Chick Flicks with Gabby & Amy
28 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 months ago - ★★★★★ - 14 ratingsFriends Gabriella and Amy discuss movies by, for, and about women. These movies are often loved but not necessarily respected. But as far as we're concerned these movies, the so-called "chick flicks," deserve to be critiqued with as much care as the latest films from Scorsese, Spielberg, and Nolan. Join us monthly as we revisit our favorites and make some discoveries along the way!
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Episodes
Mean Girls: Then & Now
February 09, 2024 11:00 - 58 minutes - 58.3 MBIf you are a woman under 50, Mean Girls is part of your cultural landscape. From "stop trying to make fetch happen," to "she doesn't even go here," the film has spawned countless memes and catch phrases. It even became a Broadway musical, which has now been made into another film version. Gabby and Amy discuss the mixed blessing of the OG Mean Girls and their reaction to the 2024 version, which makes some necessary updates but also undermines the plot and characterization with too much singi...
The Devil Wears Prada
January 12, 2024 11:00 - 1 hour - 64 MBThe Devil Wears Prada captures a heady moment in time when magazine were plentiful and lucrative, #girlboss #burnout wasn't a thing, and the most troubling conflict on your horizon was whether or not you would be chosen for a work trip to Paris. Gabby and Amy reminisce about their own journalism backgrounds, contemplate society's shifting attitudes towards work, and discuss the complexities of female leadership.
While You Were Sleeping
December 09, 2023 11:00 - 53 minutes - 54.2 MBHappy holidays from Gabby & Amy. Our gift to you is an episode about the delightful 1995 romcom While You Were Sleeping. The Released to little fanfare in the summer of 1995, the film established Sandra Bullock as a leading lady and exceeded box office and critics' expectations. Gabby and Amy revisit the film and find its gentle sweetness and farcical rhythms as fresh as a blue spruce.
Mystic Pizza
November 17, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 61.5 MBIt's the episode Gabby and Amy were born to make! Mystic Pizza brings together Amy's Connecticut childhood with Gabby's Portuguese heritage in one delightful autumnal coming of age story. Listen up as we spill our knowledge!
The Craft
October 21, 2023 10:00 - 54 minutes - 54.9 MBGabby and Amy persist in looking for a good witch movie. Is the 1996 teen witch horror-drama The Craft that film? Umm . . . listen now to find out!
Barbie
September 23, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 63.7 MBGabby & Amy are back from summer break to jump into the ongoing Barbie discourse.
The Way We Were/The Virgin Suicides
July 01, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 74.3 MBChick Flicks with Gabby & Amy brings you A Very Special Super '70s Summer Double Feature of The Way We Were and The Virgin Suicides. While seemingly different, the films share an elegiac tone, a dreamy nostalgia, and origins as 1970s artifacts (and appearances by James Woods, randomly). Come along as we delve into the idiosyncrasies and profundities of these two period pieces. CONTENT WARNING: This episode discusses suicide. If you are in crisis, please call or text 988 to reach the Natio...
The Way We Were/The Virgin Suicides
July 01, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 74.3 MBChick Flicks with Gabby & Amy brings you A Very Special Super '70s Summer Double Feature of The Way We Were and The Virgin Suicides. While seemingly different, the films share an elegiac tone, a dreamy nostalgia, and origins as 1970s artifacts (and appearances by James Woods, randomly). Come along as we delve into the idiosyncrasies and profundities of these two period pieces. CONTENT WARNING: This episode discusses suicide. If you are in crisis, please call or text 988 to reach the Natio...
Ghost
May 26, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 61 MBIf younger listeners know the 1990 film Ghost at all, it's for the famous and much-spoofed pottery wheel love scene between Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze. But the movie is much more than just a soapy romance. It's a strange Franken-movie that combines elements of supernatural thriller, buddy comedy (Patrick Swayze and Whoopi Goldberg make a great comedic duo), murder mystery, and metaphysical romance and somehow still works. Despite its idiosyncracies, it was a huge hit, winning two Oscars a...
To All the Boys I've Loved Before
April 07, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 63.8 MBWhat better way to celebrate the beginning of spring than with a teenage rom com? To All the Boys I've Loved Before tells the story of Lara Jean Covey, a romance-novel-loving teen who writes but does not send love letters to her crushes. When those unsent letters get delivered to her crushes, she tries to avoid total embarrassment by entering into a fake relationship with one of the recipients of the letters, a popular boy named Peter Kavinsky. Will real feelings develop? Of course! But the ...
To All the Boys I've Loved Before
April 07, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 63.8 MBWhat better way to celebrate the beginning of spring than with a teenage rom com? To All the Boys I've Loved Before tells the story of Lara Jean Covey, a romance-novel-loving teen who writes but does not send love letters to her crushes. When those unsent letters get delivered to her crushes, she tries to avoid total embarrassment by entering into a fake relationship with one of the recipients of the letters, a popular boy named Peter Kavinsky. Will real feelings develop? Of course! But the ...
Good Will Hunting
March 10, 2023 11:00 - 55 minutes - 56.4 MBIn honor of Women's History Month, Gabby and Amy have decided to strike a blow against the patriarchy by absolutely shredding the 1997 Oscar-winning Good Will Hunting. Famously written by childhood friends Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, the movie presents itself as a sophisticated and emotionally mature look at a troubled but brilliant young man. But instead of deconstructing toxic masculinity, it reinforces it in ways its creators do not seem aware of. No stars.
