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—>
August 2014
Interview: Director Aaron Katz Gives a Shout Out to ‘Land Ho!’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 20, 2014 - 5:26pmCHICAGO – There might not be a more unusual movie this year than “Land Ho!” The film follows two “golden boys,” sixtysomethings Mitch (Earl Lynn Nelson) and Colin (Paul Eenhoorn), as they take an Odd Couple-type trip to Iceland. Writer/director Aaron Katz (“Dance Party, USA”) breaks that ice between the two men.
Slideshow: Odeya Rush, Brenton Thwaites Pose For ‘The Giver’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 20, 2014 - 8:52amCHICAGO – Two of the hottest young stars came to Chicago recently to promote their latest film, “The Giver.” Odeya Rush and Brenton Thwaites were at Chicago’s historic Navy Pier to greet fans and sign autographs. HollywoodChicago.com was there and got Exclusives Portraits of the dynamic co-stars.
HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 30 Pairs of Passes to Frank Miller’s ‘Sin City: A Dame to Kill For’
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on August 17, 2014 - 3:39pmCHICAGO – In the latest HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 30 pairs of advance-screening movie passes up for grabs to the highly anticipated Frank Miller and Robert Rodriguez sequel “Sin City: A Dame to Kill For”!
Film Review: As Title Implies, ‘The Expendables 3’ Totally Expendable
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 16, 2014 - 7:59am- Antonio Banderis
- Arnold Schwarzenegger
- Dolph Lundgren
- Glen Powell
- Harrison Ford
- HollywoodChicago.com Content
- Jason Statham
- Kellan Lutz
- Kelsey Grammer
- Lionsgate
- Mel Gibson
- Movie Review
- Patrick Hughes
- Randy Couture
- Ronda Rousey
- Spike Walters
- Sylvester Stallone
- Terry Crews
- The Expendables 3
- Victor Ortiz
- Wesley Snipes
CHICAGO – The old man as macho action hero trend has finally calcified. If you haven’t seen either of the two previous “Expendables” pictures – this is definitely not the place to start. Sylvester Stallone’s creaky franchise hits rock bottom.
As Title Implies, ‘The Expendables 3’ Totally Expendable
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 16, 2014 - 7:53am- Antonio Banderis
- Arnold Schwarzenegger
- Dolph Lundgren
- Glen Powell
- Harrison Ford
- HollywoodChicago.com Content
- Jason Statham
- Kellan Lutz
- Kelsey Grammer
- Lionsgate
- Mel Gibson
- Movie Review
- Patrick Hughes
- Randy Couture
- Ronda Rousey
- Spike Walters
- Sylvester Stallone
- Terry Crews
- The Expendables 3
- Victor Ortiz
- Wesley Snipes
![]() Rating: 1.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – The old man as macho action hero trend has finally calcified. If you haven’t seen either of the two previous “Expendables” pictures – this is definitely not the place to start. Sylvester Stallone’s creaky franchise hits rock bottom with this shoddy looking, poorly paced, indifferently acted and overlong exercise in excess on the cheap. It supposedly cost $90 million dollars to make, but what’s onscreen looks like it should have gone direct to video. Some explosions look like they were created with an iPhone.
Interview: Director Todd Miller, Peter Larson of ‘Dinosaur 13’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 15, 2014 - 8:25amCHICAGO – When the skeletal remains of a long-lost animal is discovered and pulled from the earth, does anybody really own it? That is the question in the new documentary, “Dinosaur 13,” directed by Todd Miller. It’s the story of discovering those dinosaur bones and the implications for the person who exhumed them, Peter Larson.
Film Review: ‘The Giver’ Takes Too Much From Young Adult Formula
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 15, 2014 - 6:19amCHICAGO – “The Giver” must have seemed a lot newer back when it was written than it does now. The Newberry Medal winning, middle school staple predates many other Young Adult series about oppressive big brother-ish societies.
‘The Giver’ Takes Too Much From Young Adult Formula
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 15, 2014 - 6:14am![]() Rating: 3.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – “The Giver” must have seemed a lot newer back when it was written than it does now. The Newberry Medal winning, middle school staple predates many other Young Adult series about oppressive big brother-ish societies. But its filmed adaptation, coming on the heels of “Divergent” and “The Hunger Games,” can’t help but feel like it’s riding their coattails.
