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
Tag Archives: film
‘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
‘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
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
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
The Opinioness 