by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
Who is Judy Blume? Her name has certainly gotten headlines as of late thanks to some good and bad reasons. The good? One of her most beloved and influential books, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, is finally getting the big screen treatment. The bad? Once again, her books are being banned in multiple states, including Florida. The controversy? Blume dared to treat young people with respect, and tackle important and relatable themes like puberty. This certainly grinds the gears of certain populations, but overall, Blume has been one of the most influential writers of a generation. Luckily, we are getting a documentary to shed light on her story, Judy Blume Forever.
With this new Amazon release, what are directors Davina Pardo and Leah Wolchok able to do with Blume’s story? They leverage and make this film work on two levels. The most direct and obvious is the how they flesh out Blume’s career, from her humble beginnings, to some of her bolder works for adults. But it is not just Blume’s story that takes center stage. These two filmmakers create an engaging look at literary censorship through the lens of one of its most common modern victims. This film might feel like a standard documentary, but it is this impact thread that adds layers and elevates the film overall.
The biopic elements work fine in this film, but why are the more societal elements so effective? There is something intimate and personal in the way that they are portrayed. One of the biggest advantages that Pardo and Wolchok have in making their documentary is the fact that Blume is alive, willing to participate, and quickly impassioned when it comes to the work that she has done. We see Blume tackle this serious issue of censorship, and her personality and passion allow for the audience to connect deeply to the issue. She cares so much, and that energy translates off screen to us, so we can process this relevant and timely issue.
What (or who) is the most important piece to the success of Judy Blume Forever? Blume, of course! She adds plenty of texture to her own story, and allows for an intimate look behind the curtain that is not translated through someone else’s experiences. It pays off really well when the subject of a documentary turns out to be a naturally charismatic lead. Blume fits that bill, as she gives a raw and direct perspective into her life, struggles, beliefs, and works. There are certainly moments where the film skates over the lack of diverse and modern attributes of her works, but her overall arc makes for some great filmmaking. It is hard to not want to watch Blume telling her story and presenting her perspectives.
How about the other commentators on Blume’s journey? The actors, celebrities, and other public figures who did so much and done so much together cannot help but gush about their relationship with Blume. There are plenty of notable personalities who have been influenced by the works of Blume. Molly Ringwood is just one such personality who gets intimate and emotional as they share how much the books of Blume mean to them, and take the stage to tell us too. The presentation might be familiar, but these series of commentaries show the impact and influence.
Is Judy Blume Forever worth your time? These types of biographic documentaries usually hit plenty of expected elements. Blume presents a society so focused on keeping young folks’ attention. This layered narrative and her raw personality make for an entertaining and engaging cinematic experience.
Score: 7/10
Judy Blume Forever will be streaming on Amazon Prime Video on April 21
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