Movies
Mad Maximus
Director Ridley Scott takes the best of the old Roman films, crowns the incredibly focused Russell Crowe his hero, and makes a modern classic.

Dreaming of a good movie? This isn't it
This Kim Basinger star vehicle only shows her limitations as an actor, and she isn't helped by a boring script and weak direction.

Persall's top 5
Recent releases recommended by Times film critic Steve Persall

Pop music
Classic Cameo
Ow! Cameo is back. The Cardiac Arrest gang has moved on to Sexy Sweet Thing.

Unity through music
Fans, 45,000 of them, both gay and straight, showed up in Washington, D.C., for the sold-out concert, Equality Rocks.

The British are coming
A look at the latest music from our friends in Great Britain

On stage
A nurturing night
More than a dozen pieces combine for an evening of homage to the people who mother us.

Wayward love
The opera La Traviata has a title that doesn't translate neatly but tells a poignant story of sacrifice.

Theater review capsules
The Count of Monte Cristo, Asolo Theatre, Sarasota.

Days off
Every flavor of festival
Can't go to Cannes? Check out the local wave of film celebrations.

Cool memories
In its 75th anniversary salute, Disney's beloved characters skate with style.

Festive favorites
The festivals are here and there's something for everybody.

Art
Eclectic offerings
New shows feature printmakers, environmentally conscious works, monumental outdoor sculptures and an emerging artist from Tampa.

They don't know art, but they know what we like
First the artists polled the public about their likes and dislikes. Then they created the works. The outcome? Art by popular design makes for a thought-provoking show.