October 2012

Internet Generation is Terrorized in Clichéd ‘Smiley’

HollywoodChicago.com Oscarman rating: 2.5/5.0
Rating: 2.5/5.0

CHICAGO – What if all the evil on the internet manifested itself into a supernatural being with the power to kill a la Candyman? Such is the relatively clever premise of “Smiley,” opening in limited release this week. It’s a modest, low-budget horror movie with some effective ideas and an engaging lead performance but it clutters itself down with too much dialogue about its title character and the very concept of evil being potentially brought to physical life. Every time that it feels like “Smiley” could become something interesting, it falls back into clichés. It’s a film about the next generation of horror villains that owes too much to the older ones.

TV Review: FX Comedies ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,’ ‘The League’

CHICAGO – Some of the most likable morons in the history of television are back tonight as the eighth season of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” and the fourth season of “The League” return to FX for more remarkable stupidity.

Interview: Actress Sybil Danning to Introduce ‘Chained Heat’ in Chicago on Oct. 12, 2012

Sybil Danning in 'Chained Heat'

CHICAGO – The characteristics of the classic B-movie during the 1970s and ‘80s usually required prisons, women and uniforms designed to easily tear away. The Music Box Theatre in Chicago will highlight that era on Friday, October 12, when they present “Chained Heat.” One of the co-stars of that essential women’s prison movie, Sybil Danning, will be at the theatre in person to introduce the film.

Film Feature: 48th Annual Chicago International Film Festival Highlights

CHICAGO – The 48th Annual Chicago International Film Festival boasts one of the starriest opening nights in its history, with Al Pacino, Christopher Walken, Alan Arkin and Jon Bon Jovi all scheduled to walk the red carpet for the October 11th world premiere of Fisher Stevens’ crime comedy, “Stand Up Guys.” Yet that is far from the only picture worthy of attention at the year’s festival.

Interview: Martin McDonagh Introduces You to ‘Seven Psychopaths’

CHICAGO – Playwright Martin McDonagh really broke into the film world in a big way with his Oscar-nominated script for the stellar “In Bruges.” He defies the sophomore slump this week with the release of “Seven Psychopaths,” starring Colin Farrell, Sam Rockwell, Christopher Walken, Tom Waits, and Woody Harrelson.

Blu-ray Review: Breathtaking New Restored Transfer For Gorgeous ‘In the Mood For Love’

In the Mood For Love

CHICAGO – Wong Kar-Wai’s “In the Mood For Love” is one of the most beautiful movies ever made, a mesmerizing blend of Wong’s gift with storytelling, perfect performances from its captivating leads, a gorgeous score from Michael Galasso, and Christopher Doyle & Mark Li Ping-Bin’s cinematography, which should have won every award imaginable. This timeless tale of unrequited love in 1962 Hong Kong resonated strongly with me when I saw it over a decade ago but it’s an even better movie than I remembered. It’s simply perfect and Criterion’s breathtaking HD transfer does it all the justice it deserves.

DVD Review: Latest Seasons of CW Shows ‘Nikita,’ ‘Hart of Dixie’

Hart of Dixie

CHICAGO – Every year from about February to May, TV pundits play the cancellation game. We look at the ratings, read about picked-up pilots, and try to figure out what the networks will renew and cancel. Two of the biggest question marks of this past season were The CW’s “Hart of Dixie” and “Nikita,” but they were both spared the sharp end of the axe and are returning this month to the air. Why? What did the networks and fans see in them? Check out the first season of “Hart of Dixie” on DVD and the second season of “Nikita,” available on Blu-ray and DVD, to find out.

TV Review: NBC’s ‘Chicago Fire’ Generates Little Heat

Chicago Fire

CHICAGO – I might be more forgiving of the dramatic failings of the saga of Matthew Casey if I had never met Tommy Gavin. For years, we felt the pain and drama of life as a firefighter on FX’s “Rescue Me,” and, while I had some issues with that show, it definitely casts NBC’s “Chicago Fire” in a different light. However, even without Denis Leary’s hit show, I don’t think this melodrama would work. It just doesn’t connect on a realistic level like we need shows like this to do. I don’t expect it to burn for long.

TV Review: Connie Britton Carries a Dramatic Tune to ‘Nashville’

Nashville

CHICAGO – It seems unlikely to be the artistic accomplishment of “Friday Night Lights” or “American Horror Story,” but Connie Britton has done it again, bringing another character vibrantly to life on “Nashville” and cementing her position as one of the best actresses on television. She’s easily the best thing about this entertaining if inconsistent show, a program that too often submits to its soap opera trappings but has enough rhythm to presume that it could be a solid weekly diversion.

