How America Came To Identify With A Dysfunctional Gangster Family
By Heather Corcoran

In addition to garnering legions of fans, “The Sopranos” has brought a new, cinematic style to television. But with the final season about to air, will any shows be able to fill Tony Soprano’s big shoes?

Robert Iler never wanted to be an actor, but for the last 10 years, we’ve seen him grow up on camera as Anthony “A.J.” Soprano Jr., the trouble-making son of mob boss Tony Soprano. From the set of “The Sopranos,” Iler took a few minutes while filming his final scenes to talk to the Resident about being part of TV history.

By Elizabeth Valerio
With little hope for a spin-off series or a feature film, will the stars of “The Sopranos” be out of a job? It certainly doesn’t look like it.

James Gandolfini (Tony Soprano): The former mobster takes on a completely new role: playing Ernest Hemmingway in a yet-to-be-named biopic. The film will also star Robin Wright Penn as his love interest and is scheduled to be released in 2008.

By Rhea Saran
Sicily and the Mafia. Mention one and the other leaps immediately to mind. Sure, the Italian island has a lot more going for it – a cultural history that includes Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, French and Spanish influences, a rich heritage of art and architecture, warm Mediterranean climes, and spectacular landscapes and views. But, let’s face it; you’ve always wanted to explore Sicily as Victoria Gotti might. Here are some tips to get you started.

By Rhea Saran

Longing to escape the city for a weekend reminiscent of country homes in Europe? Look no further than New England where fresh air, clean waters and manor houses-turned-hotels provide that upper crust experience.

Comedian Chris Rock Talks About the Pitfalls of Filming His New Movie In The City

By Ian Spelling

Chris Rock cracks up in that way he cracks up. It’s almost like watching glaciers split apart. His voice gets all high-pitched in that way and more white teeth than you think are practical start flashing. It happens when he recalls shooting one of the funniest bits in his latest movie, “I Think I Love My Wife.” In the scene, Rock’s character fantasizes about hitting on practically every woman in Bryant Park, using the rudest and crudest pickup lines imaginable.

Author Paul Auster Turns Again To Film With “The Inner Life of Martin Frost”
By Heather Corcoran

Brooklyn novelist Paul Auster first wrote the story of Martin Frost as a short film in 1999. The project was scrapped, but the story appeared again, in the author’s 2002 novel, “The Book of Illusions.” Still, it was an idea he couldn’t shake.

The wonderful thing about New York is that there’s a little something for everyone. So, if box office hits starring mutant superheroes are your thing, there will be a theater playing just that. Or if a documentary feature following a filmmaker back to his hometown in post-wartorn Iraq is more up your alley, then look no further than one of the many film festivals that will hit the town this spring. For the Hollywood fan, spring will bring several sequels to previous big hits. Animation abounds in films like Disney’s “Meet the Robinsons” and “Shrek the Third”; blood and gore hit the silverscreen in Tarantino’s latest offering; and superheroes—hopefully—save the day.—Rhea Saran

This spring’s theater includes several Academy and Tony award winners. From the old-guard (Angela Lansbury, Christopher Plummer) to relatively young’uns (Laura Bell Bundy, Michael Sheen), this season’s pick of the crop are sure to both entertain and move you. In addition to the open run and limited engagement productions are some theater festivals, which showcase lesser known but provocative talents.

At the city’s major art museums, contemporary artists, photography and new media promise to make this spring an exciting one. But while the avant-garde may get all the attention, the season’s biggest blockbuster may come when the Met unveils its new Ancient Greek and Roman galleries, an extensive project 15 years in the making.