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+.
Relativity Media
Hey Lovers, ‘Safe Haven’ is a Decent Date Movie
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 14, 2013 - 1:33pmRating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – It’s Valentine’s Day, and along with the impossible to get dinner reservations, the decision of which movie to see has probably spoiled this holiday as much as Walgreen roses. But the romantic drama ‘Safe Haven’ is a well performed, well paced narrative that won’t make you gag, and that includes you wishing-to-see-Die-Hard dudes.
Julia Roberts Reflects on Snow White in ‘Mirror Mirror’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 30, 2012 - 2:32pmRating: 3.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Since I know I’m the fairest of them all, I won’t focus on the symbolic impressions of ‘Mirror Mirror.’ This is the Snow White legend based on the original story by the Brothers Grimm, and includes Julia Roberts, Lily Collins, Armie Hammer and Nathan Lane in its cast.
‘Act of Valor’ a Puzzling Example of a War Film
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 24, 2012 - 10:34amRating: 2.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – The military soldier is one of the most fascinating character studies in art. He or she works at the highest level their training allows, and routinely go into battles based on decisions made far away from their own reality. “Act of Valor” attempts to define that loyalty - to themselves, their fellow soldiers and their country.
‘Immortals’ is Model of a Modern Major Epic
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 11, 2011 - 7:27pmRating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – The sword and sandals epic has been around since the costume department fashioned the first toga. A modern take on this tried-and-true story line is “Immortals,” using the latest computer generated imagery to create the gods of Mount Olympus, the mortals of ancient Greece and their severed heads in 3D.
Bad Aura For ‘Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 10, 2011 - 5:01amRating: 2.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Films based on children’s book series can’t all be good. The law of averages eventually catches up to the literary moppets who turn their charms towards the big screen. Case in point, the below average “Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer.”
Topher Grace Goes to 1980s in ‘Take Me Home Tonight’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 4, 2011 - 8:21amRating: 2.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Nostalgia films need a couple of elements to make them work. First, instant recognition with the era, and second, a reason to go there. “Take Me Home Tonight” lacks both characteristics, and lead actor Topher Grace can’t seem to light a fire under the rest of it.