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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Mon, 22 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000 ce954ef3-239e-4b2b-8595-88a0bd4ffb9a https://www.npr.org/2025/12/22/nx-s1-5648305/in-the-housemaid-sydney-sweeney-and-amanda-seyfried-get-trashy-and-we-love-it no The Housemaid 1292 no full The twisty thriller The Housemaid stars Sydney Sweeney as a newly hired live-in housekeeper to Amanda Seyfried’s wealthy housewife. Both women have dark secrets, and their dynamic goes downhill real fast. It’s directed by Paul Feig of Bridesmaids and A Simple Favor, so you know it’s going to be a bizarre, fun ride.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Avatar: Fire and Ash, James Cameron’s saga continues in a visually stunning movie full of epic battles, uneasy alliances, human assimilation, and debates with whales. The film follows the Na’vi (aka blue guys) as they’re chased by a human military that seeks both resources and revenge. The cast includes Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldaña, and Sam Worthington.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Fri, 19 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000 687a1343-247a-41ae-8c46-352292b8b361 https://www.npr.org/2025/12/19/nx-s1-5648236/avatar-fire-and-ash-is-one-battle-after-another no Avatar: Fire And Ash and What’s Making Us Happy 1470 no full Avatar: Fire and Ash, James Cameron’s saga continues in a visually stunning movie full of epic battles, uneasy alliances, human assimilation, and debates with whales. The film follows the Na’vi (aka blue guys) as they’re chased by a human military that seeks both resources and revenge. The cast includes Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldaña, and Sam Worthington.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Heated Rivalry is a very sexy and very queer hockey romance streaming on HBO Max–and it’s a phenomenon. It follows archrival players Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie) as they carry on a clandestine affair off the ice. And since it’s based on a whole series of interconnected romance novels by Rachel Reid, it may be with us for a very long time.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Thu, 18 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000 cee41746-0a2b-4f21-a6e8-f753b0e30465 https://www.npr.org/2025/12/18/nx-s1-5646694/heated-rivalry-has-face-offs-that-will-melt-your-face-off no Heated Rivalry 1255 no full Heated Rivalry is a very sexy and very queer hockey romance streaming on HBO Max–and it’s a phenomenon. It follows archrival players Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie) as they carry on a clandestine affair off the ice. And since it’s based on a whole series of interconnected romance novels by Rachel Reid, it may be with us for a very long time.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Fallout is based on a hugely successful video game series known for blending a sardonic, very dark comedic sensibility, and violence. The series is set in the game's post-apocalyptic world – an America divided into factions wrestling for control of an irradiated wasteland. When the hopeful Lucy (Ella Purnell) steps out of the comfortable life she's known in an underground vault, the world she's confronted with is harsh, brutal, merciless – and kinda funny. Fallout just returned for a second season on Prime Video, so today we’re revisiting our conversation about the show.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Wed, 17 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000 f818f5fd-1dc0-4f37-b43c-9bda0400d98b https://www.npr.org/2025/12/17/nx-s1-5646576/fallout-is-bleak-but-funny-science-fission no Fallout 1123 no full Fallout is based on a hugely successful video game series known for blending a sardonic, very dark comedic sensibility, and violence. The series is set in the game's post-apocalyptic world – an America divided into factions wrestling for control of an irradiated wasteland. When the hopeful Lucy (Ella Purnell) steps out of the comfortable life she's known in an underground vault, the world she's confronted with is harsh, brutal, merciless – and kinda funny. Fallout just returned for a second season on Prime Video, so today we’re revisiting our conversation about the show.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Every year, we like to take a moment to look back and spotlight a few favorite films we didn’t have time to talk about. Today, we're making recommendations for great movies we missed in 2025 including The Secret Agent, Come See Me In the Good Light, Cactus Pears, and 100 Nights of Hero.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Tue, 16 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000 e456060b-0b75-4492-940d-8285f765e61f https://www.npr.org/2025/12/16/nx-s1-5643041/great-movies-you-may-have-missed no Great Movies We Missed 1144 no full Every year, we like to take a moment to look back and spotlight a few favorite films we didn’t have time to talk about. Today, we're making recommendations for great movies we missed in 2025 including The Secret Agent, Come See Me In the Good Light, Cactus Pears, and 100 Nights of Hero.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Aisha and Stephen answer a mailbag question! Send in your own questions at pcch@npr.org, and we may answer it in a future bonus episode.

This usually would be a bonus episode just for Pop Culture Happy Hour+ supporters, but this being the season of giving, we're sharing this one with everyone! To hear more bonus content like this every month and to support NPR and public radio, sign up for Pop Culture Happy Hour+ at plus.npr.org/happy

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Sun, 14 Dec 2025 08:00:01 +0000 61e3c825-a58d-40c0-96a7-847a625bd60a https://www.npr.org/2025/12/14/nx-s1-5627496/mailbag-the-movies-we-walked-out-of no Mailbag: The Movies We Walked Out Of 895 no full Aisha and Stephen answer a mailbag question! Send in your own questions at pcch@npr.org, and we may answer it in a future bonus episode.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Wake Up Dead Man is the third installment in the Knives Out franchise. Daniel Craig returns as detective Benoit Blanc -- with a cast of suspects that includes Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, Jeremy Renner, Andrew Scott, Kerry Washington and Thomas Haden Church. This time out, the mystery gets ecclesiastical in nature, involving the murder of Josh Brolin’s fire-and-brimstone priest at a small church.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Fri, 12 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000 0976d4e5-bab3-4f77-9f91-c44fdd53d779 https://www.npr.org/2025/12/12/nx-s1-5640135/wake-up-dead-man-is-a-divine-mystery no Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery and What’s Making Us Happy 1673 no full Wake Up Dead Man is the third installment in the Knives Out franchise. Daniel Craig returns as detective Benoit Blanc -- with a cast of suspects that includes Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, Jeremy Renner, Andrew Scott, Kerry Washington and Thomas Haden Church. This time out, the mystery gets ecclesiastical in nature, involving the murder of Josh Brolin’s fire-and-brimstone priest at a small church.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> In Netflix’s Jay Kelly, George Clooney plays the aging movie star Jay Kelly. His longtime manager (Adam Sander) and publicist (Laura Dern) struggle to manage Jay on a trip through Europe as he deals with the difficult relationship he has with his two grown daughters. From director and co-writer Noah Baumbach, the film is an exploration of regret and missed opportunities.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Wed, 10 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000 472a325d-60d5-43fc-92be-5736df1a5c8c https://www.npr.org/2025/12/10/nx-s1-5638518/george-clooney-gets-a-little-meta-in-the-melancholy-jay-kelly no Jay Kelly 1316 no full In Netflix’s Jay Kelly, George Clooney plays the aging movie star Jay Kelly. His longtime manager (Adam Sander) and publicist (Laura Dern) struggle to manage Jay on a trip through Europe as he deals with the difficult relationship he has with his two grown daughters. From director and co-writer Noah Baumbach, the film is an exploration of regret and missed opportunities.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> ‘Tis the season you’ll find plenty of good holiday movies – films that can be counted upon to deliver warmth and cheer. And bad holiday movies? They can be fun in their own way. So we’re debating: what’s the worst Christmas movie of all time? We’ll talk about Love Actually, Jingle All The Way, I Believe In Santa, and Scrooge & Marley.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Tue, 09 Dec 2025 08:00:03 +0000 5de09ccc-5a70-4813-8bb1-3e3320b45f5e https://www.npr.org/2025/12/09/nx-s1-5637289/we-debate-whats-the-worst-christmas-movie no The Worst Christmas Movies 1458 no full ‘Tis the season you’ll find plenty of good holiday movies – films that can be counted upon to deliver warmth and cheer. And bad holiday movies? They can be fun in their own way. So we’re debating: what’s the worst Christmas movie of all time? We’ll talk about Love Actually, Jingle All The Way, I Believe In Santa, and Scrooge & Marley.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> In Netflix’s The Abandons, Gillian Anderson and Lena Headey play two steely matriarchs that face off on the American frontier. But don’t let the spurs and cowboy hats fool you. At its heart, the new Western series is a sudsy nighttime soap. But is that a good thing?

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Mon, 08 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000 997e054b-7361-4189-9f27-a4fc08fe0ed2 https://www.npr.org/2025/12/08/nx-s1-5633318/the-abandons-is-a-soap-opera-in-western-drag no The Abandons 750 no full In Netflix’s The Abandons, Gillian Anderson and Lena Headey play two steely matriarchs that face off on the American frontier. But don’t let the spurs and cowboy hats fool you. At its heart, the new Western series is a sudsy nighttime soap. But is that a good thing?

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> In the new film Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, Josh Hutcherson returns as the protagonist trying to survive in a haunted children’s restaurant called Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza. The creepy animatronic robots remain, and the sequel adds fresh lore and extends the action beyond the original abandoned restaurant.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Fri, 05 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000 23934fec-dd21-4df8-96ac-24d540b5a2f5 https://www.npr.org/2025/12/05/nx-s1-5628410/five-nights-at-freddys-2-doubles-down-on-robots-but-forgoes-a-plot no Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 and What’s Making Us Happy 1057 no full In the new film Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, Josh Hutcherson returns as the protagonist trying to survive in a haunted children’s restaurant called Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza. The creepy animatronic robots remain, and the sequel adds fresh lore and extends the action beyond the original abandoned restaurant.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> It’s been a great year for TV, movies, and music. And we are highlighting some of the best, including KPop Demon Hunters, Sinners, and Severance. We’ll also talk about some things you might have missed.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Thu, 04 Dec 2025 08:05:04 +0000 418e4ec5-5f18-436a-81ac-191e425a8ef6 https://www.npr.org/2025/12/04/nx-s1-5628408/our-12-favorite-moments-of-2025 no 2025 Pop Culture Favorites 2608 no full It’s been a great year for TV, movies, and music. And we are highlighting some of the best, including KPop Demon Hunters, Sinners, and Severance. We’ll also talk about some things you might have missed.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]>
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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Tue, 02 Dec 2025 08:00:01 +0000 db436296-47fc-4428-9b06-8e1b9747eb86 https://www.npr.org/2025/12/02/nx-s1-5620964/jane-austens-pride-prejudice-a-blueprint-to-the-modern-romance no Rereading Pride & Prejudice 1676 no full
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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Hamnet tells the fictionalized account of the lives of William Shakespeare and his wife, played by Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley. They fall in love, have children, suffer an unspeakable tragedy. When their only son dies, it creates a rift in their marriage and inspires Will to write one of his greatest works–Hamlet. Directed by Chloé Zhao (Nomadland), it does everything it can to make you cry a whole lot.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Mon, 01 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000 fd219bc3-d955-4dda-badb-da889ba58d8a https://www.npr.org/2025/12/01/nx-s1-5620929/hamnet-is-a-shakespearean-tearjerker-that-pulls-no-punches no Hamnet 1016 no full Hamnet tells the fictionalized account of the lives of William Shakespeare and his wife, played by Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley. They fall in love, have children, suffer an unspeakable tragedy. When their only son dies, it creates a rift in their marriage and inspires Will to write one of his greatest works–Hamlet. Directed by Chloé Zhao (Nomadland), it does everything it can to make you cry a whole lot.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> All’s Fair centers on an all-female law firm led by Kim Kardashian, Naomi Watts, and Niecy Nash-Betts. The high-powered law firm specializes in obtaining hefty divorce settlements for wealthy women. The show is barbed, nasty, over-the-top and maybe too much. It’s got us wondering: Is it fair that Murphy’s unleashed this utter silliness upon the world?

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Fri, 28 Nov 2025 08:00:00 +0000 e5277a6b-3145-4434-840a-191efdc2d3f4 https://www.npr.org/2025/11/28/nx-s1-5621920/alls-fair-goes-all-in-on-mindless-camp no All’s Fair And What’s Making Us Happy 1520 no full All’s Fair centers on an all-female law firm led by Kim Kardashian, Naomi Watts, and Niecy Nash-Betts. The high-powered law firm specializes in obtaining hefty divorce settlements for wealthy women. The show is barbed, nasty, over-the-top and maybe too much. It’s got us wondering: Is it fair that Murphy’s unleashed this utter silliness upon the world?

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Zootopia grossed over a billion dollars worldwide. Now our heroes return in the sequel Zootopia 2. Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) are now partners in the Zootopia police force. And there's a new problem: a snake has appeared in a reptile-free zone, and he brings to light a mystery from Zootopia's complicated past. The cast also includes Ke Huy Quan, Andy Samberg and Fortune Feimster, who add something new to what has already been a winning formula.


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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Wed, 26 Nov 2025 08:00:00 +0000 a76ca2f6-b701-4ec5-9d7f-d13eaefb8ccf https://www.npr.org/2025/11/26/nx-s1-5620813/zootopia-2-brings-back-your-favorite-fun-animals-and-some-pointed-commentary no Zootopia 2 1135 no full Zootopia grossed over a billion dollars worldwide. Now our heroes return in the sequel Zootopia 2. Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) are now partners in the Zootopia police force. And there's a new problem: a snake has appeared in a reptile-free zone, and he brings to light a mystery from Zootopia's complicated past. The cast also includes Ke Huy Quan, Andy Samberg and Fortune Feimster, who add something new to what has already been a winning formula.


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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Sentimental Value is one of the great films about absentee dads who reappear in their kids’ lives. Stellan Skarsgård plays a renowned filmmaker preparing his next feature and attempting to reconnect with his estranged daughters (played by Renate Reinsve and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas). And it proves that at the very least, the tension between art and parenthood is complicated. The film is directed by Joachim Trier (The Worst Person in the World) and also stars Elle Fanning. 


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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Tue, 25 Nov 2025 08:00:00 +0000 65d1fe7f-85cf-46ce-bf55-e3f872e369c2 https://www.npr.org/2025/11/25/nx-s1-5616648/finding-sentimental-value-in-a-broken-family no Sentimental Value 1085 no full Sentimental Value is one of the great films about absentee dads who reappear in their kids’ lives. Stellan Skarsgård plays a renowned filmmaker preparing his next feature and attempting to reconnect with his estranged daughters (played by Renate Reinsve and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas). And it proves that at the very least, the tension between art and parenthood is complicated. The film is directed by Joachim Trier (The Worst Person in the World) and also stars Elle Fanning. 


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NPR Privacy Policy]]> All Her Fault begins with a cute kid, an Emmy winner, and a mystery. Sarah Snook plays a mother who goes to pick up her young son from a playdate and learns there is no child to pick up. There are a lot of twists and turns—a lot of them—particularly as she gets to know another mom at the school, played by Dakota Fanning. While the agony of a missing child is bad enough, the show ultimately interrogates marriage, and the way women are forced to accommodate the behavior and misbehavior of men in their lives.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Mon, 24 Nov 2025 08:00:00 +0000 5c852c7e-7ac7-4bfc-95d0-22d3531622d7 https://www.npr.org/2025/11/24/nx-s1-5615352/twists-and-turns-abound-in-the-thriller-all-her-fault no All Her Fault 1251 no full All Her Fault begins with a cute kid, an Emmy winner, and a mystery. Sarah Snook plays a mother who goes to pick up her young son from a playdate and learns there is no child to pick up. There are a lot of twists and turns—a lot of them—particularly as she gets to know another mom at the school, played by Dakota Fanning. While the agony of a missing child is bad enough, the show ultimately interrogates marriage, and the way women are forced to accommodate the behavior and misbehavior of men in their lives.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Wicked was a smash hit that earned Oscar nominations for Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo–but that was only the first half of the story. Wicked: For Good has more songs, more magic, more extravagant production design, and more belting. But can it match the impact and live up to the hype of the first film?

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Fri, 21 Nov 2025 08:00:00 +0000 76e03125-63df-4866-9526-0f18f6fec2b2 https://www.npr.org/2025/11/21/nx-s1-5615252/wicked-for-good-will-bring-you-to-tears no Wicked: For Good And What’s Making Us Happy 1790 no full Wicked was a smash hit that earned Oscar nominations for Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo–but that was only the first half of the story. Wicked: For Good has more songs, more magic, more extravagant production design, and more belting. But can it match the impact and live up to the hype of the first film?

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> A Man on the Inside stars Ted Danson as a lonely widower who’s hired by a private investigator to live undercover in a senior living facility. His mission is to find out who stole a precious item from one of the residents. Created by Michael Schur (The Good Place), the series is also a tender and poignant depiction of loss, aging, and finding community. A Man on the Inside just returned for a second season, so today we’re revisiting our conversation about the show.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Thu, 20 Nov 2025 08:00:00 +0000 19ca3a09-a83c-4821-84b7-e46f4942bcc7 https://www.npr.org/2025/11/20/nx-s1-5613325/a-man-on-the-inside-is-the-cozy-mystery-we-need no A Man On The Inside 902 no full A Man on the Inside stars Ted Danson as a lonely widower who’s hired by a private investigator to live undercover in a senior living facility. His mission is to find out who stole a precious item from one of the residents. Created by Michael Schur (The Good Place), the series is also a tender and poignant depiction of loss, aging, and finding community. A Man on the Inside just returned for a second season, so today we’re revisiting our conversation about the show.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> The Beast In Me, a writer played by Claire Danes struggles to find the topic of her next book – until a nefarious real estate tycoon played by Matthew Rhys moves in next door. He’s widely suspected of having murdered his first wife, even though her death has been officially treated as a suicide. The two cautiously get acquainted, as she tries to figure out the truth. 

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Tue, 18 Nov 2025 08:00:00 +0000 ebd661d1-7e54-496d-ae60-63348d452fd4 https://www.npr.org/2025/11/18/nx-s1-5610973/tv-heavy-hitters-get-dark-in-the-beast-in-me no The Beast In Me 1183 no full The Beast In Me, a writer played by Claire Danes struggles to find the topic of her next book – until a nefarious real estate tycoon played by Matthew Rhys moves in next door. He’s widely suspected of having murdered his first wife, even though her death has been officially treated as a suicide. The two cautiously get acquainted, as she tries to figure out the truth. 

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, the magical Four Horsemen – played by Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco and Isla Fisher – reunite after almost 10 years to fight a cruel diamond heiress played by Rosamund Pike. You’ve got twists and turns, tricks galore, mysterious benefactors… and, just like in the Fast & Furious movies, a fair bit of talk about family.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Mon, 17 Nov 2025 08:00:00 +0000 501e1b0e-4b4d-4882-b356-28547ed2cdee https://www.npr.org/2025/11/17/nx-s1-5608061/now-you-see-me-now-you-dont-works-its-magic no Now You See Me: Now You Don't 1035 no full Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, the magical Four Horsemen – played by Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco and Isla Fisher – reunite after almost 10 years to fight a cruel diamond heiress played by Rosamund Pike. You’ve got twists and turns, tricks galore, mysterious benefactors… and, just like in the Fast & Furious movies, a fair bit of talk about family.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> The Running Man is a new dystopian thriller starring Glen Powell as a man so desperate for money to care for his family that he volunteers to run for his life. As a contestant on a TV game show, he must survive for 30 days while being hunted by a group of highly skilled assassins and by his fellow citizens. Based on a Stephen King novel, director Edgar Wright brings in an all-star cast including Lee Pace, Colman Domingo, William H. Macy and Michael Cera.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Fri, 14 Nov 2025 08:00:00 +0000 3a6d8034-1b8e-401e-a0ea-665f0db3fd44 https://www.npr.org/2025/11/14/nx-s1-5608037/glen-powell-is-the-running-man-in-the-latest-stephen-king-adaptation no The Running Man And What's Making Us Happy 1463 no full The Running Man is a new dystopian thriller starring Glen Powell as a man so desperate for money to care for his family that he volunteers to run for his life. As a contestant on a TV game show, he must survive for 30 days while being hunted by a group of highly skilled assassins and by his fellow citizens. Based on a Stephen King novel, director Edgar Wright brings in an all-star cast including Lee Pace, Colman Domingo, William H. Macy and Michael Cera.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Death by Lightning pits President James Garfield (Michael Shannon) against Charles Guiteau (Matthew McFadyen), the disgruntled would-be political operative who shot him. But it’s not quite the stuffy, stately historical drama that you – and your dad – are probably expecting. Toss in a brace of white middle-aged actors in great big bushy beards and sideburns – Shea Whigham, Nick Offerman, Bradley Whitford – and you’ve got yourself a show.


