I was fortunate to be given a DVD screener of this from a friend. At first i thought i was not going to like it one bit as i am more into action movies, but watched it from start to finish and found it to be quite good acting and also quite a good story. I imagined there was going to be something sinister due to the fact that it is a story about a sexual, or lesbian relationship between -teacher and student and was expecting to see a teacher stalking a young student but that does not happen and Jackie (the student) accepts the first kiss in an isolated area of the school grounds quite willingly.From then on the movie evolves mainly focused on the romance that develops between the two of them. Catherine,(the professor) reminded me somewhat of Sharron Stone when she acted in the movie-Basic instinct.I found this to be light hearted and romantic and the only drama was when Jackie decides to return Home and the relationship is threatened.There is no erotica or nude scenes as some would expect with our modern day films. probably not one you would race to the box office over but i found it quite a relaxing watch.
35 Reviews
Like watching Mylie Cyrus and Sharon Stone fall in love
TequilaMockingbird6310 May 2011
BLOOMINGTON Is generally worth avoiding.
Jackie is a former child star trying to fit into college. Almost immediately she meets Professor Catherine Stark (McAtee), a sexy psychology professor with a reputation for bedding female undergrads. After a few stolen glances and a single conversation the two crawl between the sheets. I will admit their first kiss was as HOT as any kiss i've ever seen on screen!!! I just did not know where it came from? After the requisite sex scenes and laughing and cooking together and reveling in all the fun they are having, they (you guessed it) fall in love.
Watching lesbian movies is like having your girlfriend cook you dinner. No matter what it tastes like you are going to love it because you know how much care and effort she put into it. There is the definite possibility that the green bean casserole she just whipped up is going to be pretty awful. The thing is, every once in a while it isn't half bad. This is how I feel about lesbian movies. I watch them the whole time hoping I don't have to cover my eyes for another embarrassing round of boring plot lines, terrible acting and an endless loop of the one Ani Difranco song the producers could get the rights to.
Bloomington starts promisingly but too much of the film is hard to swallow, from the casual way it treats an ethically-questionable sexual relationship between student and teacher to its somewhat anti-climactic ending.
It's not the worst lesbian film I've ever seen. but I struggled trying to figure out why this sexy, smoldering, intelligent professor would go after, I'm sorry, a kid.
Jackie is a former child star trying to fit into college. Almost immediately she meets Professor Catherine Stark (McAtee), a sexy psychology professor with a reputation for bedding female undergrads. After a few stolen glances and a single conversation the two crawl between the sheets. I will admit their first kiss was as HOT as any kiss i've ever seen on screen!!! I just did not know where it came from? After the requisite sex scenes and laughing and cooking together and reveling in all the fun they are having, they (you guessed it) fall in love.
Watching lesbian movies is like having your girlfriend cook you dinner. No matter what it tastes like you are going to love it because you know how much care and effort she put into it. There is the definite possibility that the green bean casserole she just whipped up is going to be pretty awful. The thing is, every once in a while it isn't half bad. This is how I feel about lesbian movies. I watch them the whole time hoping I don't have to cover my eyes for another embarrassing round of boring plot lines, terrible acting and an endless loop of the one Ani Difranco song the producers could get the rights to.
Bloomington starts promisingly but too much of the film is hard to swallow, from the casual way it treats an ethically-questionable sexual relationship between student and teacher to its somewhat anti-climactic ending.
It's not the worst lesbian film I've ever seen. but I struggled trying to figure out why this sexy, smoldering, intelligent professor would go after, I'm sorry, a kid.
May-December Drama Girls
itgirlx11 July 2012
Warning: Spoilers
Anyone else see character resemblance between Allison McAtee's 'Catherine Stark' and Sharon Stone's 'Catherine Trammell' in the 1992 sex thriller 'Basic Instinct?' Certainly the two actresses share a physical likeness, but if you ask me, Fernanda Cardoso conjured her Catherine from one of those gauzy sex dreams where you wake up feeling frisky but you can't quite put your finger on why.
There were a number of elements in the story which once touched on, were left inadequately developed--like a dream. The aggressive teacher/ingénue student dynamic was evident and others have mentioned a 'creepy factor' regarding the perceived age difference, when really it's only 10 or 12 years. As Catherine begins to fall for Jackie, she becomes more nurturing, less dominating, more vulnerable, thus the bathing scene/food-cutting/jealousy arc. Professor Stark is clearly used to being the pursuer and chooses her students because of the power she wields over them. As time goes on, you see Catherine's emotional limits begin to crumble as Jackie begins to step back into the Hollywood world where she has the power.
