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Kenneth Turan Kenneth Turan is the film critic for the Los Angeles Times and NPR's Morning Edition, as well as the director of the Los Angeles Times Book Prizes.
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Kenneth Turan

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Movies

'Midnight Special' Promises A Smart, Dark Sci-Fi Thriller

Jeff Nichols has made a few other films, but his latest, Midnight Special, is him moving up to another level — reminiscent of Steven Spielberg, says our film critic.

'Midnight Special' Promises A Smart, Dark Sci-Fi Thriller

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Movie Reviews

Movie Review: 'Hail, Caesar!'

Joel and Ethan Coen — better known as the Coen Brothers — have brought moviegoers some of the most distinctive, quirky movies of the last three decades. They are back in theaters with: Hail, Caesar!

Movie Review: 'Hail, Caesar!'

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Movie Reviews

'Joy' Sinks Into A Morass As Its Protagonist Faces Irritating Obstacles

The last two films by writer-director David O. Russell, Silver Linings Playbook and American Hustle, had 18 Oscar nominations between them. So anticipation is high for his new film, Joy.

'Joy' Sinks Into A Morass As Its Protagonist Faces Irritating Obstacles

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After Years Of Anticipation, 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' Opens Tonight

Star Wars: The Force Awakens takes place 30 years after Return of the Jedi. The evil Empire has been replaced by the even more ruthless First Order, and the Republic continues to fight the good fight.

After Years Of Anticipation, 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' Opens Tonight

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Movie Reviews

'Big Short' Is A Funny Movie About 2008's Housing Market Collapse

Directed by Adam McKay, and based on Michael Lewis' book about the economic meltdown, The Big Short stars Brad Pitt. The film contains so much information and comedy, it would be fun to see it twice.

'Big Short' Is A Funny Movie About 2008's Housing Market Collapse

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Music Reviews

'Youth' Is A Meditation On Life's Wonders And Complications

Paolo Sorrentino's film is set in a Swiss spa that functions as a landlocked "Ship of Fools" — allowing us to follow several characters during their stay. Youth stars Michael Caine and Harvey Keitel.

'Youth' Is A Meditation On Life's Wonders And Complications

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Movie Reviews

Not Just Another Boxing Movie. 'Creed' Has Cred

Creed is billed as a Rocky spinoff but it's actually something more interesting. It's a spiritual remake of the 1976 film that retells the original story in an unexpected and involving way.

Not Just Another Boxing Movie. 'Creed' Has Cred

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Movie Reviews

Movie Review: 'Carol'

Director Todd Haynes has adopted a 1952 Patricia Highsmith novel about a divorcing woman who meets a young shop assistant. It's a love story that stars Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara.

Movie Review: 'Carol'

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'Our Brand Is Crisis' Stalls And Stumbles

The political comedy Our Brand Is Crisis stars Sandra Bullock as an American campaign strategist hired to work for a Bolivian presidential candidate. Critic Kenneth Turan has this review.

'Our Brand Is Crisis' Stalls And Stumbles

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Watching 'Room' Is Exhausting And Exhilarating

The movie is based on Emma Donoghue's best-selling book about a woman who's been kidnapped and had to raise her son in captivity. Room is directed by Irish filmmaker Lenny Abrahamson.

Watching 'Room' Is Exhausting And Exhilarating

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'Steve Jobs' Is Not A Standard Biopic

Another movie about Apple co-founder Steve Jobs is in theaters. It is inspired by the best-selling biography that came out in 2011. The new biopic is simply called Steve Jobs.

'Steve Jobs' Is Not A Standard Biopic

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Movie Reviews

In 'The Martian,' Matt Damon Tries To Make It Back From The Red Planet

Director Ridley Scott's new movie, "The Martian," stars Matt Damon as an astronaut who gets stranded on Mars. He must fend for himself on the Red Planet. Film critic Kenneth Turan has a review.

In 'The Martian,' Matt Damon Tries To Make It Back From The Red Planet

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Movie Reviews

'Black Mass,' Starring Johnny Depp, Leads Off Fall Movie Season

Black Mass is based on the life of Whitey Bulger, the notorious South Boston organized crime boss. Johnny Depp's portrayal is described as "some of the best, most chilling work he's done in awhile."

'Black Mass,' Starring Johnny Depp, Leads Off Fall Movie Season

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Movie Reviews

'Meet The Patels' Makes You Think And Laugh, Critic Says

Meet the Patels began as a home movie and ended up a warm and funny feature. It is a humorous new documentary about a first generation Indian-American man trying to find a wife.

'Meet The Patels' Makes You Think And Laugh, Critic Says

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