Welcome to the first episode of Retro Reviewing, a new bi-weekly vlog by four Boston-area lesbian/bi film students (Katie, Caroline, Danielle and Rina) focused on reviewing lesbian classics and not-so-classics, as well as queer indie movies, and other under-the-radar film fare.

This week, the girls take on Basic Instinct in all of its cheesy, sexy, stereotypical glory. Special attention is paid to the campy sex scenes, crazy stereotypes, awkward sexual politics, and of course, the amazing 1992 dance moves.

While the movie may be comical and borderline offensive today, it was a real eye-opener when it premiered, kicking off a a dialogue about lesbian and bisexual representation in media that continues today. For this, and for Sharon Stone’s knockout performance, ¾ of them applaud Basic Instinct.

But that doesn’t stop them from having their way with the film – Catherine Tremell wouldn’t have it any other way.

If you have a request for a classic film you’d like to see skewered (or praised) in a future episode, be sure to let them know in the comments!

I have a few clear memories of the late 1980s. One is counting down the days every summer until Girl Scout Camp, when I could see my favorite counselor, who taught us how to ride horses. Another is the heartbreak when said counselor didn't return. And the scariest moment, by far, was catching glimpses of Glenn Close and Michael Douglas in Fatal Attraction. Yes, folks, the movie that spawned the phrase "bunny boiler" is 20 years old this year. If you don't believe it, just look at the hair.

I was a little too young to be aware of the feminist backlash against the movie — I was busy not filling out my training bra at the time. What I do remember and found far more traumatic is that bunny scene. I, too, had a pet rabbit, and it was named after that counselor who vanished from my summers (though not from my heart). … continue reading

FHM has an interesting list of what they consider the 10 best female movie villains. They also have some disturbing, yet fun, video clips to go along with their choices. And it got me thinking: What exactly makes a villainess a grand dame in the baddie world? So here's my take on the qualities that make a villain truly great.

1. The hotness factor

OK, I'd be lying if I didn't admit that I can get swept up by a villain just because she's hot. I'm not alone: Malinda has her own list of baddies who are also hotties. Both Malinda and FHM include the likes of Catherine Tramell (Basic Instinct) and Catwoman as played by Michelle Pfieffer. O-Ren Ishii makes the FHM list and mine as well. I'd also like to suggest two more recent villains to add to the "hot" list: Sarah Corvus and Caprica Six (Battlestar Galactica).

… continue reading

In the first segment of our video blog this week (watch the second segment here), Lori and I talk about a disturbing trend we've identified in movies and TV shows: the popularity of lesbian seduction scenes that take place in public (or semi-public) restrooms.

No, we can't believe we're talking about this, either.

But from South of Nowhere to The L Word, Claire of the Moon and Femme Fatale to Wild Side and Love on the Side, lesbians are hooking up in bathrooms all over the big and small screen — and that's not even counting the NFL cheerleaders incident!

Here's our take on it: … continue reading