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+.
Paramount Pictures
Denzel Washington & Viola Davis Swing for the ‘Fences’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on December 24, 2016 - 9:14amRating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Viola Davis and Denzel Washington are actors who are likely to give plays adapted for the screen a good name. Their commitment to the material shines through in the new film “Fences.” Davis and Washington have a well worn familiarity with the characters –having portrayed them on Broadway in the 2010 revival of August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize winning play.
‘Office Christmas Party’ is Just Ho-Hum Humbug
Submitted by PatrickMcD on December 8, 2016 - 9:41pm- Abbey Lee
- Adrian Martinez
- Ben Falcone
- Courtney B. Vance
- Dan Mazer
- Fortune Feistier
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- Jamie Chung
- Jason Bateman
- Jennifer Aniston
- Jillian Bell
- Josh Gordon
- Justin Malen
- Karan Soni
- Kate McKinnon
- Laura Solon
- Matt Walsh
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- Olivia Munn
- Paramount Pictures
- Randall Park
- Rob Corddry
- Sam Richardson
- Spike Walters
- T.J. Miller
- Vanessa Bayer
- Will Speck
Rating: 2.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – “Office Christmas Party” summons up a few jolly ho-ho-ho’s, but can’t quite deliver even one decent belly laugh you’d expect, considering the talented cast chock full of funny folks. It’s halfway decent premise is drowned in a sea of unfulfilled potential and weak material that the ensemble can only do so much to save.
Science of the Human Condition Makes an ‘Arrival’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 11, 2016 - 7:08pmRating: 4.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – The film genre of aliens from other planets is as old as the movies. But it hasn’t been told as boldly and humanely as the new film “Arrival.” Its theme is communication, and how this interaction relates to the concept of the life cycle. Yes, it’s lofty, but it is also edge-of-the-seat engaging.
Remake of ‘Ben-Hur’ Can’t Find Right Tone or Pacing
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 23, 2016 - 8:01amRating: 1.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – In most cases, remaking a classic film is a fool’s errand that will end in disappointment for everyone involved. The greatest pitfall is the inevitable comparison between the two films. This form of cinematic suicide is becoming more prominent as cash grabs attempt to revive still relevant films. There are few stories that can and should be resurrected, but “Ben-Hur” is not among them.
‘Star Trek Beyond’ is a Blast of Starship Adventure
Submitted by PatrickMcD on July 21, 2016 - 10:04pmRating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – In the equation of the Star Trek universe, what works best is the emotional connection to the iconic crew. Co-screenwriter Simon Pegg – also portraying Scotty – knew this, and saved the rebooted series from its bloated second film. A magnificent adventure awaits with ‘Star Trek Beyond.’
‘Everybody Wants Some!!’ Gets Lost in Misty Nostalgia
Submitted by PatrickMcD on April 1, 2016 - 2:02pmRating: 3.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – When the first strains of “My Sharona” by The Knack come out of the car speakers of a dude going to college in 1980, as “Everybody Wants Some!!” began, my do-you-remember-when sense tingled. The film’s story, unfortunately, could not match that feeling of nostalgia.
‘10 Cloverfield Lane’ is a Dull Detour to a Dead End
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 11, 2016 - 10:31pmRating: 2.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – With “10 Cloverfield Lane,” Producer J.J. Abrams attempts a classic bait and switch on his audience. The name and the tagline suggest a connection to Abrams found footage monster movie, 2008’s “Cloverfield.” But in all honesty, this film has very little to do with the events of that movie.
‘Zoolander 2’ Continues Silly, Surreal Hilarity
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 12, 2016 - 9:42amRating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Humor is subject to the receiver, of course, and what is funny is as distinct to each individual as a fingerprint. Having said that, I found “Zoolander 2” to be hilarious, as it delivered again what made the first film work – tweaking the self-importance of fashion and celebrity.
Uneven ‘Anomalisa’ is an Animated Reflection Back to Us
Submitted by PatrickMcD on January 8, 2016 - 4:50pmRating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – There is directness in the reflective philosophy of “Anomalisa,” but there is also a sense of disconnection. From writer/co-director Charlie Kaufman (“Being John Malkovich”) comes another meditation on the life of life, and the twists of fate that inhabit the journey.
Exposé of ‘The Big Short’ is an American Masterwork
Submitted by PatrickMcD on December 11, 2015 - 10:30amRating: 5.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – This is a rare film that will fill you with anger, while making you laugh at the absurdity of 21st Century life. “The Big Short” is an inside look at the mortgage meltdown that began in 2007, that cost eight million jobs and an untold amount of foreclosures, and the men who knew it was coming.