Girlformation - A Newsletter for and about Maine's Girls!

Movie Reviews - Girls and Physical Activity

Double Teamed (Disney, 2002, NR)
Inspired by the true story of WNBA players Heidi and Heather Burge. High school freshman Heidi and her sister, Heather, may be twins, but they have little in common, except for basketball.

Whale Rider (Sony Pictures 2003, PG13)
Despite the discouragement of her gruff and disapproving who nearly disowns her because she is female and therefore traditionally disqualified from tribal leadership, 12-year-old Pai is convinced that she is a tribal leader and sets about to prove it.

Bend It Like Beckham (20th Century Fox 2003, PG-13)
A comedy about bending the rules to reach your goal, the film explores the world of women's soccer. Set in England and Germany, the film follows an 18 year old with her heart set on a future in professional soccer, but whose parents want her to hang up her cleats, find a nice boyfriend and learn to cook the perfect chapatti.

The Heart of the Game. (Mirimax Films 2006, PG-13)
Documentary focusing on the Roosevelt Roughriders, the girls high school basketball team at Roosevelt High School in Seattle, attempt to become state champions.

Movie Reviews - Girlfighting, Bullying and Relational Aggression

Odd Girl Out, The Movie
Lions Gate Home Entertainment, 2005

Based on Rachel Simmon's 2002 book, Odd Girl Out, this movie tells the story of high school friends Vanessa, Stacy and Nicki, and the social struggles they go through. The movie begins with snapshots of the high school's hallways, classrooms, bathroom, lunchroom and gymnasium. Throughout the movie these are all places where girl bullying occurs.

During the ninety minute movie, the friendship among Vanessa, Stacy and Nicki drastically changes as Stacy and Nicki join together to bully Vanessa. The two girls won't let Vanessa sit at their lunch table, they start rumors about Vanessa, they call her mean names, they email her messages telling her she is fat, they corner her in the bathroom and tease her, and invite her to a birthday party that isn't really happening. All of these actions reminded me of similar incidences that occurred when I was in school. Although the actions were cruel and difficult to watch, there was a comfort in realizing that each girl who has been bullied or bullied others isn't alone. Girl bullying happens in schools all over the United States. Although Vanessa is devastated by the cruel actions of her "friends", she learns to stand up to them by the end of the movie. The empowering ending reminds each of us that we can stand up to bullies.

Teenagers will find this movie accurately depicts the twenty first century classroom experience. In particular, the use of text messaging and email to bully others is widely shown in the movie. This is a real eye opener for adults who haven't experienced bullying with these tools. Although the movie is rated PG-13, I do want to provide a clear warning for parents and educators that swears and derogatory comments towards women are made in the movie. There is also a mildly graphic scene showing Vanessa cutting her hair short. There also is a scene where Vanessa attempts suicide. Although these words and scenes can be disturbing, the reality is they describe the experiences of many girls in school. The value of sharing this movie with high school girls is showing them they are not alone. Girl bullying is a prevailing undercurrent in schools that needs to be identified and eliminated. Movies and books like Odd Girl Out are paving the way for this girl safe path.