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+.
Movie Review
Film Review: ‘Seeking a Friend for the End of the World’ with Steve Carell Can’t Find Honest Emotion
Submitted by BrianTT on June 22, 2012 - 4:21pmCHICAGO – Lorene Scafaria’s “Seeking a Friend for the End of the World” is a manipulative mess that’s only slightly redeemed by yet-another engaging performance from one of the best actresses of her generation.
Film Review: Robert Pattinson Drains Life From Misguided ‘Bel Ami’
Submitted by BrianTT on June 22, 2012 - 11:15amRating: 2.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Robert Pattinson is such a divisive actor. While he’s clearly one of the most popular young stars in the world thanks to his work in the “Twilight” films, he has yet to prove to most people that he can really act. While some who have seen David Cronenberg’s upcoming “Cosmopolis” claim that this will be the film that finally allows Pattinson to break out of the franchise that has defined him, we’re stuck with something far lesser for now, the misguided and depressing “Bel Ami,” a film that does nothing to help the critical reputation of the man otherwise known as Edward Cullen.
Film Review: ‘Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter’ Proves History Bites
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 22, 2012 - 8:47amCHICAGO – In this new film, don’t describe the 16th U.S. President as “The Great Emancipator,” call him “The Great Kick-Ass-ipator.” In this high concept romp, the President who presided over the Civil War is now winning it single-handedly by fighting his demons in “Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter.”
Film Review: Todd Solondz’s ‘Dark Horse’ Brilliantly Deconstructs Man-Child Pathology
Submitted by mattmovieman on June 22, 2012 - 5:17amCHICAGO – Todd Solondz has always been prone to making films about people that most filmmakers wouldn’t touch with a ten-foot pole. His characters crave love but are the opposite of lovable. They inspire the sort of laughter spawned not from amusement but from discomfort, sadness, and occasionally, recognition. It’s refreshing to see characters utterly devoid of pre-packaged, studio-approved appeal.
Film Review: ‘Brave’ Connects While Not Matching Pixar Standard
Submitted by BrianTT on June 21, 2012 - 11:22amCHICAGO – Pixar’s 13th film has been lauded as a major first for the company – the inaugural adventure aimed squarely at young females. Luckily, there’s nothing here that diminishes that goal in any way. “Brave” features a strong, well-designed, interesting heroine, perfectly voiced by Kelly Macdonald, and it doesn’t pander to its demographic, proving that girls can play with the big boys while also giving them a fable of their own.
Film Review: PItfalls of Love for Greta Gerwig in ‘Lola Versus’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 15, 2012 - 7:18pmCHICAGO – Greta Gerwig is now being recognized in the movie universe, and has climbed a ladder from micro-budget independent (“Baghead”) to mainstream monstrosities (the “Arthur” remake). She takes the lead role in “Lola Versus,” and anchors a terrific story about “settling down” and the decisions behind that certain time of life.
Film Review: Adam Sandler Pulls Our Chains in ‘That’s My Boy’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 15, 2012 - 4:26pmCHICAGO – Adam Sandler is just freaking with us now. His goal is obviously to create the raunchiest, sociopathic and off-putting comedies of all time, and “That’s My Boy” belongs in his Hall of Fame. The A-list cast helps out, including Andy Sandberg, James Caan, Susan Sarandon and Leighton Meester.
Film Review: ‘Safety Not Guaranteed’ with Aubrey Plaza is Delightful Journey
Submitted by BrianTT on June 15, 2012 - 11:21amRating: 4.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – I love “Safety Not Guaranteed.” It reminds me of films of my youth – the sci-fi/dramedy hits of directors like Robert Zemeckis, Richard Donner, and Steven Spielberg – that gifted viewers with wonderful characters with which we could identify. The set-up may be ridiculous but as long as we feel grounded with the people within it, we’ll go along with anything. This is something that’s been lost over the years and writer Derek Connolly and director Colin Trevorrow have found in their delicate, lovely film.
Film Review: Great Trio Elevates Lynn Shelton’s ‘Your Sister’s Sister’
Submitted by BrianTT on June 15, 2012 - 10:38amRating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Lynn Shelton’s “Your Sister’s Sister” is a character-driven piece about hidden feelings and complex relationships. Like her work on “Humpday,” Shelton has a keen ear for the way people alter their behavior as their dynamics with other people continue to shift, often in a sexual direction. When a close friend suddenly looks like something more, when a long-term relationship seems to be falling apart, when a sibling may have betrayed you – Shelton’s gift as a filmmaker is how she can traverse these emotional minefields while still staying true to her characters.
Film Review: Tom Cruise, Julianne Hough Have Fun in ‘Rock of Ages’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 15, 2012 - 8:47amCHICAGO – Although the jukebox musical needs an available pasture to be put out onto, the new film “Rock of Ages” – based on the Broadway stage play – improves on that genre by having a little fun and lots of tongue-in-cheek. Tom Cruise, Julianne Hough, Alec Baldwin and Russell Brand rock the cashbox.