The Flick Lab

In this episode of the podcast, we ask – is Mission Impossible III 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.

In this episode of the podcast, we pose the question: is Mission Impossible II a work of art or a flaming dumpster fire? M:I-2 certainly is the most divisive of all the ‘Mission’ movies. Audiovisual professionals Karri and Henrik present their contrasting views on the movie, and engage in a lively discussion.

The arguments for and against the film are explored in depth from the perspective of Karri and Henrik, who dissect the film’s strengths and weaknesses, from the directorial choices of John Woo to the soundtrack by Hans Zimmer. The duo also delve into topics such as the use of slow-mo, the dangerous stunt work, action, studio meddling and how personal expectations and taste buds can heavily impact one’s perception of the film. Henrik also raises the hypothesis that the franchise is attempting to bury its past.

Films covered in this episode:
Mission: Impossible II (2000)

Hosted by Karri Ojala and Henrik Telkki. Edited by Karri Ojala. The Flick Lab theme tune written and performed by Nick Grivell.

In this episode of the podcast, Karri and Henrik dive into the charms of Mission Impossible and examine the first film in the franchise. Karri questions the greatness of the 1996 classic. Both hosts also explore the idea whether or not the first film contains a foundational formula for the franchise to follow, and if not, what then is the blueprint of the Mission Impossible franchise, and what are the elements that have lasted to this day. The Flick Lab dissects the origins of this Tom Cruise blockbuster franchise in what is the first of three Mission Impossible episodes.

Films covered in this episode:
Mission: Impossible (1996)

Hosted by Karri Ojala and Henrik Telkki. Edited by Karri Ojala. The Flick Lab theme tune written and performed by Nick Grivell.

Why are the Jurassic Park / World Sequels awful? Karri and Henrik tackle this question, the entire franchise, and discuss the latest entry, Jurassic World: Dominion. The other talking points include Spielberg and his family plots, tactile dimensions, the feeling of first time awe, self-awareness of The Lost World, character build issues and legacy characters,  whether Jurassic movies are franchise compatible or not, Dominion’s identity, and other topics.

Hosted by Karri Ojala and Henrik Telkki. Edited by Karri Ojala. The Flick Lab theme tune written and performed by Nick Grivell. Episode image by Lothar Dieterich.

Films covered in this episode:

Jurassic Park (1993) – Steven Spielberg
The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997) – Steven Spielberg
Jurassic Park 3 (2001) – Joe Johnston
Jurassic World (2015) – Colin Trevorrow
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018) – J.A. Bayona
Jurassic World: Dominion (2022) – Colin Trevorrow

In this episode of the podcast, the Finnish media mavens Karri and Henrik present the part 2 of their captivating cinematic exploration. In this exciting installment, the hosts delve deep into their cinematic experiences from the past year, featuring a selection of films from 2022 and beyond.

Join Karri and Henrik on a journey through the dark and foreboding Finnish horror genre, meditative and introspective Japanese pieces, and high-octane American action thrillers. Along the way, our intrepid hosts offer unique insights and perspectives that will both entertain and enlighten, providing a fascinating guide to the world of cinematic splendor and shenanigans.

Discover the hidden gems that you simply can’t afford to miss, and receive an advance warning of the cinematic disappointments that are best left to wither away.

Films covered in this episode:

The Blind Man Who Did Not Want to See Titanic (2021)
Hatching (Pahanhautoja, 2022)
Lapland Odyssey (2010)
Girl Picture (Tytöt tytöt tytöt, 2022)
A Snake of June (2002)
What Did Jack Do? (2017)
Don’t Look Now (1973)
The Guilty (Den skyldige, 2018)
The Guilty (2021)
Don’t Look Up (2021)
2019 Il Ultimo Silenzio (2004)
Still Walking (2008)
2039 Il Ultimo Silenzio (2022)
The Man From Nowhere (2010)
The Menu (2022)
A Bag of Marbles (Un sac de billes, 2017)
The Midnight Club (TV, 2022)
The Sandman (TV, 2022)

Hosted by Karri Ojala and Henrik Telkki. Edited by Karri Ojala. The Flick Lab theme tune written and performed by Nick Grivell. Additional music from ‘ENIGMA vol.2’ by Aim to Head. Episode image by Gerd Altmann.

In this episode of the podcast, get ready for a cinematic adventure as media pros Karri and Henrik dive into their movies watched in the past year – including films from 2022 and beyond. From Hollywood blockbusters to international and indie gems, this is an inside look at the films that they simply couldn’t get enough of and the ones that left them feeling disappointed. Along the way, they’ll share their unique insights and perspectives, providing you with an entertaining and informative guide to the world of cinematic splendor. Tune in to discover the films you can’t afford to overlook and get an advance warning of the duds you can leave gathering dust. Look for the part 2 of this episode next week.

