In this episode of the podcast, Karri, Henrik, and Zach are joined by Pedro, from the YouTube channel Plan-Séquence to discuss three films by Iranian filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami: Where Is The Friend's Home?, Taste of Cherry, and Like Someone In Love. Prepare for an in-depth discussion of cinematography, tone, characters, and the nature of 'realism' in film. Films covered in this episode: Where is the Friend's House? (1987) (خانه دوست کجاست / Khane-ye dust kojast ) Taste of Cherry (1997) (طعم گيلا...
Nov 08, 2021•2 hr 35 min•Ep. 137
In this episode of the podcast, the Lab discusses Halloween Kills with writer-producer-podcaster multi-talent Allison Kilkenny. All the episode participants are trying their best to understand why this movie exists as it is. If you know the answer, please leave us a comment on our social media pages. Hosted by Henrik Telkki, Karri Ojala and Zachary Byrd. Edited by Karri Ojala. Guest Allison Kilkenny. The Flick Lab theme tune written and performed by Nick Grivell and Karri Ojala. This show can be...
Oct 21, 2021•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 136
In this episode of the podcast, Lab ponders about the future of James Bond. Who should replace Daniel Craig as 007? Will he or she be black, young or middle-aged, perhaps in a period piece adventure? What are the narrative pitfalls of No Time to Die? Henrik also shares his observations on the Christian symbolism of the film. This 41-minute episode is a chunk of unfinished business between Karri, Henrik and Tom after the official 'No Time to Die' episode stopped recording. A completely impromptu ...
Oct 21, 2021•42 min•Ep. 135
In this episode of the podcast, the long-awaited analysis of the new 25th James Bond film No Time To Die that just hit the theaters. After several delays, is Daniel Craig's valedictory Bond film worth the wait? In a post-me-too era, the Bond women are written differently. Are women treated fairly in a Bond film in 2021? Are the scenes written naturally? Do the Bond films continue their unbroken tradition of including perceived queer coding on screen? Our guests are the gender expert and author D...
Oct 12, 2021•1 hr 57 min•Ep. 134
In this episode of the podcast, we focus on the fourth rock from the Sun. Mars has been a fascinating celestial body for millennia, but how has it been portrayed over the last 100 years of cinema? Karri, Henrik, and Zach will discuss more than a dozen films that feature the red planet with the hope of figuring out why Earthlings are so fascinated by Mars. Films covered in this episode: A Trip to Mars (1910) (USA) A Trip to Mars (1918) (Denmark) Aelita (1922) (Russia) War of the Worlds (1953) (US...
Sep 23, 2021•2 hr 36 min•Ep. 133
In this episode of the podcast, prepare for war as Karri, Henrik, and Zach examine a battle royale of the original Japanese film Ringu, the American remake The Ring, and the Korean remake The Ring Virus. Three will enter, but only one win. One Ring film To Rule Them All. Films covered in this episode: Ringu (Japan, 1998) The Ring Virus (South Korea, 1999) The Ring (USA, 2002) Hosted by Karri Ojala, Henrik Telkki, and Zachary Byrd. Edited by Karri Ojala. The Flick Lab theme tune written and perfo...
Sep 10, 2021•1 hr 46 min•Ep. 132
In this episode of the podcast, a new voice joins the dynamic duo. Joining Karri and Henrik is Zach, who together take a look at the five films of the American series starring Clint Eastwood: Dirty Harry. Dirty Harry is a San Francisco cop who doesn’t like to follow the rules when they get in the way of him catching his man. The big question here: Is Dirty Harry a Fascist? Films covered in this episode: Dirty Harry (1971) Magnum Force (1973) The Enforcer (1976)Sudden Impact (1983) The Dead Pool ...
Aug 26, 2021•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 131
It's been exactly 3 years since the journey of The Flick Lab begun. Hosts Karri and Henrik take this this celebratory episode as an opportunity to discuss mostly other topics than the Lab. How was Henrik's hiking trip and should Karri be anywhere near him while camping? And have you tried the Finnish Karelian Pie with Fazer's green balls? Naturally, we address our fans (well, the ones used for ventilation) and read some heart-warming feedback from the last year. Finally, we finish off with memor...
