But the significance of Disney princesses extends far beyond their entertainment value. As stories created for children, and often intended to teach a lesson or impart specific morals, these films serve as mirrors that reflect our culture’s shifting values. Specifically, they demonstrate women’s perceived importance and purpose in society at specific periods in time. When analyzed parallel to the feminist movements of the 20^th and early 21^st centuries, they highlight intriguing – and sometimes disturbing – truths about the world in which we live. 

“This Is the End” features a huge collection of youthful Hollywood players, but the apocalyptic comedy – written and directed by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg – isn’t nearly as funny as the talent would lead one to believe.  Along with co-writing and directing, Rogen spends a good deal of time on screen, portraying a fictionalized version of himself. In fact, the most interesting thing about the movie is that all the actors are offering absurdist versions of their public personas.     

Writer-director-producer J.J. Abrams had a hit with his 2009 reboot of the “Star Trek” franchise, and his latest project has elements of science-fiction as well. In “Super 8,” Abrams tells the story of six youths who find themselves in a spectacular and frightening adventure when a train derails near their small Ohio town.