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+.
Universal Pictures
Film Review: Sequel Surprisingly Surpasses the First Film in ‘Happy Death Day 2U’
Submitted by JonHC on February 14, 2019 - 4:44pmCHICAGO – At some point, we’ve all experienced deja vu. Sure, it could just be because we lead a monotonous, predictable life, but I’d personally welcome the idea of something supernatural at play over the more practical explanation. That’s exactly what “Happy Death Day” introduced, and it was a hilarious slasher take on “Groundhog Day”, and luckily the sequel, “Happy Death Day 2U”, adds to the experience.
Film Review: Too Much Wasted Time in M. Night Shyamalan’s ‘Glass’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on January 18, 2019 - 5:18pmCHICAGO – Maybe inside filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan’s head, his latest film “Glass” works… all the elements of what we need to know about this sequel to MNS’s previous films “Split” and “Unbreakable” are within. However, what works inside the director’s head may not work for the audience, especially in the first half of the film.
HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 60 Pairs of IMAX Passes to ‘Mortal Engines’ With Hugo Weaving
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on December 10, 2018 - 1:24pmCHICAGO – In the latest HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 60 pairs of advance-screening IMAX movie passes up for grabs to the new film “Mortal Engines” starring Hugo Weaving, Hera Hilmar and Robert Sheehan!
Film Review: The Friendship Page of Black & White in ‘Green Book’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 19, 2018 - 9:13amCHICAGO – In the original sin of racism in America, structured in the societal relationship between whites and African Americans, there had to be small steps before there were larger ones. In 1962, a black piano virtuoso and his white Italian New Yorker driver toured through the Deep South and developed a friendship, in the new film “Green Book.”
Film Review: He’s a Not-So-Mean-One in Remake of ‘The Grinch’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 9, 2018 - 9:41amCHICAGO – They should have left well enough alone, didn’t anybody learn anything from the trainwreck of the Jim Carrey live-action-as-The-Grinch? Apparently not. A more kid friendly and modern animated version of “The Grinch” opens six weeks before Christmas, and already I want to return it.
Film Review: Rebooted ‘Halloween’ Sequel Offers Nothing New in 2018
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 19, 2018 - 12:51pmCHICAGO – At this point, the “Halloween” franchise is looking as tattered and tired as Michael Myers old William Shatner mask… fraying around the edges and on the verge of falling apart. The 2018 “reboot” sequel brings back former scream queen Jamie Lee Curtis as Laurie Strode, along with original Michael Myers, Nick Castle.
Film Review: 'First Man' is Reverential to Moon Landing Mission
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 12, 2018 - 3:34pmCHICAGO – There were several “firsts” for humankind in our civilization and technology breakthroughs, but until 1969 no person had even stepped on a planetary surface other than on earth. Neil Armstrong was that man, and he is portrayed by Ryan Gosling in a respectful overview of that Apollo 11 mission in “First Man.”
Film Review: ‘Night School’ Can’t Get to a Passing Grade
Submitted by PatrickMcD on September 28, 2018 - 8:12amCHICAGO – “Night School” is the latest undistinguished product to come off the Kevin Hart assembly line. If you’re a fan of Hart’s motormouthed and hyperactive small time schtick, you’ll find that this will just barely passed the test. But if you’re not, this movie won’t change anyone’s mind.
HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 40 Pairs of Passes to ‘Night School’ With Kevin Hart, Tiffany Haddish
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on September 23, 2018 - 4:23pmCHICAGO – In the latest HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 40 pairs of advance-screening movie passes up for grabs to the new comedy “Night School” starring Kevin Hart and Tiffany Haddish!
Film Review: ‘The House With a Clock in Its Walls’ is Movie Magic
Submitted by PatrickMcD on September 20, 2018 - 11:52pmCHICAGO – “The House With The Clock In Its Walls” is a surprisingly restrained and endearing haunted house pic for kids just getting rid of their training wheels. It’s all a spooky atmosphere with cobwebs galore, creaking doors, a stained glass window which changes on its own, and a library of books which at times resemble the avifauna predators from the Hitchcock classic “The Birds.”