Jennifer Merin, Author at Women's eNews

‘Prospera’ Brings Dark Magic to Life in December

By Jennifer Merin ● Arts & Culture ● December 9, 2010

December brings a treasure trove of movies. But if there’s one not to miss in all the hurly burly of Oscar buzz and holiday fare it’s “The Tempest,” starring Helen Mirren as a Shakespearean sorcerer transformed by a director’s magic into a woman.

Rita O’Grady Joins Film Ranks of Rae and Silkwood

By Jennifer Merin ● Arts & Culture ● November 3, 2010

“Made in Dagenham” opens Nov. 19 and is sure to boost English machinist Rita O’Grady into the woman-worker-warrior ranks of Norma Rae and Karen Silkwood. There’s plenty more in store this month, including a thriller about Valerie Plame.

Cloistered Nun Leads Order of Outstanding Films

By Jennifer Merin ● Arts & Culture ● September 28, 2010

October brings a rich autumn harvest of movies where women star and direct. “Vision,” about a 12th century nun, Hildegard von Bingen, vies for top interest in a heavy-duty lineup that also includes “Secretariat,” “Freakonomics” and the last of Stieg Larsson’s Lisbeth Salander trilogy.

‘First Run Features’ Gives Female Directors the Go

By Jennifer Merin ● Arts & Culture ● August 27, 2010

Indie distributor First Run Features gives a big boost to films directed by women in September. Later in the month, viewers of all ages can see a thrilling animated feature about heroic owls, based on Kathryn Lasky’s beloved epic fantasy books.

‘Eat, Pray, Love’ Heads into Box Office Showdown

By Jennifer Merin ● Arts & Culture ● July 23, 2010

The film adaptation of “Eat, Pray, Love” opens Aug. 13, the same date as Sylvester Stallone’s high-testosterone “Expendables.” It’s a face-off that Jennifer Merin says could test male-female movie-going might.

Sally Potter’s Movies Stand Out in July Retrospect

By Jennifer Merin ● Arts & Culture ● July 3, 2010

July movie releases include a documentary about Hugh Hefner and “The Girl Who Played With Fire.” But ahead of all other viewing options, Jennifer Merin says don’t miss the re-release of Sally Potter’s “Orlando,” back in high-def.

Small Movies Flower Before Late-June ‘Eclipse’

By Jennifer Merin ● Arts & Culture ● June 2, 2010

The movie lineup in early June shines with little gems, including a moody drama in the Ozarks directed by Debra Granik and the intimate biopic “Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work.” But beware the sticky and sentimental teen-vampire fantasy “Eclipse” late in the month.