Usually the kids in teen comedies leave me feeling incredibly old, but Booksmart‘s Molly (Beanie Feldstein) and Amy (Kaitlyn Dever) seem even more middle-aged than me. They’re very clever, and very hard-working, and only have one day left at high school before graduation. That focus and drive means that even school Principal Brown (Jason Sudeikis)… Booksmart Read More
Late Night (Sundance London) 3 stars
When late night chat show host Katherine Newbury is told she’s being replaced, she finally has to face her writers’ room. Literally, as most of the men in there have never even seen her in the flesh before. Those men are all white, and privileged, though not as hirsute as I was expecting. They’re lazy,… Late Night (Sundance London) Read More
Valley Of The Dolls 2 stars
I knew the clothes would be terrific when I spotted Handbags by… in the opening credits. And it’s the outfits (along with the unintentionally fevered atmosphere) which stretches this film up to two stars. Small town girl turned New York secretary turned Hollywood model Anne Welles is elegant in a yellow maxi dress, a tight… Valley Of The Dolls Read More
Shake it til you make it with the new Poms trailer
“You’re one of us now! Except with higher boobies” says Sheryl to their young cheerleader choreographer. Martha (Diane Keaton), newly arrived at Sun Springs Retirement Community, and new BFF Sheryl (Jacki Weaver), decide to set up a cheerleading squad with some of the other residents – complete with hidden talents and not so hidden aches,… Shake it til you make it with the new Poms trailer Read More
Dumplin’ 3 stars
Willowdean Dickson is a plus-size teenager coming of age in a world of vibrant retro colors and quietly crushing slim privilege. With a band of friends — of varying looks, politics, and life goals — she embarks on a small-town, life-size protest that will likely resonate with anyone who has been too plain for the… Dumplin’ Read More
Colette (London Film Festival) 3.5 stars
I am the real Claudine, the young women of Paris all cry, as Colette’s series of novels about a young French woman hit a nerve. Born Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette (she shortens her name later as she starts to create a new identity for herself as the author of her books), she is a woman ahead of… Colette (London Film Festival) Read More
Assassination Nation (London Film Festival) 3.5 stars
Assassination Nation – a noisy, bloody allegory for modern society – may feel like being whacked over the head by a righteously raging My Little Pony, but it’s also hugely entertaining. One of the problems with fighting back against a resurgence like Trump’s is that eventually people just get bored. They know he’s awful already. You… Assassination Nation (London Film Festival) Read More
Director Marcelo Martinessi On Filmmaking In Conservative Paraguay, & The Women Who Inspired Him
Marcelo Martinessi is the writer-director of the award-winning The Heiresses, a story of relationship breakdown set in his native Paraguay – a country which after decades living under a dictatorship is only now starting to develop a film industry. The film won two Silver Bears at this year’s Berlin International Film Festival: Best Actress for Ana… Director Marcelo Martinessi On Filmmaking In Conservative Paraguay, & The Women Who Inspired Him Read More
Tattoo Girls 3.5 stars
“Life is extremely fragile and only given for a certain amount of time” says a young woman who wants to be a mortuary beautician. It’s artifice to make the dead look as near to their living selves as possible, once that spark has gone, and to make life easier for those left behind. You could… Tattoo Girls Read More
Incredibles 2 4 stars
“Done properly, parenting is a heroic act” intones Edna Mode, maker and mender of superhero apparel, and when Edna speaks we should all listen. Incredibles 2 is a film that holds a mirror up to how we live now. There’s the obvious (very obvious – at one point Elastigirl says “”Independence from screen slavery!” as… Incredibles 2 Read More
Ocean’s 8 3.5 stars
I can’t be the only person watching Ocean’s 8 who thought Rose Weil’s flower-covered paniered frock, presumably based on those rich Regency ladies who liked to play at being milkmaids, was the best Met Gala look. Played by Helena Bonham Cartier, I mean Carter, Rose is a washed-up fashion designer known for her Edwardian frills… Ocean’s 8 Read More
A Woman’s Life 4 stars
“What good are the flowers if the fruit does not ripen?” asks Jeanne (Judith Chemla) to herself early on, little knowing that this will pretty much sum up her own existence, 30 years hence. A life not even half-lived, yet alone well-lived. This film from director Stéphane Brizé, based on Guy de Maupassant’s late 19th century… A Woman’s Life Read More