Flicks That Lick: Marcie’s Movie Recs for an Unbearably Hot Summer
by MARCIE COLLETT
Here are some films featuring strong women both in front of and behind the camera. Indulge in theaters and indoors with these female-forward movies during this miserable heat wave.
GUILTY PLEASURE
Barb And Star Go To Vista Del Mar
Get altered with your favorite indulgence and best besties to watch this thoroughly enjoyable nonsense. Written by and starring Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo (the writers of Bridesmaids), along with Jamie Dornan supporting as an objectified male with his own hilarious ballad solo.
Available: HBOMax or rentable
S/HERO
Despite three delays in over a year, Black Widow’s opening weekend was the biggest in the pandemic era, and the movie industry hopes this means people are ready to go back to the theaters. Marvel finally has featured Scarlett Johansson on an anti-hero’s redemption journey, and FINALLY, a woman is directing. On Rotten Tomatoes critic reviews are at 80%, but the audience score is 92%. If you are into Marvel and/or action movies, it’s worth spending the time and money to see it on the big screen.
Available: In theaters or $30 for Disney+ subscribers
GIRLS BEHAVING BADLY
Zola was based on a series of iconic, viral tweets which caught the attention of Ava DuVernay and which lead to the Rolling Stone article: A waitress is seduced into traveling to Florida for a glamorous trip of “hoe-ism” and profitable stripping. Written and directed by Janicza Bravo, Zola was a Sundance 2020 much-talked-about darling, but it’s not for the sensitive. It brutally reveals women in the dangerous and demeaning business of pleasing men, but the fearless performances of lead actress Taylour Paige and supporting cast make this a fascinating tale of survival through sexuality.
Available: In theaters
AGING DISGRACEFULLY
The extraordinary Ellen Burstyn, Ann-Margret, Jane Curtin, and Loretta Devine star in Mean Girls – the senior citizen version. The sometimes mediocre story and dialogue are elevated by these effervescent, legendary actresses.
Available to stream (while supporting Salt Lake Film Society): https://slfsathome.org/main/queen-bees
3 SUNDANCE HER-STORIES STILL TO COME
Coda A fantastic dramatic comedy with Deaf actors in great ensemble cast. CODA = Child of Deaf Adult. Really funny, deep, and sweet, Coda set a record for awards, winning all major ones in the US Dramatic category. Its $25 million deal shattered previous Sundance records of $17.5 million for Palm Springs and also Birth Of A Nation. Apple considers this movie a movement - not a moment - for the Deaf community.
Available: August 13, 2021, in theaters and on AppleTV+
My Name Is Pauli Murray is a documentary re black, non-binary Pauli Murray's extraordinary life which influenced Justices Thurgood Marshall and Ruth Bader Gingsberg, and many, many others.
Available: September 17, 2021, in theaters and on Amazon Prime in October.
Rita Moreno: Just A Girl Who Decided To Go For It will appear on PBS American Masters, just before her co-production of Stephen Speilberg’s Westside Story.
Available: In the Fall 2021 on PBS as part of American Masters Series
END OF THE YEAR AWARD-SEASON HOPEFULS
The Eternals: looking forward to another Marvel epic in November, directed by Nomadland’s Chloe Zhao.
House Of Gucci : Excited for Lady Gaga and Adam Driver and Salma Hayek to star in an historical drama about the infamous Patrizia Gucci which opens after Thanksgiving.