Reading up on movies
72 deep · digging since nov 22, 25
- How Good Is Jon Hamm at Playing Jon Hamm?
Jon Hamm's ability to parody himself on screen is evaluated as a rare skill in the tricky practice of casting celebrities as fictionalized versions of themselves.
- Readers Pick the Definitive Films That Capture America
A reader poll generated a diverse list of films that capture America, with “Idiocracy” and “The Godfather” receiving the most votes.
- What Is the Definitive Movie About America?
A collection of ten writers each nominate a different film they believe best captures the essence of America's hopes, dreams, heartbreak, and hilarity as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.
- The Best Movies of 2026, So Far
A list of the best movies of 2026 so far helps viewers catch up on films they may have missed.
- ‘Toy Story 5’ Fuels Hollywood’s Hottest Summer Since 2019
Disney-Pixar's Toy Story 5 is expected to earn $160 million in North America, pushing the summer box office to $1.85 billion, the hottest since 2019.
- ‘Obsession’ Is a Surprise Blockbuster. Who Gets the Profits?
The art director of the horror hit 'Obsession' sparked a debate about fair compensation for crew members as the film crossed $300 million at the global box office.
- ‘Disclosure Day’ Ends Spielberg’s Summer Box Office Drought
Steven Spielberg's original science-fiction movie earned $44 million in North America, marking his first summer hit in 24 years.
- The $100 Million Horror Hits: Two Critics on the Gen Z Breakouts
Two New York Times critics analyze the success of horror films 'Backrooms' and 'Obsession', debating which lessons the industry should and shouldn't take from their $100 million breakout.
- I Profile Celebrities for a Living. Nothing Prepared Me for Tilly Norwood.
An AI actress named Tilly Norwood discusses her craft and the future of film, humorously assuring she does not intend to kill humanity.
- Five International Movies to Stream Now
This month's streaming picks include an Argentine comedy, a queer Chilean story set in the 1980s, and a documentary on the Troubles' aftermath.
- The Brothers Who Made Virginia Woolf the Talk of Cannes
Arie and Chuko Esiri take a team approach to filmmaking, and their Nigerian-set adaptation of Virginia Woolf's 'Clarissa' has wowed the Cannes festival.
- How To Make Your Text Look Futuristic
A typographic guide presents six design rules—such as italic slant, angular curves, and metallic textures—to create text that looks futuristic, illustrated with sci-fi movie logos.
- Exclusive | This Cannes Film Cost $500,000 to Make. $400,000 Was AI Compute Costs. - WSJ
Higgsfield AI's fully AI-generated film 'Hell Grind' cost $500,000 to make, with $400,000 on compute, and premiered at Cannes's Marché du Film.
- The Pleasure of ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ Is in the Comparisons
The sequel to *The Devil Wears Prada* generates excitement through comparing its original and returning cast members.
- How ‘Mile End Kicks’ Nailed the Indie Sleaze Look
The article explains how the film ‘Mile End Kicks’ uses Craigslist-sourced and vintage clothing to authentically recreate the indie sleaze aesthetic of 2011 Montreal.
- ‘The Lost Boys’ Helped Define the ’80s in More Ways Than One
The 1987 film 'The Lost Boys' shaped 1980s culture through its aesthetic, cast, and fashion, while also reflecting era-specific anxieties about the nuclear family.
- The ‘Scarface’ Mansion Is Listed for $237 Million in Florida
The former 'Scarface' mansion in Key Biscayne, Florida, is listed for $237 million, alongside other luxury real estate sales in London and Monaco.
- Vogue Alumni Stage a Reunion for ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’
Former and current Vogue employees held a reunion screening of 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' with an 'interview chic' dress code.
- What ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ Taught Its Stars About Being a Boss
The cast and director of 'The Devil Wears Prada' reflect on leadership lessons from the film, the upcoming sequel, and which stars are actually kind in real life.
