This week on Pop Culture Happy Hour, NPR Monkey See's Linda Holmes is joined by Trey Graham, Stephen Thompson and Glen Weldon for a summer movie preview, featuring the movies we're excited about — Dark Knight Rises, The Avengers, Prometheus, Safety Not Guaranteed, Dark Shadows, God Bless America, and even Total Recall, and the movies we're dreading — Battleship. All that plus What's Making Us Happy this week.

This week on Pop Culture Happy Hour, NPR Monkey See's Linda Holmes is joined by Glen Weldon, Trey Graham and Stephen Thompson for a chat about the Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard horror movie 'Cabin In The Woods,' and as expected, they inevitably spoil some of the films plot twists, so beware if you have not seen it! The gang also talks about HBO's 'Veep,' the political satire starring Julia Louie Dreyfus as a fictional vice president. All that plus What's Making Us Happy.

This week on Pop Culture Happy Hour, NPR Monkey See's Linda Holmes kicks out the boys, and brings in NPR's Tanya Ballard Brown, Barrie Hardymon and Parul Sehgal for a special edition: It's four women talking about four Girls — the new HBO series from Lena Dunham and Judd Apatow. Then a roundtable on what books the gang is reading right now. All that plus What's Making Us Happy this week.

This week on Pop Culture Happy Hour, NPR Monkey See's Linda Holmes, Stephen Thompson, Glen Weldon and Trey Graham realize that because it's tax time, it's a good time to discuss the culture of the rich as portrayed in film, television and books — from the films of Whit Stillman and Wes Anderson to Arthur — both the original film with Dudley Moore and the recent remake. Then, a talk about the things in popular culture made "Just for Us" — opera, Jerry Maguire and Dr. Horrible. Plus, of course, What's Making Us Happy this week.

This week on Pop Culture Happy Hour, NPR Monkey See's Linda Holmes joins Glen Weldon, Trey Graham and Stephen Thompson to talk about the vitality (or not) of the teen sex comedy — from Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Porky's to American Pie and Superbad. Then the gang has a lively debate about Easter candy and the value of Peeps.. All that, plus What's Making Us Happy this week.

This week on Pop Culture Happy Hour: The Hunger Games makes its inevitable appearance with NPR Monkey See's Linda Holmes, Stephen Thompson, Glen Weldon and Trey Graham go through what worked, what didn't and how it compared to the book. Then another round of the beloved Regrettable Television Pop Quiz. Plus, What's Making Us Happy this week.

This week on Pop Culture Happy Hour, NPR Monkey See's Linda Holmes joins Glen Weldon, Stephen Thompson and Mike Katzif to discuss their travels to Austin for the SXSW music and film festival — What bands were discovered? What films were loved? Then, a discussion about their love of television credit sequences, and What's Making Us Happy this week.

This Week on Culturetopia: Director Mike Nichols; the search for the next ‘Hunger Games’; the limits of literary license; the cultural politics of Zumba; a hat tip to the curtain call.

This week on Pop Culture Happy Hour, the PCHH gang is still taking time off. But why not share another favorite old show? On this episode from November 2010, NPR's Linda Holmes, Stephen Thompson, Trey Graham and Barrie Hardymon discuss pop-culture punching bags. These are the things that take entirely too much abuse that we are here to defend, no matter how unpopular it may make us. Then another entry in Regrettable Television Pop Quiz and Things Making Us Happy, including Judith Krantz, Kung Fu Panda 2, Clem Snide and more.

This week on Pop Culture Happy Hour, the gang is taking some time off. But that means it's a good time to revisit one of our favorite past episodes. In this show, from March 2011, NPR Monkey See's Linda Holmes and the PCHH gang talk about everything a little kid could need to grow up strong, smart, and addicted to lots and lots of elements of pop culture. From Looney Toons, Pee Wee, Weird Al, Super Chicken and Muppets to opera, books, comics and more!

