CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on March 21st, 2024, reviewing the new streaming series “Manhunt” – based on the bestseller by James L. Swanson – currently streaming on Apple TV+.
December 2009
2010 Summit Pictures Preview: ‘The Twilight Saga: Eclipse,’ ‘Remember Me’
Submitted by BrianTT on December 31, 2009 - 3:16pmCHICAGO – Summit Pictures has released a slate of images from their 2010 films including “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse,” “Remember Me” (starring Robert Pattinson), “The Ghost Writer,” “Furry Vengeance,” and “Letters From Juliet”.
Interview Highlights of 2009: Quentin Tarantino, Jason Reitman, Rachel Weisz, More
Submitted by BrianTT on December 31, 2009 - 1:42pmCHICAGO – The staff at HollywoodChicago.com met with some living legends and some rising stars in 2009. As we prepare to bring you even more in 2010, we thought we’d look back at a few of our favorite quotes from the year. Enjoy.
Video Game Review: Kids Will Dance to ‘Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel’
Submitted by BrianTT on December 31, 2009 - 12:33pmCHICAGO – Reviewing games based on kids movies that are as clearly aimed at children as are the DS and Nintendo Wii tie-ins for “Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel” can be a tough assignment. What approach is appropriate? I generally think that I can only be honest about my personal experience with a game, but what if that game isn’t designed with my demographic in mind? Personally, I struggled with getting enjoyment out of either console version but I think some of my eight and nine-year-old relatives would love both.
DVD Round Up, Dec. 31, 2009: ‘Beyond a Reasonable Doubt,’ ‘Sita Sings the Blues’
Submitted by BrianTT on December 31, 2009 - 11:56amCHICAGO – The DVD Round-Up has traveled the globe this week to bring you a diverse slate of under-the-radar titles received in the HollywoodChicago.com offices this holiday season. With so many major releases this time of year, it’s hard to cover everything, but we wanted to make sure you knew these were out there in case you have a gift card burning a hole in your pocket.
2010 Walt Disney Pictures Preview: ‘Toy Story 3,’ ‘Alice in Wonderland,’ ‘Prince of Persia’
Submitted by BrianTT on December 30, 2009 - 5:35pmCHICAGO – Walt Disney Pictures has released a slate of images from their 2010 films including “Alice in Wonderland,” “Prince of Persia,” “Toy Story 3,” “The Last Song,” “Tron: Legacy,” “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” “Oceans,” “When in Rome,” and “Step Up 3D”.
Blu-Ray Review: ‘American Pie Presents: The Book of Love’ Almost Entirely Free of Laughs
Submitted by BrianTT on December 30, 2009 - 4:02pmCHICAGO – We’ve gone from apple pie to PB-and-J. No, I’m not kidding. The opening scene of “American Pie Presents: The Book of Love” features a character turning away from internet porn so he can bang his lunch. When his dog ‘joins in,’ he doesn’t stop him. Laughing yet? If you thought this straight-to-DVD franchise had hit the bottom of the barrel before, it turns out they’ve found another barrel below the false floor and it’s filled to the brim with horrible comedy.
HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 50 VIP Chicago Party Passes For New TNT Police Drama ‘Southland’
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on December 30, 2009 - 3:57pmCHICAGO – In our latest TV edition of HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: TV, we have 50 admit-two passes up for grabs to the VIP Chicago party for TNT’s new cop drama “Southland”!
Robert Downey Jr.’s Low-Tech ‘Sherlock Holmes’ Packs Powerful Punch
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on December 27, 2009 - 10:56pmCHICAGO – Instead of relying of high-tech gadgetry and big-budget Hollywood CGI, Guy Ritchie’s gritty “Sherlock Holmes” does what major films often don’t: delivers big-payoff action sequences merely utilizing the body and mind.
Robert Downey Jr.’s Low-Tech ‘Sherlock Holmes’ Packs Powerful Punch
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on December 27, 2009 - 10:18pm Rating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Instead of relying of high-tech gadgetry and big-budget Hollywood CGI, Guy Ritchie’s gritty “Sherlock Holmes” does what major films often don’t: delivers big-payoff action sequences merely utilizing the body and mind.
Colin Firth Plays a Wistful Game of Solitaire in ‘A Single Man’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on December 26, 2009 - 9:24amCHICAGO – There is a certain madness in the shock of grieving over a loved one who has passed that manifests itself in particular ways. Colin Firth interprets those emotions intuitively in the captivating “A Single Man.”
