In Earnest, Contrived Biopic 'Harriet,' Tubman Is An Action Hero
Cynthia Erivo is quite good, and the story of Harriet Tubman is a tale worth telling, but as presented here it's earnest, conventional and "fundamentally inert."
Arts
Netflix's 'American Son' Adaptation Exposes The Play's Flaws
The cast and director of the 2018 Broadway play reunite, but the performances prove more nuanced than the characters, revealing a script that takes "shortcuts to catharsis."
De Niro, Pesci And Pacino Are At The Top Of Their Game In 'The Irishman'
Martin Scorsese's new film about the man who claimed to have killed Teamsters boss Jimmy Hoffa is a haunting story of loyalty, loss and power — with plenty of whackings.
'Eat Joy': Top Authors Serve Up Recipes That Gave Them Comfort In Dark Times
In a new book of essays, writers such as Claire Messud and Edwidge Danticat share stories of surviving dark times and the foods entwined with those memories. Think of it as a cathartic dinner party.
In 'Hex Wives,' The Witches Are Hunting You
Writer Ben Blacker and artist Mirka Andolfo put a lively twist on the classic Stepford Wives story in their graphic novel Hex Wives, about a reincarnating coven of witches and their male adversaries.
Film And Television Comic John Witherspoon Dies At 77
He was a veteran of 1970s television comedies such as Good Times and What's Happening!!, but was best known for his role in Ice Cube's Friday films.
Racial Unrest Of Early '90s Los Angeles Resurfaces In 'Your House Will Pay'
Steph Cha's new novel takes place in the present day, but she connects her story of Korean American and black communities in LA to the riots and injustices of nearly three decades ago.
Beloved By Some, Despised By Others, The Font Comic Sans Turns 25
The cartoony font known as Comic Sans turns 25 this month. It's used for fun, sarcastic tones, and it has its share of haters.
'Mr. Robot' Creator Says His Own Anxiety And Hacking Helped Inspire The Show
In college, Sam Esmail shied away from parties and instead took refuge in the the computer lab, where he experimented with hacking. He later built on those experiences to create his hit show.
In 'Females,' The State Is Less A Biological Condition Than An Existential One
Beneath the veneer of provocation, Andrea Long Chu's book is surprisingly tender, aiming to care for a universal ache — the frayed knot of selfhood, desire and power.