anne-536 Reviews

Girl (II) (2018)

the struggles of a trans girl ballerina

[5/10 · 4 March 2023]

I liked this film a lot, though I only gave it 50% because of the weak cinematography and sets. It reminded me a lot of my own trials and struggles in the path to the woman I am today - that was a long time ago, but my memories are vivid, as I believe any trans woman would say.

The filmmaker did a great job in bringing us inside the head of this particular girl, especially given the character is only 15 turning 16. Victor Polster did a great job to put forth her problems and desires so well, without making his character say so much; it's in her facial expressions which Victor protrayed so well.

Surprising is finding after viewing that the actor in Lara's role was not an actor, but a dancer. The struggles with the bodily pain of ballet practice, together with the pain involved in showing as a female was very well performed.

Swung (2015)

worth a watch - only!

[4/10 · 17 May 2019]

Seen on DVD. Here I am at the beginning, thinking that this story will go somewhere and seeing good actors laying out a reasonable plot. But the more they exposed their characters, the more I started shouting at the screen to 'get real!'. The male lead, David, seemed like a 'normal' guy at first, but he became more unbelievable as the movie went on. Who would really act like that!? He's got this attractive partner who wants him sexually, and he can't get it up. Yet, there he is, only minutes later in the movie wanking off to some swinger ad. Oh, come on!

What he gets away with doing at the swinger club in the end is not believable - the club would never have let that happen (and we viewers should know that), yet we are shown a preposterous scene just to get to the end of the movie/plot where they 'live happily ever after'.

I only wonder: is this anything like the book? or, have the filmmakers left out important plot points?

Without (I) (2011)

single woman centered

[8/10 · 11 July 2011]

I was fortunate to view this movie at Outfest L.A. just this past Sunday. After the showing, the director (Mark Jackson) and actor (Joslyn Jensen) did a Q & A. That helped a lot in understanding what he was trying to do with this plot. I liked this film, and must say that Joslyn is great in this role. The plot is centered entirely around her character, and she provides your whole view of this story; which is a good thing, because you can concentrate on the clues and red herrings thrown at you in that hour and a half of viewing. The setting is very good, and the opening brings you to her work at this cottage on an island (in Puget Sound, if I'm correct), to care for this elderly man while the family is gone for some reason or other. I didn't get a chance to confirm if it was all filmed in the house or if they did some of it on sets for the rooms (equipment sometimes needs space, you know). So, this is the kind of film that shows whether an actor can convince you that they are the character the director wants you to see; and Joslyn accomplished that task very well. I'm sure you'll like this film. I plan on seeing it again.

Twelve Thirty (2010)

family drama

[7/10 · 11 February 2011]

I loved the way the director presented these three female characters (mother and 2 daughters) to us. The first scene gives you a hint of this method, and the actors' lines are keenly spoken to carry you through to the next scene. For those who haven't seen this, I recommend paying attention; the simplest line reveals a lot. All the actors did very well, but the cinematography was (in my view) somewhat lacking in places. Even at its longer than average run time, I believe it could have had another 15 minutes or so just to fill in some of the minor plot holes. Though not necessary, I believe the father and boyfriend needed more definition to their characters. I liked this movie for its unconventional approach, tasteful (no pun) nudity, and good humor. Portia Reiners did an exceptional job. I recommend that you find this movie wherever it's playing near you and go.