CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio review for the doc series “Charlie Hustle & the Matter of Pete Rose,” about the rise and bitter fall of the major league legend, the MLB’s all-time hits leader, only to be banned from the sport because of gambling. Streaming on MAX and on HBO since July 24th.!—break—>
November 2011
HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 25 Pairs of Chicago Passes to Digitally Restored ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on November 17, 2011 - 1:12amCHICAGO – We agree that it’s sometimes exploitative to re-release a hit film from long, long ago so a studio can newly bloat previously fat wallets.
TV News: Comedy Central Renews ‘South Park’ Through 2016
Submitted by TimBMartens on November 16, 2011 - 11:18pmCHICAGO- The longest running animated show in cable history is going to set the record even further. Comedy Central announced today that the long-running comedy series “South Park,” which is currently on its 15th season, will have new episodes coming to fans through 2016 and a milestone 20th season.
Video Game Review: Kids Will Enjoy Trip to ‘Disney Universe’
Submitted by BrianTT on November 16, 2011 - 8:06pmCHICAGO – “Disney Universe” plays not unlike the legendary company’s attempt to replicate the customizable success and platforming simplicity of “Little Big Planet” (with a bit of “LEGO” smash-and-collect thrown in). Sony’s amazing franchise works not only because the platform/level design is amazing but because it allows inclined players to spend hours (and lots of cash) on ways to customize their sack boy.
Interview: Shailene Woodley is All Relative in ‘The Descendants’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 16, 2011 - 6:41pmCHICAGO – Shailene Woodley has an enviable – and relative to real-life, a truly fictional – role as George Clooney’s daughter in the upcoming film, “The Descendants,’ directed by Alexander Payne. The bright-star actor, also known for “The Secret Life of the American Teen,” was recently in Chicago promoting the film.
Blu-ray Review: Powerful ‘WWII in HD: Collector’s Edition’
Submitted by BrianTT on November 16, 2011 - 5:41pmCHICAGO – “The only people to see the war like this were the ones who lived it. Until now…” Sounds threatening, doesn’t it? I’m not sure I want to see WWII the same way the heroic people on the ground did. And yet I realize there’s an audience deep into material like this — that which makes history feel present and alive. For WWII historians, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better holiday season gift than the 4-disc Blu-ray set for “WWII in HD,” the History Channel series brought to amazing HD life complete with two feature-length specials.
Film Feature: The 10 Best Muppet Movies Ever Made
Submitted by BrianTT on November 16, 2011 - 11:10amCHICAGO – After unleashing the most aggressive and exuberantly playful marketing campaign in recent memory, “The Muppets” is gearing to take over Thanksgiving weekend.
DVD Review: Neil Gaiman’s Fantasy Miniseries ‘Neverwhere’ Holds Up Well
Submitted by mattmovieman on November 16, 2011 - 8:20amCHICAGO – Though British author Neil Gaiman’s six-part, three-hour miniseries “Neverwhere” first aired in 1996, it feels like a relic from a much earlier period in television’s past. Before digital technology enabled small-screen dramas to appear visually indiscernible from major film productions, in-camera effects and handcrafted sets were the norm. It’s inspiring to observe just how much can be achieved on a shoestring budget.
HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 40 Pairs of Chicago Passes, 3 Books to Martin Scorsese’s ‘Hugo’
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on November 16, 2011 - 12:28amCHICAGO – In our latest movie and book companion edition of HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 40 admit-two movie passes up for grabs to the advance Chicago screening of “Hugo” from legendary director Martin Scorsese!
Video Game Review: B-Movie Glee of ‘House of the Dead: Overkill’
Submitted by BrianTT on November 15, 2011 - 5:57pmCHICAGO – “House of the Dead: Overkill” is not unlike “Grindhouse” for shooter fans. Remember the total chaos of Robert Rodriguez’s “Planet Terror”? Imagine that insane, B-movie violence, gore, and ridiculous dialogue in video game form. Much to the surprise of those of us who had written off any chance of adult-driven games on the Nintendo Wii, the “House of the Dead” game hit the platform in 2009 and was a fun ride.
Blu-ray Review: Stellar Release For ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows -- Part 2’
Submitted by BrianTT on November 15, 2011 - 4:22pmCHICAGO – The Blu-ray release for “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 2” is one of those wonderful circumstances in which this critic finds the home release more remarkable than the theatrical. I had some issues with the final film, although would still certainly recommend it, especially if you’ve made it this far, but that doesn’t mean I can’t recognize that the Blu-ray is among the best of the year.
