Women of All Nations, Unite! Or not...

Today I was going to write about how things, places, and people go on without us, and how dangerous it is to expose your actual present, which consists of evolved memories, to the metamorphosed present of your past. Confused? Don’t worry – I abandoned that idea as soon as I read the NYTimes review of Baby Mama http://movies.nytimes.com/2008/04/25/movies/25baby.html (which I have full intentions of seeing, with or without you, FanofPolinaland!).

I haven’t seen the actual movie yet, so I cannot comment on its merits as a comedy. What I can comment on is the Times review by one Manohla Dargis. Of Amy Poehler, who is a gifted comedienne, Ms. Dargis says: “At 36 Ms. Poehler is at least 10 years too old for the role, as the softly focused close-ups suggest, but she’s a pip.” Though very critical of the movie, Dargis seems fond of Poehler’s performance. That, however, doesn’t excuse her ridiculous comments.

Those who know me will agree that I am by far not a feminist, but I find Dargis’s statement bitter and stupid. Although she is a professional film critic, she apparently finds it impossible to look past whatever those “close-ups suggest.” By the way, Amy Poehler looks great – certainly great enough to play a young white trash surrogate mother.

There is enormous pressure on women to look 25 whether they are 15, 35, or 45. And while I would be delighted to stop the aging process, I would hope to have something other than a few wrinkles to be criticized about when I am no longer in my prime. It is very disappointing to read a pseudo-intelligent woman voice such a dim comment, in New York Times no less.

I’d like to remind Manohla that Baby Mama is a comedy, and Amy Poehler is a character actress, not a Playboy bunny. I would also suggest Ms. Dargis look in the mirror prior to writing film reviews, to be humbled, if anything.

P.S. Naturally, I googled the hell out of Manohla Dargis – check this out if you’re interested: http://gawker.com/news/manohla-dargis/