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+.
Rinko Kikuchi
Film Review: More Action, Less Enjoyment in ‘Pacific Rim Uprising’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 23, 2018 - 12:26pmCHICAGO – The giant robot film genre is in trouble. It wasn’t enough that “Transformers” has ground it to dust, but now the “Pacific Rim” sequel is going the same direction. There is action-a-plenty in the followup to Guillermo Del Toro’s fun and light first film, that lightness is missing in “Pacific Rim Uprising.”
Blu-ray Review: 2013 Hollywood Disaster ‘47 Ronin’ Rescued by Mediocrity
Submitted by NickHC on April 9, 2014 - 1:28pmCHICAGO – If you’ve ever wondered what the difference is between a director and a producer, let “47 Ronin” explain how the hierarchy of creativity hinders the evolution of even the most straightforward-sounding pitches. “47 Ronin” is the type of samurai movie set in Japan that features native actors speaking only English, while Keanu Reeves stars as an outsider clearly plunked into the picture for stateside star power.
2014 Sundance Diary, Day 5: Memorable Characters Descend on Park City
Submitted by BrianTT on January 21, 2014 - 8:26pmExhaustion is settling in but the movies have been consistently good to great. Four movies in a row that variably thrilled or entertained me but definitely left with strong impressions of unforgettable characters. And one of them may be a masterpiece.
Blu-ray Review: Guillermo Del Toro Provides Explosive Fun in ‘Pacific Rim’
Submitted by BrianTT on October 20, 2013 - 8:38pmCHICAGO – Guillermo Del Toro’s “Pacific Rim,” recently released on Blu-ray and DVD, has so much of what the other 2013 Summer blockbusters were missing. There was a disturbing sense of familiarity this year. Even the decent ones like the “Iron Man” and “Star Trek” sequels felt like things we had seen before. “Pacific Rim” returned wonder and spectacle to the world of the blockbuster and the result was Del Toro’s best English-language film. It’s a blast.
Film Review: ‘Pacific Rim’ is Classic Sci-fi Cult Movie Joy
Submitted by PatrickMcD on July 11, 2013 - 4:50pmCHICAGO – Leave it to the wondrous auteur, director Guillermo del Toro, to push the boundaries of giant science fiction epics simply by paying homage to their predecessors. The grand, glorious embrace of “Pacific Rim” leaves no stone of cult film fun unturned.
Film Review: ‘Norwegian Wood’ Marred By Choppy Editing, Mopey Melodrama
Submitted by mattmovieman on January 20, 2012 - 8:58amCHICAGO – Tran Anh Hung’s adaptation of Haruki Murakami’s 1987 novel has garnered a bevy of negative reactions from literary fans, and it’s easy to see why. Pivotal characters remain underdeveloped despite the film’s two-hour-plus running time. Grand gestures are made without any tangible motivation. And epic romances are explored only through a few lustful glances.
Interview: Rachel Weisz Creates Magic With ‘The Brothers Bloom’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on May 22, 2009 - 10:36amCHICAGO – Beautiful, brilliant and expressively talented, Rachel Weisz showcases a comedic side in her latest film, “The Brothers Bloom”, also featuring Adrien Brody, Mark Ruffalo and written/directed by the eclectic Rian Johnson (“Brick”).
Interview: Taking in the Information With ‘The Brothers Bloom’ Director Rian Johnson
Submitted by BrianTT on May 21, 2009 - 2:11pmCHICAGO – Rian Johnson, the writer/director of the excellent “Brick,” has another slice of dazzling dialogue opening this weekend in the very entertaining “The Brothers Bloom,” an elaborate con game starring Adrien Brody, Mark Ruffalo, Rachel Weisz, and Rinko Kikuchi. He sat down for an exclusive interview the night before the Opening Night celebration for his film at last year’s Chicago Film Festival.
Exclusive Portrait: Oscar-Winning Actress Rachel Weisz on the Chicago Red Carpet For ‘The Brothers Bloom’
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on October 17, 2008 - 10:04amCHICAGO – Oscar-winning actress Rachel Weisz walked a Chicago red carpet on Oct. 16, 2008 for the premiere of the film “The Brothers Bloom” as part of the 2008 Chicago International Film Festival. The HollywoodChicago.com lens was there to photograph the moment.