AM I OK? is on Max and this Late-Bloomer Lesbian Comedy is pure gold. It shows friendship and self-discovery in the most heartfelt and funny ways. An instant classic for me. Read our full Am I OK? movie review here!

AM I OK? first premiered at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival and now it is finally getting a wide release on Max. Perfectly timed with Pride Month. Even if it is more than two years after its initial premiere. But hey, just like the main character of this movie, sometimes coming out can take a little longer.

And, trust me, you do not want to miss out on this one. I expected that I would enjoy it, but I wasn’t ready to fall head-over-heels in love with the damn thing. Everyone is great in this, but Dakota Johnson and Sonoya Mizuno were simply perfect!

Continue reading our Am I OK? movie review below. Find it on Max from June 6, 2024.

Better late than never

The story of AM I OK? is all about Lucy (Dakota Johnson) and Jane (Sonoya Mizuno). The two are best friends and spend time together every day. They are integrated parts of each other’s lives and even Jane’s boyfriend, Danny (Jermaine Fowler), seems to be fine with essentially being in a throuple.

No, don’t get me wrong, there is nothing romantic or physical going on between Lucy and the straight couple. Especially as Lucy has never been in love and doesn’t feel like it’s in the cards for her. Seeing her with a male friend – who clearly wants to be more, though he is charming about it – is a huge hint as to why.

When Jane is offered a promotion at work that will have her moving to her native London, Lucy’s world is thrown into turmoil. Being faced with this huge challenge forces Lucy to recognize something about herself; The reason she isn’t connecting with any of the men she meets is because she isn’t interested in them.

In fact, she is coming to the realization that she is gay. Now, don’t worry, this is a comedy, so you won’t be getting a tragic coming-out story.

The power of friendship

As much as this is a coming-out story (and it really is), the main “coming out” story happens to Lucy herself. Coming out to the rest of the world isn’t a big deal. In this late-bloomer story, Lucy is mostly upset that it took her until her 30s to realize that she’s gay.

Jane, on the other hand, sees it as a project. She wants to find someone for Lucy and pushes her friend to get out of her comfort zone. Even pushes a little too hard, which puts a strain on their friendship. Though really, it’s the whole moving to London ordeal that’s stressing them both out.

To me, the coming out story is wonderful and heartfelt in a very sweet and organic way. I loved everything about it – even the things that don’t work out like in a romantic comedy.

However, it’s the friendship between Lucy and Jane that made this movie sing. The chemistry between Dakota Johnson (Madame Web, Don’t Worry Darling) and Sonoya Mizuno (Civil War, Devs, Ex-Machina) is pure perfection. They are tough on one another and know all the strengths and weaknesses of the other. The dialogue between them is wild and natural and so funny.

I absolutely loved their relationship. In fact, usually, a friendship like theirs would make me wish that they would hook up, but they are so good as friends that it didn’t even make sense. Also, Jermaine Fowler (Sting) was perfect in their platonic throuple setting, so it didn’t make sense.

Even if it did in Imagine Me & You which remains an all-time favorite movie of mine. In fact, the friendship between Luce (Lena Headey) and her best friend in that movie – which incidentally resulted in the iconic “Am I gay? I’m ecstatic!” line – reminded me of Lucy and Jane in this one.

Watch AM I OK? on Max

This heartwarming and hilarious comedy comes from co-directors (and wives) Tig Notaro and Stephanie Allynne. If you’ve read the above, I doubt it will come as any surprise that I am hoping for a lot more projects from them!

The screenwriter is Lauren Pomerantz (Ellen) who is also a producer. And yes, I desperately want more screenplays from her as well. Dakota Johnson is also a producer on this film, which I love to see. And the two directors, of course. Tig Notaro also has a cameo as a meditation guide of sorts. A short but great scene!

I also have to mention that alongside Dakota Johnson, Sonoya Mizuno, and Jermaine Fowler, we are getting a stellar supporting cast with this movie. From Sean Hayes (Will & Grace) as Jane’s boss to Kiersey Clemons (Sweetheart) as a gay awakening for Lucy. Also, Molly Gordon (Booksmart, Shiva Baby) has a fun role as Jane’s colleague and friend.

Everything about AM I OK? just worked for me. If we had more movies like this one, I truly believe the world would be a better place. It just speaks to that part of you that wants to do and be better. Even if you have to go down a few wrong paths before landing on the right one for you.

Directors: Tig Notaro & Stephanie Allynne
Writer: Lauren Pomerantz
Stars: Dakota Johnson, Sonoya Mizuno, Jermaine Fowler, Kiersey Clemons, Molly Gordon, Sean Hayes, Tig Notaro

Official plot:

Lucy and Jane have been best friends for most of their lives and think they know everything there is to know about each other. But when Jane announces she’s moving to London, Lucy reveals a long-held secret. As Jane tries to help Lucy, their friendship is thrown into chaos.

