 Television 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 February 18th, 2021, reviewing the new TV series “Young Rock,” Tuesdays on NBC-TV.
Nate Parker
‘The Birth of a Nation’ Depends on its Own Piety
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 7, 2016 - 7:40am Rating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – “The Birth of a Nation” has been making news since it premiered at the Sundance Film Festival early this year. Taking place before the American Civil War, this incendiary look at a real slave rebellion in the deep South does pack a punch, but its approach isn’t completely successful.
‘Beyond the Lights’ Has a Respect for Storytelling
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 14, 2014 - 6:10pmRating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Writer/Director Gina Prince-Bythewood, the creator of the cult favorite “Love & Basketball,” is back with another original story that she created, an intimate and romantic perspective on a singer on the path to nowhere, despite superstar-level fame. Gugu Mbatha-Raw stars as that singer in “Beyond the Lights.”
Liam Neeson Can’t Bring ‘Non-Stop’ in On-Time
Submitted by BrianTT on February 27, 2014 - 11:22am Rating: 2.5/5.0 |
I’m a sucker for a well-toasted slice of escapism that employs a singular setting to maximum impact. Liam Neeson trapped on a plane with a devious killer who’s trying to extort $150 million from him? Where do line up to buy a ticket? Seriously, this is the kind of Oscar counter-programming that I love this time of year—turn off your mind and take a trip with “Non-Stop”.
Richard Gere Symbolizes U.S. Morality in ‘Arbitrage’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on September 14, 2012 - 7:30am Rating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – The concept of crime and punishment is a goalpost that is constantly being moved. Justice becomes an discretionary circumstance, sold to the highest bidder. These are just a view of the happy themes in the new film “Arbitrage,” featuring Richard Gere, Susan Sarandon and Brit Marling.
Spike Lee Returns to Brooklyn in Controversial ‘Red Hook Summer’
Submitted by BrianTT on August 24, 2012 - 12:04pm Rating: 3.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – “I ain’t pawning my responsibility off as a parent and saying she’s in God’s hands.” What a powerful line. The idea that religion has been used as a crutch, an excuse for communities who preach that God will save their young ones when they need to do their part is a passionate and powerful one.
World War II-Era Tuskegee Airmen Fly in ‘Red Tails’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on January 20, 2012 - 2:50pmRating: 3.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – The courage of the Tuskegee Airmen cannot be denied. The all African American World War II fighter pilot squadron not only braved battle, but also the virulent prejudice of the 1940s. The new film “Red Tails” chronicles the circumstance of that squadron, with a sappy and overlong treatment.
