Arts News

'Boss' Fans Share Tips On Rockin' A Political Party
Barack Obama will accept the Democratic presidential nomination in an outdoor stadium with 70,000 screaming onlookers, a light show and music. It'll look like a rock concert rather than a political rally. Bruce Springsteen concertgoers give advice on how to keep your cool and not look like an Obama poseur.
Xbox's 'Braid' A Surprise Hit, For Surprising Reasons
It's no shoot-'em-up, and not quite a blockbuster. But at nearly 100,000 downloads and counting, the moody "meaning-of-life" time-tripper feels like a game that a grown-up can play — and maybe should.
Don Cheadle's Spy Turn
In his latest movie, Traitor, Don Cheadle plays a CIA operative who goes undercover to work with a terrorist group — but then becomes a suspected terrorist himself.
Minorities Get Little Respect On The Big Screen
As the summer movie season draws to a close, Morning Edition commentator John Ridley weighs in on what he thinks has been a really bad spell for minorities at the multiplex — both for actors and moviegoers.
In Central Park, 'Hair' Line Brings A City Closer
Free summer staging of the '60s musical has New Yorkers camping out overnight — but a sense of shared adventure (and bike messengers bearing delivery breakfasts) help pass the time.
2 Minute Film Noir: Stool Pigeon Street
Security concerns have led to a lot of surveillance equipment around Stool Pigeon Street. A fictional fellow discovers that wherever he goes, he's being watched. By who, it almost doesn't matter any more.
Andrew Fleming And Pam Brady: Making 'Hamlet 2'
The two collaborated on the new Steve Coogan comedy, about a failed actor and overzealous drama teacher who mounts a musical sequel to Shakespeare's most famous tragedy.
Summary Judgment: 'Death Race,' 'House Bunny,' 'Hamlet'
Slate's Mark Jordan Legan reviews film reviews for Death Race, House Bunny, and Hamlet 2.
Is America Obsessed With Beauty?
Director Darryl Roberts explores whether Americans care too much about looks in his new movie America the Beautiful. He follows models and interviews media editors to get answers.
Barbershop Takes On Veep Stakes, Master P
The guys in this week's Barbershop — Jimi Izrael, Ruben Navarrette, Arsalan Iftikhar and Nick Charles — comb through the week's headlines. They talk about the latest buzz surrounding the presidential veep stakes, the USA's performance in the Olympics and rapper Master P's latest business venture, family friendly TV.
Jukebox The Ghost: Promise Of A 'Good Day'
Often compared to the likes of Ben Folds, or even a muted incarnation of Queen, Jukebox the Ghost makes music that's buoyant without leaving a saccharine aftertaste. Exhibit A: the flamboyantly orchestrated "Good Day."
Manny Farber, A Critical Eye For Termite Art
Critic at large John Powers remembers film critic and artist Manny Farber, who died Aug. 18 at the age of 91.
An Animated Take On The 'Chicago 10'
Brett Morgan's film, Chicago 10, uses a combination of archival footage, animation and music to tell the story of eight anti-war protesters who were put on trial following the 1968 Democratic National Convention.
Inside HBO's 'Black List'
The term, "black list," once defined Communist investigations by the U.S. government in the 1950s. But now, an HBO documentary is redefining that term. The Black List is a documentary with 22 prominent black Americans — from Gen. Colin Power to erotica writer Zane — having their say.
Lifestyle & Trends: LisaRaye Fights Back
Actress LisaRaye has released photos to Essence magazine of what she says is domestic abuse. Plus, there's going to be a whole lot of Hollywood in Denver next week. For more, Farai Chideya speaks with Newsweek magazine national correspondent Allison Samuels.