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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Thu, 13 Nov 2025 08:00:00 +0000 46a3920a-727f-409f-9bb6-4ea734694459 https://www.npr.org/2025/11/13/nx-s1-5606940/death-by-lightning-is-peak-dad-tv no Death By Lightning 984 no full Death by Lightning pits President James Garfield (Michael Shannon) against Charles Guiteau (Matthew McFadyen), the disgruntled would-be political operative who shot him. But it’s not quite the stuffy, stately historical drama that you – and your dad – are probably expecting. Toss in a brace of white middle-aged actors in great big bushy beards and sideburns – Shea Whigham, Nick Offerman, Bradley Whitford – and you’ve got yourself a show.


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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Pluribus, from Vince Gilligan (Breaking Bad), asks a simple question: What if a proud misanthrope suddenly found herself truly alone? Pluribus stars Rhea Seehorn (Better Call Saul) in a tour de force performance as a miserable romantasy author who escapes an event that swallows practically everyone on Earth. The show is a creepy, lonely, darkly funny look at loss and what makes us human.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Tue, 11 Nov 2025 08:00:00 +0000 5a0c2380-f3a6-40a1-926b-a06bca0e0ebd https://www.npr.org/2025/11/11/nx-s1-5604271/we-are-united-in-our-love-of-pluribus no Pluribus 1176 no full Pluribus, from Vince Gilligan (Breaking Bad), asks a simple question: What if a proud misanthrope suddenly found herself truly alone? Pluribus stars Rhea Seehorn (Better Call Saul) in a tour de force performance as a miserable romantasy author who escapes an event that swallows practically everyone on Earth. The show is a creepy, lonely, darkly funny look at loss and what makes us human.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Predator: Badlands is the latest film about an alien race that hunts things using all sorts of space-gadgets. It’s told from the Predator’s perspective. He’s an outcast sent to a hostile planet to hunt down a deadly monster to prove his worth to his people – with Elle Fanning joining as an unlikely ally. It’s from the same team that made Prey. And both Predator movies are much better than they had any right to be.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Mon, 10 Nov 2025 15:00:00 +0000 1f1f0e5b-f945-4098-bef9-bd11e45765b1 https://www.npr.org/2025/11/10/nx-s1-5600954/predator-badlands-makes-the-monster-the-good-guy no Predator: Badlands 1029 no full Predator: Badlands is the latest film about an alien race that hunts things using all sorts of space-gadgets. It’s told from the Predator’s perspective. He’s an outcast sent to a hostile planet to hunt down a deadly monster to prove his worth to his people – with Elle Fanning joining as an unlikely ally. It’s from the same team that made Prey. And both Predator movies are much better than they had any right to be.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Frankenstein is a new reimagining of Mary Shelly’s classic gothic horror tale about a misunderstood monster who’s abandoned by his creator and shunned by society. Oscar Isaac is the narcissistic doctor Victor Frankenstein, and Jacob Elordi has a gargantuan yet humanizing turn as The Creature. Now streaming on Netflix, Frankenstein is dark, epic, and preoccupied with the existential dread of life and death.


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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Fri, 07 Nov 2025 08:00:00 +0000 f7828c9b-ddc5-421f-bb24-54a2f216d507 https://www.npr.org/2025/11/07/nx-s1-5600702/only-guillermo-del-toro-couldve-made-this-frankenstein no Frankenstein And What's Making Us Happy 1563 no full Frankenstein is a new reimagining of Mary Shelly’s classic gothic horror tale about a misunderstood monster who’s abandoned by his creator and shunned by society. Oscar Isaac is the narcissistic doctor Victor Frankenstein, and Jacob Elordi has a gargantuan yet humanizing turn as The Creature. Now streaming on Netflix, Frankenstein is dark, epic, and preoccupied with the existential dread of life and death.


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NPR Privacy Policy]]> I Love LA, has finally arrived. And like plenty of shows before it, it’s about young people trying to work and socialize in a big city while screwing up in every conceivable way. Sennott stars as an ascendant employee at a boutique talent management firm with a very online crew played by Josh Hutcherson, Jordan Firstman, Odessa A’zion and True Whitaker. 


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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Thu, 06 Nov 2025 08:00:00 +0000 ede718c0-dbf2-4057-8e9f-9fd53899fbe8 https://www.npr.org/2025/11/06/nx-s1-5597906/i-love-la-reinforces-our-love-for-rachel-sennott no I Love LA 1206 no full I Love LA, has finally arrived. And like plenty of shows before it, it’s about young people trying to work and socialize in a big city while screwing up in every conceivable way. Sennott stars as an ascendant employee at a boutique talent management firm with a very online crew played by Josh Hutcherson, Jordan Firstman, Odessa A’zion and True Whitaker. 


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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Hedda, Tessa Thompson plays a woman bored with her dull husband, and who devilishly manipulates the affections of everyone in her orbit. Writer/director Nia DaCosta makes some bold changes in this adaptation of the classic Henrik Ibsen play Hedda Gabler, and sets almost all of the action during a lavish party gone awry. But this is not your grandmother’s Hedda. It’s sexy, chaotic, and, above all, messy as hell. It’s streaming on Prime Video.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Tue, 04 Nov 2025 08:00:00 +0000 de8c0503-95be-4109-b856-7f9be7c63aa8 https://www.npr.org/2025/11/04/nx-s1-5595821/in-hedda-tessa-thompson-is-an-agent-of-chaos-we-love-to-see no Hedda 1192 no full Hedda, Tessa Thompson plays a woman bored with her dull husband, and who devilishly manipulates the affections of everyone in her orbit. Writer/director Nia DaCosta makes some bold changes in this adaptation of the classic Henrik Ibsen play Hedda Gabler, and sets almost all of the action during a lavish party gone awry. But this is not your grandmother’s Hedda. It’s sexy, chaotic, and, above all, messy as hell. It’s streaming on Prime Video.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> IT: Welcome to Derry, we return to the clown who keeps on giving. Based on the Stephen King novel and a prequel to the films It (2017) and It Chapter Two (2019), the show finds a whole new crop of kids being terrorized by whatever lives underneath their little town in Maine. And at the nearby military base, some of the local adults are acting pretty sketchy, too. There is a lot going on and a lot of it is very bloody. Bill Skarsgård returns as Pennywise, but be patient since it takes a while to lay eyes on him.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Mon, 03 Nov 2025 08:00:00 +0000 389a3010-6416-43af-8b8d-36d2d25ff13e https://www.npr.org/2025/11/03/nx-s1-5591373/a-new-generation-is-down-to-clown-in-it-welcome-to-derry no IT: Welcome To Derry 1278 no full IT: Welcome to Derry, we return to the clown who keeps on giving. Based on the Stephen King novel and a prequel to the films It (2017) and It Chapter Two (2019), the show finds a whole new crop of kids being terrorized by whatever lives underneath their little town in Maine. And at the nearby military base, some of the local adults are acting pretty sketchy, too. There is a lot going on and a lot of it is very bloody. Bill Skarsgård returns as Pennywise, but be patient since it takes a while to lay eyes on him.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Bugonia stars Emma Stone as a high-powered CEO who’s kidnapped by conspiracy theorists, one of whom is played by Jesse Plemons. The conflict grows more and more complex and intense — and, given that this is a Yorgos Lanthimos movie, it gets 1) very dark; and 2) very weird. 

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Fri, 31 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0000 3a771479-0052-48b3-90e0-8c4b4540ec58 https://www.npr.org/2025/10/31/nx-s1-5591342/conspiracies-arent-even-the-weirdest-thing-in-bugonia no Bugonia And What’s Making Us Happy 1386 no full Bugonia stars Emma Stone as a high-powered CEO who’s kidnapped by conspiracy theorists, one of whom is played by Jesse Plemons. The conflict grows more and more complex and intense — and, given that this is a Yorgos Lanthimos movie, it gets 1) very dark; and 2) very weird. 

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, where she plays a therapist shouldering all the responsibility of caring for her ill daughter while her emotionally absent husband is away for work. Her patients have their own issues, and sometimes they don't grasp the meaning of "boundaries." And her relationship with her own therapist/co-worker, who’s played by Conan O’Brien, is… messy. And that’s only the beginning.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Wed, 29 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0000 e78df031-c9ef-4962-a01a-28dbc9b6dbb4 https://www.npr.org/2025/10/29/nx-s1-5588912/if-i-had-legs-id-kick-you-shows-off-rose-byrnes-dramatic-chops no If I Had Legs I'd Kick You 1104 no full If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, where she plays a therapist shouldering all the responsibility of caring for her ill daughter while her emotionally absent husband is away for work. Her patients have their own issues, and sometimes they don't grasp the meaning of "boundaries." And her relationship with her own therapist/co-worker, who’s played by Conan O’Brien, is… messy. And that’s only the beginning.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]>
See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

NPR Privacy Policy]]> Tue, 28 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0000 3e945d49-c5bf-4923-817a-448631ad2b4e https://www.npr.org/2025/10/28/nx-s1-5585042/redefining-the-halloween-canon no Halloween Songs 1347 no full
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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Blue Moon, Ethan Hawke plays songwriter Lorenz Hart, who is having maybe the worst night of his life. His long term collaborator Richard Rodgers (Andrew Scott) has forged a new partnership with Oscar Hammerstein II, and tonight is the opening of Oklahoma!, their first show. And it's safe to say Hart is miserable. Blue Moon is directed by Richard Linklater (Before Sunrise, Boyhood), and co-stars Margaret Qualley.


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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Mon, 27 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0000 a75f2df8-2865-4772-8f81-55291d53abcb https://www.npr.org/2025/10/27/nx-s1-5583762/blue-moon-will-bewitch-bother-and-bewilder-you no Blue Moon 1223 no full Blue Moon, Ethan Hawke plays songwriter Lorenz Hart, who is having maybe the worst night of his life. His long term collaborator Richard Rodgers (Andrew Scott) has forged a new partnership with Oscar Hammerstein II, and tonight is the opening of Oklahoma!, their first show. And it's safe to say Hart is miserable. Blue Moon is directed by Richard Linklater (Before Sunrise, Boyhood), and co-stars Margaret Qualley.


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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere, the currently red-hot actor Jeremy Allen White plays the eternally red-hot rock star, Bruce Springsteen. And yes, White does his own singing. The film tells the story of the 1982 album Nebraska. It came at a time of personal and career uncertainty for Springsteen, and ended up being recorded in a bedroom, without a band. It’s largely a film about fighting to preserve the integrity of your art, which Springsteen does alongside his manager, played by Jeremy Strong. 

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Fri, 24 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0000 3d0832a0-83e1-423b-9f5d-689b0c5c199e https://www.npr.org/2025/10/24/nx-s1-5582364/springsteen-deliver-me-from-nowhere-is-better-than-your-average-biopic no Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere And What’s Making Us Happy 1424 no full Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere, the currently red-hot actor Jeremy Allen White plays the eternally red-hot rock star, Bruce Springsteen. And yes, White does his own singing. The film tells the story of the 1982 album Nebraska. It came at a time of personal and career uncertainty for Springsteen, and ended up being recorded in a bedroom, without a band. It’s largely a film about fighting to preserve the integrity of your art, which Springsteen does alongside his manager, played by Jeremy Strong. 

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Nobody Wants This, Kristen Bell plays an agnostic podcaster, who meets a rabbi, played by Adam Brody. They like each other immediately, but there are some hurdles for them when it comes to being together. The show offers plenty of romantic comedy banter and good chemistry, as well as some pretty deep questions about faith and compatibility. Nobody Wants This just returned for a second season, so today we are revisiting our conversation about the series.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Thu, 23 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0000 0199206b-c229-4976-abd3-84fc56382c82 https://www.npr.org/2025/10/23/nx-s1-5582228/nobody-wants-this-has-rom-complications no Nobody Wants This 1101 no full Nobody Wants This, Kristen Bell plays an agnostic podcaster, who meets a rabbi, played by Adam Brody. They like each other immediately, but there are some hurdles for them when it comes to being together. The show offers plenty of romantic comedy banter and good chemistry, as well as some pretty deep questions about faith and compatibility. Nobody Wants This just returned for a second season, so today we are revisiting our conversation about the series.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Top Chef, American Idol, RuPaul’s Drag Race, and Rhythm + Flow.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Wed, 22 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0000 50aaa966-0c55-4eac-93b0-998de4b32ab6 https://www.npr.org/2025/10/22/nx-s1-5580512/the-reality-tv-show-id-like-to-judge no The Reality TV Show I'd Like To Judge 1397 no full Top Chef, American Idol, RuPaul’s Drag Race, and Rhythm + Flow.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Good Fortune, Keanu Reeves plays a doofy, well-meaning guardian angel named Gabriel who gets a little too involved in the life of a gig worker named Arj (Aziz Ansari). In trying to teach Arj a life lesson, Gabriel grants him the opportunity to swap places with a finance mogul (Seth Rogen). This mostly buddy comedy is Ansari’s feature directorial debut and has a bit to say about wealth inequality and even some musings on what makes life meaningful.


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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Tue, 21 Oct 2025 07:00:03 +0000 3d1d8115-7b5b-4ebd-a4bf-3e884c0d6cf0 https://www.npr.org/2025/10/20/nx-s1-5580456/keanu-reeves-is-a-delightful-guardian-angel-in-good-fortune no Good Fortune 959 no full Good Fortune, Keanu Reeves plays a doofy, well-meaning guardian angel named Gabriel who gets a little too involved in the life of a gig worker named Arj (Aziz Ansari). In trying to teach Arj a life lesson, Gabriel grants him the opportunity to swap places with a finance mogul (Seth Rogen). This mostly buddy comedy is Ansari’s feature directorial debut and has a bit to say about wealth inequality and even some musings on what makes life meaningful.


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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Black Phone 2, Ethan Hawke returns from the dead as the serial killer who hides behind a demonic mask. It’s four years later, and the siblings (Mason Thames and Madeleine McGraw) who survived the Grabber’s killing spree are having a hard time with things. They head off to camp to investigate Gwen's psychic nightmares of the Grabber's early victims.


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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Fri, 17 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0000 1dd7c14c-b365-479c-a82a-35be7d2647e4 https://www.npr.org/2025/10/17/nx-s1-5576422/in-black-phone-2-the-grabber-is-dialed-in no Black Phone 2 And What’s Making Us Happy 1114 no full Black Phone 2, Ethan Hawke returns from the dead as the serial killer who hides behind a demonic mask. It’s four years later, and the siblings (Mason Thames and Madeleine McGraw) who survived the Grabber’s killing spree are having a hard time with things. They head off to camp to investigate Gwen's psychic nightmares of the Grabber's early victims.


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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Roofman, Channing Tatum and Kirsten Dunst ooze with their signature charm and chemistry. Tatum plays an exceptionally savvy military veteran who robs fast food joints by entering through the rooftops. Eventually he gets caught and sent to prison, but he’s able to escape and hides out in a Toys “R” Us for several months undetected. Obviously, he can only survive on M&Ms and keep up the ruse for so long before the roof comes crashing down on him. Consequences!


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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Wed, 15 Oct 2025 07:00:01 +0000 e28efb57-3026-4ce7-8203-fb53ebd60c01 https://www.npr.org/2025/10/15/nx-s1-5574178/channing-tatum-charms-his-way-into-big-trouble-in-roofman no Roofman 1064 no full Roofman, Channing Tatum and Kirsten Dunst ooze with their signature charm and chemistry. Tatum plays an exceptionally savvy military veteran who robs fast food joints by entering through the rooftops. Eventually he gets caught and sent to prison, but he’s able to escape and hides out in a Toys “R” Us for several months undetected. Obviously, he can only survive on M&Ms and keep up the ruse for so long before the roof comes crashing down on him. Consequences!


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NPR Privacy Policy]]> After The Hunt, Julia Roberts plays a Yale professor who finds herself in a hard place when one of her star students (Ayo Edebiri) makes an allegation against another faculty member (Andrew Garfield). Who’s telling the truth? Who’s the victim? Is there a victim? Directed by Luca Guadagnino (Challengers, Call Me by Your Name) the film poses a lot of questions. But are any of them answered?


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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Tue, 14 Oct 2025 07:00:02 +0000 8db9ec45-bbd6-4d4a-9dda-496c93efb827 https://www.npr.org/2025/10/10/nx-s1-5570719/julia-roberts-shines-in-the-muddled-after-the-hunt no After the Hunt 1075 no full After The Hunt, Julia Roberts plays a Yale professor who finds herself in a hard place when one of her star students (Ayo Edebiri) makes an allegation against another faculty member (Andrew Garfield). Who’s telling the truth? Who’s the victim? Is there a victim? Directed by Luca Guadagnino (Challengers, Call Me by Your Name) the film poses a lot of questions. But are any of them answered?


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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Kiss of the Spider Woman. Set in an Argentine prison, one man (Tonatiuh) tells his cellmate (Diego Luna) the story of his favorite old Hollywood musical, starring the silver screen goddess he worships – that’s J. Lo. The musical is packed with glitz, glamour and songs written by Kander and Ebb, the minds behind Cabaret and Chicago.


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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Mon, 13 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0000 1a1926b6-75d2-4900-b95c-82d1b451f737 https://www.npr.org/2025/10/13/nx-s1-5569495/kiss-of-the-spider-woman-features-great-drama-and-meh-music no Kiss of the Spider Woman 1322 no full Kiss of the Spider Woman. Set in an Argentine prison, one man (Tonatiuh) tells his cellmate (Diego Luna) the story of his favorite old Hollywood musical, starring the silver screen goddess he worships – that’s J. Lo. The musical is packed with glitz, glamour and songs written by Kander and Ebb, the minds behind Cabaret and Chicago.


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NPR Privacy Policy]]> TRON: Ares is the third film in the franchise, and this time flips the script: Instead of humans entering the digital world, this movie sees human-shaped artificial intelligence programs entering our world. Starring Jared Leto, Greta Lee and Evan Peters, is TRON: Ares an upgrade from the previous movies?

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Fri, 10 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0000 e7199bec-b2a1-4d58-856a-869369a10431 https://www.npr.org/2025/10/10/nx-s1-5566091/reality-bytes-in-tron-ares no TRON: Ares And What's Making Us Happy 1364 no full TRON: Ares is the third film in the franchise, and this time flips the script: Instead of humans entering the digital world, this movie sees human-shaped artificial intelligence programs entering our world. Starring Jared Leto, Greta Lee and Evan Peters, is TRON: Ares an upgrade from the previous movies?