Blu-ray Review: ‘Atlas Shrugged, Part I’ is Remarkably Horrendous
Submitted by BrianTT on November 15, 2011 - 2:31pmCHICAGO – Who cares? Rarely has a movie been so weighed down with horrendous, expository dialogue that has no weight whatsoever as in the widely-loathed “Atlas Shrugged, Part I.” After the notoriously-reviled theatrical release ($4.6 million total domestic box office on a 12% on Rotten Tomatoes) killed the chance at a trilogy (on top of the hysterical Blu-ray labeling error), I kind of hoped the film would either surprise me with its quality or be so awful that it approached “The Room” or “Troll 2” levels of enjoyment. Nope. It’s just boring, boring, boring — the kind of film only worthwhile if you’re having trouble sleeping.
TV Review: TCM’s ‘AFI’s Master Class: The Art of Collaboration’
Submitted by BrianTT on November 15, 2011 - 2:00pmCHICAGO – Director Steven Spielberg and composer John Williams have one of the most creatively impressive collaborative histories in all of film. Having worked together since “The Sugarland Express,” the two forever changed the way film scores are produced and judged with countless classics.
Blu-ray Review: Unfunny ‘Larry Crowne’ Patronizes Middle-Class Moviegoers
Submitted by mattmovieman on November 15, 2011 - 8:17amCHICAGO – “Larry Crowne” is a would-be crowd-pleaser that’s filled to the brim with chipper laughter. It’s the sort of laughter often heard on morning news programs, where overpaid anchors giggle and quip while laughing all the way to the bank. Yet very little of “Crowne’”s onscreen gaiety transfers to the bored, mildly annoyed audiences paying to sit through the self-congratulatory drivel.
HollywoodChicago.com Hide & Tweet: Follow the Clues to Discover a J.J.-Abrams Signed ‘Super 8’ Blu-ray
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on November 15, 2011 - 12:07amCHICAGO – Hide & Tweet! You’ve never seen a HollywoodChicago.com Hookup like this before because it’s never been done – anywhere! Join the hunt!
TV News: CBS Announces Mid-Season Schedule With Few Changes
Submitted by BrianTT on November 14, 2011 - 6:52pmCHICAGO – Unlike the massive housecleaning at NBC announced today, things won’t change much at mid-season for the #1 network in total viewers, but CBS did make official that the Rob Schneider vehicle “¡ROB!” will get the cozy post-“The Big Bang Theory” slot on Thursday nights, starting January 12th.
TV News: NBC Announces Mid-Season Schedule; ‘Community,’ ‘Prime Suspect’ Pulled
Submitted by BrianTT on November 14, 2011 - 6:37pmCHICAGO – NBC announced their mid-season schedule today and fans of one of the best comedies on television will notice that “Community” is not on it. Now, don’t panic yet.
Video Game Review: ‘Goldeneye Reloaded 007’ Reboots Classic Hit
Submitted by BrianTT on November 14, 2011 - 3:13pmCHICAGO – “Goldeneye 64” was one of the most influential games on my life. Not only did it redefine shooters for this hardcore gamer but it took away hundreds of hours from my college education. Who’s to say what I could have become if not for this addictive shooter, which, along with “Doom 2,” opened the world of multiplayer action?
Blu-ray Review: Pixar’s ‘Cars 2’ Represents Low For Legendary Company
Submitted by BrianTT on November 14, 2011 - 1:49pmCHICAGO – “Cars 2,” recently released on Blu-ray and DVD, is disappointing in 1,000 ways. It would be a lackluster family film no matter who made it but the fact that the most important movie studio of the last twenty years, Pixar, produced a film this boring, uninspired, offensive, and just plain horrendous is nearly soul-crushing. This critic counts “WALL-E,” “Finding Nemo,” and all three “Toy Story” movies among the best films ever made. It’s hard to believe “Cars 2” came from the same production company. It’s barely even the same genre.
Film News: First Full-Length Trailer Released For ‘The Hunger Games’
Submitted by TimBMartens on November 14, 2011 - 11:31amCHICAGO – Fans of the hit book series and much anticipated film series “The Hunger Games” were treated to a full look inside the world of Panem this morning when Lionsgate debuted a full trailer for the new film. After a short teaser trailer premiered this past summer showing the main character, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence), running through a forest during battle, the new trailer gives a full look at the modern/futuristic world.
Film News: ‘Immortals’ Debut Wins Weekend Box Office
Submitted by TimBMartens on November 14, 2011 - 11:12amCHICAGO – After two weeks of the animated feature film “Puss in Boots” holding the box office crown, this week the new film “Immortals” took the crown. Earning an estimated $32 million, the action packed mythological film easily brought in enough to be deemed number one.
HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 3 Blu-rays or DVDs to Usher’s ‘OMG Tour: Live From London’
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on November 13, 2011 - 3:01pmCHICAGO – In our latest music tour edition of HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Music, we have 3 Blu-rays or DVDs up for grabs for the home entertainment release of Usher’s “OMG Tour: Live From London”!
Interview: Vincent D’Onofrio on Directorial Debut of ‘Don’t Go in the Woods’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 12, 2011 - 9:40amCHICAGO – Vincent D’Onofrio has had a career that is rich and diverse. He has worked with directors as distinct as Stanley Kubrick (”Full Metal Jacket”) and Tim Burton (”Ed Wood”), and has starred in the legendary TV franchise “Law & Order: Criminal Intent.” He presents his directorial debut, “Don’t Go in the Woods,” on November 12th in Chicago at the “Tribeca Film Festival on the Road.”
Film Review: ‘Immortals’ is Model of a Modern Major Epic
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 11, 2011 - 7:30pmCHICAGO – The sword and sandals epic has been around since the costume department fashioned the first toga. A modern take on this tried-and-true story line is “Immortals,” using the latest computer generated imagery to create the gods of Mount Olympus, the mortals of ancient Greece and their severed heads in 3D.
‘Immortals’ is Model of a Modern Major Epic
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 11, 2011 - 7:27pm![]() Rating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – The sword and sandals epic has been around since the costume department fashioned the first toga. A modern take on this tried-and-true story line is “Immortals,” using the latest computer generated imagery to create the gods of Mount Olympus, the mortals of ancient Greece and their severed heads in 3D.
Video Game News: ‘Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3’ Sets New Launch Record
Submitted by TimBMartens on November 11, 2011 - 1:45pmCHICAGO – Here’s a story that comes as no surprise: gamers really love “Call of Duty.” For the third straight release, the “Call of Duty” series has set a new one-day record for sales. In 2009, “Modern Warefare 2” boasted sales of $310 million on the first day. In 2010, “Black Ops” topped the record with $360 million in its first 24 hours. Now, “Modern Warefare 3” has set the bar much higher, with $400 million of total sales in one day in North America and the U.K.
Blu-Ray News: Disney to Release ‘Lady and the Tramp,’ ‘Cinderella’ in Diamond Editions
Submitted by TimBMartens on November 11, 2011 - 1:16pmCHICAGO – Disney has opened up its vault, once again, to bring two of its most classic films back to fans; this time in Blu-Ray Diamond Editions. “Lady and the Tramp” and “Cinderella” will both be released in 2012 for fans to enjoy re-mastered, high quality versions of the classic films.
Film Review: Werner Herzog’s Dark Journey ‘Into the Abyss’
Submitted by BrianTT on November 11, 2011 - 12:00pm![]() Rating: 5.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Through both his fictional and documentary work, Werner Herzog has long been interested in the workings of the natural world and our place in it. His new film, “Into the Abyss,” may at first seem like a departure from those themes but it centers on a subject that defies the natural world and order – the taking of another life. Easily one of the best documentaries of the year, this riveting, haunting piece of work fits perfectly into Herzog’s resume as one of our most important living filmmakers.
Werner Herzog’s Dark Journey ‘Into the Abyss’
Submitted by BrianTT on November 11, 2011 - 11:58am![]() Rating: 5.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Through both his fictional and documentary work, Werner Herzog has long been interested in the workings of the natural world and our place in it. His new film, “Into the Abyss,” may at first seem like a departure from those themes but it centers on a subject that defies the natural world and order – the taking of another life.
Film Review: Adam Sandler Sticks to Formula in ‘Jack and Jill’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 11, 2011 - 8:44amCHICAGO – No one will ever accuse Adam Sandler of not knowing his audience and the reason they keep coming back to his “Happy Madison” genre of films – he delivers the oddball characters, lots of bodily fluids/sounds, physical beatings and the know-it-all straight man. Add the gooey sentiment and out spews the latest, “Jack and Jill.”
Adam Sandler Sticks to Formula in ‘Jack and Jill’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 11, 2011 - 8:37am![]() Rating: 2.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – No one will ever accuse Adam Sandler of not knowing his audience and the reason they keep coming back to his “Happy Madison” genre of films – he delivers the oddball characters, lots of bodily fluids/sounds, physical beatings and the know-it-all straight man. Add the gooey sentiment and out spews the latest, “Jack and Jill.”