The radical notion that women like good movies
Kerry Washington and David Ramsay in Mother and Child This is a guest post by Candice Frederick. While many continue to castigate the HBO series, Girls, for its lack of female diversity (with good reason), I’d like to look back at a 2009 film which gave voices to an assortment of female characters, a gem … Continue reading “Reproduction & Abortion Week: Mother and Child”
The cast of Battlestar Galactica This is a guest review by Leigh Kolb. “All of this has happened before, and all of this will happen again.” The opening credits of each episode of Battlestar Galactica, which aired from 2004 – 2009, set the premise for the plot: “The Cylons were created by man. They evolved. … Continue reading “Reproduction & Abortion Week: Procreation at the End of Civilization: Reproductive Rights on ‘Battlestar Galactica’”
Moviegoers seeking a simple, erotic film laden with illicit trysts between a teacher and student may be left unsatisfied with Notes on a Scandal. While an affair between a teacher, Sheba (Cate Blanchett), and high school student, Steven (Andrew Simpson) serves as a definitive catalyst, Notes largely centers around the … Continue reading “Notes on ‘Notes on a Scandal’”
What’s Love Got to Do With It? by Candice Frederick Bassett’s was not only one of the defining performances for women in cinema; it was also one that became a benchmark for actresses of color. Her riveting portrayal role was further punctuated by the remarkable writing. Many lead roles for women of color since then … Continue reading “Biopic and Documentary Week 2012: The Roundup”
Gorillas in the Mist (1988) This piece is from Monthly Contributor Carrie Nelson. This post contains spoilers about the film Gorillas in the Mist. For nearly 20 years, zoologist Dian Fossey lived and worked among the mountain gorillas in Africa. Her work as a researcher and animal rights activist is responsible for raising awareness about … Continue reading “Biopic and Documentary Week: Gorillas in the Mist”
Kirsten Dunst in Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette Many chastised Sofia Coppola’s re-imagining of Marie Antoinette. Some critics complained about the addition of modern music while others thought it looked too slick, like an MTV music video (remember those??). But I think most people missed the point. Beyond the confectionary colors, gorgeous shots of lavish costumes … Continue reading “Biopic and Documentary Week: Sofia Coppola’s ‘Marie Antoinette’ Surprisingly Feminist”
Leslie Knope and Ann Perkins This is a guest post from Peggy Cooke. I feel guilty bringing up Ann Perkins in any discussion of Parks and Recreation, mainly because the positive relationship between Ann and Leslie is one of the main things that makes the show so great (and groundbreaking!) for many people (read: … Continue reading “Guest Writer Wednesday: Ann Perkins and Me: It’s Complicated”
The Indie Spirit Awards air this Saturday night on IFC. A big thanks to all who contributed reviews of the Indie Spirit nominees. Best Feature: The Descendants reviewed by Stephanie Brown The Artist reviewed by Candice Frederick Take Shelter reviewed by Carrie Nelson Drive reviewed by Leigh Kolb Beginners reviewed by Megan Ryland 50/50 reviewed by Josh … Continue reading “2012 Indie Spirit Nominations Roundup”
Take Shelter (2011) This is a review from Monthly Guest Contributor Carrie Nelson. Writing about Take Shelter for a website like Bitch Flicks is a challenge. Certainly, I can write endlessly about why I loved Take Shelter. There is no doubt in my mind that it was the best film I saw in 2011. I … Continue reading “Indie Spirit Best Feature Nominee: Take Shelter”
Thomas (Tom Hanks) and Oskar (Thomas Horn) This is a guest post from Jennifer Kiefer. Potential viewer beware: the trailer for this film is awful. Terrible. Even worse than Alexander’s terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. But that’s because this film deals with, as young Oskar dubs it, “the worst day.” When I first saw … Continue reading “Oscar Best Picture Nominee: An Oscar for Oskar? ‘Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close,’ the Surprise Nominee”
Another Earth (2011) This is a guest post from Diana Fakhouri. I haven’t cracked open a math book since 2005, so excuse me for glossing over Another Earth‘s astrophysical ambiguities. Fortunately, the film is less concerned with the space/time continuum than May/December romance, leaping from Orwellian tragedy to Nicholas Sparks rom-dram in under 100 minutes. … Continue reading “Indie Spirit Best First Feature Nominee: ‘Another Earth:’ From George Orwell to Nicholas Sparks”
Martha Marcy May Marlene is nominated for three Independent Spirit Awards: Best First Feature, Best Female Lead (Elizabeth Olson), and Best Supporting Male (John Hawkes). It has received numerous other nominations and awards. This review, by Carrie Nelson, first appeared at Bitch Flicks on November 17, 2011. Martha Marcy May Marlene (2011) Martha Marcy May … Continue reading “Indie Spirit Best First Feature Nominee: Martha Marcy May Marlene”
