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Annette Bening, Naomi Watts Lack the Connection in ‘Mother and Child’

Naomi Watts of "Mother and Child"

CHICAGO – “Mother and Child,” with an all star cast of Annette Bening, Naomi Watts, Samuel L. Jackson, Jimmy Smits and Kerry Washington, is mindful of its subject matter, that rare and elusive connection between a mother and their offspring. However, the film has difficulties when the characters become inconsistent with their past backgrounds after that connection is introduced.

Theater Review: ‘The 39 Steps’ is Frolicsome, Hollow Hitchcock

The cast of 'The 39 Steps'

CHICAGO – The stage may is noticeably stripped, and the absence of technical advancement well-viewed. But the brass creativity emanating from “The 39 Steps”, the rollicking adaptation of Alfred Hitchcock’s quieted film, is consummately endowed. In a certain albeit undeniable sense, the Master of Suspense’s screen canon has always been ripe for the satirical plucking.

Lazy, Uninspired ‘Shrek Forever After’ With Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz

CHICAGO – The laziest big budget film of the year, “Shrek Forever After” is the worst kind of family entertainment in that it relies solely on the goodwill engendered by the hit movies that came before to not only get audience members in seats this weekend but to sell them toys, video games, and tickets to amusement parks.

Love Story of ‘Kites’ Soars as a Marvel of Modern Moviemaking

"Kites"

CHICAGO – One of the most provocative and unusual films this year, or any year, is an amazing production from India entitled “Kites.” American director Brett Ratner (”Rush Hour”) was so taken by this film, that he agreed to edit the original (or remix) for the U.S. presentation.

Will Forte, Kristen Wiig Explode a Megaton Bomb in ‘MacGruber’

CHICAGO – In a parallel universe, perhaps a version of “MacGruber” exists that actually understands that comedy should be funny…oh what a beautiful world that would be.

The CW Announces Two New TV Shows to Join Returning Favorites

The CW

CHICAGO – The CW announced its new fall line-up on Thursday and filled out five nights of original programming. Returning shows are “90210,” “Gossip Girl,” “One Tree Hill,” “Life Unexpected,” “America’s Top Model,” “The Vampire Diaries,” “Supernatural” and the final season of “Smallville”.

Blu-Ray Review: ‘The Spy Next Door’ Functions as an Ultra-Lame Babysitter

The Spy Next Door Blu-Ray

CHICAGO – “The Spy Next Door” pairs a man who can’t speak English with three kids who can’t act. They’re forced to recite dialogue credited to three writers who are incapable of writing a single line of wit or originality. Worst of all, the film is directed by a man whose last halfway decent family flick was 1992’s “Beethoven.” Rarely has a mainstream release looked so much like Amateur Hour.

Blu-Ray Review: Experimental ‘9 Songs’ Favors Sexuality Over Story

9 Songs Blu-Ray

CHICAGO – Is Michael Winterbottom’s 2004 curiosity little more than art house porn? It certainly would seem that way to any consumer who happens to glimpse at the film’s Blu-Ray case, which boasts that the disc contains the “full uncut explicit version” of “9 Songs.” There’s also a disclaimer warning that the film “contains sexually explicit content.” In the words of “Family Guy”’s Quagmire, “Oh…right.”

Spirited ‘The Drowsy Chaperone’ Dusts Off Broadway Scrapbook

"The Drowsy Chaperone" at the Marriott Theatre

CHICAGO – There are few plot archetypes that receive as much in the way of production funding as that which examines- and often heralds- the business of Broadway. From the trying personal life of Fanny Brice to the eruption of a chorus player on 42nd Street, musicals have often reveled to the avidity of their own founts.

Interview: Director Rodrigo Garcia on His New Film ‘Mother and Child’

CHICAGO – “Mother and Child” is an intense exploration of the various stages of motherhood, through the performances of Annette Bening, Naomi Watts and Samuel L. Jackson. Leading the eclectic cast through their paces is director Rodrigo Garcia.

TV Review: New FOX Series ‘The Good Guys’ is Just Mediocre

The Good Guys

CHICAGO – Colin Hanks and Bradley Whitford seem like a pair of good guys in real life and the creator of their new show (Matt Nix of “Burn Notice”) has definitely been more-than-good in the past but their new action series, “The Good Guys” might be more correctly titled “The Mediocre Guys,” although that’s not quite as catchy.

Meet the Press: Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy in ‘Shrek Forever After’

Shrek Forever After

LOS ANGELES – On Friday, May 21st, the rest of the film industry will turn green with envy as “Shrek Forever After” is released. The fourth installment of the mega-popular animated series features Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy and Antonio Banderas, as well as new voice talent from Jon Hamm, Craig Robinson and Walt Dohrn.

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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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