture, Karri and Henrik seize this opportunity to critically examine the cultural export of "sisu" and delve into its potential complexities. With a discerning lens, the hosts analyze whether the cinematic style of "Sisu" the movie is a captivating breath of fresh air or a potentially tiresom...
Jun 10, 2023•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 171
In this episode of the podcast, Karri and Henrik continue scouring Filmdoo.com , an international film streaming website, to discover its best free short films available. The duo sifts through a total of 33 random selections, unearthing hidden gems from around the world. This episode is not sponsored by Filmdoo. Part 2 of 2. Films covered in this episode: https://www.filmdoo.com/films/love-bakery https://www.filmdoo.com/films/the-prisoner-short https://www.filmdoo.com/films/man-under https://www...
May 27, 2023•58 min•Ep. 170
In this episode of the podcast, Karri and Henrik scour Filmdoo.com , an international film streaming website, to discover its best free short films available. The duo sifts through 33 random selections, unearthing hidden gems from around the world. This episode is not sponsored by Filmdoo. Part 1 of 2. Films covered in this episode: https://www.filmdoo.com/films/cognitio https://www.filmdoo.com/films/mr-christmas https://www.filmdoo.com/films/curiosity-kills https://www.filmdoo.com/films/a-secon...
May 13, 2023•45 min•Ep. 169
In 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: wh...
Apr 29, 2023•59 min•Ep. 168
