Originally published at Bitch Flicks. Warning: massive spoilers ahead! A pseudo-prequel to Alien, Prometheus raises existential themes of religion, god, faith, science, creation, mythology and evolution. While these are all worthy topics, I’m much more interested in Prometheus’ treatment of its female characters. Is director Ridley Scott’s new film a pro-choice metaphor advocating reproductive justice? Continue reading
Category Archives: Films
Scarlett Johansson Tired of Sexist Diet Questions
Originally published at Bitch Flicks and cross-posted at Women and Hollywood. Wow, who knew I could love Scarlett Johansson so much?? At The Avengers press conference in London, a reporter proceeded to ask Robert Downey Jr. an in-depth, thought-provoking question about his character (Tony Stark/Iron Man) and then asked Johansson about her diet. I shit … Continue reading
‘Return’ Features a Story Rarely Seen in Film: A Female Soldier Struggling to Resume Her Life
Originally published at Bitch Flicks. When people discuss war, they often don’t take women or gender into account. While we regularly watch male soldiers on-screen, we almost never see war through women’s eyes. If women are in war films, they serve as wives and girlfriends. We see women supporting men, never soldiers themselves. That’s what … Continue reading
Bitch Flicks’ Motherhood in Film & Television Series: Is Terminator’s Sarah Connor an Allegory for Single Mothers?
Originally published at Bitch Flicks. Mothers are supposed to be everything to everyone. Sadly, society often stigmatizes, vilifies and demonizes single mothers. Single moms are blamed for “breeding more criminals.” Single parenthood is criminalized and “declared child abuse.” On top of that, “almost 70% of people believe single women raising children on their own is … Continue reading
Should We Apply the Bechdel Test to ‘The Avengers’ (Or Any Film For That Matter)? Yes, and Here’s Why
Responding to my post analyzing The Avengers, feminism and failing the Bechdel Test, someone on Bitch Flicks’ Facebook page recently asked why the Bechdel Test should even be applied to The Avengers: “This film had three female characters…that talked at all. Why would the Bechdel Test be applied to this movie? It’s a movie about … Continue reading
‘Girl in Progress:’ Female-Centric Film Tackles Strained Mother-Daughter Relationships, Single Motherhood & Navigating Adolescence
Originally published at Bitch Flicks. When I was growing up, I never felt like a child. With her continuous string of bad boyfriends, I always felt like I was the one taking care of my single mother and myself. I couldn’t wait to leave home and start a new life. So I can relate to … Continue reading
‘The Avengers,’ Strong Female Characters and Failing the Bechdel Test
Originally published at Bitch Flicks and cross-posted at Fem2pt0. Smashing box office records, audiences have been swept up in The Avengers hullabaloo. Interesting and compelling, the epic superhero film based on the Marvel comics unites Black Widow, Captain America, Iron Man, Hawkeye, the Hulk and Thor “to form a team that must stop Thor’s brother … Continue reading
‘The Five-Year Engagement:’ Gender Roles Exploration & Lovable Actors Can’t Save Rom-Com’s Subtly Anti-Feminist Message
Originally published at Bitch Flicks. I’ve never planned a wedding and I’ve never been engaged. Yet I can relate to the The Five-Year Engagement’s premise. My dream is to move to NYC and become a writer. While my partner is incredibly supportive of me, he loathes NYC and has a life in Boston. So what … Continue reading
Abortion Depictions in Pop Culture: Why “Reproduction and Abortion Week” At ‘Bitch Flicks’ Is So Crucial
Abortion is healthcare — a routine, normal and legal medical procedure. 1 in 3 women will get an abortion in her lifetime. Yet we rarely witness film and TV characters obtaining an abortion or even talking about abortion. It’s “Reproduction and Abortion Week” at Bitch Flicks (my virtual home away from home!). All week-long, the … Continue reading
‘The Hunger Games’ Review in Conversation Part 1: Female Protagonists, Body Image, Disability, Whitewashing, Hunger & Food
As I’ve written before, I love The Hunger Games, both the book and film adaptation. We desperately need more strong female protagonists like Katniss Everdeen on-screen. The riveting young adult series contains many complex social issues. But just because I enjoyed it, doesn’t mean the film didn’t suffer some problems. As we both love talking … Continue reading
The Opinioness 