This Week in Culturetopia: the new movie "Dr. Seuss's The Lorax;" British singer Estelle; fixing the Martin Luther King Jr. memorial; choir culture during the world's longest Carnival; Anthony Shadid's "House of Stone"

This week on Pop Culture Happy Hour, NPR Monkey See's Linda Holmes, Stephen Thompson, Glen Weldon and Trey Graham briefly break down the Oscars telecast from Meryl Streep and The Artist's big wins to host Billy Crystal. Then move on to the big topic of the week — the things for which they were late to the table: The Shield, Futurama, The Godfather and much more. All that plus What's Making Us Happy. 

This Week on Culturetopia:  Pianist Robert Glasper; New Orleans funk band Galactic; drummer Shannon Powell; the mysteries of natural rhythm; parsing Rhianna and Chris Brown's latest collaborations.

This week on Pop Culture Happy Hour, NPR film critic Bob Mondello joins the PCHH roundtable of Linda Holmes, Trey Graham, Stephen Thompson and Glen Weldon for a rousing conversation about Oscars. From The Artist and Tree of Life to Midnight In Paris and The Help, everyone talks about their favorites, their least favorites and what films they expect to win. Then, a brief round of "What's Making Us Happy."

This Week on Culturetopia: Brad Pitt discusses starring in two Best Picture nominees the backstage lobbying for gold statuettes; Best Supporting Actor nominee Demian Bichir on his stardom in Mexico and anonymity here; critic Bob Mondello peers into a Matrix-like future.

This week on Pop Culture Happy Hour, NPR Monkey See's Linda Holmes along with Glen Weldon, Trey Graham and Stephen Thompson revisit the Grammys: What worked? What did not? And how did the telecast reflect the tragic news of Whitney Houston's death? Then, pop culture to enjoy at the end of a rotten day. All that, plus What's Making Us Happy this week.

This Week in Culturetopia: George Clooney; Chilean rapper Ana Tijoux; the new animated film "Chico and Rita"; a new play about colonialism called "The Convert"; modern artist Elizabeth Catlett.

This week on Pop Culture Happy Hour, NPR Monkey See's Linda Holmes joins Trey Graham, Stephen Thompson and Glen Weldon to touch on the Super Bowl, Madonna, Watchmen, Scarlett O'Hara, and ... well, just about everything. Plus: the glorious return of a mom we all enjoy. All that, plus What's Making Us Happy this week.

This Week on Culturetopia: the queen who brought drag culture to the mainstream; the first movie to win a best picture Oscar; the director with not one but three new horror movies this year; the lost speech by Malcolm X; and the man who brought something radical to television: positive pictures of African-American teenagers

This week on Pop Culture Happy Hour, NPR Monkey See's Linda Holmes is joined by Stephen Thompson, Glen Weldon and Trey Graham for a discussion about the ups and downs of NBC's new musical drama Smash. Then a chat with NPR.org's new books editor about high literature, low literature, and how people read. All that plus What's Making Us Happy this week.

This Week On Culturetopia: author Penelope Lively; the new NBC theater-nerd show “Smash”; Key and Peele on Comedy Central; filesharing in Megaupload’s wake; the classic children’s book “The Snowy Day.

This week on Pop Culture Happy Hour, NPR Monkey See's Linda Holmes joins Stephen Thompson, Glen Weldon and Trey Graham to discuss the Oscar nominees, from satisfying to baffling. We also come out firmly in support of a few things that you might think don't need the support. Plus, What's Making Us Happy this week.

This Week on Culturetopia: Actor Christian Bale talks about "The Flowers of War"; the screenwriter for "Red Tails" discusses the Tuskagee Airmen ; publishers and booksellers decry Amazon's predatory pricing; how much it costs to produce a hit single; the Cultural Revolution cookbook

This week on Pop Culture Happy Hour, NPR Monkey See's Linda Holmes joins Trey Graham, Glen Weldon and Stephen Thompson for a long discussion about the Golden Globes, including Ricky Gervais' hosting duties. Then a look at Spin Magazine's decision to review music on Twitter whether criticism is just as good if you do it in 140 characters.

This Week on Culturetopia: Top TV picks for January; cable sport’s big money; “excessive entertainment” purged from Chinese TV; producer Mara Brock Akil; Real Housewives and the "botox tax."

This week on Pop Culture Happy Hour, NPR Monkey See's Linda Holmes, Trey Graham, Glen Weldon and Stephen Thompson look at PBS and where they might go after the successes of Downton Abbey and Sherlock. Then, who might be rediscovered any day now? These topics, plus What's Making Us Happy this week.

