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What can you say about a sequel to a movie remake? Sequels sometimes miss the mark. Movie critic Kenneth Turan says Ocean's Twelve lacks key elements that made its predecessor, Ocean's Eleven, memorable.

Shout! Factory Records releases a four-CD set celebrating the music of the city called Doctors, Professors, Kings & Queens: The Big Ol' Box of New Orleans. Hear cuts from the big ol' box.

Book critic Maureen Corrigan reviews I Am Charlotte Simmons by Tom Wolfe.

An unfinished piano concerto by the 18-year-old Beethoven was found in the British Museum last year. Reconstructed by Dutch musicologist Cees Nieuwenhuizen, the work premiered Feb. 1 in Rotterdam.

Fans of the hit independent film Sideways are flocking to Santa Barabara County to trace the footsteps of the movie's characters, who search for the meaning of life and a good glass of pinot noir. The restaurants and wineries featured in the film are becoming cult destinations.

Among the nominees for best new artist at this Sunday's Grammy Awards are Tex-Mex artists Los Lonely Boys, the Los Angeles band Maroon 5, young British soul singer Joss Stone, producer-turned-rapper Kanye West and the hot country artist Gretchen Wilson. Michele Norris talks with music critic Tom Moon about the category.

Bandleader, clarinetist and arranger Artie Shaw has died at home in Los Angeles. His health had declined since Thanksgiving. He was 94. Shaw's recording of "Begin the Beguine" became so popular in 1938 that it brought him to an even footing with the other so-called "King of Swing" -- Benny Goodman. NPR's Robert Siegel has a remembrance.

In the second of a year-end series of reflections, commentator and philosopher Alain de Botton explains why having an idealized view of the world can be appealing and helpful.

Matt Groening is the creator of the highly acclaimed animated Fox sitcom The Simpsons. He tells us how the show and its characters evolved, and discusses his role in the production of some 300 episodes. Groening also created the TV series Futurama and still draws the weekly comic strip Life in Hell.

Award-winning filmmaker William Greaves talks with NPR's Tony Cox about the revival of his film Symbiopsychotaxiplasm in it's new form, Take 2 1/2. The ever-evolving film, began in 1968, follows the lives of a couple with a troubled marriage. The movie is screening at the Sundance Film Festival.