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NPR Privacy Policy]]>
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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Thu, 09 Oct 2025 07:05:03 +0000 45bd08c6-4c55-462e-9c94-7ff9bc44335a https://www.npr.org/2025/10/09/nx-s1-5566097/most-overused-songs-in-movies no Most Overused Songs In Movies 1186 no full
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NPR Privacy Policy]]> The Lost Bus, Matthew McConaughey and America Ferrera play a bus driver and a teacher who have to transport more than 20 kids to safety when evacuation orders roll in from a wildfire. Based on the 2018 Camp Fire in California, the movie is a harrowing drama, a climate warning, and a disaster film all in one. It’s streaming on Apple TV+.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Tue, 07 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0000 7f10eb42-a948-4af9-8b5a-eb55d525f8d2 https://www.npr.org/2025/10/07/nx-s1-5561893/matthew-mcconaughey-drives-the-lost-bus-through-a-raging-fire no The Lost Bus 932 no full The Lost Bus, Matthew McConaughey and America Ferrera play a bus driver and a teacher who have to transport more than 20 kids to safety when evacuation orders roll in from a wildfire. Based on the 2018 Camp Fire in California, the movie is a harrowing drama, a climate warning, and a disaster film all in one. It’s streaming on Apple TV+.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> The Life Of A Showgirl. It touches on her relationship with fiancé Travis Kelce while reflecting on fame, normalcy, the Internet, and a simmering beef with a fellow pop star. We’re unpacking the songs, including “Actually Romantic,” “Eldest Daughter,” “CANCELLED!”, and “Ruin The Friendship.”

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Mon, 06 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0000 817ce04e-6372-4285-bb87-c12700767e4d https://www.npr.org/2025/10/06/nx-s1-5560827/taylor-swift-re-enters-her-banger-era-in-the-life-of-a-showgirl no Taylor Swift The Life Of A Showgirl 1363 no full The Life Of A Showgirl. It touches on her relationship with fiancé Travis Kelce while reflecting on fame, normalcy, the Internet, and a simmering beef with a fellow pop star. We’re unpacking the songs, including “Actually Romantic,” “Eldest Daughter,” “CANCELLED!”, and “Ruin The Friendship.”

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> The Smashing Machine. Johnson plays Mark Kerr, a UFC champion who is reeling from his first major loss in the ring and confronting an addiction to painkillers. Directed by Benny Safdie (Uncut Gems), the wrestling drama pulls out all the classic moves in the awards season playbook. We can smell what The Rock is cooking – but is it a hearty meal?

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Fri, 03 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0000 2d0adc49-f533-441c-af77-0775f83deeb5 https://www.npr.org/2025/10/03/nx-s1-5559272/the-smashing-machine-lets-the-rock-cook-and-it-smells-like-awards-season-catnip no The Smashing Machine And What's Making Us Happy 1461 no full The Smashing Machine. Johnson plays Mark Kerr, a UFC champion who is reeling from his first major loss in the ring and confronting an addiction to painkillers. Directed by Benny Safdie (Uncut Gems), the wrestling drama pulls out all the classic moves in the awards season playbook. We can smell what The Rock is cooking – but is it a hearty meal?

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Brokeback Mountain hit theaters. The film starred Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal as two sheep herders who fall in love in a place and time that keeps them apart. Before its release, Hollywood considered it a huge risk. It went on to be a critical and box office success, but it also made a lot of folks so uncomfortable they made cheap jokes about it for years. Today, its legacy is a tough one to untangle.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Thu, 02 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0000 16fb86b2-593f-46b3-992f-94b9d9001d78 https://www.npr.org/2025/10/02/nx-s1-5558187/looking-back-at-brokeback-mountain no Brokeback Mountain 1609 no full Brokeback Mountain hit theaters. The film starred Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal as two sheep herders who fall in love in a place and time that keeps them apart. Before its release, Hollywood considered it a huge risk. It went on to be a critical and box office success, but it also made a lot of folks so uncomfortable they made cheap jokes about it for years. Today, its legacy is a tough one to untangle.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> The Lowdown is a great new FX series starring Ethan Hawke as a freelance investigative reporter with a knack for sticking his nose where it doesn’t belong and getting that nose punched. He gets drawn into the seedy goings-on of one of Tulsa’s most prominent families. Created by Sterlin Harjo (Reservation Dogs), the modern-day Western noir comedy has an excellent ensemble including Kyle MacLachlan, Keith David, Jeanne Tripplehorn and Killer Mike.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Tue, 30 Sep 2025 07:00:00 +0000 799a059e-e8fd-4ebf-b7a4-30ec223d96cd https://www.npr.org/2025/09/30/nx-s1-5556976/were-high-up-on-the-lowdown no The Lowdown 1170 no full The Lowdown is a great new FX series starring Ethan Hawke as a freelance investigative reporter with a knack for sticking his nose where it doesn’t belong and getting that nose punched. He gets drawn into the seedy goings-on of one of Tulsa’s most prominent families. Created by Sterlin Harjo (Reservation Dogs), the modern-day Western noir comedy has an excellent ensemble including Kyle MacLachlan, Keith David, Jeanne Tripplehorn and Killer Mike.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Wayward, Toni Collette plays a deeply creepy woman who runs a facility that promises to fix troubled teens. A cop (Mae Martin) moves to town with his wife, who's a graduate of the facility and an acolyte of its leader. And he starts to think something is very, very wrong. Things are not all they seem in the picturesque town of Tall Pines, but you’ll have to watch to find out why. 


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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Mon, 29 Sep 2025 07:00:00 +0000 24aa69d6-5d68-4f21-8171-eae0d8f5660e https://www.npr.org/2025/09/29/nx-s1-5554279/a-creepy-reform-school-will-get-under-your-skin-in-wayward no Wayward 1188 no full Wayward, Toni Collette plays a deeply creepy woman who runs a facility that promises to fix troubled teens. A cop (Mae Martin) moves to town with his wife, who's a graduate of the facility and an acolyte of its leader. And he starts to think something is very, very wrong. Things are not all they seem in the picturesque town of Tall Pines, but you’ll have to watch to find out why. 


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NPR Privacy Policy]]> One Battle After Another is an action-thriller starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Teyana Taylor and Sean Penn. DiCaprio plays a washed up ex-revolutionary searching for his missing daughter while raging against the machine. In this case, the machine is unabashedly racist, xenophobic, and corrupt. Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, the ensemble also includes Regina Hall and Benicio del Toro.


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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Fri, 26 Sep 2025 07:00:00 +0000 bc562515-c9b6-4f47-9af3-60e967fb4c47 https://www.npr.org/2025/09/26/nx-s1-5553523/one-battle-after-another-is-revolutionary-and-revelatory no One Battle After Another And What's Making Us Happy 1451 no full One Battle After Another is an action-thriller starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Teyana Taylor and Sean Penn. DiCaprio plays a washed up ex-revolutionary searching for his missing daughter while raging against the machine. In this case, the machine is unabashedly racist, xenophobic, and corrupt. Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, the ensemble also includes Regina Hall and Benicio del Toro.


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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Showgirls stars Elizabeth Berkley as a Vegas dancer trying to move up from a seedy club to a glamorous hotel show. Paul Verhoeven’s NC-17 movie was a notorious flop, but it is now considered a camp classic and a window into a moment of moral panic. Showgirls turns 30 this year, so today we’re revisiting our conversation about the film.


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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Thu, 25 Sep 2025 07:00:00 +0000 5150f557-496a-40ce-80f2-e09293093af6 https://www.npr.org/2025/09/25/nx-s1-5552144/revisiting-showgirls-30-years-later no Showgirls 1120 no full Showgirls stars Elizabeth Berkley as a Vegas dancer trying to move up from a seedy club to a glamorous hotel show. Paul Verhoeven’s NC-17 movie was a notorious flop, but it is now considered a camp classic and a window into a moment of moral panic. Showgirls turns 30 this year, so today we’re revisiting our conversation about the film.


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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Task stars Mark Ruffalo and Tom Pelphrey in a grim, but stealthily hopeful drama. From the creator of Mare of Easttown, the show is a cat-and-mouse crime thriller about an FBI agent reluctantly dragged back into the field to investigate a series of drug related crimes. The show offers drugs, stolen money, family drama, kidnapping, shootouts, grief, and forgiveness.


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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Wed, 24 Sep 2025 07:00:00 +0000 d10ead6f-ba5a-4b35-8d3f-b0d924cfa718 https://www.npr.org/2025/09/24/nx-s1-5551190/in-task-mark-ruffalo-pursues-his-quarry no Task 1170 no full Task stars Mark Ruffalo and Tom Pelphrey in a grim, but stealthily hopeful drama. From the creator of Mare of Easttown, the show is a cat-and-mouse crime thriller about an FBI agent reluctantly dragged back into the field to investigate a series of drug related crimes. The show offers drugs, stolen money, family drama, kidnapping, shootouts, grief, and forgiveness.


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NPR Privacy Policy]]> From one of the minds behind Rick and Morty, Netflix’s new animated comedy Haunted Hotel is the perfect mix of fun and creepy to kick off spooky season. Will Forte voices a ghost who previously ran the Undervale, a very, very haunted old hotel. The show follows his attempts to show his family the ropes, vis a vis ghosts, demons, bleeding mirrors, and possession.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Mon, 22 Sep 2025 12:36:18 +0000 e1f77458-8ccb-4b2e-a04a-aaecda16eeb6 https://www.npr.org/2025/09/19/nx-s1-5544365/haunted-hotel-is-so-funny-its-spooky no Haunted Hotel 1048 no full From one of the minds behind Rick and Morty, Netflix’s new animated comedy Haunted Hotel is the perfect mix of fun and creepy to kick off spooky season. Will Forte voices a ghost who previously ran the Undervale, a very, very haunted old hotel. The show follows his attempts to show his family the ropes, vis a vis ghosts, demons, bleeding mirrors, and possession.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> HIM, Tyriq Withers stars as a young football player who has a chance to be trained by his idol, played by Marlon Wayans. As they train at a mysterious facility in the desert, it becomes clear early on that greatness might not be worth the price. From director Justin Tipping and produced by Jordan Peele, the film takes some big swings you may not fully see coming.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Fri, 19 Sep 2025 07:00:03 +0000 1ae5fe35-f4a3-468c-baca-6ce50aa28664 https://www.npr.org/2025/09/19/nx-s1-5544363/body-horror-and-elite-athletes-make-a-grisly-pairing-in-him no Him And What’s Making Us Happy 1282 no full HIM, Tyriq Withers stars as a young football player who has a chance to be trained by his idol, played by Marlon Wayans. As they train at a mysterious facility in the desert, it becomes clear early on that greatness might not be worth the price. From director Justin Tipping and produced by Jordan Peele, the film takes some big swings you may not fully see coming.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Knives Out mystery, Guillermo del Toro’s take on Frankenstein, and a new Emma Stone movie. We’ve got a guide of the TV and films we are most excited to see, including Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, Bugonia, Park Chan-wook’s No Other Choice and The Lowdown.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Thu, 18 Sep 2025 07:00:00 +0000 8094bbef-087b-4973-bd1d-0d1525656270 https://www.npr.org/2025/09/18/nx-s1-5544335/the-movies-and-tv-were-excited-about-this-fall no Fall Guide 1544 no full Knives Out mystery, Guillermo del Toro’s take on Frankenstein, and a new Emma Stone movie. We’ve got a guide of the TV and films we are most excited to see, including Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, Bugonia, Park Chan-wook’s No Other Choice and The Lowdown.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> The Summer I Turned Pretty features a messy love triangle, plenty of drama, and a LOT of Taylor Swift songs. The show has become a word-of-mouth sensation, with fans obsessing over whether they’re Team Conrad or Team Jeremiah. Now in its final season, the Prime Video series is based on a series of books by Jenny Han (To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, XO Kitty).


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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Tue, 16 Sep 2025 07:00:00 +0000 a6d828c8-533b-4322-b8e0-4f57514e90da https://www.npr.org/2025/09/16/nx-s1-5538427/the-summer-i-turned-pretty-has-drama-romance-and-the-music-of-taylor-swift no The Summer I Turned Pretty 1420 no full The Summer I Turned Pretty features a messy love triangle, plenty of drama, and a LOT of Taylor Swift songs. The show has become a word-of-mouth sensation, with fans obsessing over whether they’re Team Conrad or Team Jeremiah. Now in its final season, the Prime Video series is based on a series of books by Jenny Han (To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, XO Kitty).


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NPR Privacy Policy]]> This year’s Emmy Awards saw big wins for Adolescence, The Studio, and The Pitt. The telecast was also packed with a couple of surprise wins, a show of undeniable goodwill toward Stephen Colbert, and a tedious recurring bit led by host Nate Bargatze.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Mon, 15 Sep 2025 11:12:13 +0000 a7041386-74b8-45b4-8729-06334ab5ec89 https://www.npr.org/2025/09/15/nx-s1-5537895/our-2025-emmys-recap no 2025 Emmys Recap 1524 no full This year’s Emmy Awards saw big wins for Adolescence, The Studio, and The Pitt. The telecast was also packed with a couple of surprise wins, a show of undeniable goodwill toward Stephen Colbert, and a tedious recurring bit led by host Nate Bargatze.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> The new film The Long Walk is Stephen King meets The Hunger Games. It takes place in a dystopian America in which one young man from each state competes in a televised event in which they must walk at a steady pace … until they can’t. And when they can’t, they’re killed. It stars Cooper Hoffman, David Jonsson and Mark Hamill. (This episode was recorded on September 4, 2025.)

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Fri, 12 Sep 2025 07:00:00 +0000 1d643ce2-8109-4d48-9461-4818a214396e https://www.npr.org/2025/09/12/nx-s1-5538136/the-long-walk-is-a-long-walk-to-nowhere no The Long Walk And What's Making Us Happy 1070 no full The new film The Long Walk is Stephen King meets The Hunger Games. It takes place in a dystopian America in which one young man from each state competes in a televised event in which they must walk at a steady pace … until they can’t. And when they can’t, they’re killed. It stars Cooper Hoffman, David Jonsson and Mark Hamill. (This episode was recorded on September 4, 2025.)

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> The Martian, The Incredible Mr. Limpet, and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Thu, 11 Sep 2025 07:05:00 +0000 458bf3fb-47bb-4e1f-a366-0ce94e4cd548 https://www.npr.org/2025/09/11/nx-s1-5536559/three-great-movies-with-silly-plots no Great Movies With Silly Plots 1186 no full The Martian, The Incredible Mr. Limpet, and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Twinless. They meet in a support group for people who have lost their twin and form an interesting bond, but there’s a lot they don’t know about each other. Directed and written by Sweeney, the film has a wry sensibility, great chemistry, and dares to take some dark turns you probably won’t see coming.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Tue, 09 Sep 2025 07:00:00 +0000 cc6e0fa8-e206-4695-98ba-934797b9807a https://www.npr.org/2025/09/09/nx-s1-5529955/twinless-is-a-wry-twisted-take-on-grief-and-friendship no Watch This: Twinless 1127 no full Twinless. They meet in a support group for people who have lost their twin and form an interesting bond, but there’s a lot they don’t know about each other. Directed and written by Sweeney, the film has a wry sensibility, great chemistry, and dares to take some dark turns you probably won’t see coming.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> The Paper is a spinoff of The Office, and like its predecessor, it’s a mockumentary about a workplace that's facing financial and cultural headwinds. The Peacock series focuses on a local newspaper in Toledo, Ohio, and stars Domhnall Gleeson, Sabrina Impacciatore, and Chelsea Frei – and brings back a familiar face from The Office, Oscar Nuñez.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Mon, 08 Sep 2025 07:00:00 +0000 6a0ae12b-c7c6-4de8-9f37-17cdad86883c https://www.npr.org/2025/09/08/nx-s1-5529370/the-paper-is-an-office-spinoff-where-journalism-takes-the-lede no The Paper 1062 no full The Paper is a spinoff of The Office, and like its predecessor, it’s a mockumentary about a workplace that's facing financial and cultural headwinds. The Peacock series focuses on a local newspaper in Toledo, Ohio, and stars Domhnall Gleeson, Sabrina Impacciatore, and Chelsea Frei – and brings back a familiar face from The Office, Oscar Nuñez.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> The Conjuring: Last Rites winds down the story of the demon-hunting couple loosely based on Ed and Lorraine Warren, played by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga. They battle one last threat: a house in Pennsylvania that contains a haunted mirror and a terrified family. The Conjuring franchise has generated billions of dollars across many films and spinoffs full of hauntings, demonic possession, and creepy dolls. But does this film have a new story to tell?


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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Fri, 05 Sep 2025 07:00:00 +0000 0c949d08-b59c-4442-adba-9f9defad2a00 https://www.npr.org/2025/09/05/nx-s1-5529283/the-conjuring-last-rites-caps-off-a-big-summer-for-demon-hunters no The Conjuring: Last Rites And What's Making Us Happy 1315 no full The Conjuring: Last Rites winds down the story of the demon-hunting couple loosely based on Ed and Lorraine Warren, played by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga. They battle one last threat: a house in Pennsylvania that contains a haunted mirror and a terrified family. The Conjuring franchise has generated billions of dollars across many films and spinoffs full of hauntings, demonic possession, and creepy dolls. But does this film have a new story to tell?


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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Short n’ Sweet with a new collection of cheeky earworms called Man’s Best Friend, which includes the breakout singles “Manchild” and “Tears.” Carpenter explores many of the same lyrical themes as she has in the past — winking innuendo and wry commentary on being a woman in the dating scene. But she kicks it up several notches while playing around with more retro-heavy sounds.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Thu, 04 Sep 2025 07:00:00 +0000 e7523f76-f82a-4442-bfe7-ae8a16258690 https://www.npr.org/2025/09/04/nx-s1-5526878/sabrina-carpenter-returns-with-the-short-and-saucy-mans-best-friend no Sabrina Carpenter Man’s Best Friend 1436 no full Short n’ Sweet with a new collection of cheeky earworms called Man’s Best Friend, which includes the breakout singles “Manchild” and “Tears.” Carpenter explores many of the same lyrical themes as she has in the past — winking innuendo and wry commentary on being a woman in the dating scene. But she kicks it up several notches while playing around with more retro-heavy sounds.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> The Thursday Murder Club is a cozy British mystery set at a posh retirement community. The movie stars Pierce Brosnan, Helen Mirren, and Ben Kingsley as retirees who have formed a club that researches cold cases to pass the time – until a real murder, and a plucky new member, show up on their incredibly bucolic doorstep.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Wed, 03 Sep 2025 07:00:00 +0000 205b820e-5b7b-4aab-88d4-8fb779a8c828 https://www.npr.org/2025/09/03/nx-s1-5525863/the-thursday-murder-club-cozies-up-to-murder no The Thursday Murder Club 1179 no full The Thursday Murder Club is a cozy British mystery set at a posh retirement community. The movie stars Pierce Brosnan, Helen Mirren, and Ben Kingsley as retirees who have formed a club that researches cold cases to pass the time – until a real murder, and a plucky new member, show up on their incredibly bucolic doorstep.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Caught Stealing, the new grungy, throwback film from Darren Aronofsky. Butler plays Hank, a sad sack bartender at a sticky East Village dive bar in the 1990s. When his British punk neighbor Russ, played by Matt Smith, asks him to cat sit, Hank finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time. His life comes apart as the criminal underworld becomes convinced he knows where a huge cache of stolen cash can be found. Will Hank fight back? Can he?

