A gentle score and soft, dreamy flashbacks give this film the feel of a period romance, though the story’s loyalty to Lou’s own obstinate personality ultimately makes it a fascinating character study. Well done, Lou Andreas-Salomé! (AEL: 4/5)
Category: Bechdel-Wallace List
GRACE JONES – BLOODLIGHT AND BAMI (2017): Review by Katusha Jin
Grace Beverly Jones is the electric, eye-catching, and uniquely bold subject of Sophie Fiennes’ documentary, Grace Jones: Bloodlight and Bami. Fiennes accompanies the multitalented artist-entrepreneur for five years and showcases some of the most vulnerable, naked, and unknown dimensions of the star, famous for her fierce personality. (KIZJ: 3.5/5)
THE JUDGE (2017): Review by Farah Elattar
Directed by Erika Cohn, The Judge is a documentary that gives a unique perspective on the concept of Sharia Law, through the eyes of the first woman judge in the Middle East’s religious court. (FEA: 5/5) Review by FF2 Intern Farah Elattar Kholoud Al-Faqih is part of a modern-day movement that aims to challenge religious…
TRUTH OR DARE (2018): Review by Brigid Presecky
From director Jeff Wadlow and three co-writers including Jillian Jacobs, Blumhouse’s Truth or Dare is a basic teen horror movie without many thrills. Despite its occasional scares and attempted commentary on the danger of both secrecy and blatant honesty, there’s nothing truthful or daring about this cringe-worthy film. (BKP: 2.5/5) Review by Managing Editor Brigid…
BLOCKERS (2018): Review by Elly Levenson
With non-stop laugh-out-loud humor and a truly authentic core, Blockers, written by Brian & Jim Kehoe and directed by the Pitch Perfect trilogy's Kay Cannon, stands out as one of the funniest comedy blockbusters of the past few years. (EML: 4/5)
THE MIRACLE SEASON (2018): Review by Brigid Presecky
The Miracle Season is an emotional journey through a high school volleyball team’s unlikely victories following the death of their captain. Though it doesn’t win every set, The Miracle Season is an inspirational sports film with enough heart to win the game. (BKP: 4/5)
THIS IS HOME - A REFUGEE STORY (2018): Review by Amelie Lasker
In This Is Home: A Refugee Story, filmmakers follow four Syrian families in their first months as refugees in Baltimore, Maryland. Their story is sweet and sensitive, but not at all easy. (AEL: 4.5/5)
ALL I WISH (2017): Review by Elly Levenson
Susan Walters’ All I Wish struggles to find its footing with uneven performances, choppy transitions, and a cliche storyline. Still, as a voice for middle-aged women, struggling to find their way, Walters has opened the door.
FINDING YOUR FEET (2017): Review by Amelie Lasker
Co-written by Meg Leonard, Finding Your Feetfollows Sandra (Imelda Staunton) when her husband of thirty-five years leaves her for a mutual friend. Lost and heartbroken, Sandra moves in with her adventurous and charming estranged sister Bif (Celia Imrie). It’s rare to see a movie with a cast of characters who are almost entirely retirement age…
OUTSIDE IN (2018): Review by Kathy Cutler
Directed by Lynn Shelton and co-written with Jay Duplass, Outside In tells the unlikely love story of a man released after 20 years in prison and his high school teacher, the only person to stick by him. The film follows the inner workings of their minds and never loses the audience for a second. (KAC:…