Films covered in this episode:

Departures (Okuribito, 2008)
The Green Knight (2021)
Top Gun (1986)
Glass Onion (2022)
The Kid Detective (2020)
Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
X (2022)
Pearl (2022)
Pinocchio (1940)
Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio (2022)
Creepshow (TV, 2019-)
Jack Reacher (2012)
Jack Reacher: Never Go Back (2016)
Don’t Breathe 2 (2021)
The Last Samurai (2003)
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)

Hosted by Karri Ojala and Henrik Telkki. Edited by Karri Ojala. The Flick Lab theme tune written and performed by Nick Grivell. Additional music from ‘ENIGMA vol.2’ by Aim to Head. Episode image by Gerd Altmann.

On December 6th every year, during Finnish Independence Day, hundreds of thousands of Finns gather around the telly to catch the movie they’ve seen countless times – The Unknown Soldier – in one of its three incarnations. The Winter War, however, is the lesser known Finnish war film, crushed under the fame of the aforementioned giants. Does The Winter War deserve its share of the limelight, however?

Films covered in this episode:

The Winter War (1989) (Talvisota)

Hosted by Karri Ojala and Henrik Telkki. Edited by Karri Ojala. The Flick Lab theme tune written and performed by Nick Grivell.

Cancer. It’s a universal concept that we all have heard about or know about. Despite all of our differences, there’s more in life that connects us than divides us, and sometimes those shared experiences may veer to the unpleasant, such as cancer and death. Does even cinema fear cancer? Do any films about cancer exist, or is the concept being actively avoided, even in movies that are supposedly cancer movies? Also, can cancer be funny? Join The Flick Lab for another round of movies as we delve on these topics and discuss 4 movies about cancer.

Films covered in this episode:
Wit (2001)
Tig (2015)
Ikiru (1952)
Cries & Whispers (1972)

Hosted by Karri Ojala and Henrik Telkki. Edited by Karri Ojala. The Flick Lab theme tune written and performed by Nick Grivell.

In this episode of the podcast, the two Finns Karri and Henrik discuss Paraguayan cinema. The film industry in this beautiful and proud South American land-locked nation has remained tiny, but it has finally garnered some due attention. The duo comes across elements of creative film-making, American influences, themes of poverty, affluence and integrity. Karri and Henrik analyse the Top 3 films from Paraguay, as determined by IMDb with the following formula: must be (mainly) filmed and produced in Paraguay, acted by Paraguayans, with over 100 ratings on IMDb.

7 Boxes and The Gold Seekers (Paraguayan selection to the Academy Awards, unnominated) are two action and adventure oriented films from the directing duo Juan Carlos Maneglia and Tana Schémbori. The Heiresses is an award-winning drama film about a prestigious but troubled female couple running out of money.

Films covered in this episode:
7 Boxes (7 Cajas, 2012)
The Gold Seekers (Los Buscadores, 2017)
The Heiresses (Las herederas, 2018)

Hosted by Karri Ojala and Henrik Telkki. Edited by Karri Ojala. The Flick Lab theme tune written and performed by Nick Grivell.

Geoffrey Firmin is a British consul in Mexico in the 1930’s. He is drunk. Is that it, or is there more under the hood here? Karri and Henrik look into a movie that Karri hated as a kid. Now as highly sophisticated and intelligent adults, the duo tries to find out if there’s anything worthwhile to be found here. What does the film want to say and can it communicate it effectively? Is following an intoxicated man interesting? Can it be interesting? Are we to feel empathy for the character? Is it hard to feel empathy when one is three sheets to the wind, and if so, what could change that? Is the film about something else than being smashed? This is Under the Volcano, the film vs the book.

Films covered in this episode:
Under the Volcano (1984)
Directed by John Huston. Starring Albert Finney, Jacqueline Bisset🍻, Anthony Andrews, Ignacio Lopez Tarso, Katy Jurado.
Based on the original novel by Malcom Lowry.

Hosted by Karri Ojala and Henrik Telkki. Edited by Karri Ojala. The Flick Lab theme tune written and performed by Nick Grivell.

Apologies for the sound quality in this episode on Karri’s side, caused by a glitch.

————
Take a listen to some other great podcasts that we mentioned in this episode:

The Elite Pod
Want to start working out but don’t know where to start? Then let the trainers at Elite Fitness help guide you to be your ultimate best! Each week our trainers will give you key tips and guidance to help you on your fitness journey. Join us every Monday at the Elite Pod!

With A Gay Twist
With A Gay Twist- it’s the podcast where two homos discuss the news and politics of the day, including LGBT news. From Congress to Drag Race, we’ve got you covered. It’s news and politics, but with a gay twist.

What’s This Place?
How do we shop now the world is burning? What’s this place? podcast goes behind the bricks and mortar of sustainable businesses: how they do it, tricks we can all use to shop more sustainably, what sustainability even means! What is this place? Let’s go inside to find out.

Capes on the Couch
We analyze the psychiatric & mental health issues of superheroes. Sometimes funny, sometimes emotional, always insightful & entertaining. We’re Capes on the Couch!

Fine Time
Fine Time is a weird and snappy video game podcast! We talk about games new and old, give hot takes on industry news, and do extremely silly quiz segments in order to embarrass each other.

Funky Eskimo – thats all funny
Everyday I release a short episode of me telling awkward stories from my life or angry rants of current events.