When asked what elements make a great film, common answers may be a strong plot and well developed characters. While these are both necessary elements, characters and story fall apart without a strong world to bind them together. In this latest installation of Making Sense of Movies, Clare and Alaina discuss worldbuilding within five different movies. Some of the movies discussed are science fiction, the essential world building genre. These movies have created worlds with a rich and...

Clare and Alaina make sense of 5 “film bro” movies. If you find yourself talking to a guy who hates Greta Gerwig (for no apparent reason), has movie posters of Fightclub/The Dark Knight/Pulp Fiction, or stops talking about a movie with you because “you probably haven’t heard of it”...... you've encountered a film bro! Some of the movies we discuss will surprise you, while others just scream Cinabro. Bro, these movies are just so dark and gritty. Join us, as we break down why these movies...

Clare and Alaina discuss five action movies. After last episode, talking about apocalypse movies, we were in need of a dire pick-me-up. And everyone knows there’s no better pick-me-up than watching Tom Cruise fly helicopters and jump out of airplanes for the sake of cinema. Listen to us break down the action sequences of these movies, and our opinions on what makes for a compelling hero. Alaina drops some serious knowledge on psychology and archaeology, while Clare brings back an essay she...

Meteors, zombies, and chemical warfare? Oh My! Clare and Alaina discuss five apocalypse movies. Some of these movies take a more serious route, like dealing with mental health issues in the midst of the world ending, and dissecting the science behind viruses. Other apocalypse movies take themselves less seriously. For example, in one movie adults take a more “f*ck the rules” approach to the world ending and give toddlers alcohol. Despite the tonal difference between these movies, all use...

Hey cool cats and kittens!, this is a Making Sense of Movies Update! Hope everyone is safe and healthy. Clare and Alaina are no longer recording in Washington DC, so here is our first virtual mini episode, as a way to transition to the new format. Today we talk about the things we’re doing and watching while in quarantine. Come listen to hear about the movies and TV shows we've been watching, and our opinion if “that bit*ch Carol Baskins” really killed her husband in Tiger King!!! We’re...

Clare and Alaina discuss 5 movies where the couples don't end up together. Some of these movies left us cheering that the couple doesn't end up together, while others left us in tears. Some of these movies are definitely hard to get through, given the amount of raw emotion that comes as a side effect to love. In this episode, the couples break up for a broad range of reasons, like historical laws forbidding same-sex relationships, toxic relationships, and giving up love in order to save jazz....

Clare and Alaina make sense of five movies that “f****d us up” aka- movies that stuck with us due to disturbing scenes, deceptive characters, and creepy horse/human hybrids. While all of these movies have elements of shock, they use those elements to further progress deeper themes of social class, capitalism, and loss of community. These movies have layers upon layers, and an immense amount of detail-which makes all of these movies so rewatchable. These movies also cover a broad range of...

Clare and Alaina make sense of the Oscar nominations!! 2019 has been a great year for movies, like The Farwell, Uncut Gems and Midsommar (too bad all of them got zero nominations). We won’t lie, we’re very salty with the nominations this year. While we both love the Oscars because of its celebration of movies, there are still many flaws within the system that prevent each movie from being given an equal chance at getting nominated. Come listen to us speculate over what will win, and remorse...

Clare and Alaina make sense of the decades best movies. Some movies discussed are best picture nominees, while others are well deserving movies that flew under the radar. These movies made bold stylistic choices, brought several dimensions to typically one-dimensional characters, and put love into every stitch of Chris Evan’s sweaters. As the decade wraps up, we reflect on these movies, in addition to looking into the future at other movies we’re excited for. Happy holidays! Come ring in the...

Clare and Alaina make sense of five campy movies- aka movies that have intentionally exaggerated themes and genres. This genre is extremely broad- coexisting among action movies, musicals, and erotic dramas alike. While some of the movies on our list have been cemented in time as cult classics, others have been poorly received by critics and audience members (both at the time of theatrical release, and today). What makes campy movies great is their eccentric and memorable characters, quirky...

Clare and Alaina make sense of five A24 movies- an independent film company near and dear to both of our hearts. These movies range from personal coming-of-age stories to wikies on a remote island and their descent into madness. Despite being a fairly new company, A24 has quickly put themselves on the map by producing some of the most unique and inspiring movies during a time period filled with sequels and remakes. Join us as we gush over A24 darling Robert Pattinson. This is Making Sense of...

Clare and Alaina make sense of five vampire movies in honor of Halloween. While some of the movies lean heavily into the classic vampire tropes, others are a more modern take on what it means to be a vampire. Some of the main characters are vampires, while others focus on those who see vampires as their enemies, or as a romantic interest. Celebrate spooky szn with Making Sense of Movies, with Clare and Alaina. Movies Mentioned Only Lovers Left Alive- .51-12:49 Fright Night -...

Clare and Alaina make sense of five romance movies. While each movie is structured around falling in love, these movies rise above the rest due to their unique cinematography, powerful storytelling, and amazing on-screen chemistry. In addition to discussing the merits of each movie, the duo also decides what couple is the best, and which characters we’d want to hang out with. Grab your best shoes and a bouquet of flowers, because you’ve got a dinner date with Making Sense of Movies, with...