Originally published at Bitch Flicks. After media speculation over her allegedly “puffy face” caused a “viral media frenzy,” actor Ashley Judd decided to speak out against the media’s misogynistic accusations. Beyond her career as an actor, Judd is a humanitarian and philanthropist, a global ambassador for YouthAIDS and a Harvard graduate. The feminist activist — … Continue reading
Category Archives: Films
Why We Need More Female Characters in Film Like ‘Hunger Games’ Katniss Everdeen
I often lament the lack of gender equity in film. Would The Hunger Games’ female warrior Katniss Everdeen quench my thirst for strong, complicated female protagonists? I devoured the trilogy. The female-centric series’ haunting themes – war, sacrifice, love, starvation, media’s influence, government control and economic inequity – riveted me. The books’ memorable characters lingered … Continue reading
Documentary ‘Gloria: In Her Own Words’ Gives Insight to a Feminist Icon
Originally published at Bitch Flicks at part of their “Biopic and Documentary Series.” If I were to ask you to name a famous feminist, who would you say? I’m going to go out on a limb and guess that most of you would probably say Gloria Steinem. And with good reason. A pioneering feminist icon, … Continue reading
In Defense of ‘Marie Antoinette:’ Sofia Coppola’s Re-Imagining Surprisingly Feminist
With its commentaries on gender, women’s agency, reproduction and female friendships, Marie Antoinette is surprisingly deeper and more feminist than many realize. Sofia Coppola created a lush and sumptuous indulgence for the eyes. Continue reading
In Honor of Women’s History Month, ‘Bitch Flicks’ Features Female-Centered Biopic and Documentary Series
March commemorates Women’s History Month. I’ve written before about why Women’s History Month still matters. Textbooks, historical novels and films often omit or diminish women’s voices, stories and struggles. Media often writes women out of history. That’s why this is the perfect time to take a look at biopics and documentaries featuring women. All this … Continue reading
‘Friends With Kids:’ Witty & Touching…But Is It a Feminist Extravaganza?
Originally published at Bitch Flicks. I was deliriously drunk with excitement to see Friends with Kids. I mean, a film starring Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Jon Hamm AND written and directed by a woman?? And not just any woman but writer Jennifer Westfeldt?! Yes, please! And yes, it’s funny. Really funny. I laughed so hard … Continue reading
Happy International Women’s Day: 11 Films That Celebrate Inspiring & Trailblazing Women
On International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate the stories and experiences of women making a difference in the world. Here are just a few films honoring the many women who inspire and blaze trails. Continue reading
‘Friends with Kids’ Preview: Leading a Stellar Cast, Writer/Director Jennifer Westfeldt Depicts an Unconventional Path to Parenthood
Originally published at Bitch Flicks. I’ve been excited to see Friends with Kids since last year when I heard it would reunite Bridesmaids castmates Kristen Wiig (omg do I love, love, LOVE her in Bridesmaids and on SNL!), Maya Rudolph (adore her in Away We Go and Up All Night), Chris O’Dowd (adorbs in Bridesmaids) … Continue reading
‘The Descendants:’ Review in Conversation – A Look at the Film’s Female Characters & Its Depiction of Women
As you’ve probably guessed, I love, love, LOVE movies. The only thing I love more…talking about movies! So does Amber Leab, Bitch Flicks Co-Founder & Editor. So Amber and I decided to post for Bitch Flicks a Review in Conversation of Oscar and Indie Spirit nominated The Descendants. We discussed how we both liked the … Continue reading
Women & Gender at the 2012 Indie Spirit Awards
Originally published at Bitch Flicks. So I groaned the moment I discovered Seth Rogen was hosting the Independent Spirit Awards, which aired last Saturday night on IFC. I mean, after his shitshow appearance at the Golden Globes, making that sexual harassment comment to Kate Beckinsale on-stage, I’m all set with him. When announcer director John … Continue reading