Colin Firth Plays a Wistful Game of Solitaire in ‘A Single Man’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on December 26, 2009 - 9:13am Rating: 4.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – There is a certain madness in the shock of grieving over a loved one who has passed that manifests itself in particular ways. Colin Firth interprets those emotions intuitively in the captivating “A Single Man.”
Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin, Steve Martin Shine in ‘It’s Complicated’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on December 25, 2009 - 8:34amCHICAGO – Referring to her new film, “It’s Complicated,” Meryl Steep recently said, “It’s incredible, I’m playing the romantic lead in romantic comedies. Bette Davis is rolling over in her grave.” Tell Kate Hepburn the news.
Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin, Steve Martin Shine in ‘It’s Complicated’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on December 25, 2009 - 8:26am Rating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Referring to her new film, “It’s Complicated,” Meryl Steep recently said, “It’s incredible, I’m playing the romantic lead in romantic comedies. Bette Davis is rolling over in her grave.” Tell Kate Hepburn the news.
Star-Studded ‘Nine’ With Daniel Day-Lewis Delivers Grand Musical Spectacle
Submitted by BrianTT on December 24, 2009 - 2:45pmCHICAGO – Rob Marshall’s highly anticipated “Nine” isn’t quite the complete piece that it could have been, but its flaws are easy to overlook in favor of old-fashioned, pure entertainment.
Star-Studded ‘Nine’ With Daniel Day-Lewis Delivers Grand Musical Spectacle
Submitted by BrianTT on December 24, 2009 - 2:41pmRating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Rob Marshall’s highly anticipated “Nine” isn’t quite the complete piece that it could have been, but its flaws are easy to overlook in favor of the spectacle of old-fashioned, pure entertainment. It is what so many musicals are remembered for being: a series of memorable moments, the toe-tapping sum of which makes a missed beat or two easier to overlook.
Interviews: Christmas Stars Shine With Mickey Rooney, Ernest Borgnine, Tippi Hedren, Larry Hagman
Submitted by PatrickMcD on December 24, 2009 - 9:10amCHICAGO – On this Christmas Eve, we will bask in the light of sparkling film stars, and honor their legacy. Mickey Rooney, Ernest Borgnine, Tippi Hedren and Larry Hagman met admirers at the Hollywood Celebrities Show.
Interviews: ‘American Graffiti,’ ‘Laverne & Shirley’ at the Hollywood Celebrities Show
Submitted by PatrickMcD on December 23, 2009 - 1:02pmCHICAGO – “Where were you in ‘62?” was the tagline for the popular 1973 film “American Graffiti.” The Hollywood Celebrities Show had most of the cast there – Cindy Williams, Charles Martin Smith, Paul LeMat and Candy Clark.
Blu-Ray Review: ‘9’ Counts on Audacious Visuals to Pull in Viewers
Submitted by mattmovieman on December 23, 2009 - 12:37pmCHICAGO – Seventy years ago, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer released a haunting animated short named “Peace On Earth.” Director Hugh Harman set his story in a post-apocalyptic world inhabited only by animals, who have rebuilt a society dedicated to peace and nonviolence. Mankind ultimately brought about their own extinction by forging never-ending wars.
Blu-Ray Review: ‘Extract’ Aims Satire at Land of Idiocracy
Submitted by mattmovieman on December 22, 2009 - 11:53amCHICAGO – Mike Judge is fascinated by the culture of stupid. His characters are so desperate to shake up the listless patterns of their lives that they’ll resort to antics far below their normal IQ level. Judge’s third live-action feature is aimed at a generation addicted to smoking pot and watching “Family Guy,” two compulsions often used as an easy escape route from reality.
Interviews: ‘M*A*S*H’ Up! ‘Trapper John, M.D.’ at the Hollywood Celebrities Show
Submitted by PatrickMcD on December 22, 2009 - 7:37amCHICAGO – The film and TV journey of “M*A*S*H” was recently present at the Hollywood Celebrities Show in Rosemont, Illinois. From the film, Elliott Gould and Sally Kellerman were there, as well as Gregory Harrison of “Trapper John, M.D.”
