seamysmama

I expected the Duggars (specifically Jim Bob and Michelle, not the children) to be absolutely evicerated during this series. While their hippocracy is indeed exposed, this is more or less a documentary exposing the IPLB and it's cult-like teachings. I think even when the show with the Duggars was at it's apex, even then people with eyes could see that something wasn't quite right with them, how they were raising their kids, or their nutty Christian belief system. This documentary doesn't really explore that much more than what we've all come to learn about them already. What this documentary does explore is the IBLP and how influential it has become to so many families, and how the Duggars made it all look so normal. If anything, it's a great watch exposing another cult, and how so often organized religion is bent and warped in a way to keep people (primarily women and children) down while a precious few thrive at their expense. Good watch overall, just don't expect to learn much more about the Duggars than you already know though.

I really enjoyed this movie. First, I think it's ridiculous to think Amy Schumer is a 'plain Jane' relegated to wearing Spanx cuz she's supposed to be fat(?), and working in a dead-end job. She's not model (which that is driven home during the course of the film), but that's kind of the point. To think that a funny, sweet girl can't get ahead or get a date is sad. Then you figure out it's really just her own insecurities holding her back, because once she is full of positive confidence (new personality traits her character chalks up to a supernatural experience), everything starts going her way. It's a sweet and funny movie that of course does the whole "beauty is on the inside" trope, but in Any/Renee's case, it's on the outside too. It just shows how it's often our own limited perceptions of ourselves and the world around us that hold us back. This goes both ways, even showing pretty, successful Avery struggling with her own insecurities. Pretty doesn't automatically equal self love. Once we learn to embrace who we are, warts and all, we can really be anything we want to be.