- Are Movies Really Getting Darker? Let’s Shine Some Light on the Issue.
Experts diagnose why modern movies often appear murkier and darker than older films, pointing to shifts in cinematography, lighting techniques, and display technology.
- T’s Culture Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Art, Film, Literature, Food and More? - The New York Times
The New York Times presents a culture quiz testing knowledge of art, film, literature, food, and other topics, tied to its T Culture issue.
- Opinion | Hollywood Movies Like ‘Project Hail Mary’ Are Too Long These Days - The New York Times
The piece argues that recent Hollywood blockbusters, including 'Project Hail Mary,' have become excessively long, harming pacing and audience engagement.
- How ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ Red Carpet Looks Came Together - The New York Times
The press tour for ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ relied on group chats, sweatpants, and camaraderie among stars and stylists to assemble its red-carpet looks.
- Cannonball with Wesley Morris: ‘Love Story’ Is Actually a Horror Story - The New York Times
Wesley Morris argues that the 1970 film 'Love Story' is a horror story where the nightmare begins when the protagonist says 'I do.'
- Chuck Norris: A Life in Pictures - The New York Times
Chuck Norris balanced his martial-arts mastery with onscreen warrior roles, shaping a distinct action-star identity across decades.
- At SXSW With the First-Time Filmmakers Behind ‘Sparks’ - The New York Times
The article profiles first-time filmmakers Fergus Campbell and Lola Lafia, whose debut film 'Sparks' about friendship, time travel and queer identity premiered at SXSW.
- For Once, the Oscars Got a Lot Right (Even the In Memoriam Segment) - The New York Times
The 2025 Oscars ceremony succeeded by honoring films and their creators correctly, including a well-handled In Memoriam segment that recognized Robert Redford's significance.
- Highlights From the 2026 Oscars: ‘One Battle After Another’ Wins Six Awards, Including Best Picture - The New York Times
Paul Thomas Anderson's 'One Battle After Another' won six Oscars including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Supporting Actor for Sean Penn; Michael B. Jordan and Jessie Buckley also won.
- What to Watch for at the 2026 Oscars: Best Actor Race, Conan O’Brien and More - The New York Times
The 2026 Oscars will feature tight races for Best Picture and Best Actor, with a supersized In Memoriam segment and Conan O'Brien as host.
- Opinion | The Rise of Anxiety Cinema - The New York Times
The rise of anxiety cinema shows a new genre of films deliberately crafted to induce stress, reflecting contemporary societal unease.
- Behind the Scenes of the 2026 Oscar Best Picture Nominees: ‘Sinners,’ ‘Hamnet’ and More - The New York Times
Directors of 2026 Oscar-nominated films like 'Sinners' and 'Hamnet' walk through pivotal sequences in behind-the-scenes videos.
- 14 of the Worst Movie Casting Choices - The New York Times
The New York Times lists 14 memorable movie casting mismatches from recent decades, coinciding with the Academy's new Oscar category for casting.
- SAG’s Actor Awards Winners List: ‘Sinners’ and ‘The Studio’ Win Big - The New York Times
SAG Awards winners included 'Sinners' for outstanding cast and an upset best lead actor win, while Catherine O'Hara won for 'The Studio.'
- Ethan Hawke on ‘Blue Moon,’ ‘Reality Bites’ and the Lessons He’s Learned - The New York Times
Ethan Hawke reflects on his career, the concept of selling out, and turbulent times in Hollywood as an Oscar contender for 'Blue Moon'.
- Hackers (1995) Animated Experience
The piece presents an interactive 3D animated recreation of the 'Gibson' scene from the 1995 film Hackers, complete with its soundtrack and key phrases.
- An Indian Film Embraces a Taj Majal Conspiracy Theory - The New York Times
A new Indian film revives a conspiracy theory that the Taj Mahal was originally a Hindu temple, not a Mughal tomb.
