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+.
Sony
Blu-Ray Review: Adam Sandler, Kevin James Star in Mediocre ‘Grown Ups’
Submitted by BrianTT on November 10, 2010 - 5:51pmCHICAGO – Nowhere near as abysmal as some of Adam Sandler’s worst comedies and yet also not nearly as good as it could or should have been, “Grown Ups” might make a reasonable rental on a late fall evening but don’t get your expectations too high. Sandler may be trying to grow up with his comedy friends but a lazy script and horrendous direction by regular collaborator Dennis Dugan hold back what should have been one of the stronger comedy ensembles of the year.
Blu-Ray Review: ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai: Collector’s Edition’
Submitted by BrianTT on November 9, 2010 - 5:40pmCHICAGO – David Lean’s “The Bridge on the River Kwai” is one of the most beloved epics of all time and not only has the film been restored for a massive Blu-ray Collector’s Edition release but a new print will roll at the Music Box Theatre in Chicago starting Friday, November 12th, 2010. If you’ve never seen the 1957 Best Picture winner, there’s never been a better time.
Video Game Review: ‘God of War: Ghost of Sparta’ Destroys Sony PSP Action Competition
Submitted by BrianTT on October 29, 2010 - 11:17amCHICAGO – With the best-selling “God of War III” still resonating like an almighty thunderclap that hit gamers barely over half a year ago, is it too soon for another adventure of one of the last decade’s most influential and important characters? And with the continuous decline in the number of interesting properties available for the Sony PSP, will “God of War: Ghost of Sparta” feel like an afterthought or an essential property in the Kratos canon?
Blu-Ray Review: Catherine Keener, Rebecca Hall in Great ‘Please Give’
Submitted by BrianTT on October 19, 2010 - 12:25pmCHICAGO – I’ve seen over a hundred films since seeing Nicole Holofcener’s “Please Give” and the movie has somehow lingered in the back of my mind. It’s what happens when characters are this well-drawn and believable. If a movie feels genuine, it has a much longer staying power and writer/director Holofcener (“Lovely and Amazing,” “Friends With Money”) makes dramedies about people that almost instantly feel completely genuine. “Please Give,” recently released on Blu-ray and DVD, is one of the best dramedies of the year.
TV Review: NBC’s Hilarious ‘Community’ Returns For Second Season
Submitted by BrianTT on September 23, 2010 - 10:35amCHICAGO – NBC’s “Community” took some time to find its comic rhythm but it has developed into one of the smartest and most expertly-paced sitcoms on television. The Joel McHale vehicle returns tonight, September 23rd, 2010 for a very-important start to its second season. If it can find the audience it deserves, “Community” could be on for years. It certainly should be.
Blu-Ray Review: French Drama ‘A Prophet’ Demands Your Attention
Submitted by BrianTT on August 10, 2010 - 10:44amCHICAGO – One of the best films of the last several years was recently released on Blu-ray and DVD courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics in the riveting, remarkable, and simply amazing “A Prophet.”
TV News: ‘Community’ Coming to DVD With Amazing Special Features
Submitted by BrianTT on July 23, 2010 - 7:39pmCHICAGO – The great NBC show “Community” is coming to DVD on Spetember 21st and the set will be loaded with notable special features and even include an exclusive comic book and a bonus pull-out poster. Fans of TV comedy mark your calendars.
Film Review: ‘Salt’ With Angelina Jolie Suffers From Lack of Flavor
Submitted by BrianTT on July 23, 2010 - 12:52pmCHICAGO – Perhaps the creators of “Salt” took the potential double meaning of its title a bit too seriously because the film has been overloaded with one flavor at the expense of the variety that could have turned this well-done action movie into something a bit more memorable.
Video Game Review: Create Your Own World in ‘ModNation Racers’
Submitted by BrianTT on June 17, 2010 - 12:27amCHICAGO – Blending the worlds of “Super Mario Kart” and “Little Big Planet,” Sony’s “ModNation Racers” will be the perfect summer title for players who like their racing a little more cartoonish than most speed-based titles and for those who love to make a title their own. Grafting the “LBP” customization and game creation model on to a racing world makes for a unique release that will serve as a length diversion for some but not all.
Video Game Review: ‘Ratchet and Clank Future: A Crack in Time’
Submitted by BrianTT on November 23, 2009 - 6:18pmCHICAGO – There have been several highly-touted, well-marketed video game releases this season including “Uncharted 2,” “Assassin’s Creed II,” “Left For Dead 2,” and “COD: Modern Warfare 2,” but one of my most personally anticipated titles of the year has gone somewhat unnoticed. The lack of press made me wonder if perhaps I would be let down by “Ratchet and Clank Future: A Crack in Time”. Wonder no more - this is easily one of the best games of the year and a worthy entry (and reported finale) in this beloved franchise.