CHICAGO – Excelsior! Comic book legend Stan Lee’s famous exclamation puts a fine point on the third and final play of Mark Pracht’s FOUR COLOR TRILOGY, “The House of Ideas,” presented by and staged at City Lit Theater in Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood. For tickets/details, click HOUSE OF IDEAS.
June 2013
Blu-ray Review: Collector’s Edition of Bruce Lee’s ‘Enter the Dragon’
Submitted by BrianTT on June 18, 2013 - 9:53amCHICAGO – When critics talk about the most influential films of the ’70s, they too often forget a little flick that became a phenomenon, Robert Clouse’s “Enter the Dragon,” recently released in a gorgeous box set with a new HD transfer, new special features, and new collectible items. Bruce Lee’s most beloved work still influences the Martial Arts genre today and gave birth to an entire cultural shift as cinema, particularly action films, became more influenced by Asian styles. The Blu-ray is a beauty with new special features about the making of and importance of “Dragon” that even those who have seen the flick a hundred times on cable will find enlightening.
Blu-ray Review: ‘Jack the Giant Slayer’ Crushes Entertainment with Spectacle
Submitted by BrianTT on June 18, 2013 - 9:16amCHICAGO – Every element of “Jack the Giant Slayer,” released today on Blu-ray and DVD, feels like a subpar version of something done better in a superior film. There’s the epic scope and final siege of a “Lord of the Rings” film. There’s the reimagined fairy tale not unlike “Alice in Wonderland” or “Oz the Great and Powerful.”
Film Review: Another View of Energy Future in ‘Pandora’s Promise’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 17, 2013 - 4:44pmCHICAGO – Who are we to believe any more? On one side is a corporate information media, desperately trying to sell soap in between their boardroom agendas. On the other, is the massive and barely sourced repository called the internet. Between those two is the documentary “Pandora’s Promise.”
Another View of Energy Future in ‘Pandora’s Promise’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 17, 2013 - 4:41pmRating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Who are we to believe any more? On one side is a corporate information media, desperately trying to sell soap in between their boardroom agendas. On the other, is the massive and barely sourced repository called the internet. Between those two is the documentary “Pandora’s Promise.”
Film Review: ‘The Haunting of Helena’ Updates Tooth Fairy Legend
Submitted by BrianTT on June 17, 2013 - 4:20pmCHICAGO – Originally called “Fairytale,” “The Haunting of Helena” will be available on VOD tomorrow, June 18, 2013, before a very limited release on June 21, 2013. It’s a generic, mediocre horror flick with a few effective images and some interesting thematic play in the second act that is, sadly, totally underdeveloped.
‘The Haunting of Helena’ Updates Tooth Fairy Legend
Submitted by BrianTT on June 17, 2013 - 4:11pmRating: 2.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Originally called “Fairytale,” “The Haunting of Helena” will be available on VOD tomorrow, June 18, 2013, before a very limited release on June 21, 2013. It’s a generic, mediocre horror flick with a few effective images and some interesting thematic play in the second act that is, sadly, totally underdeveloped.
Film Review: An Insider’s View of Religious Tradition in ‘Fill the Void’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 17, 2013 - 2:14pmCHICAGO – The absolution of marriage is difficult enough without having the specter of the “arranged” situation within a religious tradition. A new Israeli film, “Fill the Void,” explores the issues and answers within these arrangements, as the modern world pushes against Orthodox Hasidic Judaism.
An Insider’s View of Religious Tradition in ‘Fill the Void’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 17, 2013 - 2:09pmRating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – The absolution of marriage is difficult enough without having the specter of the “arranged” situation within a religious tradition. A new Israeli film, “Fill the Void,” explores the issues and answers within these arrangements, as the modern world pushes against Orthodox Hasidic Judaism.
Video Game Review: ‘Call of Juarez: Gunslinger’ is a Blast
Submitted by BrianTT on June 17, 2013 - 11:00amCHICAGO – There’s nothing quite like exceeding bottom-of-the-barrel-low expectations. Considering “Call of Juarez”’s less than spectacular reputation amongst gamers - the last game in the series was referred to as “the kind of racist one” - it’s kind of neat to see the franchise may have a little something to offer after-all.
Blu-ray Review: Kids Deserve Better Than ‘Escape From Planet Earth’
Submitted by BrianTT on June 17, 2013 - 10:44amCHICAGO – Not only have I been a longtime fan of great children’s films like those produced by Disney and Studio Ghibli over the years but I’m now a parent and absolutely adore the feeling of passing along my favorite films like “Spirited Away,” “Dumbo,” “The Little Mermaid,” and “Toy Story” along to my little ones. My children will never see “Escape From Planet Earth.” As someone who not only sees nearly every animated film in his profession but has a new appreciation for them given my being a parent, I feel qualified to say this is one of the worst children’s films of the last decade. It’s aggressively annoying with awful character design and a screenplay that is clearly trying to teach children a lesson about boredom.
