Itty Bitty Titty Committee (2007) Poster

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4/10
Could have been awesome
graymalkin_210 November 2007
Warning: Spoilers
IBTC was the opening night film at the Indianapolis LGBT film festival and I did not enjoy it. The most frustrating aspect of this film is that it had a good premise and could have been something truly powerful for the community.

For all of its expression of feminist empowerment, it is utterly amazing that the filmmaker expects the audience to accept that the main character can use and abuse the friendship of the transgender character and be together with the pretty little femme girl, who has a history of using and abusing other women. That ending completely undercuts many of the themes of the film itself.

On top of that, the only characters with any depth at all are those that, interestingly enough, are more stereotypically feminine in their appearance. The more ambiguous characters are all very one-note.

And that ending...the plot holes are glaring. How did Aggie find himself operating a camera on a nationally-syndicated television show without being discovered by those who already work there? Also, someone has clearly commandeered the control room and no one is attempting to take it back? Oh, and how long have such talk shows been broadcast live, with no delay or edit? I'm sure that someone will point out that this is a comedy, but it should still be consistent in its own logic.

Once again, Jamie Babbit has come up with an interesting premise and refused to do it justice.
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5/10
Tonally and noticeably alive, but glaringly empty
StevePulaski5 February 2013
Rarely have the ideas of social rebellion, political anarchism, and radical feminism reached such an uninspired status. Itty Bitty Titty Committee seems like a gay film for the self-conscious or the quiet homosexuals; a film that they can watch and release their inner-self, yelling at the screen and even going as far as personally siding with the character(s). However, due to its thin and uncertain nature, this film doesn't appear to have much of a thought as to what direction it wants to go in. Political commentary? Humanizing the feminists in general or the characters in the film? The idea of exercising the right of an opinion in a country that fears unpopular ones? These are all discarded while the film attempts to make up its mind.

The story concerns Anna (Melonie Diaz), a young woman working at a plastic surgery clinic and has just gone through a rough breakup. She is inhabiting a life of utter dullness, slogging through numerous patient appointments, and obtaining stress from her sister, whose wedding is right around the corner. When she meets Sadie (Nicole Vicius), a social activist responsible for the "C(i)A" (aka, "Clits in Action," if you couldn't make out the little text reference. The C(i)A works in giving the impressionable public a taste of the strength that women possess, yet are forced to repress in a male-dominated culture. They reject marriage, both gay and straight, defile public landmarks, and stage protests with strong, incorruptible messages feeding on power and deviance. Anna soon becomes consumed in this lifestyle, and her morals and ethics become flipped upside down as her obedient nature is turned into a smarmy, non-conformist personality-change that feeds on ego and narcissistic intentions.

There's nothing more disappointing than a film with an idea that results in a missed opportunity, and Itty Bitty Titty Committee is a grand one. Its idea could instantly brew a fiery sociological debate among pro-feminist and anti-feminist activists based on the content and issues it shows to its audience. Unfortunately, it gives us dull, archetypal anarchists whose motivations seem to not be because of global needs, but shallow personal ones. Our lead characters, mainly Sadie, seem less concerned with how others feel and more concerned about their well-being and personal needs.

Even the monologues delivered by the members of the C(i)A leave a lot to be desired. When we're dropped into a world foreign to our "normal" one in films, we'd like to be provided with a little backstory into the setting, time period, and philosophy of the characters. Consider Red State, Kevin Smith's film that focused on a devoutly religious family that committed atrocities against gays and non-believers. The leading male, Michael Parks, was given a roughly ten minute monologue expressing the motivations of his church in a shivering and unblinking shot. The dialog given to the audience here is disjointed, largely unmemorable, and those unaware of feminist goals or common tactics will not learn very much about them other than they are self-righteous, outcasts in society, and very concerned about how many site visits they'll receive. And they have a talent for swaying Anna with their tactics in only what seems to be a few days.

On the bright side of things, director Jamie Babbit (of But I'm a Cheerleader fame) continues to show promise in her career as a director, as do several of the actresses here, and the soundtrack and cinematography were the two primary things keeping me alert and in-tune with the film. Yet the lack of an introduction on feminism itself, the repetitive state of events, the senseless and absurd ending, and the emptiness of any deeper meaning, Itty Bitty Titty Committee quickly spirals down to the level of forgettable obscurity I'm almost certain it was trying to avoid.