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Tue, 02 Sep 2025 07:00:00 +0000 8c34e336-246a-4efd-9e73-226ac509d11a https://www.npr.org/2025/09/02/nx-s1-5521297/the-dream-of-the-90s-is-alive-in-caught-stealing no Caught Stealing 966 no full Caught Stealing, the new grungy, throwback film from Darren Aronofsky. Butler plays Hank, a sad sack bartender at a sticky East Village dive bar in the 1990s. When his British punk neighbor Russ, played by Matt Smith, asks him to cat sit, Hank finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time. His life comes apart as the criminal underworld becomes convinced he knows where a huge cache of stolen cash can be found. Will Hank fight back? Can he?

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> The Roses has been told before. This time around, Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman play a couple whose love curdles into resentment and then hatred. The film features Andy Samberg and Kate McKinnon, and is directed by Jay Roach (Meet the Parents, Austin Powers) and written by Tony McNamara (Poor Things, The Favourite).

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Fri, 29 Aug 2025 07:00:00 +0000 e00ee501-f497-4b41-ab9e-5be0b621c8a7 https://www.npr.org/2025/08/29/nx-s1-5518195/in-the-roses-olivia-colman-and-benedict-cumberbatch-spar-for-a-new-generation no The Roses And What's Making Us Happy 1514 no full The Roses has been told before. This time around, Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman play a couple whose love curdles into resentment and then hatred. The film features Andy Samberg and Kate McKinnon, and is directed by Jay Roach (Meet the Parents, Austin Powers) and written by Tony McNamara (Poor Things, The Favourite).

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Jaws turns 50 this year. It’s been called the perfect movie, the first blockbuster, and the film that changed why we go to the movies. As it returns to theaters, we head back into the water to revisit the classic creature feature with fresh eyes – lifeless eyes, black eyes, like a doll’s eyes.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Thu, 28 Aug 2025 07:00:00 +0000 a7538de6-a186-423f-b24a-3c29a4e259c7 https://www.npr.org/2025/08/28/nx-s1-5518187/jaws-is-still-stuck-in-our-teeth-50-years-later no Jaws 1454 no full Jaws turns 50 this year. It’s been called the perfect movie, the first blockbuster, and the film that changed why we go to the movies. As it returns to theaters, we head back into the water to revisit the classic creature feature with fresh eyes – lifeless eyes, black eyes, like a doll’s eyes.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]>
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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Wed, 27 Aug 2025 07:00:00 +0000 de213c2a-2922-4447-80f9-b398be91d929 https://www.npr.org/2025/08/27/nx-s1-5517857/three-songs-for-when-your-flight-is-delayed no Songs For When Your Flight Is Delayed 620 yes full
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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Long Story Short is a very funny and surprisingly moving new Netflix animated comedy series from the folks behind BoJack Horseman and Tuca & Bertie. The show follows members of one Jewish family by hopping around in time. We see the three siblings (voiced by Ben Feldman, Abbi Jacobson and Max Greenfield) as kids, young adults and in middle-age, as they start having kids of their own. They deal with all the things families deal with – the ups and downs of romantic relationships, parenting, work and, ultimately, loss – but it’s also very funny.
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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Tue, 26 Aug 2025 07:00:00 +0000 fb4bfa61-8914-4a3e-91a6-2e3477480de0 https://www.npr.org/2025/08/26/nx-s1-5515425/long-story-short-is-a-hilarious-examination-of-generational-tsuris no Watch This: Long Story Short 1039 no full Long Story Short is a very funny and surprisingly moving new Netflix animated comedy series from the folks behind BoJack Horseman and Tuca & Bertie. The show follows members of one Jewish family by hopping around in time. We see the three siblings (voiced by Ben Feldman, Abbi Jacobson and Max Greenfield) as kids, young adults and in middle-age, as they start having kids of their own. They deal with all the things families deal with – the ups and downs of romantic relationships, parenting, work and, ultimately, loss – but it’s also very funny.
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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Lurker, Théodore Pellerin plays a young retail clerk making his way into the inner circle of a popular rising musician (Archie Madekwe). This friendship is not really built to last and things between them become uncomfortable. Who is manipulating who, and who holds the power, become complicated and painful questions.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Fri, 22 Aug 2025 07:00:00 +0000 6e35721e-2f2e-4f00-806d-b90d8dda4134 https://www.npr.org/2025/08/22/nx-s1-5509519/the-intoxicating-power-of-fame-takes-center-stage-in-lurker no Lurker And What's Making Us Happy 1456 no full Lurker, Théodore Pellerin plays a young retail clerk making his way into the inner circle of a popular rising musician (Archie Madekwe). This friendship is not really built to last and things between them become uncomfortable. Who is manipulating who, and who holds the power, become complicated and painful questions.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> The Rainmaker out, so today, we’re ranking the five best John Grisham adaptations – including The Firm, The Pelican Brief, and A Time To Kill. But which one is the very best?

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Thu, 21 Aug 2025 07:00:00 +0000 b03b2e04-39ce-4485-b8d8-e94013c42bc9 https://www.npr.org/2025/08/21/nx-s1-5508087/top-5-john-grisham-adaptations-ranked no Best John Grisham Adaptations, Ranked 1116 no full The Rainmaker out, so today, we’re ranking the five best John Grisham adaptations – including The Firm, The Pelican Brief, and A Time To Kill. But which one is the very best?

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NPR Privacy Policy]]>
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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Tue, 19 Aug 2025 09:26:49 +0000 58b1198e-bd4f-421d-b9cd-ad6cbd95a423 https://www.npr.org/2025/08/19/nx-s1-5506094/our-15th-anniversary-time-capsule no Our 15th Anniversary Time Capsule 1361 no full
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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Highest 2 Lowest reunites him with his favorite leading man, Denzel Washington. The film is based on Akira Kurosawa’s classic High and Low, and it’s a tense story about a very rich man with a very big problem. Part morality play and part action movie, Washington plays a music mogul who confronts questions of responsibility and power when he believes his son has been kidnapped.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Mon, 18 Aug 2025 10:32:37 +0000 e193c076-4aef-4d4b-ae06-29e8e40e477d https://www.npr.org/2025/08/18/nx-s1-5503765/highest-2-lowest-is-a-tour-of-spike-lees-many-influences no Highest 2 Lowest 1255 no full Highest 2 Lowest reunites him with his favorite leading man, Denzel Washington. The film is based on Akira Kurosawa’s classic High and Low, and it’s a tense story about a very rich man with a very big problem. Part morality play and part action movie, Washington plays a music mogul who confronts questions of responsibility and power when he believes his son has been kidnapped.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Alien: Earth is a new TV spinoff of the Alien movie franchise, and as one might expect, it has plenty of Facehuggers, chestbursters, and dark metal corridors. The show brings the infamous Xenomorph to our planet – along with a host of other creepy crawly off-world species – and has them tangle with humans, cyborgs, synthetics and something new. The series comes from the idiosyncratic mind of Noah Hawley (Legion, Fargo) and is airing on FX and streaming on Hulu.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Fri, 15 Aug 2025 07:00:00 +0000 76ce6e2a-d9da-466e-84d3-7e91fbb10457 https://www.npr.org/2025/08/15/nx-s1-5502210/alien-earth-is-bursting-with-creepy-imagery no Alien: Earth And What's Making Us Happy 1538 no full Alien: Earth is a new TV spinoff of the Alien movie franchise, and as one might expect, it has plenty of Facehuggers, chestbursters, and dark metal corridors. The show brings the infamous Xenomorph to our planet – along with a host of other creepy crawly off-world species – and has them tangle with humans, cyborgs, synthetics and something new. The series comes from the idiosyncratic mind of Noah Hawley (Legion, Fargo) and is airing on FX and streaming on Hulu.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Bring It On spawned direct-to-video sequels and a Broadway musical. And with an all-star cast of Kirsten Dunst, Eliza Dushku, and Gabrielle Union, the movie remains a quotable classic. But a lot has happened since that might make it feel very timely, or very dated. Bring It On turns 25 this month so today we’re revisiting our conversation about the movie.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Thu, 14 Aug 2025 07:00:00 +0000 3912dd3e-b14d-4ac3-9f82-41a451e92eab https://www.npr.org/2025/08/14/nx-s1-5500441/bring-it-on-is-25-spirit-fingers no Bring It On 1103 no full Bring It On spawned direct-to-video sequels and a Broadway musical. And with an all-star cast of Kirsten Dunst, Eliza Dushku, and Gabrielle Union, the movie remains a quotable classic. But a lot has happened since that might make it feel very timely, or very dated. Bring It On turns 25 this month so today we’re revisiting our conversation about the movie.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Platonic, Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne play former best friends who reconnect years after a falling out. The Apple TV+ show follows their misadventures as they try to navigate their respective midlife crises and become friends again. Platonic is back for a second season, so today we are revisiting our conversation about the series.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Tue, 12 Aug 2025 07:00:00 +0000 c7ed449c-8379-4e3e-94d6-6120a0ef06fa https://www.npr.org/2025/08/12/nx-s1-5498452/seth-rogen-and-rose-byrne-make-great-pals-in-platonic no Platonic 1040 no full Platonic, Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne play former best friends who reconnect years after a falling out. The Apple TV+ show follows their misadventures as they try to navigate their respective midlife crises and become friends again. Platonic is back for a second season, so today we are revisiting our conversation about the series.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Weapons follows what happens after 17 third-graders get out of their beds on the same night, at the same time, and disappear. The community points fingers at the students’ teacher, played by Julia Garner. The latest film from Zach Cregger (Barbarian), Weapons explores why one student was spared that fateful night. There’s a clear answer – but we guarantee it’s not one you’ll see coming.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Mon, 11 Aug 2025 07:00:00 +0000 74ed99ec-6bf8-441c-8510-798dc31830ac https://www.npr.org/2025/08/11/nx-s1-5496241/in-weapons-the-kids-arent-at-all-right-not-in-the-slightest-nope no Weapons 1224 no full Weapons follows what happens after 17 third-graders get out of their beds on the same night, at the same time, and disappear. The community points fingers at the students’ teacher, played by Julia Garner. The latest film from Zach Cregger (Barbarian), Weapons explores why one student was spared that fateful night. There’s a clear answer – but we guarantee it’s not one you’ll see coming.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Freaky Friday. They return in the long-awaited sequel, Freakier Friday, which offers twice as many body swaps, fights galore, and a whole lot of jokes about being old and kids these days. Follow Pop Culture Happy Hour on Letterboxd at letterboxd.com/nprpopculture To access bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening for Pop Culture Happy Hour, subscribe to Pop Culture Happy Hour+ at plus.npr.org/happy.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Fri, 08 Aug 2025 07:00:00 +0000 342288cf-ac65-4913-9c99-cc198b4c7572 https://www.npr.org/2025/08/08/nx-s1-5495351/freakier-friday-is-a-zany-parent-and-grandparent-trap no Freakier Friday And What's Making Us Happy 1510 no full Freaky Friday. They return in the long-awaited sequel, Freakier Friday, which offers twice as many body swaps, fights galore, and a whole lot of jokes about being old and kids these days. Follow Pop Culture Happy Hour on Letterboxd at letterboxd.com/nprpopculture To access bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening for Pop Culture Happy Hour, subscribe to Pop Culture Happy Hour+ at plus.npr.org/happy.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Spice World, Get Over It, Britney Spears’ “Oops… I Did It Again” music video, and Janet Jackson’s “Empty.”

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Thu, 07 Aug 2025 07:00:00 +0000 9197abfe-8f73-458a-8a3d-f8901e53aa4b https://www.npr.org/2025/08/07/nx-s1-5494443/whats-the-definitive-piece-of-y2k-pop-culture no Y2K Pop Culture 1751 no full Spice World, Get Over It, Britney Spears’ “Oops… I Did It Again” music video, and Janet Jackson’s “Empty.”

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Together, starring real-life married couple Alison Brie and Dave Franco.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Wed, 06 Aug 2025 07:00:00 +0000 beb01b2f-80b6-4d2a-affe-1d8d013f5305 https://www.npr.org/2025/08/06/nx-s1-5493140/together-is-gross-and-interesting no Together 945 no full Together, starring real-life married couple Alison Brie and Dave Franco.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Wednesday is one of the most popular Netflix shows of all time, and it helped make Jenna Ortega a star. It takes the breakout Addams Family character Wednesday Addams and breaks her out of her home environment. Gomez (Luis Guzmán) and Morticia (Catherine Zeta-Jones)  pack her off to their alma mater, the gloomy, gothy Nevermore Academy, and she’s soon drawn into the investigation of a series of grisly murders. Wednesday is about to return for a second season, so today we are revisiting our conversation about the show.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Tue, 05 Aug 2025 11:50:11 +0000 fcecc8fd-3234-4dd5-9ace-dadf0ecb2632 https://www.npr.org/2025/08/05/nx-s1-5492150/is-wednesday-creepy-kooky-mysterious-or-ooky-enough no Wednesday 2113 876 no full Wednesday is one of the most popular Netflix shows of all time, and it helped make Jenna Ortega a star. It takes the breakout Addams Family character Wednesday Addams and breaks her out of her home environment. Gomez (Luis Guzmán) and Morticia (Catherine Zeta-Jones)  pack her off to their alma mater, the gloomy, gothy Nevermore Academy, and she’s soon drawn into the investigation of a series of grisly murders. Wednesday is about to return for a second season, so today we are revisiting our conversation about the show.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> The Naked Gun franchise has always been a rapid-fire delivery system for gags, delivered straight-faced by a cop who doesn't know that anything is funny. In the new Naked Gun movie, that role is handled by the very straight-faced Liam Neeson. With Pamela Anderson as his femme fatale, Neeson tries to save the world from, quite literally, a plot device. And like the original franchise, this Naked Gun is all about a joke pileup.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Fri, 01 Aug 2025 07:00:59 +0000 90772b55-e9cd-498e-bf75-f5de4d4058ee https://www.npr.org/2025/08/01/1256575136/the-naked-gun-packs-jokes-on-jokes-on-jokes no The Naked Gun And What's Making Us Happy 2112 1458 no full The Naked Gun franchise has always been a rapid-fire delivery system for gags, delivered straight-faced by a cop who doesn't know that anything is funny. In the new Naked Gun movie, that role is handled by the very straight-faced Liam Neeson. With Pamela Anderson as his femme fatale, Neeson tries to save the world from, quite literally, a plot device. And like the original franchise, this Naked Gun is all about a joke pileup.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> The Hunting Wives is a soapy murder mystery full of nudity and intrigue, about a group of Texas women who are up to no good. It stars Brittany Snow as a woman who follows her husband from the East Coast to Texas for a job working for a rich businessman and budding politician (Dermot Mulroney). Sophie is immediately enchanted by his sultry wife, played by Malin Åkerman. If you always thought Desperate Housewives would be better if more of the housewives were having sex with each other, this might just be the show for you.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Thu, 31 Jul 2025 07:00:59 +0000 c6c52878-6f13-4cbf-8667-2359bfbf5180 https://www.npr.org/2025/07/31/1256500277/sex-and-murder-are-everywhere-in-the-hunting-wives no The Hunting Wives 2111 1224 no full The Hunting Wives is a soapy murder mystery full of nudity and intrigue, about a group of Texas women who are up to no good. It stars Brittany Snow as a woman who follows her husband from the East Coast to Texas for a job working for a rich businessman and budding politician (Dermot Mulroney). Sophie is immediately enchanted by his sultry wife, played by Malin Åkerman. If you always thought Desperate Housewives would be better if more of the housewives were having sex with each other, this might just be the show for you.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Happy Gilmore gave Adam Sandler one of his best-loved movie roles. The rowdy golf comedy gets a belated sequel on Netflix — full of callbacks, flashbacks, fan service, and so many cameos from the golf world and beyond. But how does Happy Gilmore 2 compare to the original?

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Wed, 30 Jul 2025 07:00:59 +0000 e1f0e3b6-b75a-4eb7-a4a8-7a0a822e9338 https://www.npr.org/2025/07/30/1256429502/happy-gilmore-2-plays-another-round-of-the-same-game no Happy Gilmore 2 2110 928 no full Happy Gilmore gave Adam Sandler one of his best-loved movie roles. The rowdy golf comedy gets a belated sequel on Netflix — full of callbacks, flashbacks, fan service, and so many cameos from the golf world and beyond. But how does Happy Gilmore 2 compare to the original?

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Brat summer and saw the rise of Chappell Roan, Shaboozey, and Sabrina Carpenter. But is there a song of the summer for 2025? Today we're talking about the competing songs of this summer from Justin Bieber, Morgan Wallen, KPop Demon Hunters, PinkPantheress, and more.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Mon, 28 Jul 2025 07:00:59 +0000 ba781668-cd46-4a4f-848d-865fc37daeaf https://www.npr.org/2025/07/29/1256371471/is-there-a-song-of-the-summer-in-2025 no Song Of The Summer 2109 1420 no full Brat summer and saw the rise of Chappell Roan, Shaboozey, and Sabrina Carpenter. But is there a song of the summer for 2025? Today we're talking about the competing songs of this summer from Justin Bieber, Morgan Wallen, KPop Demon Hunters, PinkPantheress, and more.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> The Fantastic Four: First Steps stars Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn as the famously fractious family with amazing powers who tangle with a godlike being who wants to eat the Earth. We've seen this story before, but the vibe is different this time. It's a brighter, boldly colored retro-future with flying cars, semi-helpful household robots and lots of talk about the importance of family.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Fri, 25 Jul 2025 07:00:59 +0000 6ec9e282-9e6f-421f-9a5e-5cec31a24eae https://www.npr.org/2025/07/25/1256217297/the-fantastic-four-first-steps-heralds-good-things-for-the-mcus-future no The Fantastic Four: First Steps And What's Making Us Happy 2108 1347 no full The Fantastic Four: First Steps stars Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn as the famously fractious family with amazing powers who tangle with a godlike being who wants to eat the Earth. We've seen this story before, but the vibe is different this time. It's a brighter, boldly colored retro-future with flying cars, semi-helpful household robots and lots of talk about the importance of family.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Thu, 24 Jul 2025 07:00:59 +0000 b4a87992-db59-4af3-8a3d-ad2f5c4159fc https://www.npr.org/2025/07/24/1256157846/our-favorite-youtube-channels no Our Favorite YouTube Channels 2107 1163 no full
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NPR Privacy Policy]]> I Know What You Did Last Summer, some very '90s teenagers are targeted by a killer clad in fisherman's garb and armed with a hook. Nearly 30 years later, a new sequel fires up a very similar plot. The movie includes a new group of young people — including Chase Sui Wonders and Madelyn Cline — and a few key survivors from the first go-'round (Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr.) But does it live up to the legacy of the original?

