There are many genres, sub-genres, styles, auteurs or periods, but very few "movements," in film history. A smallish group that maybe didn't all know each other at the very start, but they meet, exchange ideas and eventually form a group identity. They get chapters in books and months at Film Forum or Lincoln Center.
Soviet Revolutionary Cinema. Italian Neorealism. French New Wave. Dogme 95. They all were unhappy with "the world today" or "the state of modern cinema" or "the studios" or what have you. They unabashedly claimed to be "reinventing cinema" and liked to talk about Reality. The Soviets were early enough in the timeline to be a part of the formation of basic cinematic grammar. The others had the benefit of having style or genre or studio calcification to rebel against. They were new waves, paradoxically, by getting back to basics.
So, the last three share these family resemblance characteristics: on location shooting, non-professional actors, set in the present day, small budget, about everyday people, dialogue over action.
Sounds like mumblecore to me. Doesn't rate a capital M yet. Hope they keep on going and earn one.
Rating: 7 out of 10
Recommended also: if you aren't familiar with any of these movements, then google, read, and add to your Netflix queue 4 or more films spread out among 3 or more directors per movement and treat yourself to a few DIY film festivals.
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