Topic: Helen Mirren

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In Pictures: Nobel Peace Prize 2011
In Pictures: Oscar's red carpet runway
3 more 2010 novels that you don't want to miss

Two private investigators are forced to deal with the aftermath of a case that has haunted them for more than a decade, Herman Melville sets sail, and an Israeli mother goes for a very long walk in this month’s roundup of new fiction.
Holiday gift guide 2010: Television programs

We have more gift ideas for you this holiday season. For the person who enjoys Canadian television comedy, World War II drama, a TV documentary on mankind's narrative myths, and a classic British television detective series, we have a quartet of selections. By the way, if you would like to purchase any of these DVD sets, there are links to do so on each page and you can help the Monitor at the same time.
In Pictures: Oscar nominees 2010

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Top Picks: An alligator app, great commencement speeches, and more

John Mayer's musicianship is first-rate on his new album, National Geographic explores the unusual animals of America, and more top picks.
Downton Abbey season 2 ends: What's next for season 3?

For those of us mourning the end of season two of Downton Abbey, it’s going to be many months before season three of the British period drama picks up again. How will it turn out?
Difference Maker
Giving London street kids – even teen gang members – a safe (and colorful) home

Camila Batmanghelidjh founded Kids Company to help children – and now helps troubled teens. who often get little sympathy since the London riots.
In Pictures: Nobel Peace Prize 2011
Health-care cuts in Britain: draconian?

Health-care reforms amount to most sweeping changes in the 60 years of Britain's health-care system. Now, more cuts are planned.
Chapter & Verse
Lee Child on Jack Reacher, Tom Cruise, and 'The Affair'

Lee Child talks about Jack Reacher – his quirky and wildly popular creation – and how he started writing thrillers in the first place.
Helen Mirren in 'The Debt': movie review

Helen Mirren, in 'The Debt,' plays a Mossad agent who helps kidnap a Nazi war criminal and discovers the dangers of deception.
Brighton Rock: movie review

This remake of Graham Greene's 'Brighton Rock' is a heavy-duty slab of gangster noir with no shortage of violence.
Chapter & Verse
Can you measure the truth of a memoir?

Author Ben Yagoda sets up a "how-to" guide for determining a memoir's "truthy aspects."
Culture Cafe
Director Julie Taymor speaks at 360/365 Film Festival

In a discussion held at Rochester’s annual 360/365 Film Festival moderated by local film critic Jack Garner, director Julie Taymor spoke about her films and caeer.
Russell Brand's 'Arthur': movie review

In this remake of 'Arthur,' Russell Brand plays a spoiled man-child billionaire in pursuit of amusement.
In Pictures: Oscar's red carpet runway
My night at the Oscars

I learn not to impersonate Colin Firth and walk the wrong red carpet. Is Helen Mirren sitting in my chair?
The Tempest: movie review

Julie Taymor's rendering of Shakespeare's final play 'The Tempest' takes the wind out of it sails, despite a stellar cast.
3 more 2010 novels that you don't want to miss

Two private investigators are forced to deal with the aftermath of a case that has haunted them for more than a decade, Herman Melville sets sail, and an Israeli mother goes for a very long walk in this month’s roundup of new fiction.
Holiday gift guide 2010: Television programs

We have more gift ideas for you this holiday season. For the person who enjoys Canadian television comedy, World War II drama, a TV documentary on mankind's narrative myths, and a classic British television detective series, we have a quartet of selections. By the way, if you would like to purchase any of these DVD sets, there are links to do so on each page and you can help the Monitor at the same time.
Red: movie review

Helen Mirren stars as an aging action hero in 'Red.'
'Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps' is weekend winner

'Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps' brought in $19 million this weekend. It edged ahead of the children's 3-D fantasy film 'Legend of the Guardians,' but Guardians may have longer legs.
Top Picks: Brian Wilson, 'Prime Suspect,' Canada's Garrison Keillor, and more

Brian Wilson sings Gershwin, 'Prime Suspect' comes out on DVD, Stuart McLean's storytelling is like Canada's answer to Garrison Keillor, and more recommendations.
As Hollywood invades, Comic-Con keeps its quirks

Comic-Con, the annual comic book convention, has exploded into a must-attend event for Hollywood actors and producers, but the new attention represents a healthy evolution, say comic book experts.
'The Closer' opened doors for women – and for basic cable

'The Closer' returns for its sixth season Monday night at 9 p.m.
Love Ranch: movie review

Helen Mirren stars in 'Love Ranch,' a slow tawdry drama about a husband and wife who run a legalized brothel in 1970s Nevada.
Top Picks: 'The Last Station,' 'A Capitol Fourth,' Tanglewood, and more recommendations

'The Last Station,' featuring Christopher Plummer as Leo Tolstoy on DVD, PBS hosts 'A Capitol Fourth' from Washington D.C., the annual Tanglewood music festival begins, and more top picks.
Sophia Tolstoy: A Biography

Sophia Tolstoy spent a lifetime striving to be her husband’s keeper.
Oscar nominations: 'Avatar,' 'The Hurt Locker' take the lead

But some fresh faces appear in the Best Actress category with Carey Mulligan (‘An Education’) and Gabourey Sidibe (‘Precious’).