Jennifer Merin

Storm Brewing Over Hollywood’s Lack of Diversity

By Jennifer Merin ● Arts & Culture ● January 15, 2016

Yes I have a few weekly film openers for you, including the engaging drama “A Perfect Day.” But there is such a shortage this week that it’s the perfect time to fill in the void with a look at the latest stats and outcry over the white, male domination of the film business.

2015 Films Gave Actresses Real Vehicles for Greatness

By Jennifer Merin ● Arts & Culture ● December 25, 2015

Mainly, I’m looking back on a bounty of roles for actresses. But real women were also the subject matter of a trio of documentaries about Janis Joplin, Amy Winehouse and Nina Simone. See as many of these standouts from the year as you can.

‘Bleeding Heart’ Tale of Two Sisters Profoundly Provocative

By Jennifer Merin ● Arts & Culture ● December 11, 2015

This drama raises vital questions about women’s relationships. Also opening today, Dec. 11, is “The Girl in the Book,” with a bit of a contrived plot but strong performances.

Maggie Smith is Smashing as ‘The Lady in the Van’

By Jennifer Merin ● Arts & Culture ● December 4, 2015

Her performance alone makes this movie a major must-see. Read on for more about other Dec. 4 openers, including Spike Lee’s liberal adaptation of “Lysistrata” to the murderous world of Chicago today.

‘Janis: Little Girl Blue’ Celebrates Singer’s Talents

By Jennifer Merin ● Arts & Culture ● November 27, 2015

This documentary will make you a fan of the famous Janis Joplin, if you aren’t already. Other Nov. 27 film openers to look out for include “The Danish Girl,” an unusual love story based on the lives of two Danish artists, and the documentary “Killing Them Safely.”

‘Mustang’ Points Camera on 5 Sisters in Rural Turkey

By Jennifer Merin ● Arts & Culture ● November 20, 2015

This beautiful, socially relevant film simply must be seen. I’m also recommending “Carol,” a love story between two women that may be the vehicle that drives stars Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara to the Oscars, also opening Nov. 20.

Go See Director Patricia Riggen’s ‘The 33’

By Jennifer Merin ● Arts & Culture ● November 14, 2015

This truth-based drama about 33 Chilean miners trapped in a collapsed mine is terrific. So are other Nov. 13 openers, including “Mia Madre” and “James White.” But steer clear of the sadly self-indulgent “By the Sea” and “Love the Coopers,” a comedy that falls flat.

‘Miss You Already’ Opens Nov. 6; Don’t Miss It

By Jennifer Merin ● Arts & Culture ● November 6, 2015

This must-see movie offers an impressively authentic feminist representation of the ways in which women can bond, support and respect each other. By contrast, the unappealing spectacle of female bullying is worth skipping in “The Outskirts.”