CHICAGO – In anticipation of the scariest week of the year, HollywoodChicago.com launches its 2024 Movie Gifts series, which will suggest DVDs and collections for holiday giving.
Maggie Smith
On-Air Film Review: Genteel ‘Downton Abbey: A New Era’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on May 20, 2022 - 2:45pm- Allan Leech
- Dan Baker
- Downton Abbey: A New Era
- Elizabeth McGovern
- HollywoodChicago.com Content
- Hugh Bonneville
- Imelda Staton
- Jim Carter
- Julian Fellowes
- Maggie Smith
- Michelle Dockery
- Monroe
- Movie Review
- Pat Über TV
- Patrick McDonald
- Scott Thompson
- Simon Curtis
- The Morning Mess
- Universal Pictures
- WBGR-FM
- Wisconsin
CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on May 19th, reviewing “Downtown Abbey: A New Era,” the second film version of the mega-popular BBC/PBS series, in theaters beginning May 20th.!—break—>
Film Review: Charming ‘The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’ Bucks Botched Sequel Trend
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on March 9, 2015 - 7:14pmCHICAGO – Motivated by financial necessity, sequels often mitigate business risk and satisfy studio executives by riding on the coattails of a previous fan base with brand equity. But business aside, to moviegoers the follow-up product so often feels like it “wasn’t nearly as good as the first” or didn’t need to return at all.
Film Review: Great Cast Receives Winning Showcase in Dustin Hoffman’s ‘Quartet’
Submitted by mattmovieman on January 25, 2013 - 5:46amCHICAGO – There are few things more fragile than an actor’s ego. It must be treated with the utmost care in order to prevent a split-second meltdown. The enormous pressure of audience expectations coupled with the piercing eye of an ever-present media is enough to send sensitive folk to a sanitarium. Thick skin is a necessity in show business, but what happens when that skin begins to age?
Film Review: Judi Dench Checks Into ‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on May 4, 2012 - 1:43pmCHICAGO – Seven desperate souls are taking risks to save some part of their world, which describes both “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” and “The Avengers.” Which will win the box office war? The “heroes” of the Marigold residence include Judi Dench, Tom Wilkerson, Bill Nighy, Maggie Smith and Dev Patel.
DVD Review: Beloved ‘Downton Abbey’ Returns With Second Season
Submitted by BrianTT on February 20, 2012 - 1:55pmCHICAGO – “Downton Abbey” became one of the most notable TV phenomenons of the last several years this season as the second installment of the multiple award-winning show became such a part of pop culture that it was even spoofed on “Saturday Night Live.”
Blu-Ray Review: ‘Gnomeo & Juliet’ Falls Flat as Busted Yard Display
Submitted by BrianTT on June 2, 2011 - 7:17pmCHICAGO – The animated adventure “Gnomeo & Juliet,” recently released on Blu-ray and DVD, features an A-list voice cast and some beloved hits by Sir Elton John, but just getting talent in the recording booth either musically or merely vocally does not a movie make and the script for this thing is so uninspired and accompanied by lackluster visuals that it’s just dull to anyone over ten.
Film Review: ‘Gnomeo & Juliet’ Charms With Music of Elton John
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 11, 2011 - 3:10pmCHICAGO – As movie animation domination continues, “Gnomeo and Juliet” throws its stone cap into the ring, and has a lively story that tweaks it source, while respecting its power. James McAvoy and Emily Blunt are the voices of the star-crossed lovers, with the addition of familiar vocals from Michael Caine and Ozzy Osbourne, among others.
Blu-Ray Review: Original 1981 ‘Clash of the Titans’ Deserves Better Re-Release
Submitted by mattmovieman on March 9, 2010 - 3:00pmCHICAGO – The Winter Olympics coverage on NBC made it impossible for viewers to ignore the fact that there is indeed a “Clash of the Titans” remake coming out in April. This may seem redundant, since the vast majority of modern fantasy has in some way ripped off Greek mythology. Both “Harry Potter” and “Percy Jackson” include a variation on Medusa, the reptilian villain with snake hair and a stoney stare.
Blu-Ray Review: ‘Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince’ Looks Amazing in HD
Submitted by BrianTT on December 17, 2009 - 3:04pmCHICAGO – “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” is one of the most visually striking films of a year filled with achievements in great cinematography. I love Deakins’ work on “A Serious Man,” Richardson’s on “Inglourious Basterds,” and Christian Berger’s on “The White Ribbon,” but Bruno Delbonnel (who also lensed “Amelie”) has helped produce one of the most aesthetically remarkable films of the year, easily the most interesting interplay of shadow and light yet seen in a “Potter” film. Naturally, it makes for a great fit with the 1080p of Blu-Ray.