Starring: Melonie Diaz, Nicole Vicius, and Melanie Mayron. Directed by: Jamie Babbit.
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6/10
Alright
bitemybigmac2 October 2013
Warning: Spoilers
The movie a slow kick off. I will say it is a movie that represents a good feeling of honor, slight crude humor and has you walking away from the movie feeling very feminist. The acting isn't at its best but it could be worse. The story line and attitude it brings along with it is very teen and yet it makes you feel happy to be who you are and even dare I say it the movie shows a representation of really just a 'You Only Live Once' vibe yet for me I enjoyed that. I would watch the movie again yet not on a regularly basis. So putting the topics to a summary the movie contains a healthy attitude to body image, a comforting look into the LGBT community and a good explanation and understanding of how society and the government combined can be manipulated against it self and alter the minds of the community. So to wrap it up I would say the movie is defiantly a unique one and is worth seeing.
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2/10
Where are the actual itty bitty titties on feminine women?? I did notice the bad nose job, though.
sonic_splendor28 October 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Disappointing. The lead characters have sizable boobs that would be considered "acceptable" by most men and women. Plus, one of them has a terrible nose job. When you already "have boobs," it's not as big a deal to refuse a padded bra as when you have "no boobs" and are considered "flat-chested," which is what I have experienced for many years. Where were the feminine characters with itty bitty titties?? I didn't see any in this film. It's possible to be femme and have small tits-- as in A or AA cup, not B cup or larger-- although the brainwashing forces of society would have us believing otherwise. For a conventionally pretty girl with tits (Melanie Diaz) to start an "Itty Bitty Titty Committee" seems condescending and indulgently self-righteous. I want to see itty bitty titties for real, and not only on "butch" women. Where is the authentic physical representation? This movie is not real. It's a minefield of mixed messages just like any other media geared towards women.
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Disappointing
kirstieKAPOW28 July 2011
Warning: Spoilers
I had high hopes for this film, after loving 'But I'm a Cheerleader', but frankly, I was disappointed. It was particularly difficult to empathise with the main character, Anna, because she just came across as a bratty, angsty teen without any depth. The relationship between Anna and Sadie was terrible. I just couldn't bring myself to route for them, because Sadie treated Anna terribly and Anna was better without her, as shown at the end when the plan comes together. I hated the ending because I just didn't like the relationship and how it was built up. This film would have been better if it focused on the group more as a whole, because it raised some issues that are important, and had more interesting characters in it than Anna and Sadie.

Basically, I wouldn't recommend this as a 'must-see' lesbian film, because there are so many that are better. But it raises some interesting political debates, so as long as you're not too bothered about liking the characters, you should watch it.
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1/10
Comedy? More like feminist horror story.
the_wolf_imdb19 February 2016
Rise up, comrades! Here we have an educational feminist propaganda movie dressed as a comedy. A bunch of no so pretty girls doing not so much real work, they partying a little and doing not so much revolutionary work in not so much funny movie. They try to explore their sexuality in not so explicit way. Most of the movie is blaming these white racist, I mean these men who are pigs or something. Except for those dumb but lovely boy toys who are good at licking the female parts.

Wow. Is this supposed to be modern or progressive? I call it both dumb and naive.

I happen to live in a former communist country where the REAL feminism was a daily thing. We have had these really emancipated women who were driving tractors, working in steel mills and doing all possible "male jobs" including serving in military and dying for our country. It was not pretty nor erotic - the daily hard work was no so good for their bodies nor soul. Also they were included in some real revolution and had the honor to be jailed, punished and executed as their male comrades. Not so romantic and not so pretty in reality.

I would recommend to folks who think this is progressive to visit some real place where the women have their revolutionary roles assigned by government like Northern Korea. A year or two could teach them about their prospect in REAL class-less society. It is way different than they think.

