This film, which centers around the activities of a clandestine gang of radical feminists who attempt to culture jam patriarchal imagery and a young high-school graduate (Anna) who joins them after being invited by their really attractive leader (Sadie), not only provides a cute storyline (though, obviously not completely realistic), but actually gives an airing to debates that exist within the feminist, queer, and activist communities in the United States.
The conflict between more traditional community organizers, activists, and nonprofit leaders (such as Sadie's mainstream feminist girlfriend Courtney) and more radical groups (like the C.I.A.) is explored in the film in a way that's actually fairly level-handed... while the C.I.A.'s exploits are somewhat glorified, we also get to see the tension some of the characters (like Anna and Courtney) exhibit bridging these two worlds. The debate between members of the queer community who are pro-marriage and those who want to move away from marriage as a social institution was also showcased. These are kind of heavy issues, but the film brings them up in a way that does not detract from its ultimate mission of staying lighthearted and fun.
Furthermore, I thought that this film actually portrayed queer characters (who often receive no visibility in film) in a way that was more or less realistic. The members of the C.I.A. range on a full spectrum from more traditionally feminine presentations (like the femme-y Sadie and Shulamith) to more masculine or butch presentations (such as Calvin). Shulamith's queer identity (at the beginning of the movie she dates men before she meets Calvin) provides a sense of diversity in orientations, negating the idea that "straight" and "lesbian" are the only valid identities for women. And Aggie, the pre-testosterone, pre-operation transman, is presented realistically--even though he is not fully transitioned, the characters use correct pronouns and affirm his male identity, which is good to see. The riot grrl soundtrack and references to all different kinds of activism add to a kind of feel-good and playful anarchist vibe that, while it may not change the world, at least gets people thinking while they have some fun. Because this movie is smart, but doesn't take itself too seriously, I highly recommend it.
The conflict between more traditional community organizers, activists, and nonprofit leaders (such as Sadie's mainstream feminist girlfriend Courtney) and more radical groups (like the C.I.A.) is explored in the film in a way that's actually fairly level-handed... while the C.I.A.'s exploits are somewhat glorified, we also get to see the tension some of the characters (like Anna and Courtney) exhibit bridging these two worlds. The debate between members of the queer community who are pro-marriage and those who want to move away from marriage as a social institution was also showcased. These are kind of heavy issues, but the film brings them up in a way that does not detract from its ultimate mission of staying lighthearted and fun.
Furthermore, I thought that this film actually portrayed queer characters (who often receive no visibility in film) in a way that was more or less realistic. The members of the C.I.A. range on a full spectrum from more traditionally feminine presentations (like the femme-y Sadie and Shulamith) to more masculine or butch presentations (such as Calvin). Shulamith's queer identity (at the beginning of the movie she dates men before she meets Calvin) provides a sense of diversity in orientations, negating the idea that "straight" and "lesbian" are the only valid identities for women. And Aggie, the pre-testosterone, pre-operation transman, is presented realistically--even though he is not fully transitioned, the characters use correct pronouns and affirm his male identity, which is good to see. The riot grrl soundtrack and references to all different kinds of activism add to a kind of feel-good and playful anarchist vibe that, while it may not change the world, at least gets people thinking while they have some fun. Because this movie is smart, but doesn't take itself too seriously, I highly recommend it.