CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio review for the streaming series “Emily in Paris” the adventures of Emily Cooper and her fanciful/fashionable Paris friends and lovers, now in its fourth season. Episodes 1-5 currently on Netflix.
March 2011
Bradley Cooper’s ‘Limitless’ Unlocks 100% of Hollywood’s Ridiculousness
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on March 18, 2011 - 4:39pm![]() Rating: 2.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – If you’re not easily susceptible to vertigo and can survive the intro cut scene, “Limitless” proceeds to treat you to one part thrill ride and one part exercise in ridiculousness. While we often go to the movies to escape, “Limitless” manipulatively exploits our deepest and darkest desires for wealth, power and Google-like global conquests.
HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 50 Pairs of Chicago Passes to 1954 Classic ‘Seven Brides For Seven Brothers’ With TCM
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on March 18, 2011 - 2:15pmCHICAGO – In our latest classic edition of HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 50 admit-two passes up for grabs to the special Chicago screening of the 1954 classic “Seven Brides For Seven Brothers” as part of the one-night-only Road to Hollywood event from Turner Classic Movies!
Film Review: Mia Wasikowska, Judi Dench Float on ‘Jane Eyre’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 18, 2011 - 11:01amCHICAGO – Film adaptations of classic literature are often lose-lose scenarios. The ardent admirers of the source often sour on what is left out, and the average filmgoer might wonder what the fuss is about when experiencing a truncated interpretation. There is obvious passion behind the latest adaptation of “Jane Eyre,” with performances that follow that lead.
Mia Wasikowska, Judi Dench Float on ‘Jane Eyre’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 18, 2011 - 10:53am![]() Rating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Film adaptations of classic literature are often lose-lose scenarios. The ardent admirers of the source often sour on what is left out, and the average filmgoer might wonder what the fuss is about when experiencing a truncated interpretation. There is obvious passion behind the latest adaptation of “Jane Eyre,” with performances that follow that lead.
Film Review: Abbas Kiarostami’s ‘Certified Copy’ Tantalizes, Delights
Submitted by mattmovieman on March 18, 2011 - 9:41amCHICAGO – Nothing transfixes me quite like transcendent acting and writing when viewed under a cinematic lens. My favorite films of early 2011 have been Tommy Lee Jones’s stunning adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s play, “The Sunset Limited,” and Abbas Kiarostami’s beguiling new masterwork, “Certified Copy.” Both films derive their dramatic power from the differing philosophies of two articulate characters who may or may not be what they seem.
Abbas Kiarostami’s ‘Certified Copy’ Tantalizes, Delights
Submitted by mattmovieman on March 18, 2011 - 9:33am![]() Rating: 5.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Nothing transfixes me quite like transcendent acting and writing when viewed under a cinematic lens. My favorite films of early 2011 have been Tommy Lee Jones’s stunning adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s play, “The Sunset Limited,” and Abbas Kiarostami’s beguiling new masterwork, “Certified Copy.” Both films derive their dramatic power from the differing philosophies of two articulate characters who may or may not be what they seem.
Film Review: Matthew McConaughey Nearly Saves Problematic ‘The Lincoln Lawyer’
Submitted by BrianTT on March 18, 2011 - 9:18amCHICAGO – Proving yet again that he can deliver when he avoids horrendous romantic comedy cliches, Matthew McConaughey does his best work in years in “The Lincoln Lawyer,” but the film doesn’t quite come together like one wishes that it would due to the common traps that befall big screen adaptations of best-selling thrillers.
Matthew McConaughey Nearly Saves Problematic ‘The Lincoln Lawyer’
Submitted by BrianTT on March 18, 2011 - 9:11am![]() Rating: 3.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Proving yet again that he can deliver when he avoids horrendous romantic comedy cliches, Matthew McConaughey does his best work in years in “The Lincoln Lawyer,” but the film doesn’t quite come together like one wishes that it would due to the common traps that befall big screen adaptations of best-selling thrillers.
Film Review: Simon Pegg, Seth Rogen Have Close Encounter in Fun ‘Paul’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 18, 2011 - 9:10amCHICAGO – When having fun at the movies seems in short supply, the British film duo of Simon Pegg and Nick Frost come along with one of their goofy, comic tributes to our cinematic heritage. After zombies in “Shaun of the Dead” and action heroes in “Hot Fuzz.” Pegg and Frost take on the extra terrestrials in “Paul.”
Simon Pegg, Seth Rogen Have Close Encounter in Fun ‘Paul’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 18, 2011 - 8:58am![]() Rating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – When having fun at the movies seems in short supply, the British film duo of Simon Pegg and Nick Frost come along with one of their goofy, comic tributes to our cinematic heritage. After zombies in “Shaun of the Dead” and action heroes in “Hot Fuzz.” Pegg and Frost take on the extra terrestrials in “Paul.”
HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 30 Pairs of Chicago Passes to Zack Snyder’s ‘Sucker Punch’ With Vanessa Hudgens
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on March 17, 2011 - 2:35pmCHICAGO – In our latest fantasy/action edition of HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 30 admit-two passes up for grabs to the advance Chicago screening of the new film “Sucker Punch” from “Watchmen” and “300” director Zack Snyder!
Blu-Ray Review: AMC’s Brilliant ‘The Walking Dead: The Complete First Season’
Submitted by BrianTT on March 17, 2011 - 2:16pmCHICAGO – The series premiere of AMC’s “The Walking Dead” was the best horror movie of 2010 and the best single episode of television that year. Director Frank Darabont (“The Shawshank Redemption”) brilliantly distilled a lifetime of zombie fandom into one beautiful character-driven piece that not only provided the chills of the genre but proved that the series would be dramatically rich as well. The living were as interesting as the dead. And now the first season, only six episodes long, is available in a beautiful 2-disc Blu-ray set. Don’t miss one of the best shows of 2010.
Interview: Author Michael Connelly Goes From Page to Screen With ‘The Lincoln Lawyer’
Submitted by BrianTT on March 17, 2011 - 1:36pmCHICAGO – Michael Connelly is one of the most successful thriller writers alive, winning nearly every major award possible for his genre.
DVD Review: Russell Crowe Shines in Taut Remake ‘The Next Three Days’
Submitted by mattmovieman on March 17, 2011 - 7:45amCHICAGO – Two equally ignored Oscar bait contenders from 2010 centered on the same basic question: to what extent would you go to free your beloved from prison? Tony Goldwyn’s “Conviction” and Paul Haggis’s “The Next Three Days,” are less interested in the characters behind bars than they are about those on the outside looking (and breaking) in. While neither film is Best Picture material, both are certainly worth a look.
Interviews: Mia Wasikowska, Director Cary Fukunaga on ‘Jane Eyre’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 17, 2011 - 6:17amCHICAGO – According to IMDB, there are over 20 film and TV versions of the Charlotte Bronte novel, “Jane Eyre.” Director Cary Fukunaga (”Sin Nombre”) and lead actress Mia Wasikowska (”Alice in Wonderland”) take on the latest remake of the literary legend.
DVD Review: Danny Boyle’s Excellent ‘127 Hours’ Retains Dramatic Power
Submitted by BrianTT on March 16, 2011 - 7:16pmCHICAGO – Danny Boyle’s “127 Hours” came to theaters, originally in the Windy City as a part of the Chicago International Film Festival, with such fanfare and controversy over its notorious arm-cutting scene that it had almost the force of nature when it first screened. It was a visceral punch to the gut. I wondered how it would play, months later, on the couch instead of in a theater seat. It still works. Boyle’s film is still a dramatically powerful piece of work with a career-best performance from the great James Franco.
Video Game Review: Shooter ‘Homefront’ Offers Brief, Explosive Thrill Ride
Submitted by BrianTT on March 16, 2011 - 5:17pmCHICAGO – Do you judge a game based on quality or quantity? When players get to the end of the shockingly-brief single-player campaign of “Homefront” (under 4 hours on normal difficulty), they’re likely to think they’re being punked and the fact is that the multi-player is a kid’s wading pool compared to the depth of a title like “Call of Duty: Black Ops.”
Interview: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost Partner With ‘Paul’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 16, 2011 - 8:30amCHICAGO – Simon Pegg and Nick Frost are a movie team and British treasures. Acclaimed for their previous teaming in “Shaun of the Dead” and “Hot Fuzz,” Pegg and Frost both wrote and star in their latest comedy, the space alien farce “Paul.”
Blu-Ray Review: ‘Four Lions’ Subversively Pokes Fun at Terrorism
Submitted by mattmovieman on March 16, 2011 - 7:49amCHICAGO – In Dan Reed’s unmissable 2009 HBO documentary “Terror in Mumbai,” cameras captured the overwhelming carnage caused by ten young Pakistani men. They were obeying every word of their elders, heard in the film via phone correspondence. The terrorists gradually began to resemble wide-eyed kids, as they became dazzled by the lavish scenery in Mumbai, an environment that clashed with their sheltered existence.
