Jennifer Merin, Author at Women's eNews

‘The Wonders,’ and ‘Armor of Light’ Both Open Oct. 30

By Jennifer Merin ● Arts & Culture ● October 30, 2015

“The Wonders” lives up, cinematically, to its name and “The Armor of Light” is a must-see documentary about the Evangelical case for gun control. “Making Rounds” also stellar. But skip “Our Brand is Crisis” and rent the DVD of the 2005 documentary upon which it is based.

‘Suffragette’ Revitalizes Our Own, Century-Old Drama

By Jennifer Merin ● Arts & Culture ● October 23, 2015

Other great new releases this week include “Difret,” produced by Angelina Jolie Pitt, and “Heart of a Dog,” a first-person essay by Laurie Anderson. And go see “I Smile Back” and think Oscars for Sarah Silverman!

‘A Ballerina’s Tale’ Chronicles Misty Copeland’s Journey

By Jennifer Merin ● Arts & Culture ● October 16, 2015

Another must-see documentary this week is “Watchers of the Sky,” focused on the human rights work of Raphael Lemkin, and be sure to also check out two badass female flicks: “Momentum” and “The Assassin.”

‘Big Stone Gap’ is a Welcome, Feel-Good Rom Com

By Jennifer Merin ● Arts & Culture ● October 9, 2015

And it stars Ashley Judd, who deserves support for speaking out about sex harassment in Hollywood. I have a few more to recommend but I am panning “Pan.” If you are looking for a better Peter Pan movie, I have one for you. Read on!

In ‘Freeheld,’ Spousal Benefits Are Gripping Drama

By Jennifer Merin ● Arts & Culture ● October 3, 2015

“He Named Me Malala” also opens Oct. 2, offering a good intro to the Pakistani schoolgirl who came close to dying for the cause of girls’ education. “The Martian” must also be seen; it’s fascinating and thrilling but there’s another reason it threw me into positive orbit.

‘Keeping Room’ Is a Must-See Movie This Weekend

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

There’s another Sept. 25 opener I have to hail as well. “A Brave Heart: The Lizzie Velasquez Story” is about a woman who discovered she was the subject of a YouTube video entitled “The World’s Ugliest Woman” and how she fought back. Brava Lizzie!

Gender Transition Ignites Family Drama in ‘About Ray’

By Jennifer Merin ● Arts & Culture ● September 18, 2015

This coming-of-age tale must be seen, along with three more films also opening Sept. 18: “The New Girlfriend,” “Sicario” and “Songs from the North,” a documentary by South Korean filmmaker Soon-Mi Yoo.

Sex Humor Sizzles in ‘Sleeping With Other People’

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

This film, featuring a couple who find each other in a sex addicts support group, is nicely entertaining. “Meet the Patels,” about arranged marriage in India, is also highly recommended. For my warning about “Goodnight Mommy,” read on.

‘Second Mother’ Is Compassionate and Compelling

By Jennifer Merin ● Arts & Culture ● August 28, 2015

Try to catch this drama, opening Aug. 28, about women’s social servitude in Latin America. Also highly recommended, “Zipper,” about sex addiction and political duplicity; and “Queen of Earth,” a tense psychodrama about a female friendship under pressure.

Make It a Triple-Feature Movie-Going Weekend

By Jennifer Merin ● Arts & Culture ● August 21, 2015

Make this weekend a movie marathon with three must-see femme-centric films. “Learning to Drive,” “Grandma” and “After Word” all open Aug. 21.

Jennifer Merin

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