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Tue, 22 Jul 2025 07:00:59 +0000 27b97ec5-1f9e-40ce-aae8-f86487cfd73d https://www.npr.org/2025/07/22/1256040801/i-know-what-you-did-last-summer-gets-hooked-on-nostalgia no I Know What You Did Last Summer 2106 1357 no full I Know What You Did Last Summer, some very '90s teenagers are targeted by a killer clad in fisherman's garb and armed with a hook. Nearly 30 years later, a new sequel fires up a very similar plot. The movie includes a new group of young people — including Chase Sui Wonders and Madelyn Cline — and a few key survivors from the first go-'round (Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr.) But does it live up to the legacy of the original?

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Sorry, Baby is a refreshingly disarming movie. The film was written and directed by Eva Victor, who also stars a newly minted professor at the liberal arts college where she received her graduate degree. The school is also where she was once sexually assaulted. The movie takes on a traumatic experience with wry humor and vulnerability — and it announces Victor as a filmmaker and performer to watch.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Mon, 21 Jul 2025 07:00:59 +0000 cbc7701e-053b-4710-8ca9-dcadcc2794f5 https://www.npr.org/2025/07/23/1256100354/sorry-baby-is-a-wry-affecting-take-on-trauma no Watch This: Sorry, Baby 2105 926 no full Sorry, Baby is a refreshingly disarming movie. The film was written and directed by Eva Victor, who also stars a newly minted professor at the liberal arts college where she received her graduate degree. The school is also where she was once sexually assaulted. The movie takes on a traumatic experience with wry humor and vulnerability — and it announces Victor as a filmmaker and performer to watch.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Sun, 20 Jul 2025 12:52:48 +0000 61afc0ca-37e0-47b7-91c5-255d349ffe84 no Congress has voted to eliminate government funding for public media 121 no full
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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Eddington plunges us back into that familiarly distressing time of the early days of the pandemic. Directed by Ari Aster (Hereditary and Midsommar) Joaquin Phoenix and Pedro Pascal star as political rivals in a small southwest town. Their conflict collides with the news of George Floyd's murder, which brings tensions to a full-on boil for the whole community.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Fri, 18 Jul 2025 07:00:59 +0000 5e102ecd-a8e1-49d0-9b26-94cdbef7dc70 https://www.npr.org/2025/07/18/1255880068/eddington-goes-back-to-2020-but-its-vision-is-blurry no Eddington And What's Making Us Happy 2104 1410 no full Eddington plunges us back into that familiarly distressing time of the early days of the pandemic. Directed by Ari Aster (Hereditary and Midsommar) Joaquin Phoenix and Pedro Pascal star as political rivals in a small southwest town. Their conflict collides with the news of George Floyd's murder, which brings tensions to a full-on boil for the whole community.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> KPop Demon Hunters is a phenomenon, with a soundtrack that's climbing the Billboard charts, and a fandom rivaling that of just about any K-pop idol. The film is loads of fun, it's packed with some of the catchiest bangers you'll hear all summer. It's about a superstar girl group called HUNTR/X, who also keeps busy protecting humanity against an army of demons.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Thu, 17 Jul 2025 07:00:59 +0000 879aabae-e98f-48ff-88d1-78e59e8ee62f https://www.npr.org/2025/07/17/1255812248/kpop-demon-hunters-is-a-viral-smash-that-crushes-the-songs no KPop Demon Hunters 2103 1199 no full KPop Demon Hunters is a phenomenon, with a soundtrack that's climbing the Billboard charts, and a fandom rivaling that of just about any K-pop idol. The film is loads of fun, it's packed with some of the catchiest bangers you'll hear all summer. It's about a superstar girl group called HUNTR/X, who also keeps busy protecting humanity against an army of demons.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Hacks, The Bear, Abbott Elementary, The Last of Us and The White Lotus. There were also some newcomers that got some love as well including The Pitt, Adolescence, The Studio, The Penguin, and Paradise. We'll unpack this year's the notable nominees and make some predictions in the major categories.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Wed, 16 Jul 2025 00:11:54 +0000 9f84396e-ea38-48c1-99fa-39bdec1d4f7c https://www.npr.org/2025/07/15/1255699457/we-unpack-the-2025-emmy-nominations no 2025 Emmy Nominations 2102 1901 no full Hacks, The Bear, Abbott Elementary, The Last of Us and The White Lotus. There were also some newcomers that got some love as well including The Pitt, Adolescence, The Studio, The Penguin, and Paradise. We'll unpack this year's the notable nominees and make some predictions in the major categories.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Too Much, the answer is to go to London for work, and meet a struggling musician who happens to be very, very handsome with a life almost as messy as yours. Starring Meg Stalter and Will Sharpe, and co-created by Lena Dunham, it features a cast full of comedy MVPs, a meet-cute, and a very unusual dog.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Mon, 14 Jul 2025 07:00:59 +0000 9b4ee930-831d-44d2-a5d2-7ed00b368286 https://www.npr.org/2025/07/16/1255755377/meg-stalter-shines-in-the-rom-com-too-much no Too Much 2101 1210 no full Too Much, the answer is to go to London for work, and meet a struggling musician who happens to be very, very handsome with a life almost as messy as yours. Starring Meg Stalter and Will Sharpe, and co-created by Lena Dunham, it features a cast full of comedy MVPs, a meet-cute, and a very unusual dog.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Fri, 11 Jul 2025 07:00:59 +0000 33f57344-c6d0-4a97-a950-073adfcc72af https://www.npr.org/2025/07/11/1255526967/superman-takes-off-and-nails-the-landing no Superman And What's Making Us Happy 2100 1448 no full
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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Chicago, Back to the Future, The Breakfast Club, and The Hunger.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Thu, 10 Jul 2025 12:32:32 +0000 86e0898e-6fa7-4cd0-a097-a7ced522ceca https://www.npr.org/2025/07/09/1255376152/we-rewatch-the-movies-we-loved-as-teens no We Rewatch The Movies We Loved As Teens 2099 1397 no full Chicago, Back to the Future, The Breakfast Club, and The Hunger.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Love Island USA is pure chaos, and admittedly: we love it. It's one of many spinoffs of the long-running British hit series, Love Island — and it might be the closest thing we've got to a watercooler event. The latest season of Peacock's knowingly trashy reality dating show has fired up the group chats thanks to this messy batch of conventionally sexy singles. Sometimes, for better or worse, fans even get to stir the pot and decide who stays or goes.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Tue, 08 Jul 2025 20:49:40 +0000 e720374a-ddc1-46da-8759-5f174b1389c1 https://www.npr.org/2025/07/08/1255321716/were-taking-a-chaotic-trip-to-love-island-babe no Love Island 2098 1615 no full Love Island USA is pure chaos, and admittedly: we love it. It's one of many spinoffs of the long-running British hit series, Love Island — and it might be the closest thing we've got to a watercooler event. The latest season of Peacock's knowingly trashy reality dating show has fired up the group chats thanks to this messy batch of conventionally sexy singles. Sometimes, for better or worse, fans even get to stir the pot and decide who stays or goes.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Mon, 07 Jul 2025 07:00:59 +0000 97295287-bf40-4ad0-8cae-5dabe37c8d85 https://www.npr.org/2025/07/10/1255443723/great-songs-for-your-next-road-trip no Great Songs For Your Next Road Trip 2097 428 no full
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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Jurassic World Rebirth is the latest reboot of the beloved franchise. This time around Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, and Jonathan Bailey head to a fresh island of mutant dinosaurs, where they experience a familiar mix of splashy kills and not-so-subtle morality tales. But can the film live up to the magic of the original Jurassic Park?

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Thu, 03 Jul 2025 07:00:21 +0000 fadb308b-9b97-4a8c-adcd-16a79a8ea6df https://www.npr.org/2025/07/03/1255164454/in-jurassic-world-rebirth-even-the-humans-are-sick-of-dinosaurs no Jurassic World Rebirth And What's Making Us Happy 2096 1267 no full Jurassic World Rebirth is the latest reboot of the beloved franchise. This time around Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, and Jonathan Bailey head to a fresh island of mutant dinosaurs, where they experience a familiar mix of splashy kills and not-so-subtle morality tales. But can the film live up to the magic of the original Jurassic Park?

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Squid Game became a worldwide phenomenon, winning six Emmys and inspiring countless Halloween costumes. The series has now reached its bloody finale. As the current game concludes, more people die and we find out whether Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) and others can finally end the games for good.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Wed, 02 Jul 2025 07:00:59 +0000 74647a59-3aac-473f-8f75-dca8aed9c854 https://www.npr.org/2025/07/02/1255100752/the-squid-game-finale-answers-questions-then-raises-one-more no Squid Game 2095 778 no full Squid Game became a worldwide phenomenon, winning six Emmys and inspiring countless Halloween costumes. The series has now reached its bloody finale. As the current game concludes, more people die and we find out whether Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) and others can finally end the games for good.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> The Bear is back for a new season. The FX on Hulu series sees Carmy and Sydney (Jeremy Allen White and Ayo Edebiri) trying to get the restaurant they opened together on its feet before they run out of money. Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) is thrown by his ex-wife's approaching wedding and what it's going to mean for him. Plus there's scallop drama, secret negotiations, and guest stars both new and old.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Tue, 01 Jul 2025 07:00:01 +0000 5948bc7d-e4c3-49e7-a7f6-c9e5864a5471 https://www.npr.org/2025/07/01/1255040242/the-bear-is-back-with-its-strong-performances-intact no The Bear 2094 1328 no full The Bear is back for a new season. The FX on Hulu series sees Carmy and Sydney (Jeremy Allen White and Ayo Edebiri) trying to get the restaurant they opened together on its feet before they run out of money. Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) is thrown by his ex-wife's approaching wedding and what it's going to mean for him. Plus there's scallop drama, secret negotiations, and guest stars both new and old.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> M3GAN spawned memes, made a fortune, and even taught us a lesson about the dangers of outsourcing our humanity to AI. The sequel, M3GAN 2.0, pans out to tell a bigger story about an even deadlier AI killing machine — and brings back the original M3GAN for some hi-tech robot-on-robot violence. Though M3GAN was defeated at the end of the original film, her tech remains — and it's found its way into a rogue AI assassin named Amelia.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Mon, 30 Jun 2025 07:00:59 +0000 9a655874-6199-411a-883d-4ba7b80ac4f2 https://www.npr.org/2025/07/04/1255224490/m3gan-2-reboots-a-horror-comedy-gem-with-add-ons no M3GAN 2.0 2093 1131 no full M3GAN spawned memes, made a fortune, and even taught us a lesson about the dangers of outsourcing our humanity to AI. The sequel, M3GAN 2.0, pans out to tell a bigger story about an even deadlier AI killing machine — and brings back the original M3GAN for some hi-tech robot-on-robot violence. Though M3GAN was defeated at the end of the original film, her tech remains — and it's found its way into a rogue AI assassin named Amelia.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> F1 The Movie. The film stars Brad Pitt as a veteran Formula 1 driver and Damson Idris as the young hotshot, who's very talented but a little too cocky. With nine races left in the season, they have to win one, or the whole team could crash and burn.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Fri, 27 Jun 2025 07:00:59 +0000 861b9f3f-bf10-4bb0-8791-063174589c54 https://www.npr.org/2025/06/27/1254874780/is-there-vroom-in-your-summer-for-f1-the-movie no F1 And What's Making Us Happy 2092 1446 no full F1 The Movie. The film stars Brad Pitt as a veteran Formula 1 driver and Damson Idris as the young hotshot, who's very talented but a little too cocky. With nine races left in the season, they have to win one, or the whole team could crash and burn.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Ironheart is a fun new Marvel series following Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne), a brilliant young woman we first met in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. To fund her inventions – including a suit a lot like the one Iron Man used to wear – she falls in with a gang of criminals who rob from the rich led by The Hood (Anthony Ramos). But when her ambitions place the people she loves in danger, she's forced to reckon with her past and her grief. Ironheart is streaming now on Disney+.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Thu, 26 Jun 2025 07:00:59 +0000 7752bc1d-a6fb-497f-84bd-da7cc3775af0 https://www.npr.org/2025/06/26/1254804028/marvels-ironheart-suits-up no Ironheart 2091 973 no full Ironheart is a fun new Marvel series following Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne), a brilliant young woman we first met in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. To fund her inventions – including a suit a lot like the one Iron Man used to wear – she falls in with a gang of criminals who rob from the rich led by The Hood (Anthony Ramos). But when her ambitions place the people she loves in danger, she's forced to reckon with her past and her grief. Ironheart is streaming now on Disney+.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Toy Story kicked off a historic run of animated films. So now seemed like a good time to discuss the best of the best — YOUR picks for the greatest Pixar films of all time. Thousands of you voted, and we've got the results.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Tue, 24 Jun 2025 07:00:59 +0000 07f48536-207a-4408-b0f4-11b863a28546 https://www.npr.org/2025/06/24/1254640147/top-5-pixar-movies-ranked-by-listeners no Best Pixar Movies, Ranked 2090 1594 no full Toy Story kicked off a historic run of animated films. So now seemed like a good time to discuss the best of the best — YOUR picks for the greatest Pixar films of all time. Thousands of you voted, and we've got the results.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Elio, a lonely kid dreams of being abducted by aliens. And then one day, it happens. Eager to find a place to belong, Elio (voiced by Yonas Kibreab) volunteers to save the aliens from a dangerous enemy. Along the way, he makes a friend and starts to think about Earth a little differently. The film was directed by Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi (Turning Red) and Adrian Molina (Coco).

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Mon, 23 Jun 2025 07:00:59 +0000 78f0a063-dada-401b-904e-65eb993a2d6f https://www.npr.org/2025/06/25/1254697866/space-is-the-place-for-pixars-elio-or-so-he-thinks no Elio 2089 1101 no full Elio, a lonely kid dreams of being abducted by aliens. And then one day, it happens. Eager to find a place to belong, Elio (voiced by Yonas Kibreab) volunteers to save the aliens from a dangerous enemy. Along the way, he makes a friend and starts to think about Earth a little differently. The film was directed by Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi (Turning Red) and Adrian Molina (Coco).

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> 28 Years Later takes place in the same world as 28 Days Later, where a deadly virus transformed the citizens of the U.K. into rabid blood-spewing creatures. The new film brings back the original's director and screenwriter, Danny Boyle and Alex Garland. It's set on a small island where a group of survivors (including Jodie Comer and Aaron Taylor-Johnson) eke out a modest existence. A desperate expedition reveals new allies and new horrors – because the infected have evolved.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Fri, 20 Jun 2025 07:00:59 +0000 3eac4cc9-558a-43dc-a1f7-5f4b7b5fb2d3 https://www.npr.org/2025/06/20/1254460268/is-28-years-later-worth-the-wait no 28 Years Later And What's Making Us Happy 2088 1308 no full 28 Years Later takes place in the same world as 28 Days Later, where a deadly virus transformed the citizens of the U.K. into rabid blood-spewing creatures. The new film brings back the original's director and screenwriter, Danny Boyle and Alex Garland. It's set on a small island where a group of survivors (including Jodie Comer and Aaron Taylor-Johnson) eke out a modest existence. A desperate expedition reveals new allies and new horrors – because the infected have evolved.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Pee-Wee As Himself isn't the boilerplate Hollywood profile you think it is. You get the biographical details you expect – how young avant-garde artist Paul Ruebens created the persona of Pee-Wee Herman, and the meteoric rise and fall that followed. But you also get a sense of what it cost Reubens to insist that Pee-Wee wasn't simply a persona, but in fact a real person. It's streaming now on Max.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Wed, 18 Jun 2025 07:00:59 +0000 5a55511b-3e1a-4fd3-92e7-39696e890524 https://www.npr.org/2025/06/18/1254350250/pee-wee-as-himself-reveals-the-person-behind-the-persona no Watch This: Pee-Wee As Himself 2087 980 no full Pee-Wee As Himself isn't the boilerplate Hollywood profile you think it is. You get the biographical details you expect – how young avant-garde artist Paul Ruebens created the persona of Pee-Wee Herman, and the meteoric rise and fall that followed. But you also get a sense of what it cost Reubens to insist that Pee-Wee wasn't simply a persona, but in fact a real person. It's streaming now on Max.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> The Life of Chuck is a life-affirming film that challenges the cynic in everyone. It has a big cast including Tom Hiddleston, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Jacob Tremblay, Mark Hamill, and Nick Offerman. The film was directed and written for the screen by Mike Flanagan (The Haunting of Hill House and Midnight Mass).

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Tue, 17 Jun 2025 07:00:59 +0000 3282b27d-2bb6-4142-8f87-97caca5da871 https://www.npr.org/2025/06/17/1254291431/dance-with-tom-hiddleston-through-the-life-of-chuck no The Life of Chuck 2086 1106 no full The Life of Chuck is a life-affirming film that challenges the cynic in everyone. It has a big cast including Tom Hiddleston, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Jacob Tremblay, Mark Hamill, and Nick Offerman. The film was directed and written for the screen by Mike Flanagan (The Haunting of Hill House and Midnight Mass).

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Materialists. It stars Dakota Johnson at the center of a love triangle with Pedro Pascal and Chris Evans, and is directed by Celine Song (Past Lives).

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Mon, 16 Jun 2025 07:00:59 +0000 1d66c483-541f-4bba-9e6d-d8bf270e8486 https://www.npr.org/2025/06/19/1254414867/money-buys-love-or-something-like-it-in-materialists no Materialists 2085 1106 no full Materialists. It stars Dakota Johnson at the center of a love triangle with Pedro Pascal and Chris Evans, and is directed by Celine Song (Past Lives).

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Lilo & Stitch has been dominating the box office for weeks now. So it's no surprise that DreamWorks is now getting in on the action with a remake of How to Train Your Dragon. It's full of epic battles, majestic countrysides and, of course, dragons galore.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Fri, 13 Jun 2025 11:33:22 +0000 baabd85a-f8a6-4b00-bd1d-0ac07828e7cf https://www.npr.org/2025/06/13/1254121704/how-to-train-your-dragon-plays-the-hits no How to Train Your Dragon 2084 1185 no full Lilo & Stitch has been dominating the box office for weeks now. So it's no surprise that DreamWorks is now getting in on the action with a remake of How to Train Your Dragon. It's full of epic battles, majestic countrysides and, of course, dragons galore.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Almost Famous, writer and director Cameron Crowe looks at the ecosystem surrounding a rising rock band in the early '70s. Starring Patrick Fugit, Kate Hudson, Frances McDormand, and many more, the movie is a coming-of-age story that touches on journalism, sex, rock 'n' roll, parenthood, and the perils of trying to be cool. Almost Famous turns 25 this year, so today we are revisiting our conversation about the movie.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Thu, 12 Jun 2025 07:00:59 +0000 065e6637-ab9b-41ac-8a14-cb6928e7e15f https://www.npr.org/2025/06/12/1254056486/revisiting-almost-famous-25-years-later no Almost Famous 2083 1207 no full Almost Famous, writer and director Cameron Crowe looks at the ecosystem surrounding a rising rock band in the early '70s. Starring Patrick Fugit, Kate Hudson, Frances McDormand, and many more, the movie is a coming-of-age story that touches on journalism, sex, rock 'n' roll, parenthood, and the perils of trying to be cool. Almost Famous turns 25 this year, so today we are revisiting our conversation about the movie.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Jaws was released in theaters, kicking off the summer blockbuster phenomenon. And you know a summer blockbuster when you see one: It's a film that's hugely popular and as a result, financially successful, and seen by lots of people. But not everyone has seen every last one of them. Today, we fill in some personal blockbuster gaps, and finally see a movie that absolutely everyone saw, except for us — including Armageddon, Beverly Hills Cop II, Ghost, The Fast and the Furious.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Tue, 10 Jun 2025 07:00:59 +0000 a47cc89b-b4cd-4e7e-b0ba-4ae2760e3221 https://www.npr.org/2025/06/10/1253920685/the-summer-blockbusters-we-finally-watched no Summer Blockbusters 2082 1318 no full Jaws was released in theaters, kicking off the summer blockbuster phenomenon. And you know a summer blockbuster when you see one: It's a film that's hugely popular and as a result, financially successful, and seen by lots of people. But not everyone has seen every last one of them. Today, we fill in some personal blockbuster gaps, and finally see a movie that absolutely everyone saw, except for us — including Armageddon, Beverly Hills Cop II, Ghost, The Fast and the Furious.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> The Phoenician Scheme is classic Wes Anderson, complete with a great cast delivering heightened dialogue and stylized cinematography. It stars Benicio del Toro as one of Europe's richest men, an amoral industrialist, who, along with his daughter (Mia Threapleton) and a tutor (Michael Cera), travels to convince his business partners to fund his latest venture. But where does the film rank among Anderson's past movies?

