The Lineup: Films We’re Eyeing in January

By Tom Moore and Joan Amenn It’s a new year and a new slate of great films by women directors are heading our way. Be sure to check out the below as we welcome 2023 here at InTheirOwnLeague.com 1. Women Talking: Directed by Sarah Polley,one of the most acclaimed films of the year and definitely one of our faves at ITOL. Check out our roundtable … Continue reading The Lineup: Films We’re Eyeing in January

Review: Catherine Called Birdy

Year: 2022 Runtime: 108 minutes Director: Lena Dunham Writers: Lena Dunham, Karen Cushman (based on the book by) Starring: Bella Ramsey, Billie Piper, Andrew Scott, Joe Alwyn, Lesley Sharp, Sophie Okonedo, Paul Kaye, Dean-Charles Chapman, Archie Renaux, Isis Hainsworth, David Bradley By Sarah Manvel Writer-director Lena Dunham’s speciality is depicting how people learn about themselves through their sexual choices. In the seven seasons of her … Continue reading Review: Catherine Called Birdy

The Lineup: Films We’re Eyeing in December

By Tom Moore and Valerie Kalfrin As we head into the holiday season, In Their Own League looks to not only delve into some of our favorite holiday flicks, but also some anticipated movies hitting theaters and streaming this December. 2022 has already seen some prolific and breakout talents make their mark on the year and this December closes the year out on that same … Continue reading The Lineup: Films We’re Eyeing in December

Families in Film Retrospective: The Corleone Family of The Godfather

By Joan Amenn Tolstoy wrote that “happy families are all alike, every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” The Corleone family in “The Godfather” (1972) is not a happy family, despite throwing a lavish wedding party that presents a unified front of prestige and wealth. The children all carry destructive motives of jealousy, insecurity and an inbred thirst for power so how can … Continue reading Families in Film Retrospective: The Corleone Family of The Godfather

Noirvember Retrospective: Laura

By Joan Amenn There are films that are noir and there is “Laura” (1944) which is in a class by itself. Nominated for five Oscars and winning for Best Black and White Cinematography, “Laura” is the kind of film that can be viewed many times over and never grows tired. Much like the portrait of the femme fatale herself, it has charm and elegance, and … Continue reading Noirvember Retrospective: Laura

Review: Hocus Pocus 2

Year: 2022 Runtime: 96 minutes Director: Anne Fletcher Writers: Jen D’Angelo, David Kirschner (story), Blake Harris, based on characters created by Mick Garris and David Kirschner Actors: Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy, Whitney Peak, Belissa Escobedo, Lilia Buckingham, Froy Gutierrez, Sam Richardson, Doug Jones, Tony Hale, Hannah Waddingham By Rosa Parra Every Halloween there’s a list of films that we must all watch … Continue reading Review: Hocus Pocus 2

Femme Filmmakers Festival 7 Review: Polished

Year: 2022 Runtime: 6 minutes Director/Writer: Colleen Dodge Actors: Jane Stiles By Dominic Corr Six minutes. That’s all it takes for Colleen Dodge’s “Polished” to communicate a vulnerable glimpse in decisions, everyday decisions, but decisions only half of the world is making. And within these six minutes, nothing is taken at second value; it speaks true and forthright with a stellar cinema verité framework. Aiming … Continue reading Femme Filmmakers Festival 7 Review: Polished

Muru: TIFF Review

Year: 2022 Runtime: 104 minutes Writer/Director: Tearepa Kahi Actors: Cliff Curtis, Jay Ryan, Manu Bennett, Simone Kessell By Joan Amenn A thriller that reveals that police are corrupt and native peoples are being abused? Sounds like we have been here before and as sincere an effort as “Muru” (2022) is, it does not break out of old cliches. However, the performem takes on us a … Continue reading Muru: TIFF Review