Review of Half Magic (2018) by Kathleen H — 17 Apr 2018

We could look back in 30 years at Half Magic and see it as Heather's "THX-1138". Except much funnier.

Heather Graham took (likely some very intentional, others due to budget and novice status) risks with the form of what we think of as a movie and narrative. She put her 3 heroines in the center and kept them there, weaving them in and out, and came at the story from a female, truthful, honest, real, and extremely funny point of view. Life is typically messy, so, why not reflect that in the story? At the same time, her supporting cast was all very well developed.

Her sex scenes in particular (good and bad) were written for a woman's appreciation, first. I'd say more, but, I don't want to give away some of the details to those who haven't seen it. (*cough* GPS).

Her heroines as well as nearly everyone else had _AGENCY_. And there isn't a woman in the western world who hasn't met at least some of the men & women she portrays in real life.

I'm not saying it's flawless in terms of it's construction. Considering she sticks her thumb completely in the eye of formulaic movie execs within the movie (just by trueing up to what is!), it wasn't going to be. She has probably annoyed "comfortable" industry people who, frankly, needed to be annoyed (see: #MeToo), but, if she had a cooperative mentor might have been able to tighten up the form in this one.... but if she lost any of the truth of the story that would have been a shame.

It was Totally Fun to see several women I know in the crowd scenes, and to see the truth reflected in the "wow, I've had that conversation!" And laughing out loud at all the things we think but don't say, and giving the side-eye to what doesn't quite feel right... the payoff was Delicious.

Yeah, some things would have been better with a bigger budget. But Graham didn't leave us wanting on Story or Character. Well done!