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Mon, 09 Jun 2025 07:00:59 +0000 48b5cbd3-d2be-4938-871c-fa435d280a87 https://www.npr.org/2025/06/11/1253992703/the-phoenician-scheme-is-full-of-wes-side-stories no The Phoenician Scheme 2081 1092 no full The Phoenician Scheme is classic Wes Anderson, complete with a great cast delivering heightened dialogue and stylized cinematography. It stars Benicio del Toro as one of Europe's richest men, an amoral industrialist, who, along with his daughter (Mia Threapleton) and a tutor (Michael Cera), travels to convince his business partners to fund his latest venture. But where does the film rank among Anderson's past movies?

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Ballerina, starring Ana de Armas. She plays a ballerina-turned-assassin making her way through the international criminal underworld, and crossing paths with some new and familiar faces — including the one and only Keanu Reeves.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Fri, 06 Jun 2025 07:00:59 +0000 ec7e03e2-7c1f-462a-8460-97008fb1914b https://www.npr.org/2025/06/06/1253756221/is-ballerina-an-en-pointe-entry-in-the-john-wick-universe no From The World Of John Wick: Ballerina And What's Making Us Happy 2080 1299 no full Ballerina, starring Ana de Armas. She plays a ballerina-turned-assassin making her way through the international criminal underworld, and crossing paths with some new and familiar faces — including the one and only Keanu Reeves.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Living Single, Friends, New Girl and Broad City. Now Gen Z's got Adults. The silly new series is about a group of friends cohabitating in Queens, New York and it makes for fun and possibly all-too-relatable TV fodder.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Wed, 04 Jun 2025 07:00:33 +0000 9b922740-a90c-47ed-afc7-3b4528925aa8 https://www.npr.org/2025/06/04/1253616108/gen-z-awkwardly-transitions-into-adults no Adults 2079 1197 no full Living Single, Friends, New Girl and Broad City. Now Gen Z's got Adults. The silly new series is about a group of friends cohabitating in Queens, New York and it makes for fun and possibly all-too-relatable TV fodder.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Succession creator Jesse Armstrong is back with Mountainhead, a new movie with characters who are just as wealthy, powerful, and insecure as the Roy family. Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman, Ramy Youssef and Cory Michael Smith star as four tech moguls gathering for a low-key guys' weekend of poker. But business and unchecked, overinflated egos quickly lead them all down a very dark path.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Tue, 03 Jun 2025 07:00:59 +0000 ff52d2ff-a09c-45a4-8625-7b501a2b8989 https://www.npr.org/2025/06/03/1253552394/mountainhead-is-very-funny-nightmare-fuel-for-an-age-of-billionaires no Watch This: Mountainhead 2078 1211 no full Succession creator Jesse Armstrong is back with Mountainhead, a new movie with characters who are just as wealthy, powerful, and insecure as the Roy family. Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman, Ramy Youssef and Cory Michael Smith star as four tech moguls gathering for a low-key guys' weekend of poker. But business and unchecked, overinflated egos quickly lead them all down a very dark path.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Talk To Me was both very good and deeply unsettling. Now its directors (Danny and Michael Philippou) have returned with Bring Her Back, which ups the ante when it comes to disturbing, nightmarish storytelling. The film stars Sally Hawkins as a woman whose grief manifests in terrifying, ugly ways.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Mon, 02 Jun 2025 07:00:59 +0000 84478ec4-9531-451c-9d1c-33c8c32dfe97 https://www.npr.org/2025/06/05/1253689645/bring-her-back-makes-us-squirm-in-ways-we-couldnt-have-imagined no Bring Her Back 2077 1132 no full Talk To Me was both very good and deeply unsettling. Now its directors (Danny and Michael Philippou) have returned with Bring Her Back, which ups the ante when it comes to disturbing, nightmarish storytelling. The film stars Sally Hawkins as a woman whose grief manifests in terrifying, ugly ways.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> The Karate Kid has been sequelized, serialized, spun off and rebooted, and now it's back, as Karate Kid: Legends. The new film stars Ben Wang as a kid who's mentored by Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio, reprising their roles from the franchise. But at its heart, the movie is about a kid who must train hard, learn life lessons, and kick a bully hard in the face.

In honor of Toy Story's 30th anniversary, we're ranking the Pixar movies. What do you think is the best Pixar feature? Vote now! We'll talk about the results in an upcoming episode.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Fri, 30 May 2025 07:00:59 +0000 295cf020-94b8-43f0-a4f6-ed66a9412e0b https://www.npr.org/2025/05/30/1253382267/karate-kid-legends-revisits-a-sturdy-old-formula no Karate Kid: Legends And What's Making Us Happy 2076 1162 no full The Karate Kid has been sequelized, serialized, spun off and rebooted, and now it's back, as Karate Kid: Legends. The new film stars Ben Wang as a kid who's mentored by Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio, reprising their roles from the franchise. But at its heart, the movie is about a kid who must train hard, learn life lessons, and kick a bully hard in the face.

In honor of Toy Story's 30th anniversary, we're ranking the Pixar movies. What do you think is the best Pixar feature? Vote now! We'll talk about the results in an upcoming episode.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Sinners, our pal Brittany Luse has one question: are we in a media literacy crisis? Difference of opinion is one thing, but it feels like some viewers are missing important clues or misreading the film entirely - and it doesn't stop with Sinners. Today we've got an episode of the podcast It's Been A Minute that explores what this could mean for the way we engage with the world at large.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Thu, 29 May 2025 07:00:59 +0000 8b90bdc3-d370-4b6c-92e3-f469c069f613 https://www.npr.org/2025/05/29/1253312412/pop-culture-has-a-bean-soup-problem no Are We In A Media Literacy Crisis? 2075 1100 no full Sinners, our pal Brittany Luse has one question: are we in a media literacy crisis? Difference of opinion is one thing, but it feels like some viewers are missing important clues or misreading the film entirely - and it doesn't stop with Sinners. Today we've got an episode of the podcast It's Been A Minute that explores what this could mean for the way we engage with the world at large.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Lilo & Stitch is mostly live-action and retells the original Disney animated film's story of two orphaned Hawaiian sisters and the chaotic alien who upends their lives. The movie deviates from the original in many ways, but the central story is a tale of sisterhood and found family with lots of rowdy chaos along the way. The cast includes Maia Kealoha, Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, Zach Galifianakis, and Chris Sanders returns as the voice of Stitch.

In honor of Toy Story's 30th anniversary, we're ranking the Pixar movies. What do you think is the best Pixar feature? Vote now! We'll talk about the results in an upcoming episode.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Tue, 27 May 2025 07:00:59 +0000 6825b904-4142-4da8-a648-bdf20842fc44 https://www.npr.org/2025/05/27/1253209957/lilo-and-stitch-brings-its-fuzzy-agent-of-chaos-to-the-real-world no Lilo & Stitch 2074 1328 no full Lilo & Stitch is mostly live-action and retells the original Disney animated film's story of two orphaned Hawaiian sisters and the chaotic alien who upends their lives. The movie deviates from the original in many ways, but the central story is a tale of sisterhood and found family with lots of rowdy chaos along the way. The cast includes Maia Kealoha, Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, Zach Galifianakis, and Chris Sanders returns as the voice of Stitch.

In honor of Toy Story's 30th anniversary, we're ranking the Pixar movies. What do you think is the best Pixar feature? Vote now! We'll talk about the results in an upcoming episode.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> The Last of Us just ended, and to say the story has gone in some new directions is an understatement. The HBO series starring Bella Ramsey and Pedro Pascal continues to push forward with its complex story while still and always putting the "ick" in "post-apocalyptic."

In honor of Toy Story's 30th anniversary, we're ranking the Pixar movies. What do you think is the best Pixar feature? Vote now! We'll talk about the results in an upcoming episode.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Mon, 26 May 2025 02:01:59 +0000 8621f16a-3501-464e-836f-9d0e101ac22e https://www.npr.org/2025/05/28/1253247287/no-fun-just-fungus-the-continuing-traumas-of-the-last-of-us-season-two no The Last Of Us 2073 1288 no full The Last of Us just ended, and to say the story has gone in some new directions is an understatement. The HBO series starring Bella Ramsey and Pedro Pascal continues to push forward with its complex story while still and always putting the "ick" in "post-apocalyptic."

In honor of Toy Story's 30th anniversary, we're ranking the Pixar movies. What do you think is the best Pixar feature? Vote now! We'll talk about the results in an upcoming episode.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, Tom Cruise has to save the world (again). But this time, as the movie stresses repeatedly, the stakes are really, really high. Higher than the buildings Tom sprints across or the planes he fights bad guys on. There's an AI that wants to destroy humanity, and Tom and his allies try to pull off the feat of all our lifetimes. Will he? Does it even matter? It's Tom Cruise doing Tom Cruise things in London, the Bering Sea, and beyond.

In honor of Toy Story's 30th anniversary, we're ranking the Pixar movies. What do you think is the best Pixar feature? Vote now! We'll talk about the results in an upcoming episode.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Fri, 23 May 2025 07:00:59 +0000 84190eb0-d081-4c50-a0f6-1918672bcf51 https://www.npr.org/2025/05/23/1253043760/in-mission-impossible-the-final-reckoning-tom-cruise-is-too-controlled no Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning And What's Making Us Happy 2072 1487 no full Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, Tom Cruise has to save the world (again). But this time, as the movie stresses repeatedly, the stakes are really, really high. Higher than the buildings Tom sprints across or the planes he fights bad guys on. There's an AI that wants to destroy humanity, and Tom and his allies try to pull off the feat of all our lifetimes. Will he? Does it even matter? It's Tom Cruise doing Tom Cruise things in London, the Bering Sea, and beyond.

In honor of Toy Story's 30th anniversary, we're ranking the Pixar movies. What do you think is the best Pixar feature? Vote now! We'll talk about the results in an upcoming episode.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Sinners, Pixar and Marvel movies, and more.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Wed, 21 May 2025 07:00:59 +0000 984e89b6-66d4-4cb6-8ee6-8120e7be303a https://www.npr.org/2025/05/21/1252663614/from-marvel-to-sinners-should-you-stay-for-the-post-credits-scenes no Post-Credits Scenes 2071 1263 no full Sinners, Pixar and Marvel movies, and more.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Murderbot is a very smart, very funny new sci-fi comedy series on Apple TV+. The show stars Alexander Skarsgård as a cyborg who works security for a team of hapless, bumbling scientists exploring a dangerous planet. Murderbot hacked its own system and gained free will – a fact it tries to hide from the team, even as it sardonically judges their naïve and foolhardy actions, and craves nothing more than to be left alone to watch soap operas.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Tue, 20 May 2025 07:00:59 +0000 e43e3f4d-99f2-4e70-8003-30c70eb6ad30 https://www.npr.org/2025/05/20/1252435991/murderbot-envisions-a-caustically-funny-future no Watch This: Murderbot 2070 1185 no full Murderbot is a very smart, very funny new sci-fi comedy series on Apple TV+. The show stars Alexander Skarsgård as a cyborg who works security for a team of hapless, bumbling scientists exploring a dangerous planet. Murderbot hacked its own system and gained free will – a fact it tries to hide from the team, even as it sardonically judges their naïve and foolhardy actions, and craves nothing more than to be left alone to watch soap operas.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Friendship, a deeply strange and intense guy forges a troubled friendship with his new neighbor, a TV weatherman, played by Paul Rudd. The film stars Tim Robinson, an SNL veteran who's best known for his work in TV shows like Netflix's I Think You Should Leave.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Mon, 19 May 2025 07:00:59 +0000 f6307818-ee67-4b85-a928-e1e0eca934a5 https://www.npr.org/2025/05/22/1252898737/in-friendship-tim-robinsons-every-move-will-make-you-squirm no Friendship 2069 1025 no full Friendship, a deeply strange and intense guy forges a troubled friendship with his new neighbor, a TV weatherman, played by Paul Rudd. The film stars Tim Robinson, an SNL veteran who's best known for his work in TV shows like Netflix's I Think You Should Leave.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Final Destination film franchise. Almost 15 years after the last new installment, we're back with Final Destination Bloodlines, a movie all about the fact that you really, really, really can't beat death. It will come for you, and in fact, it may come for your whole family — in the most convoluted, bloody, gnarly ways it possibly can.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Fri, 16 May 2025 20:57:17 +0000 4cbb34c6-e8f0-4116-96b2-45f66c97e347 https://www.npr.org/2025/05/16/1251782090/final-destination-bloodlines-proves-that-you-still-cant-beat-death no Final Destination Bloodlines 2068 1467 no full Final Destination film franchise. Almost 15 years after the last new installment, we're back with Final Destination Bloodlines, a movie all about the fact that you really, really, really can't beat death. It will come for you, and in fact, it may come for your whole family — in the most convoluted, bloody, gnarly ways it possibly can.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Star Wars prequels came out, they were polarizing for fans of George Lucas' beloved space opera. The three films - The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith – followed Anakin Skywalker's transformation into Darth Vader. It's been 20 years since the final prequel hit theaters, so it seems like a fitting time to reevaluate the movies.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Thu, 15 May 2025 07:00:59 +0000 157cb66e-3307-4ddf-98ff-e828612ea3ce https://www.npr.org/2025/05/15/1251545865/the-star-wars-prequels-revisiting-we-are no The Star Wars Prequels 2067 1425 no full Star Wars prequels came out, they were polarizing for fans of George Lucas' beloved space opera. The three films - The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith – followed Anakin Skywalker's transformation into Darth Vader. It's been 20 years since the final prequel hit theaters, so it seems like a fitting time to reevaluate the movies.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Forever. It's now been reminaged as a Netflix series centering on a pair of Black high schoolers from showrunner Mara Brock Akil (Girlfriends). And it thoughtfully captures the pangs and joys of young romance in a modern context.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Wed, 14 May 2025 07:00:59 +0000 0afa0137-22a4-417f-a159-8f4ddc9c8e20 https://www.npr.org/2025/05/14/1251284846/forever-is-a-frank-and-lovely-take-on-teen-romance no Forever 2066 1305 no full Forever. It's now been reminaged as a Netflix series centering on a pair of Black high schoolers from showrunner Mara Brock Akil (Girlfriends). And it thoughtfully captures the pangs and joys of young romance in a modern context.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> The Jennifer Hudson Show, it's almost guaranteed you're going to make your way down the Spirit Tunnel – and possibly go viral. In just a few seconds, these videos can reveal a lot about a celeb's personality and persona: Do they have rhythm? Are they any good at improv? And how famous are they, really? The answers are (sometimes) really surprising!

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Mon, 12 May 2025 07:00:59 +0000 e6b5337b-082f-4a45-a682-748911a20dfb https://www.npr.org/2025/05/13/1250902329/we-ease-on-down-the-jennifer-hudson-show-spirit-tunnel no The Jennifer Hudson Show Spirit Tunnel 2065 1212 no full The Jennifer Hudson Show, it's almost guaranteed you're going to make your way down the Spirit Tunnel – and possibly go viral. In just a few seconds, these videos can reveal a lot about a celeb's personality and persona: Do they have rhythm? Are they any good at improv? And how famous are they, really? The answers are (sometimes) really surprising!

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Fight or Flight finds Josh Hartnett playing a onetime Secret Service agent who is pressured into one more job: fighting off a series of increasingly over-the-top assassins trying to kill a mysterious criminal. And they're all packed onto a plane together. Plus, what's making us happy, including a classic R&B song, a new sports documentary series and a iconic thriller.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Fri, 09 May 2025 07:00:59 +0000 55667208-f91c-49b4-bbb6-e5dc2536123f https://www.npr.org/2025/05/09/1250191974/josh-harnetts-fight-or-flight-is-just-plane-bonkers no Fight Or Flight 2064 1408 no full Fight or Flight finds Josh Hartnett playing a onetime Secret Service agent who is pressured into one more job: fighting off a series of increasingly over-the-top assassins trying to kill a mysterious criminal. And they're all packed onto a plane together. Plus, what's making us happy, including a classic R&B song, a new sports documentary series and a iconic thriller.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Another Simple Favor reunites Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick in a new movie full of murder, deceit, and great hats. Set at a splashy wedding in Capri, it turns out you can't keep a good – or in this case, a very bad – woman down. Directed by Paul Feig (A Simple Favor, Bridesmaids), the film also stars Henry Golding, Allison Janney and Elizabeth Perkins. It's streaming on Prime Video.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Wed, 07 May 2025 07:00:59 +0000 759cd4af-b0c5-4c7a-bd0d-d12732446b74 https://www.npr.org/2025/05/07/1249592928/blake-lively-and-anna-kendrick-another-simple-favor no Another Simple Favor 2063 1159 no full Another Simple Favor reunites Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick in a new movie full of murder, deceit, and great hats. Set at a splashy wedding in Capri, it turns out you can't keep a good – or in this case, a very bad – woman down. Directed by Paul Feig (A Simple Favor, Bridesmaids), the film also stars Henry Golding, Allison Janney and Elizabeth Perkins. It's streaming on Prime Video.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> It's Been A Minute – they've got a recap of the highs and lows of the night.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Tue, 06 May 2025 18:56:23 +0000 a04120e0-2377-4e33-8916-a213bdfe3e80 https://www.npr.org/2025/05/06/1249331168/the-met-gala-the-indisputable-best-and-worst-looks-of-the-night no The Met Gala 2062 1186 no full It's Been A Minute – they've got a recap of the highs and lows of the night.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> The Four Seasons. It's about a group of couples whose friendship dynamic is rocked by their midlife crises. The impressive cast includes Colman Domingo, Will Forte, and Steve Carell. And while the jokes may not fly quite as fast as they did on 30 Rock, Fey's comedic sensibilities are written all over it.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Mon, 05 May 2025 07:00:59 +0000 7d6edfc1-d7c5-4039-884f-50b64c237acb https://www.npr.org/2025/05/08/1249919779/in-tina-feys-the-four-seasons-marriage-is-far-from-a-vacation no The Four Seasons 2061 1160 no full The Four Seasons. It's about a group of couples whose friendship dynamic is rocked by their midlife crises. The impressive cast includes Colman Domingo, Will Forte, and Steve Carell. And while the jokes may not fly quite as fast as they did on 30 Rock, Fey's comedic sensibilities are written all over it.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Thunderbolts* is the latest Marvel movie and this one's a bit more fun than they've been lately. It stars Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, David Harbour and emotionally broken super-people who've done some very bad things. Will they manage to put their guilt aside and come together to form a rag-tag team of losers who somehow manage to save the day?