Film Review: ‘The Source Family’ Reveals a Communal Past
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 16, 2013 - 11:52pmCHICAGO – What did you do during the 1970s, Daddy? After this Father’s Day, many adult kids might be asking that question after seeing “The Source Family.” This documentary is about a commune that began in California (naturally) in the 1970s, even after the infamous Manson Family.
‘The Source Family’ Reveals a Communal Past
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 16, 2013 - 11:49pmRating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – What did you do during the 1970s, Daddy? After this Father’s Day, many adult kids might be asking that question after seeing “The Source Family.” This documentary is about a commune that began in California (naturally) in the 1970s, even after the infamous Manson Family.
Interviews: New Local Comics Get Into the Act at ‘Just for Laughs Chicago’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 16, 2013 - 8:35pmCHICAGO – As the TBS Network’s “Just for Laughs Chicago” winds up on June 16th, the six-day comedy festival has become a major happening during the beginning of the summer entertainment season. Experiencing new comics on the local level is one of the joys of the event, and one of the places to find them is at hot new venue in the city, Stage 773.
TV Review: HBO’s ‘True Blood’ Has Lost Its Pulse
Submitted by BrianTT on June 16, 2013 - 10:56amCHICAGO – Does anyone else remember when “True Blood” was fun? When it was about a special girl falling for a brooding vamp and not ALWAYS about the fate of the entire world? When it had a sense of humor, especially in characters like Jason & Lafayette?
Blu-ray Review: Lost Classic ‘Perfect Understanding’ Has Aged Dreadfully
Submitted by mattmovieman on June 15, 2013 - 11:14amCHICAGO – It’s a cause for celebration amongst film buffs when any picture—however minor or unremarkable—is miraculously resurrected from the dead, enabling us to view a lost piece of cinema history. That being said, there are countless titles more worthy of being reborn than “Perfect Understanding,” the latest alleged classic released by Cohen Media Group.
HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 40 Pairs of Passes & Custom 3D Glasses For Brad Pitt’s ‘World War Z’
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on June 14, 2013 - 7:02pmCHICAGO – Highly anticipated! In the latest HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film with our unique social giveaway technology, we have 40 pairs of advance-screening movie passes up for grabs to the highly anticipated new zombie film “World War Z” with Brad Pitt!
Film Review: ‘Man of Steel’ is Strong, But Not Completely Heroic
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 14, 2013 - 4:35pmCHICAGO – Place the Superman legend into the hands of director Zack Snyder (“Watchmen”) and storyteller/producer Christopher Nolan (“Dark Knight”), and old Supes is bound for a makeover in “Man of Steel.” When it works, it’s adds to a legend’s richness. When it doesn’t, it is less than hero.
‘Man of Steel’ is Strong, But Not Completely Heroic
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 14, 2013 - 4:28pmRating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Place the Superman legend into the hands of director Zack Snyder (“Watchmen”) and storyteller/producer Christopher Nolan (“Dark Knight”), and old Supes is bound for a makeover in “Man of Steel.” When it works, it’s adds to a legend’s richness. When it doesn’t, it is less than hero.
Blu-ray Review: Remarkably Clever ‘Adventure Time’ Makes HD Debut
Submitted by BrianTT on June 14, 2013 - 2:03pmCHICAGO – As a parent, I can tell you that a lot of what connects with young viewers and becomes a smash hit is pretty creatively stale. Which is why it’s so awesome to see a show as smart, inventive, and downright hilarious as Cartoon Network’s “Adventure Time” build one of the largest followings in television animation. The adventures of Finn & Jake, “two of the coolest heroes to hero-ize,” are that increasingly rare thing in children’s animation — totally original.
Film Review: Frustrating ‘Somm’ Fails to Justify a Tasting
Submitted by BrianTT on June 14, 2013 - 1:57pmRating: 2.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – “The history of wine is fascinating” – This is only one of many things in the frustrating “Somm,” opening today in Chicago at the Music Box and accompanied by actual wine tastings in the theater, that we’re told but not really shown. I love wine. I drink it too often.
Frustrating ‘Somm’ Fails to Justify a Tasting
Submitted by BrianTT on June 14, 2013 - 1:50pmRating: 2.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – “The history of wine is fascinating” – This is only one of many things in the frustrating “Somm,” opening today in Chicago at the Music Box and accompanied by actual wine tastings in the theater, that we’re told but not really shown. I love wine. I drink it too often.
