Moxie, based on the novel by Jennifer Mathieu and directed by the excellent Amy Poehler takes on intersectional feminism in a way that seems inspired by pop-culture and current socio-political issues. Arguably, Moxie takes on A LOT of current socio-political issues in a way that is digestible for audiences of all ages. Moxie tells the story of Vivian (Hadley Robinson) and her Feminist Awakening. Being the daughter of Amy Poehler’s Third Wave Feminist mom character, Vivian takes on the responsibility of a local feminist leader, yet she stays anonymous. Vivian, in desperate need to have something she is wildly passionate about, turns to her mom’s box filled with Bikini Kill CDs and protest gear to find a passion standing up for the women of her school. Cocky harassing white boys, teachers who turn a blind eye, and a principal who is too lazy to do her job and fill out title 9 paperwork are what make this stereotypical high school in need of a feminist makeover. Vivian, in a Bikini Kill-induced rage, creates a Zine called “Moxie” as an anonymous call to action for the women at her school to start taking a stand.

 Overall, I was entertained by this movie, but in no way was I moved by it. The themes and claims Moxie makes have been made in less direct ways before in films such as Booksmart or Dumplin. The diversity in this film is decent and recognizes the hardships that women of color still face in a world with modern feminism. We see two types of men in this film, from the supportive man of color to the white rapist, and very few significant in-betweens. Vivian is a character that experiences growth but not without bringing the women around her down. Overall, I don’t believe this film is groundbreaking, but will hopefully influence young women to support their BIPOC friends, speak outwardly against the patriarchy, and be as LOUD as they can be.

From start to finish, Olivia Wilde’s Booksmart (2019) is a wild (wordplay unintended) ride. Wilde’s coming-of-age comedy directorial debut is simultaneously hilarious and entertaining, and remarkably heartfelt and relatable. The movie is really just a joy to experience, and as I watched it for the second time this past weekend, I found myself smiling throughout it.

The film’s plot is quite simple; the majority of it takes place over a single night. School-focused best friends Molly (Beanie Feldstein) and Amy (Kaitlyn Dever) come to a striking realization on the final day of their senior year: they are not the only people in their school who have managed to get into good colleges, but they are the only students who have spent all of high school focused solely on school rather than having fun. They decide that they can’t allow themselves to have gone through all of high school without partying, and they set out to spend the night celebrating with their classmates. This leads to fun, some trouble, and ultimately, new conclusions about themselves and the people around them.