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Fri, 02 May 2025 07:00:59 +0000 9b450c90-034a-44ef-8c54-d4b9d1ed4ac8 https://www.npr.org/2025/05/02/1248664711/we-saw-thunderbolts-and-its-pretty-good no Thunderbolts* 2060 1340 no full Thunderbolts* is the latest Marvel movie and this one's a bit more fun than they've been lately. It stars Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, David Harbour and emotionally broken super-people who've done some very bad things. Will they manage to put their guilt aside and come together to form a rag-tag team of losers who somehow manage to save the day?

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Game of Thrones, Derry Girls, Parks and Recreation, and Gilligan's Island.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Thu, 01 May 2025 07:00:59 +0000 463db74e-ec45-46f7-8f16-81d487f390a4 https://www.npr.org/2025/05/01/1248444369/the-tv-show-id-like-to-live-in no The TV Show I'd Like To Live In 2059 1176 no full Game of Thrones, Derry Girls, Parks and Recreation, and Gilligan's Island.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Friends, General Hospital, A Different World, Grey's Anatomy, Cheers, Schitt's Creek and more.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Tue, 29 Apr 2025 07:00:59 +0000 7beae7d5-971b-43c2-9371-0abd6d367615 https://www.npr.org/2025/04/29/1247777241/why-we-love-tv-weddings no Why We Love TV Weddings 2058 1389 no full Friends, General Hospital, A Different World, Grey's Anatomy, Cheers, Schitt's Creek and more.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Étoile is the latest series from Amy Sherman-Palladino, the creator of Gilmore Girls and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. It's about the wacky goings-on between two prestigious but struggling ballet companies, one in New York, and one in Paris. You'll see some of your favorite actors from the Gilmore and Maisel universes all speaking that signature rapid-fire, joke-dense patter. But can a comedy set in the rarified world of professional ballet find its audience – and be funny? Étoile is streaming on Prime Video.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Mon, 28 Apr 2025 07:00:59 +0000 c7f20a48-83ab-4d0d-ad10-898e85c68776 https://www.npr.org/2025/04/30/1248091509/is-etoile-magnifique-or-non no Étoile 2057 1051 no full Étoile is the latest series from Amy Sherman-Palladino, the creator of Gilmore Girls and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. It's about the wacky goings-on between two prestigious but struggling ballet companies, one in New York, and one in Paris. You'll see some of your favorite actors from the Gilmore and Maisel universes all speaking that signature rapid-fire, joke-dense patter. But can a comedy set in the rarified world of professional ballet find its audience – and be funny? Étoile is streaming on Prime Video.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> The Fantastic Four and Superman. We've got a guide to the movies and TV we're most excited about this summer, including M3gan 2.0, Pixar's Elio, and Mission: Impossible.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Fri, 25 Apr 2025 07:00:59 +0000 df242d19-58c2-4ff8-9a14-0ddd5384d957 https://www.npr.org/2025/04/25/1247139352/the-movies-and-tv-were-excited-about-this-summer no Summer Guide And What's Making Us Happy 2056 1711 no full The Fantastic Four and Superman. We've got a guide to the movies and TV we're most excited about this summer, including M3gan 2.0, Pixar's Elio, and Mission: Impossible.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Conclave. It tells a very fun and very fictional story of the secretive process by which a pope is replaced. It's a twisty political thriller, it's a tense jury drama, and it's got some strong commentary on the state of the Catholic Church. Conclave stars Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and Isabella Rossellini, and it's available to rent or stream at home.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Wed, 23 Apr 2025 07:00:59 +0000 12af6314-55e9-44be-b660-3ffa051c07bf https://www.npr.org/2025/04/23/1246593574/there-can-only-be-one-pope-in-the-delightfully-preposterous-conclave no Conclave 2055 1341 no full Conclave. It tells a very fun and very fictional story of the secretive process by which a pope is replaced. It's a twisty political thriller, it's a tense jury drama, and it's got some strong commentary on the state of the Catholic Church. Conclave stars Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and Isabella Rossellini, and it's available to rent or stream at home.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> The Wedding Banquet has a stellar all-star cast, including Kelly Marie Tran, Lily Gladstone, and Bowen Yang. It's a twisty comedy of errors where proposals, hookups, and harsh words fly. Directed by Andrew Ahn (Fire Island), the film offers a modern take on Ang Lee's classic queer film.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Tue, 22 Apr 2025 07:00:59 +0000 6e44eb40-b4a4-4e43-bfd5-11eb2175b1f8 https://www.npr.org/2025/04/22/1246322305/in-the-wedding-banquet-a-queer-classic-gets-a-delectable-refresh no The Wedding Banquet 2054 1096 no full The Wedding Banquet has a stellar all-star cast, including Kelly Marie Tran, Lily Gladstone, and Bowen Yang. It's a twisty comedy of errors where proposals, hookups, and harsh words fly. Directed by Andrew Ahn (Fire Island), the film offers a modern take on Ang Lee's classic queer film.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> #1 Happy Family USA, The Righteous Gemstones, North of North, and Deli Boys.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Mon, 21 Apr 2025 07:00:59 +0000 597c22a9-c9f9-45f3-b471-5d583cca717f https://www.npr.org/2025/04/24/1246832492/recent-tv-comedies-you-dont-want-to-miss no Recent TV Comedies You Don't Want To Miss 2053 892 no full #1 Happy Family USA, The Righteous Gemstones, North of North, and Deli Boys.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Sinners finds Michael B. Jordan playing twin brothers who open a 1930s juke joint. And opening night does not go as planned. Written and directed by Ryan Coogler, (Black Panther), the film mixes blues music with classic horror in a standoff between the brothers and their friends on the inside and the bloodthirsty – and growing – menace outside.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Fri, 18 Apr 2025 07:00:59 +0000 b3ee57ca-afd1-4bdf-abae-baa02f63a6f2 https://www.npr.org/2025/04/18/1245530787/in-sinners-there-will-be-blood-booze-and-the-blues no Sinners And What's Making Us Happy 2052 1536 no full Sinners finds Michael B. Jordan playing twin brothers who open a 1930s juke joint. And opening night does not go as planned. Written and directed by Ryan Coogler, (Black Panther), the film mixes blues music with classic horror in a standoff between the brothers and their friends on the inside and the bloodthirsty – and growing – menace outside.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Your Friends and Neighbors, a very rich guy reacts to becoming a bit less rich by turning to a life of crime. Played by Jon Hamm, in full charming-but-morally-compromised mode, he starts sneaking into people's and taking their stuff. Part drama and part dark comedy about rich jerks, the series also stars Amanda Peet and Olivia Munn.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Wed, 16 Apr 2025 07:00:59 +0000 e40ee6ab-0e43-44cb-8756-fc547952708a https://www.npr.org/2025/04/16/1245044447/jon-hamm-steals-your-friends-and-neighbors no Your Friends And Neighbors 2051 901 no full Your Friends and Neighbors, a very rich guy reacts to becoming a bit less rich by turning to a life of crime. Played by Jon Hamm, in full charming-but-morally-compromised mode, he starts sneaking into people's and taking their stuff. Part drama and part dark comedy about rich jerks, the series also stars Amanda Peet and Olivia Munn.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Doctor Who brought a lot of change. The Doctor is now played by Ncuti Gatwa, who is Black and openly queer. And it marked the return of the showrunner who birthed the modern era of Doctor Who. The show just returned for a new season on Disney+, so today we're revisiting our conversation about the series.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Tue, 15 Apr 2025 07:00:59 +0000 13e7c114-4d2a-4d47-a59e-31ef1d030479 https://www.npr.org/2025/04/15/1244802168/doctor-who-is-enlivened-by-its-black-openly-queer-star no Doctor Who 2050 1539 no full Doctor Who brought a lot of change. The Doctor is now played by Ncuti Gatwa, who is Black and openly queer. And it marked the return of the showrunner who birthed the modern era of Doctor Who. The show just returned for a new season on Disney+, so today we're revisiting our conversation about the series.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Warfare dispenses with a lot of things you've come to expect from Hollywood war movies. It's based on the memories of a platoon of Navy SEALS, and attempts to capture the chaos of one specific Iraq War conflict as accurately as possible. The only thing Hollywood about it is its cast of young actors, including Joseph Quinn, Will Poulter, Kit Connor and D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Mon, 14 Apr 2025 07:00:59 +0000 3c3a588a-833a-4e60-8f09-1092461d3aa2 https://www.npr.org/2025/04/17/1245273506/warfare-aims-for-accuracy no Warfare 2049 935 no full Warfare dispenses with a lot of things you've come to expect from Hollywood war movies. It's based on the memories of a platoon of Navy SEALS, and attempts to capture the chaos of one specific Iraq War conflict as accurately as possible. The only thing Hollywood about it is its cast of young actors, including Joseph Quinn, Will Poulter, Kit Connor and D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Drop, Meghann Fahy plays a woman whose first date goes off the rails when she starts getting increasingly alarming message drops from someone nearby. And this potentially romantic dinner turns into a life-or-death situation, real quick.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Fri, 11 Apr 2025 07:00:59 +0000 5525ce1a-9340-40ab-94cb-137eb016bf87 https://www.npr.org/2025/04/11/1244093044/drop-is-a-bumpy-chaotic-thrill-ride no Drop And What's Making Us Happy 2048 1189 no full Drop, Meghann Fahy plays a woman whose first date goes off the rails when she starts getting increasingly alarming message drops from someone nearby. And this potentially romantic dinner turns into a life-or-death situation, real quick.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Friday Night Lights, Train to Busan, the poetry of Mary Oliver, and Watchmen.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Thu, 10 Apr 2025 07:00:59 +0000 6afce3e8-3a46-47bc-87c0-b721219411e3 https://www.npr.org/2025/04/10/1243870140/pop-culture-that-changed-our-minds no Pop Culture That Changed Our Minds 2047 1358 no full Friday Night Lights, Train to Busan, the poetry of Mary Oliver, and Watchmen.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Dying For Sex, Michelle Williams stars as a cancer patient confronting the unsatisfying relationships in her life. The series is also a raunchy sex comedy that suggests it's never too late to insist on your own happiness. And it's got a stellar cast, including Jenny Slate, Rob Delaney, and Sissy Spacek.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2025 07:00:59 +0000 94c4f247-a3a2-4c9e-ac4e-84c1905ec1f0 https://www.npr.org/2025/04/09/1243652722/in-dying-for-sex-pleasure-and-grief-collide no Dying For Sex 2046 1333 no full Dying For Sex, Michelle Williams stars as a cancer patient confronting the unsatisfying relationships in her life. The series is also a raunchy sex comedy that suggests it's never too late to insist on your own happiness. And it's got a stellar cast, including Jenny Slate, Rob Delaney, and Sissy Spacek.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> The White Lotus just wrapped up, but not before serving up a tropical buffet of sex, betrayal, violence, revenge, privilege, incest, drugs, death, and spirituality. We finally found out whose dead body was floating in the pond way back in the season premiere. From creator Mike White, this season stars Walton Goggins, Carrie Coon, Natasha Rothwell, Aimee Lou Wood, Parker Posey, and Lisa of BLACKPINK fame.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Mon, 07 Apr 2025 20:59:37 +0000 da54389d-c515-45a9-a63e-b69224fc3e8a https://www.npr.org/2025/04/08/1243384815/the-white-lotus-season-3-ends-with-several-bangs no The White Lotus 2045 1416 no full The White Lotus just wrapped up, but not before serving up a tropical buffet of sex, betrayal, violence, revenge, privilege, incest, drugs, death, and spirituality. We finally found out whose dead body was floating in the pond way back in the season premiere. From creator Mike White, this season stars Walton Goggins, Carrie Coon, Natasha Rothwell, Aimee Lou Wood, Parker Posey, and Lisa of BLACKPINK fame.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> A Minecraft Movie stars Jack Black and Jason Momoa in a goofy and sprawling adventure full of blocky animals and magical macguffins. Directed by Jared Hess (Nacho Libre, Napoleon Dynamite), the film also features Danielle Brooks and Jennifer Coolidge.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Fri, 04 Apr 2025 07:00:59 +0000 c980bbf9-e412-4b89-b041-e30f1a258653 https://www.npr.org/2025/04/04/1242780119/a-minecraft-movie-turns-a-best-selling-game-into-a-cinematic-block-party no A Minecraft Movie And What's Making Us Happy 2044 1209 no full A Minecraft Movie stars Jack Black and Jason Momoa in a goofy and sprawling adventure full of blocky animals and magical macguffins. Directed by Jared Hess (Nacho Libre, Napoleon Dynamite), the film also features Danielle Brooks and Jennifer Coolidge.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Daredevil: Born Again, Charlie Cox returns as everyone's favorite blind-but-with-heightened-senses Marvel superhero. This time out, he hangs up his horns and throws himself into his career as a lawyer. At the same time, the criminal mastermind Kingpin (played by Vincent D'Onofrio) decides to go straight and run for mayor of New York City. The two men declare a truce, but will it last?

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Wed, 02 Apr 2025 07:00:59 +0000 dd060b53-16c2-4257-bd95-5243b1dc9e69 https://www.npr.org/2025/04/02/1242229727/daredevil-born-again-delivers-street-level-justice no Daredevil: Born Again 2043 941 no full Daredevil: Born Again, Charlie Cox returns as everyone's favorite blind-but-with-heightened-senses Marvel superhero. This time out, he hangs up his horns and throws himself into his career as a lawyer. At the same time, the criminal mastermind Kingpin (played by Vincent D'Onofrio) decides to go straight and run for mayor of New York City. The two men declare a truce, but will it last?

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Survival of the Thickest is about an up-and-coming stylist whose professional and personal ambitions go sideways when she finds herself newly single. With the help of her best friends, she recalibrates her life and steps outside her comfort zone to varying results. It stars the charming comedian Michelle Buteau, who also co-created the show. Survival of the Thickest just returned for a second season, so today we are revisiting our conversation about the series.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Tue, 01 Apr 2025 07:00:59 +0000 4ac046d6-e396-48ea-9595-03200ee0f3f9 https://www.npr.org/2025/04/01/1241995544/michelle-buteaus-winsome-survival-of-the-thickest-is-a-natural-selection no Survival Of The Thickest 2042 1030 no full Survival of the Thickest is about an up-and-coming stylist whose professional and personal ambitions go sideways when she finds herself newly single. With the help of her best friends, she recalibrates her life and steps outside her comfort zone to varying results. It stars the charming comedian Michelle Buteau, who also co-created the show. Survival of the Thickest just returned for a second season, so today we are revisiting our conversation about the series.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> The Studio, Seth Rogen plays a Hollywood studio head desperately trying to do a job he's afraid of failing at every single day. The Apple TV+ series features comedy MVPs like Catherine O'Hara, Bryan Cranston, and Kathryn Hahn, but also cameos from actors and directors playing themselves — including Anthony Mackie, Zoë Kravitz, Ron Howard, Martin Scorsese and Ice Cube.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Mon, 31 Mar 2025 10:25:34 +0000 08ec3c0b-910d-492d-a3e2-334ff28c2d3a https://www.npr.org/2025/04/03/1242489333/seth-rogen-and-a-fabulous-cast-highlight-the-satire-the-studio no The Studio 2041 1320 no full The Studio, Seth Rogen plays a Hollywood studio head desperately trying to do a job he's afraid of failing at every single day. The Apple TV+ series features comedy MVPs like Catherine O'Hara, Bryan Cranston, and Kathryn Hahn, but also cameos from actors and directors playing themselves — including Anthony Mackie, Zoë Kravitz, Ron Howard, Martin Scorsese and Ice Cube.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Death of a Unicorn, Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega star as dad and daughter facing off against some angry-as-hell horned beasts. Like so many creature features, it poses a direct question amid all the chaos and carnage: Who's the real monster here? The film also stars Will Poulter, Richard E. Grant, and Téa Leoni.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Fri, 28 Mar 2025 07:00:59 +0000 78920e1e-5925-44b3-94d0-e0da7ca1d415 https://www.npr.org/2025/03/28/1241388978/death-of-a-unicorn-is-a-myth-fire no Death Of A Unicorn And What's Making Us Happy 2040 1033 no full Death of a Unicorn, Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega star as dad and daughter facing off against some angry-as-hell horned beasts. Like so many creature features, it poses a direct question amid all the chaos and carnage: Who's the real monster here? The film also stars Will Poulter, Richard E. Grant, and Téa Leoni.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> The Residence, a dead body shows up in an awkward location: the White House. A sprawling list of suspects try to outsmart a brilliant detective played by Uzo Aduba. She's joined by a cast that includes Giancarlo Esposito, Ken Marino, Randall Park, Kylie Minogue, and many others.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Wed, 26 Mar 2025 07:00:59 +0000 5f6cac4b-3df3-4c5b-9105-3dfa943eda5e https://www.npr.org/2025/03/26/1240892107/murder-comes-to-the-white-house-in-the-residence no The Residence 2039 1187 no full The Residence, a dead body shows up in an awkward location: the White House. A sprawling list of suspects try to outsmart a brilliant detective played by Uzo Aduba. She's joined by a cast that includes Giancarlo Esposito, Ken Marino, Randall Park, Kylie Minogue, and many others.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Dope Thief is a great high-stakes crime thriller to stream now. It stars Brian Tyree Henry as a man running a risky con: Robbing small-time drug dealers by posing as a DEA agent. His luck runs out, however, when he and his buddy-in-crime (Wagner Moura) mess with the wrong house.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Tue, 25 Mar 2025 07:00:59 +0000 f48f48d8-9434-49ee-a9d5-24bd17da08ac https://www.npr.org/2025/03/25/1240671746/in-dope-thief-brian-tyree-henry-messes-with-the-wrong-drug-lord no Dope Thief 2038 1013 no full Dope Thief is a great high-stakes crime thriller to stream now. It stars Brian Tyree Henry as a man running a risky con: Robbing small-time drug dealers by posing as a DEA agent. His luck runs out, however, when he and his buddy-in-crime (Wagner Moura) mess with the wrong house.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Severance (streaming on Apple TV+), we got a blowout finale with answers to mysteries and even more layers of weirdness. The show stars Adam Scott as an employee of a sinister corporation called Lumon. He has undergone a process called severance, which separates your work self and home self.

Listen to Short Wave's episode about Severance.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Mon, 24 Mar 2025 07:00:59 +0000 d0fdffe4-3e9e-4cda-b1de-cd46c4a4d4ee https://www.npr.org/2025/03/27/1241163685/severance-delivers-woe-dread-malice-and-even-a-tiny-bit-of-frolic no Severance 2037 1281 no full Severance (streaming on Apple TV+), we got a blowout finale with answers to mysteries and even more layers of weirdness. The show stars Adam Scott as an employee of a sinister corporation called Lumon. He has undergone a process called severance, which separates your work self and home self.

