Bob Mondello

Bob Mondello, NPR senior arts critic, offers informed cultural critique. Alison Willmore, film critic and podcast co-host, brings sharp contemporary movie analysis. They dissect a glossy, tightly staged film about Melania Trump. They discuss posed scenes, authorship and who benefits from Amazon’s big payout. The conversation centers on image control, audience intent, and the film’s polished artifice.

Bob Mondello, longtime NPR film critic and storyteller, recounts his hunt for recordings of his father. He ties a period movie to early sound technology. He searches archives, loses and regains hope, and ultimately discovers a 1963 Supreme Court recording. The narrative focuses on memory, archival sleuthing, and the moment of hearing his father’s voice again.

Film critic Bob Mondello shares his thoughts on underrated gems of 2025. He dives into the moody world of "The Secret Agent," highlighting its nuanced performances and political undertones. Mondello offers an overview of "Come See Me in the Good Light," a heartfelt documentary about Andrea Gibson's journey with cancer, blending humor with raw emotion. The discussion also features the poignant Marathi love story "Cactus Pears," and the daring, feminist tale "100 Nights of Hero," celebrated for its unique storytelling and striking visuals.

Bob Mondello, a longtime film critic for NPR known for his insightful year-end reviews, shares his top picks for 2025 films. He tackles the disparity between box office sales and quality, highlighting standout movies like Ryan Coogler's 'Sinners' and Paul Thomas Anderson's political thriller. Mondello also dives into international resistance films, literary adaptations like 'Hamnet' and 'Frankenstein,' and innovative documentaries. From screwball comedies to poignant dramas, he offers a diverse lineup sure to excite any film lover.

Bob Mondello, NPR's film critic, joins to dissect the poignant new film, Blue Moon, featuring Ethan Hawke as tormented songwriter Lorenz Hart. They delve into Hart's struggles during the opening of Oklahoma! and the heartbreak of his creative partnership with Richard Rodgers. Mondello praises the film’s intertwining of musical comedy traditions and Hart's portrayal of loneliness. The discussion also touches on the film's emotional depth, historical accuracy, and thoughtful handling of Hart's complex sexuality. A must-listen for theater enthusiasts!