CHICAGO – Theatrical satires of the Star Wars Universe are like the number of TV series the universe has wrought … too many to figure out if anything is worthwhile. But “Trade Federation” (subtitled “Or Let’s Explore Globalization Through the Star Wars Prequels”), presented by Otherworld Theatre in Wrigleyville Chicago, gets it right on.
Eric Bana
‘King Arthur: Legend of the Sword’ is a Dull, Magicless Bore
Submitted by JonHC on May 12, 2017 - 6:27pm- Aidan Gillen
- Annabelle Wallis
- Astrid Bergés-Frisbey
- Charlie Hunnam
- David Dobkin
- Djimon Hounsou
- Eric Bana
- Excalibur
- Guy Ritchie
- HollywoodChicago.com
- HollywoodChicago.com Content
- Joby Harold
- Jon Espino
- Jude Law
- King Arthur: Legend of the Sword
- Lionel Wigram
- Man from UNCLE
- Merlin
- Movie Review
- Sherlock Holmes
- Tom Wu
- Warner Bros
![]() Rating: 1.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Have you ever had such a bad case of déjà vu while watching a film that trying to remember where the familiar elements are from turns into a more enjoyable experience than actually seeing the film itself? If you haven’t, your quest for that kind of film is fulfilled by the incredibly forgettable “King Arthur: Legend of the Sword.”
‘Into the Storm’ Maybe Needs Some Sharks
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 7, 2014 - 7:25pm![]() Rating: 2.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – What is there to say about a movie whose chief attraction lies in action set pieces involving CGI tornadoes? You either like this sort of thing or you don’t. I took my ten year old, who seemed to have a good time, and I know I felt pretty captivated by some of those visuals – but I’m a sucker for a thrill ride. Sound indecisive?
‘Deliver Us From Evil’ Goes Straight for the Jugular
Submitted by PatrickMcD on July 2, 2014 - 7:21pm![]() Rating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – “Deliver Us from Evil” is director Scott Derrickson’s second foray into possession horror. His first, the excellent “The Exorcism of Emily Rose,” was taut, thoughtful and offered some truly unsettling demon scares…it still ranks as one of the most important and best of the new crop of possession/devil films it helped kick start into being with their box office numbers.
Peter Berg’s Brutal ‘Lone Survivor’ Lacks Context
Submitted by BrianTT on January 9, 2014 - 1:07pm![]() Rating: 2.5/5.0 |
Imagine a version of “Saving Private Ryan” that takes place entirely on the beaches of Normandy. It would have a visceral power purely through the horror of the recreation of war. However, it would lack the context of the rest of the narrative and lead one to question why the cinematic trip was worth taking.
‘Closed Circuit’ is a Tense Reminder of Our Times
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 28, 2013 - 7:55am![]() Rating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – The threat of terrorist acts defies security. That is a fundamental truth. With 7 billion people on the planet – and an infinite number of motivations within them – all the security cameras, techniques and agencies cannot stop a determined group or individual, as depicted in “Closed Circuit.”
Saoirse Ronan Rocks in Joe Wright’s Riveting ‘Hanna’
Submitted by BrianTT on April 7, 2011 - 3:10pm![]() Rating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – You won’t be able to take your eyes of Saoirse Ronan in Joe Wright’s action film “Hanna,” a visceral thrill ride that’s likely to be a more satisfying experience than most of the action blockbusters that will fill the multiplex as the temperatures rise. With an A-list cast and incredible production values, “Hanna” is a speeding train. Hop on and hold on tight.
Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen Star in Ambitious But Flawed ‘Funny People’
Submitted by BrianTT on July 31, 2009 - 10:55am![]() Rating: 3.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Judd Apatow’s “Funny People,” starring Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, and Leslie Mann, is like watching a friend try out a new stand-up routine. As with a lot of attempts at trying something untested, it doesn’t quite work out, but you have to admire the effort, if not the execution.
Despite Daring Genre, ‘3:10 to Yuma’ Packs Powerhouse Acting With Fragmentary Story
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on September 11, 2007 - 3:20pmCHICAGO – Had you asked me to tag “3:10 to Yuma” before I screened it, you’d think me a bumbling idiot because I had absolutely no clue what to expect.
‘Lucky You’ vs. ‘Rounders’: Bana is No Norton, Duvall is No Malkovich
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on May 10, 2007 - 6:51pm