This week on Culturetopia: World music superstar Youssou N'Dour’s presidential run in Senegal; a tour of India sponsored by the U.S. State Department for Indian-American comedians; pop goddess Kelly Clarkson on her spike in record sales after endorsing GOP candidate Ron Paul: a Moroccan rapper is imprisoned for his political views; a Canadian rock band auctions off their suddenly desirably URL—TeaParty.com.

This week on Pop Culture Happy Hour, NPR Monkey See's Linda Holmes gathers with Stephen Thompson, Glen Weldon and Trey Graham for the first show of 2012. First a run down New Year's resolutions past and present. Then a discussion about the phenomenon of "pop culture overload," and, as always, What's Making Us Happy.

To round out 2011, NPR News put a new spin on an old chestnut, the end-of-the-year roundup. With the down economy and a series of natural disasters, it was a bad year for many in the U.S., but there are still people, businesses and ideas that have done well. We are going to highlight them in a series called "A Good Year." It's been a good year for Android phones, coconut water, deportations, beets and the word "swag." Along the way touched on topics from science to politics, hip-hop to hell. Here are some of the cultural connections from our series.

This Week On Culturetopia: A movie round-up with pieces about Daniel Craig and "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo," Glenn Close and "Albert Nobbs," Meryl and "The Iron Lady," and Angelina Jolie on "In the Land Of Blood and Honey."

This week on Pop Culture Happy Hour, NPR Monkey See's Linda Holmes, Trey Graham, Stephen Thompson and Glen Weldon look back at their favorite moments of 2011: the singers, the comics, the books that made us feel them all the way to our toes, and more. All that plus What's Making Us Happy this week.

This week on Culturetopia: Bill T. Jones on a winter song that haunts him; a Minneapolis rapper finds hip-hop roots in poetry and jazz; Canadian guitarist Cam Penner

This week on Pop Culture Happy Hour, NPR Monkey See's Linda Holmes, Trey Graham, Stephen Thompson, and Glen Weldon make their big predictions for 2012. Plus What's Making Us Happy this week.

This Week in Culturetopia: "Redneck" sterotypes on TV; new stories by author Anita Desai; the band Miracles of Modern Science; what the movies "Young Adult" and "We Need To Talk About kevin" hae in common; remembering Colonel Potter.

This Week in Culturetopia: "Redneck" sterotypes on TV; new stories by author Anita Desai; the band Miracles of Modern Science; what the movies "Young Adult" and "We Need To Talk About kevin" hae in common; remembering Colonel Potter.

This week on Pop Culture Happy Hour, NPR Monkey See's Linda Holmes and the PCHH gang take a look at the "guilty pleasure" — whether they believe in guilty pleasures, and then explore the notion with songs. Then it's time for a discussion of holiday music and, as always, What's Making Us Happy this week.

This week on Culturetopia: an interview with Mary J. Blige; the modernist homes of architect John Lautner; how Harvey Weinstein picks movies; a capella group Pentatonix; traffic sign haiku.

This week on Pop Culture Happy Hour, NPR Monkey See's Linda Holmes, Trey Graham, Stephen Thompson and Glen Weldon consider the Muppets and the nature of nostalgia itself. Then they talk about where to find common ground with loved ones so nobody gets really angry over the holidays, and of course cover What's Making Us Happy this week.

This (Movie) Week on Culturetopia: Making "My Week With Marilyn"; working sans sound in "The Artist"; a beauty queen caught in the drug trade in a new film from Mexico; holiday treats from Hollywood; Susan Stamberg visits The Muppets.

This Week in Culturetopia: Comedian Donald Glover; new twists on TV; how networks are filling time without the NBA; the new crime drama "Person of Interest"; jass pianist Keith Jarrett's entirely improvised new album.

On this week's Pop Culture Happy Hour, NPR Monkey See's Linda Holmes, Stephen Thompson, Glen Weldon and Trey Graham talk about what they do and don't like in memoirs, and then explore the most suitable of Thanksgiving topics: what goes well with a pop culture turkey. All that plus What's Making Us Happy.

