Danny McBride sends a love letter to the South with 'The Righteous Gemstones'
McBride, a Georgia native, has seen how Hollywood traffics in stereotypes about the American South. His HBO show satirizes televangelists without making religious people the butt of the joke.
Examining The War On Mexican Drug Cartels, Through Film And Fiction
Two new works of art — the documentary film Cartel Land and the novel The Cartel — shine a light on the seemingly endless drug war in Mexico. John Powers says both works are bleak, but gripping.
The New Science Behind Our 'Unfair' Criminal Justice System
"Good people with the best of intentions ... can get things terribly, terribly wrong," says legal scholar Adam Benforado. His book, Unfair, explores the intrinsic flaws of the American justice system.
Country's Kacey Musgraves Mixes Wit And Sincerity In 'Pageant Material'
The 26-year-old singer focuses on cleverly constructed lyrics — instead of rebellion — in her new record. Critic Ken Tucker says the singer falls short of creating a "sustained great album."
How A Historical Blunder Helped Create The Water Crisis In The West
In 1922, seven states drew up a plan for dividing the waters of the Colorado River. But they overestimated how much water the river could provide — and now 40 million Americans face a water crisis.
It's All In Your Head: Director Pete Docter Gets Emotional In 'Inside Out'
The new film illustrates the inner workings of an 11-year-old's mind. Her emotions — Sadness, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Joy — are the stars. Originally broadcast June 10, 2015.
From SCOTUS To The Confederate Flag, Cable Comedians Keep Tabs On The News
Critic David Bianculli says the commentary, questioning and ridicule of Jon Stewart, Larry Wilmore, John Oliver and Bill Maher help keep news outlets — and news-makers — honest.
'Dope' Director On Geekdom, The N-Word And Confronting Racism With Comedy
Rick Famuyiwa's new film is about a black high-school student who's into 90s hip hop and Japanese comic books. He calls Dope a celebration of kids whose interests don't fit into pop-culture norms.
How A Stolen Backpack In Casablanca Inspired A Novel About Shifting Identity
The main character in Vendela Vida's new novel is alone in Morocco when her bag with her passport and credit cards is stolen. Vida says The Diver's Clothes Lie Empty was inspired by her own travels.
Jerry Douglas' Tribute To Bluegrass Legends Lester Flatt And Earl Scruggs
Jerry Douglas, considered by many to be the best dobro player in the world, brings his instrument to the studio and talks about his new album, The Earls of Leceister, a tribute to Flatt and Scruggs.
'BrotherLee Love' Offers A Fearless, Fresh Tribute To Trumpeter Lee Morgan
Terell Stafford and his quintet bring a warm and hefty tone to a tribute album honoring the late Philadelphia horn player Lee Morgan. Kevin Whitehead says the new album is risky — but successful.