Listen to Short Wave's episode about Severance.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was Disney's first fully animated feature film back in 1937. Now, it's getting a hi-tech "reimagining" complete with new songs, seven CGI-rendered dwarfs, and live-action leads. Rachel Zegler stars as Snow White, while Gal Gadot plays the Evil Queen with a magic mirror and terrible intentions.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Fri, 21 Mar 2025 07:00:59 +0000 641e6b2e-f6af-47d4-a503-2a6430001412 https://www.npr.org/2025/03/21/1239865411/mirror-mirror-on-the-wall-is-snow-white-the-dopiest-disney-remake-of-all no Snow White And What's Making Us Happy 2036 1456 no full Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was Disney's first fully animated feature film back in 1937. Now, it's getting a hi-tech "reimagining" complete with new songs, seven CGI-rendered dwarfs, and live-action leads. Rachel Zegler stars as Snow White, while Gal Gadot plays the Evil Queen with a magic mirror and terrible intentions.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Novocaine, Jack Quaid plays a sweet, nerdy guy who does not experience physical pain. He falls for a woman (Amber Midthunder) who's determined to get him to leave his safe, risk-averse life behind. That happens in a big and very bloody way when she gets kidnapped by bank robbers, and he sets out to rescue her.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Wed, 19 Mar 2025 07:00:59 +0000 dd5035a3-86b4-430c-946d-260ea58e904b https://www.npr.org/2025/03/19/1239428622/in-novocaine-jack-quaid-is-no-pain-all-gain no Novocaine 2035 734 no full Novocaine, Jack Quaid plays a sweet, nerdy guy who does not experience physical pain. He falls for a woman (Amber Midthunder) who's determined to get him to leave his safe, risk-averse life behind. That happens in a big and very bloody way when she gets kidnapped by bank robbers, and he sets out to rescue her.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Anora recently cleaned up at this year's Oscars, winning five awards, including best picture. Directed by Sean Baker, the movie follows an enterprising sex worker (Mikey Madison), who links up with a very rich and very immature young man (Mark Eydelshteyn). Their transactional encounter turns into a quickie Vegas wedding. But her new in-laws are Russian oligarchs, and they'll do everything in their power to put an end to this whirlwind romance. Anora is now streaming on Hulu, so now's your time to catch up with the movie if you missed it in theaters.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Tue, 18 Mar 2025 07:00:59 +0000 8e61d836-1162-48c0-8956-6de7020d415e https://www.npr.org/2025/03/18/1239156795/anora-is-the-wild-rom-dramedy-we-didnt-know-we-wanted no Oscar-Winner Anora Is Now Streaming 2034 1014 no full Anora recently cleaned up at this year's Oscars, winning five awards, including best picture. Directed by Sean Baker, the movie follows an enterprising sex worker (Mikey Madison), who links up with a very rich and very immature young man (Mark Eydelshteyn). Their transactional encounter turns into a quickie Vegas wedding. But her new in-laws are Russian oligarchs, and they'll do everything in their power to put an end to this whirlwind romance. Anora is now streaming on Hulu, so now's your time to catch up with the movie if you missed it in theaters.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Opus, Ayo Edebiri plays a journalist who attends a press event at the compound of a reclusive pop star (John Malkovich) who'd been in hiding for decades. And then, things get weird and questions arise.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Mon, 17 Mar 2025 07:00:59 +0000 f876aac6-682e-4fe5-9a65-e9d6224b7026 https://www.npr.org/2025/03/20/1239646569/in-opus-ayo-edebiri-tackles-the-cult-of-pop-stardom no Ayo Edebiri's New Movie Opus 2033 1068 no full Opus, Ayo Edebiri plays a journalist who attends a press event at the compound of a reclusive pop star (John Malkovich) who'd been in hiding for decades. And then, things get weird and questions arise.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Black Bag is about a group of British spies who discover there's a traitor in their midst. It stars Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett. He's a lie detector expert; she's one of his chief suspects. The thing is: They're married.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Fri, 14 Mar 2025 07:00:59 +0000 e2639fb3-60a0-4714-b3b9-18360412eb15 https://www.npr.org/2025/03/14/1238535899/in-black-bag-espionage-meets-marriage no Black Bag And What's Making Us Happy 2032 941 no full Black Bag is about a group of British spies who discover there's a traitor in their midst. It stars Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett. He's a lie detector expert; she's one of his chief suspects. The thing is: They're married.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> On Becoming a Guinea Fowl. It opens with a Zambian woman finding her uncle's body on the road. His death brings the family together from near and far, but also resurfaces old wounds — wounds the elders would much rather ignore. It's a powerful story about the silence that keeps families from breaking, but only in superficial ways, and with devastating consequences.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Thu, 13 Mar 2025 07:00:59 +0000 4733af6c-52fd-4490-b98f-d5b8385c771a https://www.npr.org/2025/03/13/1238261961/on-becoming-a-guinea-fowl-is-a-surreal-exploration-of-painful-secrecy no On Becoming a Guinea Fowl 2031 1040 no full On Becoming a Guinea Fowl. It opens with a Zambian woman finding her uncle's body on the road. His death brings the family together from near and far, but also resurfaces old wounds — wounds the elders would much rather ignore. It's a powerful story about the silence that keeps families from breaking, but only in superficial ways, and with devastating consequences.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Mayhem, which has already produced three hits — including the chart-topping Bruno Mars duet "Die With A Smile." It's got bangers, it's got ballads, it's Lady Gaga through and through.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Wed, 12 Mar 2025 07:00:59 +0000 1ddc93c4-9f90-4e55-8f5d-e8e9a933ce08 https://www.npr.org/2025/03/12/1237991530/lady-gagas-mayhem-is-a-dense-and-intense-pop-explosion no Lady Gaga's Mayhem 2030 1316 no full Mayhem, which has already produced three hits — including the chart-topping Bruno Mars duet "Die With A Smile." It's got bangers, it's got ballads, it's Lady Gaga through and through.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> The Ed Sullivan Show.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Mon, 10 Mar 2025 07:00:59 +0000 14c96b54-2220-456a-9699-151434f5a0f3 https://www.npr.org/2025/03/11/1237470063/we-debate-the-best-live-tv-moments-in-pop-culture no Best Moments In Live TV 2029 1230 no full The Ed Sullivan Show.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Mickey 17 is writer-director Bong Joon Ho's follow-up to the Oscar-winning film Parasite. In the sharply satirical sci-fi film, Robert Pattinson is a manual laborer on a spaceship who just keeps dying. But then he gets reprinted – his memories get downloaded into a new body. What could go wrong? The film also stars Mark Ruffalo, Toni Collette, and Naomi Ackie.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Fri, 07 Mar 2025 08:00:59 +0000 15627d6b-8988-4187-b0e2-200263bab7fc https://www.npr.org/2025/03/07/1236538085/mickey-17-sends-robert-pattinson-to-the-printer-but-is-the-toner-low no Mickey 17 And What's Making Us Happy 2028 1479 no full Mickey 17 is writer-director Bong Joon Ho's follow-up to the Oscar-winning film Parasite. In the sharply satirical sci-fi film, Robert Pattinson is a manual laborer on a spaceship who just keeps dying. But then he gets reprinted – his memories get downloaded into a new body. What could go wrong? The film also stars Mark Ruffalo, Toni Collette, and Naomi Ackie.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]>
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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Thu, 06 Mar 2025 08:00:59 +0000 665e12d1-0918-44e1-ac10-d8691e7daa28 https://www.npr.org/2025/03/05/1235939382/terrible-but-bingeable-tv-shows no Terrible But Bingeable TV shows 2027 1387 no full
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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Saturday Night Live is celebrating its 50th anniversary — they've mentioned it once or twice. From Lazy Sunday to Domingo to a ton of iconic musical performances, SNL's had a long and fascinating relationship with music. Today, we're talking about some of our favorite SNL musical moments.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Wed, 05 Mar 2025 08:00:59 +0000 7807d512-be82-49b9-a900-80e4638224ce https://www.npr.org/2025/03/04/1235758716/our-favorite-snl-musical-moments no Favorite SNL Musical Moments 2026 1135 no full Saturday Night Live is celebrating its 50th anniversary — they've mentioned it once or twice. From Lazy Sunday to Domingo to a ton of iconic musical performances, SNL's had a long and fascinating relationship with music. Today, we're talking about some of our favorite SNL musical moments.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Sean Baker's Anora, including wins for best picture and director. The film's star Mikey Madison scored one of the night's few upsets, winning best actress. Adrien Brody, Kieran Culkin and Zoe Saldaña also took home acting wins. We also recap the hilarious bits from host Conan O'Brien, the long and discursive speeches, and show stopping musical numbers.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Mon, 03 Mar 2025 17:02:36 +0000 44651c77-72db-4d41-9d24-d050273eb466 https://www.npr.org/2025/03/06/1236242664/our-2025-oscars-recap no Our 2025 Oscars Recap 2025 1533 no full Sean Baker's Anora, including wins for best picture and director. The film's star Mikey Madison scored one of the night's few upsets, winning best actress. Adrien Brody, Kieran Culkin and Zoe Saldaña also took home acting wins. We also recap the hilarious bits from host Conan O'Brien, the long and discursive speeches, and show stopping musical numbers.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Wicked, The Substance, Emilia Perez, and Conclave. And we watched all the nominated movies so you don't have to. We're making some bold predictions for who will win, plus vouching for who should take home those shiny gold statues.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Fri, 28 Feb 2025 08:00:59 +0000 783a304b-83c2-4304-8f9e-68e2c7fa6f48 https://www.npr.org/2025/02/28/1234443297/2025-oscars-guide-who-will-win-and-who-should-win no 2025 Oscars Guide And What's Making Us Happy 2024 3090 no full Wicked, The Substance, Emilia Perez, and Conclave. And we watched all the nominated movies so you don't have to. We're making some bold predictions for who will win, plus vouching for who should take home those shiny gold statues.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Paradise, Sterling K. Brown plays a Secret Service agent caught up in a web of intrigue after the president of the United States (James Marsden) is assassinated, with no suspect in sight. But at the end of the first episode, we learn this show is about way more than the murder of the head of state. Paradise was created by Dan Fogelman, who created the hit show This Is Us.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Thu, 27 Feb 2025 08:00:59 +0000 75ae32bb-6463-44dd-a7a2-db20aea0a8f5 https://www.npr.org/2025/02/27/1234145478/paradise-gives-us-sterling-k-brown-action-hero no Paradise 2023 1191 no full Paradise, Sterling K. Brown plays a Secret Service agent caught up in a web of intrigue after the president of the United States (James Marsden) is assassinated, with no suspect in sight. But at the end of the first episode, we learn this show is about way more than the murder of the head of state. Paradise was created by Dan Fogelman, who created the hit show This Is Us.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Zero Day begins with a terrifying moment in which everything in the United States goes briefly offline. Thousands of people die, and even after everything is restored, a widespread panic leads to a government investigation of who did it. With a cast headed by Robert De Niro and Angela Bassett, the show hopes to be a paranoid political thriller for our times.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Tue, 25 Feb 2025 08:00:59 +0000 056bcdc6-db68-412c-a6f6-1ced0db52766 https://www.npr.org/2025/02/25/1233779207/in-zero-day-a-stellar-cast-struggles-through-a-silly-story no Zero Day 2022 898 no full Zero Day begins with a terrifying moment in which everything in the United States goes briefly offline. Thousands of people die, and even after everything is restored, a widespread panic leads to a government investigation of who did it. With a cast headed by Robert De Niro and Angela Bassett, the show hopes to be a paranoid political thriller for our times.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Mon, 24 Feb 2025 08:00:59 +0000 9403c780-7c6c-4629-8f53-2ed2bfc1fd1d https://www.npr.org/2025/02/26/1233894760/pam-grier-john-goodman-oscar-isaac-regina-hall no Actors Who've Never Been Nominated For An Oscar, But Should Win 2021 1360 no full
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NPR Privacy Policy]]> The Monkey, Theo James plays a pair of identical twin brothers who get saddled with a cursed wind-up toy monkey that causes people around them to die freakish, gory deaths. It's based on a Stephen King short story, and directed by Osgood Perkins, who made last year's Longlegs.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Fri, 21 Feb 2025 08:00:59 +0000 7fd6c5fb-120e-4aec-ac19-9e39579b637b https://www.npr.org/2025/02/21/1232862558/in-the-monkey-the-goring-is-never-boring no The Monkey And What's Making Us Happy 2020 1317 no full The Monkey, Theo James plays a pair of identical twin brothers who get saddled with a cursed wind-up toy monkey that causes people around them to die freakish, gory deaths. It's based on a Stephen King short story, and directed by Osgood Perkins, who made last year's Longlegs.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy, Bridget (Renée Zellweger) is dealing with a whole new phase of life, and a new pair of possible love interests.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Wed, 19 Feb 2025 08:00:59 +0000 24ca7cc3-df91-4878-8b5c-bbc5e12968c6 https://www.npr.org/2025/02/19/1232435545/bridget-jones-mad-about-the-boy-is-an-effective-story-of-grief no Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy 2019 1043 no full Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy, Bridget (Renée Zellweger) is dealing with a whole new phase of life, and a new pair of possible love interests.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> The Traitors continues to be a delightful mix of treachery, foolishness, and Alan Cumming's outfits. In the United States, the cast is made up exclusively of so-called celebrities. So today on the show we're fantasy casting who we think should be on the next season of The Traitors.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Tue, 18 Feb 2025 08:00:59 +0000 29893b37-85ff-424f-8991-7197c9a83246 https://www.npr.org/2025/02/18/1232304347/we-fantasy-cast-the-traitors no We Fantasy Cast The Traitors 2018 1347 no full The Traitors continues to be a delightful mix of treachery, foolishness, and Alan Cumming's outfits. In the United States, the cast is made up exclusively of so-called celebrities. So today on the show we're fantasy casting who we think should be on the next season of The Traitors.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Paddington In Peru, Paddington Bear and the Brown family fly across the globe, into the wilds of Peru, in search of Paddington's Aunt Lucy. Along the way, they meet a not-remotely-suspicious singing nun (Olivia Colman) and a boat captain (Antonio Banderas). The adventure that follows involves lost treasure and narrow escapes — and leads to new revelations about Paddington's past, and a new appreciation for what it means to be home.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Mon, 17 Feb 2025 08:00:59 +0000 04036dec-e2fd-4a5b-b429-a60477933f27 https://www.npr.org/2025/02/20/1232637577/paddington-in-peru-puts-a-mild-bear-in-the-wild-jungle no Paddington In Peru 2017 1095 no full Paddington In Peru, Paddington Bear and the Brown family fly across the globe, into the wilds of Peru, in search of Paddington's Aunt Lucy. Along the way, they meet a not-remotely-suspicious singing nun (Olivia Colman) and a boat captain (Antonio Banderas). The adventure that follows involves lost treasure and narrow escapes — and leads to new revelations about Paddington's past, and a new appreciation for what it means to be home.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Captain America: Brave New World, Cap finds himself battling President Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford) who is hiding quite a few secrets.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Fri, 14 Feb 2025 23:43:58 +0000 adf01a60-da45-40c1-90c5-20802ae5b794 https://www.npr.org/2025/02/14/1231335536/captain-america-brave-new-world-is-a-major-misfire no Captain America: Brave New World And What's Making Us Happy 2016 1561 no full Captain America: Brave New World, Cap finds himself battling President Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford) who is hiding quite a few secrets.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> The Substance is a bloody, campy, fiercely feminist body horror film. Demi Moore plays a TV aerobics instructor who learns of a mysterious drug that causes another younger, entirely separate version of herself (Margaret Qualley) to splurt out of her back and assume her consciousness. The movie has earned Moore her first Oscar nomination, and she's the frontrunner in this year's best actress race. So we thought it would be the perfect time to revisit our conversation about the movie.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Thu, 13 Feb 2025 08:00:59 +0000 4f6e23f5-c0c3-4725-9ba5-5c55c9e2a3a7 https://www.npr.org/2025/02/13/1231104435/demi-moores-the-substance-will-get-under-your-skin no The Substance 2015 1103 no full The Substance is a bloody, campy, fiercely feminist body horror film. Demi Moore plays a TV aerobics instructor who learns of a mysterious drug that causes another younger, entirely separate version of herself (Margaret Qualley) to splurt out of her back and assume her consciousness. The movie has earned Moore her first Oscar nomination, and she's the frontrunner in this year's best actress race. So we thought it would be the perfect time to revisit our conversation about the movie.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> St. Denis Medical, Doc, Doctor Odyssey, Matlock and High Potential.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Tue, 11 Feb 2025 08:00:28 +0000 4608b633-f339-4db8-aad0-e8ee038f9fad https://www.npr.org/2025/02/11/1230674441/our-guide-to-the-great-shows-on-network-tv no Guide To Great Shows On Network TV 2014 1364 no full St. Denis Medical, Doc, Doctor Odyssey, Matlock and High Potential.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Mon, 10 Feb 2025 11:43:29 +0000 cf36fdce-b02a-4616-a272-8c68814e0a7c https://www.npr.org/2025/02/12/1230862343/we-recap-the-2025-super-bowl no 2025 Super Bowl 2013 1037 no full
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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Love Hurts, Oscar-winner Ke Huy Quan stars as a real estate agent who has remade his life after leaving the employ of his terrifying gangster brother. But when a beautiful and mysterious former associate (Ariana DeBose) returns into his life, everything goes haywire. The movie has hand fighting and a touch of romance--just in time for Valentine's Day.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Fri, 07 Feb 2025 08:00:59 +0000 f15f46a1-ee29-4e9f-9440-051ecd4d7b8f https://www.npr.org/2025/02/07/1229744843/love-hurts-has-big-fight-movie-skills no Love Hurts And What's Making Us Happy 2012 1276 no full Love Hurts, Oscar-winner Ke Huy Quan stars as a real estate agent who has remade his life after leaving the employ of his terrifying gangster brother. But when a beautiful and mysterious former associate (Ariana DeBose) returns into his life, everything goes haywire. The movie has hand fighting and a touch of romance--just in time for Valentine's Day.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> You're Cordially Invited, Will Ferrell and Reese Witherspoon face a mortifying conundrum: Their families' destination weddings have been double-booked for the same weekend. They reluctantly agree to share the venue, but, unsurprisingly, nothing goes smoothly as planned. Directed by Nicholas Stoller (Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Neighbors), the movie feels like a familiar throwback to the 2000s.

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NPR Privacy Policy]]> Wed, 05 Feb 2025 08:00:59 +0000 5b10edde-5970-4773-bfcc-21e1967f380d https://www.npr.org/2025/02/05/1229167029/youre-cordially-invited-to-an-old-fashioned-wedding-comedy no You're Cordially Invited 2011 1012 no full You're Cordially Invited, Will Ferrell and Reese Witherspoon face a mortifying conundrum: Their families' destination weddings have been double-booked for the same weekend. They reluctantly agree to share the venue, but, unsurprisingly, nothing goes smoothly as planned. Directed by Nicholas Stoller (Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Neighbors), the movie feels like a familiar throwback to the 2000s.

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