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.
August 2013
Blu-ray Review: Andre Téchiné’s Invaluable Lost Gem ‘The Brontë Sisters’
Submitted by mattmovieman on August 22, 2013 - 4:25pmCHICAGO – Hats off to Cohen Media Group for unearthing yet another indispensable piece of cinema. Andre Téchiné, the brilliant French director perhaps best known for 1994’s “Wild Reeds,” united three great actresses to star in his ambitious, painstakingly researched 1979 portrait of the Brontë sisters who authored literary classics under male pseudonyms.
Film Review: Family Reunion Gets Bloody in ‘You’re Next’
Submitted by BrianTT on August 22, 2013 - 3:12pmCHICAGO – “You’re Next” is a brutal, blunt, bloody instrument of a horror film. It works as well as it does because of an engaging performance from a future star at its center and a writer/director team willing to get in, get gory, and get out.
Family Reunion Gets Bloody in ‘You’re Next’
Submitted by BrianTT on August 22, 2013 - 3:01pm Rating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – “You’re Next” is a brutal, blunt, bloody instrument of a horror film. It works as well as it does because of an engaging performance from a future star at its center and a writer/director team willing to get in, get gory, and get out. I wish the set-up was a bit more engaging and the tone more consistent but there’s a lot to like here, especially for fans of the genre looking for something that doesn’t need a supernatural twist to stay scary.
Film Review: Nicolas Cage, John Cusack Get Buried in ‘The Frozen Ground’
Submitted by BrianTT on August 22, 2013 - 12:00pm Rating: 2.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – There have been a depressing number of bad career choices on the part of Oscar winner Nicolas Cage and once-great actor John Cusack in recent years. Anyone seen “Seeking Justice,” “Stolen,” “The Numbers Station,” or “The Factory”? Someone owes you an apology.
Nicolas Cage, John Cusack Get Buried in ‘The Frozen Ground’
Submitted by BrianTT on August 22, 2013 - 11:55amRating: 2.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – There have been a depressing number of bad career choices on the part of Oscar winner Nicolas Cage and once-great actor John Cusack in recent years. Anyone seen “Seeking Justice,” “Stolen,” “The Numbers Station,” or “The Factory”? Someone owes you an apology.
Film Review: Olivia Wilde Shines in Joe Swanberg’s Excellent ‘Drinking Buddies’
Submitted by BrianTT on August 22, 2013 - 11:03amCHICAGO – Joe Swanberg’s “Drinking Buddies” has been billed as the Chicago writer/director’s breakthrough largely due to the star power on display in the cast list but the film works not merely because of the notable talents of its cast but a new maturity and wisdom displayed by its creator.
Olivia Wilde Shines in Joe Swanberg’s Excellent ‘Drinking Buddies’
Submitted by BrianTT on August 22, 2013 - 10:56am Rating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Joe Swanberg’s “Drinking Buddies” has been billed as the Chicago writer/director’s breakthrough largely due to the star power on display in the cast list but the film works not merely because of the notable talents of its cast but a new maturity and wisdom displayed by its creator.
Film Review: Nothing New in ‘The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 21, 2013 - 2:53pmCHICAGO – The last time I checked, I am not a swoony teenage girl, looking to be romanced by a hunky-but-shadowy demon hunter. Thus the margin for enjoying “The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones” falls off like a leaf on an autumn tree. Even Kristen Stewart, I mean Lily Collins, can’t save it.
Nothing New in ‘The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 21, 2013 - 2:49pm Rating: 2.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – The last time I checked, I am not a swoony teenage girl, looking to be romanced by a hunky-but-shadowy demon hunter. Thus the margin for enjoying “The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones” falls off like a leaf on an autumn tree. Even Kristen Stewart, I mean Lily Collins, can’t save it.
Interview: Joe Swanberg Dares to Cross the Line in ‘Drinking Buddies’
Submitted by mattmovieman on August 21, 2013 - 6:32amCHICAGO – It takes a special sort of filmmaker to hit it big without compromising any artistic principles. This month marks a career high for Chicago’s own DIY trail-blazer, Joe Swanberg, whose microbudget gems have influenced everyone from Lynn Shelton (“Touchy Feely”) to Lena Dunham (“Girls”).
HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 30 Pairs of Passes to ‘The World’s End’ with Simon Pegg, Nick Frost
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on August 20, 2013 - 10:15pmCHICAGO – In the latest HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film with our unique social giveaway technology, we have 30 pairs of advance-screening movie passes up for grabs to the new comedy “The World’s End starring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost from the creators of “Shaun of the Dead” and “Hot Fuzz”!
Blu-ray Review: Criterion Updates Paranoia Classic ‘Seconds’
Submitted by BrianTT on August 20, 2013 - 2:10pmCHICAGO – John Frankenheimer’s “Seconds” with Rock Hudson was considered an unusual choice for The Criterion Collection when it was announced earlier this year. Never before available on Blu-ray and discontinued on DVD, the 4K restoration on this edition is the real draw, especially given that the film’s strength lies in its stunning visual compositions. With its canted angles and fish bowl aesthetic, Frankenheimer enhances what is actually a relatively weak script.
News: Iconic Author Elmore Leonard Has Passed Away at 87
Submitted by BrianTT on August 20, 2013 - 8:50amCHICAGO – Elmore Leonard was so much a part of the entertainment landscape that many people don’t even realize the extent of his influence and reach on, of course, literature, but also film and television. The same man created the characters you love in “3:10 to Yuma,” “Get Shorty,” “Out of Sight,” and “Justified.”
Interview: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Edgar Wright at ‘The World’s End’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 20, 2013 - 8:33amCHICAGO – Good things come in “threes.” It’s the new film, “The World’s End,” the third of the infamous “Cornetto Trilogy” – after “Shaun of the Dead” and “Hot Fuzz” – and there are the “three” that made it all happen. It’s the actors and co-creators Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, along with director/writer Edgar Wright.
What to Watch: Aug. 13-19, 2013
Submitted by BrianTT on August 19, 2013 - 5:02pmCHICAGO – Welcome to the new world of Blu-ray, DVD, and streaming coverage on HollywoodChicago.com. With so many options from iTunes to Video On Demand to Hulu to Blu-ray, what should you be watching this week? Every week, we’ll highlight some of the most interesting new releases, link to our full review coverage when applicable, tell you what’s special about the Blu-ray releases, and point you in the right direction to watch them.
Interview: Young Actors in ‘The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 19, 2013 - 4:32pmCHICAGO – Fantasy young adult films, popularized by the Harry Potter series and exploding with other hot literary offerings, is about to go to the Shadowhunters and demons. “The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones” opens August 21st, and features Lily Collins (Clary), Jamie Campbell Bower (Jace) and Kevin Zegers (Alec) in the lead roles.
Film News: First Wave of 2013 Chicago International Film Festival Titles Announced
Submitted by BrianTT on August 19, 2013 - 2:58pmCHICAGO – The 2013 Chicago International Film Festival is almost here and the programmers have unveiled their first slate of titles, including hits from other festivals like “Blue is the Warmest Color,” “Heli,” “The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete.” The 49th annual fest runs from October 10-24, 2013. Official, CIFF-provided descriptions below of what we know will play there so far:
Interview: Director Joshua Oppenheimer Dissects ‘The Act of Killing’
Submitted by BrianTT on August 19, 2013 - 9:51amCHICAGO – Joshua Oppenheimer’s “The Act of Killing” is now playing in most major markets, currently running at the Music Box Theatre here in Chicago. The film is one of the most devastating experiences you’ll have in a theater this year and it’s a must-see.
HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 40 Pairs of Passes to ‘The Grandmaster’ Inspired by Bruce Lee’s Master
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on August 18, 2013 - 6:17pmCHICAGO – 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 Grandmaster,” which is inspired by the true story of Bruce Lee’s master!
HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 25 Pairs of ‘The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones’ Passes with Lily Collins
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on August 17, 2013 - 12:55pmCHICAGO – Highly anticipated! In the latest HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film with our unique social giveaway technology, we have 25 pairs of advance-screening movie passes up for grabs to “The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones” starring Lily Collins based on the worldwide best-selling book series!