HACKS Season 3 is finally coming to Max and HBO. The comedy series is as funny and touching as ever. Both Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder continue to shine, but so do the supporting cast – and the awesome guest stars. Read our Hacks season 3 review here!

HACKS is premiering Season 3 on Max and HBO with two new episodes. Of course, watching just two episodes will leave you wanting more immediately.

Hacks is a show I have adored since the first season, but not until now have we had enough foresight here at Womentainment to get our hands on some press screeners. Season 3 has nine half-hour episodes and I am as crazy about this season as the previous two. Which says a lot, I can tell you.

Continue reading our season 3 review of Hacks below. Find the first two episodes on Max/HBO on May 2, 2024.

A year later and a little wiser

In season 3 of Hacks, we pick things up a year after parting. Season 2 ended with Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) essentially firing Ava (Hannah Einbinder). Not as any sort of punishment, but rather to help Ava move forward in her career.

Of course, she grossly underrated the importance of Ava in her personal life. Especially as a person who has a professional and personal life that is extremely intertwined. As does Ava, I might add!

In any case, it’s a year since they parted and Deborah Vance is still riding high off the success of her standup special. So much so that people will laugh at anything she says. It’s not exactly preferable for Deborah, who has been used to working for her success. Now she’s getting a taste of the gratuitous success where you cannot lose… until, of course, there’s a backlash.

But none of that is coming just yet, so Deborah Vance is still on top of the world. So is Ava who is pursuing new opportunities back in Los Angeles. She’s writing on a TV show that has exactly the kind of style and messaging, she lives for. Also, she has a new boss who thinks she’s amazing and wants to help further her career.

Do people ever really change?

For Ava, it isn’t just her career that is going well. Even her relationship with her ex-girlfriend-turned-girlfriend-again, Ruby (Lorenza Izzo), is swimming along wonderfully. Ruby has a role in a new DC-based TV series as the lead, so they’re both doing great. In fact, during her work hiatus, she’s going to Iceland where Ruby’s show is made.

Or that was certainly the plan until Deborah Vance called her up and asked for her help. In an almost cruel twist of fate, there’s a chance that Deborah could finally get the job of her dreams as the first woman hosting a late-night show. However, her new writers are not working out, so she needs Ava to make sure she can give it her very best shot.

Once again, Ava finds it impossible to resist when Deborah asks for her. Since this is a comedy series, there are many funny moments, but it is also a drama (or “dramedy” if you will) so there are many touching scenes as well.

Also, there’s a good shift in season 3, when Ava figures out that she can set boundaries and ask for things as well. It also becomes obvious to both lead characters that they’ve been influenced by one another. In good ways that allow them to see the world from a broader perspective, I might add.

Amazing casting in every single role

There are so many wonderful guest stars in season 3 of Hacks and if you’ve heard of just one, it’s probably Christina Hendricks as this has been part of the PR for season 3.  It’s quite a rabbit hole that Ava (Hannah Einbinder) is about to go down – pun very much intended – when Christina Hendricks guest stars.

In season 3, Christina Hendricks plays a gay Republican oil heiress which virtually sums up everything Ava loathes. But she also comes in the shape of Christina Hendricks, so there’s that.

Other than this particular guest starring stint – which I definitely enjoyed in several ways – we see many other amazing actors in smaller roles. However, for me, it was also Deborah Vance’s amazing team of agents that had some great moments.

Co-creator Paul W. Downs as Jimmy has been amazing from the beginning, but so is Megan Staler as his assistant/co-founder, Kayla. They have a great story with Christopher Lloyd in one episode, and a recurring bit with Helen Hunt as well. Basically, you have a lot to look forward to in season 3.

Watch Hacks Season 3 weekly on Max and HBO!

Hacks was created by Lucia Aniello, Jen Statsky, and Paul W. Downs. It’s one of the most intelligent and fierce comedy series ever. Always looking at people and circumstances through different lenses thanks to the Ava and Deborah characters.

Also, Hacks is one of those series that you can’t just binge-watch unless you want to wait until the entire season has aired. And, trust me, you don’t want to wait. Personally, I’ve actually started appreciating having to wait. Okay, that’s easy for me to say when I’ve been able to watch a screener of the entire season.

However, I am not always that fortunate, and right now I love that Under the Bridge on Hulu is something I watch weekly instead of binge-watching it. Because if I could have, I most certainly would have!

Instead, I did a review of Under the Bridge based on the first two episodes over on Heaven of Horror. I had to struggle to hold myself back and simply said “…we can feel the tension and chemistry from their first scene together”. By episode 3, it became very apparent that my queer instincts were spot-on. Spoiler: They usually are!