Blu-Ray Review: Masterful ‘Inglourious Basterds’ One of 2009’s Best Blu-Rays
Submitted by BrianTT on December 21, 2009 - 11:40pmCHICAGO – If only there were more filmmakers with visions as unique as “Inglourious Basterds” and the guts to put their reputation on the line. Thriller, drama, comedy, action film, and a slice of revisionist history that plays as a modern revenge fantasy, “Inglourious Basterds” plays even better the second time through and shines with a fantastic Blu-Ray release. It’s a total blast.
Blu-Ray Review: ‘Lost: Season Five’ Continues Series of Spectacular Releases
Submitted by BrianTT on December 21, 2009 - 10:53pmCHICAGO – With its fifth season Blu-Ray release, “Lost” continues to make a case as the TV series with the most remarkable season DVD sets alongside award-winning season sets for shows like “24” and “The Simpsons”. With a technically flawless presentation and unique, in-depth special features, these sets perfectly balance an appeal to casual fans while also satisfying the hardcore one.
2010 Paramount Pictures Preview: ‘Iron Man 2,’ ‘Shutter Island,’ ‘Shrek Forever After’
Submitted by BrianTT on December 21, 2009 - 2:56pm
Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) befriends Toothless, an injured Night Fury—the rarest dragon of all. Credit: Dreamworks AnimationCHICAGO – Paramount has released cast and synopsis information along with a slate of images from their entire 2010 schedule of films, including “Shutter Island,” “She’s Out of My League,” “How to Train Your Dragon,” “Iron Man 2.” “Shrek Forever After,” “The Last Airbender,” “Dinner For Schmucks,” “Megamind,” and “Morning Glory”.
‘The Hurt Locker’ Sweeps Chicago Film Critics Association Awards
Submitted by BrianTT on December 21, 2009 - 12:24pmCHICAGO – Kathryn Bigelow’s “The Hurt Locker” swept the Chicago Film Critics Association awards for 2009, winning in every single category in which it was nominated, taking home prizes for Best Picture, Best Director (Kathryn Bigelow), Best Original Screenplay (Mark Boal), Best Actor (Jeremy Renner), and Best Cinematography (Barry Ackroyd).
Blu-Ray Review: ‘G-Force’ Offers Jerry Bruckheimer Lobotomy For Kids
Submitted by mattmovieman on December 21, 2009 - 12:10pmCHICAGO – Here’s one of the year’s lamest excuses for children’s entertainment. Like “Shorts” and “Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs,” it assumes that young minds crave little more than frantic and shrill zaniness. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer views kids in the same way he views adults: as human guinea pigs in need of being dumbed down.
Interviews: ‘Star Trek,’ ‘Wayne’s World,’ ‘Growing Pains,’ ‘Three’s Company’ at Hollywood Celebrities Show
Submitted by PatrickMcD on December 21, 2009 - 8:23amCHICAGO – At the recent Hollywood Celebrities Show in Rosemont, Illinois, Jonathan Frakes of “Star Trek,” Tia Carrere of “Wayne’s World,” Julie McCullough of “Growing Pains” and Jenilee Harrison of “Three’s Company” were attendees.
Exclusive HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Mega Holiday BBC DVD Prize Pack With ‘Doctor Who,’ More
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on December 18, 2009 - 5:20pmCHICAGO – In our VIP edition of HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: DVD, we have our biggest and best giveaway of the year just in time for the holidays: a mega BBC DVD favorites prize pack!
Emily Blunt is the Girl Who Would Be Queen in ‘The Young Victoria’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on December 18, 2009 - 9:03amCHICAGO – One of the functions of royalty seems to be an expected adoration from the peasants. Emily Blunt, Rupert Friend and Paul Bettany offer their interpretation on a monarch’s origins with “The Young Victoria.”
Emily Blunt is the Girl Who Would Be Queen in ‘The Young Victoria’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on December 18, 2009 - 8:58amRating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – One of the functions of royalty seems to be an expected adoration from the peasants. Emily Blunt, Rupert Friend and Paul Bettany offer their interpretation on a monarch’s origins with “The Young Victoria.”
New Concept Video, Pictures Released For ‘Tron: Legacy’ With Jeff Bridges, Olivia Wilde
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on December 17, 2009 - 8:31pmCHICAGO – Exactly one year before its scheduled release date, this is an eight-image slideshow and a visual effects concept test video for the new film “Tron: Legacy,” which stars Jeff Bridges, Garrett Hedlund, Olivia Wilde and Michael Sheen.
