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+.
June 2011
Film Review: ‘The Trip’ Hilariously Reunites Steve Coogan, Rob Brydon
Submitted by mattmovieman on June 17, 2011 - 7:28amCHICAGO – There are few things more cinematically depressing than a funny comic trapped in an unfunny movie. Think Larry David in “Whatever Works.” Scene to scene, his eyes repeatedly indicate that there’s a funnier punchline residing in his mischievous skull than there is in the lifeless script. You know a picture’s in trouble when you find yourself yearning to watch the actor eat lunch rather than finish the godforsaken movie.
‘The Trip’ Hilariously Reunites Steve Coogan, Rob Brydon
Submitted by mattmovieman on June 17, 2011 - 7:16am Rating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – There are few things more cinematically depressing than a funny comic trapped in an unfunny movie. Think Larry David in “Whatever Works.” Scene to scene, his eyes repeatedly indicate that there’s a funnier punchline residing in his mischievous skull than there is in the lifeless script. You know a picture’s in trouble when you find yourself yearning to watch the actor eat lunch rather than finish the godforsaken movie.
Blu-Ray Review: ‘When It Was a Game,’ ‘61*’ Make Great Dad’s Day Gifts
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 16, 2011 - 10:09pmCHICAGO – Baseball is a game made for the romantic hyperbole of otherwise stoic men. The appreciation of the game is often passed from Dad to son, so just in time for Father’s Day along comes two great baseball films, the Billy Crystal directed “61*” and the “When it Was a Game” collection.
Interview: Emmy-Nominated Noah Wyle Looks to the ‘Falling Skies’
Submitted by BrianTT on June 16, 2011 - 10:57amCHICAGO – Noah Wyle stars in the upcoming TNT series “Falling Skies,” a family drama dressed up like an alien-invasion series and premiering Sunday, June 19th, 2011.
Film News: Russell Crowe in Talks to Co-Star in ‘Man of Steel’
Submitted by mattmovieman on June 15, 2011 - 9:54pmCHICAGO – In the same day major news broke out about “The Dark Knight Rises,” another key casting choice in an equally anticipated Warner Brothers/Legendary Pictures production has also been buzzing throughout cyberspace.
Film News: Liam Neeson Spotted on ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ Set
Submitted by mattmovieman on June 15, 2011 - 9:01pmCHICAGO – Liam Neeson may have opted out of landing a cameo in “The Hangover Part II,” but now sources are hinting that the Oscar-nominated actor may have set his sights on appearing in an even more anticipated sequel.
Preview: 2011 TBS ‘Just for Laughs Chicago’ Kicks Off June 15
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 15, 2011 - 9:29amCHICAGO – Hilarity is back in the Windy City as the annual “Just for Laughs” festival comes to town to kick off summer. Over the next five days, Chicago venues will be rocking with comedy legends like Steve Martin, and the smaller clubs around town will also be featuring up-and-coming acts.
Film Review: Star-Studded Cast Makes For Good ‘Company’
Submitted by mattmovieman on June 15, 2011 - 7:39amCHICAGO – Though I’ve often entertained the notion of attending an opera or sporting event at a local theater, I just can’t seem to bring myself to pay the admission. No filmed footage, however intimate and detailed, can truly capture the visceral energy of a live performance. No matter how close a camera can zoom in on the action, it still provides the worst seat in the house.
Star-Studded Cast Makes For Good ‘Company’
Submitted by mattmovieman on June 15, 2011 - 7:26am Rating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Though I’ve often entertained the notion of attending an opera or sporting event at a local theater, I just can’t seem to bring myself to pay the admission. No filmed footage, however intimate and detailed, can truly capture the visceral energy of a live performance. No matter how close a camera can zoom in on the action, it still provides the worst seat in the house.
TV Review: Dramatic Season-Three Premiere of ‘HawthoRNe’ With Jada Pinkett Smith
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 14, 2011 - 10:09amCHICAGO – The popular cable TV series “HawthoRNe” throws down a dramatic Season 3 premiere, featuring the star talents of Jada Pinkett Smith and a great supporting cast. The medical series returns on TNT Network on June 14th.
