Movie Review

‘Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen’ is Galaxies Away From its Predecessor

Optimus Prime in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

CHICAGO – There are often many reasons sequels should not be made. “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” is one of them. Seeking that “Allspark” exhilaration pumped into many of us from the original “Transformers,” moviegoers will flock to the sequel with anticipation.

‘The Proposal’ a Marriage of Talents From Ryan Reynolds, Sandra Bullock

The Proposal with Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock

CHICAGO – At some point in our lives, most of us have had to reach slightly above our job descriptions to appease a demanding boss. Common themes from making coffee to picking up dry cleaning are familiar and often tolerated as one strives to “get ahead”.

‘Food, Inc.’: An Undercooked Documentary With Simply Too Much on Its Plate

Food, Inc.

CHICAGO – The side effect of a well-executed horror film is lack of sleep. The side effect of a well-executed documentary on corruption of our food supply is lack of appetite. Personally? I left “Food, Inc.,” went straight to lunch and had a big ole’ fried-chicken salad.

‘Imagine That’: Eddie Murphy’s Family Fare Predictable as Sunrise

FrontPiece.jpg

CHICAGO – Nobody expects an actor to maintain the ambitions of their early career. The manic energy of Eddie Murphy from “Raw” or “48 Hours” is as gone as an ‘80s hairdo. But the numbing sameness of family-friendly Eddie is a direction that is stultifying, and does no favors for him or the audience.

‘Away We Go’ From Sam Mendes a Slightly Bumpy Trip Worth Taking

Away We Go with John Krasinski

CHICAGO – Has life always been this difficult? Doesn’t anybody ever stay together anymore? Have the pressures of modern times turned the majority of us into screw-ups?

‘IFC Midnight’ Features Some of the Best Films on Demand

The Chaser

CHICAGO – The great IFC Direct On Demand has an excellent slate of films airing this month called “IFC Midnight” and we got a chance to see them all to give you a heads up on what’s worth a look. Much to our surpise, while none are perfect, they all are interesting enough to warrant an On Demand purchase.

‘The Hangover’: All the Fun of Inebriation, No Next-Day Headache

The Hangover

CHICAGO – Those who seek out “The Hangover” will do so wanting a good laugh. Those who see this film will occasionally be struck with the feeling that they shouldn’t be laughing. But laugh and laugh often they will as “The Hangover” will whirl you through all the fun of inebriation without the consequence of the nasty, next-day headache.

Moving on ‘Up’: Disney, Pixar Score Another Masterpiece in 3-D

CHICAGO – There is an art to music. There is an art to writing a story and an art to telling that story. There is art in a great drawing, a great painting and a great photograph. There is an art to communication. And it may only be a matter of time before museums expand to include a whole new category of modern art: the animated film from Disney and Pixar.

Matthew McConaughey’s ‘Ghosts of Girlfriends Past’ Overdone, But Relatable

CHICAGO – “Ghosts of Girlfriends Past” is the cinematic blending of two familiar formulas: the “love, lose and then love again” framework of most romantic comedies with the idea of transforming ghosts from the classic “A Christmas Carol”.

Julia Roberts, Clive Owen Shine in Tony Gilroy’s Clever ‘Duplicity’

HollywoodChicago.com Oscarman rating: 4.0/5.0
Rating: 4.0/5.0

CHICAGO – Writer/director Tony Gilroy (“Michael Clayton”) uses words the same way horror movie directors use blood or action movie auteurs use bullets.

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  • Manhunt

    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+.

  • Topdog/Underdog, Invictus Theatre

    CHICAGO – When two brothers confront the sins of each other and it expands into a psychology of an entire race, it’s at a stage play found in Chicago’s Invictus Theatre Company production of “Topdog/Underdog,” now at their new home at the Windy City Playhouse through March 31st, 2024. Click TD/UD for tickets/info.

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