Category: Movie

Posted on

Wonder Woman

Yesssss, Wonder Woman!!!

“I expected to like Wonder Woman. I didn’t expect it to be such a relief.” wrote Caroline Framke in Vox. Well put, Caroline. I couldn’t have phrased my reactions any better.

I am so glad (and so relieved) to finally see a heroine who is proud, strong, and intelligent… who carves out a story of her own without being limited by the society’s (or entertainment industry’s) gender stereotypes… and to see other male characters react in ways that real men should do (or any real men with a secure sense of self should do): Show our superhero respect, admire her strength, and let her take the reins.

Now that I’ve got my jitters out of the way, I will definitely be going back again soon. Re-watch the movie knowing I can kick back, relax, and enjoy dazzling fight scenes without having to take a break from being a feminist.

Caroline Framke: Wonder Woman isn’t just the superhero Hollywood needs. She’s the one exhausted feminists deserve.

Posted on

Restless Creature: Wendy Whelan

Wow!!! An incredible documentary about ballerina extraordinaire, Wendy Whelan, as she approaches her 30th year with the New York City Ballet.

First and foremost, it’s a story about the extraordinary strength and the unimaginable perseverance of dancers. The film opens with Wendy undergoing a gruesome surgery, as we discover that Wendy has been dancing for nearly a year despite a completely torn cartilage in her hip joint. Wendy recovers, rebuilds, and drives herself right back to the dance floor. Dancers are some of the world’s strongest athletes. If anyone ever has any doubt, ask them to watch this opening sequence.

Second, it’s a story about love. Not just the love of ballet but the love of chasing after a life-long dream: To be always dancing. To want to dance more than to live. And to give 200% of what you have, in order to live that dream.

Finally, it’s about the friendship, kinship among dancers. Cultivating in one touching beautiful final performance on the stage of Lincoln Center.

Wendy Whelan took on one of the most demanding jobs in the world, both physically and emotionally. She’s doing it. Living it. Loving it. And she continues to learn and reinvent herself even after 30 years. Go see the film. You will be inspired!