The Flick Lab Podcast

#172 – Die Hard – Exploring Atypical Perspectives – Film Analysis

On: 24th June 2023

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

Photo of Nak… Fox Plaza by Tom Bernard (Public domain).

#171 – Sisu (2022) – That Finnish Action Movie with Nazis – Film Analysis

On: 10th June 2023

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 tiresome, or even a desperate encounter.

Films covered in this episode:
Sisu (2022)

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

#170 – Free Short Films on Filmdoo.com – part 2 of 2

On: 27th May 2023

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.

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

#169 – Free Short Films on Filmdoo.com – part 1 of 2

On: 13th May 2023

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.

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-second
https://www.filmdoo.com/films/fragments
https://www.filmdoo.com/films/our-homeland
https://www.filmdoo.com/films/128
https://www.filmdoo.com/films/the-shadow-man
https://www.filmdoo.com/films/risks
https://www.filmdoo.com/films/mae/
https://www.filmdoo.com/films/through-the-mirror
https://www.filmdoo.com/films/marimba

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

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#168 – Mission: Impossible III is a Movie

On: 29th April 2023

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 (2 006)

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

Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible II (2000)

#167 – Mission: Impossible II – Garbage or a Masterpiece?

On: 15th April 2023

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.

#166 – Mission: Impossible (1996) – Is There a Base Blueprint?

On: 1st April 2023

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.

#165 – Why are the Jurassic Park Sequels So Bad?

On: 18th March 2023

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

#164 – Flick Picks and Flops: Our Year in Movies – Part 2

On: 3rd March 2023

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.

#163 – Flick Picks and Flops: Our Year in Movies – Part 1

On: 24th February 2023

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)