Movie Reviews

The Idol recounts the true-life story of Mohammed Assaf, winner of "Arab Idol".

Arts

In 'The Idol,' A Singer Faces More Than Just Harsh Judges

5:00pm May 26, 2016

by Mark Jenkins

Based on the real story of Mohammed Assaf's run on Arab Idol, the film follows a boy whose dreams as a singer eventually lead him into a tricky journey toward his big moment.

Johnny Depp in Alice Through The Looking Glass.

Arts

There's No Wonder Left For 'Alice'

5:00pm May 26, 2016

by Andrew Lapin

Other than brand extension, there seems to be no reason at all for Alice Through The Looking Glass to exist. And it shows in the final product.

They promise us that's Oscar Isaac under there playing Apocalypse in X-Men: Apocalypse.

Arts

'X-Men' Issues: Hiding Oscar Isaac Is Only The Beginning

5:00pm May 26, 2016

by Chris Klimek

The latest period installment of the mutant franchise gets the gang back together, but the time machine seems to be running out of juice.

Arts

Competitive Men Are At Sea In 'Chevalier'

5:00pm May 26, 2016

by Ella Taylor

Athina Rachel Tsangari's black comedy about men who undertake a petty but brutal competition while aboard a yacht together may or may not be a political allegory.

A scene from the movie Timbuktu, nominated in 2014 for an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film.

Health & Safety

Dear Hollywood, This Is How You Make A Movie With African Characters

2:22pm May 25, 2016

by Bob Mondello

Sean Penn's new movie set in Africa got booed at Cannes. Critics said its African characters were "bleeding wallpaper." Here are 4 films that give African characters (and actors) their due.

Weiner is an inside look at the ups and downs of a fiery political figure.

Arts

'Weiner' Is An Intriguingly Nuanced Look At An Easy Punch Line

9:18am May 23, 2016

by Bob Mondello

Two years after he was caught texting crotch shots, former New York Congressman Anthony Weiner was back in the spotlight, running for mayor. A new documentary chronicles his scandal-plagued campaign.

A new documentary follows the 2013 mayoral campaign of former Rep. Anthony Weiner.

Arts

A Political Study With No Diagnosis, But Plenty Of Access

7:14pm May 19, 2016

by Mark Jenkins

Weiner is a documentary about the fall of Anthony Weiner's 2013 campaign for mayor. The access that Weiner and his wife allowed the filmmakers is a little baffling, but it makes for quite a story.

Zac Efron and Seth Rogen reunite in Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising.

Arts

Female Students Flip The Script For 'Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising'

5:00pm May 19, 2016

by Andrew Lapin

The follow-up to the successful film about a couple menaced by a nearby frat house does an interesting gender reversal as girls rebel against a rule that prevents them from holding their own parties.

'Loving' Stands Out At Cannes Film Festival, Our Reviewer Says

6:53am May 18, 2016

Renee Montagne talks with critic Kenneth Turan about some of the movies coming out of this year's Cannes Film Festival. Turan reviews movies for Morning Edition and the Los Angeles Times.

A Bigger Splash features Ralph Fiennes as an old lover whose expected visit interrupts the life of rock star Marianne (played by Tilda Swinton).

Arts

An Emotional Storm Breaks In Paradise In 'A Bigger Splash'

2:04pm May 16, 2016

by John Powers

An aging rock star's respite in the Mediterranean is interrupted by an old lover in A Bigger Splash. John Powers calls the film, which stars Tilda Swinton and Ralph Fiennes, a "gripping slow-burn."

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