HollywoodChicago.com Arts & Entertainment News

Blu-Ray Review: Josh Brolin, Megan Fox Stumble Through ‘Jonah Hex’

Jonah Hex

CHICAGO – Modern audiences aren’t stupid enough to fall for lackluster product like “Jonah Hex” in theaters (it barely made over $10 million on a reported $47 million budget and currently hovers around 4.5 on IMDB) but it’s the kind of film that looks appealing on the Blockbuster shelf (or Netflix page). Don’t fall for it. Warner Bros. continues to produce excellent HD video and audio but even they can’t shine this turd into something worth your time.

Video Game, DVD Review: World of Disney’s ‘Phineas and Ferb’ Expands

Phineas and Ferb: A Very Perry Christmas

CHICAGO – As often happens with programs aimed at children, Disney’s “Phineas and Ferb” is becoming way more than “just a TV show.” It’s becoming an industry in itself, recently releasing a Christmas DVD called “Phineas and Ferb: A Very Perry Christmas” and a Nintendo DS video game called “Phineas and Ferb Ride Again.” Are these just attempts by the Mouse House to make a few more dimes off one of their successful properties or are they worthwhile on their own?

Blu-Ray Review: Mediocre Adventures of ‘Superman/Batman: Apocalypse’

Superman/Batman: Apocalypse

CHICAGO – Superman and Batman return to follow-up on the success of September 2009’s “Superman/Batman: Public Enemies,” one of the most popular DC Universe Animated Movies, with this year’s “Superman/Batman: Apocalypse.” Where does the ninth film in the franchise fall compared to other DC Universe flicks and does it say anything about the future of this hit-and-miss series of releases?

Video Game Review: Saga of ‘Alan Wake’ Concludes With ‘The Writer’

Alan Wake: The Writer

CHICAGO – Alan Wake’s continued nightmare is your gaming gain as the second installment of DLC for the Microsoft-exclusive title hit Xbox Live Arcade this week and we’ve endured the surreal episode and survived to give you the lowdown on what to expect.

Interviews: Johnny Knoxville, Director Jeff Tremaine Formulate ‘Jackass 3D’

CHICAGO – One man inadvertently taking a painful fall is tragic, several men doing it is “Jackass 3D.” The storied Jackass franchise, which began as TV show on MTV, has expanded into an empire, with breakout performers and a film trilogy. Johnny Knoxville is the face of Jackass, Jeff Tremaine is the director.

Exclusive Portrait: Producer Paula Wagner is Honored at 2010 Chicago International Film Festival

Paula Wagner, Producer, Photograph by Joe Arce

CHICAGO – Tuesday, October 12th, was special at the Chicago International Film Festival, as Producer Paula Wagner was honored at the REELWomen tribute there. Wagner has produced such notable films as “War of the Worlds,’ “The Other,” “Vanilla Sky” and the Mission Impossible film series.

DVD Review: ‘Caprica: Season 1.0’ Has Fresh, Transcendent Appeal

Caprica Season 1.0 DVD

CHICAGO – As a relatively new visitor to the “Battlestar Galactica” universe, I found myself utterly enthralled by the inaugural season of “Caprica,” a prequel of sorts that’s garnering generally favorable reviews from fans. Created by Glen Larson in 1978, the “Battlestar” franchise was brilliantly re-imagined in 2004 by Ronald D. Moore and David Eick, who were clearly more interested in ideas than explosions.

Preview: The 46th Chicago International Film Festival, Week Two

CHICAGO – We’re back with the highlights of the rest of the 46th Annual Chicago International Film Festival, which features a centerpiece tonight in Danny Boyle’s “127 Hours” and continues through to a Closing Night presentation of John Madden’s “The Debt” on October 21st, 2010.

Video Game Review: ‘Castlevania: Lords of Shadow’ Reboots Legendary Franchise

CHICAGO – Many beloved franchises of the previous generation have had difficulty making the jump to the Xbox 360 and PS3 and so there was reason for concern when Konami announced the first 3D “Castlevania” title for the Sony Playstation 3 and Microsoft Xbox 360. Concern no more.

HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 50 Chicago Passes to ‘Conviction’ With Hilary Swank, Sam Rockwell

Conviction with Hilary Swank and Sam Rockwell

CHICAGO – In our latest biography/drama edition of HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 50 admit-two passes up for grabs to the advance Chicago screening of the new film “Conviction” starring Hilary Swank, Sam Rockwell, Minnie Driver, Melissa Leo, Peter Gallagher and Juliette Lewis!

DVD Review: Terrence Malick’s Beloved ‘The Thin Red Line’ Joins Criterion

The Thin Red Line

CHICAGO – Whenever two power players in the world of cinephiles come together, it creates a critical buzz and such was the case when it was announced that The Criterion Collection had chosen Terrence Malick’s “The Thin Red Line” for induction in their world-renowned series of DVDs and Blu-rays.

Interview: ‘Stone’ Star Edward Norton, Director John Curran on Going Against Hollywood’s Grain

CHICAGO – Many filmmakers speak of going against the grain. By virtue of desiring to take a road less traveled, though, often you’re actually going with the same grain as everyone else who wants to be different.

Film Review: Unsettling ‘Red White & Blue’ Creeps Under the Skin

Red White & Blue

CHICAGO – “Red White & Blue” is a deviously effective horror film precisely because it doesn’t appear to be one. There are subtle stylistic hints here and there, but nothing that truly signals the horrors to come. They emerge not from left field, but out of the character’s own pent up rage, and their increasing desire to inflict pain upon the world that has failed them.

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TV, DVD, BLU-RAY & THEATER REVIEWS

  • 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+.

  • Topdog/Underdog, Invictus Theatre

    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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