Film Review: ‘In a World...’ Reveals a Voiceover of Heart, Hilarity
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 16, 2013 - 7:26pmCHICAGO – One the most familiar movie clichés is the sonorous voice that intones “In a world…” to begin a movie trailer, and then extols the virtues of that upcoming feature. Lake Bell, who wrote, directed and stars in the new movie, “In a World…,’ creates a delightful and gentle satire of voiceover artists and their journeys.
‘In a World...’ Reveals a Voiceover of Heart, Hilarity
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 16, 2013 - 7:22pmRating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – One the most familiar movie clichés is the sonorous voice that intones “In a world…” to begin a movie trailer, and then extols the virtues of that upcoming feature. Lake Bell, who wrote, directed and stars in the new movie, “In a World…,’ creates a delightful and gentle satire of voiceover artists and their journeys.
Film Review: Ashton Kutcher Portrays the Ethereal Hero in ‘Jobs’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 16, 2013 - 5:38pmCHICAGO – The revolution in technology, that has allowed the world to change completely in just two generations, was led in part by dreamers in a garage. One of those “Edisons” was Steve Jobs – the creator of Apple Computers – portrayed with an inventor’s instinct by Ashton Kutcher.
Ashton Kutcher Portrays the Ethereal Hero in ‘Jobs’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 16, 2013 - 5:33pmRating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – The revolution in technology, that has allowed the world to change completely in just two generations, was led in part by dreamers in a garage. One of those “Edisons” was Steve Jobs – the creator of Apple Computers – portrayed with an inventor’s instinct by Ashton Kutcher.
Film Review: Deep Two Character Drama Flavors ‘Prince Avalanche’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 16, 2013 - 4:13pmCHICAGO – Take actors Paul Rudd and Emile Hirsch, make them highway line painters, put them in a fire-ravaged woodland and the makings for a savory two character portrait is realized in “Prince Avalanche.” David Gordon Green adapted and directed this appealingly offbeat art film.
Deep Two Character Drama Flavors ‘Prince Avalanche’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 16, 2013 - 4:10pmRating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Take actors Paul Rudd and Emile Hirsch, make them highway line painters, put them in a fire-ravaged woodland and the makings for a savory two character portrait is realized in “Prince Avalanche.” David Gordon Green adapted and directed this appealingly offbeat art film.
Film Review: ‘Hannah Arendt’ Demonstrates Banality of the Biopic
Submitted by mattmovieman on August 16, 2013 - 9:17amCHICAGO – “Hannah Arendt” comes to American cinemas packaged in the sort of prestige that elicits admiration rather than anticipation. Though Margarethe von Trotta is widely regarded as the leading female filmmaker in Germany, it’s doubtful that any audiences outside of her native country are all that familiar with her work. Her new film, “Hannah Arendt,” is so undistinguished that it’s hard to believe that it was made by a director often mentioned in the same breath as Fassbinder and Herzog.
‘Hannah Arendt’ Demonstrates Banality of the Biopic
Submitted by mattmovieman on August 16, 2013 - 9:10amRating: 2.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – “Hannah Arendt” comes to American cinemas packaged in the sort of prestige that elicits admiration rather than anticipation. Though Margarethe von Trotta is widely regarded as the leading female filmmaker in Germany, it’s doubtful that any audiences outside of her native country are all that familiar with her work. Her new film, “Hannah Arendt,” is so undistinguished that it’s hard to believe that it was made by a director often mentioned in the same breath as Fassbinder and Herzog.
Film Review: Family Emotions Uplift ‘Lee Daniels’ The Butler’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 16, 2013 - 8:15amCHICAGO – In one of the more intriguing ways to frame the 1960s civil rights movement, “Lee Daniels’ The Butler” places the context of that African American struggle through the filter of family dynamics, focusing on the father as a butler in the White House, through six presidents.
Family Emotions Uplift ‘Lee Daniels’ The Butler’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 16, 2013 - 8:11amRating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – In one of the more intriguing ways to frame the 1960s civil rights movement, “Lee Daniels’ The Butler” places the context of that African American struggle through the filter of family dynamics, focusing on the father as a butler in the White House, through six presidents.