Aug 14, 2021•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 130
In this episode of the podcast, Karri and Henrik take a close look at the openly gay South Korean director Lee-song Hee-il's 'gay cinema'. He directed the de-facto first Korean gay feature "No Regret", which became a relative hit in 2006. Lee-song has continued with the genre, while occasionally in conjunction exploring a myriad of societal taboos - not only vis-a-vis the rainbow community. Amongst his more recent highlights are the melodrama film trilogy "One Night and Two Days" from 2012. Miro...
Jul 08, 2021•3 hr 3 min•Ep. 129
Mohammad Malas is one the most recognized, pioneer Syrian auteur directors and a public intellectual. His films are embedded in the contemporary history of Syria and his themes do not shy away from addressing sensitive societal topics. Our guest in this episode is professor Nezar Andary. He has a PhD in comparative literature, he is a filmmaker and a scholar who has studied a plethora of cultures, art, the cinema of the Arab world and Mohammad Malas. He is the co-author of The Cinema of Muhammad...
Jun 25, 2021•2 hr 14 min•Ep. 128
In this episode of the podcast, Aikido gone wrong with Steven Seagal. Karri and Henrik look at Seagal's roots, his successes, some of his personal life involving mafia, Putin, sexual misconduct allegations, onset antics and dead puppies. Finally we dive into his direct-to-video failures and recent ventures. Films covered in this episode: Above the Law (1988) Under Siege (1992) On Deadly Ground (1994) Fire Down Below (1997) Attack Force (2006) Beyond the Law (2019) Hosted by Karri Ojala and Henri...
Jun 11, 2021•3 hr•Ep. 127
In this episode of the podcast, The Flick Lab visits the cult classic horror comedy character Dr. Phibes, played by the iconic Vincent Price in both 'The Abominable Dr. Phibes' and the sequel 'Dr. Phibes Rises Again'. What is behind the appeal of Dr. Phibes? Do the films hold up today? What were the shortcomings of the sequel? What do we know about the 3rd film that never happened? Films covered in this episode: The Abominable Dr. Phibes (1971) Dr. Phibes Rises Again (1972) Hosted by Karri Ojala...
May 27, 2021•1 hr 37 min•Ep. 126
In this episode of the podcast, the Filipino box office queen and king Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla, dubbed “Kathniel” by fans. They're a real-life couple who play on-screen leading roles together in romantic comedies. They’re a force to be reckoned with in the Pinoy movie theaters. The Flick Lab couldn’t resist to look for some juicy gossip around the couple. Is there any? Are the movies worth the noise? What is behind their successful, decade-long cinema love story? Karri and Henrik tak...
May 13, 2021•2 hr 57 min•Ep. 125
Suicide, politics, religion. The Oscar-nominated Polish director Jan Komasa doesn’t shy away from dangerous topics. Internationally, he’s known for ‘Corpus Christi’, but lately also for ‘The Hater’ due to its availability on Netflix. In Poland, ‘Suicide Room’ was a cult hit amongst the youth, whereas ‘Warsaw ’44’ was an artistically peculiar war film. The Flick Lab decided to watch all of his feature films, discuss the flicks in detail and look for commonalities across them. We do not touch much...
Apr 29, 2021•2 hr 26 min•Ep. 124
He pulls the rug from under your feet. He will torture you emotionally. He will demonstrate how societal stereotypes become lethal when combined with an ineffective police force. Dive with us into the unforgiving and emotional roller coaster of the South Korean director Na Hong-jin. Films covered in this episode: The Chaser (2008) (Chugyeokja / 추격자) The Yellow Sea (2010) (Hwanghae / 황해) The Wailing (2016) (Gokseong / 곡성) And shorts: A Perfect Red Snapper Dish (2005) (완벽한 도미요리) Sweat (2007) Hoste...
