Judy Blume is literally an open book in this well-crafted documentary that covers the life and work of the charming soft-spoken, yet outspoken author, like a warm blanket.
The petite and active Judy Blume, now 85, has been writing books for children and adults for 50 years and there’s no sign of her slowing down. Her first works in the 1970’s and 80’s tackled issues for and about pre-teens and young adults that were pretty much taboo to talk about openly. Her Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret was about girls getting their period, developing breasts, learning about sex and also young love. It was bold, but also insightful, letting kids learn more about their bodies and the emotional side of growing up. (See our review of the film posted in April when it was released, starring Rachel McAdams, Kathy Bates and Abby Ryder Fortson.)
Some adults were horrified it was too graphic, and it was banned in some libraries and schools around the country. But that didn’t stop Judy. The documentary shows that her book being banned did affect her, but it did not stop her. And she found out how much she affected young readers by the mountain of letters she received from them reaching out to tell her and ask for more advice.
First time Directors Davina Pardo and Leah Wolchok gave this film the title Judy Blume Forever, after the author’s novel about teenage sexuality, published in 1975. It’ has shown up on banned book lists ever since but Blume believes children should read whatever they want, a cause she always has and is still fighting for.
Judy has many supporters besides the young people she writes for. Tributes abound from celebrities who were, and still are big fans. They include Molly Ringwald, Lena Dunham, Samantha Bee, Tayari Jones, her son and daughter and more. And Pardo and Wolchok show how Judy receives thousands of letters. The author not only reads as many as she can, she replies to her readers’ thoughts and questions.
Judy never seems to get intimidated. She is shown in a segment defending herself against conservative political TV commentator, Pat Buchanan in the 1980’s about the openness concerning sex in her books. She quietly, but fearlessly asks, “Did you read the whole book or just the highlighted parts?”
This film not only talks about crafting books dealing with the emotions of young people, but chronicles her own emotional ups and downs having married and divorced twice. Then she tells how she happily met her third husband, George, and how they complement each other. They seem to be a perfect match.
Revered by young and old fans of her works, Judy projects positivity with frankness and a smile. This is an excellent, detailed portrait and tribute to an articulate author who knows how to entertain, as well as express emotion for herself and others. And after 50 plus years, Judy Blume is still fearless and blooming with ideas.
Prime Video 1 Hour 37 Minutes 16+
