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Movies

Saturday

Review

Culture

'The Queen': Tragicomedy of Post-Diana Royals

The new film The Queen looks at England's royal family following the death of Princess Diana. It's directed by Stephen Frears and features Helen Mirren as Queen Elizabeth II. The movie opened the New York Film Festival on Friday. NPR critic Bob Mondello has a review.

'The Queen': Tragicomedy of Post-Diana Royals

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'Idiocracy': Strong Comedy, Weak Promotion

The new film Idiocracy imagines a world 500 years into the future dumbed-down to the point of mindlessness. Film critic Elvis Mitchell says it's uproariously funny and worthy of an audience. But Twentieth Century Fox has released it with no publicity, in only seven markets.

'Idiocracy': Strong Comedy, Weak Promotion

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Friday

Bad Movies Lead Owner to Shutter Illinois Theater

Melissa Block talks with Greg Boardman, owner of the Lorraine Theater in Hoopeston, Ill. Boardman closed the theater for a few weeks, because he didn't think there were any movies worth showing. But the community strongly disagreed.

Bad Movies Lead Owner to Shutter Illinois Theater

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Review

Culture

Summary Judgment: 'School For Scoundrels,' 'The Last King of Scotland,' 'The Guardian'

Slate contributor Mark Jordan Legan sums up what the nation's critics are saying about this week's new movie releases -- School For Scoundrels, The Last King of Scotland and The Guardian.

Summary Judgment: 'School For Scoundrels,' 'The Last King of Scotland,' 'The Guardian'

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Wednesday

Review

Culture

Idi and Me: 'The Last King of Scotland'

The Last King of Scotland stars Forrest Whitaker as charismatic -- and unfathomably murderous -- ruler Idi Amin. In the film adapted from a bestselling book by Giles Foden, the Ugandan dictator's bloody reign is seen through the eyes of a young Scottish doctor who finds himself thrust into Amin's inner circle.

Idi and Me: 'The Last King of Scotland'

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The DVD Room

A Strong Film from Romania, Now on DVD

Fresh Air

Since the fall of communism, there have been few Eastern European directors who have become as internationally known as Roman Polanksi and Milos Forman. But now from Romania comes Cristi Puiu, whose film The Death of Mr. Lazarescu, premiered at Cannes in 2005 and has been winning awards ever since. Now it's out on DVD. Our critic-at-large says the film does something few movies ever do.

A Strong Film from Romania, Now on DVD

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Running a 'School for Scoundrels'

Fresh Air

Writer-director Todd Phillips' new film is School for Scoundrels, starring Billy Bob Thornton as a cross between a self-help genius and a scam artist. Phillips' other films include Old School, Road Trip and Starsky and Hutch.

Running a 'School for Scoundrels'

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Culture

Forest Whitaker's Portrait of a Dictator

Forest Whitaker's portrayal of brutal Ugandan dictator Idi Amin ranges from subtle charm to murderous fury. It's a challenge for any actor to portray a character who is both loved and feared, and Whitaker's performance is already drawing Oscar buzz.

Forest Whitaker's Portrait of a Dictator

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Tuesday

Gibson's 'Apocalypto' Explores Mayan Rites

Mel Gibson's new film project, set for release in December, has religious overtones. It tracks the life of a man marked for sacrifice among the ancient Mayans. But critics say Apocalypto resembles Braveheart more than The Passion of the Christ.

Gibson's 'Apocalypto' Explores Mayan Rites

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Monday

Review

Music Reviews

The Bonnie Prince, Onscreen And In Your Head

Will Oldham is an enigmatic folk-rock musician — and actor — who performs under various monikers, including Palace, Palace Brothers, Palace Music, and Bonnie Prince Billy. In addition to playing a part in a new film, Oldham has a new CD out: The Letting Go.

The Bonnie Prince, Onscreen And In Your Head

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National

Ben Affleck Talks 'Hollywoodland'

Fresh Air

Ben Affleck currently stars as George Reeves in the new film Hollywoodland. The film is about the real-life unsolved murder of Reeves, the actor who played Superman in the original TV series.

Ben Affleck Talks 'Hollywoodland'

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Sunday

Review

Director's Cuts

Animated Sounds for the Younger Set

Every once in a while, rockers take a stab at reaching a new generation of listeners, with decidedly mixed results. The movies are a lucrative way into the tween market. Among the artists making music for recent animated films are indie rockers Ben Folds and Paul Westerberg.

Animated Sounds for the Younger Set

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Saturday

Will Films of Peter Watkins Find New Audience?

British director Peter Watkins' most famous movie, The War Game, won a Best Documentary Oscar in 1966. Now his films are being released on DVD. Critic Elvis Mitchell and Scott Simon discuss Watkins' work.

Will Films of Peter Watkins Find New Audience?

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