Apr 15, 2021•1 hr 45 min•Ep. 123
[DISCLAIMER: This episode was made for April Fools 🤡 . But it was also a fun 'simulation' for us, and hopefully for you. We DO NOT have any sort of full version of 'The Day the Clown Cried'. The episode content is part factual, part improvised fantasy.] The Day the Clown Cried is one of the most wanted 'lost', or rather, unreleased films ever made. Set in Nazi Germany, it tells the story of a clown who gets sent to a political concentration camp. Due to the controversial subject matter, it was ...
Mar 31, 2021•1 hr 36 min•Ep. 122
The late Satoshi Kon was a highly respected and creative anime director. His first two films tackle the topic of fandom. When does fandom reach toxicity and what are the underlying triggers for such behavior? Films covered in this episode: Perfect Blue (1997) (パーフェクトブルー) Millennium Actress (2001) (千年女優) Hosted by Karri Ojala and Henrik Telkki. Edit by Karri Ojala. The Flick Lab theme tune written and performed by Nick Grivell and Karri Ojala. This show can be listened to on Spotify, Apple Podcas...
Mar 18, 2021•2 hr 23 min•Ep. 121
Are the Hellraiser sequels worth your time? What worked, what went awry and why? Karri and Henrik discuss all the sequels of Hellraiser. Previously parts 1, 2 and 3 were analysed in detail in individual episodes . This episode here concentrates on the theme of 'What went wrong with Hellraiser', hence the focus is on the later, remaining sequels - 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 9 and 10. Films covered in this episode: Hellraiser IV: Bloodline (1996) - Kevin Yagher Hellraiser V: Inferno (2000) - Scott Derrickson H...
Mar 04, 2021•4 hr 2 min•Ep. 120
In this episode of the podcast, Karri and Henrik look at 'An Elephant Sitting Still'; an almost 4-hour feature, one of the most acclaimed feature debuts of the last decade. Is 'Elephant' a cascade of suffering? Does it depict life's meaninglessness? Does the late Hu Bo offer us a silver lining even amidst his character's darkest hours? The episode also covers the two short films 'Night Runner' and 'Man in the Well'. Guest appearance by Chinese Sen. Films covered in this episode: Night Runner (夜奔...
Feb 18, 2021•2 hr 22 min•Ep. 119
The original Jurassic Park is a loved classic that revolutionised the blockbuster cinema. Following the previous Jurassic Park episode, now The Lab will look at the more maligned sequels. Why did the once thought omnipotent franchise go dormant for years and return? Can the franchise be rejuvenated, or will the weight of the original drag everything down? Films covered in this episode: The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997) - Steven Spielberg Jurassic Park 3 (2001) - Joe Johnston Jurassic World (2...
Feb 05, 2021•2 hr 39 min•Ep. 118
The monster who punishes children for Christmas, Krampus, is part of an Alpine folklore which, still to this day is well-known in many European countries. Lately, Americans have become aware of this evil counterpart of Father Christmas. One cultural result of this is the family-friendly horror film (if that is a thing), Krampus. Happy Holidays to our listeners! The Flick Lab will now take a break and will return revamped on February 4th, 2021. Krampus (2015). Directed by Michael Dougherty. Starr...
Dec 17, 2020•1 hr 47 min•Ep. 117
From war horror to cheerful family comedy - Russia's Elem Klimov was able to pull off both ends. But is his 'Welcome, or No Trespassing' more than a delightful summer camp story under the surface? Is it indeed an allegory to the USSR? How did this get past the censors? Karri and Henrik join forces with the Russophiles Unite! Movie Podcast 's Ally Pitts to find out. Russophiles Unite! Movie Podcast can be found on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , Podchaser, or wherever you get your podcasts. Social med...