DVD Review: Dwayne Johnson Wastes Talent on Dull ‘Faster’
Submitted by BrianTT on March 15, 2011 - 8:16pmCHICAGO – After his underrated breakthrough from wrestling into acting, “The Rundown,” we all expected Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson to be the next macho action stars like the icons we grew up with — Sly, Ahnuld, Bruce Willis, and more. But the action market shifted to more average-looking heroes (like Nic Cage & Shia LaBeouf) and The Rock took a left turn into family fare like “The Tooth Fairy” and “Race to Witch Mountain.” “Faster” looked like a return to the genre in which he would have been a mega-star in 1988. Sadly, the result is a dull, boring affair that’s nowhere near as much fun as its title or premise might suggest.
Blu-Ray Review: Christina Aguilera’s ‘Burlesque’ Lives Up to Bad Reputation
Submitted by mattmovieman on March 15, 2011 - 3:50pmCHICAGO – If a musical miscalculation as epic in ineptitude as Steve Antin’s “Burlesque” is considered eligible for a Best Musical or Comedy Award, then the Golden Globes are officially advised to a.) Retire the outdated category, or b.) Retire the entire hopelessly corrupt awards show. Either decision is guaranteed to prove beneficial in the long run.
Interviews: It’s the 1960s Again at the Hollywood Celebrities Show
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 15, 2011 - 11:47amCHICAGO – The wake of the 1960s still resonates on our shores, and entertainment was a viable leader during the era for breaking new barriers. At the recent Hollywood Celebrities & Memorabilia Show, Shirley Knight, Barbara Parkins and Victoria Sellers were reminders of those special times.
On WGN Radio: HollywoodChicago.com’s Brian Tallerico on TV Shows That Were Canceled Too Soon
Submitted by BrianTT on March 14, 2011 - 7:01pmCHICAGO – HollywoodChicago.com content director Brian Tallerico speaks with WGN Radio host Bill Moller on Mar. 12, 2011 about the best programs that were canceled too soon.
Blu-Ray Review: ‘Michael Jordan to the Max’ Recommended For Bulls Fans Only
Submitted by mattmovieman on March 14, 2011 - 3:16pmCHICAGO – With all the depth and nuance of a Nike commercial, “Michael Jordan to the Max” probes into the mind of its titular subject, a man as infamous for his astonishing achievements in basketball as he is for his spectacular success as a corporate spokesperson. This 46-minute feature is not about Jordan the person, but Jordan the marketable icon: family man, mentor, role model, eternal optimist.
Film Review: Spectacle, Emotion Propel Animation in ‘Mars Needs Moms’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 11, 2011 - 6:13pmCHICAGO – “Mars Needs Moms” is an animated epic that takes its time to build toward the message, but the path to that real emotion is decorated with spectacular imagery and sprightly comedy. It’s Mom, apple pie and motion capture technology.
Spectacle, Emotion Propel Animation in ‘Mars Needs Moms’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 11, 2011 - 6:07pm![]() Rating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – “Mars Needs Moms” is an animated epic that takes its time to build toward the message, but the path to that real emotion is decorated with spectacular imagery and sprightly comedy. It’s Mom, apple pie and motion capture technology.
HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Malin Akerman-Signed Poster, $100 Gift Card For ‘Happythankyoumoreplease’
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on March 11, 2011 - 5:51pmCHICAGO – More, please! Along with our recent Hookup for advance-screening movie passes to the new comedy/drama “Happythankyoumoreplease,” in this follow-up edition of HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film one lucky winner will score a mega prize pack!
Film Review: ‘Happythankyoumoreplease’ Falls Flat With Unlikable Characters
Submitted by BrianTT on March 11, 2011 - 5:04pm![]() Rating: 2.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Josh Radnor’s “Happythankyoumoreplease” wants to be a new-generation Woody Allen film but misses the mark wildly by presenting characters that aren’t likable in situations that aren’t believable. None of the relationships that drive this awkward dramedy ring true and only a few supporting performances make the effort worthwhile as they highlight the weaknesses at the core of the manipulative script.
‘Happythankyoumoreplease’ Falls Flat With Unlikable Characters
Submitted by BrianTT on March 11, 2011 - 5:00pm![]() Rating: 2.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Josh Radnor’s “Happythankyoumoreplease” wants to be a new-generation Woody Allen film but misses the mark wildly by presenting characters that aren’t likable in situations that aren’t believable. None of the relationships that drive this awkward dramedy ring true and only a few supporting performances make the effort worthwhile as they highlight the weaknesses at the core of the manipulative script.
Film Review: Loud, Annoying ‘Battle: Los Angeles’ Fails in Spectacular Ways
Submitted by BrianTT on March 11, 2011 - 4:40pm![]() Rating: 1.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – It used to be an insult to say that a loud action movie reminded a critic of a video game. The fact is that most recent video games feature better storytelling and more entertainment value than the horrendous “Battle: Los Angeles,” an annoying movie with such inept direction that it’s not even fun on a visceral level. Even the explosions are boring.