Interview: Brenton Thwaites, Odeya Rush Provide for ‘The Giver’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 14, 2014 - 6:01pmCHICAGO – Once Jeff Bridges and Meryl Streep are locked into a film about a society that limits its emotions and memories, how do you find the teenage actors to play opposite them? Australian Brenton Thwaites, and Israeli-born Odeya Rush passed the audition, and they join the Oscar winners in the adaptation of “The Giver.”
Film Review: ‘Let’s Be Cops’ Unoriginally Repeats Old Formulas
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 13, 2014 - 12:54pmCHICAGO – The premise is sound, but the new film “Let’s Be Cops” refuses to do something original with the premise of a couple of regular Joes pretending to be Johnny Law. The same stale jokes and inevitable need for heroic action climax overwhelms the mild amusement of it all.
‘Let’s Be Cops’ Unoriginally Repeats Old Formulas
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 13, 2014 - 12:47pm![]() Rating: 3.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – The premise is sound, but the new film “Let’s Be Cops” refuses to do something original with the premise of a couple of regular Joes pretending to be Johnny Law. The same stale jokes and inevitable need for heroic action climax overwhelms the mild amusement of it all.
Movie News: Golden Age Movie Star Lauren Bacall Dies at 89
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 13, 2014 - 7:27amNEW YORK – She had it all. Just like Bogie and, well, her. Lauren “Betty” Bacall accidentally became a movie actress, but that accident led to stardom, two marriages to famous actors and a long life of award winning performances. The 89-year-old star died of a stroke in New York City on August 12th.
Interview: Chicagoan Bill Daily, One of TV’s Favorite Sidekicks
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 12, 2014 - 8:38pmCHICAGO – Mention Bill Daily’s name and you might experience puzzlement. But mention Roger Healey of “I Dream of Jeannie” or Howard Borden of “The Bob Newhart Show” and there will be instant recognition for one of TV’s favorite supporting characters. Bill Daily also grew up and started his career in Chicago.
Interview: Rob Riggle, Jake Johnson, Damon Wayans Jr. of ‘Let’s Be Cops’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 12, 2014 - 8:06pmCHICAGO – When the assignment was to find a comedy team to take on impersonating police officers, funny men Jake Johnson and Damon Wayans Jr. – of the TV series “New Girl” – fit the uniforms perfectly for the new film, “Let’s Be Cops.” Add in the always hilarious Rob Riggle, and let the games begin.
Entertainment News: Film & Comedy Star Robin Williams Dies at 63
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 11, 2014 - 11:36pmSAN FRANCISCO – He blazed bright as lightning at his peak, but also had struggles with addiction and depression. The cosmic and comic Robin Williams died on August 11th, apparently of suicide due to asphyxia, according to authorities, although complete details are still pending. The Academy Award winner was 63 years old.
Film Review: The Catholic Priest on the Road to ‘Calvary’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 11, 2014 - 4:42pmCHICAGO – The title of the film, “Calvary,” should have resonance to any guilty Catholic out there, and yet the loaded word can’t deliver the truth that the film seeks. Brendan Gleeson gives an astonishing performance as a conflicted priest, but the material he has to work with is not up to his portrayal.
The Catholic Priest on the Road to ‘Calvary’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 11, 2014 - 4:37pm![]() Rating: 3.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – The title of the film, “Calvary,” should have resonance to any guilty Catholic out there, and yet the loaded word can’t deliver the truth that the film seeks. Brendan Gleeson gives an astonishing performance as a conflicted priest, but the material he has to work with is not up to his portrayal.
Film Review: Failed ‘Twister’ Knockoff ‘Into the Storm’ is All Eyes, No Heart
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on August 11, 2014 - 12:15amCHICAGO – Early incarnations of “Godzilla,” for example, were so memorable because of the characters and its story. The “special effects” were laughable, but the films caught on despite it because they had heart.
Failed ‘Twister’ Knockoff ‘Into the Storm’ is All Eyes, No Heart
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on August 10, 2014 - 5:52pm![]() Rating: 2.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Early incarnations of “Godzilla,” for example, were so memorable because of the characters and its story. The “special effects” were laughable, but the films caught on despite it because they had heart.
HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 40 Pairs of Passes to ‘Let’s Be Cops’ With Damon Wayans Jr.
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on August 9, 2014 - 3:01pmCHICAGO – In the latest HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 40 pairs of advance-screening movie passes up for grabs to the new comedy “Let’s Be Cops” starring Damon Wayans Jr. and Jake Johnson from the director of “The Girl Next Door”!
