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+.
Patrick McDonald
‘Inequality for All’ Becomes a Cry for Democracy
Submitted by PatrickMcD on September 28, 2013 - 6:00amRating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – One of the more underreported stories of the past year is that income inequality – the gap between the wealthiest one percent in the U.S. versus the rest of the population – is at historic highs. When that balance of power is tilted, the result is documented in the new film, “Inequality for All.”
‘Baggage Claim’ is Equivalent of a Crash Landing
Submitted by PatrickMcD on September 28, 2013 - 4:31amRating: 2.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Experiencing an unfunny comedy is one of the most painful time wasters in the movie going adventure – not only will that time never come back, but wanting to laugh when no motivation for hilarity is produced is like having eternal hiccups. “Baggage Claim” (hic) is (hic) that (hic) sort of movie.
Director Ron Howard Delivers a Meticulous ‘Rush’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on September 27, 2013 - 2:50pmRating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Defining the glory days of any sport is often centered on personal rivalries. The 1970s – notable for stand-offs like John McEnroe and Björn Borg – had a similarly contentious rivalry between Formula One car racers James Hunt and Niki Lauda, portrayed in Ron Howard’s “Rush.”
‘C.O.G.’ is a Touching Indication of Life’s Crossroads
Submitted by PatrickMcD on September 22, 2013 - 2:07pmRating: 4.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Finding identity, especially in the post-collegiate twentysomething time of life, is often fraught with accidental circumstance and heartache. The new film “C.O.G.,” adapted from a short essay from author David Sedaris, is a beautifully sensitive comedy about that rocky identity road, portrayed through a youthful and somewhat clueless preppy from Yale.
High-Energy ‘Battle of the Year’ Needs More Originality
Submitted by PatrickMcD on September 20, 2013 - 5:14pmRating: 3.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – “B Boys” – or as they’re known by the more familiar term as break dancers – are high energy street performers who combine gymnastic moves with tight choreographed dance. This all comes together in a film depicting an international competition called “Battle of the Year.”
Author Remains Elusive in Documentary ‘Salinger’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on September 20, 2013 - 10:13amRating: 3.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Jerome David Salinger, J.D. to his readers, remains one of the most influential and controversial authors of the 20th Century. Known intuitively for the classic novel “Catcher in the Rye,” he also was known as a reclusive soul. His life and times make up the new documentary, “Salinger.”
System is Broken in ‘Money for Nothing: Inside the Federal Reserve’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on September 19, 2013 - 1:30pmRating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Wealth inequality has never been higher, and much of it has to do with how the Federal Reserve Banks of the United States continues to allow the privatization of financial profits and taxpayer bail-outs (socialism) if these financial industries take a loss. This “too big to fail” equation is a result of policies in “Money for Nothing: Inside the Federal Reserve.”
Life at the Crossroads in Tense ‘Critical Nexus’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on September 13, 2013 - 12:57pmRating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – In the realm of micro-budget independent films, it’s rare that a story produces psychological intrigue and the aura of a pulse pounding thriller. Director Tirf Alexius uses three characters to drive a narrative that is fast approaching the definition of its title, “Critical Nexus.”
‘The Family’ Whacks Obsession with Mafia Movies
Submitted by PatrickMcD on September 12, 2013 - 7:55pmRating: 1.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – “The Godfather” saga, “Goodfellas,” “Donnie Brasco,” “The Departed” – the list of America’s obsessive adoration of organized crime and mafia movies goes on and on. Finally, one film comes along to virtually kill the genre, the almost-unwatchable “The Family.”
‘The Patience Stone’ Reveals Eternal Truths
Submitted by PatrickMcD on September 6, 2013 - 10:36amRating: 5.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Despite any manmade restrictions through governments, religion, commerce or trumped-up morality, the truth has a way of mightily conquering all. “The Patience Stone” is a perfect example of that luxurious truth, and it is an important contemporary fairy tale.