Review Culture 'Knocked Up' May 31, 2007 • A rising-star TV reporter has a one-night stand with a guy who won't grow up; Judd Apatow's comedy is a kind of Peter-and-Wendy-get- preggers story for the 21st century.
Culture Apatow and Rogen: From 'Virgin' to 'Knocked Up' Fresh Air May 31, 2007 • Judd Apatow worked on the cult-favorite TV comedy Freaks and Geeks, but you'll know him as writer-director of The 40-Year-Old Virgin. Now he's back with Knocked Up; we talk to Apatow and to Knocked Up star Seth Rogen.
Culture From Cannes, a Cinematic After-Action Report Fresh Air May 30, 2007 • The 60th Cannes Film Festival drew more than 4,000 journalists, so it's possible you've heard a little something about the hits and misses there. Michael Moore screened a damning documentary about the U.S. health-care system, while singer Norah Jones made her acting debut in a film from Hong Kong auteur Wong Kar-Wai. Critic-at-large John Powers reports on other high- and low-lights.
Coming Distractions: Summer Film Highlights May 28, 2007 • The summer movie season is about to move beyond ogres, web-slingers and pirates to wizards, wiseacres and Willis. Wedged in between, there's some serious fare, too. Bob Mondello offers a lightning roundup.
'Wounded Knee' Film Set for HBO Debut May 27, 2007 • A film based on Dee Brown's 1970 book Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee makes its debut Sunday night on HBO. The book, published in 1970, told the story of the U.S. government's brutal treatment of Native Americans.
Culture Folkstreams Documents America, An Hour At a Time May 26, 2007 • Virginia filmmaker Tom Davenport is best known for his movie adaptations of Brothers Grimm fairy tales — set in Appalachia. Now he spends much of his time making sure people see the work of other filmmakers. His Folkstreams.net is an online archive for documentaries on a range of folk culture, virtually all of them impossible to find anywhere else.
Culture 'Golden Door': From Old World to New, Lyrically May 26, 2007 • Director Emanuele Crialese is a neorealist with a touch of magical realism to him; he takes his cues from the great art films of the '60s. His gorgeous new coming-to-America picture offers up a feast of imagery to match the almost boundless optimism of its characters.
Summary Judgment: New Movies May 25, 2007 • In this week's roundup from the online magazine Slate, hear what critics are saying about Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, Bug and Angel-A.
Actor Adam Beach's Long Road to Stardom May 25, 2007 • American Indian actor Adam Beach made his debut in the Sundance hit Smoke Signals, and he recently delivered a well-reviewed turn in Clint Eastwood's WWII epic Flags of Our Fathers. Beach talks to Farai Chideya about his latest role in the new HBO film Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, as well as the tragic childhood that led him into acting.
Pop Culture 'Star Wars' Merchandise Still Sells After 30 Years May 25, 2007 • Star Wars hit the big screen a long time ago. The George Lucas film was a hit in theaters, but its real impact was on merchandizing.
Cannes Cheers Films from Moore, Coens May 25, 2007 • As the Cannes Film Festival marks its 60th year, the premier place for premieres welcomes a pair of American movies: Michael Moore's health-care documentary Sicko and the Coen brothers' violent Western No Country for Old Men.
Review Culture 'Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End' May 24, 2007 • Haven't had your swash sufficiently buckled? Cap'n Jack's back, and there's three hours' worth of him this time. But Pirates isn't light and clever anymore; it's bigger, noisier, and all about effects.
Review Culture Pirates' 'End': More Depp, More Noise, Less Jolly May 24, 2007 • Haven't had your swash sufficiently buckled? Cap'n Jack's back — three hours' worth of him this time. But Pirates isn't light and clever anymore; it's bigger, noisier and all about effects.
Review Culture 'Golden Door' May 24, 2007 • Director Emanuele Crialese is a neorealist with a touch of magical realism to him; he takes his cues from the great art films of the '60s, and this gorgeous coming-to-America picture offers up a feast of imagery to match the almost boundless optimism of its characters. (Recommended)
A Must-See List from Cannes May 24, 2007 • This year, the Cannes Film Festival celebrates its 60th anniversary with a range of movies from the highly commercial to art-house cinema. Dana Thomas, European arts and entertainment correspondent for Newsweek, reports on the highlights of this year's festival.