Film Review: An Unnatural Approach to Romance in ‘What If’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 8, 2014 - 6:05pmCHICAGO – “What If” is a really bad title, but that is the least of the film’s concerns, apparently, as the old can-man-and-women-be-friends canard rears its indecisive but predictable head (snicker). This time it’s interpreted through Harry Potter and Elia Kazan’s granddaughter, if this is to be believed.
An Unnatural Approach to Romance in ‘What If’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 8, 2014 - 6:02pm![]() Rating: 2.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – “What If” is a really bad title, but that is the least of the film’s concerns, apparently, as the old can-man-and-women-be-friends canard rears its indecisive but predictable head (snicker). This time it’s interpreted through Harry Potter and Elia Kazan’s granddaughter, if this is to be believed.
Film Review: ‘The Hundred-Foot Journey’ Not Worth the Trip
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 8, 2014 - 1:39pmCHICAGO – “The Hundred-Foot Journey” is as manufactured and flavorless as a frostbitten Lean Cuisine. However, as the impresario of a Michelin-starred Restaurant in the south of France, Helen Mirren implores her staff that food is not an old tired marriage, it is a passionate affair.
‘The Hundred-Foot Journey’ Not Worth the Trip
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 8, 2014 - 1:29pm![]() Rating: 2.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – “The Hundred-Foot Journey” is as manufactured and flavorless as a frostbitten Lean Cuisine. However as the impresario of a Michelin-starred Restaurant in the south of France, Helen Mirren implores her staff that food is not an old tired marriage, it is a passionate affair. It’s ironic that the film containing that speech is such a limp, forgettable piece of Oprah endorsed uplift with not one genuine emotion to be had.
TV Review: Grisly Sacrifice for Science in Captivating Period Drama ‘The Knick’
Submitted by NickHC on August 8, 2014 - 8:16amCHICAGO – Cinemax’s ominous new series “The Knick” is a hospital drama that’s very much in the voice of its director, Steven Soderbergh. Set in New York City at the turn of the 20th century, the series presents the medical world as it inches closer and closer to modernity, while making contemporary parallels to the desperate hustle by surgery room clients and their doctors alike regarding treatment of the human body. What has changed in the politics of medicine? What hasn’t?
Film Review: ‘Into the Storm’ Maybe Needs Some Sharks
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 7, 2014 - 7:28pmCHICAGO – What is there to say about a movie whose chief attraction lies in action set pieces involving CGI tornadoes? You either like this sort of thing or you don’t. I took my ten year old, who seemed to have a good time, and I know I felt pretty captivated by some of those visuals – but I’m a sucker for a thrill ride. Sound indecisive?
‘Into the Storm’ Maybe Needs Some Sharks
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 7, 2014 - 7:25pm![]() Rating: 2.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – What is there to say about a movie whose chief attraction lies in action set pieces involving CGI tornadoes? You either like this sort of thing or you don’t. I took my ten year old, who seemed to have a good time, and I know I felt pretty captivated by some of those visuals – but I’m a sucker for a thrill ride. Sound indecisive?
Exclusive Portrait: In Appreciation of ‘Scream Queen’ Marilyn Burns
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 7, 2014 - 7:15pmCHICAGO – She was the sole survivor of a horror movie classic, and was notable for her impressive screaming throughout the film. Marilyn Burns passed away this week at age 65, but she made her mark in director Tobe Hooper’s “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” in 1974, earning the coveted title of Scream Queen.
Interview: Comic Actor Matt Walsh Goes ‘Into the Storm’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 7, 2014 - 10:54amCHICAGO – Matt Walsh has been more visible lately, and it has much to do with his approach to character roles, beginning as Mike McLintock on the HBO series “Veep” and currently in the new film “Into the Storm.” For a Chicago native who began doing comedy improvisation here, he is moving on up.
Blu-ray Review: The Internet is For Real in Goofy ‘Transcendence’
Submitted by NickHC on August 4, 2014 - 6:55pmCHICAGO – The Internet is for real in “Transcendence”, a B-movie with grade-A production quality, loaded with terabyte-size open-ended questions, so long as one can accept it lastly with a scientific mindset. It is a film that perceives technology to be more expansive than a box of wires and computer chips, and actualizes the expanse of the internet as limitless to the realm of spiritual.