Some confused folk might think this naive propaganda movie is somewhat inspirational or funny. I consider this to be a slow and somewhat boring horror movie because I have seen the society where this became a harsh reality. Something like a funny movie about a bunch of mad outsiders who are mad at the oppression of the society and decide to found an activist group called NSDAP. Funny. Real funny.
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10/10
a girl becomes empowered by the itty bitty titty committee
cherilez19801 February 2007
This film rocks! I loved BUT IM A CHEERLEADER but i seriously think this film is better. great music, great acting, great love story and seriously important political message. I'm a big fan of le tigre and this movie is like the film version of their music. it's fun and political which is a rare combination that works. My mom saw it too and she was so happy to see a movie about young people caring about feminist politics. Melonie Diaz was awesome and Daniela Sea from the L word too played a great Iraqi war veteran who takes revenge on Washington for dismissing her under don't ask don't tell. I was also so happy to see Clea DuVall whom i'm in love with from but im a cheerleader. She is such a great actress and its nice to see her again in something lesbian since her work on hero's and carnivale. My only negative would be that its pretty short and i wanted more. the ending is so hilarious.I'll never see dc the same way again.
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1/10
Turn back, there is no scissoring in this movie!
transvaginalMESH19 October 2013
Warning: Spoilers
This movie is a huge letdown. I ran into it already playing during a film club meeting. At no point in time was there any graphic oral sex, and virtually no scissoring. For something that bills itself as a 'lesbian' movie, you would expect, at the minimum, some feverish finger-blasting or some heated frottage. Instead you get a bunch of poorly acted activism and a ham handed political message and virtually nothing remotely arousing. If you want to see some really worn out looking women blathering about misogyny (which doesn't even real!) pass this movie up. Hustler's "No Man's Land: Asian Edition" is the far better lesbian movie you are looking for.
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10/10
Itty Bitty Titty Committee - Babbit's finger is on the pulse of queer cinema
powerupnews15 August 2008
Wickedly talented director Jamie Babbit once again has her finger on the pulse of queer culture with this wry romantic comedy in which anarchic punk twenty-somethings vivaciously vandalize patriarchal symbols under the name of the C(I)A (Clits in Action). Fresh out of high school, mundane lesbian Anna has no direction or motivation. Having recently broken up with her girlfriend, she is the maid of honor at her picture perfect sister's wedding and works a monotonous job at a plastic surgery clinic. It's not until she meets foxy Sadie as she's spray painting empowering statements on Anna's office window that she wakes up and finds a purpose. Intrigued, she follows Sadie down a seedy back alley to her guerrilla girls' headquarters and meets the other members—angst-laden artist Meat, brainchild Shulasmith and ally transman Aggie. Even though these rebels are a bit slapdash, their down-with-the-man attitude and infectious style has the precocious baby-dyke fired up and joining the fight! As the estrogen flows during a crucial road trip, frolicking friends and alluring glances ignite a steamy romance between Anna and Sadie that could upset the delicate order of the C(I)A. Set to the inspiring riot grrl music of Sleater-Kinney, Bikini Kill and Le Tigre, Itty Bitty Titty Committee isn't your traditional feminist film: instead, it's an ode to grrl power for the gender-bending queer punk generation.

This film was a lot of fun! As passionate and serious as these anti-male-dominated-society grrls tried to be, they tended not to stray too far from reality and didn't take themselves too seriously. There were lots of hard laughs for me, starting with the name C(I)A and ending with the take-over of the Marcy Maloney TV set! In addition to all the fun and laughter, I also enjoyed the themes of friendship, loyalty, betrayal, and purpose. 10 stars!
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2/10
Commercially stunning and brave
RogerBorg19 January 2022
A bunch of gay-for-pay women and one honorary woman with a penis portray the authentic experience of hot lesbians as written and directed by a man.

It courageously challenges the opinions that Hollywood imagines exist outside of Hollywood, burning strawmen and tilting at windmills in precisely the way that Hollywood describes and schooling and owning people outside of their bubble that they'll never, ever meet.

That's the sum total of the plot and characters. To be fair, it's not badly made, acted or directed for a low budget indie, it's just selling a trite fantasy to infantalised performative outsiders who would have described themselves as lesbians in 2007, and chaos-bisexuals in CURRENT_YEAR, assuming that they've never grown up.

There's really very little to recommend it, except the 10* reviews from its cast and crew.
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3/10
Good music, bad movie!
MyMovieTVRomance6 March 2022
I could really like a movie like this, if the characters and their attitudes weren't so utterly unlikable! The nicest person in the film is probably the receptionist the lead character works with- and she ends up being thoroughly disrespected and walked all over by the rude lead character that viewers are meant to root for. I'm sorry, but no! And anyone who would want to be friends with that grouchy gang she aligned herself with is a real problem-child, for sure. It's like if they didn't have something to be mad about all the time, they would lose their reason for living! They just looked for things to fight about!