The actresses had good chemistry and their scenes together are the strongest but left too much to the viewer's own interpretation. With deeper development of the scenes between them, the emotional intention would have been more clear. The typical 'dyke drama' as revealed in a number scenes, e.g., both of them sleeping with men, Catherine's denial of it being a relationship, their mutual unwillingness to be a public couple, is all rather standard lesbian relationship fare. One true thing is definitely played out--in these May-December romances, the tables invariably are turned and the older partner is the one who gets hurt.
There were a number of elements in the story which once touched on, were left inadequately developed--like a dream. The aggressive teacher/ingénue student dynamic was evident and others have mentioned a 'creepy factor' regarding the perceived age difference, when really it's only 10 or 12 years. As Catherine begins to fall for Jackie, she becomes more nurturing, less dominating, more vulnerable, thus the bathing scene/food-cutting/jealousy arc. Professor Stark is clearly used to being the pursuer and chooses her students because of the power she wields over them. As time goes on, you see Catherine's emotional limits begin to crumble as Jackie begins to step back into the Hollywood world where she has the power.
The actresses had good chemistry and their scenes together are the strongest but left too much to the viewer's own interpretation. With deeper development of the scenes between them, the emotional intention would have been more clear. The typical 'dyke drama' as revealed in a number scenes, e.g., both of them sleeping with men, Catherine's denial of it being a relationship, their mutual unwillingness to be a public couple, is all rather standard lesbian relationship fare. One true thing is definitely played out--in these May-December romances, the tables invariably are turned and the older partner is the one who gets hurt.
Starts sexy.....later becomes dull
Logomark89027 October 2016
First let me say that both the female leads are very hot and believable in their characters. If not for them this movie is unbearable. Coming to the movie, I watched this movie without any expectations. I did not even see it's trailer. So I was open minded. first one half of the movie is very sexy and fast paced. It was very entertaining and certainly raised my expectations and I was pretty surprised why I did not heard of it before. Well I am from India may be that's one reason. But any way half way past it becomes dull and boring. I don't see any story line going. It feels like some random scenes were added to fill up the rest of movie. They tried to add conflict as every movie needs one but it there is no point in conflict and it is not even a conflict. The ending is like we were some bunch of kids listening to astory and director thought it was time to end so he said the end. that's it. So if you are looking for a hot lesbian romance. I would recommend this. But I am telling you that as soon as you it starts to get boring, just stop watching. Don't bother to see remaining just to know what happens bcz nothing really happens. I gave it 6 for very hot first 45 mins or so.
well-written and executed film *possible spoilers*
michellelocke00722 June 2011
Warning: Spoilers
the storyline is simple enough; a former child star,jackie who was on a hit sci-fi TV series grows up and decides to leave the show business and pursue an education at a local college where she starts mixing with her peers and getting to live life away from TV sets and other fellow actors. she clearly wants to live a regular life and start doing things on her own terms but gains un-wanted interest, admiration or jealousy of being famous by her her peers.
while at a department mixer, she meets and is instantly attracted to psychology professor catherine stark who has a reputation of seducing her students. so it's not much of a surprise when these two start a secret affair. by all accounts, catherine is attentive, giving and caring towards her much younger lover. the two lead actresses had great chemistry and enough sexual tension between them for a believable relationship.
while controversial student and teacher relationship have been portrayed on screen before ie. loving annabelle and madchen in uniform, this one is legitimate as both are consenting adults and this does not take place in a boarding/high school. jackie is an adult who has made up her mind to further her education and start living in the real world.
i had read reviews where people were disappointed with how the storyline ended since both characters did not end up together. while attending school, jackie is offered an opportunity to reprise her role in the hit TV show that made her famous to the big screen. she is hesitant and un-sure if she is ready to make that step back into the show business as it would clearly change the course of her life and relationship with catherine which at that point is flourishing.
i felt the ending to the film was left on a positive note and was realistic. since jackie hasn't identified her sexuality she isn't ready to go public with her relationship with catherine as it could possibly jeopardize and end her future career. this part is brought up in the film during one of the climatic scenes.
i really liked the film and thought it was well-paced, directed and excellently acted.
while at a department mixer, she meets and is instantly attracted to psychology professor catherine stark who has a reputation of seducing her students. so it's not much of a surprise when these two start a secret affair. by all accounts, catherine is attentive, giving and caring towards her much younger lover. the two lead actresses had great chemistry and enough sexual tension between them for a believable relationship.
while controversial student and teacher relationship have been portrayed on screen before ie. loving annabelle and madchen in uniform, this one is legitimate as both are consenting adults and this does not take place in a boarding/high school. jackie is an adult who has made up her mind to further her education and start living in the real world.
i had read reviews where people were disappointed with how the storyline ended since both characters did not end up together. while attending school, jackie is offered an opportunity to reprise her role in the hit TV show that made her famous to the big screen. she is hesitant and un-sure if she is ready to make that step back into the show business as it would clearly change the course of her life and relationship with catherine which at that point is flourishing.
i felt the ending to the film was left on a positive note and was realistic. since jackie hasn't identified her sexuality she isn't ready to go public with her relationship with catherine as it could possibly jeopardize and end her future career. this part is brought up in the film during one of the climatic scenes.
i really liked the film and thought it was well-paced, directed and excellently acted.