This Week On Culturetopia: Leonardo DiCaprio on playing J. Edgar Hoover; Walmart’s new fine art museum; the lasting impact of Ayn Rand’s novels on legislators; how Spotify works; remembering Heavy D.

This week on Pop Culture Happy Hour, NPR Monkey See's Linda Holmes returns to lead a discussion on winter movie, from the art filmes and Oscar-bait movies like My Week With Marilyn, The Iron Lady and Young Adult to potential blockbusters The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, Mission Impossible, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and more. Then, a look at television shows that use music exceptionally well, including Six Feet Under, Freaks and Geeks, Jimmy Fallon and more. Plus What's Making Us Happy this week. 

This week on Culturetopia: The Surgery That Saves Silenced Singers, 'Art Of The Arab Lands' Displays A Global Heritage, Punk Rock Grows Up, And Grays, In 'Other F Word', J. Cole: An Upstart Rapper Speaks For Himself, The Red Solo Cup: Every Party's Most Popular Guest

This week on Pop Culture Happy Hour, the PCHH gang talk about people in pop culture we've underestimated — from Lisa Kudrow to Russell Brand. Then a disccusion about makes a great game show, Regrettable Television Pop Quiz and What's Making Us Happy this week.

This week on Culturetopia Justin Timberlake on his adventures in comedy, music, and acting. Tony Bennett talks about his new album Duets II. Rita Moreno and John Leguizamo discuss cultural hurdles. and John Landis on the Thriller dance.

This week on Pop Culture Happy Hour, NPR Monkey See's Linda Holmes, Stephen Thompson, Glen Weldon and Trey Graham consider the Halloween television that they enjoy (and don't), from The Simpsons and the Great Pumpkin to the Addams Family, Frasier, Freaks and Geeks and more. Then the gang expands on some recommendations we've made in the past, and talk about What's Making Us Happy.

This week on Culturetopia: Actress Amy Poehler speaks about the political aspirations of Leslie Knope, her character on NBC's comedy Parks and Recreation. Martin Lindstrom about his new book Brandwashed. Plus bilingual Texas trio Girl in a Coma; arts funding lacks diversity; and the 'Real Sybil' admits her multiple personalities were fake.

This week on Pop Culture Happy Hour, NPR Monkey See's Linda Holmes, Stephen Thompson, Trey Graham and Glen Weldon talk about the aging of admiration, the progress of fall television — including Revenge, Terra Nova, Pan Am and Gifted Man. Then What's Making Us Happy.

This Week on Culturetopia: Whether Hollywood's run out of ideas; electronic music festivals in the media's crosshairs; "Catch 22" turns fifty; the real birdwatchers behind "The Big Year."

On this week's Pop Culture Happy Hour, NPR Monkey See's Linda Holmes along with Glen Weldon, Stephen Thompson and Trey Graham are joined by pop culture critic and boxing expert for a lively discussion about robot boxing, regular boxing and the new film Real Steel. Plus a new twist on the Regrettable Television Pop Quiz (including musicals!), and lots and lots more.

This Week On Culturetopia: Hemingway's fishing boat; the joy of letters; folk icon Bert Jansch remembered; an Afghan-American performance artist in Kabul; the latest album from singer-songwriter Feist.

This Week on Culturetopia: Idris Elba on playing Luther (and hopefully, James Bond); a lost work of Beethovan's, restored; Showtime's new series about an unstable CIA agent; remembering the Godmother of Hip-Hop; Ben-Hur on DVD

This week on Pop Culture Happy Hour, NPR Monkey See's Linda Holmes, Trey Graham, Glen Weldon and Stephen Thompson explore the rebooted DC comics universe by sampling issues of the newly relaunched series. They then talk about watching football together, and — naturally — tell you What's Making Us Happy this week.

This week on Pop Culture Happy Hour, NPR Monkey See's Linda Holmes and the PCHH gang gather after watching the first week of FOX's new singing competition show, The X Factor.  Then movies about sneezing, countertenors, and a game that will call upon your vast knowledge of famous injuries in pop-culture history.  Plus What's Making Us Happy this week.

This week in Culturetopia: The author of "Moneyball" speaks; a new documentary backed by Jamie Foxx; an idiosyncratic composer reveals his methods; new biopics reviewed; Susan Lucci says goodbye.

