Film Archives – Page 8 of 18

April Films Open With Action Aliens and Heroines

By Jennifer Merin ● Uncategorized ● April 4, 2014

April 4 brings a bundle of openings: Scarlett Johansson in “Under the Skin” and Gina Carrano starring in “In the Blood.” “The Galapagos Affair: Satan Came to Eden” is another island thriller; and it’s all true.

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Next Year’s Oscar Favorites Already on the March

By Jennifer Merin ● Uncategorized ● March 6, 2014

Some winners: “The Face of Love” starring Annette Bening, “On My Way,” with Catherine Deneuve, and a superb documentary about the secret life of a Chicago nanny that opens later in the month.

February Films Favor Dark Fare Over Valentines

By Jennifer Merin ● Arts & Culture ● January 28, 2014

Aside from “Endless Love” opening Feb. 14, movie releases on the horizon tackle serious subject matter. “Kids for Cash” is about a juvenile court judge in Pennsylvania who was getting paid to send kids to a private juvenile detention center.

Go See ‘Maidentrip;’ Steer Clear of ‘G.B.F.’

By Jennifer Merin ● Uncategorized ● January 16, 2014

The documentary about 14-year-old world-solo sailor Laura Dekker is inspiring. Another teen movie, “G.B.F.,” about prom-queen aspirants, demeans everyone; including the audience. Skip it, and steer teenagers away too.

‘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.

‘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.

Stumbling Blocks Persist for Female Film Directors

By Melissa Silverstein ● Uncategorized ● August 11, 2013

While there are more women now working at all levels of the film industry, female directors are still not common, says Melissa Silverstein in this excerpt from “In Her Voice: Women Directors Talk Directing.” Numerous obstacles remain.