Moxie (I) (2021) User Reviews (293)

A solid movie that will definitely get reviewed poorly

[traviswhoughton · 8/10 · 3 March 2021]

It's a good movie. Well made. Well acted. But because it's about the feminism and the issues women face every day a bunch of males will be severely triggered.

Ignore any review that uses phrases like "get woke, go broke" or complain about how men are portrayed.

Empowering

[Neon_Gold · 7/10 · 3 March 2021]

I think that this movie is going to wind people up. Which is hilarious because that is the whole point of the movie to get under peoples skin and make them think.

Most people that see this film and dislike it are going to do so because they see them selfs reflected in the people the movie is talking about.

I think that this movie will really be an empowering movie for teenage girls. Lots of films try to do this but i think that this movie succeeds where others don't because it doesn't pander to its audience. It was grounded for the most part.

Some characters did border on cartoony, which brings me to my biggest issue with the movie. The actor of Mitchell. He wasn't a very good actor anyway but the worst part was how old he looked. He is nearly 30 and i know that this happens in lots of shows and movie and probably he isn't the only one not playing his age in this movie. The issue is that he just stuck out like a sore thumb. Every time he was on screen i was like "Oh there is an adult man". It was just incredibly distracting. He was meant to be 16?

Another small issue i had was the back end to the second act and the beginning of the third. It seemed to lose its focus and fell off the tracks a little bit for me.

Thankfully it finds its way when it begins to wrap the movie up. I think the ending is really great, i do wish it wasn't over as abruptly. I think this could have been fixed by trimming the movie down and then just giving a few of them minutes to the end.

This movie was really good and i think that people should see it. I do however think that this movie is going to get a lot of hate and bad reviews because it is a feminist movie so make sure you watch it and support it.

Makes some mistakes, but it's message inspires

[joostkale · 7/10 · 3 March 2021]

There's something said in the movie that summarizes this movie perfectly: We have made a lot of mistakes, but I'm really glad we did it. Yeah, I butchered the quote, but I thought it fitted well. I really liked what this movie tries to say. Yes, it makes some mistakes. The third act is a bit messy. It kinda feels like it completely forgot what it was trying to say, but picked it up again after a while. It also is a bit awkward with the way the teens speak. I'm a teen myself and I have never heard someone say: 'That's rad!' But I have to admit, it was really nice to see these girls stand up for themselves. The 'villain' of the movie is a bit too much in my opinion, but there are people in this world like him. There are human being who behave like that, and it's really uplifting to see the girls unit. I actually stood up at the end speech because I felt what these girls have been trough. The movie is really cleverly written, and it makes it so that we really start to care for a girl that we don't know. I just leave this movie with a very positive feeling and I hope there are teens out there who will feel inspired.

An Enjoyable and Uplifting if Flawed Film

[Doublej20005 · 7/10 · 18 March 2021]

This is very much on the nose in its messaging, and there are a lot of more complex ways that this subject matter could be explored. The overt and straightforward way that this tackles extremely complex subject matters will definitely not work for some people. But I think the film is definitely aware of this fact, and instead tries to create a more upbeat and simple portrayal of feminism, and in that regard I think it works well. Amy Poehler's direction is solid, the performances are good and the first two acts in particular are pretty enjoyable. I do think the focus should have been more on some of the side characters, who all things considered were much more interesting, but that doesn't mean that the lead character's arc wasn't pretty strong. It is a bit too long for its own good, and again oversimplifies a complicated topic, but I'd be lying if I didn't say that I had a smile on my face when the credits started to roll. Overall, it's an uplifting and enjoyable if flawed film, and I'd definitely recommend it.

Empowering feelgood movie for young girls

[katkapsz · 6/10 · 19 March 2021]

Too many times have we seen the same story about bullying in high school and took it as a necessary part of coming of age. When is it time to speak up? When is it time to say - that's enough? How to stand your ground when others make you believe you are overreacting? Watch it with your daughter and tell her to always hold her head up high.

