NPR Topics: Movies https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1045 NPR Movies podcast, movie reviews, and commentary on new and classic films. Interviews with filmmakers, actors, and actresses. en Copyright 2024 NPR - For Personal Use Only Story API Shim 1.2.24 Wed, 20 May 2026 16:10:30 -0400 https://media.npr.org/images/podcasts/primary/npr_generic_image_300.jpg?s=200 NPR Topics: Movies https://www.npr.org/sections/movies/ Cineplexity: the best and worst of wedding movies In this week's Cineplexity, where we examine life's complexities by talking about cinema, we're taking on the best and worst of the beloved trope of "weddings in the movies." Sun, 17 May 2026 17:45:02 -0400 https://www.npr.org/2026/05/17/nx-s1-5818474/cineplexity-the-best-and-worst-of-wedding-movies https://www.npr.org/2026/05/17/nx-s1-5818474/cineplexity-the-best-and-worst-of-wedding-movies In this week's Cineplexity, where we examine life's complexities by talking about cinema, we're taking on the best and worst of the beloved trope of "weddings in the movies."

]]> Marc Rivers 'The Wizard of the Kremlin' captures the rise of Putin — and 'anything goes' Russia Set in Russia in the years following the fall of communism, <em>The Wizard of the Kremlin</em> doesn't always work dramatically. But you leave with a better understanding of how Vladimir Putin came to power. Fri, 15 May 2026 11:58:17 -0400 https://www.npr.org/2026/05/15/nx-s1-5822395/the-wizard-of-the-kremlin-review-putin-russia https://www.npr.org/2026/05/15/nx-s1-5822395/the-wizard-of-the-kremlin-review-putin-russia The Wizard of the Kremlin.'/>

Set in Russia in the years following the fall of communism, The Wizard of the Kremlin doesn't always work dramatically. But you leave with a better understanding of how Vladimir Putin came to power.

]]> John Powers 'Is God Is' is a ferocious, timely tale of misogyny — and revenge In Aleshea Harris' fiery feature debut, men are men, and women pay the consequences. Fri, 15 May 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.npr.org/2026/05/15/nx-s1-5813512/is-god-is-review-sterling-k-brown https://www.npr.org/2026/05/15/nx-s1-5813512/is-god-is-review-sterling-k-brown Is God Is.'/>

In Aleshea Harris' fiery feature debut, men are men, and women pay the consequences.

(Image credit: Patti Perret)

]]> Aisha Harris Netflix goes to the movies Netflix turned heads in Hollywood by giving Greta Gerwig's <em>Narnia</em> an exclusive theatrical release, a move that could signal a shift in the streamer's relationship with movie theaters. Wed, 13 May 2026 16:25:24 -0400 https://www.npr.org/2026/05/13/nx-s1-5811006/netflix-goes-to-the-movies https://www.npr.org/2026/05/13/nx-s1-5811006/netflix-goes-to-the-movies Netflix turned heads in Hollywood by giving Greta Gerwig's Narnia an exclusive theatrical release, a move that could signal a shift in the streamer's relationship with movie theaters.

]]> Mandalit del Barco Boots Riley wants to 'compel' and 'repel' you with 'I Love Boosters' Riley's new film centers on a crew of women who steal from luxury fashion stores and sell the goods at lower cost to people who can't afford retail. He says it's a challenge to the system. Wed, 13 May 2026 13:59:25 -0400 https://www.npr.org/2026/05/13/nx-s1-5816164/boots-riley-i-love-boosters https://www.npr.org/2026/05/13/nx-s1-5816164/boots-riley-i-love-boosters I Love Boosters centers on a crew of women shoplifters who steal from luxury fashion stores and sell the goods at lower prices to people who can't afford retail.'/>

Riley's new film centers on a crew of women who steal from luxury fashion stores and sell the goods at lower cost to people who can't afford retail. He says it's a challenge to the system.

]]> Tonya Mosley 'Marty, Life Is Short' reveals the losses endured by comedy legend Martin Short After a long career in comedy, Martin Short shares his story of "love, loss and survival" in a new Netflix documentary, <em>Marty, Life Is Short</em>. Mon, 11 May 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.npr.org/2026/05/11/nx-s1-5683184/marty-life-is-short-martin-short https://www.npr.org/2026/05/11/nx-s1-5683184/marty-life-is-short-martin-short Marty, Life is Short'/>

After a long career in comedy, Martin Short shares his story of "love, loss and survival" in a new Netflix documentary, Marty, Life Is Short.

(Image credit: Netflix © 2026)

]]> Phil Harrell Cineplexity: the best female action stars in the movies NPR staff share their favorite female action stars, their surprising attributes and best scenes. Sun, 10 May 2026 17:04:53 -0400 https://www.npr.org/2026/05/10/nx-s1-5812693/cineplexity-the-best-female-action-stars-in-the-movies https://www.npr.org/2026/05/10/nx-s1-5812693/cineplexity-the-best-female-action-stars-in-the-movies NPR staff share their favorite female action stars, their surprising attributes and best scenes.

]]> Mallory Yu 'Blue Film' is a disquieting sit for both characters and audience <em>Blue Film </em>is clearly designed to be unsettling. Its performances are haunting. Fri, 08 May 2026 11:01:31 -0400 https://www.npr.org/2026/05/08/nx-s1-5815219/blue-film-review https://www.npr.org/2026/05/08/nx-s1-5815219/blue-film-review Blue Film.'/>

Blue Film is clearly designed to be unsettling. Its performances are haunting.

(Image credit: Obscured Pictures)

]]> Bob Mondello Rooted in nature, 'Silent Friend' will change the way you see the trees A new art-house drama tells three stories that span the century — and connect to one tree. <em>Silent Friend</em> will open your eyes to the beauty of the natural world. Fri, 08 May 2026 10:30:10 -0400 https://www.npr.org/2026/05/08/nx-s1-5815957/silent-friend-review https://www.npr.org/2026/05/08/nx-s1-5815957/silent-friend-review Silent Friend, Hannes (Enzo Brumm) is profoundly transformed while caring for a plant.'/>

A new art-house drama tells three stories that span the century — and connect to one tree. Silent Friend will open your eyes to the beauty of the natural world.

(Image credit: Lena Kettner)

]]> Justin Chang Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni settle dispute weeks before scheduled trial In a joint statement, lawyers for the actors said they hoped the settlement would bring "closure." Mon, 04 May 2026 19:31:52 -0400 https://www.npr.org/2026/05/04/nx-s1-5810970/blake-lively-justin-baldoni-settle-trial-it-ends-with-us https://www.npr.org/2026/05/04/nx-s1-5810970/blake-lively-justin-baldoni-settle-trial-it-ends-with-us It Ends With Us in Aug. 2024, left, and Justin Baldoni at the world premiere of the film that same month, right.'/>

In a joint statement, lawyers for the actors said they hoped the settlement would bring "closure."

(Image credit: AP)

]]> Chloee Weiner