Okay, where can I get me more Allison McAtee?
MBunge28 October 2011
Warning: Spoilers
Though well intentioned and unobjectionable, Bloomington is undone by a fatal lack of believable conflict. For the most part, this film is as emotionally placid as an inland sea with flashes of hurt feelings and argument jammed in out of nowhere. I didn't sit through the movie just waiting for it to be over. My thoughts were more like "Okay, where is this thing going?" Followed after a long while by "Wait
that's where it was going?" There are also several stray threads scattered through the story, making it appear as though these filmmakers were never able to take all the ideas in their heads and fully transfer them to the screen. Such an amateurish quality to the storytelling prevents it from fully engaging the viewer, but the very appealing presence of Allison McAtee and an overall feeling of earnest goodwill also keeps it from ever being annoying.
Jackie (Sarah Stouffer) is a former child star who's gone away to college. She almost immediately hooks up with the scariest professor on campus, Catherine Stark (Allison McAtee). Though she makes an imperious first impression, Stark turns out to be a solicitous lover and an almost motherly companion to Jackie and they blow through flirting to full blown relationship as quickly as The Flash dons the costume he keeps compressed in his ring. Then Jackie gets an offer to be the lead in a movie version of her old series, which results in Stark turning into a rather large bitch. Jackie doesn't return the favor, but does get all bitchy with her seemingly inoffensive mother. Then Jackie and Stark make up but realize they can't be together. Yeah, that's how it ends.
I don't know if writer/director Fernanda Cordoso was unconsciously working out any mother issues with this script, but the way Jackie's relationships with Stark and with her mother flip from sweetness and light to nasty and dark neither fit nor are justified by what's going on in the film. She could merely have realized that her greeting card of a screenplay needed some bite. If that's the case, it comes off like it was all tossed in during a last minute rewrite.
Bloomington also has an awful lot of makeout scenes without managing to have one legitimate sex scene. There are a couple of times where it's indicated that someone is doing something below the waist which the viewer can't see, but that's about it. It's odd because the lack of conflict in the story would fit if this were a classy attempt at erotica. The lack of any bare flesh or sensual writhing therefore only draws attention to the paucity of plot.
Though Sarah Stouffer is technically playing the main character, Alison McAtee owns this motion picture. Her performance is intelligent, tender and very sexy. Unfortunately, that does make it all the more noticeable when Stark gets pounded down with the Almighty Plot Hammer in the last half of the movie. I can't imagine anyone comes away from Bloomington caring more about Jackie than they do about Stark. And the young woman/older woman lesbian dynamic here is distinctly different from what you'd get with a young woman/older man relationship, giving you something to focus on when the narrative flags.
This is a generic coming of age romance. There's been umpteen heterosexual versions of this, so I guess there should be room for a homosexual rendition. Like the straight stuff, though, after you've seen one of these you never really need to watch another.
Jackie (Sarah Stouffer) is a former child star who's gone away to college. She almost immediately hooks up with the scariest professor on campus, Catherine Stark (Allison McAtee). Though she makes an imperious first impression, Stark turns out to be a solicitous lover and an almost motherly companion to Jackie and they blow through flirting to full blown relationship as quickly as The Flash dons the costume he keeps compressed in his ring. Then Jackie gets an offer to be the lead in a movie version of her old series, which results in Stark turning into a rather large bitch. Jackie doesn't return the favor, but does get all bitchy with her seemingly inoffensive mother. Then Jackie and Stark make up but realize they can't be together. Yeah, that's how it ends.
I don't know if writer/director Fernanda Cordoso was unconsciously working out any mother issues with this script, but the way Jackie's relationships with Stark and with her mother flip from sweetness and light to nasty and dark neither fit nor are justified by what's going on in the film. She could merely have realized that her greeting card of a screenplay needed some bite. If that's the case, it comes off like it was all tossed in during a last minute rewrite.
Bloomington also has an awful lot of makeout scenes without managing to have one legitimate sex scene. There are a couple of times where it's indicated that someone is doing something below the waist which the viewer can't see, but that's about it. It's odd because the lack of conflict in the story would fit if this were a classy attempt at erotica. The lack of any bare flesh or sensual writhing therefore only draws attention to the paucity of plot.
Though Sarah Stouffer is technically playing the main character, Alison McAtee owns this motion picture. Her performance is intelligent, tender and very sexy. Unfortunately, that does make it all the more noticeable when Stark gets pounded down with the Almighty Plot Hammer in the last half of the movie. I can't imagine anyone comes away from Bloomington caring more about Jackie than they do about Stark. And the young woman/older woman lesbian dynamic here is distinctly different from what you'd get with a young woman/older man relationship, giving you something to focus on when the narrative flags.
