Kenneth Turan

Every year the Cannes Film Festival pulls into its orbit a rangy group of Chicago journalists, critics, student filmmakers and programmers. The festival was different this year, though. Conspicuously and sadly, it lacked the benevolent presence of its...

After the coffee. Before going through two weeks' worth of mail. The Skinny: Well, I didn't win the Powerball lottery, which means I'll be heading back to the office today after a long trip to New York. Ask me around Thursday if it's good to be home....

After the coffee. Before seeing if I can make it here. The Skinny: It took almost two hours to get from JFK to the Upper West Side on Wednesday but a four-mile run in Riverside Park recharged me. Think of me in a sticky subway station while you're in...

After the coffee. Before spending another day glued to TV news. The Skinny: Since ESPN has the Redskins for its opening Monday night game, the scheduling gurus at the NFL must be pretty confident that quarterback Robert Griffin III will be fully...

A screenwriter who went by the pseudonyms of R. Hyde and Reinhold Timme died recently in Chicago. Others knew the man as Roger Ebert, film critic for the Chicago Sun-Times. Ebert's death got us thinking about interesting facts involving movie critics....

After the coffee. Before the weekend! How did I never think of that before? The Skinny: I've been catching up with TNT's "Southland." Man this show is good and I really will miss it if this is its last season. Go watch it on VOD. Friday's headlines...

After the coffee. Before trying to find somewhere to hide. The Skinny: One of my favorite things about Roger Ebert, besides his movie reviews and musings on life, was his willingness to go on Howard Stern's show and have a few laughs with the shock...

After the coffee. Before deciding what to do about this whole life thing. The Skinny: You ever get the feeling the world is operating at a different speed than you are? That's where I'm at these days. Well, maybe a weekend break will help. Friday's...

The 85th Academy Awards are hours away, but social media is abuzz with winner projections, potential Oscar snubs and fashion faux pas. For film buffs and casual onlookers following the awards on a second screen, you can get access from the scene on...

For the 85th Academy Awards, The Times presents a new facet of our comprehensive Oscars coverage: live video commentary from film critic Kenneth Turan and staff writer Robin Abcarian while the show unfolds. Immediately before the broadcast and during...

After the coffee. Before my cable bill goes up again. The Skinny: I'm trying to create a fake girlfriend, but I can't decide between a blond or brunette. Send your thoughts. Wednesday's headlines include coverage of the Dodgers' pending deal with Time...

After the coffee. Before seeing if the Mayans are right and this is my last Morning Fix ever. The Skinny: So far, I'm still here. Check back with me later in the day. Friday's headlines include the holiday weekend box office preview, a profile of...