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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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Movie Reviews

Movie Review: Paramount Remakes The MGM Classic 'Ben-Hur'

In 1959, Charlton Heston starred in Oscar-winning movie Ben-Hur. The question is: Why take another turn at making a film that defined epic when it was released, and was itself a remake?

Movie Review: Paramount Remakes The MGM Classic 'Ben-Hur'

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Movie Reviews

Movie Review: 'Jason Bourne,' A Thriller For Our Times

In Jason Bourne, the latest in the secret agent series starring Matt Damon, director Paul Greengrass presents a thriller relevant to today's world, says Kenneth Turan of the Los Angeles Times.

Movie Review: 'Jason Bourne,' A Thriller For Our Times

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Movie Reviews

Movie Review: 'Our Little Sister'

Japanese dramas don't get the publicity of that country's animated films but our reviewer says there is a new drama that deserves our attention. He says Our Little Sister must be seen to be believed.

Movie Review: 'Our Little Sister'

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Movie Reviews

Movie Review: 'Finding Dory' Is No Game-Changer

Pixar's sequel to Finding Nemo opens 13 years later and it's called Finding Dory. In it, Nemo's friend Dory, voiced by Ellen DeGeneres, goes on a quest to find her parents.

Movie Review: 'Finding Dory' Is No Game-Changer

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Movie Reviews

Theaters Welcome Another Superhero Movie: 'Captain America: Civil War'

Captain America: Civil War is the latest offering from the Marvel universe and it's a thriller with strong political themes. It already opened overseas and has brought in more than $200 million.

Theaters Welcome Another Superhero Movie: 'Captain America: Civil War'

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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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Movie Reviews

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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Movie Reviews

'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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