Review: Fall

Year: 2022 Runtime: 107 minutes Director: Scott Mann Writers: Jonathan Frank, Scott Mann Actors: Grace Caroline Currey, Virginia Gardner, Mason Gooding, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Jasper Cole, Darrell Dennis, Bamm Ericsen, Julia Pace Mitchell By Caelyn O’Reilly When I first saw the trailer for “Fall” I got so excited to see the latest entry in my favourite hyper-specific genre of film; thrillers about extremely competent women … Continue reading Review: Fall

How Black Widow Depicts themes of dehumAnization and human trafficking

By Jillian Chilingerian When Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson) first appeared on the screen in “Iron Man 2”(2010), Tony Stark referred to her as “I want one” and that is how she was characterized throughout her entire 10-year run. Dressed in her skintight catsuit and every shade of red hair, her onscreen role was to have sexual tension with every member of the Avengers whom she … Continue reading How Black Widow Depicts themes of dehumAnization and human trafficking

Tribeca Film Festival 2021 Review: LFG

Year: 2021 Runtime: 105 minutes Directors: Sean Fine, Andrea Nix Fine By Joan Amenn It seemed the world was united in rejoicing for the U.S. Women’s World Cup win of 2019. The truth is, even the U.S. Soccer Federation was not completely supportive of the team, and hadn’t been since their inception in the 1990’s. The ugly lawsuit that was the result of the blatant … Continue reading Tribeca Film Festival 2021 Review: LFG

Tribeca Film Festival 2021 Review: No Ordinary Life

Year: 2021 Runtime: 77 minutes Director: Heather O’Neill By Joan Amenn The organization “Reporters Without Borders” states that 50 journalists were killed in their line of work in 2020, 84% of which were deliberately targeted. Although not a very large number, it is important to keep in mind that while journalism has inherent risks as a profession, journalists and their news crews are increasingly being … Continue reading Tribeca Film Festival 2021 Review: No Ordinary Life

Review: Stuntwomen: The Untold Hollywood Story

Since the dawn of motion pictures, women have been performing stunts to amaze and entertain their audiences. From the silent film era, to the rise of female action stars in the 1970s, to the present day abundance of superhero movies, “Stuntwomen: The Untold Hollywood Story” gives audiences a look into the history of these amazing women and their fight for equal representation and recognition in their field. The film is based on a book of the same name by Mollie Gregory. Both the movie and the book are a must for any fan of film or Hollywood history. Continue reading Review: Stuntwomen: The Untold Hollywood Story

#Womeninaction- Retrospective review: Destroyer

“Destroyer” (2018) isn’t your typical action movie. For one thing, it stars Nicole Kidman who isn’t the first person I think of when I think “action movie.” It’s also directed by a woman who is not Kathryn Bigelow, which is something of an anomaly. Director Karyn Kusama, who you might know as the director of the cult classic Jennifer’s Body, plays with the typical cop drama here. She flips the gendered stereotype on its head and crafts an intense story with Detective Erin Bell (Nicole Kidman) at the center. Continue reading #Womeninaction- Retrospective review: Destroyer

#WomeninAction Retrospective Review: Hanna

Action films aren’t exactly what you think of when you hear director Joe Wright or actress Saoirse Ronan’s names. They probably conjure thoughts of period dramas, like the 2007 “Atonement” that they worked on together. And yet, in 2011, Wright directed Ronan in “Hanna,” an action film that has been compared to the Bourne movies, and did remarkably good job. Continue reading #WomeninAction Retrospective Review: Hanna

#WOMENINACTION: HALF THE PICTURE – FEMALE DIRECTORS

For August, In Their Own League decided to focus on women in action. I decided to twist it by emphasizing the “action” uniquely, directing. After watching “Half the Picture” (2018) by Amy Adrion, I was inspired to give a deserving spotlight to women who are taking action to increase the representation of women behind the camera; those same women who call “action!” for their films.  Continue reading #WOMENINACTION: HALF THE PICTURE – FEMALE DIRECTORS

#WOMENINACTION RETROSPECTIVE: ELLEN RIPLEY, AN “ALIEN” QUEEN AND PERENNIAL FAVORITE

When Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) tied with Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) in our August poll of readers’ favorite female action heroes, I wasn’t surprised. How could I be? Continue reading #WOMENINACTION RETROSPECTIVE: ELLEN RIPLEY, AN “ALIEN” QUEEN AND PERENNIAL FAVORITE

#WomenInAction Review: Edge of Tomorrow

I was recommended “Edge of Tomorrow” (2014) specifically for Emily Blunt’s character, Sergeant Rita Vrataski. I adore Emily Blunt, so I was all in for giving this a watch. The premise of this story is a groundhog’s day type of set up–the main characters re-live a single day on a loop. Rita is strong, both physically and emotionally. She is incredibly smart. She makes Cage (Tom Cruise) take a back seat as they attempt to conquer a world where humans are at war with a specific type of alien. Continue reading #WomenInAction Review: Edge of Tomorrow