Its aims are positive, but the results are mediocre. It harbors that potential, but more likely it will become a film that you reflect on with a shrug and a, “That was okay” as the poster scrolls by when you cycle around Netflix. The best thing about the coming-of-age genre is that it gives young people an opportunity to recognize that they are not alone facing the crazy issues that come with life as a teenager – and it would be wonderful if people watch Moxie and feel inspired by the actions of its protagonists.
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And while you want more from the woke romantic interest (Nico Hiraga), Vivian's single mother (Amy Poehler), or even the caught-in-the-middle teacher (Ike Barinholtz), there's a lot that winds up resting on cliches and renders the movie to be a touch too typical. added Marcia Gay Harden as actor to movie credits of Moxie added Marcia Gay Harden as actor to movie credits of Pink Skies Ahead added Marcia Gay Harden as actor to movie credits of Point Blank Thu., Aug. The same can be said of members of the Moxie club, as characters seem only present to represent a single problem, such as issues with the dress code, and resource allocation in boys and girls sports programs. Both Marcia Gay Harden’s turn-a-blind-eye principal and Patrick Schwarzenegger’s cocky jock wind up being overly familiar tropes, and aren’t given enough substance to add any extra nuance to the movie’s core conflict. That depth isn’t universally present in the supporting cast, however, and that extends to both the primary antagonistic forces, and Vivian’s newfound friends in revolution. Moxie trips up with a large supporting cast with a number of thin characters. Alycia Pascual-Pena has terrific stage presence, making her an excellent fit for the role of the protagonist’s contemporary catalyst to action over in-action. In her first lead role, Hadley Robinson demonstrates wonderful range playing Vivian, and the evolution of the character through the story feels authentic because of how she plays it.
But what I really loved about it is that none of the characters are perfect, they don’t just get everything they want, it’s not just a clean fight to the finish. After meeting a new classmate named Lucy (Alycia Pascual-Peña) who isn’t willing to tolerate any of the sexist garbage constantly spewed by the school’s star athlete (Patrick Schwarzenegger), she does a bit of investigating into the past of her mother (Amy Poehler) and discovers that she was a riot grrrl growing up who fiercely advocated for women’s rights while blasting Bikini Kill.īy extension, Moxie makes for a great platform for some talented young actors. Obviously it has that equality revolution vibe that makes it an incredible watch. The vexation comes from always keeping her head down and steering away from conflict, but then she finds a double dose of inspiration. The new Netflix movie is based on the novel of the same name by author Jennifer Mathieu, and follows Vivian (Hadley Robinson) – a teenage girl who finds herself frozen by a college essay question about a cause that she feels passionate about. Unfortunately it also happens to be built on a foundation that is a basic and overly familiar coming-of-age story that ultimately renders the cinematic experience mostly immemorable. Now at the center of a revolution, Vivian begins to forge new friendships with other young women and allies, reaching across the divide of cliques and clubs as they learn to navigate the highs and lows of high school together.ĭirected by Amy Poehler and based on the novel by Jennifer Mathieu, MOXIE also stars Lauren Tsai, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Nico Hiraga, Sydney Park, Josephine Langford, Clark Gregg, Josie Totah, Anjelika Washington, Charlie Hall, and Sabrina Haskett, with Ike Barinholtz and Marcia Gay Harden.It’s a movie with a proper head on its shoulders, and it’s art in promotion of good. Inspired by her mother’s (Amy Poehler) rebellious past, Vivian anonymously publishes an underground zine called Moxie to expose bias and wrongdoing in her high school, and unexpectedly sparks a movement. About | Vivian (Hadley Robinson), a seemingly shy 16-year-old, has always preferred to keep her head down and fly under the radar.īut when the arrival of a new student (Alycia Pascual-Peña) forces her to examine the unchecked behavior of her fellow students running rampant at her high school, Vivian realizes she’s fed up.