Reverbiage: Stories from NPR tagged 'john ridley'

The Top 'Non-Troversies' Of 2008

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 00:01:00 EST

They were issues that dominated a news cycle — or many — but, in the end, they just didn't matter. Before they completely fade from memory, commentator John Ridley highlights some of the major "non-troversies" of the past year.

In Hollywood, Hard Times May Mean Good Times

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 13:12:00 EDT

The only bromide in Hollywood older than "boy meets girl" is that "movies are recession-proof." And it seems to be true — local theaters can offer a cheap getaway from life's troubles. John Ridley says that often, the boost in box-office sales seems to inspire some great movies.

Minorities Get Little Respect On The Big Screen

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:01:00 EDT

As the summer movie season draws to a close, Morning Edition commentator John Ridley weighs in on what he thinks has been a really bad spell for minorities at the multiplex — both for actors and moviegoers.

Union Rule Raises Questions for Hollywood Writer

Wed, 07 Nov 2007 00:01:00 EST

NPR blogger and commentator John Ridley finds himself caught between a rock and a hard place during the writers' strike. The union requires members to turn in copies of works in progress, but a production company he works with claims his scripts are its property.

From Leslie Neilsen to Ken Burns: The Best in DVDs

Fri, 17 Nov 2006 17:30:00 EST

From Leslie Neilsen to Ken Burns, there's something for everyone in John Ridley's DVD selections. Cozy up this weekend with a film noir classic, a classic documentary or a slapstick comedy so funny that it became a cult-classic.

TV Product Placements Are Just Business as Usual

Mon, 29 May 2006 06:00:00 EDT

Commentator John Ridley, a writer and director, says writers should embrace product integration because it pays the bills.

Irwin Allen: 'Master of Disaster'

Fri, 12 May 2006 06:00:00 EDT

Commentator John Ridley pays tribute to legendary Hollywood producer Irwin Allen, frequently called the "Master of Disaster." Allen set the standard for large-scale disaster movies. His first has been remade into Poseidon, opening today.

Car Names: Letters Are Out, Numbers Are In

Tue, 17 Jan 2006 00:00:00 EST

Commentator John Ridley explains his take on some American automakers' decision to forgo traditional car names -- like the Deville -- in favor of the alpha-numeric scheme preferred by brands like Lexus and Mercedes-Benz.

IMDB Turns 15 Years Old

Tue, 20 Dec 2005 00:00:00 EST

The Internet Movie Database marks 15 years of existence this year. Commentator John Ridley points out that the Web site has become a handy tool widely used by film buffs and casual moviegoers alike, not to mention for movie industry types. Ridley is a writer and director, and author of The Drift.

Bringing 'Barbershop' to the Small Screen

Fri, 26 Aug 2005 00:00:00 EDT

John Ridley, executive producer of the new Showtime television series Barbershop, talks about adapting the popular feature film for broadcast.

John Ridley: The Fuss over Mascot Names

Fri, 12 Aug 2005 00:00:00 EDT

Commentator John Ridley discusses the NCAA's ban of American Indian team nicknames and mascots. The trustees of Florida State University are appealing a "post-season" ban on their team nickname, the Seminoles.

A $10,000 Martini at the Algonquin Hotel

Tue, 01 Mar 2005 00:00:00 EST

John Ridley takes a trip to the home of the fabled Algonquin Roundtable to imbibe a gem of a drink: a $10,000 martini, complete with a diamond at the bottom. It's an extravagant cocktail suitable for big events like getting engaged, and just ordering one takes a bit of planning.

John Ridley's Favorite Presidential Films

Wed, 26 Jan 2005 00:00:00 EST

As the nation looks to the inauguration celebrations in DC, NPR's Tony Cox speaks with film director and producer John Ridley about some of his favorites inauguration moment, and some of the most notable Hollywood movies focused on the presidency.

Holiday Season Means Hollywood in High Gear

Fri, 17 Dec 2004 00:00:00 EST

Commentator John Ridley talks about why December is one of Hollywood's busiest months. Ridley says in addition to the holiday blockbusters, the big movie studios are rushing to get their smaller, more artistic films into theaters, just under the wire for Academy Award consideration. Hear Ridley and NPR's Renee Montagne.