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David Edelstein David Edelstein is a film critic for New York magazine and for NPR's Fresh Air, and an occasional commentator on film for CBS Sunday Morning.
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David Edelstein

Review

Arts & Life

'All the King's Men': Oscar Bait?

Fresh Air

A new film of Robert Penn Warren's novel All the King's Men stars Sean Penn as political boss Willie Stark, a role that won Broderick Crawford an Oscar in 1949. The remake also features Kate Winslet, Mark Ruffalo, Patricia Clarkson, and James Gandolfini. It's directed by Steven Zaillian, who won his own Oscar for the screenplay of Schindler's List.

'All the King's Men': Oscar Bait?

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Review

Arts & Life

'Mutual Appreciation,' New from Director Bujalski

Fresh Air

Funny Ha Ha, the first film by 29-year-old director Andrew Bujalski, made a lot of critics top 10 lists in 2004 -- quite a feat for a film made with a minimal crew, a loose script, and the director's friends. Bujalski’s new film, Mutual Appreciation, features Justin Rice, lead singer for the indie pop band Bishop Allen. Now playing in New York and Los Angeles, it will open in more cities this fall.

'Mutual Appreciation,' New from Director Bujalski

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Review

Arts & Life

'Idlewild' and 'Fried Worms'

Two new films try something different to find audiences: Idlewild is the musical brainchild of OutKast members Andre 3000 (Andre Benjamin) and Big Boi (Antwan Patton). How to Eat Friend Worms is a family drama based on the popular children's book.

'Idlewild' and 'Fried Worms'

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Review

Arts & Life

'Half Nelson,' a Twist on the Student-Teacher Theme

Fresh Air

Film critic David Edelstein reviews Half Nelson, starring Ryan Gosling. Gosling stars as a young inner-city junior high school teacher who develops a drug habit, and the friendship he strikes up with one of his students.

'Half Nelson,' a Twist on the Student-Teacher Theme

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Review

Arts & Life

Oliver Stone's Take on the Sept. 11 Tragedy

Fresh Air

Oliver Stone's new film World Trade Center, starring Nicolas Cage and Michael Pena, follows two Port Authority policemen trapped in the rubble of the towers. Our critic says the film raises a lot of questions about how we grieve.

Oliver Stone's Take on the Sept. 11 Tragedy

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Review

Arts & Life

Quirk and Circumstance in 'Little Miss Sunshine'

Fresh Air

The black comedy Little Miss Sunshine revolves around a 7-year- old girl and her dream of winning a childrens' beauty pageant. The movie is the feature debut of the husband-and-wife team of Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris, who made their names directing music videos for groups such as REM and The Smashing Pumpkins. Our film critic has a review.

Quirk and Circumstance in 'Little Miss Sunshine'

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Review

Arts & Life

'Miami Vice' Returns, on the Big Screen

Miami Vice, the '80s TV sensation starring Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas as two vice squad detectives, has been given a makeover by its former executive producer. Michael Mann directs an updated version for the screen, starring Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx. Our film critic has a review.

'Miami Vice' Returns, on the Big Screen

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Review

'Pirates of the Caribbean' Sequel Debuts

Fresh Air

Inspired by a ride at Disneyworld, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl was a surprise blockbuster in 2003, grossing close to half a billion dollars and winning an Oscar nomination for Johnny Depp -- a rare honor for a comic lead performance. Virtually the same cast and crew returns for Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest.

'Pirates of the Caribbean' Sequel Debuts

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Review

Arts & Life

'The Lake House,' 'Nacho Libre'

Fresh Air

The Lake House, starring Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock, and Nacho Libre, starring Jack Black, are very different films with very different stars. But both provide good old escapist entertainment.

'The Lake House,' 'Nacho Libre'

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