Jennifer Merin, Author at Women's eNews

‘In Bloom’ Opens in NYC, Must be Seen Everywhere

By Jennifer Merin ● Arts & Culture ● January 10, 2014

A bumper crop of great movies open Jan. 10, including this teen-angst drama in the context of forced marriage and vigilante justice in the former Soviet Union. Another winner, “Divorce Corp,” brings a critical look at the problems plaguing family court.

December’s Stand-Out Films Disrupt Year-End Lull

By Jennifer Merin ● Uncategorized ● December 14, 2013

The year ends with a handful of strong must-see performances by women, including Emma Thompson in the biopic “Saving Mr. Banks” and Scarlett Johansson’s voiced performance in Spike Jonze’s “Her.”

‘Philomena’ Probes Toll of 1950s Sexual Strictures

By Jennifer Merin ● Uncategorized ● November 14, 2013

Dame Judi Dench stars in this heart wrenching story of an unwed mother whose baby is taken away from her. The film makes a strong pairing with the biodoc “Bettie Page Reveals All.” Mark your calendars and don’t miss either.

Repression Runs the Gamut in Late October Films

By Jennifer Merin ● Uncategorized ● October 18, 2013

‘Camille Claudel, 1915,’ about a sculptress confined to an insane asylum, begins the run. There’s also the documentary ‘The Square’ about the Egyptian revolution and ’12 Years a Slave,’ based on a mid-19th century memoir of a free black man.

‘LuLu Sessions’ Brings Breast Cancer Up Close

By Jennifer Merin ● Uncategorized ● October 4, 2013

While this movie offers a companion’s intimate view of one woman, “Beauty and the Breast” looks at the disease in a spectrum of women. Elsewhere, don’t miss Sandra Bullock in “Gravity,” tethered to George Clooney for life support.

‘Enough Said’ Is a Late September Must-See Movie

By Jennifer Merin ● Arts & Culture ● September 19, 2013

This plot-twister starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus and the late James Gandolfini is not to be missed; ditto the very important documentary about abortion providers “After Tiller.” But take a pass on the tiresome romcom “Baggage Claim.”

‘A Teacher’ and ‘Adore’ Focus on Much Younger Men

By Jennifer Merin ● Uncategorized ● September 5, 2013

September is an exceptionally strong month for films by and about women. Especially appealing among early openers are two femme-helmed narrative features that delve into illicit relationships between women and younger men. Both films open Sept. 6.

‘Mortal Instruments’ is Must-See for Fantasy Fans

By Jennifer Merin ● Uncategorized ● August 23, 2013

This is a strong rival for the “Twilight” series; poised for its own sequels but without the vamp-ing, sappy treacle and sudsy soap opera elements. For other audiences, “Therese” is a fine psychological period drama not to be missed.

‘Our Children’ Offers an Emotional Tour de Force

By Jennifer Merin ● Uncategorized ● August 2, 2013

Other notable first-half August film openings include a biopic about porn star Linda Lovelace’s path to adult entertainment. And go see “In a World,” Lake Bell’s comedic bash at the rampant sexism and egotism in the voiceover industry.

TV Documentaries Top Late July Film Releases

By Jennifer Merin ● Uncategorized ● July 19, 2013

Check your local HBO and ESPN listings for such fascinating fare as “The Cheshire Murders,” “No Limits” and “Let Them Wear Towels.” Among late July theater openers, “Blackfish,” about a tragic death at SeaWorld, opens July 19.

Jennifer Merin

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