This is a generic coming of age romance. There's been umpteen heterosexual versions of this, so I guess there should be room for a homosexual rendition. Like the straight stuff, though, after you've seen one of these you never really need to watch another.
This movie should have been titled "?"
N-Weiss904 October 2012
The movie didn't make sense almost right from the start. The relationship that started almost as soon as Catherine and Jackie met was hot, sure, but I didn't believe it. It's like you meet the characters and then BAM they're together. There was no build up at all and throughout the whole movie, it doesn't really get any better. When they have little arguments, it arises from nothing. They always contradict their actions with their words and vice versa.
The characters were beautiful, and I thought they could have made a really good lesbian movie. But unfortunately, I was wrong. I won't be watching this movie again or recommending it to anyone.
The characters were beautiful, and I thought they could have made a really good lesbian movie. But unfortunately, I was wrong. I won't be watching this movie again or recommending it to anyone.
Loved it!!! Would make a great TV show
Moviebuff46523 February 2016
The story is a little flat is some areas but the chemistry between Jackie and Katherine is amazing! Could do without the motherly undertones in a few scenes. I found myself watching the movie over and over because of the relationship and chemistry the two have. I would love for the story to be developed more into a TV series. The movie was short and there wasn't much build up to the first hook up. I think there needs to be more character development. Definitely more scenes like the library scene! I think there needs to be more lesbian love stories on TV and the inappropriate relationship in this movie would make for an extremely captivating show.
I can't even.
heathersherm9 August 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Wow. Just...wow.
My girlfriend and I were in the mood to watch a cheesy lesbian movie, and bingo, we found it in Bloomington. This movie is seriously bad. I can't wait to tell you all about it. OK, here we go:
So the movie starts out with this Haley Joel Osment look-a-like named Jackie, a former child star, who is going off to college. She packs her bags (even shoves her dirty ass sneakers right into her suitcase next to her clothes - who does that?) and hits the road! When she arrives, of course she is met with starstruck peers who just can't believe they're going to the same school as Jackie. In no time at all, Jackie meets Catherine, a psychology professor who is notorious for sleeping with her students, but is somehow still employed by the university. Literally in the span of five minutes Jackie is helping Catherine carry a stack of books, and then ends up at her fancy house where they have sex, I think, I'm not sure, they don't show anything at all, ever. There is no nudity in this film. Is this some kind of sick joke? The Parental Guide is more arousing than the actual movie. And I am familiar with the U-Hauling lesbian stereotypes but this is just crazy. Jackie and Catherine's relationship escalates so quickly it had us rolling with laughter. And the DIALOGUE. Oh my god don't even get me started. At one point my girlfriend was literally mumbling, "No, no, no," during one of the "sex scenes" where Jackie is rattling off lines from the canceled Sci-fi show she starred in as a kid. And, of course, as with most terrible lesbian movies, both women end up sleeping with dudes, because women crave dick no matter how relentlessly gay they are. And as for the movie's soundtrack, it's just a mix of Ani DiFranco (of course) and this weird American Beauty-eque score. Barf. You know what? I'm just going to end this here. I've gotten all caught up in writing this review that I'm not even following the movie anymore, just sitting next to my girlfriend who is yelling at the TV in between bouts of raucous laughter.
This movie is a hilarious, predictable, cringe-worthy, awful medley of sh*t. Enjoy!
My girlfriend and I were in the mood to watch a cheesy lesbian movie, and bingo, we found it in Bloomington. This movie is seriously bad. I can't wait to tell you all about it. OK, here we go:
So the movie starts out with this Haley Joel Osment look-a-like named Jackie, a former child star, who is going off to college. She packs her bags (even shoves her dirty ass sneakers right into her suitcase next to her clothes - who does that?) and hits the road! When she arrives, of course she is met with starstruck peers who just can't believe they're going to the same school as Jackie. In no time at all, Jackie meets Catherine, a psychology professor who is notorious for sleeping with her students, but is somehow still employed by the university. Literally in the span of five minutes Jackie is helping Catherine carry a stack of books, and then ends up at her fancy house where they have sex, I think, I'm not sure, they don't show anything at all, ever. There is no nudity in this film. Is this some kind of sick joke? The Parental Guide is more arousing than the actual movie. And I am familiar with the U-Hauling lesbian stereotypes but this is just crazy. Jackie and Catherine's relationship escalates so quickly it had us rolling with laughter. And the DIALOGUE. Oh my god don't even get me started. At one point my girlfriend was literally mumbling, "No, no, no," during one of the "sex scenes" where Jackie is rattling off lines from the canceled Sci-fi show she starred in as a kid. And, of course, as with most terrible lesbian movies, both women end up sleeping with dudes, because women crave dick no matter how relentlessly gay they are. And as for the movie's soundtrack, it's just a mix of Ani DiFranco (of course) and this weird American Beauty-eque score. Barf. You know what? I'm just going to end this here. I've gotten all caught up in writing this review that I'm not even following the movie anymore, just sitting next to my girlfriend who is yelling at the TV in between bouts of raucous laughter.
