50 Wonderful Things From 2014
Books, movies, television, things to read — we look back at 50 of the great things that entered our field of vision in 2014.
Arts
The French Go Crazy For 'An American In Paris'
The first-ever stage production of the 1951 Hollywood film starring Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron, with a Gershwin score, is getting rave reviews during its premiere in the city that inspired it.
A Punch Line In The U.S., Christmas Fruitcake Is Big In Calcutta
Seen as indestructible in the West, fruitcakes are indispensable in the bustling Hindu city. Bakers of all faiths have the ovens running round the clock to feed Calcutta's appetite for the cakes.
'Selma' Manages To Be Both Passion-Inspiring And Measured
Critic Bob Mondello reviews Selma, Ava DuVernay's film chronicling Martin Luther King Jr.'s historic voting-rights march in 1965. Mondello notes that recent protests make the film resonate today.
'Crabs For Christmas': A Tuneful Baltimore Tradition (Really!)
More than 30 years ago, David DeBoy wrote a hit holiday song about a local delicacy. Its success led to other Baltimore-themed Christmas songs, then to albums and finally to a live show.
Independent Theater Owner In D.C. Gets Ready To Screen 'The Interview'
West End Cinema's Josh Levin, preparing to show The Interview, speaks with Audie Cornish about what sparked a decision to host the controversial film (Sony Pictures had canceled the release).
Bianculli's Top 10: 2014 Was A 'Good Year For Programming'
TV critic David Bianculli says that he's encouraged by how far TV has come. He picks The Good Wife as the best show of 2014, having "the deepest roster of really strong regulars and guest stars."
In A 'Depressing' Year For Films, Edelstein Finds Some Greats
Film critic David Edelstein says in 2014 none of the great material came from Hollywood studios. But, he says, it was a "wonderful year" for indie films. He names Boyhood as the best of the year.