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+.
HollywoodChicago.com Arts & Entertainment News
Interviews: Mia Wasikowska, Director Cary Fukunaga on ‘Jane Eyre’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 17, 2011 - 6:17amCHICAGO – According to IMDB, there are over 20 film and TV versions of the Charlotte Bronte novel, “Jane Eyre.” Director Cary Fukunaga (”Sin Nombre”) and lead actress Mia Wasikowska (”Alice in Wonderland”) take on the latest remake of the literary legend.
DVD Review: Danny Boyle’s Excellent ‘127 Hours’ Retains Dramatic Power
Submitted by BrianTT on March 16, 2011 - 7:16pmCHICAGO – 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.
Video Game Review: Shooter ‘Homefront’ Offers Brief, Explosive Thrill Ride
Submitted by BrianTT on March 16, 2011 - 5:17pmCHICAGO – Do you judge a game based on quality or quantity? When players get to the end of the shockingly-brief single-player campaign of “Homefront” (under 4 hours on normal difficulty), they’re likely to think they’re being punked and the fact is that the multi-player is a kid’s wading pool compared to the depth of a title like “Call of Duty: Black Ops.”
Interview: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost Partner With ‘Paul’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 16, 2011 - 8:30amCHICAGO – Simon Pegg and Nick Frost are a movie team and British treasures. Acclaimed for their previous teaming in “Shaun of the Dead” and “Hot Fuzz,” Pegg and Frost both wrote and star in their latest comedy, the space alien farce “Paul.”
Blu-Ray Review: ‘Four Lions’ Subversively Pokes Fun at Terrorism
Submitted by mattmovieman on March 16, 2011 - 7:49amCHICAGO – In Dan Reed’s unmissable 2009 HBO documentary “Terror in Mumbai,” cameras captured the overwhelming carnage caused by ten young Pakistani men. They were obeying every word of their elders, heard in the film via phone correspondence. The terrorists gradually began to resemble wide-eyed kids, as they became dazzled by the lavish scenery in Mumbai, an environment that clashed with their sheltered existence.
DVD Review: Dwayne Johnson Wastes Talent on Dull ‘Faster’
Submitted by BrianTT on March 15, 2011 - 8:16pmCHICAGO – After his underrated breakthrough from wrestling into acting, “The Rundown,” we all expected Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson to be the next macho action stars like the icons we grew up with — Sly, Ahnuld, Bruce Willis, and more. But the action market shifted to more average-looking heroes (like Nic Cage & Shia LaBeouf) and The Rock took a left turn into family fare like “The Tooth Fairy” and “Race to Witch Mountain.” “Faster” looked like a return to the genre in which he would have been a mega-star in 1988. Sadly, the result is a dull, boring affair that’s nowhere near as much fun as its title or premise might suggest.
Blu-Ray Review: Christina Aguilera’s ‘Burlesque’ Lives Up to Bad Reputation
Submitted by mattmovieman on March 15, 2011 - 3:50pmCHICAGO – If a musical miscalculation as epic in ineptitude as Steve Antin’s “Burlesque” is considered eligible for a Best Musical or Comedy Award, then the Golden Globes are officially advised to a.) Retire the outdated category, or b.) Retire the entire hopelessly corrupt awards show. Either decision is guaranteed to prove beneficial in the long run.
Interviews: It’s the 1960s Again at the Hollywood Celebrities Show
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 15, 2011 - 11:47amCHICAGO – The wake of the 1960s still resonates on our shores, and entertainment was a viable leader during the era for breaking new barriers. At the recent Hollywood Celebrities & Memorabilia Show, Shirley Knight, Barbara Parkins and Victoria Sellers were reminders of those special times.
On WGN Radio: HollywoodChicago.com’s Brian Tallerico on TV Shows That Were Canceled Too Soon
Submitted by BrianTT on March 14, 2011 - 7:01pmCHICAGO – HollywoodChicago.com content director Brian Tallerico speaks with WGN Radio host Bill Moller on Mar. 12, 2011 about the best programs that were canceled too soon.
Blu-Ray Review: ‘Michael Jordan to the Max’ Recommended For Bulls Fans Only
Submitted by mattmovieman on March 14, 2011 - 3:16pmCHICAGO – With all the depth and nuance of a Nike commercial, “Michael Jordan to the Max” probes into the mind of its titular subject, a man as infamous for his astonishing achievements in basketball as he is for his spectacular success as a corporate spokesperson. This 46-minute feature is not about Jordan the person, but Jordan the marketable icon: family man, mentor, role model, eternal optimist.
Film Review: Spectacle, Emotion Propel Animation in ‘Mars Needs Moms’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 11, 2011 - 6:13pmCHICAGO – “Mars Needs Moms” is an animated epic that takes its time to build toward the message, but the path to that real emotion is decorated with spectacular imagery and sprightly comedy. It’s Mom, apple pie and motion capture technology.
HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Malin Akerman-Signed Poster, $100 Gift Card For ‘Happythankyoumoreplease’
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on March 11, 2011 - 5:51pmCHICAGO – More, please! Along with our recent Hookup for advance-screening movie passes to the new comedy/drama “Happythankyoumoreplease,” in this follow-up edition of HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film one lucky winner will score a mega prize pack!
Film Review: ‘Happythankyoumoreplease’ Falls Flat With Unlikable Characters
Submitted by BrianTT on March 11, 2011 - 5:04pm Rating: 2.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Josh Radnor’s “Happythankyoumoreplease” wants to be a new-generation Woody Allen film but misses the mark wildly by presenting characters that aren’t likable in situations that aren’t believable. None of the relationships that drive this awkward dramedy ring true and only a few supporting performances make the effort worthwhile as they highlight the weaknesses at the core of the manipulative script.
