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+.
Alan Arkin
Film Review: Jason Bateman, Ryan Reynolds Buried By ‘The Change-Up’
Submitted by BrianTT on August 5, 2011 - 8:28amCHICAGO – “The Change-Up” is an undeniable mess, as any movie that opens with a grown man getting baby crap projected into his mouth would be (and that’s just the beginning), but one of the worst scripts of the year is saved from the depths of comedy hell by a talented cast headlined by the typically-restrained Jason Bateman playing against type.
Blu-Ray Review: Cult Favorite ‘The Last Unicorn’ Gets Lavish Release
Submitted by BrianTT on March 8, 2011 - 4:44pmCHICAGO – History has a funny way of distorting the quality of a film. Don’t worry. I’m not here to tell you that “The Last Unicorn” only works through the haze of memory. It still features some striking visuals and reasonably strong storytelling, but it may not be the ’80s classic you conjure up when you hear a tune that reminds you of that cheesy theme song. The legions of adoring fans should definitely check this out but be prepared for what could be a let down.
DVD Review: Fine Cast Adds Substance to Contrived ‘City Island’
Submitted by mattmovieman on September 1, 2010 - 7:39amCHICAGO – There are many reasons why “City Island” shouldn’t work. It’s entirely contrived, from one end of the script to the other. Every gargantuan misunderstanding in the film has been spawned by festering lies, the kind that sitcoms have thrived on since the beginning of television. Yet what works in a 23-minute TV sketch often becomes tedious and exasperating when stretched to feature length.
Nothing is Real With Andy Garcia, Julianna Margulies on ‘City Island’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on April 2, 2010 - 2:57amCHICAGO – A blue collar worker father who has a secret Marlon Brando obsession (gasp!), a son with an improbable fetish and a daughter who quits college to…strip, this is a normal day-in-the-life in the new film “City Island.”
Interview: Andy Garcia on Acting, His New Film ‘City Island’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 31, 2010 - 8:57amCHICAGO – Andy Garcia has a movie star presence, combined with a true appreciation for his profession and craft. He takes on a character role in the upcoming film “City Island,” as a New York borough prison guard who longs to be an actor.
DVD Review: Great Acting Elevates ‘The Private Lives of Pippa Lee’
Submitted by mattmovieman on March 8, 2010 - 1:22pmCHICAGO – Is there anything more damaging to an actor’s performance than a Botox needle? It’s heartbreaking to see faces that were once so expressive become stiff and embalmed. Robin Wright is living proof that a naturally older appearance is infinitely preferable to a synthetically younger one. Her face has only gotten better with age, and has rarely been used to more mesmerizing effect than in “The Private Lives of Pippa Lee.”
Blu-Ray Review: Amy Adams, Emily Blunt Sparkle in ‘Sunshine Cleaning’
Submitted by BrianTT on August 27, 2009 - 1:42pmCHICAGO – Christine Jeffs’ “Sunshine Cleaning” has its ups and downs, its pros and cons, but it’s worth a look, now on Blu-Ray and DVD, for one of the most delightful, multi-faceted performances of the year from one of the better actresses of her generation. What Amy Adams delivers in “Sunshine Cleaning” is her most interesting turn since “Junebug”. Even with an average Blu-Ray release, Adams makes “Cleaning” worth at least a rental on its own.
Blu-Ray Review: ‘Marley & Me’ Effective Crowd Pleaser, Great Blu-Ray
Submitted by BrianTT on April 7, 2009 - 1:29pmBlu-Ray Rating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – “Marley & Me” is that rare, old-fashioned crowd pleaser that honestly pleases. The movie just works. Yes, it’s sentimental, melodramatic, and a bit long, but it’s completely effective and was underrated in theaters. This is going to be a movie that fans love for years to come and Fox has given their family-friendly hit a gorgeous three-disc Blu-Ray treatment.
HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 25 Run-of-Engagement Passes For ‘Sunshine Cleaning’ With Amy Adams
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on March 21, 2009 - 12:03pmCHICAGO – In our latest HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have a special giveaway with 25 run-of-engagement admit-two “Sunshine Cleaning” passes. “Sunshine Cleaning” stars Academy Award nominees Amy Adams and Emily Blunt as well as Academy Award winner Alan Arkin.
Amy Adams Brings the Sparkle to ‘Sunshine Cleaning’
Submitted by BrianTT on March 20, 2009 - 11:11amRating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Amy Adams gives a performance in Christine Jeffs’ “Sunshine Cleaning” that is not only the best actress turn of the year to date but nearly single-handedly makes the many flaws of this quirky comedy easy to overlook. It’s rare, but sometimes one talented star can make any project shine. Amy Adams is that talented.