Samuel L. Jackson

Film Review: ‘Kingsman: The Secret Service’ is Fun, Very Odd

CHICAGO – Part James Bond, part absurdist adventure, “Kingsman: The Secret Service” is nonetheless a romp, with Colin Firth handling the Brit spy role with a natural aplomb. If the notion of a super secret rogue spy agency under a London tailor shop is something that sounds intriguing, that doesn’t even begin to tell the tale.

Blu-ray Review: ‘RoboCop’ Remake Struggles with Identity

RoboCop with Joel Kinnaman

CHICAGO – After years of being envisioned with numerous directors (“Noah’s” Darren Aronofsky was once attached), a new version of “RoboCop” has arrived. While the original 80s classic stood out for its foresight into current cultural turmoil, this remake is more a product of movies of the past, and to be more specific, our recent beloved superhero movies.

Film Review: ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’ Pledges Allegiance to Strong Action, Twists

CHICAGO – In record-breaking time, even for Marvel, a comic book character has had their existence (basically) rebooted. The arc may be continued from the previous film, and some of the actors may reappear, but this take on Captain America is bonafide divergent.

Film Review: ‘RoboCop’ Reboot Lacks Fun Factor, Fearful Villain

CHICAGO – You get the sense that a writer for the new “RoboCop” felt very proud of himself when he coined the cheeky word “robophobic” as a play on a current cultural hot button. The Samuel L. Jackson moment of self-fulfilled glory reminded me of the rest of the plot that was missing.

Film Review: Spike Lee’s ‘Oldboy’ Remake Merely Echoes Superior Original

After years in development hell, Spike Lee’s remake of Park Chan-wook’s beloved “Oldboy” is finally here. Does it live up to the high expectations set by the original?

Blu-ray Review: Steven Spielberg’s ‘Jurassic Park’ Released in 3D Version

Jurassic Park

CHICAGO – Few films from the first half of the ’90s have held up as well as Steven Spielberg’s “Jurassic Park,” recently released in a Blu-ray/DVD combo pack that includes the 3D version of the film. How HUGE is “Jurassic Park”? Adjusted for inflation, it’s made $728 million domestically, 16th all-time and sandwiched between two “Star Wars” movies (“Jedi” and “Phantom”). Everyone talks about Indy. The dinos have actually made more.

Blu-ray Review: Quentin Tarantino’s Great ‘Django Unchained’ Gets Quickie Release

Django Unchained

CHICAGO – Who but Quentin Tarantino could make a nearly-three-hour movie about slavery and turn it into the highest-grossing film of his career? The movie made over $160 million domestically and over $400 million worldwide on its way to two major Oscars — Best Original Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor. With all of its massive success, one might expect a lavish Blu-ray release. What we get is a bit more cut-rate. It’s got a good transfer but it’s slight on special features and it’s very likely that a special edition is inevitable. Then again, I’ve been waiting for the “Kill Bill” recut, full-movie edition that QT promised years ago.

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TV, DVD, BLU-RAY & THEATER REVIEWS

  • Manhunt

    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+.

  • Topdog/Underdog, Invictus Theatre

    CHICAGO – When two brothers confront the sins of each other and it expands into a psychology of an entire race, it’s at a stage play found in Chicago’s Invictus Theatre Company production of “Topdog/Underdog,” now at their new home at the Windy City Playhouse through March 31st, 2024. Click TD/UD for tickets/info.

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