This movie is a hilarious, predictable, cringe-worthy, awful medley of sh*t. Enjoy!
Good movie poor ending but great acting
j-Ocass10 April 2012
This movie was very well acted it could of been great if not for the plot and poor ending. There were so many opportunities and different story lines luckily the actresses in the film were not only good looking but good actors. I enjoyed the film a lot but felt too many unanswered questions at it's conclusion. Catherines character was acted so brilliantly and the young Jackie was quite good also. It's been a while since a well acted lesbian interest piece has been released. There could be a comparison made to loving Annabelle but only on the surface both stories are unique in there own way. I hope these actresses come to light again in more films just like this one.
A half baked cake - Ultimately disappointing
anthonyjlangford14 December 2011
Warning: Spoilers
This is a ho-hum movie, born out of a ho-hum script.
Much has been said from the other reviewers who draw attention to the lack of realism in the characters, particularly their shifting from emotions so quickly and seemingly without justification to the lack of any chemistry between the leads, the lack of any erotic scenes, and the implausibility in the script. I'm saying I agree.
What I object to is not the fact that they are lesbians, or that there is an age difference, but that the entire relationship between teacher and student barely causes a ripple. Sure we've seen those movies before and this isn't the focus of the film, but to not address it in some form is ridiculous. The first time they kiss is in the school grounds in broad daylight? No teacher would do that, no matter what she may have over her superior.
There are many other examples of unrealistic situations. The mother character has not been fleshed out properly and jumps from one emotional extreme to the next, literally, in the next sentence. Her daughter Jackie clearly has mother issues, yet this is not explored either, especially in her relationship with Catherine (who at one point cuts up some food for Jackie during dinner like a child). What would possess Catherine to do this? Again, not explained.
The couple breaking up is strange, particularly Catherine's attitude. I understand the immediate anger, but her sustained nastiness just doesn't sit right.
Finally, I object to society's general hypocrisy when it comes to these types of films. I'm estimating that Jackie is about 17, and the teacher around her mid 30's. If the teacher were male and the student female, he would be deemed a pervert if not a pedophile. Yet here, it's all smooth sailing.
You cannot make a film about a teacher having a relationship with a underage student and not address the moral dilemma's involved. To skirt around them insults the viewer.
The leads do a competent job, particularly Allison McAtee as Catherine, but she and the LGBT community deserved a better script than this.
Much has been said from the other reviewers who draw attention to the lack of realism in the characters, particularly their shifting from emotions so quickly and seemingly without justification to the lack of any chemistry between the leads, the lack of any erotic scenes, and the implausibility in the script. I'm saying I agree.
What I object to is not the fact that they are lesbians, or that there is an age difference, but that the entire relationship between teacher and student barely causes a ripple. Sure we've seen those movies before and this isn't the focus of the film, but to not address it in some form is ridiculous. The first time they kiss is in the school grounds in broad daylight? No teacher would do that, no matter what she may have over her superior.
There are many other examples of unrealistic situations. The mother character has not been fleshed out properly and jumps from one emotional extreme to the next, literally, in the next sentence. Her daughter Jackie clearly has mother issues, yet this is not explored either, especially in her relationship with Catherine (who at one point cuts up some food for Jackie during dinner like a child). What would possess Catherine to do this? Again, not explained.
The couple breaking up is strange, particularly Catherine's attitude. I understand the immediate anger, but her sustained nastiness just doesn't sit right.
Finally, I object to society's general hypocrisy when it comes to these types of films. I'm estimating that Jackie is about 17, and the teacher around her mid 30's. If the teacher were male and the student female, he would be deemed a pervert if not a pedophile. Yet here, it's all smooth sailing.
You cannot make a film about a teacher having a relationship with a underage student and not address the moral dilemma's involved. To skirt around them insults the viewer.
The leads do a competent job, particularly Allison McAtee as Catherine, but she and the LGBT community deserved a better script than this.
Simple and sweet.
desa-silvia11 October 2011
It's a simple story, it reminded me of the movie "High Art" in the way the two characters get involved. Excellent chemistry between Allison McAtee and Sarah Stouffer.
It's not a work of art,you need to see it without high expectations. There are several raccord issues, the photography it's not the best but I know they filmed in digital and with a reduced budget so I understand that.To sum up, when we watch a movie like "Bloomington" we have to identify it as a low budget movie with a team that is still learning, but they are in the right path.