Anyway, enough about Under the Bridge as this was supposed to be about Hacks. And yet, I get a feeling that you’ll be watching Hacks if you’ve watched the first two seasons, which is probably why I feel fine plugging Under the Bridge here.

Also, if you’ve watched Hannah Einbinder’s “God is real!” comment when asked about Christina Hendricks’s guest-starring role, then you’ll definitely be checking out season 3.

The nine-episode season will release two episodes each week until the season finale (episode 9) on May 30, 2023.

Hacks Season 3 is premiering on Max on May 2, 2024.

Creators: Jen Statsky, Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs
Cast: Jean Smart, Hannah Einbinder, Paul W. Downs, Megan Stalter, Carl Clemons-Hopkins, Kaitlin Olson, Christopher McDonald, Mark Indelicato, Rose Abdoo, Lorenza Izzo, J. Smith-Cameron, Helen Hunt, Christina Hendricks, Christopher Lloyd, Dan Bucatinsky, George Wallace, Tony Goldwyn, Aristotle Athari

Official plot:

A year after parting, Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) is riding high off the success of her standup special while Ava (Hannah Einbinder) pursues new opportunities back in Los Angeles.

THE GIRLS ON THE BUS is a Max Original series (HBO Max in Europe) about four female journalists covering presidential candidates. The casting is great, the dialogue sharp, and after 10 episodes, I wanted more. Read our The Girls on the Bus series review here!

THE GIRLS ON THE BUS on Max is a new Max Original series (HBO Max in Europe) with 10 episodes. For me, ten episodes weren’t nearly enough, so I hope maybe it’ll be able to continue somehow. I mean, some people never stop campaigning – not even after winning the presidential election.

In any case, this Max Original isn’t about any real politicians. I mean, there is obvious inspiration, so you can see current (or former) presidential candidates represented in the characters of this series. For me, the four female journalists at the heart of this story worked perfectly. Often in imperfect ways which only made them more interesting and realistic.

Continue reading our The Girls on the Bus series review below. Find the first two episodes on Max on March 14, 2024.

Sadie, Sadie, reporting lady!

Yes, I did just reference a song from Funny Lady because I cannot hear the name “Sadie” and not have that song playing in my head. In any case, The Girls on the Bus focuses on Sadie McCarthy (Melissa Benoist), who is very openly a journalist who romanticizes campaign reporting.

And yes, she does tend to reference The Boys on the Bus, despite her boss also pointing out that much of their behavior would be an HR nightmare in today’s world.

By centering on Sadie, The Girls on the Bus takes us viewers on the campaign trail alongside three of her female journalist colleagues. All of them have very different styles and personalities which reflect both the various news outlets and ideologies. Also, just their difference in tone of voice.

From the Social Media influencer directness to the brazen propaganda-like style of television reporting and finally the newspaper journalists. The ones who triple-check their sources and do their best to stay unbiased and neutral. Well, okay, Sadie does battle quite a lot with the latter as she has a favorite candidate.

This landed her in hot water during the previous presidential election when her candidate didn’t win. Still, she’s ready to head out again and already knows she just might get heartbroken all over again.

The three other female journalists at the heart of this story (and the title characters) are all wonderful and brutal in their own ways.

Meet the Girls on the Bus

There’s Grace (Carla Gugino) who is also a newspaper journalist and grew up around politicians as her father works in the same field. Carla Gugino is always wonderful, yet in The Girls on the Bus, I found myself falling for her all over again. Okay, it doesn’t hurt that this character (not least her wardrobe) reminded me of my own wife.

Along with Grace, there is the TV reporter Kimberlyn (Christina Elmore) who is a black woman on a very white channel. Kimberlyn is fierce and direct but also knows what she’s up against. Most of the time it fuels her, but it also gets to her. How could it not?

Finally, there’s the newcomer, Lola (Natasha Behnam), a queer social media influencer. To stay on the campaign trail, she must mention various sponsors. She doesn’t like it, but that’s the deal she has. Also, she is clearly rooting for “her candidate”, who is very much the outsider as she is more “radical” than your average candidate.

WANT MORE TOUGH LADIES IN POLITICS?

Be sure to check out the HBO Orignal series The Regime starring Kate Winslet >

Basically, she just wants people to be able to exist and get an education or go to the hospital without being indebted for life. As a social media reporter, it should come as no surprise that she isn’t concerned with being neutral.

That is not her brand. She doesn’t work for a newspaper, TV station, or even a website. She is her own brand and needs to always stay on top of being true to herself. However, that can get in the way, when you want to be a decent person to the opposition. A small detail in the storyline that I really loved.

Especially as it shows just how divided the two sides have become. However, in The Girls on the Bus that is exactly what we learn: That despite their differences, the four women become a family of sorts. One that may not agree, but has each other’s backs.

