Thompson on Hollywood

Review Roundup: 'Inventing David Geffen' Takes a Long, Respectful Look at a Hollywood Mega-Mogul

Reviews

Susan Lacy's documentary "Inventing David Geffen," which premieres November 20 on PBS as part of the "American Masters" series, is generally sitting well with the critics. The portrait of the intimidating "agent-manager-record-mogul-movie-mogul" is a comprehensive look at Geffen's many achievements, if a fairly rose-colored one...

By Beth Hanna
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November 20, 2012 1:56 PM
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'Treme' Season 3, Ep. 2: A Deep Specificity of Culture

Television

Decades ago, I'd heard that Eric Overmeyer and the wonderful actress Ellen McElduff had begun living part-time in her native Louisiana. This is obviously well before Katrina, but even then, New Orleans was in need of support. Cajun culture was having its brief moment in the sun, but the city and state were already in severe economic distress...

By Terry Curtis Fox
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October 1, 2012 2:00 AM
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2 Comments

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Why Everyone Should Be Watching 'Homeland'

Television

Showtime's Emmy winner for Best Drama returns Sunday for its second season. Fans can spend a few days pondering last season's stunning finale, but for newcomers it's time to play catch up. Because everyone should be watching "Homeland": it's the most astute piece of film or television to come out of the War on Terror.

By Matt Brennan
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September 26, 2012 4:21 PM
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8 Comments

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'Treme' Returns; How It's Not Just 'The Wire' with Music

Television

Now that "Treme" is starting its third season, you would think people would realize this is not "The Wire" with music. Yes, there are a lot of black people in this show, just like in "The Wire." And, as in the earlier show, some of those black people have rich and rewarding friendships with whites...

By Terry Curtis Fox
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September 23, 2012 12:01 PM
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2 Comments

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Now and Then: NBC's Big Miss, 'The New Normal,' Could Learn a Thing or Two from 'Sleepwalk With Me'

Reviews

I look forward to each fall's slate of network comedies with roughly the same relish as I do a dental procedure. There are exceptions — "Modern Family" and "30 Rock," though they've struggled to stay fresh, started strong — but episodic comedy is hard to get right. Which is why I was surprised to find the season's best example of it at the movies.

By Matt Brennan
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September 11, 2012 12:09 PM
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'The Newsroom' Season 1 Finale: 'The Greater Fool' Rushes In, Can't Help Falling in Love

Television

Though not a strong episode, the season finale of "The Newsroom" was weirdly likeable by virtue of its commitment to sheer rom-com craziness. Because that is, for better or worse, what the show boils down to: A large serving of romance, with a side of news.

By Beth Hanna
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August 27, 2012 2:58 AM
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7 Comments

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'The Newsroom' Episode 9 Review and Recap: 'The Blackout Part 2' -- Whither the Mock Debate?

Television

Sunday's all-new episode of "The Newsroom" was a moderate letdown from last week's strong episode, with promises of a mock debate barely materializing. But Sloan, the best thing about the Sorkin-scripted show, did get in a great one-liner: "Me? FUCK you."

By Beth Hanna
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August 20, 2012 3:57 AM
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8 Comments

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'The Newsroom' Episode 8 Review and Recap: 'The Blackout Part 1' Lights Up the Season

Television

While the newsroom staffers attempted to stop a ratings plummet, "The Newsroom" halted its season-long plummet with a smart, strong episode. And welcome back, Mackenzie. We like you so much better with a brain.

By Beth Hanna
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August 13, 2012 3:13 AM
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4 Comments

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'The Newsroom' Episode 7 Review and Recap: '5/1' Somehow Makes the Death of bin Laden Uninteresting

Television

Sunday night's all-new episode of "The Newsroom," the weakest of the season, dealt with the death of Osama bin Laden by Navy SEALs, and the death of a potentially compelling 50 minutes of television by never-ending filler.

By Beth Hanna
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August 6, 2012 2:23 AM
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26 Comments

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'The Newsroom' Episode 6 Review and Recap: 'Bullies,' Heroes and Will McAvoy's Charmed Navigation of the Two

Television

In Sunday's all-new episode of "The Newsroom," Will tries to knock internet bullies off their anonymous pedestals, and in turn realizes he's a bully. The problem with this show? Aaron Sorkin will never truly let Will McAvoy be knocked from HIS pedestal.