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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

Review

Arts & Life

'Factotum' a Satisfying Blend of Sensibilities

Factotum is a delicate melding of a trio of different sensibilities you wouldn't think would naturally cohere. It gracefully combines the bleak world of the despairing poet and novelist Charles Bukowski with the droll point of view of Norwegian director Bent Hamer.

'Factotum' a Satisfying Blend of Sensibilities

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Review

Arts & Life

Stone's Sept. 11 Movie Is Forced and Unconvincing

Oliver Stone's movie World Trade Center feels like an attempt to craft a feel-good movie out of a ghastly situation. That makes the film unconvincing. Reviewed by Kenneth Turan.

Stone's Sept. 11 Movie Is Forced and Unconvincing

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Review

Arts & Life

'Talladega Nights' Might Make You Laugh

Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby is from the same pit crew that brought us Anchorman. Dutifully, Talladega Nights does for NASCAR what the earlier movie did for journalism.

'Talladega Nights' Might Make You Laugh

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Review

Arts & Life

'Miami Vice' Looks Pretty, Acts Tough

Michael Mann's movie re-make of his classic 80s TV show Miami Vice is visually stunning. But its poor plot leaves the viewer wanting more. Morning Edition and Los Angeles Times film critic Kenneth Turan says its a "B" picture with an "A" picture budget.

'Miami Vice' Looks Pretty, Acts Tough

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Review

Arts & Life

'Superman Returns' with Strong Action, Weak Story

Morning Edition and Los Angeles Times film critic Kenneth Turan gives his take on the new Superman movie, Superman Returns. Turan likes the action, but he says the characters and plot are not made of steel.

'Superman Returns' with Strong Action, Weak Story

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Review

Arts & Life

'Cars' Likely to Continue Run of Pixar Hit Movies

Los Angeles Times and Morning Edition film critic Kenneth Turan reviews the new Pixar animated film Cars. He says the movie will likely continue Pixar's run of hits.

'Cars' Likely to Continue Run of Pixar Hit Movies

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Movies

Coppola, Cruz Two Highlights from Cannes

Film critic Kenneth Turan talks about what he's seen so far at the Cannes Film Festival. Turan weighs in on French reaction to Sophia Coppola's new film about Marie Antoinette, and says Penelope Cruz gives one of her career-best performances in Pedro Almodova's Volver. He also highlights an unusual sports film about the star of the French soccer team.

Coppola, Cruz Two Highlights from Cannes

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'The Da Vinci Code'

'Da Vinci' Plays It Safe

Film commentator Kenneth Turan talks to Renee Montagne about yesterday's premier of The Da Vinci Code at the Cannes Film Festival. He says the movie sacrifices excitement as it strives to remain true to the book.

'Da Vinci' Plays It Safe

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Review

Arts & Life

'Mission Impossible,' Round Three

Tom Cruise is good as the hero. Oscar-winner Philip Seymour Hoffman is great as the villain. But in the end, Mission Impossible III is a movie that adds up to two pretty good one-hour TV shows about a battle for a doomsday machine.

'Mission Impossible,' Round Three

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Review

Arts & Life

Events of 'United 93' Terrifying on Screen

United 93, a movie about passengers who fought for control of a hijacked plane on Sept. 11, is hard to get out of your mind, no matter how hard you try, according to Los Angeles Times and Morning Edition film critic Kenneth Turan.

Events of 'United 93' Terrifying on Screen

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Review

Arts & Life

'American Dreamz' is Amusing, Not Bitter, Satire

Los Angeles Times and Morning Edition film critic Kenneth Turan reviews American Dreamz, directed by Paul Weitz. It stars Hugh Grant as a Simon Cowell-like host of an American Idol knockoff. It's is satire that takes on pop culture and politics.

'American Dreamz' is Amusing, Not Bitter, Satire

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Review

Arts & Life

'The Notorious Bettie Page' Lacks Substance

The Notorious Bettie Page is a movie based on the life of the pinup girl whose legendary poses transformed her into an icon. Los Angeles Times and Morning Edition film critic Kenneth Turan calls it an "empty film."

'The Notorious Bettie Page' Lacks Substance

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Review

Arts & Life

Acerbic and Sweet: 'Friends with Money'

Nicole Holofcener's Friends with Money is a "modern comedy of manners," according to Morning Edition and Los Angeles Times film critic Kenneth Turan. The film features Catherine Keener, Jennifer Aniston, Frances McDormand and Joan Cusack as four Los Angeles women who have issues with love and money.

Acerbic and Sweet: 'Friends with Money'

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Review

Arts & Life

'Devil and Daniel Johnston' Indulges Singer's Fans

A new documentary follows Indie singer-song writer Daniel Johnston's decline into mental illness. It combines standard documentary fare with Johnston's own recordings, taped over the course of 20 years. Los Angeles Times and Morning Edition critic Kenneth Turan reviews The Devil and Daniel Johnston.

'Devil and Daniel Johnston' Indulges Singer's Fans

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