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Hot meat: Philip Seymour Hoffman and John Turturro in "God's Pocket." (Photo by Seacia Pava © 2014 - IFC Films)

Philip Seymour Hoffman in 'God's Pocket'

Nominally a Philadelphia film

As Philip Seymour Hoffman’s last film, God’s Pocket may end up being remembered as better than it actually is.
Rick Soisson

Rick Soisson

Articles 3 minute read
This much seems certain: She was neither Turkish nor a slave.

Parmigianino at the Frick Museum

Who was the Turkish slave?

The Frick Museum’s current exhibition of Parmigianino’s Turkish Slave, on loan from Italy, is an opportunity to see one of the crown jewels of Renaissance art. What the Frick plans to do to itself is another matter.
Robert Zaller

Robert Zaller

Articles 5 minute read
Bonetti (center) with Pacek and Altman: Taking Hitchcock seriously.

‘Hitchcock’s 39 Steps’ in Norristown

What Broadway could learn from Norristown

Instead of patronizing its audience, Theatre Horizon’s production of Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps takes the 1935 film seriously — and even made me care about the outcome.
Steve Cohen

Steve Cohen

Articles 2 minute read
Phoenix (left), Cotillard: Villain as victim.

James Gray’s ‘The Immigrant’

Ellis Island blues

What went on under Lady Liberty’s lamp? James Gray’s The Immigrant tells the Ellis Island story as the dark side of the American Dream.
Robert Zaller

Robert Zaller

Articles 4 minute read
A boy and his tiger. (Image © Bill Watterson)

Bill Watterson: An introvert's appreciation

Happy birthday, Mr. Watterson, wherever you are

When Bill Watterson worked on Calvin and Hobbes, he had no need (and even less desire) to leave the house seeking acclaim or inspiration. Everything he needed was inside his own head.
Roz Warren

Roz Warren

Articles 3 minute read
Another fan is born. (Photo © 2013 - Gravitas Ventures)

'Dear Mr. Watterson'

The 'Bigfoot' of comic artists

Calvin and Hobbes may be the world’s last great household names in cartoon strip characters: the last universally known and universally loved ink, paper, and watercolor world we’ll ever fall into.
Alaina Johns

Alaina Johns

Articles 5 minute read
Sitcom stereotypes. (Photo via InterAct Theatre)

InterAct’s 'Ritu Comes Home'

How many offensive stereotypes can be squeezed into one play?

This is supposed to be a comedy, but if a writer has to get his laughs through cheap and easy stereotypes, well, it’s not a show of literary strength.
Gary L. Day

Gary L. Day

Articles 3 minute read
Lauren Weedman: You enjoy her, but then you can’t wait to get away and catch your breath. Photo via laurenweedman.com.

Lauren Weedman: Well I Think You're Beautiful, Philadelphia

A whirlwind tour of Philly

Lauren Weedman spends ten days in Philly and reintroduces us to the city we may have grown so accustomed to living in we can’t see it anymore. Along the way she has her own revelation about trust and surrender.
Naomi Orwin

Naomi Orwin

Articles 3 minute read
First Friday in Old City (Photo by B. Krist for Visit Philadelphia™)

First Fridays in Philadelphia

Come for the drag queens, stay for the art

First Friday used to be a celebration of art — these days, it's a hook for marketing departments.
Jackie Schifalacqua

Jackie Schifalacqua

Articles 3 minute read
A gospel backbone: Frederica von Stade and chorus in 'A Coffin in Egypt' (photo by Lynn Lane via Opera Philadelphia)

Opera Philadelphia's 'Coffin in Egypt': third review

Contemplating death

The story is by the Pulitzer Prize-winning Horton Foote, and the music is by one of the most accessible and tuneful composers of our time, Ricky Ian Gordon. The return of Frederica von Stade in the starring role is just the icing on the cake.
Steve Cohen

Steve Cohen

Articles 4 minute read