Dec 10, 2020•1 hr 52 min•Ep. 116
Did Finland win or lose the Continuation War, and what constitutes as winning here? This week, a quick lesson on the less charted chapter of World War II to coincide with the Finnish Independence Day. Last year, TFL covered the original 1955 version of The Unknown Soldier. Now, it's time to look at the 1985 remake, the less preferred yet more realistic take on the original novel by Väinö Linna. Which one fares better under the Lab's scrutiny? Directed by Rauni Mollberg. Starring Risto Tuorila, P...
Dec 03, 2020•1 hr 59 min•Ep. 115
A dream monster or dream comedian? 'Nightmare 3' changes tonal gears and introduces more laughs and fantasy. Is it too campy or a welcome change? Welcome to prime time, dear listener. A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (1987). Directed by Chuck Russell. Starring Heather Langenkamp, Robert Englund, Patricia Arquette, Rodney Eastman, Laurence Fishburne. This show can be listened to on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts. You can find us also on social media – F...
Nov 26, 2020•1 hr 44 min•Ep. 114
Goldfinger, the film that made Sean Connery a household name. The film that defined the franchise. In remembrance of the late Sean Connery, The Flick Lab goes once more to visit Bond. Episode guest appearance by Tom Frankland. Goldfinger (1964). Directed by Guy Hamilton. Starring Sean Connery, Honor Blackman, Gert Fröbe, Harold Sakata, Shirley Eaton. Episode image adapted from the original by Comet Photo, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Image of gold bars adapted from the original by Pixabay, licen...
Nov 19, 2020•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 113
What happens when an avant-garde director makes a 'found footage' short film out of the film reels of another film? For example the reality-bender called Outer Space. Watch the film on MUBI: https://bit.ly/3kq7Dgr Outer Space (1999). Directed by Peter Tscherkassky. Starring Barbara Hershey. This show can be listened to on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts. You can find us also on social media – Facebook , Twitter , Youtube , Instagram , and www.theflicklab.com . Hos...
Nov 12, 2020•47 min•Ep. 112
Cary Joji Fukunaga’s debut feature Sin Nombre tells of Mexican gangs and the perilous journey to the US border in hopes of making the cross. Heard this somewhere before? Probably. Is the Mexican border the final frontier for Americans? Why are so many films made from the subject? Does anything enable Sin Nombre rise up above similar films? What is Fukunaga's goal? Sin Nombre (2009). Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga. Starring Edgar Flores, Paulina Gaitan, Kristyan Ferrer, Tenoch Huerta, Giovani Flo...
Nov 05, 2020•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 111
Horror remakes may rarely be worth your time, but what happens when Luca Guadagnino reimagines Dario Argento’s Suspiria? Instead of deep reds, it's now coldness and realism. Topics include also feminism, German Autumn, the Third Reich analogies and the relevance of the several subplots to the story. Suspiria (2018). Directed by Luca Guadagnino. Starring Dakota Johnson, Tilda Swinton, Angela Winkler, Mia Goth, Chloë Grace Moretz. This show can be listened to on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever...
Oct 29, 2020•1 hr 39 min•Ep. 110
The horror classic 'Suspiria' splits opinions. Is it failed feminism or is it misogynistic? Is it giallo or not? Is it a good film? Is it a happy accident? What is the Suspiria trilogy, and are the followups in the same league? What about the rest of the Dario Argento resume? This and more within. Suspiria (1977). Directed by Dario Argento. Starring Jessica Harper, Stefania Casini, Alida Valli, Joan Bennett, Barbara Magnolfi. This show can be listened to on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever yo...
Oct 22, 2020•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 109
HANN is an Icelandic LGBT short film that took the Youtube by storm and has affected and helped the minority youth around the world. Director Runar Thor and lead actor Ásgeir Sigurðsson (Andri) kindly joined us to discuss the film in detail, the effect it has had, as well as their future projects. Watch 'HANN' on Amazon Prime: https://tinyurl.com/y62tazs7 Follow Runar Thor on Instagram: @runarthors Follow Ásgeir on Instagram: @asgeirsigurds Special thanks to Hannu Björkbacka for source materials...
Oct 15, 2020•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 108
