CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on March 23rd, 2023, reviewing “Ted Lasso” Season 3, a continuation of the story of an American coach trying his methods out for a British soccer team, and other fish out of water situations. Currently streaming on Apple TV+.
Jamie Foxx
What is Being There? On-Air Review of ‘Soul’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on December 25, 2020 - 10:28pm Rating: 5.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on December 24th, 2020, reviewing the new animated film “Soul,” from Disney/Pixar and streaming on Disney+ on December 25th, 2020.
‘Robin Hood’ is a By-the-Book Waste of Cinema Energy
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 22, 2018 - 9:17am Rating: 2.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – No one in the movie-going universe was pining for another Robin Hood remake. No. One. Yet, with the story in public domain and some overseas cash to spend, here we are. Taron Egerton (“Kingsman” series) takes on the title role, with support from Jamie Foxx.
‘Baby Driver’ Runs on the Fast Track of Movieland
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 28, 2017 - 8:24am Rating: 4.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – While it may seem that we’ve seen this type of tough-guy robbery gang film before, “Baby Driver” lives in its own universe, that of the movieland of movies. It is rich in squealing tires, bang-bang guns synched to the soundtrack, and a mystery cool boy creating his own star-crossed romance.
Uneven ‘Annie’ Makes Some Very Bad Decisions
Submitted by PatrickMcD on December 19, 2014 - 9:01am Rating: 2.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – The diabetes-inducing Broadway musical “Annie” does not deserve two film versions – including the newest release – especially since both are tortuous and somewhat dark. The “modern” version even eliminates most of the strength that “Annie” possessed on stage, its chipper songs.
Big Spectacle, Small Heart in ‘The Amazing Spider-Man 2’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on May 2, 2014 - 5:19am Rating: 3.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – For a film with so much eye candy that it threatens ocular diabetes, “The Amazing Spider-Man 2” is decidedly low in story rhythm and energy – even with a villain named Electro. The story also has the “three villain syndrome,” which allows for a lack of focus and heart.
Channing Tatum, Jamie Foxx in ‘White House Down’
Submitted by BrianTT on June 26, 2013 - 10:24am Rating: 1.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – How could a movie in which the President shoots a rocket from the back of a limousine during a car chase on the White House lawn possibly be boring? Roland Emmerich somehow finds a way in the numbing “White House Down,” a movie that make absolutely no sense but fails to entertain as B-movie escapism (as his movies sometimes have in the past).
Jamie Foxx Rides in Quentin Tarantino’s Incredibly Fun ‘Django Unchained’
Submitted by BrianTT on December 21, 2012 - 4:12pm Rating: 4.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Quentin Tarantino’s “Django Unchained” has some undeniable pleasures, the kind that erupt from the screenwriting abilities of one of the best movie scribes alive. Tarantino’s way with words and plotting are as honed as ever and he directs his super-talented cast to enjoyable performances all around.
Talented Cast Carries Dark Comedy of ‘Horrible Bosses’
Submitted by BrianTT on July 7, 2011 - 5:57pm Rating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – There’s a theory that a film that should be judged based on how well it succeeds at what it attempts to do. If it’s a comedy, does it make you laugh? “Horrible Bosses” has some issues but it is an undeniably funny movie. With stellar comic timing from the entire ensemble and a dark streak of edgy humor with just enough wit to make it not seem cruel, this is one of the straight-up funniest movies of the year.
Animated, Colorful ‘Rio’ Blends Into Mediocre Blur
Submitted by BrianTT on April 15, 2011 - 1:20pmRating: 2.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – “Rio” is a film that nearly defies critical review. There’s nothing particularly wrong with it and I can virtually guarantee you that the little ones in your family will be captivated by the talking, dancing birds with the colorful plumage. But it’s also a film that’s strikingly unmemorable.
Robert Downey Jr., Zach Galifianakis Are an Odd Pair in Funny ‘Due Date’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 5, 2010 - 2:27am Rating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – There is a strong temptation to lead this review with “Hey, ‘Due Date,’ ‘Planes, Trains and Automobiles’ just called, they want their plot back,” but this Robert Downey Jr. and Zach Galifianakis star vehicle drives on its own strange vibe, part road trip and part comedy that depends on suspension of all reality. Yet it mostly works.
