Jennifer Merin, Author at Women's eNews

Jennifer Merin

In addition to covering film for Women's eNews, Jennifer Merin writes the Cinema Citizen blog and is editor in chief for AWFJ.org, the website of the Alliance of Women Film Journalists, a nonprofit organization of leading female film journalists in the U.S., U.K. and Canada. She is organization's president. She is also a member of the prestigious Broadcast Film Critics Association.

‘Viva' Taps Drag Stardom in Havana's Gay Community

By Jennifer Merin ● Arts & Culture ● February 5, 2016

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.

Jada Pinkett Smith, whose husband Will Smith wasn't nominated this year, says she will boycott the Oscars.

Hollywood’s Diversity Politics Reach a Major Intersection

By Jennifer Merin ● Arts & Culture ● January 29, 2016

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.”

Storm Brewing Over Hollywood's Lack of Diversity

By Jennifer Merin ● Arts & Culture ● January 15, 2016

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.

This Weekend's Top Film Openers: ‘Lamb' and ‘Yosemite'

By Jennifer Merin ● Arts & Culture ● January 8, 2016

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.

Jennifer Merin's List is In: Her Top 10 Movies of 2015

By Jennifer Merin ● Arts & Culture ● December 30, 2015

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.

2015 Films Gave Actresses Real Vehicles for Greatness

By Jennifer Merin ● Arts & Culture ● December 25, 2015

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.

‘45 Years’ is Generating Oscar Buzz and for Good Reason

By Jennifer Merin ● Culture ● December 18, 2015

Costars Charlotte Rampling and Tom Courtenay are superb in this film. And the latest in the “Star Wars” franchise is spectacular, but the feminism is hyped like so much else. Read on for more holiday releases, straight through Dec. 25.

‘Bleeding Heart' Tale of Two Sisters Profoundly Provocative

By Jennifer Merin ● Arts & Culture ● December 11, 2015

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.

Maggie Smith is Smashing as ‘The Lady in the Van'

By Jennifer Merin ● Arts & Culture ● December 4, 2015

Her performance alone makes this movie a major must-see. Read on for more about other Dec. 4 openers, including Spike Lee's liberal adaptation of “Lysistrata” to the murderous world of Chicago today.

‘Janis: Little Girl Blue' Celebrates Singer's Talents

By Jennifer Merin ● Arts & Culture ● November 27, 2015

This documentary will make you a fan of the famous Janis Joplin, if you aren't already. Other Nov. 27 film openers to look out for include “The Danish Girl,” an unusual love story based on the lives of two Danish artists, and the documentary “Killing Them Safely.”

Jennifer Merin

Jennifer Merin's Latest Articles