October 2010

CHICAGO – In our latest biography/drama edition of HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 50 admit-two passes up for grabs to the advance Chicago screening of the new film “Conviction” starring Hilary Swank, Sam Rockwell, Minnie Driver, Melissa Leo, Peter Gallagher and Juliette Lewis!

CHICAGO – Many filmmakers speak of going against the grain. By virtue of desiring to take a road less traveled, though, often you’re actually going with the same grain as everyone else who wants to be different.

Rating: 3.0/5.0

CHICAGO – “Red White & Blue” is a deviously effective horror film precisely because it doesn’t appear to be one. There are subtle stylistic hints here and there, but nothing that truly signals the horrors to come. They emerge not from left field, but out of the characters’ own pent up rage, and their increasing desire to inflict pain upon the world that has failed them.

CHICAGO – Winner of several Emmy Awards, including three for star Tony Shalhoub for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, “Monk” was easily one of the most successful and influential programs of the ’00s. It may seem like too light and inconsequential a show to be deemed so important but the show about the OCD detective has completely changed the landscape of basic cable television, proving that networks like USA could play with the big boys.

CHICAGO – If you still know anyone who doubts the quality difference between Blu-ray and standard DVD, show them the stunning transfer of Disney’s Best Picture-nominated “Beauty and the Beast,” one of the rare animated films that actually plays even better two decades after its release than it did when it began its cultural domination. With one of the best animated HD transfers yet produced, this is a must-own.

CHICAGO – “Conviction” tells the true story of siblings Betty Anne (Hilary Swank) and Kenny (Sam Rockwell) Walters, and the quest of Betty Anne to free her brother from a prison sentence for murder. Oscar nominee Juliette Lewis lends her talent as key prosecution witness Roseanna Perry, and the film is directed by Tony Goldwyn.

CHICAGO – Since her breakthrough “comic” role in “Knocked Up,” Katherine Heigl has a line-up of titles that almost reads like parody – “27 Dresses,” “The Ugly Truth,” “Killers” – but there had to be some audience or they really wouldn’t exist. She makes just enough box office to keep working, which explains the latest and maybe worst of the bunch, “Life As We Know It”

CHICAGO – Though “It’s Kind of a Funny Story” is the third feature film from Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden, it’s the duo’s first picture that feels like it was made by first-time filmmakers. While their previous two features, “Half Nelson” and “Sugar,’ were entrenched in documentary realism and exuded the assurance and nuance of master filmmakers, this latest effort feels oddly programmed for mainstream consumption.

CHICAGO – Edward Norton was the hottest ticket in town (along with President Barack Obama’s visit to Chicago) on Thursday night for the opening-day screening of his new film “Stone” at the 2010 Chicago International Film Festival.

Rating: 4.0/5.0

CHICAGO – In real life, we cling to the notion that the inconceivable can happen, that magical probability can penetrate the mendacity of everyday existence, but it rarely if ever happens. That is what makes the new film “Secretariat” so appealing, that 37 years ago the impossible did happen, through the heart of a horse and his believers. Diane Lane and John Malkovich lead the charge.

CHICAGO – If you think that most of the music games in the most impressive new genre of the last several years have been nothing more than expensive expansion packs then I doubt that “Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock” is really going to change your mind. The game is far from a drastic leap forward from what fans have already experienced but there are enough quality refinements and enjoyable tunes that it delivers what you should expect when judged on its own terms.

CHICAGO – We’ve been working our way through the schedule for the upcoming 46th Annual Chicago International Film Festival, kicking off tonight with the premiere of “Stone,” starring Edward Norton, Robert De Niro, and Milla Jovovich. While this year’s festival includes a few high-profile films with A-list stars, we’ve dipped below the line, watching screeners of films that might slide below your radar.

CHICAGO – Randall Wallace began his screenwriting career at the top of the ladder, penning the script for the Best Picture-winning “Braveheart” and earning an Oscar nomination himself. He went on to direct “The Man in the Iron Mask” and “We Were Soldiers,” and returns this week with the inspirational “Secretariat,” the true story of the legendary horse starring Diane Lane and John Malkovich.

CHICAGO – Two of the most interesting young directors of their generation return this week with the dramedy “It’s Kind of a Funny Story,” Ryan Fleck & Anna Boden’s follow-up to the highly-acclaimed “Half Nelson” and “Sugar.” The film stars Keir Gilchrist (“The United States of Tara”), Zach Galifianakis (“The Hangover”) and Emma Roberts (“Valentine’s Day”) and opens on Friday, October 8th, 2010.