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+.
Tom Cruise
Film Review: ‘The Mummy’ is a Marvel of a Muddled Mess
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 9, 2017 - 6:42amCHICAGO – Universal Studio’s “Dark Universe,” which is centered around its stable of classic movie monsters, isn’t a bad idea. But in the darkly inauspicious debut feature called “The Mummy,” everything unravels. This is a mixed, muddled, marvel of a mess that contains an assembly of special effects, but precious little life.
Film Review: Take the Title Advice in ‘Jack Reacher: Never Go Back’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 22, 2016 - 4:27pmCHICAGO – The title of Tom Cruise’s second Jack Reacher adventure has almost prophetic ring to it – but we all would have been better off if the writers, and director and star of Jack Reacher: Never Go Back” had heeded the advice. This film seems more like one of those bargain-bin-just-barely-released thrillers than a major studio action movie.
HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 50 Pairs of Passes to ‘Jack Reacher: Never Go Back’ With Tom Cruise
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on October 17, 2016 - 10:11amCHICAGO – In the latest HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 50 pairs of advance-screening movie passes up for grabs to the highly anticipated film “Jack Reacher: Never Go Back” starring Tom Cruise and Cobie Smulders!
Film Review: ‘Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation’ at Top of Its Game
Submitted by PatrickMcD on July 31, 2015 - 7:54amCHICAGO – The sensational summer movie season of 2015 still has some pulse pounding tricks up its sleeve, and “Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation” fulfills that sensation with a wham-bam bag of spy games. Tom Cruise, Simon Pegg and Jeremy Renner are back, joined by femme kick-ass Rebecca Ferguson.
Interview: Rebecca Ferguson of ‘Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on July 29, 2015 - 5:07pmCHICAGO – When it comes to keeping up with the boys, actress Rebecca Ferguson is equal to any task in the upcoming “Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation.” She portrays Ilsa, an undercover spy who could be going rogue, and treats the audience to her signature leg clamp, motorcycle skills and action-based heroism.
Film Review: ‘Edge of Tomorrow’ is a Fleet-Footed Popcorn Movie
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 6, 2014 - 8:47amCHICAGO – “Edge Of Tomorrow” is a high concept, fast of foot popcorn movie that knows how to deliver the goods. While this futuristic sci-fi take on “Groundhog Day” doesn’t break any new ground, it does see that intriguing concept through to a fulfilling and crowd pleasing conclusion.
HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 50 Pairs of Passes to ‘Edge of Tomorrow’ With Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on May 29, 2014 - 11:00pmCHICAGO – In the latest HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 50 pairs of advance-screening movie passes up for grabs to the highly anticipated new sci-fi “Edge of Tomorrow” starring Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt!
Blu-ray Review: Stunning Visuals Can’t Save Hollow ‘Oblivion’
Submitted by BrianTT on August 9, 2013 - 4:15pmCHICAGO – Does anyone else remember when sci-fi was fun? Sure, there have always been philosphical, “deep” pieces of science fiction like “2001” and “Blade Runner,” but the genre has become so stunningly self-serious this year. The weight of it nearly crushes “Elysium” and totally decimated “After Earth.” And then we have “Oblivion,” recently released on Blu-ray, a movie that looks great but thinks it has a lot more to say than it ultimately does. And it’s just not fun.
Blu-ray Review: ‘Jack Reacher’ Delivers Goods For Noir Fans
Submitted by BrianTT on May 20, 2013 - 7:03pmCHICAGO – “Jack Reacher” doesn’t work as an action movie. However, if you approach the mannered dialogue and dark storytelling as a noir, which is what I believe the writer and director (if not the marketing team at Paramount) intended, then there’s a lot to like here. It’s a stylized, slick, well-made ride with some crackling dialogue, charismatic performances, and heavy doses of style.
Film Review: Eyegasmic ‘Oblivion’ With Tom Cruise Wins Your Optics, But Loses Your Brain
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on April 20, 2013 - 4:15pmCHICAGO – “Oblivion” is a Pyrrhic victory that wins its battle, but loses the overall war. While this is the kind of visual production value you’d expect on a $120 million budget, an ostentatious steak dinner in the special effects department never makes up for a story that tastes more like cheap ramen noodles.