Good music, bad movie (and the way this film showcases such a butchered and obscene version of Joan Jett's "Bad Reputation" is bad taste at its finest)! There were elements I enjoyed about it, but overall- supreme YUCK!
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10/10
are you gals drunk...this film should get an Oscar
jackiegurl276 February 2008
this film, which I saw in San Fran and then twice in LA knocked my socks off. Jamie Babbit needs an Oscar....this is fun, factual, funny and for god's sake a really good love story. I think that anna and sadie are sexy and really real as chicks who dig chicks....daniela sea has never been better and guin turner is funny. BUT THE BEST Part is the story. Good old fashion love story set against the funny group of hot chicks trying to change the world. This is so true and real it hurts. It is funny and the best lesbian film I have ever seen. I have seen a lot of them. Cheerleader is really good but this one is so much better. I don't know what film some of you gals are talking about here..only thing I can think is your uptight and then this film is not for you. BEST LESBIAN FILM EVER!!!!!
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10/10
fun fun fun! Daniella and Carley just HOT!!!
dalilancedi5 August 2008
This was just a wonderfully irreverent film. The chemistry between Carley Pope and Daniella Sea is frickin' amazing. Love her! I watch it when it premiered in LA, and had the chance to see both of them do a Q & A. So sweet. I just usually see people killing off all the lesbians in a film (or having them kill off people). These women were able to talk about all these issues and make it funny. And for once it wasn't about the main character coming out of the closet! It's like people don't think lesbians have any other story in them but that one. refreshing to see both characters out of the closet and there journey was about something else.
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10/10
Itty Bitty ROCKS!
ndgirl4215 March 2007
I was able to see Itty Bitty Titty Committee at SXSW. Oh my god! This film is so freakin' awesome! Finally, a gay film that is NOT a coming out story. This film takes it a step farther. The film is totally funny and everyone in it is great. Great direction by Jamie Babbit, and well produced. I can't wait to see it again. I hope the film comes to a theater near me in the very near future. I had a smile on my face throughout the entire film, and just enjoyed myself immensely. Anyone who reads this should go see this film and spread the word. Itty Bitty Titty Committee ROCKS! I promise, you will love this movie! Spread the word. Go see Itty Bitty Titty Committee!!!!
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10/10
Good movie
mgheinemann29 July 2008
I saw the Itty Bitty Titty Committee at a screening and was quite surprised. Even though I - as a man, may be not the main target group, I really liked the movie. Director Jamie Babbit makes some very interesting stylistic choices and the camera work is really innovative; that was one reason why I really had fun watching the movie. Besides this the story is very well developed, it as a nice exposition, and before you even notice you are already a part of Anna's (the protagonist) life and in the middle of the IBTC. The actresses do a really great job, Melonie Diaz is already established in the independent movie scene and the Itty Bitty Titty Committee shows why - she has found a very sensitive way of interpreting Anna's part and it is amazing watching her playing this girl. Also to mention are several well-known faces who are also part of the IBTC as Daniela Sea (The L Word) or Carly Pope (Popular). Moreover I was really impressed of the editing that goes along with great music, that completely hits the atmosphere of the movie. So to bring this to an end: As a (independent) film lover I was happy to see the Itty Bitty Titty Committee and can only recommend it to everyone who is interested in good movies. And of course, seeing beautiful women making out is always a reason to see a movie ;-)
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10/10
a hot chick flick
carterscoolbreeze6 February 2007
A tour de force for Jamie Babbit. This film is socially relevant and fun at the same time. It's about a young woman's journey and discovery of herself, not her sexually. That just is…and it's OK with everyone. How refreshing a lesbian film where it is OK to be a lesbian. Maybe they should have named it But I'm a Lesbian. The film is really sexy, with an amazing cool sound track of now singers: le tigre and peaches are way cool and really add a lot to this film. It's pretty much a all woman cast with lots of the "popular" girls in it. Carly and Leslie make me laugh. These chicks really know how to rock. The girls who play Ana and Sadie (the leads) are so pretty and incredible talented. The best part of the film is the whole thing. I think it's Babbitt best work yet. It should be on the best list of lesbian films ever made.
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10/10
Woooooooow!
sverigeever27 July 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Just saw the movie for the first time today. Europride in Stockholm and a three day short gay/lesbian film festival. And there it was...Itty Bitty Titty Committee. Strong women doing their thing with conviction. Beautiful women making statements with humor. Angry women, laughing women, arguing, lovemaking and united women. The theater was full of women, only standing room left. And when the "top" of the D.C. monument blew away the whole crowd cheered and clapped hands! This film made a lot of people very happy today. And that is an excellent grade for a movie. This is a comedy. With a happy ending. And I strongly recommend this movie for everyone with a sense of humor!
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10/10
So real and hilarious, I nearly wet myself in disbelief and laughter
CRiSBLiSs5120 November 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Excitement, conflict and confrontation are key elements that this movie contains. It breaks the mold of status quo. The nudity was well placed, especially when the skin showing was mine (tee-hee-hee). They don't beat around the bush, too much, except for the sexual tension in the plot. Jamie Babbitt is a director like no other. She exudes the spirit of a pioneer, tackling the best scripts and conquering worlds we may never have imagined. This film shows tough exteriors and the mysterious interiors of the female psyche. Insightfully delivered, I recommend this to any open-minded souls or souls waiting to be opened. For all those lesbian-friendly folks, this is a great introduction to the wonderful world of empowered womyn. It also portrays many stereotypical actions of enlightened womyn, trying to find their niche.
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8/10
Fun Film That Actually Explores Some Serious Issues
ruralriot21 May 2010
Warning: Spoilers
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.
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8/10
Great in the beginning, a bit "been there, done that" towards the end.
PeachHamBeach1 July 2015
Warning: Spoilers
I once tried to submit my review a couple of weeks ago, but somehow there was some glitch about "gender" being one of the prohibited words. So I will try once more.

