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+.
Jenny Slate
Film Review: ‘Despicable Me 3’ Reemerges as Despicably Dull
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 29, 2017 - 11:33pmCHICAGO – This is it. The point where Gru and his Minions went from mildly irritating to excruciating. The series will undoubtedly entertain the children it’s intended for, my twins probably would have liked it if they had been able to come. But pity the poor parents who have to sit through another film full of Minion fart noises… which seems to last for roughly three whole days.
Film Review: ‘The LEGO Batman Movie’ Delivers the Usual Laughs
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 10, 2017 - 10:57amCHICAGO – “The LEGO Batman Movie” is more of a parody than the laugh-out-loud hijinks of the surprising “The LEGO Movie,” but the legend of The Bats is ripe for a good skewering, and the movie has a lot of fun doing it. Will Arnett reprises the voice as the title character, with Zach Galifianakis taking on the antics of The Joker.
Film Review: ‘The Secret Life of Pets’ Neuters Promising Cast
Submitted by PatrickMcD on July 8, 2016 - 7:34am- Albert Brooks
- Bobby Moynihan
- Brian Lynch
- Chris Renaud
- Cinco Paul
- Dana Carvey
- Ellie Kemper
- Eric Stonestreet
- Hannibal Buress
- HollywoodChicago.com Content
- Jenny Slate
- Ken Daurio
- Kevin Hart
- Lake Bell
- Louis C.K.
- Movie Review
- Spike Walters
- Steve Coogan
- The Secret Life of Pets
- Universal Pictures
- Yarrow Cheney
CHICAGO – A promising voice cast of comedy greats is effectively neutered in the blasé animated family film “The Secret Life Of Pets.” It doesn’t have the multi-layered story of the best Pixar movies – or even the “Despicable Me” films – to satisfy both kids and grownups. The bigger it tries to be, the more exhausted it seems.
HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 25 Pairs of Passes to ‘The Secret Life of Pets’ With Kevin Hart, Lake Bell
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on July 2, 2016 - 11:54pm- Adam Fendelman
- Albert Brooks
- Bobby Moynihan
- Brian Lynch
- Chris Meledandri
- Chris Renaud
- Dana Carvey
- Eric Stonestreet
- HollywoodChicago.com Content
- HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film
- Illumination Entertainment
- Janet Healy
- Jenny Slate
- Ken Daurio
- Kevin Hart
- Lake Bell
- Louis C.K.
- Steve Coogan
- The Secret Life of Pets
- Universal Pictures
- Yarrow Cheney
CHICAGO – In the latest HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 25 pairs of advance-screening movie passes up for grabs to the new animated comedy “The Secret Life of Pets” starring Kevin Hart, Louis C.K. and Lake Bell!
Film Review: ‘Zootopia’ is an Odd But Endearing Disney Animated Film
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 4, 2016 - 6:12amCHICAGO – Walt Disney Studio’s latest animated extravaganza is best viewed as a child’s introduction to the buddy cop movie, since you can’t exactly start a toddler on “Midnight Run” or “Lethal Weapon 2.” But in this case it’s a bunny cop movie.
Interview: Actor Jake Johnson on Evolving in ‘Digging for Fire’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 20, 2015 - 6:15pmCHICAGO – Actor Jake Johnson is expanding his presence in movies, and much of that has to do with his collaboration with director – and Chicago native – Joe Swanberg. Johnson and Swanberg have teamed up for their second film, after the success of 2013’s “Drinking Buddies, and are listed as co-writers in “Digging for Fire.”
DVD Review: Comedy Central’s ‘Broad City: Season 1,’ ‘Kroll Show: Seasons 1 & 2’
Submitted by NickHC on December 9, 2014 - 2:34pmCHICAGO – December has seen the release of two different Comedy Central shows finally arriving to DVD, “Broad City” and “Kroll Show.” Expressing their comedy in different formats, these shows from rising comedians Abbi Jacobson & Ilana Glazer (“Broad City”) and Nick Kroll (“Kroll Show”) introduce a cable channel’s audience to new talent, while nonetheless presenting a distinct contrast in creativity.
Film Review: ‘Obvious Child’ is a More Authentic Romantic Comedy
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 14, 2014 - 10:47amCHICAGO – Real life is not a romantic comedy, unless you’re willing to understand the levels of clownish tragedy that sometimes accompanies it. The new film “Obvious Child” comprehends all that, and has an unforgettable performance from Jenny Slate in delivering the goods.
Interview: Jenny Slate, Director Gillian Robespierre of ‘Obvious Child’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 11, 2014 - 11:38amCHICAGO – An authentic voice in the film category of “romantic comedy” has emerged, and it is represented by lead actress Jenny Slate (“Saturday Night Live”) and writer/director Gillian Robespierre. One night stands, its consequences and yes, love is explored in the excellent new rom-com “Obvious Child.”
HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 40 Pairs of Passes to SXSW Hit ‘Obvious Child’ With Jenny Slate
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on June 4, 2014 - 4:18pm- A24
- Adam Fendelman
- Chicago Critics Film Festival
- Cindy Cheung
- David Cross
- Gabe Liedman
- Gaby Hoffmann
- Gillian Robespierre
- HollywoodChicago.com Content
- HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film
- Jake Lacy
- Jenny Slate
- Karen Maine
- Obvious Child
- Paul Briganti
- Polly Draper
- Richard Kind
- Stephen Singer
- Sundance Film Festival
- SXSW
CHICAGO – In the latest HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 40 pairs of advance-screening movie passes up for grabs to the new SXSW, Sundance Film Festival and Chicago Critics Film Festival hit “Obvious Child” featuring a star-making performance from Jenny Slate!