Reverbiage: Stories from NPR tagged 'critic kenneth turan'

Baz Luhrmann, Dreaming Big In 'Australia'

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 22:00:00 EST

What would Thanksgiving weekend be without an epic film opening on the nation's big screens? This year is no exception: Critic Kenneth Turan says Baz Luhrmann's latest is as colorful and expansive as the Outback.

Bond's New Villain... He's A Gift In 'Christmas Tale'

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST

Mathieu Amalric plays two completely different characters in Quantum of Solace, the new Bond film, and A Christmas Tale. Critic Kenneth Turan says the latter's licensed to thrill.

Movie-Reality Check: How Real Is 'Real,' Anyway...

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 17:47:00 EDT

There's a reason people say "based" on a true story: Movies, however scrupulous, tend to heighten reality. Critic Kenneth Turan wonders how true a "true story" can ever really be on the big screen.

'Vicky Cristina Barcelona': Woody Allen, Uninspired

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 17:59:00 EDT

Though Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz almost redeem the film, the director's latest is almost as flat as its title. Critic Kenneth Turan is left wondering: Can't we just have the old Woody back?

'Firewall': Only a Facsimile of a Successful Thriller

Fri, 10 Feb 2006 00:00:00 EST

'Firewall': Only a Facsimile of a Successful Thriller February 10, 2006 · In the first aspiring Hollywood blockbuster of the year, Firewall, Harrison Ford stars as a man whose identity theft leads to something more sinister than an overcharged credit card. Critic Kenneth Turan says the thriller's plot outlines and script are depressingly familiar.

'A Good Woman' Lacks Wilde's Bite

Fri, 03 Feb 2006 00:00:00 EST

'A Good Woman' Lacks Wilde's Bite February 3, 2006 · A Good Woman is based on Oscar Wilde's play Lady Windermere's Fan. But unlike Wilde's play, which is based in Victorian England, the film is set in Italy decades later. Critic Kenneth Turan is worried the story can't survive such a drastic change of scene.

'Brokeback Mountain' Racks Up Oscar Nominations

Tue, 31 Jan 2006 00:00:00 EST

Nominations for Academy Awards are announced in Los Angeles. Brokeback Mountain and Munich were among the best picture nominees, while the Johnny Cash biopic Walk the Line was shut out. Critic Kenneth Turan discusses the nominations with John Ydstie.

'Munich': Spielberg's Most Provocative Film Yet

Fri, 23 Dec 2005 00:00:00 EST

'Munich': Spielberg's Most Provocative Film Yet December 23, 2005 · Set after the massacre of 11 Israeli athletes at the 1972 Munich Olympics, Steven Spielberg's film, Munich, follows a secret Israeli squad assigned to track down and kill the 11 Palestinians suspected of having planned the attack. Critic Kenneth Turan says Spielberg's film is about the "murkiest, most divisive of real world issues."

'Syriana': Provoking Thought on the Fight for Oil

Wed, 23 Nov 2005 00:00:00 EST

'Syriana': Provoking Thought on the Fight for Oil November 23, 2005 · A power struggle over oil in the Middle East is the backdrop for the new film Syriana, starring George Clooney and Matt Damon. Critic Kenneth Turan says the movie is one of "paradoxes, contradictions and complications... it takes numerous risks, and thrives on them all."

A Winning 'Harry Potter' Installment

Fri, 18 Nov 2005 00:00:00 EST

A Winning 'Harry Potter' Installment November 18, 2005 · Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire opens Friday. Critic Kenneth Turan says that new director Mike Newell and his cast have finally done justice to J.K. Rowling's work.

'Get Rich or Die Tryin'': Partly Artistic, Partly Pulp

Wed, 09 Nov 2005 00:00:00 EST

'Get Rich or Die Tryin'': Partly Artistic, Partly Pulp November 9, 2005 · The film Get Rich or Die Tryin' opens in limited release Wednesday. Critic Kenneth Turan says that while director Jim Sheridan turned out a quality film, it's marred by Sheridan's use of salacious material.

'Jarhead': Less Than the Sum of Its Parts

Fri, 04 Nov 2005 00:00:00 EST

'Jarhead': Less Than the Sum of Its Parts November 4, 2005 · Anthony Swofford's memoir of his time as a Marine in the first Iraq war, Jarhead, has been adapted to the screen. Critic Kenneth Turan says the movie has brilliant parts and excellent co-stars, but the picture rarely makes the emotional connection it's after.

Documentaries Best Bet at Crowded Sundance

Fri, 28 Jan 2005 00:00:00 EST

Los Angeles Times film Critic Kenneth Turan talks about the buzz at this year's Sundance Film Festival. Turan profiles the movies, stars and the big deals being made by the studios.