Year: 2022

‘Happening’: Diwan’s abortion film is a distressing, timely, and important cinematic experience

Jeff Mitchell

“Happening” – “Accept it.  You have no choice.” – Dr. Ravinsky (Fabrizio Rongione) Dr. Ravinsky voices this message to Anne Duchesne (Anamaria Vartolomei), a 23-year-old literature student, during a follow-up visit.  Even though he delivers these words with regret and empathy, the blow isn’t tempered to Anne’s ears.  She does not consent.  She cannot concede. Anne is pregnant.  She wishes to terminate her pregnancy. However, it’s 1963 in Angoulême, France, and abortion won’t become legal until 1975.  Anne is stuck.  She wishes to continue her studies and verbalizes her situation.…

‘Petite Maman’ – A perfect Mother’s Day movie

Jeff Mitchell

“Petite Maman” (2021) – Celine Sciamma’s modern-day fantasy begins with a loss.  Off-camera, eight-year-old Nelly’s (Josephine Sanz) grandmother passes away.  Nelly, her mom (Nina Meurisse), and her dad (Stephane Varupenne) travel to the late woman’s home to sift through belongings and settle customary affairs.  However, misfortune morphs into magic on the following day, when Nelly meets a new and noteworthy friend, Marion (Gabrielle Sanz), to distract her from yesterday’s sorrow.  In just 73 precious minutes, Sciamma opens a cinematic door, holds our hands, and leads us to a world with…

‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ conjures frustration

Jeff Mitchell

(Warning, Spoiler Alert: this review explains the “WandaVision” (2021) streaming series and therefore, Wanda Maximoff’s motivation in this film.) “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” (2022) – “Things just got out of hand.” – Doctor Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) After watching “Doctor Strange 2”, yes, the Good Doctor is correct, but this critic had a different thought. Despite some big moments in the multiverse and director Sam Raimi raising Cain in some glorious spots, this Doctor Strange sequel conjures frustration.    First of all, Marvel Studios misnamed the movie…