I mostly enjoyed this engaging story about a small sect of feminists and lesbians who call themselves the C(i)A. In fact, that really would have made a better title for the film, which was more about the whole of feminism and equality than women altering their bodies to appease some societal standard. Ana (Melonie Diaz) is a young lesbian trying to get over a recent breakup. She works in a cosmetic surgery clinic. She doesn't really love her job, but she's undecided about what to do with her life, so she just goes with it. One night, she hears someone spray-painting her building with feminist slogans and tries to call 911, but when the beautiful and enigmatic Sadie (Nicole Vicius) struts up to her, Ana falls in love again, and is quickly swept up into the C(i)A's political demonstrations and takes their message into her heart.

But maybe a little too much. There is nothing wrong with being a lesbian, and there is certainly nothing wrong with being a feminist, but when Ana begins acting bitchy towards her older sister, who is getting married, talking about how marriage is a stupid and useless institution, she is being ugly and inappropriate, hurtful and disrespectful. Remember, Ana, many people still believe in marriage and want it in their lives, even lesbians and feminists. I presume Ana has taken the influence of Shulamith (Carly Pope), the no-nonsense leader of the C(i)A who often takes angry, confrontational stances on things, but where Shulamith is mostly controlled and constructive, Ana is just being bratty. In fact, Ana, being the main protag, is kind of unlikeable in many ways. She has an annoying habit of putting "Ahhh" on the ends of many sentences/names/words, i.e. "Sadie-ahh! Please-ahh!" It's just an annoying habit, like nails on a blackboard. The other thing that made me mad was how she used Lauren Mollica's character, Aggie, during a fight with Sadie. Sadie was less annoying than Ana, but her constant battle with "obligation" vs. ending a relationship with an older feminist (Melanie Mayron) that is no longer viable is irritating too. The supporting cast is mainly what makes this film fun and engaging. I am in lust with Daniela Sea, who plays Calvin, and I love the character Meat (in spite of her being named after a balding guy playing a high school jock in the Porky's movies!), played by Deak Evgenikos. Good cameos/small roles include Melanie Lynskey, Jenny Shimuzu, Leslie Grossman, and Guinevere Turner.

The ending seemed way too contrived. Attacking the white phallus in Washington? Didn't seem plausible at all. It would have been so much more fun and realistic if a cool pirate or indie TV station had caught the girls in one of their milder stunts and interviewed them on TV. The could have all sat, smiling, their faces on screens all over the country, saying, "You may not like what we have to say, but we're saying it anyway." A good effort for the most part.
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