Movies

Jennifer Hudson doesn't try to mimic Aretha Franklin so much as channel her spirit. Franklin was heavily involved in the development of Respect up until her death in 2018, and she reportedly handpicked Hudson to star in it.

Arts

Aretha Franklin Biopic Pays Proper 'Respect' To The Queen Of Soul

11:46am August 13, 2021

by Justin Chang

Even well-worn notes can sound freshly resonant in the right hands. A new film about Franklin's early years doesn't entirely avoid biopic conventions, but there's real intelligence and feeling in it.

Emilia Jones and Marlee Matlin play daughter and mother in the new film CODA.

Arts

'CODA' Will Yank Shamelessly On Your Heartstrings ... But It's Very Good At It

7:01am August 13, 2021

by Linda Holmes

The family comedy-drama CODA nabbed big prizes at Sundance in January. Now, it arrives on Apple TV+. It doesn't hold back in going for the tears, but it mostly earns them.

Disney Introduces Its First Indian-American Lead In 'Spin'

5:34am August 13, 2021

NPR's Noel King speaks with filmmaker Manjari Makijany about Spin, Disney's first movie featuring an Indian American lead.

Filmmaker Ken Burns has produced and directed historical documentaries for more than 30 years. In March, 140 documentary filmmakers signed a letter to PBS executives, suggesting the service may provide an unfair level of support to white creators.

Arts

PBS And Ken Burns Vow To Do Better On Diversity But Critics Aren't Convinced

1:57pm August 12, 2021

by Eric Deggans

PBS has announced $11 million in grants to boost diversity among documentary filmmakers months after an open letter accused the service of unfairly favoring white creators.

An Iowa flag waves over the field at the Field of Dreams movie site in Dyersville, Iowa, on June 5, 2020.

How A Town Of Just 4,000 Prepared For Today's Historic MLB 'Field Of Dreams' Game

8:08am August 12, 2021

by Josie Fischels

Dyersville, Iowa, could see its population triple when the MLB Field of Dreams game between the New York Yankees and Chicago White Sox is held there. The mayor isn't sure what to expect.

In Batman: Urban Legends #6, Robin (Tim Drake) comes to a realization. Writer: Meghan Fitzmartin. Art: Belén Ortega. Color: Alejandro Sánchez.

Books
Arts

Batman's Sidekick Robin Comes Out. It Makes Sense, If You Were Paying Attention

5:02pm August 10, 2021

by Glen Weldon

In the pages of a DC Comics anthology series, Tim Drake — the third young man to assume to role of Batman's sidekick, Robin, has a "lightbulb moment" realization — but his journey is only beginning.

Director Todd Stephens On His New Dramedy, 'Swan Song'

6:42pm August 08, 2021

NPR's Sarah McCammon talks with director Todd Stephens about his new film, Swan Song, starring veteran actor Udo Kier.

Amanda Knox speaks at a Criminal Justice Festival at the University of Modena in 2019.

National

Amanda Knox: 'Stillwater' Movie Repeats 'Fiction' Pushed By Italian Prosecutor

9:09pm August 07, 2021

by Matthew S. Schwartz

In an interview with NPR's All Things Considered, Knox talks about what it's like to be followed by fictionalized versions of her life.

Queue Listen Now

Movie Musical 'Annette' Is A Straightforward Story Yet A Directorial Fever Dream

4:56pm August 05, 2021

by Bob Mondello

A new musical with a score by Sparks and starring Adam Driver and Marion Cotillard opened the Cannes Film Festival. The distinctive rock-opera with a mind and a sound of its own is opening in the U.S.

Adam Driver and Marion Cotillard play an anguished celebrity couple in Annette.

Arts

Strange, Singular, Audacious 'Annette' Works As An Odd, Original Rock Opera

1:32pm August 05, 2021

by Justin Chang

Adam Driver and Marion Cotillard play a celebrity couple in this extravagant movie musical. Critic Justin Chang warns you'll have to get on the film's bizarre wavelength, but he's grateful it exists.