This week on Pop Culture Happy Hour, NPR Music's Stephen Thompson takes the reigns in Linda Holmes absence to lead a brief discussion of this year's Emmy Awards — who won, who lost and how host Jane Lynch did. Then the gang make their picks for new fall television shows they're championing sight unseen and will be periodically watching throughout the season. Plus, What's Making Us Happy.

This week on Culturetopia: The Night Circus; Citizen Kane meets Blu-Ray; portraits of New York African-American women; Roger Ebert on his new memoir; last purchases at Borders Bookstore.

This week on Pop Culture Happy Hour, NPR Monkey See's Linda Holmes sits with PCHH regulars Glen Weldon, Trey Graham and producer Mike Katzif to talk about local culture — from local sports and eats, to those wackadoo local television programs. Then a look culture that uses food well and makes us hungry: Chocolate, Ratatouille, The Sopranos, Bridesmaids and more. All that plus What's Making Us Happy this week.

This Week on Culturetopia: Alexandra Fuller's new memoir; Western opera singers in China; cellist Zoe Keating; Libyan author Hisham Matar; what tennis star Zina Garrison's listening to now

This week on Pop Culture Happy Hour, NPR Monkey See's Linda Holmes, Stephen Thompson, Glen Weldon and Trey Graham preview this fall's upcoming movies — from Ides of March and Contagion to I Don't Know How She Does It and more. Then a look at the best television guest stars, who should be caset and who we want to see again. Plus, What's Making Us Happy.

This Week on Culturetopia: Hugh Laurie plays the blues; comedy after 9/11; the song of the summer; the comedy webseries "Awkward Black Girl"

This week on Pop Culture Happy Hour, the PCHH staff takes a look at fictional schools we have known — from Buffy The Vampire Slayer to Freaks and Geeks to Heathers and beyond — the traditions that kinda go with Labor Day, and one of our favorite pointless television spectacles of the year: the VMAs.

This Week On Culturetopia: origins of the banjo revealed; the importance of location in the film ‘Fort Apache the Bronx;’ Irish rockabilly singer Imelda May; comparing the 1947 gangster film ‘Brighton Rock’ to its recently released remake; the new reality TV show ‘Russian Dolls.’

This week on Pop Culture Happy Hour, NPR Monkey See's Linda Holmes and the PCHH crew have a somewhat spoilery discussion of Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes, talk about how to get over insomnia, and talk — as always — about what's making us happy this week. Plus an earthquake update!

This Week on Culturetopia: Photographer Elliott Erwitt; a rebooted “Porgy and Bess;” musician Grey Reverend; the new documentary “Senna;” the healing power of blues dancing.

This week on Pop Culture Happy Hour, NPR Monkey See's Linda Holmes returns to the host chair to give a quick recap of TCA. Then the rest of the PCHH gang — Stephen Thompson, Glen Weldon and Mike Katzif — discuss some unsung heroes in pop culture, from the straight man in a comedy duo to film editors to the Washington Generals. All that plus more Pop Culture Blind Spots and What's Making Us Happy this week — the Green Bay Packers, the return of a comedy podcast, Curb Your Enthusiasm and a classic 80s show.

This Week on Culturetopia: Jeff Bridges releases a country music album; our series On Location continues with a look at the film "Touch of Evil;" actress Octavia Spencer on the controversies surrounding "The Help;" Bert and Ernie are officially just friends; a remembrance of a Mexican comic legend.

This Week on Culturetopia:  Crime novelist George Pelecanos; Shakespeare in the Park; Wil Wheaton remembers "Stand By Me"; the vanishing profession of snake charming

This week on Pop Culture Happy Hour, NPR's Trey Graham, Stephen Thompson, Tanya Ballard Brown and Barrie Hardymon take a look at some of the recent news going on in the world: London's burning, and the markets are having mood swings — and naturally look to Hollywood for lessons about what to do when the center isn't holding. Then a discussion of frequent pop culture punching bag, fast food. And lastly, What's Making Us Happy this week including the Green Bay Packers, the Canadian television drama Intelligence, 'The Help' and more.