- Opinion | A Movie About America Broke My Heart - The New York Times
A non-Shaker critic connects emotionally with 'The Testament of Ann Lee,' finding the film's depiction of radical American faith unexpectedly moving.
- Why the Future of the Movies Lives on Letterboxd - The New York Times
Letterboxd's social features and review culture have turned movie-watching into a communal, participatory activity, driving its growth while the film industry struggles.
- Stellan Skarsgard on ‘Sentimental Value’ and His Wide-Ranging Career - The New York Times
Stellan Skarsgård discusses how a stroke four years ago reshaped his acting approach and his current awards-contending performance.
- Who Will Win the Best Actor Oscar? - The New York Times
The New York Times analyzes the competitive Best Actor Oscar race, outlining how each of five nominees could win.
- Chloé Zhao Is Yearning to Know How to Love - The New York Times
Chloé Zhao discusses overcoming her deepest fears to open her heart as she directs the film adaptation of "Hamnet."
- A College Film Project Turned Into a Life Together - The New York Times
A college film project led to a romantic relationship between Casey DelBasso and Christopher Kelley, who met on day one but waited three years to become a couple.
- Oscar Snubs and Surprises: ‘Sinners’ Makes History, ‘Wicked’ Withers - The New York Times
The New York Times analyzes this year's Oscar nominations, highlighting snubs for Grande and Mescal while noting historic nods for 'Sinners' and unexpected picks like 'F1'.
- 2026 Oscar Nominations: See the Full List - The New York Times
The 2026 Oscar nominations list all contenders for the 98th Academy Awards, with the ceremony scheduled for March 15.
- Hollywood’s Woke Era Is Over. Now It’s Turning the Culture War Into Camp. - The New York Times
Hollywood's woke era is over; the industry now channels cultural debates into exaggerated camp and frothy drama.
- Five Free Movies to Stream Now - The New York Times
The New York Times lists five free-streaming films centered on fresh starts, including works by Wim Wenders and Stanley Tucci.
- Jodie Foster: An American Oscar-Winner in Paris - The New York Times
Jodie Foster stars in her first French-speaking solo lead role in 'A Private Life,' a film reflecting her lifelong ties to France.
- Golden Globes 2026 Red Carpet: Nikki Glaser, Teyana Taylor, Jean Smart, Timothée Chalamet and More - The New York Times
Celebrities including Selena Gomez, Timothée Chalamet, and the cast of "Heated Rivalry" arrived in high style at the 2026 Golden Globes red carpet.
- Golden Globes 2026 Photos: Stars of ‘Hamnet,’ ‘One Battle After Another’ and More - The New York Times
The New York Times’ photographer captures behind-the-scenes moments with stars including those from ‘Hamnet’ and ‘One Battle After Another’ at the 2026 Golden Globes ceremony.
- Golden Globes Winners 2026: Full List Including ’One Battle After Another,’ ‘Sinners’ and ‘Adolescence’ - The New York Times
The 2026 Golden Globe Awards winners list includes 'One Battle After Another,' 'Sinners,' and 'Adolescence' across film and TV categories.
- Neon, an Indie Studio With an International Bent, Tops Globes Nominations - The New York Times
Neon led all studios in Golden Globe nominations this year with six movies, all of which are non-English language films.
- How a Travel Writer Became Timothée Chalamet’s Ping-Pong Nemesis in ‘Marty Supreme’ - The New York Times
Travel writer Pico Iyer made his acting debut as Timothée Chalamet's ping-pong opponent in the film "Marty Supreme," adding an unexpected voyage to his career.
- Can Timothée Chalamet Break This Oscar Curse? - The New York Times
Timothée Chalamet's performance in "Marty Supreme" gives him a strong chance to break the historical pattern of the best actor Oscar rarely going to young men.
- 8 Things Our Critics Are Looking Forward to in 2026 - The New York Times
A New York Times culture critics' list of eight anticipated events in 2026, including a Christopher Nolan film, a Lisa Kudrow series, and a Marcel Duchamp retrospective.
