'Pirate Radio' comes in clear

Classic musical draws big crowds

'2012' fits the bill for film lovers 
of mass destruction
Well, here’s my guilty pleasure of 2009. If there ever was a disaster movie, "2012" is it.

The world ends again in ‘2012,’ 
as in 5 other apocalyptothrillers
Feeling down about the Great Recession? Hollywood has your answer: An all-out apocalypse.

'Silent Light' a change of pace
Here is a moving, heartbreaking story, about souls trapped on Earth while they think only of the heavens. It’s a story about a crisis of faith, a crisis of love and how fear and guilt can render men insane.

Heslov confuses with 'Goats'
It’s a war movie and a hippie flick. A paranormal thriller and a black comedy. At the end of the line, it’s apparent that "The Men Who Stare  At Goats" has tried to be a few too many things, but that sloppiness and unpredictability is part of what makes this hodgepodge so much fun.

'The Narrows' earns little fanfare
Every year, there a good number of movies that go directly to cable or DVD.

'Food Inc.' exposes dangers of food supply
At the center of "Food Inc." is a shocking – and haunting – scene that captures in an instant just how out of balance our food supply has become.

Skiing goes extreme at Times Cinema
Back in 2007, William Kerig helped to produce a movie named "Steep" - a soaring, awe-inspiring documentary about the past and present of extreme skiing.

One final look at 'A Farewell to Arms'
This is the last in a six-part TimeOut series on "A Farewell to Arms."

Michael Jackson's final bow: 
'This Is It' feels right
It's hard today to remember what it felt like in the hours and days immediately following Michael Jackson's death.

Halloween survival guide: 
6 ways to kill a zombie
Zombies and vampires are in this year, thanks to the likes of "Twilight" and this month’s horror film "Zombieland."

'Examined Life' a philosophical trip
For those who don’t know, I got married two weeks ago, and as I was preparing for my honeymoon - stocking up on music and books for my relaxed trip out west, off the grid - I found myself reflecting on what’s been lost in our go-go, tech-heavy culture, among all that’s been gained.

One great book, two very different movies
Rarely has a book been adapted into a film twice, to such different ends.

Graham shifts from serious 
side with new theater production
I first encountered the work of Bruce Graham when I saw "Coyote on a Fence" several years ago.

Four separate stories 
add edginess to play
It is rare for a small theater in Milwaukee to get the rights to a play that is presently showing in New York at the Lincoln Center Theatre.

'The Seagull’ superbly staged
Anton Chekhov, who was certainly one of the most prominent Russian writers, established his reputation as a creator of short stories before he tried his hand at playwriting.

'Duck Hunter Shoots Angel' 
worth seeing
Mitch Albom, a prolific writer, is probably most known for his ‘Tuesdays with Morrie" and "The Five People You Meet in Heaven," but there are lesser works that are just as intriguing, as Albom typically combines playful satire, fantasy and thought-provoking challenges to his audience.

'Traveling Light' named for Jesus
"Traveling Light" is a clever name for a show about Jesus and his followers.

First Stage's 'Junie' generates interest
Junie is an outspoken, self-centered, rambunctious, spunky 5-year-old girl, who delights us with her honesty and unique perspective.

Another mystery with twists
This is the weekend of mysteries in Waukesha County.

'And Then There Were None ' 
will keep you guessing
As the characters drift into the beautifully appointed island mansion, each one gives off a certain aura. We immediately start forming our impressions. They are all strangers to us, as well as to each other except for the butler and his wife. But they, too, are new to this job and to the arriving guests. There’s already lots of mysteries, and many more to come.

Inge's plays still make 
for fine entertainment
William Inge was a prolific writer who enjoyed great success with several of his plays, but he has fallen out of favor a bit, which is a shame.

'The Year of Magical Thinking' 
doesn’t strike emotional cord
I was prepared to be shaken by Joan Didion’s one-woman rendition of her bestselling memoir, “The Year of Magical Thinking.”

'Clarence Darrow' profiles 
feats of famed historian
Clarence Darrow was a talented lawyer and champion of human rights. In his lengthy career he fought for labor unions, human rights for the oppressed and the abolition of the death penalty. He is best known for his defense of Scopes in the famous evolution trial and for Leopold and Loeb in their murder of Bobby Franks.

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