Im a man and I loved this movie

[b-92067 · 10/10 · 4 March 2021]

This movie was very eye opening. As a straight man we need to do better by the women in our society. Some of the reviews here are absolutely disgusting, and made by little men that think women's equality is a threat to them. They're afraid of no longer being able to mistreat women.

A Honest Movie with Flaws

[duffgifl · 7/10 · 3 March 2021]

Let me start off by saying this is NOT a bad movie, in fact I really enjoyed it. It's really realistic of any high school you go to, and the harassment and double standards girls face. I thought that part was really well done, and the entire movie has great inclusitivity. There are just a few parts I don't understand why they were included. Two of the girls kiss once and its never addressed or developed. I understand that they don't want to take away from the overall theme, but to me it just felt like a token scene, like they threw it in to seem "woke". It would if been really satisfying to see the antagonist arrested at the end of the movie, but I am glad that they included that storyline. Overall this is something I recommend for any teen girl to watch.

Great movie!

[jkurian-09379 · 10/10 · 4 March 2021]

It makes me regret not standing up for more while I was in high school and it will be something I hope to carry on to my children. For sure watch for anyone that has teens or preteens to see what they can stand up for.

Good movie, spreads what feminism should be

[macwright-46529 · 7/10 · 3 March 2021]

I just watch this movie today. My thoughts in general are that this movie is a relatively good movie. While I did not feel like I related to this movie with my own high school experience three years ago, I know others who would probably say otherwise. This movie gets a really thinking about things, and if there are schools that have become just as toxic as the one shown the movie which is entirely possible, then this movie holds some truth and reality. There are people who will knock this movie saying it's just the classic crazy feminism(the type that says all men are bad and and doesn't shout equality), but this movie I think hits on point of the right type of feminism that promotes unity and respect, and equal treatment of women who don't get heard when they speak up.

Could have been great

[dejohnam-98420 · 5/10 · 15 March 2021]

While having never read the book, the premise of the movie was intriguing. To me, it seemed like the perfect wish fulfillment, a movie about girls fighting back and making waves. Ultimately, I was left feeling a tad empty and like many of the "intersectional" moments in the film were unearned.

Without spoiling the film, I want to say that intersectionality is more than simply including women with various identities. A transgender character is given one line about dead naming, but then isn't given any sort of character arc. Two characters are revealed to be LGBTQ+ in a single kissing scene, but we don't see them really speak to each other the rest of the movie? My cynical side believes this was done so the movie could be shown in more countries by editing out these moments. Much space is given to the main character and her journey with feminism, boys, and her family, which I think was a mistake. There were really fascinating characters that could have built a fantastic, intersectional ensemble cast. Give this cast a plot that investigates the nuanced, experienced journeys of feminine people! Instead we're given throw away lines about gender, disability, ethnicity, race that feel like a screenwriter checking off boxes. Only the character with a mobility disability is ever actually funny with her quips at able-bodied extras.

Despite my qualms with the story we were given, this is a well directed movie with great performances. Only in a few scenes did the absurdity of the plot get in the way of believability (the principal knowing dismisses a few things that at most high schools would have resulted in at least an investigation). I won't watch again but I'm glad this movie exists for today's high schoolers as it portrays a positive representation of a high school cishet relationship, friendship among girls, and (of course) feminism.

Awesome

[jms-29540 · 10/10 · 3 March 2021]

Perfect teen movie for today's generation. Go watch it .

Teen films have changed since mean girls

[hellinbrooksx · 7/10 · 14 April 2021]

Really enjoyed the film. Lots of good messages.

Nice to have teens growing up watching films like this, getting them to think and have discussions on important matters aswell as being a feel good film.

The double standards are a let down

[maibritt-589-918706 · 5/10 · 6 March 2021]

Good intentions, but I think it falls flat because of the genre confusion and cringy writing. My biggest let down was that, sadly, this movie doesn't walk the walk itself. It's filled with double standards. It talks about not judging women by their appearances, but then has a slo-mo shot of the "good guy" pulling up his shirt while skating, as the main female characters drool. It doesn't address how good guy Seth is also being portrayed as a hero, while litteraly just behaving like a normal human being. That would have been a great way to show how women have to be extraordinary in order to be noticed, but men are celebrated for being civil. A lot of the characters are extremely cliché and cringy and I agree that this movie doesn't really work outside of the US. As a European it's hard to connect with this genre - the mix between a serious topic and a light vibe doesn't feel like a success with this movie. I recommend that you watch "Unbelievable" instead.