For all the team involved in this movie I just want to say: Your effort was worthwhile and ... I don't like the ending!! LOL
It's not a work of art,you need to see it without high expectations. There are several raccord issues, the photography it's not the best but I know they filmed in digital and with a reduced budget so I understand that.To sum up, when we watch a movie like "Bloomington" we have to identify it as a low budget movie with a team that is still learning, but they are in the right path.
For all the team involved in this movie I just want to say: Your effort was worthwhile and ... I don't like the ending!! LOL
the chemistry between the actresses seemed non-existent.
kings_fan-0066912 August 2015
I wanted to like this movie. However the chemistry between the actresses seemed non-existent.
The storyline was lacking depth. The characters were lacking dimension. It all seemed very surface level and was a movie that lacked any real emotion, very contrived in certain parts. The acting was mediocre at best.
It left you wanting...more. More depth, more emotion, something. I just didn't believe the two lead performances. Their connection didn't seem legitimate; I suppose that was the main issue, other than there not being any sort of plot development. It all felt very rushed and superficial.
The storyline was lacking depth. The characters were lacking dimension. It all seemed very surface level and was a movie that lacked any real emotion, very contrived in certain parts. The acting was mediocre at best.
It left you wanting...more. More depth, more emotion, something. I just didn't believe the two lead performances. Their connection didn't seem legitimate; I suppose that was the main issue, other than there not being any sort of plot development. It all felt very rushed and superficial.
wanted a happier ending!
caitlin-osteen10 August 2012
Warning: Spoilers
Overall, I enjoyed the movie! Nice story line and it was well put together. Catherine stole the show, but Jackie was also a good character. I really wanted a happier ending and for Catherine to find love; however, with the age difference and career difference it was a predicable ending... Unfortunately the story line of teacher and student just doesn't work out when love comes into play! Hoping there may be a Bloomington 2 just to keep the story going!! I would definitely like to see the relationship continue even though they are at a distance. Maybe Catherine head out to the West Coast even. Loved the movie and I think I will try to catch anything that Allison McAtee is in! She really made the movie worth while.
Zero Chemistry
jwillsm4 January 2014
I really wanted to like this film, but I saw no chemistry between the lead characters at all.
The character of Jackie exhibited no real emotional response to her professor, and the professor was totally casual throughout the film. I expected sparks to fly. You have a perfect setup, a great premise for the film with lots of genuine opportunity for conflict. Instead, it was as exciting as a paint by numbers picture. I really was disappointed that there was no real passion exhibited between any of the characters. Even the fights were subdued and drab.
As for the sex, if you are going to imply the sex, rather than show it(which is alright with me), at least make it implied passion.
The characters looked like they were just going through the motions.
The character of Jackie exhibited no real emotional response to her professor, and the professor was totally casual throughout the film. I expected sparks to fly. You have a perfect setup, a great premise for the film with lots of genuine opportunity for conflict. Instead, it was as exciting as a paint by numbers picture. I really was disappointed that there was no real passion exhibited between any of the characters. Even the fights were subdued and drab.
As for the sex, if you are going to imply the sex, rather than show it(which is alright with me), at least make it implied passion.
The characters looked like they were just going through the motions.
Feel bad for Catherine.
chuckaholicsclubhouse11 October 2017
What can I say about this movie, but feel the story is well told. No sex scenes to illustrate the meaning. A kiss leads to sex when in the bedroom. I love how both characters grew as people.
The only reason I didn't give this movie a 10 was how Catherine says to a sleeping Jackie she loved her, but never says again. I wish she did because maybe there wouldn't be so much friction
When the two said good by left me heart broken because Catherine clearly loved Jackie so sad.
The only reason I didn't give this movie a 10 was how Catherine says to a sleeping Jackie she loved her, but never says again. I wish she did because maybe there wouldn't be so much friction
When the two said good by left me heart broken because Catherine clearly loved Jackie so sad.
What is it all about
KejEnKej14 September 2012
I must admit that I have probably never seen worse film before. The whole plot and scenes seem to be so disconnected, it is impossible to get the clue how one thing cause another. The relationship between main characters is out of nowhere. It seems that creators wanted to put as much as possible into the movie and we get sloppy story like overcooked pasta. Nothing fits, emotions are non-existent and the kid looks like female Haley Joel Osment. I don't understand why an adult, educated woman instead of "have a conversation" has decided to make the girl jealous. There are many things that don't fit here and many scenes are just few seconds long without going deeper into emotions and the whole relation that should be built on.
