An Antidote to Summer
No doubt about it: summer is boy's night out at the movies. Already this summer, we've had John Shaft, Mission Impossible's Ethan Hunt, a ticked-off Mel Gibson (but then, is there any other kind?) and the world's most sensitive gladiator (but not so sensitive that he won't chop off a head when needed).
And well this is all fine and good, I'm beginning to wonder if summer needs a shot of estrogen to slice through all the macho madness.
So I've provided it, in the form of six films focusing mainly on female characters facing decidely female problems: buying a first bra (Slums of Beverly Hills), motherhood (Tumbleweeds), and middle age (Jackie Brown). These gals are so charming, smart, strong and real, they make me forget about Russell Crowe and his metal gladiator skirt. Well, almost.
1. The Slums of Beverly Hills: Imagine picking out your first bra with your dad, who tells the saleslady that you just "got stacked overnight." Such is the pain faced by Vivian (Natasha Lyonne). She lives with dad (a priceless Adam Arkin) and her two brothers in a series of ramshackle apartments in California. Then her uncle pay's Vivian's dad to take care of Rita (Marisa Tomei), Vivian's drug-addled cousin. The plot is borderlinesitcom, but it's set against the backdrop of Vivian's all too real puberty. It's all here: the awkward intimacy with an inappropriate boy (in this case, a pot dealer who lives next door and is obsessed by Charles Manson), being told you have a mustache, staining furniture with menstrual blood. At least one moment in this movie is guaranteed to make any woman say "Oh my God, that's me!" Add to the painful realism some very funny moments and great acting and you have a fine gal-centered coming of age flick.
2. Man in the Moon: Not to be confused with the Andy Kaufman biopic Man ON the Moon, this film centers on the Trants, a family in 1950's Lousiana. There's much pregnant mom, gruff but tender dad, perfect oldest sis, assorted rugrats and, in the middle of it all Dani, an irresistable tomboy played by the irresistable Reese Witherspoon in one of her first roles. Dani is scrappy and wonderful, playing Elvis records, getting dirty and running off to the swimming hole. Then a family friend moves to town with her brood, including the dreamy Court (Jason London). Dani is in love, and Court may be to, although he's 17and Dani is 14. But then, Court meets Dani's prissy, perfect sister Maureen (Emily Warfield) and forgets all about the wonderful little tomboy. Ugh. I can't tell you how many times I watched this at sleepovers as a teen, and everytime Court dumps Dani for Maureen, my heart breaks. Man in the Moon's view of
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