TV Review: ‘Memphis Beat’ Returns For Improved Season Two With Jason Lee
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 14, 2011 - 8:33amCHICAGO – Jason Lee, best known as the star of “My Name is Earl,” took a different direction last year when he took the lead as a police detective in “Memphis Beat.” The second season premiere is June 14th on TNT Network.
Blu-Ray Review: ‘Green Lantern: Emerald Knights’ Explores DC Universe
Submitted by mattmovieman on June 14, 2011 - 7:46amCHICAGO – Superheroes may appear relatively sure-footed, but they are on shaky ground with modern audiences. The sense of awe evoked so effortlessly in Richard Donner’s 1978 classic “Superman” is practically impossible to pull off these days. Comic book adaptations have to be entrenched in realism (as in “The Dark Knight”) to truly wow audiences. Fantastical superpowers and pure-hearted morality just seem so passé.
On WGN Radio: HollywoodChicago.com’s Adam Fendelman on Summer TV Premieres
Submitted by BrianTT on June 13, 2011 - 4:32pmCHICAGO – HollywoodChicago.com publisher Adam Fendelman guests on Bill Moller’s WGN Radio on June 11, 2011 to discuss the 2011 premieres of “Covert Affairs,” “HawthoRNe,” “The Glades,” “Memphis Beat” and “White Collar”.
Submit Your Comments For WGN Radio: ‘Covert Affairs,’ ‘HawthoRNe,’ ‘The Glades,’ ‘Memphis Beat,’ ‘White Collar’ TV Premieres
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on June 10, 2011 - 7:05pmCHICAGO – HollywoodChicago.com publisher Adam Fendelman will appear at 9:20 a.m. on Bill Moller’s program this Saturday, June 11, 2011 on WGN Radio 720 AM in Chicago. The duo will be discussing this year’s TV premieres of “Covert Affairs,” “HawthoRNe,” “The Glades,” “Memphis Beat” and “White Collar”. Which shows are winners and which are wieners? Tune in to find out!
Film Review: Ewan McGregor Needs More Seasoning in ‘Beginners’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 10, 2011 - 4:54pmCHICAGO – When the matriarch of a family dies, the void can create dynamic shifts or imbalance for those left behind. Pair that turmoil with the announcement that a surviving father is gay, and the atmosphere is created for the new film “Beginners.”
Ewan McGregor Needs More Seasoning in 'Beginners'
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 10, 2011 - 4:43pm Rating: 3.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – When the matriarch of a family dies, the void can create dynamic shifts or imbalance for those left behind. Pair that turmoil with the announcement that a surviving father is gay, and the atmosphere is created for the new film “Beginners.”
Film Review: Quirky ‘Submarine’ Balances Wit With Emotion in Clever Way
Submitted by BrianTT on June 10, 2011 - 12:24pmRating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Richard Ayoade’s debut comedy “Submarine” has such an incredibly strong first half that it almost makes the relative disappointment of the second half even more disappointing by comparison. A super-smart ending saves the piece from going out on the wrong note completely and the overall piece bodes well for whatever this talented director does next. Whatever flaws the film may have, it’s certainly unlike anything else in theaters right now and yet will likely remind certain viewers of beloved films like “The Graduate,” “Harold and Maude,” and “Rushmore.”
Quirky ‘Submarine’ Balances Wit With Emotion in Clever Way
Submitted by BrianTT on June 10, 2011 - 12:08pmRating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Richard Ayoade’s debut comedy “Submarine” has such an incredibly strong first half that it almost makes the relative disappointment of the second half even more disappointing by comparison. A super-smart ending saves the piece from going out on the wrong note completely and the overall piece bodes well for whatever this talented director does next.
DVD Review: ‘Who Took the Bomp? Le Tigre on Tour’ Champions Grrrl Power
Submitted by mattmovieman on June 10, 2011 - 10:06amCHICAGO – As far as punk rock electroclash bands go, concertgoers would be hard pressed to find one as vibrant, charismatic and thrillingly alive as Le Tigre. It’s a band that I had no knowledge of prior to viewing this documentary, and though the film itself is a rather unexceptional tour video, it has made me an instant fan of the group, whose witty and catchy rhythms are simply irresistible.
