Movies

Andersson's new film, A Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence, consists of a series of absurdist episodes. It opens with a man (Per Bergqvist) wandering a museum, looking at exhibits of stuffed birds.

Roy Andersson: From Mordant Ad Director To Philosophical Filmmaker

10:30am June 08, 2015

by Neda Ulaby

Andersson spent decades directing funny commercials in Sweden. Later, the money he made helped pave the way for his return to cinema. His new film is A Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence.

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Melissa McCarthy gets a star-vehicle movie of her own in Spy.

Arts

In 'Spy,' Melissa McCarthy Receives Top-Billing. Finally.

6:47pm June 05, 2015

by Bob Mondello

NPR film critic Bob Mondello says Spy is a generous, smart, sexy comedy, surrounding a generous, smart, sexy star. It was a long time coming, but it was worth the wait.

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Movie Review: 'Testament Of Youth'

6:18pm June 05, 2015

by Kenneth Turan

The British drama is based on the best-selling World War I memoir of Vera Brittain, who gives up her studies at Oxford to enlist as a nurse in the war.

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Paul Dano plays a young Brian Wilson in Love and Mercy.

Arts

A Simplified Brian Wilson In 'Love And Mercy'

12:37pm June 05, 2015

by Mark Jenkins

Played at different stages of his life by Paul Dano and John Cusack, the Brian Wilson who emerges from this film is a less engaging and complex creator than the real Beach Boy.

Paul Dano (center) co-stars in Love & Mercy as Brian Wilson in the 1960s heyday of The Beach Boys.

Telling Brian Wilson's Fractured Life Story On Film

8:50pm June 04, 2015

by NPR Staff

NPR's Melissa Block talks with Bill Pohlad, director of the film Love & Mercy, about creating an intimate portrait of Wilson — in both The Beach Boys' heyday and the troubled years that followed.

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Kit Harington and Alicia Vikander in Testament Of Youth.

Arts

A Strong Central Performance Elevates A Pacifist's Story

5:01pm June 04, 2015

by Ella Taylor

A new adaptation of Vera Brittain's memoir Testament Of Youth isn't really necessary, but a strong turn from actress Alicia Vikander is a highlight.

Susan Cooper (Melissa McCarthy) and her fellow CIA operative Rick Ford (Jason Statham) in Paul Fieg's Spy.

Arts

A Satisfying 'Spy' Proves There's Life In The Secret Agent Send-Up

5:01pm June 04, 2015

by Andrew Lapin

Melissa McCarthy reunites with director Paul Feig (of Bridesmaids and The Heat) and ascends to a solo lead role as a skilled operative struggling to be taken seriously.

In 'Spy', Melissa McCarthy Shines Amid Crude Jokes And Chase Scenes

3:37pm June 04, 2015

by David Edelstein

Melissa McCarthy plays a James-Bond-style undercover secret agent in the espionage comedy Spy. Critic David Edelstein says the movie lurches between slapstick, violence and crude humor.

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Arts

Mickey Mouse Spoke For The First Time 86 Years Ago Today

12:13pm June 04, 2015

When Mickey first hit the silver screen, he was quiet as the proverbial mouse. He was an instant success, and Disney decided to give him a voice. He first spoke in an animated short film called The Karnival Kid. What were Mickey's first words?

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Jeremy Jordan and Anna Kendrick in The Last Five Years.

Every Song In 'The Last Five Years,' Ranked By Uncontrollable Sobbing

6:41pm June 03, 2015

by Linda Holmes

We proudly present a highly subjective sobfest ranking all the songs in the sobbing-est musical ever to blow your mind with its complex chronology.