TV Review: The CW’s ‘Arrow’ Misses Bullseye But Hits Target

CHICAGO – Can The CW survive on genre product alone? They’ve given up entirely on comedy, their reality shows produce immeasurably small ratings, and most of their traditional dramas are either past their prime (“Gossip Girl”) or struggling to find an audience (“Hart of Dixie”).

Interview: Hot TV Role for Teri Reeves on New Series ‘Chicago Fire’

Chicago Fire Teri Reeves

CHICAGO – The Windy City has a new television show set here, and all last summer the cast of “Chicago Fire” have been busy shooting the series for the fall season. One of the main characters, Hallie Thomas, is a major TV role breakout for actress Teri Reeves. “Chicago Fire” makes it’s premiere on Wednesday, October 10th, 2012, on NBC at 10pm ET/9pm Central.

Blu-ray Review: Diamond Edition of Disney's Beloved ‘Cinderella’

Cinderella

CHICAGO – It’s the season for an increasing number of titles on the Blu-ray New Releases shelf that are vying for a spot on your holiday wish list and Disney movies make an appearance every season. Every year, Disney reaches into the vault and pulls out another classic, giving it an HD upgrade and new special features. This year’s lucky bunch are the fans of “Cinderella,” an undeniable gem from the Disney canon given a glorious video restoration and accompanied with hours of special features, including a new short film called “Tangled Ever After” to appeal to fans of the surprising hit “Tangled.”

Blu-ray Review: Anniversary Edition of Timeless ‘E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial’

CHICAGO – When Universal started their wave of 2012 catalog Blu-ray releases to celebrate their anniversary, good movie nuts immediately started to consider what could be the next announcement in that collection. Near the top of everyone’s dream list? Steven Spielberg’s timeless “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial.”

HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 24-Hour Horror Film Festival Passes to Music Box of Horrors

CHICAGOCan you brave 24 hours of non-stop classic horror films? In the latest HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film with our unique social giveaway technology, we have for our most fearless readers two pairs of 24-hour horror film festival passes (priced at $40 each) up for grabs to the Music Box of Horrors with 14 horror films in a row!

DVD Review: Local Flavor Enhances Suspenseful ‘Munger Road’

Munger Road

CHICAGO – Local writer/director Nicholas Smith, who set and shot his lauded indie horror flick “Munger Road” in St. Charles, Illinois, has some undeniable talent. I think his debut gets a little lost in the final act but there is a lot to like about this little movie for even those with no connection to its Chicago roots. You’re going to be deluged with options this Halloween season for your horror-loving time. Take a trip to “Munger Road.”

Blu-ray Review: Crowd-Pleasing ‘People Like Us’ Deserved Better Fate

People Like Us

CHICAGO – The companies behind Alex Kurtzman’s “People Like Us” had no idea what to do with their crowd-pleasing melodrama, arguably releasing it at the worst possible time of the year for a tiny movie to not get swept away by bigger blockbusters. The result was a dud in theaters but should get strong word-of-mouth on the home market, helped amply by a stellar Blu-ray/DVD release.

Interview: Ben Affleck Brings Stunning Story of ‘Argo’ to Life

CHICAGO – Ben Affleck is such a nice, likable guy that he asks those interviewing him how they’re doing and expresses how much he loves Chicago before you can even get a question out. He has reason to be happy. He’s riding a wave of incredible praise for his amazing “Argo,” the best film of the year to date and a surefire player at this year’s Oscars (come back Thursday for our full review).

Video: Mamba Battle of the Bands Winner The Lauren Wolf Band Releases ‘One Day’ Music Video

The Lauren Wolf Band - One Day music video (fixed thumbnail)

CHICAGO – In partnership with Live Nation, the Mamba Battle of the Bands on Oct. 1, 2012 named the rising Chicago rock band The Lauren Wolf Band their national grand-prize winner. The prize package includes an upcoming performance at the House of Blues Chicago. In addition, the band on Sunday released its official “One Day” music video.

HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 50 Pairs of Limited Passes to ‘Chained Heat’ With Sybil Danning in Person

CHICAGO – In the latest HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film with our unique social giveaway technology, we have 50 pairs of special-event movie passes up for grabs to the Music Box Theatre’s release of “Chained Heat” – called the best women-in-prison movie in the history of the world! – with “Hercules” star Sybil Danning in person at this special event!

HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 5 Blu-ray, DVD Combo Packs to Steven Spielberg’s ‘E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial’

CHICAGOOwn a piece of cinematic history! In the latest HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Combo Pack with our unique social giveaway technology, we have 5 free Blu-ray and DVD combo packs up for grabs to Steven Spielberg’s “E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial”!

Film Review: Nicole Kidman is Unique in Fluttery ‘The Paperboy’

Paperboy, The

CHICAGO – With all the steamy heat, and the thick, gluey southern accents from mostly non-southern actors, the audience for “The Paperboy” might need to wear lawyer-like suspenders and flap a funeral home fan to take it all in. The sweaty new film features Nicole Kidman, Matthew McConaughey and John Cusack, all chewing the scenery.

