CHICAGO – Theatrical satires of the Star Wars Universe are like the number of TV series the universe has wrought … too many to figure out if anything is worthwhile. But “Trade Federation” (subtitled “Or Let’s Explore Globalization Through the Star Wars Prequels”), presented by Otherworld Theatre in Wrigleyville Chicago, gets it right on.
Walt Disney
On-Air Film Review: Internet Beauty & the Cyber-Beast in ‘Belle’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on January 13, 2022 - 9:39pmCHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on January 13th, 2022, reviewing a new animated film from Japan, a version of “Beauty & the Beast” entitled “Belle,” in theaters on January 14th.
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Film Review: All Forms of Heroism Available in ‘Black Panther’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 15, 2018 - 10:53amCHICAGO – The fortune of the latest Marvel Studios superhero epic, “Black Panther,” lies in its solid foundation in African mythos and intelligent storytelling. And with Ryan Coogler (“Creed”) as director, there are still major confrontations and battles, intertwined into the soul.
Film Review: Celebration of Creation in Warm ‘Saving Mr. Banks’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on December 13, 2013 - 11:28amCHICAGO – The world of creation, and the imagination behind it, gets an honorable and elegantly performed treatment in the fascinating “Saving Mr. Banks.” What seems like a “making of” film about the legendary “Mary Poppins,” becomes much more rich in symbolism and consideration.
Film Review: ‘Escape from Tomorrow’ Blasts America’s Sacred Mice
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 25, 2013 - 1:02pmCHICAGO – One of America’s family traditions has become the trip to Disney World (or land). In one of the most highly charged anarchistic films in memory, this “tradition” is set on its mouse ears, as writer/director Randy Moore allows everyone to “Escape from Tomorrow.”
Film Review: Tim Allen Narrates the Humanity in ‘Chimpanzee’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on April 20, 2012 - 5:58pmCHICAGO – It’s Earth Day this weekend, and following on the heels of “Earth” and “African Cats,” previous releases from Walt Disney Studios and Disneynature, there is “Chimpanzee.” Tim Allen narrates the story of Oscar, Isha, Freddy and Scar, and the film is co-produced by the Jane Goodall Institute, which preserves the chimpanzee natural habitats in Africa.
Slideshow: 21 Official Photos From Disney’s ‘John Carter’ With Taylor Kitsch
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 22, 2012 - 3:00pmCHICAGO – Coming on March 9th is one of the more anticipated action films of 2012. Walt Disney presents “John Carter,” featuring Taylor Kitsch, Lynn Collins, Willem Dafoe, Thomas Haden Church, Samantha Morton, Clarán Hinds and Bryan Cranston. The story is based on a 100 year old series of novels by “Tarzan” creator Edgar Rice Burroughs.
Interview, Portrait: Lesley Ann Warren ‘In Plain Sight’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 24, 2011 - 5:00pmCHICAGO – Lesley Ann Warren is familiar to TV viewers for her recurring role on “Desperate Housewives” as Sophie Bremmer and her portrayal of Jinx Shannon on “In Plain Sight.” She also has a rich career spanning five decades, with classic film and television characters along the way.
Blu-Ray Review: Gorgeous Visuals of ‘Tangled’ Make it Perfect Fit For HD
Submitted by BrianTT on April 12, 2011 - 10:22amCHICAGO – There are very few animated movies that look as stunning as “Tangled” does on Blu-ray. The grass of the land around Rapunzel’s tower, her infamous hair, even the leaves floating in the background — the film has a third dimension even on a standard television. It’s visually striking.
Blu-Ray Review: Another Disney Classic Escapes From the Vault in ‘Bambi’
Submitted by BrianTT on March 9, 2011 - 10:44amCHICAGO – Disney always likes to keep consumers on their toes. After spreading out the canonical releases hitting Blu-ray, often with many months between them, they have delivered a one-two punch to the wallets of parents around the world by unleashing “Alice in Wonderland” on February 1st, 2011, and following it just a month later with an even more beloved classic in “Bambi.” If you’ve been following HollywoodChicago.com for any amount of time, you probably know how we feel about the Disney Blu-ray releases. They’re the best reason to buy a player.
Interviews: Voice of Young ‘Bambi’ Donnie Dunagan
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 28, 2011 - 2:53pmCHICAGO – “Bambi” maintains its impact nearly 70 years after debuting in 1942. Walt Disney Studios releases the Blu-ray Diamond Edition DVD of the film on March 1st, and the voice of Young Bambi, Donnie Dunagan, was in Chicago with animator Andreas Deja to talk about it.
