All Culture
From ‘I Am Woman’ to ‘Get on Up’: Movies that hit the right noteWith the release of a new biopic about Helen Reddy, “I Am Woman,” the Monitor’s film critic shares some of his top choices for films about singers.
In a WordThe subtle sexism behind words such as ‘feisty’At first glance, feisty seems like a compliment. But it’s an adjective that subtly undermines even while it ostensibly praises.
Proud to be included as ‘one of the guys’I wanted to play all the sports the boys were playing. In those pre-Title IX days, it was not to be. But that hasn’t stopped me.
Even without Mushu, Disney ups remake game with ‘Mulan’There’s no Mushu, Shang, or sassy grandma, but Disney’s highly anticipated remake of “Mulan” took risks that paid off.
First Look'He's still Chad': Actor's hometown remembers Chadwick BosemanThe late actor Chadwick Boseman was celebrated in Anderson, South Carolina this week. “He was the epitome of Black excellence,” said said Deanna Brown-Thomas, the daughter of singer James Brown, who Mr. Boseman portrayed in 2014.
Movies bring us together. But should we get used to viewing them apart?With streaming splintering people’s attention and a pandemic closing cinema doors, shared experiences like going to the movies are evolving.
In a WordWho is Jehoshaphat and why is he jumping?Where does the expression “jumpin’ Jehoshaphat!” come from? It has its origins in the 19th century, but the details are somewhat fuzzy.
First LookA first: Women show up in force on Venice Film Festival rosterIn a huge leap from previous years’ “embarrassing percentiles,” 44% of the films showcased at the 2020 Venice Film Festival are directed by women. “I feel very comfortable and proud to be in that environment,” said one female director competing in the festival.
What I was told I could grow up to beWhen I was young, my parents observed that I was unlikely to be prevented from doing whatever I wanted to do. They were right.
In a WordThe longest word in the English languageIt might seem like an easy task to name the longest English word – just look it up in the dictionary. But in practice, experts disagree.
With the return of ‘Mulan,’ a look at Asian actors who paved the wayWith the return of ‘Mulan,’ a film critic surveys the work of actors who have contributed to this moment of progress for Asian women in Hollywood.
First LookWhat's in store for visitors as NYC museums come back to lifeMuseums in New York are starting to gingerly open their doors, with new protocols in place to keep visitors safe. "We think that our mission has never been more important," said one New York museum leader, who worked with others to engineer opening plans.
Our daily deerI break down the data from my daily nature walk with Freya June, who is 3 1/2 months old. We’ve seen thrushes, does, and even a porcupine.
How South Sudan’s ‘king of music’ beats back despairSouth Sudanese musician Gordon Koang channels his life-affirming outlook into a new album, “Unity,” meant to embrace refugees and buoy listeners.
Defying expectations: Monitor readers share women who inspired themWe asked readers to share stories of women in their lives who challenged the status quo and rose above what society said was possible for women.
Waterboys frontman calmly waits for the lyrics to come. They always do.Mike Scott discusses The Waterboys’ new album “Better Luck, Seeker” and his understanding that inspiration can take time.
In a WordA slogan whose ambiguity serves a purposeThe fact that the slogan “Defund the police” needs explanation is a plus because it serves as a quick, catchy way into a larger, more complex story.
A paean to the porchA screened-in porch brings the best of all worlds; memories of childhood intertwine with the pleasure of being outside while inside.
Home theater: Movies from women who showed Hollywood who’s bossFilm critic Peter Rainer highlights movies from a trio of women who have helped break barriers in Hollywood.
A bold and wise princess who doesn’t need a princeAs a woman in what had been a man’s world, I was a target. But I learned not to let barbs fester, and that helped me forge ahead.
