Patricia Riggen's film is just in time for Mother's Day, and it certainly isn't lacking any of that drippy sentimentality you would expect from a family portrait.  Ansiedad Gutierrez (Cierra Ramirez) has decided that the coming-of-age stories she is reading in her English class will provide her with a path to an adulthood in which she can successfully escape her childlike mother, Grace (Eva Mendes). After all, Mom did crown her with a ... Read More

Director David Foenkinos' debut feature (based on his same-titled novel) stars Audrey Tatou as the ethereal Nathalie, who throws herself into her work after the death of her husband. Nathalie has no semblance of a personal life, as she prefers to live by formal interaction and is repelled by the advances of her arrogant boss. There is a shift in the film, however, which eradicates the narrative's predictability--the introduction of Markus ... Read More

  Seventh grade isn't a great time for anyone, but it was my worst year in school. Why? Because I was constantly bullied and sexually harassed by some boys in school. I never talked to anyone about it (because it seemed to be par for the course), but those experiences affected how I felt about myself for years to come.  I overcame these experiences over time, but not everyone does. That's clear if you take a look at how many kids ... Read More

A lone woman is standing at baggage claim in full army uniform. The look on her face suggests doubt that anyone is coming for her.  She lingers for a moment until a squeal is heard and the camera pans down to her young daughter latching on to her. As Kelli, played by Linda Cardellini (of Freaks and Geeks fame) reunites with her husband and two daughters, the camera hangs so close to their faces it's almost ... Read More

  Wednesday night I celebrated the anniversary of Roe v. Wade (the '73 case that legalized abortion) by attending author Jennifer Baumgardner's screening of the documentary she made with Gillian Aldrich entitled, I Had an Abortion, which was released by Women Make Movies. The event was held at Bluestockings, a feminist and activist bookstore on Allen and Stanton st. I must admit, despite having read and loved her modern guide to ... Read More