It's just bait for mouth breathers.
mdanielle-9426130 July 2015
Warning: Spoilers
It's not like other bad lesbian movies where one of the girls is tormented by her sexually or is surrounded by horrible people. Oh no, this movie is even worse! The main character is a bland college girl who falls in love with her sexually active female professor. And that sound SO much better than it actually is. I'd prefer this in a porno than in a freaking' drama! The "erotic" moments don't mean anything if its attached to boring characters who make stupid decisions. By that I mean, the main character goes back to her life as a boring actress on a TV show. And everything that happened means absolutely nothing by the end.
Maybe someone cut out some parts?
lalalasimdbid22 January 2014
Warning: Spoilers
It feels like there are many little parts missing in this movie.
While the set up of a Student - Teacher relationship is nothing new, it still kinda works in this movie. While also adding the angle of exposure for the Student and not only the Teacher.
-all the spoilers now-
But that also makes the movie weird and questionable. The Drama between Jackie and her mother seems unnecessary, it doesn't really add to Jackie and Catherine meeting (beside that one scene where Catherine picked Jackie up for her family), it has nothing to do with the Problem (which would be Jackie going back to making movies), and nothing with them getting over it. Catherines background is just as random and was only useful for that one Date on her Birhtday. Or maybe to explain why they wanted to film in a nice big house?
Then there is their whole relationship. The meeting phase and them "falling in love".. Just doesn't feel fluent. The first Kiss from Catherine comes way to early and before I could feel any kind of connection growing. Only to then lead to the first sex scene like 10 seconds later. The viewer (or I at least) couldn't see them bounding, but rather just got told, that its the next stage now.
And just like the whole relationship feels like there are parts missing to make the story connect, there are single scenes being cut weirdly. When Jackie hands Catherine her resume (or what she was writing) to review it, Catherine hands it back immediately and points her to the last paragraph. (Superman reading speed?) On Catherines Birthday, both, Jackie and Catherine, take a piece of cake onto their plates, only to then have Jackie blindfold Catherine for her surprise. (She obviously ate the cake blindfolded while being driven to the airport!) Not that everything needs to be shown in a movie, a movie is only so long, but such scenes are weird and also describe how the whole plot seemed kinda off or stuttering.
At first I thought 'the Problem' was too weak. Just because Jackie would have to film a little, there is no reason why the relationship between them would be in danger. Just skip a semester or go lighter for a while. But then it actually seemed rather realistic. A Problem many couples probably face all the time in the real world. A rather sudden unplanned long distance relationship and the fear to lose someone to a new circle of friends. Just a slight disturbance in their balance. Though, a Filmstar and a Professor are probably not that common and maybe not that easy for the viewer to put oneself into.
But then the Film ended. Sure they had make-up sex so you know they still love each other. But I was waiting for an actual ending. Catherine emptying her office may points to her quitting her job so she can be with Jackie? But thats unreasonable I think and also just really vague. Not an open ending, for the viewer to decide what happened, but just abrupt.
So overall I did like the story (or maybe I just like this kind of story) and the scenes that worked, were nice, but with all the bumpiness in between, the movie just doesn't feels that good and is kinda strange. Strange enough to make me write my first review on here, since I felt like I had to somehow/somewhere point out why this movie isn't that good.
While the set up of a Student - Teacher relationship is nothing new, it still kinda works in this movie. While also adding the angle of exposure for the Student and not only the Teacher.
-all the spoilers now-
But that also makes the movie weird and questionable. The Drama between Jackie and her mother seems unnecessary, it doesn't really add to Jackie and Catherine meeting (beside that one scene where Catherine picked Jackie up for her family), it has nothing to do with the Problem (which would be Jackie going back to making movies), and nothing with them getting over it. Catherines background is just as random and was only useful for that one Date on her Birhtday. Or maybe to explain why they wanted to film in a nice big house?
Then there is their whole relationship. The meeting phase and them "falling in love".. Just doesn't feel fluent. The first Kiss from Catherine comes way to early and before I could feel any kind of connection growing. Only to then lead to the first sex scene like 10 seconds later. The viewer (or I at least) couldn't see them bounding, but rather just got told, that its the next stage now.
And just like the whole relationship feels like there are parts missing to make the story connect, there are single scenes being cut weirdly. When Jackie hands Catherine her resume (or what she was writing) to review it, Catherine hands it back immediately and points her to the last paragraph. (Superman reading speed?) On Catherines Birthday, both, Jackie and Catherine, take a piece of cake onto their plates, only to then have Jackie blindfold Catherine for her surprise. (She obviously ate the cake blindfolded while being driven to the airport!) Not that everything needs to be shown in a movie, a movie is only so long, but such scenes are weird and also describe how the whole plot seemed kinda off or stuttering.
