October 2011

Blu-Ray Review: ‘Bride Flight’ Bolstered By Fine Acting, Gorgeous Locales

Bride Flight Thumb

CHICAGO – A glance at the premise of Ben Sombogaart’s “Bride Flight” would lead one to believe that the entire film chronicled the 1953 long distance air race from London to Christchurch, New Zealand. Yet that backdrop merely serves as the launching pad for a plethora of melodramatic fireworks. Despite occasional moments of hokum, the film benefits greatly from its three splendid leads.

HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 40 Pairs of Chicago Passes to ‘The Big Year’ With Jack Black, Steve Martin

CHICAGO – In our latest comedy edition of HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 40 admit-two movie passes up for grabs to the advance Chicago screening of “The Big Year” with Jack Black, Steve Martin and Owen Wilson from “The Devil Wears Prada” director!

Film News: ‘The Descendants,’ ‘Butter’ Added to 2011 Chicago International Film Festival

The Descendants

CHICAGO – Two highly anticipated films have been added to the 47th Chicago International Film Festival lineup: “The Descendants” and “Butter.” The two new films, both having their Chicago premiere at the festival, will play on Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2011 and Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2011 respectively.

Interview: Need For Speed With ‘Fast Five’ Star Tyrese Gibson

CHICAGO – The familiar character actor Tyrese Gibson is on a roll. The singer, author and actor has recurring roles in two big film franchises, including the portrayal of Roman Pearce in “Fast Five,” set to release on Blu-Ray and DVD on Oct. 4, 2011.

Blu-Ray Review: Amazing Release For Disney’s Timeless ‘Dumbo’

Dumbo

CHICAGO – The recently-released Blu-ray edition of “Dumbo” not only contains one of the best digital restorations in the history of animation but it includes never-before-seen storyboards and “deleted scenes” from one of Disney’s most timeless and beloved classics. Most of all, this critic was struck by how well “Dumbo” has held up in its 70th anniversary edition. The film remains one of the most enjoyable and delightful pieces of animation ever produced. It is a must-own for not just all Disney fans but all Blu-ray owners, period.

Film Review: ‘The Human Centipede II (Full Sequence)’ is Worthless

CHICAGO – Make no mistake about it horror fans – Tom Six hates you. He thinks you’re worthless, easily manipulated, and pretty dumb. He thinks you’re little more than a gore-hungry animal who doesn’t give a damn about character, plot, or anything more than being horrified.

‘The Human Centipede II (Full Sequence)’ is Completely Worthless

HollywoodChicago.com Oscarman rating: 0.5/5.0
Rating: 0.5/5.0

CHICAGO – Make no mistake about it horror fans – Tom Six hates you. He thinks you’re worthless, easily manipulated, and pretty dumb. He thinks you’re little more than a gore-hungry animal who doesn’t give a damn about character, plot, or anything more than being horrified.

TV Review: Eighth Season Puts ‘House M.D.’ in a New Place

House Hugh Laurie

CHICAGO – As long as Hugh Laurie limps in the shoes of Dr. Gregory House, the FOX TV nation will show up, because it’s a great actor taking a memorable character and and putting him in often strange and unexpected situations. The eighth season premiere of “House M.D.” on October 3rd is no exception.

TV News: ‘Arrested Development’ May Return For New Season, Movie

Arrested Development

CHICAGO – Could this be the news fans of the old FOX series “Arrested Development” have been waiting for? Since the final episode of the canceled series aired on February 10, 2006, rumors and hope have swirled around that the comedy series would come back for a full length feature film. Now, the long wait may be over and fans could be getting more than just a movie.

HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 10 ‘Fast Five’ DVDs Starring Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson

Fast Five DVD with Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson

CHICAGO – In our latest action/crime edition of HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: DVD, we have 10 DVDs up for grabs for the home entertainment release of “Fast Five” starring Vin Diesel, Paul Walker and Dwayne Johnson!

TV Review: Showtime’s Riveting ‘Homeland’ is Best New Show of 2011

CHICAGO – Very few programs of the last few years have been as instantly engaging as Showtime’s “Homeland.” Complex characters, daring storytelling, some of the best acting you’ll see on TV all year — this is a GREAT show from episode one and it’s remarkable to think that it could even get better.

Film News: ‘Dolphin Tale’ Makes Splash, Wins Box Office

Dolphin Tale

CHICAGO – In its second week in theaters, the inspirational/family drama “Dolphin Tale” dethroned “The Lion King 3D” for the box office win. The film, which follows the relationship between a boy and a dolphin that lost its tail in a crab trap, had shown interest in its first week’s release, but went a step further in week two.

TV Review: Showtime’s Brilliant ‘Dexter’ Returns With Rebooted Vision

CHICAGO – Everyone’s favorite monster returns tonight with the sixth season premiere of “Dexter,” Showtime’s greatest hit and a program that has often ranked as one of the best on television. The show is at a crucial turning point in that the creators have admitted that this is kind of a reboot for the series, picking up a year after the activity of last season.

TV Review: BBC America’s ‘Bedlam’ Plays Like Haunted ‘Melrose Place’

CHICAGO – As much fun as that headline might make it sound, “Bedlam,” premiering stateside tonight, October 1, 2011, on BBC America, is pretty goofy. A little bit of supernatural behavior mixed with cheesy soap dynamics might have made for a fun Autumn diversion but nothing in “Bedlam” is “little.” Everything is so far over-the-top that it can’t even see it any more and the ridiculousness of it all sinks the entertainment value.

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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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