The Cutting Edge
February 03, 2023 10:22 - 58 minutes - 58.8 MBGabby and Amy break the ice in 2023 with the 1992 romcom/sports movie The Cutting Edge starring Moira Kelly and D.B. Sweeney. A relic of the figure-skating boom of the 1990s, the film elevates tried and true tropes through punchy dialogue, winning performances, and breezy pacing, delivering an irresistible romp and a catch phrase for the (ice) ages. #toepick
When Harry Met Sally
December 02, 2022 11:00 - 57 minutes - 58 MBDid Nora Ephron create the modern-day romantic comedy with When Harry Met Sally? Yes. Are we forever grateful? Also yes. Is it the perfect romantic-comedy holiday movie? Gabby and Amy discuss.
Practical Magic
October 21, 2022 10:00 - 44 minutes - 45.8 MBIt's Spooky Szn here at Chick Flicks with Gabby & Amy, and we are celebrating the imperfect witchiness of 1998's Practical Magic. Though limited by tonal problems and narrative gaps, the movie's cast, aesthetics, soundtrack, and inherent potent symbolism salvage the supernatural story. Follow us on Instagram!
The Great Jane Austen Extravaganza! - Part 2
September 16, 2022 09:45 - 47 minutes - 43.3 MBGabby & Amy had so much to ask Jane Austen scholar Juliette Wells that it couldn't be contained in just one episode. In this episode we cover bad filmic adaptations of Austen, the importance of fashion and hair, Austen's disinterest in physical descriptions, and why no one should have skinny arms in a Regency-era film.
The Great Jane Austen Extravaganza! - Part 1
September 09, 2022 09:45 - 47 minutes - 43.3 MBGabby and Amy kick off season two with a deep dive into the cinematic universe of Jane Austen. They are joined by Austen scholar Juliette Wells, who describes her introduction to Austen, what role Austen would have enjoyed in filmmaking, and why Colin Firth is the best Darcy.
Roman Holiday
July 26, 2022 09:00 - 45 minutes - 47 MBClassics don't get more classic than Roman Holiday. The 1953 romcom, written by Dalton Trumbo, introduced Audrey Hepburn to American audiences and paired her with debonair leading man Gregory Peck. It launched her career and further solidified his status as one of America's favorite leading men. Does their star power still endure almost 70 years later? Amy and Gabby discuss. Follow us on Instagram!
Romy & Michele's High School Reunion
June 10, 2022 10:00 - 49 minutes - 50 MBRomy & Michele's High School Reunion arrived in the spring of 1997 with little fanfare, but has since become a cult classic thanks to inspired comedic performances by Lisa Kudrow and Mira Sorvino, a witty and lighthearted script, eye-catching costumes, and a fun soundtrack. Join Gabby and Amy as they enumerate the many virtues of this female buddy pic. #businesswomensspecial
Fried Green Tomatoes
May 06, 2022 09:00 - 44 minutes - 45.6 MBThis beloved chronicle of Southern female friendship was lauded by GLAAD for its portrayal of a lesbian relationship, though not everyone agreed its depictions of lesbianism and race were as accurate and empowering as some wanted to believe. Gabby and Amy revisit this '90s classic with fresh eyes and find both its charm and its shortcomings apparent.
Bridesmaids
March 11, 2022 05:00 - 46 minutes - 47.4 MBYou may think that Bridesmaids is a frothy and filthy farce about the wedding-industrial complex and female friendship--and you would be correct--but its critical and commercial success also (temporarily) neutered the sexist argument that women aren't funny and that a comedy with an all-female cast can't succeed.
Love & Basketball
February 18, 2022 10:00 - 45 minutes - 46.4 MBGabby and Amy discuss Gina Prince-Bythewood's Love & Basketball, a seminal romantic drama that is superficially a sports movie, but in actuality tackles love, family dynamics, career aspirations, and the meaning of success.
Bridget Jones's Diary
January 14, 2022 10:00 - 46 minutes - 48.1 MBIt's a new year and we're back with the absolute charm bomb that is Bridget Jones's Diary. With a plot knicked from Pride & Prejudice, a perfect cast, and a main character who embodies the complexities and inanities of modern womanhood, this movie reminds you that you're lovable, just as you are.
Bridget Jones's Diary
January 14, 2022 10:00 - 46 minutes - 48.1 MBIt's a new year and we're back with the absolute charm bomb that is Bridget Jones's Diary. With a plot knicked from Pride & Prejudice, a perfect cast, and a main character who embodies the complexities and inanities of modern womanhood, this movie reminds you that you're lovable, just as you are.
Dirty Dancing
November 22, 2021 10:00 - 48 minutes - 49.4 MBGabby and Amy discuss Dirty Dancing, the ultimate coming-of-age movie complete with trenchant class analysis, a convincing argument for women's reproductive freedom, a killer soundtrack, and Patrick Swayze's perfect ass (and chest, and hair and arms, etc.). What more could you want in a movie?
Clueless
November 01, 2021 09:00 - 46 minutes - 47.6 MBGabby and Amy discuss 1995's Clueless written and directed by Amy Heckerling. A loose adaptation of Jane Austen's Emma, Clueless follows Alicia Silverstone's Cher as she navigates high school rites of passage including makeovers, sex, popularity, grades, shopping, and friendships. If you don't like this movie, we can't help you.
Heartburn
September 20, 2021 09:00 - 45 minutes - 46.5 MBJoin Gabby and Amy as they discuss the 1986 film Heartburn. Nora Ephron's autobiographical account of her marriage to and acrimonious separation from Carl Bernstein was not well received upon its release. But in the 35 years since its release it has enjoyed a reappraisal and become a chick flick cult classic. Does it deserve this reputation or were the critics right the first time? Gabby and Amy have thoughts.
Welcome to Chick Flicks with Gabby & Amy
September 13, 2021 09:00 - 1 minute - 1.39 MBFriends Gabby and Amy discuss movies by, for, and about women.