HollywoodChicago.com Arts & Entertainment News

Jude Law, Forest Whitaker Misfire With Awful ‘Repo Men’

CHICAGO – Reminiscent of vastly superior work by David Cronenberg and Paul Verhoeven but with none of the directorial skill apparent in the work of those two talented men, “Repo Men” with Jude Law and Forest Whitaker is a total disaster possibly unmatched in the careers of its talented stars.

‘The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo’ Entertains Rather Than Exhilarates

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
HollywoodChicago.com Oscarman rating: 3.5/5.0
Rating: 3.5/5.0

CHICAGO – Literary mysteries are harder to adapt for the big screen than one might assume. The trick is to make audiences feel like they’re discovering secrets right alongside the characters. We want to share in their exhilaration, their terror, their epiphanies.

DVD Review: ‘The Twilight Saga: New Moon’ Two-Disc Special Edition

New Moon DVD Thumb

CHICAGO – Only those completely unaware of any happenings in the world of film and DVD would still be unaware that “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” is hitting stores tomorrow, March 20th, 2010, with some outlets even holding parties tonight in advance of a midnight sale. Of course, we have our copy already and are here to break down what to expect when you finally get your hands on it.

Blu-Ray Review: ‘Ninja Assassin’ Upstages Physical Feats With Bloody Effects

Ninja Assassin Blu-Ray

CHICAGO – Maybe a film called “Ninja Assassin” starring Korean pop star Rain would be some people’s idea of a good time, but not mine. The best martial arts films are the ones that delve into the psychology of a warrior, turning grandstanding set-pieces into the artful externalization of his (or her) inner battles. “Ninja Assassin” may contain lots of martial arts, but the film is as much a work of art as a McDonald’s Happy Meal.

Popular ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ Book Comes to Life on the Big Screen

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Zachary Gordon

CHICAGO – “Diary of a Wimpy Kid,” and main character Greg Heffley, is familiar to a generation of kid book lovers through the line drawings of creator Jeff Kinney. The film version has child actor Zachary Gordon bringing Greg to life.

Kristen Stewart, Dakota Fanning Rock Out 1970s Style in ‘The Runaways’

CHICAGO – Joan Jett rocks and her 1975 roots are on display in a movie bio about her first band, “The Runaways.” Kristen Stewart portrays Jett and Dakota Fanning takes on the band’s troubled lead singer, Cherie Currie.

Blu-Ray Review: Excellent Release For ‘The Princess and the Frog’

Princess and the Frog

CHICAGO – The importance of Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog” should not be underestimated in that it not only successfully brought back hand-drawn, 2D animation in an era dominated by CGI but it presented an American fairy tale for African-American children and adults everywhere. It’s a lovely little film with a few flaws that are easy to overlook with such a marvelous Blu-ray presentation.

Blu-Ray Review: ‘The Fourth Kind’ is Disturbing For the Wrong Reasons

The Fourth Kind Blu-Ray

CHICAGO – Here’s the most desperate film in many a moon. It tries harder than any recent horror picture to prove that its artificial horrors are real. What it lacks is the subtlety and suspense necessary to actually scare viewers. “Blair Witch Project” did it with ominous sounds in the dark. “Paranormal Activity” did it with time code. Both films proved that in the case of psychological horror, less is always more.

Celebrate ‘The Twilight Saga: New Moon’ With a DVD Release Party

New Moon DVD Thumb

CHICAGO – If you just can’t wait to get your hands on a copy of “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” on Blu-ray or DVD, you can be the first to own a copy of the blockbuster hit by attending a release party at Borders Bookstore in Oak Park on Friday, March 19th, 2010 and get a copy at midnight.

13th Annual EU Film Festival Highlights, Week Three: ‘Rembrandt’s J’Accuse,’ ‘Disengagement’

Disengagement

CHICAGO – The third week of the 13th Annual EU Film Festival at the Siskel Film Center has arrived, and we’re back to give you an idea of what to expect in the second half of arguably the best fest in the Windy City. We profile several of this week’s hottest tickets, including an anticipated screening hosted by Chicago’s own Jonathan Rosenbaum.

Blu-Ray Review: Absolutely Awful ‘Did You Hear About the Morgans?’

Did You Hear About the Morgans?

CHICAGO – The title of “Did You Hear About the Morgans?” was almost too easy for critics considering how horrendous this alleged comedy ended up. Yeah, we heard it sucked and the new DVD and Blu-ray release of this stinker only confirms those rumors.

Interview: ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ Author Jeff Kinney, Lead Kid Actors

CHICAGO – In the best selling arena that is kid’s books, author Jeff Kinney has won praise and sales for his “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series. The film version of that series is about to be released, with Zachary Gordon as Greg and Robert Capron as Rowley.

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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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