This week on Pop Culture Happy Hour, NPR Monkey See's Linda Holmes is still away covering the Television Critics Association gathering in Los Angeles, but she still manages to drop by via Skype to talk about some of the best shows, worst shows she's seen and share some wackadoo stories. Then, a discussion of some regrettable television: Same Name, starring David Hasselhoff and his similarly named doppleganger. Plus What's Making Us Happy This Week.

This week on Culturetopia: 'Wacky Genius' actor and comedian Jonathan Winters; The Whistleblower is basd on the story of Kathryn Bolkovac, played by Rachel Weisz; A frantic nonstop chase at Point Blank range; singer Joss Stone returns with her first new album on her own label; and remember jazz saxophoist Frank Foster.

This week on Pop Culture Happy Hour, NPR's Stephen Thompson, Glen Weldon and Trey Graham are joined again by Barrie Hardymon to ask exactly how hot would it have to be outside before you'd see a movie like 'The Smurfs' just for the air-conditioning? Are you a Boggle person or a Scrabble person? Does the Game of Life reveal the tragic dark side of the American Dream? All that plus 'What's Making Us Happy This Week?' including Captain America, Slings and Arrows and more.

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This week on Culturetopia: A Tribe Called Quest: The Rise And Fall Of A Legend; On Location: The Central Florida Of 'The Yearling;' Living Multiple Outcomes: Brit Marling Is A Hyphenate On 'Another Earth'; Enterprising Young Musicians On The Road To Interlochen; Yo, Bro! Belly Up To The Bar And Recite 'Broetry'

This week on Pop Culture Happy Hour, NPR' Monkey See's Linda Holmes and the PCHH team gather for another pop culture round-table tackling the issue of cultural pretenders, along with obscure talents that need to make their triumphant returns and a few of the wackiest (really!) TV episode titles we could find. Plus What's Making Us Happy This Week.

This week on Culturetopia: Saying goodbye to 'Friday Night Lights;' James Marsh and his new documentary 'Project Nim;' one man watches Oprah's network OWN; neo soul from Nikki Jean; and sounds of the summer.

This week on Pop Culture Happy Hour, it's the one-year anniversary so NPR Monkey See's Linda Holmes and the PCHH game  take on the theme of appreciation — things that came along at just the right time, things we fondly wish we could have more of, and the things that, as always, we appreciate for just making us happy, including The Simpsons, Gotham Central, Martha Wainwright, Bon Iver, Mr. Show, the Muppets, George Carlin, Jerry Orbach's theatre career, country line dancing and much much more.

This week on Culturetopia: Outer space in the movies; John Singleton and Cuba Gooding Jr. reflect on Boyz N the Hood 20 years later; Dolly Parton returns with a new album; Ledisi returns with new record.

This week on Pop Culture Happy Hour, NPR Monkey See's Linda Holmes, Trey Graham and Glen Weldon are joined by dear friend Barrie Hardymon, who joins in for a discussion of homebound pop culture and when it's okay to just walk out on a book, a movie, or even a live performance. All that plus What's Making Us Happy This Week.

This Week on Culturetopia: Marlon Brando's lost musical innovation; extreme reactions to 'Tree of Life'; what it costs to make a hit song; Hollywood sequelitis; a look back at Ernest Hemmingway

This week on Pop Culture Happy Hour, NPR Monkey See's Linda Holmes returns, along with Glen Weldon, Trey Graham and Stephen Thompson to chat about Pixar and 'Cars 2' (taking a rare break from superheroes). Then round of Regrettable Television Pop Quiz, and a talk about the Fourth of July and what it actually does mean to us. And, of course, What's Making Us Happy this week.

This Week On Culturetopia: Tom Hanks on his latest film; Jeopardy contestant wranglers; a Peruvian actress challenges the status quo; Telemundo’s biggest-ever hit; which shows should win Emmys.

This week on Pop Culture Happy Hour, the <em>PCHH</em> gang descends into madness in host Linda Holmes' absence. An influx of guests discuss Green Lantern, the differences between the movie version and the live theatre version of Stephen Sondheim's Company and more.

