Women Talking

Women Talking (Sarah Polley, 2022)

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Rating: Q=7, P=6 / Can't Get Enough

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=4, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=3

Drama, Religion, Based on True Story, Complex Relationships

I don't know how it would feel to grow up and live isolated and away from other people, perspectives, and ideas. To only know one, extreme way of life where being a woman meant your voice and thoughts don't matter and have no place. But I know this is the reality for many. I can't imagine the turmoil and trauma of being brutally and repeatedly attacked by men you raised and love. And worse, seeing your children also be attacked. Women Talking is a powerful film. It shows us that strength comes from discussion, conflict, and reasoning. It shows us that challenges can be overcome, it just takes the strength to act. From strength comes solidarity. And, most importantly, from solidarity comes hope.

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Star Wars: The Bad Batch Season 2

Star Wars: The Bad Batch Season 2 (Jennifer Corbett and Dave Filoni, 2023)

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Science Fiction, Action, Adventure

Season 1 Rating: DSQ=10, SP=6 / Can't Get Enough

Scale A=4, Scale B=3, Scale C=3, Scale D=3, Scale E=3

I was expecting season 2 of The Bad Batch to launch right into where we left off from season 1, but instead we got some fun little side stories that explored the Bad Batch family. This was nice but I was worried that we wouldn't get answers or feel the same tension and suspense that season 1 had. By half way in, though, we returned to the main storyline and plenty of new information was revealed. I really enjoyed the new episodes and Omega's growth. While it was a little less engaging, season 2 still offers gorgeous animation and dramatic situations. And, of course, the finale left me wanting more. Why must we always have cliffhangers!

Click here to see how I rated Season 1.

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The Banshees of Inisherin

The Banshees of Inisherin (Martin McDonagh, 2022)

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Rating: Q=8, P=6 / Can't Get Enough

Scale 1=4, Scale 2=4, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=3

Complex Relationships, War, Mental Health, Ireland, 1920s, Dark Comedy

There aren't many films being made today that can pull off a gut-wrenching, serious drama and also makes you laugh and cringe. Martin McDonagh does this masterfully with The Banshees of Inisherin. He has captured the stark, lonely, and also beautiful setting of Inisherin and shows us how isolation and the often mundane human experience can lead to unending wars. 

This film is about battles--civil war, a fight between two men, a struggle between family and independence, a war between father and son, and the hardest battle of all: the crisis of age and impending death. With so many battles humans often forget why they are fighting... this film will stay with you for days. Incredible performances by Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson. Masterful cinema.

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Animation by Don Bluth and Others

An American Tail (Don Bluth, 1986)

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Rating: AQ=6, AP=6 / Comfy Combo

Scale O=3, Scale P=3, Scale Q=2, Scale R=2, Scale S=2

Animation, Immigration, Coming of Age, Adventure

I had never actually seen this film until now, strangely. I enjoyed it--a lovely sketchy quality to the art. The storyline and the flow was a little too fast, but it was still charming.

An American Tail: Fievel Goes West (Phil Nibbelink and Simon Wells, 1991)

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Rating: AQ=6, AP=6 / Comfy Combo

Scale O=3, Scale P=3, Scale Q=2, Scale R=2, Scale S=2

Animation, Immigration, Coming of Age, Adventure

A fun little escape. The art felt less whimsical than the original film, but the story was maybe more fun. 

The Land Before Time (Don Bluth, 1988)

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Rating: AQ=6, AP=8 / Comfy Combo

Scale O=3, Scale P=3, Scale Q=3, Scale R=3, Scale S=2

Animation, Coming of Age, Adventure

I love this film in so many ways--so nostalgic. The characters are endearing and the setting and artwork is lovely.

The Brave Little Toaster (Jerry Rees, 1987)

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Rating: AQ=8, AP=9 / Drooling

Scale O=4, Scale P=4, Scale Q=3, Scale R=3, Scale S=3

Animation, Adventure

Of all the non-Disney animated films during the 1980s, the Brave Little Toaster has by far the best artwork and the most dramatic and interesting story. It is no wonder that those who worked on this film later went on to found Pixar. I love this hand-drawn animation so much more.

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