HollywoodChicago.com Arts & Entertainment News

Blu-Ray Review: ‘Funny People’ Disappointing Movie, Amazing Blu-Ray

Funny People

CHICAGO – Whatever problems I may have with Judd Apatow’s “Funny People” (and I’ll get to those, trust me), the Blu-Ray release for the comedy is easily one of the most extensive and impressive of the year with hours of bonus material and some amazing archival footage that makes the package a must-own for fans of the film. If only the movie itself lived up to such an impressive HD treatment.

Blu-Ray Review: Forgettable ‘Terminator Salvation’ Gets Supreme Treatment on Blu-Ray

Terminator Salvation

CHICAGO – The “Terminator” series is not one of the great modern movie franchises. The films have mainly served as ideal vehicles for the limited acting range of Arnold Schwarzenegger, whose muscular build and Austrian accent were perfect for the role of a formidable, oft-mute cyborg.

Blu-Ray Review: Excellent Release For ‘Fight Club: 10th Anniversary Edition’

Fight Club

CHICAGO – What took so long? Seriously, why are studios waiting so long to release some essential titles on Blu-Ray? Every time someone asks me why I think that Blu-Ray hasn’t taken off as quickly as some insiders expected, I have the same answer. “Because your favorite movie isn’t on Blu-Ray.” At least one of those “favorite movies” can be checked off the list with the release of “Fight Club” in a glorious tenth anniversary edition from Fox.

Video Game Review: ‘Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles’ Delivers Action You Need

The Darkside Chronicles

CHICAGO – Fans of the “Resident Evil” franchise and rail shooters in general (two parties of which I would definitely claim membership) should not let the excellent “The Darkside Chronicles” pass them by and I believe even newcomers to either zombie games or Wii shooting titles will find something to like in this expertly conceived title with only one significant flaw.

TV Review: ‘Men of a Certain Age’ Promising But Off to Dull Start

Men of a Certain Age

CHICAGO – The mid-life crisis of the modern man is mostly about ego - as the body goes downhill and the role of the alpha male is supplanted by a new version of himself, men kind of fall apart as they realize that their peak has arguably passed. Why would such an individual experience make for intriguing drama? Using the mid-life crisis as a jumping off point for drama would require some seriously well-drawn characters, the kind of guys who you root to come to terms with passing over that hill. “Men of a Certain Age” does not yet have those characters.

Oscar-Worthy ‘Up in the Air’ Gels With Shrewd Script, Fresh Faces, Unpredicted Realism

CHICAGO – Director Jason Reitman is becoming like a fine wine. He’s maturing with age, tasting newer with each sip and leaving an aftertaste that makes you think you’ll savor what’s next.

Interview: Tony Curtis is the Original Fantastic Mr. Fox

CHICAGO – Tony Curtis, who rolled into town to introduce his classic “Some Like it Hot” – December 5th and 6th, 2009, at the Hollywood Palms in Naperville, IL – has a sharp and voracious intelligence, plus the adventurous life story to share. In his new book, “The Making of Some Like it Hot,” Curtis relates the incredible Hollywood tale about how two big stars, he and Jack Lemmon, dressed up as women, and collided with the incomparable Marilyn Monroe and director Billy Wilder to create a true American film masterpiece.

Interview: Columbus Short Lets Down His Guard in ‘Armored’

Columbus Short in "Armored"

CHICAGO – Meeting with Columbus Short is encountering a true force of nature. Focused, intent and with a varied perspective, this up-and-coming young actor and performer has the centerpiece role in the new film, “Armored.”

HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 25 ‘Invictus’ Chicago Passes With Matt Damon, Morgan Freeman

CHICAGO – In our latest biography/sports edition of HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 25 admit-two passes up for grabs to the advance Chicago screening of “Invictus” from director Clint Eastwood with Matt Damon and Morgan Freeman!

Jake Gyllenhaal, Tobey Maguire, Natalie Portman Not Relatable in ‘Brothers’

CHICAGO – The transition from hot young actor to the domestic picket fence is about ten years and a shadowy crow’s foot. One day you’re a galaxy queen, superhero and Donnie Darko, next you’re playing house in “Brothers.”

Blu-Ray Review: Much More Than a Tour Chronicled in ‘Gimme Shelter’

Gimme Shelter

CHICAGO – If the 1969 U.S. tour of The Rolling Stones had gone smoothly, David Maysles, Albert Maysles and Charlotte Zwerin’s “Gimme Shelter” would still be one of the best music documentaries ever made. Of course, as everyone who knows anything about music or pop culture history knows, the tour did not go smoothly, ending in the infamous concert at Altamont Speedway that’s often pointed to as the end of the era of love.

Poster Released For ‘The Twilight Saga: Eclipse’ With Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart

Eclipse Poster

CHICAGO – “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” has just been released and “Twilight” fans are already anticipating the release of “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse,” which is the third installment in the “Twilight” franchise and stars Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner.

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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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