Movies
Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) is back for the second installment of the Hobbit trilogy, this time actually spending some time with Smaug the dragon (voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch).
Bilbo's Back, With More Baggage Than Ever
Gandalf, the dwarves, and the titular hobbit continue their quest for the mountain in the second of Peter Jackson's three Lord of the Rings prequels. Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Orlando Bloom and Benedict Cumberbatch star.
Movie Interviews
David O. Russell, Building Movies From The Characters Up()
December 11, 2013 The director of Silver Linings Playbook and The Fighter takes on the Abscam scandal in his latest film. He talks to NPR's Melissa Block about creating the picture — and how those wild '70s hairdos help inform character.
Movie Reviews
After Meltdown, Nine Months Of Drift For Fukushima Survivors ()
December 11, 2013 The documentary Nuclear Nation follows the lives of displaced evacuees from Futuba, a town no longer habitable after the 2011 disaster at Japan's Fukushima power plant.
Movie Interviews
Michael Sheen On The 'Accuracy And Invention' Of Real-Life Roles()
December 11, 2013 Sheen has made a name for himself playing real historical figures, including Mozart, Caligula, Prime Minister Tony Blair and British TV host David Frost. Now, in the Showtime drama Masters of Sex, he plays the part of groundbreaking sex researcher William Masters.
The Salt
Elevenses And Then Some: How To Prepare A Feast Fit For A Hobbit()
December 10, 2013 The latest installment in the Hobbit movie trilogy opens this week. And some hard-core fans plan to celebrate not just with a marathon screening of the Lord of The Ring films that came before it, but with a full day of feasting — seven meals, hobbit-style. We offer up a sample menu.
Planet Money
Do Americans Spend More On Video Games Or Movies?()
December 10, 2013 Video games are huge. But when you factor in everything — rentals, on demand, etc. — Americans still spend way more on movies.
Monkey See
Dear Zack Snyder, Regarding Wonder Woman()
December 9, 2013 NPR comics blogger and pop-culture podcaster Glen Weldon has a few words for director Zack Snyder about the casting news that's gotten him in such hot water.
Shots - Health News
Violence In PG-13 Movies Comes With Plenty Of Sex And Booze()
December 9, 2013 Watching violent movies makes teenagers more aggressive, and that violence is almost always associated with sex, drinking and smoking. Violent characters in PG-13 movies are as likely to indulge in violent activities as those in R-rated flicks.