This Week on Culturetopia: Jil Scott on acting versus singing; a kids' show gets an indie-rock following; Google honors Les Paul; a jazzman traces his Cuban roots; campfire songs

This week on Pop Culture Happy Hour, NPR Monkey See's Linda Holmes along with Trey Graham, Stephen Thompson and Glen Weldon salute their dads and the things they liked. Also they discuss the Tony Awards and Super 8 and Things Making Us Happy This Week. All in all, a fairly contended week on the PCHH floor.

This Week on Culturetopia: the best of summer television; a new exhibition about Gertrude Stein; Broadway stars who made a splash this season; dispatches from cocktail culture; a Native American tribe opens a museum

This week on Pop Culture Happy Hour, NPR Monkey See's Linda Holmes, Glen Weldon, Trey Graham and Stephen Thompson all dig into the the summer's latest superhero blockbuster, X-Men: First Class, as well as the hilariously bad trailers that preceded that movie. Then a disccusion about dark young adult fiction and what's making us happy this week.

This Week on Culturetopia: Ann Patchett's latest novel; how music affects the brain; a fresh look at Verdi’s Requiem; playwright Edward Albee causes a flap.

This week on Pop Culture Happy Hour, NPR Monkey See's Linda Holmes, Trey Graham and Stephen Thompson are joined by a special guest — NPR Digital News editor Tanya Ballard Brown — to discuss critics and blockbusters — including The Hangover 2, X-Men First Class and Bridesmaids — pop culture prices, and — as always — what's making us happy this week.

This week on Culturetopia: Brad Pitt's career-defining role in "The Tree of Life;" competing family memoirs; breakout singer Daphne Willis; the latest Stanley Kubrick DVD collection; techno music's origins celebrated in Detroit festival.

stories not often told, celestial surfing and real life noire sleuthing.

This week on Pop Culture Happy Hour, NPR Monkey See's Linda Holmes, Trey Graham, Glen Weldon and Stephen Thompson celebrate the arrival of summer with their summer reading lists, favorite signals that the season has arrived, and the music that keeps them company in the heat. All that, plus What's Making Us Happy this week.

This week on Culturetopia: 'Bridesmaids' and female buddy flicks; Will Ferrell plays it straight; the Library of Congress starts a national jukebox; practitioners of a high-energy Chicago dance style called Footwork; a secret night market in Oakland, Calif.

This week on Pop Culture Happy Hour: Our summer movie season kicks off with an absurdly detailed discussion of Thor, from pecs to family dynamics, plus other movies coming this summer including Captain America, Kung Fu Panda 2 and Bridesmaids. Then what's making us happy, whether it's what we've found or what we've abandoned.

This week on Culturetopia: Shania Twain's personal travails; the subversive art of Libyan youth; a new cultural center celebrates L.A.'s Mexican roots; how publishers churn out newsworthy books; artist Glen Ligon.

This week on Pop Culture Happy Hour, NPR Monkey See's Linda Holmes and the PCHH gang talk about whether there's any actual momentum toward more (and more active) female fighters. Then they consider the movies they can't help watching whenever they show up on television. Plus, of course, What's Making Us Happy this week.

This Week on Culturetopia: The power of Libyan fiction; Ice-T on his new memoir; 'Everybody Loves Raymond' goes to Russia; the progressive racial politics of 'The Fast and the Furious'; remembering Phoebe Snow.

This week on Pop Culture Happy Hour, NPR Monkey See's Linda Holmes, Stephen Thompson, Trey Graham and Glen Weldon kick off with a brief discussion of the pulpily titillating HBO fantasy miniseries Game of Thrones, then delve into adaptations, Pop Culture Travels and all things happiness-inducing.

This week on Culturetopia: the best of NPR's arts coverage includes a look at the panglobal world of foreign film; how a Columbian city supports music; the griping new film Incendies; how legendary reggae and dub producer Lee "Scratch" Perry stays relevant; a fake press release intrigues an NPR Music editor .

This week on Pop Culture Happy Hour, NPR Monkey See's Linda Holmes, Stephen Thompson, Glen Weldon and Trey Graham talk about London, royalty, deep and abiding villainy — from soap opera and classic film villains to Disney movies and Seinfeld — and then what's making us happy. We've got sitcoms, we've got Molly Ringwald — you just never know where things might go.