I bought the book after watching episode 1

I have no problem admitting that I loved The Girls on the Bus series from the very first scene. Actually, I kept waiting for it to turn stupid somehow. Either by having a slow episode or a character act in a way that didn’t feel organic, but simply used to force the situation.

That moment just never came. Nor did I ever expect it to. I mean, I bought the book [Amy Chozick’s “Chasing Hillary”] that this Max series is based on after episode 1. This should tell you a lot!

It should come as no surprise that The Girls on the Bus is a very character-driven story. However, what I especially loved were all the flawed and realistic characters. Yes, the four girls on the campaign trail are among them, but really, every character was fleshed out to a larger extent than what we can usually hope for.

Whether it was a presidential candidate, love interest, friend, family member, or even colleague, we got to see enough to understand what made them tick. No one is entirely good or bad, they are just human. And what the four colleagues discover while on the campaign bus together is that everyone can learn something from another person.

Be that social media skills, the unwritten rules of the campaign trail, or not underestimating someone you know nothing about. There was always a lesson for each of them. And, not least, us viewers!

Back on the campaign trail

Having The Girls on the Bus coming out in 2024, just as the presidential election is really getting started, is perfect timing. Of course, it has already been a long time coming. Netflix began development on it in 2019. Then in September 2021, Netflix dropped the series and it moved to The CW. Finally, in February 2022, the series moved to then-HBO Max.

It was with HBO Max the production of the series finally started in October 2022. Now, here we are, getting 10 episodes from March to May of 2024, before the presidential election on November 5, 2024.

What I expect – and certainly hope – many will take away from watching The Girls on the Bus is that elections aren’t as binary as many seem to think. For some voters, the coverage and news are extremely black and white as the rhetoric is one-sided in favor of one candidate.

However, as this series focuses on, most journalists who respect and honor their profession, try to cover it all. This is an ongoing theme as the four journalists clearly have very different worldviews and ideologies. Still, they recognize that they need to listen to more than one side. And they especially have to respect that not everyone agrees.

We could all learn from that. In this Max series, the four main characters manage to learn without having to compromise on their own beliefs. That’s how democracy works!

Watch The Girls on the Bus series on Max

Creators Amy Chozick and Julie Plec are responsible for giving us this amazing new series. The Girls on the Bus is inspired by Amy Chozick’s experiences as a political reporter. Yes, she too has been on the campaign bus following multiple presidential candidates as they either make it or bow out.

Amy Chozick and Julie Plec (The Originals creator and showrunner) also serve as executive producers alongside Greg Berlanti and Sarah Schechter (Supergirl, You, The Flight Attendant), Leigh London Redman, Marcos Siega, and showrunner Rina Mimoun.

Also, the star of the series, Melissa Benoist, serves as a producer on the series. Good for her – I love seeing actors producing as well as star.

Whether you’re into politics or not – though really, anyone should be, and especially women right now – this Max Original is worth your time because the characters are so well written. The story is also intriguing and engaging, but without good characters, the story can never truly work.

Following these four female journalists on the campaign trail as they find friendship, love, and a scandal or two, is one of the best series I’ve watched in quite some time. So how can I not give it a top rating?! Enjoy!

Womentainment recommendation: A must-watch for everyone!

While The Girls on the Bus is all about the four women, it’s also about the media landscape, politics, and the people in their lives. Fortunately, this series has a brilliant cast of supporting (or recurring) actors as well.

Along with Melissa Benoist (Supergirl), Carla Gugino (Gunpowder Milkshake), Natasha Behnam, and Christina Elmore (Twenties) in the title roles, we see Brandon Scott (Dead to Me) and Griffin Dunne. Their two characters are perhaps most important as they work closely with Melissa Benoit’s Sadie, who the story centers on.

Also in key roles are Scott Foley, Mark Consuelos, Eric Stoltz, Kyle Vincent Terry, BD Wong, and Hettienne Park (The Outsider).

Overall, I loved that this was a very character-driven story. After all, politics and elections – democracy as a whole – is all about people. And, okay, the fact that the four female journalists at the heart of The Girls on the Bus were all awesome in their way didn’t hurt. Watch it for them!

The Girls on the Bus premieres on Max with its first two episodes on March 14, 2024. One weekly episode will be released following this with the series (or season, fingers crossed?) finale coming on May 9, 2024.

Creators:Amy Chozick, Julie Plec
Directors: Jesse Peretz, Erica Dunton, Marcos Siega, Marta Cunningham, DeMane Davis
Cast: Melissa Benoist, Carla Gugino, Natasha Behnam, Christina Elmore, Brandon Scott, Griffin Dunne, Mark Consuelos, Scott Foley

Official plot:

Four female journalists follow the every move of a parade of flawed presidential candidates.