Film Review: Emotional Journey For Maria Bello, Michael Sheen in ‘Beautiful Boy’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 10, 2011 - 5:27amCHICAGO – The family unit, now in a constant battle with technology, changing morality and a fracturing social structure, comes under psychological siege in the mortally sad but ultimately compelling “Beautiful Boy,” featuring Maria Bello and Michael Sheen.
Emotional Journey For Maria Bello, Michael Sheen in ‘Beautiful Boy’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 10, 2011 - 5:23amRating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – The family unit, now in a constant battle with technology, changing morality and a fracturing social structure, comes under psychological siege in the mortally sad but ultimately compelling “Beautiful Boy,” featuring Maria Bello and Michael Sheen.
Film Review: Bad Aura For ‘Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 10, 2011 - 5:05amCHICAGO – Films based on children’s book series can’t all be good. The law of averages eventually catches up to the literary moppets who turn their charms towards the big screen. Case in point, the below average “Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer.”
Bad Aura For ‘Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 10, 2011 - 5:01am Rating: 2.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Films based on children’s book series can’t all be good. The law of averages eventually catches up to the literary moppets who turn their charms towards the big screen. Case in point, the below average “Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer.”
Interview: Richard Ayoade Finds Emotional Depth in ‘Submarine’
Submitted by BrianTT on June 9, 2011 - 1:06pmCHICAGO – Writer/director Richard Ayoade is one of the most unassuming, soft-spoken subjects with which I have ever spoken. He is modest beyond measure and seems completely unaware that he has made a film, the coming-of-age comedy “Submarine,” that has already started the kind of buzz that turns an indie film into a cult hit. People will love this movie. And Ayoade may not be quiet for much longer.
Blu-Ray Review: Adam Sandler’s ‘Just Go with It’ Not Worth the Time
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 9, 2011 - 12:26pmCHICAGO – In the realm of wasting time watching terrible movies, Adam Sandler provides a nearly 24 hour festival. His latest effort, just released on Blu-ray and DVD, is the horrendous, talent wasting “Just Go with It.”
Blu-Ray Review: ‘Sanctum’ Trudges Through a Watery Grave
Submitted by mattmovieman on June 9, 2011 - 9:19amCHICAGO – If “Avatar” stood as a reminder of James Cameron’s undying popularity with audiences, “Sanctum” stands as proof that Cameron’s name alone can’t always sell a picture. Though the filmmaker merely served as executive producer of this murky thriller, the screen overflows with his signature tropes: underwater landscapes, 3D photography, hokey characters and pedestrian dialogue.
Film Review: J.J. Abrams Finds Magic in Wonderful ‘Super 8’
Submitted by BrianTT on June 8, 2011 - 9:26amCHICAGO – J.J. Abrams’ “Super 8” comes to theaters this week shrouded in mystery, nostalgia, and expectation. What do the aliens look like? How will it pay homage to the works of Steven Spielberg that so clearly inspired it? And will the merging of two filmmakers amplify their flaws or underline their strengths?
J.J. Abrams Finds Magic in Wonderful ‘Super 8’
Submitted by BrianTT on June 8, 2011 - 9:23am Rating: 5.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – J.J. Abrams’ “Super 8” comes to theaters this week shrouded in mystery, nostalgia, and expectation. What do the aliens look like? How will it pay homage to the works of Steven Spielberg that so clearly inspired it? And will the merging of two filmmakers amplify their flaws or underline their strengths?
Blu-Ray Review: ‘American: The Bill Hicks Story’ Sheds Light on a Landmark Comic
Submitted by mattmovieman on June 8, 2011 - 8:34amCHICAGO – The funniest jokes are the ones that ring true. They aren’t merely punch-lines. Cathartic laughs are earned not through formulaic quips but through candid observations both startling and relatable. I often find myself feeling awestruck in the presence of a great comic, simply because of their willingness to say what we’ve all thought but never dared to mention in public.
TV Review: USA’s Hit ‘White Collar’ Returns With Lackluster Premiere
Submitted by BrianTT on June 7, 2011 - 2:34pmCHICAGO – They can’t all be winners. The third season premiere of “White Collar” definitely feels like a show trying to find its identity after spinning several of the same plates in the air for two hit seasons and with no clear direction on where to go for chapter three.