It had it's moments

[jelluza · 6/10 · 4 March 2021]

As a woman, obviously important message but written poorly. If you like cliches this is a movie for you. For the writers of the movie, do you even know what an introvert is? I liked some moments of the movie but all I could think of is how a real person wouldn't act this way.

It was very dramatic and that's what annoyed me the most. The message got lost behind the drama and writers being like: look at me, I'm so woke!

Modern Moxie

[Calicodreamin · 6/10 · 5 March 2021]

A very modern film depicting the teenage perspective on feminism and equality. As an elder millennial, I got a solid vibe from this film. It touched on all the hot topics in a message heavy but easily understood way. Acting was okay. Plot was a bit lost, but that wasn't meant to be the focus.

ALL OF THE AWESOME!!!!

[mickdansforth · 10/10 · 3 March 2021]

I watched this Netflix Original on Netflix.

Man that was just giant piles of AWESOME!!!

My eyes were leaking the whole time.

It's cool seeing Anjelika Washington (Stargirl) playing someone louder.

There's a 30% chance that the pic of Amy Poehler w/ Bikini Kill in the memory box wasn't created for the movie in photoshop.

I really really liked this movie!!!

It's Pretty Good

[jordyntsmith · 6/10 · 18 March 2021]

This is a solid effort at a teenage high school movie with some decent morals thrown in. It's enjoyable and is a pretty standard movie to take in.

Really wish I had this movie to look to when I was in highschool

[kathleenchisholm-17204 · 10/10 · 4 March 2021]

Now cue the swath of 1 star ratings from triggered misogynists with bruised egos... 🙄

Happy Women's History Month

[dederusmanac · 7/10 · 3 March 2021]

Messages: 10 <3 Story: 6 Execution: 5.5 Acting: 7

A fine show.

Had potential but was so poorly written

[hi-floyd · 3/10 · 8 March 2021]

The concept of the story was very strong but it was so poorly executed by the screenwriters. There were way too many storylines that, as a result, all fell flat. Moments of the story that were clearly meant to have a lot of emotional weight felt completely empty because there was barely any build up to them. The writers should've chosen one of the arcs to focus on and really honed in on that; Kiera's storyline would've been great for this.

If the majority of Moxie's attention turned towards working on Kiera winning the scholarship, as in, they spent lots of time and energy campaigning only to have her lose to Mitchell who only won due to his reputation, popularity and generally him just showing up, then her loss would've hit much harder. Seeing all of the characters cry when she lost felt so forced, it was honestly cringy.

Also, the tokenism was real. It would've been so lovely to see the girl in the wheelchair or the transgender girl have a significant role. Instead, they just kind of float around on the sidelines, not really contributing to the action of the story. The fact that I can't even remember their names is telling. Frankly, it felt like they were just shoved in to spice up the story with 'diversity' when really it felt lazy. The transgender girl's aspiration to play Audrey in the production of Little Shop of Horrors could've also been a major storyline, a campaign that Moxie really fought for.

It is even mentioned that the transgender girl is facing a lot of discrimination and that intersectional feminism is key, yet these topics/themes are never picked up again or given the time of day. Again, it feels like these parts were just thrown in for the sake of slapping on a 'diversity' badge and then the writers called it a day. It isn't enough. It's time that these characters who represent marginalised demographics actually provide something for the story.

Overall, it was just a very weak attempt at representing fourth wave feminism and I don't think it did the movement justice. Also, it legitimately just like, wasn't funny. Like, it was meant to be a comedy and genuinely the jokes just weren't good. So, big nah.

EVERYONE SHOULD BE WATCHING THIS!!!

