Movies
10 Female Leadership Lessons From the New ‘Beauty and the Beast’
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While many debate if the film’s lead character, Belle, is a victim or a role model, there are lessons modern female leaders and working women can learn from her.
Arts & Culture
‘Vita Activa: The Spirit of Hannah Arendt’ Opens in U.S.
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Go see this profile of the influential thinker. Another must-see opening this week is the drama “Wedding Doll.” But don’t bother with Melissa McCarthy’s latest negative caricature of female ambition in “The Boss.”
Movies
‘Sweet Bean’ Is Profoundly Poetic and Humane
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“The Little Prince” is another must-see movie opening this week. This first animated feature based on the Antoine de Saint-Exupery classic presents a delightfully feminist twist on the iconic coming-of-age fantasy.
arts
‘Marguerite’ Wrings Suspense Out of Self-Delusion
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This exquisitely realized French tragi-comedy tops my list of movie openers this week. I can also recommend “About Scout,” a femme-centric shoestring budget indie film about a teenager on a challenging road trip.
arts
‘Zootopia’ Wins Prize for Mass Marketing Stereotypes to Kids
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And as previously mentioned, “Trapped” is out March 4, to help everyone mull over the ruling that is now pending in the first major Supreme Court case on abortion restrictions in years.
Commentary
Here’s How Niche Marketing in Hollywood Might Not Help
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This year’s politically-generated niche buzz words for marketers have been women and people of color. The pressure is on. Let’s hope it doesn’t lead to films that pander to group expectations, but don’t win any Oscars.
Arts & Culture
‘Crouching Tiger’ Brings Michelle Yeoh Back: Brava!
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At age 53, the ever-agile and strong-willed Michelle Yeoh defies sexism and ageism as she once again stars in a martial-arts extravaganza. This time her warrior character is coming out of retirement.
Arts & Culture
‘Neerja’ is Gripping Tribute to Heroine of 1986 Hijacking
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Unfortunately this biopic is in limited release. But “Race,” about Jesse Owens, is in wide release and is terrific. The cast is mostly male but Carice van Houten’s portrayal of Leni Reifensthahl, the Nazi filmmaker and propagandist, is stunning.
Arts & Culture
‘Trapped’ Will Be Released With Eye on Voters
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Even if this award-winning documentary about abortion clinics cannot affect the Supreme Court decision this June, it helps to clarify the issues and reveals legislators’ voting records on abortion laws that threaten to close women’s reproductive health care clinics.
Arts & Culture
‘Viva’ Taps Drag Stardom in Havana’s Gay Community
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Other great openers this week include “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies,” a wonderful genre twist on Jane Austen’s classic. And “Southbound” offers every kind of horror fan something to scream about.