Blu-ray Review: Disney Pulls ‘Atlantis,’ ‘Lilo & Stitch’ From Vaults
Submitted by BrianTT on June 14, 2013 - 9:03amCHICAGO – Things were a little rocky in the world of Disney animation in the ’00s as the comeback of the late ’80s and ’90s gave way to more success for Pixar than Disney proper. Films like “Dinosaur,” “Treasure Planet,” and “Brother Bear” won’t be getting theme park ride revivals any day soon. However, there were a few decent flicks in this era, and two of them, 2001’s “Atlantis: The Lost Empire” and 2002’s “Lilo & Stitch,” were just released in Blu-ray combo packs.
Film Review: America Waist Deep in Endless ‘Dirty Wars’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 14, 2013 - 1:08amCHICAGO – Jeremy Scahill is a relentless investigative reporter, a rare species in an age of increasing corporate control of the media. He goes to terror zones that others fear to tread, and has uncovered stories that comprise his new documentary, “Dirty Wars,” which uncovers dangerous U.S. foreign policy.
America Waist Deep in Endless ‘Dirty Wars’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 14, 2013 - 1:04amRating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Jeremy Scahill is a relentless investigative reporter, a rare species in an age of increasing corporate control of the media. He goes to terror zones that others fear to tread, and has uncovered stories that comprise his new documentary, “Dirty Wars,” which uncovers dangerous U.S. foreign policy.
Film Review: Undeniably Unique Oddity of ‘Berberian Sound Studio’
Submitted by BrianTT on June 13, 2013 - 12:48pmCHICAGO – If David Lynch directed a Giallo it might have come out something like “Berberian Sound Studio,” a truly surreal oddity opening this week at the Siskel Film Center, starring the great Toby Jones as a man driven mad by his work on a ‘70s horror film. Or is it? Like “Eraserhead” or “Inland Empire,” there are times when the film simply defies interpretation.
Undeniably Unique Oddity of ‘Berberian Sound Studio’
Submitted by BrianTT on June 13, 2013 - 12:42pmRating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – If David Lynch directed a Giallo it might have come out something like “Berberian Sound Studio,” a truly surreal oddity opening this week at the Siskel Film Center, starring the great Toby Jones as a man driven mad by his work on a ‘70s horror film. Or is it? Like “Eraserhead” or “Inland Empire,” there are times when the film simply defies interpretation.
Blu-ray Review: Mike Leigh Notches Another Criterion with ‘Life is Sweet’
Submitted by BrianTT on June 12, 2013 - 9:48pmCHICAGO – There have been several stellar editions of Mike Leigh films released under The Criterion Collection banner, including “Topsy-Turvy” and “Naked.” The latest is one of our best working directors more underappreciated films, “Life is Sweet,” a clever little slice-of-humanity that doesn’t have the drama of “Vera Drake” or “Secrets & Lies” and so has always been a bit under the radar when discussing Leigh’s work. I’m truly happy the Criterion Collection has ventured to change that oversight.
Film Review: ‘Man of Steel’ Soars Visually But Lacks Humanity
Submitted by BrianTT on June 12, 2013 - 9:24pmCHICAGO – From the CGI-heavy attack on Krypton that opens Zack Snyder’s “Man of Steel” to its soaring finale, I had the same reaction -– where’s the “Man half? Snyder’s attempt to reboot the Superman legacy with the loving assistance of David Goyer and Christopher Nolan of “The Dark Knight” fame gets the superhero part but misses the humanity at the core of this legendary character.
‘Man of Steel’ Soars Visually But Lacks Humanity
Submitted by BrianTT on June 12, 2013 - 9:12pmRating: 2.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – From the CGI-heavy attack on Krypton that opens Zack Snyder’s “Man of Steel” to its soaring finale, I had the same reaction -– where’s the “Man half? Snyder’s attempt to reboot the Superman legacy with the loving assistance of David Goyer and Christopher Nolan of “The Dark Knight” fame gets the superhero part but misses the humanity at the core of this legendary character.
Preview: TBS ‘Just for Laughs Chicago’ Kicks Off on June 11, 2013
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 11, 2013 - 6:07pmCHICAGO – The great city of Chicago can’t stop the funny this week. The TBS “Just for Laughs Chicago” comedy festival returns for another hilarious six days. Highlights include performances by Russell Brand, John Hodgman, Seth Meyers, Bill Maher and the legendary Chicagoan Bob Newhart.