[alize_savim · 10/10 · 3 March 2021]

I loved everything! Every Single Second of it was just so amazing! Definitely a must watch. Share this with your friends relatives everyone! WATCH THIS WITH YOUR FAMILY AND SPARK SOME CONVERSATIONS BECAUSE THE THINGS TALKED IN THIS MOVIE ARE REAL!

Just AMAZING!

Good teen flick...!

[Idle_Hands08 · 6/10 · 7 March 2021]

It was refreshing to see a good quality teen flick that wasn't about the main protagonists trying the get 'laid' by prom night... This had some strong female characters, and a simple but interesting premise. Fighting back, high school style, against the social inequalities and sexism that unfortunately still exist today... They could t seem to get any real traction or help from those in the school system that should be there to help... In the trailer you hear the Principal say 'don't use the word harassment, then I have to do a whole heap over paper work.' Pathetic to think this may actually be the reality for many young people in need of help in our state school system.

The main antagonist, captain of the football team, although a stereotypical character, was needed for the narrative to move at the pace it did. This character was a bit too cartoonish and over the top at times, and would have been better if it was played more restrained and realistic.

The fact that the main character used an old school paper newsletter to spread her thoughts, and get other people on board for the cause was great. You see her manually cutting and pasting words and images to make these cool little booklets, then ride down to the local copy place to make photocopies. This could have so easily been done as an 'on-line' blog or similar. But it wouldn't have had the same visual impact as seeing all those high school students socialising by reading and discussing the newsletters content... So good.

I felt it finished a bit abruptly and really could have 'kicked off' with an unexpected ending that the audience didn't see coming. As it turns out, the ending was fine, just too easy and obvious for a film of this nature. If you have seen 'promising young woman' this could have been organised to be a very clever prequel from their high school days...

Enjoy...

I expected better from Amy Poehler

[linda-846-907013 · 4/10 · 13 March 2021]

The movie was really good at first, but it tanked in the end. Nothing was resolved and nothing changed. Pointless property damage stood in for actual change.

The principal's trophy was a good example. Real change would have been shown by her realizing, thanks to the actions of our spunky heroines, she was contributing to the problem. Then she looked at that trophy and understood she wasn't the best principal and destroyed it herself.

Or the rape accusation - sure, it's great the girl said it out loud and was believed, but does anyone think anything will come of it? We all know what the legal and social system is like. He'll claim it's more of the persecution he talked about in the morning announcement segment. Plus, the one girl admitting she tripped the guy who's the Pirate mascot? That's not feminism, that's assault.

And what did they do when the girl lost the scholarship? Nothing. They didn't find someone to give her another scholarship that was even better. They didn't show the guy giving the scholarship that the soccer team was worth supporting, they didn't ask for a count of the votes. It was just forgotten about.

Vivian never took responsibility for her unhelpful and cruel actions - we never see her apologize to her mom or her mom's boyfriend. She gives a small "I'm sorry" to Seth, but I wasn't convinced.

This seemed exceptionally performative and poorly thought out. Rah rah, girl power, but let's not do anything to actually change the underlying paradigm that has serious flaws.

Amy Poehler's 'Mean Girls' for the #MeToo generation

[Sir_AmirSyarif · 6/10 · 6 March 2021]

Amy Poehler's second directorial outing, 'Moxie,' undoubtedly has its heart in the right place. The film addresses issues about female empowerment, toxic masculinity, sexism, harassment, and rape. The only problem is it's all delivered with no subtlety or nuance in the way the film explains its ideology. Too heavy-handed to win hearts and minds. 'Moxie' also suffers from half-baked writing of its characters. Aside from its painfully bland main character, the other characters have little to no characterization or development throughout the entire film. Still, it's difficult to dislike 'Moxie' as it has its charms and enganging approach to a substantive topic.

Moxie-

[ts-0000 · 10 March 2021]

As a near 50ish female.. I found this enjoyable & relatable,with age these issues get no easier. Solid cast,story,cinematography & music. Guys may feel upset by this,but keep this thought-Females in your life,should never feel unsafe. Worth checking out,hopefully it inspires & continues to bring changes in society.