This is a moment when #OscarsTooWhite and #HollywoodBoysClub protesters could and should overlap and join forces. Meanwhile, my tips for this week’s openers start with “Jane Got a Gun” and “Kung Fu Panda 3.”
The country has lagged in protecting children from sexual exploitation. Critics say some catch-up laws didn't go far enough and the culture continues to fetishize minors in such rampant and blatant ways that the intent of recent legal restrictions is being undermined.
Yes I have a few weekly film openers for you, including the engaging drama “A Perfect Day.” But there is such a shortage this week that it's the perfect time to fill in the void with a look at the latest stats and outcry over the white, male domination of the film business.
It's a slow week ahead of the Oscar nominations, but these two movies deserve your attention. “The Forest,” the year's first femme-centric horror flick, is also getting released, and it's a real frightener.
My only criterion is this; what was so good I simply could not possibly leave it out. But as it turns out, many on my list boast strong, proactive female characters. And there's no gratuitous violence.
Mainly, I'm looking back on a bounty of roles for actresses. But real women were also the subject matter of a trio of documentaries about Janis Joplin, Amy Winehouse and Nina Simone. See as many of these standouts from the year as you can.
This drama raises vital questions about women's relationships. Also opening today, Dec. 11, is “The Girl in the Book,” with a bit of a contrived plot but strong performances.