One of the greatest thrills of my professional life was getting to spend a private afternoon, interviewing Tom Stoppard. He was as charming, relaxed and brilliant as I’d hoped he’d be. And I treasure the fact I could tell him how much his work meant to me. Thank you, Sir.

Gus Van Sant’s nifty new crime drama reminds us that everything old is new again. Dead Man’s Wire opens in limited release Friday, goes to a theater near you in January. themovieminute.com/dead-mans-wire/

Any movie that brings Albert Brooks and Julie Kavner back on screen can’t be all bad, can it? Sadly, James L. Brooks’s Ella McCay, although nicely intentioned, is a mess. A rare misfire from the man who will be remembered for Broadcast News, The Simpsons and so much more.

As entertaining as it is, this one also feels a bit like a scientific experiment: the synthesis of the Safdie and Chalamet energies. Marty Supreme, in theaters. themovieminute.com/marty-supreme/

This may not be the happy-go-lucky Neil Diamond salute you might be hoping for, but this musical drama does hit a few real high notes. Song Sung Blue, in theaters. themovieminute.com/song-sung-blue/

Farewell, 2025. Happy to share my list of the top ten movies that cheered, offered inspiration and a most welcome diversion. Thank you for hanging in there with me. And here’s to an easier, truly happy new year for us all. themovieminute.com/joanna-langfie…

It kills me when people ask me what films I recommend and, when I say One Battle After Another, they look at me blankly, saying they never heard of it. This is a great film. It has won almost every critics award, now including Critics Choice. In theaters and streaming. Watch it.

Thank you, Jean Smart.

Re-upping this review now that Dead Man’s Wire is finally hitting theaters across the country. It’s a pretty terrific treat. themovieminute.com/dead-mans-wire/

This well-intentioned story of grief only takes flight during one key scene. But what a scene that is! H is for Hawk opens in theaters this weekend. themovieminute.com/h-is-for-hawk/

More later, but just a moment for bragging rights. I called Kate Hudson months ago. Colleagues gave me a look. But I felt it in my bones. #Oscars2026

This bloody blast sends help to anyone looking for a bit of diversion. Send Help is playing in theaters starting this weekend. themovieminute.com/send-help/

Catherine O’Hara. What pure light she was. We have lost a glorious talent who brought so much joy.

The show Heated Rivalry only exists because of an article by Rachel Kurzius in The Washington Post inspired the showmaker to reach out to the book's author. Today, The Washington Post laid off the reporter who did the story.

🚨send me journalism jobs🚨 We’re compiling job/freelance opportunities for our hundreds of #washingtonpost colleagues who were fired today. If you’ve got something please reply, DM, or email me [email protected] Also I’m not above asking for a retweet. Thanks and ✊🏻

With this oh so vivid interpretation of Emily Bronte’s romantic classic, Emerald Fennell secures her place as one of the most audacious, undeniable filmmakers working today. Wuthering Heights, in theaters Friday. themovieminute.com/wuthering-heig…

Would watch.

I was so lucky to have interviewed Robert Duvall a few times, the last at his memorable Upper West Side apartment. One of our greatest actors, Duvall told great stories, still modest about his remarkable, personal legacy. And yes, he was very charming. Thank you, Sir.

Newspapers are cutting their book sections, but let’s not let that stop us from recommending great reads. Allegra Goodman’s This Is Not About Us, intertwining short stories about a contemporary Jewish American family, is wise, warm and irresistible. Enjoy!