'John Wick, Chapter 2': A 'Violent Ballet' Of Action
NPR movie critic Bob Mondello reviews John Wick: Chapter 2, an action — repeat "action" — thriller starring Keanu Reeves.
Movies
Taut, Moving 'Black Girl' Helped Put African Cinema On The Map
Fifty years after its debut, a restored version of Senegalese director Ousmane Sembène's first film is now available. John Powers says Black Girl feels "as timely today as it did half a century ago."
Jeff Bridges Abides By His Actor Dad's Example: Bring Joy To The Set
Bridges was nominated for an Oscar for his role as an aging Texas ranger tracking two bank robbers in Hell or High Water. Originally broadcast Jan. 9, 2017.
Pop Culture Happy Hour: LEGO Batman And Kids Who Cook On TV
This week, we've got podcast cousins all over the place including Sam Sanders talking about 'The LEGO Batman Movie' and Kat Chow chiming in on 'MasterChef Junior.'
'John Wick: Chapter 2' Lives Its Life Like A Candle In A Hail Of Bullets
This kinetically shot and stylishly art-directed sequel "walks right up to the edge of parody, and then judo-throws a fool over the side," says critic Chris Klimek.
'Fifty Shades Darker' But Several Shades Short Of A Movie
The sequel to the 2015 softcore BDSM film Fifty Shades of Grey gets a tiny bit smuttier than its predecessor, but its story and characters remain just as limp as ever.
'A United Kingdom': A Tense Political Thriller Marred By A Dull Love Story
Director Amma Assante's film about the backroom gamesmanship that led to the birth of a new African nation grows "vigorous and sharp" once it gets past its lead characters' cliche-ridden courtship.
'The LEGO Batman Movie' Really Clicks
The Dark Knight lightens up, already: In this frenetic, loosely structured Bat-sequel to 2014's The LEGO Movie, Will Arnett's arrogant Batman finally gets over himself.
'Tower' Pays Tribute To A 1966 Campus Shooting That Was 'Pushed Aside'
Fourteen people were killed by a sniper at the University of Texas on Aug. 1, 1966. But director Keith Maitland says people were "encouraged to move forward and not linger in the terrible tragedy."
4 Black Directors Nominated For Best Documentary Oscar
For the first time, four black directors are among the nominees in the best documentary feature category. Three of them made films that deal explicitly with race and race relations in America.