'The Friend' stars Naomi Watts and a giant dog — trained by Bill Berloni The Friend tells a story of two creatures who lose someone they love and find each other. She's a writer. He's… a dog. Naomi Watts gets top billing, but her screen partner is also a star. Diane Orson
Will Arnett exposes the complexities of marriage and comedy in 'Is This Thing On?' Arnett co-wrote his new film, in which he plays a man going through a divorce who finds himself onstage doing stand-up. He also has an extensive voiceover career, and co-hosts the SmartLess podcast. Terry Gross
Filmmaker Craig Brewer channels his inner Neil Diamond in 'Song Sung Blue' The Hustle & Flow director is known for his films The Dreamers and The Misfits. His latest is based on the true story a Milwaukee couple who became local legends performing as a Neil Diamond tribute band. Tonya Mosley
A prickly Ralph Fiennes uplifts a town through music during WWI in 'The Choral' A northern English town loses its best choral singers to fighting in World War I but finds new hope in a time of loss through music in Nicholas Hytner's new film "The Choral," featuring Ralph Fiennes. Michel Martin
What makes a great 'Scrooge'? Elena Burnett and Barrie Hardymon on why Ebenezer Scrooge keeps returning to the screen, and what makes a great Christmas Carol adaptation endure. Barrie Hardymon
In 'The Beast in Me', a new neighbor becomes the wrong kind of muse Claire Danes talks about her new role stepping into the mind of a writer tempted by a dangerous mystery. Jeffrey Pierre
Why 'Marty Supreme' marks a new chapter for Josh Safdie Josh Safdie discusses his upcoming film 'Marty Supreme', set for release on December 25. Marc Rivers
Central Casting has turned extras into stars for 100 years For 100 years, Hollywood has relied on Central Casting. It's the real company behind movie extras — and where stars like Gary Cooper, Hattie McDaniel, and Brad Pitt got their start. Mandalit del Barco
Will fans give 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' the same pass they gave the first two films? "Avatar: Fire and Ash" will spur similar reviews that its two predecessors got: It's pretty to look at, but it doesn't offer much else. Dyer Oxley
We caught up with one of the kids who sang on 'A Charlie Brown Christmas.' He's 72 now Dave Willat was just 11 years old when he showed up for what he thought would be a routine church choir practice in 1965. He and his fellow singers ended up making history. Chloe Veltman