HollywoodChicago.com RSS   Facebook   HollywoodChicago.com on Twitter   LinkedIn   E-Mailing   Free PR

James Franco

Blu-ray Review: Thrilling, Satisfying ‘Rise of the Planet of the Apes’

Rise of the Planet of the Apes

CHICAGO – Have a gift card burning a hole in your wallet? Want a new movie? There are few better options for new release Blu-rays than Fox’s stellar reboot, “Rise of the Planet of the Apes,” one of the most surprising critical and commercial smashes of 2011. The special features are extensive and impressive and the movie holds up remarkably on repeat viewing. Expertly directed by Rupart Wyatt, who perfectly choreographs amazing cinematography and effects work,and featuring a landmark mo-cap performance from Andy Serkis, this isn’t just a must-see, it’s a must-own.

Film News: Billy Crystal Takes Over as Oscar Host

Billy Crystal Oscars

CHICAGO – A day after Eddie Murphy dropped out as the host of the next Academy Awards Ceremony, Billy Crystal announced on his twitter that he would take over the hosting duties. Crystal will host the Oscars for the ninth time on February 26, 2012.

Film News: Andy Serkis Joins ‘Rise of the Planet of the Apes’ Sequel

Andy Serkis- Caesar

CHICAGO – After becoming the surprise hit of the summer, a “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” star is getting a well-deserved pay check. You may assume I am talking about James Franco, Freida Pinto, John Lithgow, Tom Felton, or any of the other actors who portrayed people on screen. However, this pay raise goes to the apes.

Blu-Ray Review: ‘Your Highness’ is One of 2011’s Most Disappointing Comedies

Your Highness

CHICAGO – David Gordon Green’s “Your Highness” still makes me sad. Not only am I giant fan of nearly everyone involved but the concept of a pot-fueled riff on the fantasy-adventure films more popular in the ’80s is a great one. And yet, even watching it again on Blu-ray and DVD, “Your Highness” just sinks, deflating my like a leaky balloon. I’m gonna go cry now.

Film Review: Thrilling, Marvelous ‘Rise of the Planet of the Apes’

CHICAGO – “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” is spectacular entertainment, a perfect capper to the blockbuster season that is arguably the most purely enjoyable film of the warmer months of 2011. Rupert Wyatt’s highly-anticipated prequel is an old-fashioned piece of sci-fi escapism made with some of the revolutionary new toys available to special effects artists.

HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 25 Pairs of Chicago Passes to ‘Rise of the Planet of the Apes’ With James Franco

Rise of the Planet of the Apes with James Franco

CHICAGO – In our latest action/drama/sci-fi edition of HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 25 admit-two advance-screening passes up for grabs to the early Chicago screening of the new film “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” starring James Franco!

Film Review: Danny McBride, James Franco Falter With Dreadful Comedy ‘Your Highness’

CHICAGO – “Your Highness” just makes me sad. Rarely have so many talented people been sucked into such an unfunny disaster as what will surely be one of the biggest disappointments of the year.

DVD Review: Danny Boyle’s Excellent ‘127 Hours’ Retains Dramatic Power

127 Hours

CHICAGO – Danny Boyle’s “127 Hours” came to theaters, originally in the Windy City as a part of the Chicago International Film Festival, with such fanfare and controversy over its notorious arm-cutting scene that it had almost the force of nature when it first screened. It was a visceral punch to the gut. I wondered how it would play, months later, on the couch instead of in a theater seat. It still works. Boyle’s film is still a dramatically powerful piece of work with a career-best performance from the great James Franco.

Film News: ‘The King’s Speech’ Given Royal Treatment at 2011 Oscars

CHICAGO – “The King’s Speech” reigned supreme at the 83rd Annual Academy Awards February 27, 2011. After its recent award victories, the British drama was widely expected to win in the categories of Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Original Screenplay (the film snagged all three accolades).

Film Feature: 2011 Oscar Favorites Respond to Nominations

127 Hours star James Franco

CHICAGO – Wondering what the 2011 Oscar nominees thought yesterday when they got the big news? Wonder no more with this compilation of official responses to the one of the biggest days of their lives. Respondees include James Franco, Annette Bening, Javier Bardem, Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, and Helena Bonham Carter.

Hot stories on the Web

Hot Web Entertainment Stories


Syndicate content

User Login

Tweet, Like & +1 This Page

Free Giveaway Mailing

TV, DVD, BLU-RAY & THEATER REVIEWS

  • Hunger Games

    CHICAGO – Lionsgate announced 2-disc Blu-ray and DVD editions of their massive hit “The Hunger Games” to be released on August 18, 2012 complete with three hours of extensive bonus features. The highlight of the bonus material is an eight-part documentary called “The World is Watching: Making of The Hunger Games.”

  • Certified Copy

    CHICAGO – Abbas Kiarostami’s “Certified Copy” should have made my top ten last year. Every year, there’s a movie or two that I realize halfway through the next year that I didn’t praise to the right degree. Just a year later, “Certified Copy,” recently released in resplendent Criterion Blu-ray and DVD editions, feels even more like a monumental work, a brilliant filmmaking exercise that features spectacular performances, beautiful writing, and some of the most interesting thematic work of the last several years. With great special features, this is a perfect addition to the Criterion Collection.

Advertisement

LIST OF UPCOMING PLAYS

HollywoodChicago.com on Twitter

NEW HOLLYWOODCHICAGO.COM USERS

Bookmark Us

Bookmark HollywoodChicago.com 
Bookmark Page 

HollywoodChicago.com Archive

HollywoodChicago.com Top Ten Discussions
tracker