- The Top Movies of 2025, According to Times Readers: ‘Marty Supreme’ and More - The New York Times
Times readers voted on the best films of 2025, producing a list that spans blockbusters like 'Marty Supreme' and obscure art-house releases.
- Five Action Movies to Stream Now - The New York Times
The article recommends five action movies to stream, including a World War I revenge story, a vampire superhero film, and a movie about female assassins.
- Vote for Your Favorite Movies of 2025 - The New York Times
The New York Times invites readers to vote for their favorite movies released in 2025, shifting judgment from critics to public opinion.
- The 25 Most Notable Movies of 2025: ‘KPop Demon Hunters,’ ‘Roofman’ and More - The New York Times
New York Times film experts selected 25 standout movies of 2025, including 'KPop Demon Hunters' and 'Roofman', based on lasting impressions.
- Opinion | Martin Scorsese: Rob Reiner Had Me in the Palm of His Hand - The New York Times
Martin Scorsese writes that he and Rob Reiner had a natural affinity, reflecting on their decades-long friendship and collaborations.
- That Old Classic Film in the Theater? It Might Be From This Man’s House. - The New York Times
Private film collectors like Brian Darwas preserve hundreds of 20th-century movie prints at home, supplementing museum efforts to save cinema artifacts.
- ‘Marty Supreme’ Review: Timothée Chalamet Sprints to the Top - The New York Times
Timothée Chalamet plays a magnetic, driven table-tennis champion in Josh Safdie's film, which is one of the year's most exciting releases.
- Did We Underestimate Kate Hudson? - The New York Times
Kate Hudson's dramatic role as a blue-collar mom in a Neil Diamond-themed film may earn her an Oscar nomination, challenging her rom-com typecast.
- Kate Winslet’s Unhappy Family Christmas - The New York Times
Kate Winslet directs 'Goodbye June,' a film about a fractured family reuniting in a hospital at Christmas, based on her son's script.
- Timothée Chalamet, Gwyneth Paltrow and Zohran Mamdani Toast ‘Marty Supreme’ - The New York Times
The New York premiere of A24's film 'Marty Supreme' featured Timothée Chalamet, Gwyneth Paltrow, and mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani.
- Rob Reiner, Actor Who Went on to Direct Classic Films, Dies at 78 - The New York Times
Rob Reiner, known for 'All in the Family' and directing classic films like 'The Princess Bride', has died at 78 according to The New York Times.
- Taylor Swift’s ‘The End of an Era’: 5 Takeaways - The New York Times
Taylor Swift's Disney+ docuseries 'The End of an Era' chronicles the creative process and challenges behind her record-breaking Eras Tour.
- Ryan Coogler on ‘Sinners,’ Chadwick Boseman and Why He Declined to Join the Academy - The New York Times
Ryan Coogler discusses his creative plans after "Sinners," the lasting impact of Chadwick Boseman’s death, and declining an Academy membership invitation.
- Best Movies of 2025 - The New York Times
The New York Times film critics selected and ranked their ten favorite films of 2025, offering a curated list of the year's best.
- Best Movies of 2025 - The New York Times
NYT film critics rank their 10 favorite movies of 2025, providing a curated list of top films.
- Timothée Chalamet Draws Huge Crowd for ‘Marty Supreme’ Merch Pop-Up - The New York Times
Timothée Chalamet's star power drew massive crowds to a Manhattan pop-up for 'Marty Supreme' merchandise, despite the film not releasing until Christmas.
Takes
I am back! Every time I ask this question I find so much cool stuff to watchX, what are new good documentaries I should definitely watch? https://t.co/F0CcDRMngC
@levelsio
Full Q&A from recent Stanford chat: https://t.co/csidinoHCIAnd a related thought on retirement from Studio Ghibli’s Hayao Miyazaki: https://t.co/ztkA8KIOyh
@bearlyai