Nicole Kidman is Unique in Fluttery ‘The Paperboy’

HollywoodChicago.com Oscarman rating: 3.0/5.0
Rating: 3.0/5.0

CHICAGO – With all the steamy heat, and the thick, gluey southern accents from mostly non-southern actors, the audience for “The Paperboy” might need to wear lawyer-like suspenders and flap a funeral home fan to take it all in. The sweaty new film features Nicole Kidman, Matthew McConaughey and John Cusack, all chewing the scenery.

Film Review: ‘About Cherry’ is Little More Than a Pretty Face

About Cherry
HollywoodChicago.com Oscarman rating: 2.0/5.0
Rating: 2.0/5.0

CHICAGO – Stephen Elliott’s “About Cherry” takes what could have been an interesting journey into the porn industry and turns it into what is essentially a TV-Movie-of-the-Week without the rating restrictions of the Lifetime Channel. Newcomer Ashley Hinshaw makes an impression and the supporting cast of Elliott’s drama is strong but the film never finds its focus, refusing to get under the beautiful surface of its lead character and present her as anything more than a sexy plot device.

Film Review: ‘Frankenweenie’ is Visually Rich, But Lacks Monstrosity

CHICAGO – The immersion that is possible in modern animated films is so rich now that it is practically reality. “Frankenweenie,” the newest puppetry-style film from director Tim Burton, is heroically painted onto the screen’s canvas, but the limp retelling of the Frankenstein movie myth doesn’t live up to the visual tone.

‘About Cherry’ is Little More Than a Pretty Face

HollywoodChicago.com Oscarman rating: 2.0/5.0
Rating: 2.0/5.0

CHICAGO – Stephen Elliott’s “About Cherry” takes what could have been an interesting journey into the porn industry and turns it into what is essentially a TV-Movie-of-the-Week without the rating restrictions of the Lifetime Channel. Newcomer Ashley Hinshaw makes an impression and the supporting cast of Elliott’s drama is strong but the film never finds its focus, refusing to get under the beautiful surface of its lead character and present her as anything more than a sexy plot device.

‘Frankenweenie’ is Visually Rich, But Lacks Monstrosity

HollywoodChicago.com Oscarman rating: 3.0/5.0
Rating: 3.0/5.0

CHICAGO – The immersion that is possible in modern animated films is so rich now that it is practically reality. “Frankenweenie,” the newest puppetry-style film from director Tim Burton, is heroically painted onto the screen’s canvas, but the limp retelling of the Frankenstein movie myth doesn’t live up to the visual tone.

Film Review: ‘Taken 2’ with Liam Neeson Trades Action For Nonsense

CHICAGO – Olivier Megaton’s “Taken 2” is utter nonsense, a film that plays like a cross between Seth MacFarlane spoofing the first film on “Family Guy” and “MacGyver” fan fiction (although nowhere NEAR as much fun as that might make it sound).

‘Taken 2’ with Liam Neeson Trades Action For Nonsense

HollywoodChicago.com Oscarman rating: 1.0/5.0
Rating: 1.0/5.0

CHICAGO – Olivier Megaton’s “Taken 2” is utter nonsense, a film that plays like a cross between Seth MacFarlane spoofing the first film on “Family Guy” and “MacGyver” fan fiction (although nowhere NEAR as much fun as that might make it sound). Everything that worked about the action-packed “Taken,” a surprising hit and a solid genre flick, has been corrupted here by jump cuts, horrendous plotting, and a complete lack of anything of interest outside of Neeson’s half-engaged performance.

HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 50 Pairs of Extra-Limited Passes to ‘The Beatles: Magical Mystery Tour’

CHICAGO – In the latest HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film with our unique social giveaway technology, we have 50 pairs of extra-limited movie passes up for grabs to the Music Box Theatre’s “The Beatles: Magical Mystery Tour,” which has been restored and will be shown on the big screen for the first time!

Film News: LUNAFEST Fim Festival to Premiere in Chicago on Oct. 5, 2012

LUNAFEST 2012

CHICAGO – October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the traveling film festival LUNAFEST, sponsored by LUNA bars and StyleChicago.com, will premiere at 6pm on this Friday, October 5th, at the new Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago. This festival helps support the Breast Cancer Fund and Bright Pink.

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  • Manhunt

    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+.

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    CHICAGO – When two brothers confront the sins of each other and it expands into a psychology of an entire race, it’s at a stage play found in Chicago’s Invictus Theatre Company production of “Topdog/Underdog,” now at their new home at the Windy City Playhouse through March 31st, 2024. Click TD/UD for tickets/info.

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