Culture Kenneth Turan Review: 'Spider-Man 2' June 30, 2004 • Spider-Man 2 weaves its way into U.S. movie theaters Wednesday. Tobey Maguire returns as the title superhero, this time suffering a crisis of confidence. Alfred Molina joins the cast as his evil nemesis, Dr. Otto Octavius -- better known to Spidey fans as Doctor Octopus. Los Angeles Times film critic Kenneth Turan has a review.
Documentary Interviews Failed Suicide Bombers Fresh Air June 30, 2004 • Filmmakers Israel Goldvicht and Tom Roberts went inside Israeli prisons to examine the minds of suicide bombers. Their documentary, Suicide Bombers, is part of the PBS series "Wide Angle." They spoke with three failed bombers, one bomb builder and one recruiter. The show premieres Thursday, July 1, on PBS.
Media The 'Fahrenheit 9/11' Phenomenon June 28, 2004 • Along with its box-office success, Michael Moore's film Fahrenheit 9/11 remains the subject of extreme opinions. A campaign is under way to keep theater owners from booking it, even as industry observers say it has a good chance of becoming the most popular documentary ever released. Kim Masters reports.
'Everyday People' Explores Race and Class June 28, 2004 • The dynamics of race and class are explored in the new HBO film Everyday People. NPR's Tavis Smiley talks with executive producer Nelson George about the story of a group of patrons and workers trying to accept changes surrounding their neighborhood restaurant.
Box-Office Success of Moore's 'Fahrenheit 9/11' June 28, 2004 • NPR's Alex Chadwick talks to NPR's Madeleine Brand about the box-office success of Michael Moore's controversial documentary Fahrenheit 9/11. The film beat out two mainstream releases to become the number-one movie in the United States over the weekend.
Politically Speaking Are 'Fahrenheit 9/11' Ads Campaign Spots? June 28, 2004 • In the latest Politically Speaking column, NPR Correspondent Peter Overby examines the latest controversy over Michael Moore's Fahrenheit 9/11 -- whether the hit film is subject to federal campaign rules.
Bob Mondello Review: 'Spider-Man 2' June 27, 2004 • The parade of summer blockbusters continues this week, with the most eagerly awaited sequel of the year. Spiderman 2 swings onto thousands of screens on Wednesday. NPR's Bob Mondello has a review.
National Stonewall Anniversary Unites Police, Patrons June 26, 2004 • One night 35 years ago, the Stonewall Inn was the scene for protests against police harassment that sparked the gay rights movement. Until now, the story of Stonewall has never been told from the point of view of the street cops. Now those men have held a reunion, and retired officer Frank Toscano has also written a screenplay about that night. NPR's Margot Adler reports.
Culture A Conversation with Kevin Kline June 26, 2004 • NPR's Scott Simon talks to actor Kevin Kline, who stars as Cole Porter in the new motion picture about the man and his music, De-Lovely. Kline made a stunning dramatic film debut in Sophie's Choice, but he may be best known for his roles in the film comedies A Fish Called Wanda and In and Out. He's also won Tony Awards for his Broadway performances in On the 20th Century and Pirates of Penzance.
Culture Friday Comedy: Margaret Cho June 25, 2004 • NPR's Tavis Smiley welcomes the wonderful and witty Margaret Cho into his Los Angeles studio. Cho's biting, socially conscious humor has been compared to that of George Carlin, Richard Pryor and Lenny Bruce. She has a new stand-up comedy film called Revolution, premiering on the Sundance Channel's June "Out Loud" Celebration.
Opinion Movie Review: 'Fahrenheit 9/11' Fresh Air June 25, 2004 • Film critic David Edelstein reviews Fahrenheit 9/11, the new film By Michael Moore.
Actor Clint Eastwood Fresh Air June 25, 2004 • The 1966 classic spaghetti western The Good, The Bad and The Ugly has been fully restored and is now out on a special edition DVD. Eastwood is now at work on the film Rope Burns, to be released in 2005. (Originally broadcast Nov. 21, 1996.)
Culture Slate's Summary Judgment: 'Fahrenheit 9/11,' 'The Notebook,' 'White Chicks' June 25, 2004 • Slate contributor Ben Williams summarizes what film critics are saying about this weekend's new releases, including Fahrenheit 9/11, The Notebook and White Chicks.
Actor Eli Wallach Fresh Air June 25, 2004 • He also stars in The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, now out on special edition DVD. Wallach has had a long career on stage and screen, starring in many spaghetti westerns in the 1960s, as well as in the Godfather trilogy. He won a Tony award for his role in Tennessee Williams' The Rose Tattoo. He will appear in the upcoming film, King of the Corner, to be released later this year. Originally broadcast Nov. 13, 1990.)
Culture Kenneth Turan Review: 'Farenheit 9/11' June 25, 2004 • Farenheit 9/11, director Michael Moore's scathing depiction of the Bush administration's response to the Sept. 11 attacks, opens in U.S. theaters Friday. The controversial film won the top prize at this year's Cannes Film Festival. Los Angeles Times film critic Kenneth Turan has a review.