The radical notion that women like good movies
As I took a closer look at the list of nominees for the Independent Spirit Awards, I couldn’t believe, once again, how many of the films are male-driven. While this list certainly involves many more female-driven films than is usually the case with Oscar nominees or even Golden Globe nominees, I still can’t help feeling … Continue reading “Independent Spirit Award Nominations: A Closer Look”
Welcome to our first installment of Director Spotlight, where we explore the biographies and filmographies of an often overlooked group: women film directors. Here is an excerpt from the AMC biography on Allison Anders: The hardships encountered and overcome by director Allison Anders are often reflected in the grittiness and strength of her female characters, … Continue reading “Director Spotlight: Allison Anders”
*This guest post also appears at Shakesville. I saw Pirate Radio last night, and had one of those experiences where you can only really enjoy yourself if you turn half your brain off and pretend you’re not getting the messages that are clearly being sent. Early in Pirate Radio, just as I idly wondered where … Continue reading “Movie Review: Pirate Radio”
So I decided to watch one of those mind-numbingly mediocre action films, assuming I’d walk away from the experience merely mind-numbed and ready to move forward with more serious cinema. The exact opposite happened. Not only is Taken a terribly made film in terms of its pacing, plot points, character development, and dialogue, it’s one … Continue reading “Flick-Off: Taken”
Obvious Child made its way around the blogosphere last month, but I just watched it today. Here are some general thoughts. Abortion is a legal medical procedure, and it’s presented as such in this film. That alone is a welcome change–as others have stated–from recent film and television. Obvious comparisons have been made to Knocked … Continue reading “‘Obvious Child’: Short Film Review”
*This guest post also appears at I Will Not Diet. I finally saw Whip It this weekend, and I have to say that the movie did not disappoint. I had low expectations because some people we trust had told us they didn’t like the film. I always think it’s better to go into the theatre … Continue reading “Whip It: Ripley’s Pick”
Pulling is a British comedy series written by Sharon Horgan (who co-stars) and Dennis Kelly. It aired on BBC3 for two seasons (of six episodes), starting in 2006, and an hour-long farewell special aired this May. After breaking off her engagement, Donna (Horgan) moves in with two of her best friends, Louise (Rebekah Staton) and … Continue reading “Ripley’s Pick: Season One of Pulling”
Lars Von Trier’s new film Antichrist opens in select cities on October 23, and already the controversy surrounding the film’s potential misogyny has the web and blogosphere buzzing. Much of it has to do with the Cannes Film Festival giving the director an anti-award. In the article, “Antichrist gets an anti-award in Cannes,” Jay Stone … Continue reading “Antichrist Roundup”
*That’s right, I said Season One. I haven’t seen a minute of Season Two, and won’t until it comes out on DVD. If Season Two contradicts everything I’ve said here, please bite your tongue–or leave your links in the comments section! Here’s a secret: I love TV. Even more than I love movies. A television … Continue reading “Ripley’s Pick: Season One of ‘True Blood’*”
Dollhouse, Season 1 Starring Eliza Dushku, Olivia Williams, Fran Kranz, Harry Lennix, Tahmoh Penikett, Enver Gjokah and Dichen Lachman. Created by Joss Whedon. Much controversy occurred with the airing of Joss Whedon’s latest show, Dollhouse. Definitely take a look at Sady’s full analysis of the feminist elements of the show over at Tigerbeatdown. Here’s an … Continue reading “Releasing on DVD, Tuesday 7/28/09”
500 Days of Summer. Starring Zooey Deschanel, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Geoffrey Arend, Chloe Moretz, Matthew Gray Gubler, and Clark Gregg. Written by Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber. Directed by Marc Webb.Within the past few years especially, independent films have developed a certain easily identifiable “indie charm,” and 500 Days of Summer most definitely fulfills the … Continue reading “Movie Review: 500 Days of Summer, Take 1”
The Spirit has all kinds of shit wrong with it. According to these movie posters, Samuel L. Jackson apparently plays a gun-wielding, trench coat wearing badass, who most definitely takes an active role, probably killing people who made the unfortunate mistake of trying to face his power. On the other hand Eva Mendes plays … … Continue reading “Movie Posters: Bad Boys vs Bad Girls”
