Jena Malone
Blu-ray Review: Impressive Scope of Mini-Series ‘Hatfields & McCoys’
Submitted by BrianTT on August 9, 2012 - 2:05pm.CHICAGO – The History Channel waited years to debut their first narrative property but the wait seemed to be worth it both for fans and for the network that’s probably still counting their profits from one of the biggest TV events of 2012 and one of the year’s most notable Emmy nominees. I had my doubts going into the recent Blu-ray release of “Hatfields & McCoys” but this is an impressive mini-series of the type they don’t really make any more. It’s not surprising it was huge in the ratings and I expect the Blu-ray to sell for years (especially around Father’s Day and the holidays).
Blu-Ray Review: ‘Donnie Darko: 10th Anniversary Edition’ Feels Like Overkill
Submitted by BrianTT on August 2, 2011 - 10:12am.CHICAGO – A little over two years ago, Fox released a two-disc director’s cut Blu-ray of “Donnie Darko” that had a somewhat-mediocre HD transfer but enough quality special features to make up for it. With hours of bonus material, it seemed like the definitive edition. Nothing is definitive with Fox and now we have a 10th Anniversary Edition of this cult classic with four discs in one set. If you already own it and don’t need the digital copy, then this is overkill. If not, it’s the NEW definitive edition of a beloved film. For now.
Blu-Ray Review: Extended Cut of Controversial ‘Sucker Punch’
Submitted by BrianTT on July 1, 2011 - 11:34am.CHICAGO – We’ve seen a lot of overly stylized films based on video games and comic books but rarely has there been a movie more derivative of other mediums yet not actually based on one than Zack Snyder’s “Sucker Punch,” a movie loathed by dozens of major critics (and defended by our very own Patrick McDonald) and recently released on Blu-ray and DVD in a 17-minute longer extended cut.
Film Review: ‘Sucker Punch’ Has Dazzling Imagery, Wham-Bam
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 25, 2011 - 4:41am.CHICAGO – It’s a pleasure to see the comic book film done right, especially with the visionary guidance of director Zach Snyder (”300”). “Sucker Punch” is an amazing treat, a feast of eye candy and incredible adventure.
HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 30 Pairs of Chicago Passes to Zack Snyder’s ‘Sucker Punch’ With Vanessa Hudgens
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on March 17, 2011 - 1:35pm.CHICAGO – In our latest fantasy/action edition of HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 30 admit-two passes up for grabs to the advance Chicago screening of the new film “Sucker Punch” from “Watchmen” and “300” director Zack Snyder!
Blu-Ray Review: Honest, Human Drama of Excellent ‘The Messenger’
Submitted by BrianTT on May 25, 2010 - 11:08am.CHICAGO – Just before the Oscar nominations for 2009 were to be announced, a few pundits went out on a limb and predicted that not only would Oren Moverman’s “The Messenger” be nominated for Best Supporting Actor (Woody Harrelson) and Best Original Screenplay but that it would also find its way into several more categories, including even Best Picture.
Interview: Ben Foster Brings Humanity to ‘The Messenger’
Submitted by BrianTT on November 19, 2009 - 2:40pm.CHICAGO – Ben Foster has stolen scenes in works as diverse as “Six Feet Under,” “Freaks and Geeks,” “3:10 to Yuma,” and “Alpha Dog,” but he truly shines in the spotlight of the lead role in “The Messenger,” giving the best performance of his career to date.
Blu-Ray Review: Cult of ‘Donnie Darko’ Extends to Two-Disc Director’s Cut
Submitted by BrianTT on February 11, 2009 - 5:53pm.![]() Blu-Ray Rating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Most movies come and go. Even some of the most critically and commercially acclaimed films of the last few years have essentially been forgotten already. I knew Richard Kelly’s “Donnie Darko” was a film that was not going to go away quickly the first time I saw it and the Blu-Ray “Director’s Cut” simply extends the shelf life of this riveting cult classic.
Paramount Pictures Releases Flood of New Production Stills For ‘The Ruins’
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on March 7, 2008 - 5:41pm.CHICAGO – Paramount Pictures on Thursday released a flood of new production stills for the new horror film “The Ruins,” which stars Jena Malone, Jonathan Tucker, Shawn Ashmore, Laura Ramsey and Joe Anderson. Directed by relatively unknown director Carter Smith (“Bugcrush”) and based on the novel by Scott B. Smith, “The Ruins” opens on April 4, 2008.