At first I thought 'the Problem' was too weak. Just because Jackie would have to film a little, there is no reason why the relationship between them would be in danger. Just skip a semester or go lighter for a while. But then it actually seemed rather realistic. A Problem many couples probably face all the time in the real world. A rather sudden unplanned long distance relationship and the fear to lose someone to a new circle of friends. Just a slight disturbance in their balance. Though, a Filmstar and a Professor are probably not that common and maybe not that easy for the viewer to put oneself into.
But then the Film ended. Sure they had make-up sex so you know they still love each other. But I was waiting for an actual ending. Catherine emptying her office may points to her quitting her job so she can be with Jackie? But thats unreasonable I think and also just really vague. Not an open ending, for the viewer to decide what happened, but just abrupt.
So overall I did like the story (or maybe I just like this kind of story) and the scenes that worked, were nice, but with all the bumpiness in between, the movie just doesn't feels that good and is kinda strange. Strange enough to make me write my first review on here, since I felt like I had to somehow/somewhere point out why this movie isn't that good.
82 Minutes Well Spent.
Alli_N23 January 2011
Warning: Spoilers
I watched Bloomington the other night, and to my surprise, I thoroughly enjoyed it! First off, the most refreshing aspect of the film had to be the fact that the lesbian relationship wasn't a huge focus and it wasn't portrayed as being scandalous. Instead, it was just about the relationship between two people in love. I was also extremely pleased with both Sarah Stouffer and Allison McAtee. This is the first film I've seen them in and the two had perfect chemistry and were able to hold their own. This is Stouffer's first film and I think she will be very successful in the future. Moreover, I think the intimate scenes were very tasteful and the scene-transitions were uniquely well done. Now for the spoiler: I really wanted this to be a happy ending . . . in the sense that they stay together. I understand that the relationship helped them both grow as individuals, but my god, I really wanted them to work it out. If anything, I was very happy that they had one last 'encounter' and they ended things on a happy note. My advise, take the time to watch it, it 82 minutes well spent.
Nothing surprising
karolina_si25 January 2023
A typical film relationship between a teacher and a student. Lots of romance, not very realistic, poor build up of any tension before things get going. Everything happens very quickly, and the teacher herself looks like the one who only passes students ;) A better presentation of Jackie, her loneliness, problems, feelings. I was surprised that this film has lower ratings than "Loving Annabelle". I think "Bloomington" is better, it has more of these emotions and we can actually get into the relationship of the characters, there is tension here. Again, no ending, the movie just cuts off, which I didn't really like in this case. The feelings of the teacher and her reaction to Jackie's further career are well portrayed. The plot is a bit far-fetched, but the movie is ok, although very unrealistic.
Excellent movie
louisstucki13 January 2015
Warning: Spoilers
This is an excellent movie. In my opinion the ending isn't so negative because Jackie mentions to Catherine that she has her number so they will probably meet or talk again to each other in the future. In most lesbian movies the couple separate without any hope of seeing each other in the future. I think that the good bye scene was the best of the movie because it was so artfully done. Jackie looks down and asks Catherine what she will do in the future. When Catherine answers Jackie looks up and has tears in her eyes which I found very moving. Jackie was also a very likable character because she was down to earth and not at all arrogant despite her star fame. Of course Catherine is also a nice person but she seemed to be more worried about people finding out she's a lesbian. However, she was the one who started the affair by kissing Jackie on the party just a few seconds after they met for the first time. In my opinion, this is one of the best lesbian movies. I give it 9 of 10 points because the ending could have been a bit more positive if they would have promised to meet again in the future for sure.
I'd rather eat sea bass tempura buggers!!!
pixelputa9 November 2012
In this movie, absolutely nothing happens. It had SO MUCH potential, given the synopsis.... NOTTTTTT. Every time, we thought something was going to actually happen.... it didn't. And then, it ended. And we were like "WTF was that movie?!?!?!?!??!!?" Completely spoiled my lesbian teacher fantasy forever. We really tried and watched all the way through... but really wish we hadn't. We'd have had more fun throwing bowling balls at each other. Yep. So, looks like we have to write more, otherwise IMDb won't let us post this. So, other thoughts...We really like lesbians, but this wasn't a good movie about lesbians. We also really like dwarfs with checkered scarves, and feel like a movie about them would have been a LOT (LOT LOT LOT LOT LOT) more interesting. Did we reach 10 lines yet?
Not Very Good
cupodirect27 March 2014
Warning: Spoilers
To compare this movie to High Art as one writer did is way off. For anyone who did not see that movie I found it very good and worth a second watch. Unlike a movie like Elena Undone where the relationship develops over time, builds up and keeps you on your seat, this movie had no build up, bang they were in a relationship. I just could not get past the student teacher relationship. This actress looked like she was 17 and the teacher like she was close to 40. Sorry but I found it hard to watch. This women according to her other students did this all the time. The student had mother issues and I believe they transfered into her relationship with the teacher. I'm happy they did not end up together, of course there would be no way they could.
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