CHICAGO – There is no better time to take in a stage play that is based in U.S. history, depicting the battle between fact and religion. The old theater chestnut – first mounted in 1955 – is “Inherit the Wind,” now at the Goodman Theatre, completing it’s short run through October 20th. For tickets and more information, click INHERIT.
HollywoodChicago.com Movie Reviews
Topher Grace Goes to 1980s in ‘Take Me Home Tonight’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 4, 2011 - 8:21am Rating: 2.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Nostalgia films need a couple of elements to make them work. First, instant recognition with the era, and second, a reason to go there. “Take Me Home Tonight” lacks both characteristics, and lead actor Topher Grace can’t seem to light a fire under the rest of it.
Chemistry of Matt Damon, Emily Blunt Drives ‘The Adjustment Bureau’
Submitted by BrianTT on March 3, 2011 - 8:31pm Rating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – George Nolfi’s “The Adjustment Bureau,” starring Matt Damon and Emily Blunt, is a nearly-great movie, a rare piece that merges romance and science fiction into something that is at-times mesmerizing. A few hiccups in the screenwriting late in the film hold it back from its true potential but this is still worth a look for genre fans and even those usually uninterested in the genre.
Life's a Grind For Nicolas Cage in ‘Drive Angry 3D’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 25, 2011 - 4:13pm Rating: 3.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Muscle cars, kick-ass dudes and foxy ladies have been staples of the grindhouse since Detroit had a pulse. Nicolas Cage joins that parade in the over-the-top road picture called “Drive Angry 3D,” lest we mistake it for the 2nd dimension.
Owen Wilson, Jason Sudeikis Skate By in ‘Hall Pass’
Submitted by BrianTT on February 25, 2011 - 10:47amRating: 2.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – The Farrelly Brothers’ “Hall Pass” is a near-miss for the directors of “There’s Something About Mary” and “Dumb & Dumber” that features enough laughs to remember when the boys were in their prime but ultimately doesn’t come enough together to get them back to it. With Owen Wilson delivering a pretty lazy performance but “SNL” star Jason Sudeikis balancing it out with a nearly-great one, “Hall Pass” is a hit-and-miss affair that falls too often on the wrong side of that comedy corridor.
‘Even the Rain’ Takes Preachy Approach to Powerful Story
Submitted by mattmovieman on February 25, 2011 - 8:55am Rating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Actress-turned-filmmaker Icíar Bollaín has an important story to tell in her fifth directorial feature, “Even the Rain.” The film is drenched in self-importance, nearly all of it justifiable. Historical events are eerily and poignantly re-enacted against a fascinating modern backdrop, drawing parallels between past and present corruption. It’s regrettable that this great idea was given such a workmanlike execution.
Liam Neeson Fails to Find Missing Identity of ‘Unknown’
Submitted by BrianTT on February 18, 2011 - 11:03amRating: 2.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – “Unknown,” the latest thriller to attempt to turn Liam Neeson into an unusual choice for an action star (a la “Taken” and “The A-Team”), is one of those films that nearly works but falls just short of its audience’s expectations.
Gregg Araki's ‘Kaboom’ Merrily Enters the Ontological Void
Submitted by mattmovieman on February 18, 2011 - 8:39amRating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Rarely has the apocalypse appeared as trivial as it does in “Kaboom,” a disarmingly lovable mess of a picture that manages to work in spite of itself. It’s the tenth feature film directed by Queer New Wave icon Gregg Araki, who seems to be in an infinitely better mood than he was fifteen years ago, back when the Reagan era’s ignorance of the AIDS crisis was still festering like an open wound.
MIchael Bay-Produced ‘I Am Number Four’ a Solid Block of Superhero Gouda
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on February 18, 2011 - 1:01amRating: 2.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – While the new sci-fi/superhero film “I Am Number Four” can be easily dismissed as yet another “Twilight” knockoff, the power of two mega-producers arms the film with nearly as much right as it does wrong. Thankfully for Chicagoans the film doesn’t star Brett Favre because of his numerical jersey affiliation, but with a story this weak, that stretch wouldn’t be too far.
‘Oscar Shorts 2011’ Features a Few Memorable Highlights
Submitted by BrianTT on February 17, 2011 - 5:03pmRating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Has there ever been a consistent shorts program that delivered 5-star quality from start to finish? By their very nature, programs of short films seem destined to offer something more of a mixed bag and the unusual nominees selections of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences typically makes up a series of average shorts with a few highlights. This year is no different.
Channing Tatum, Roman Empire Land in ‘The Eagle’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 11, 2011 - 5:27pmRating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – In ancient times, history was at the end of a sword point and edge of the world. “The Eagle” tells of a Roman Empire battle in those times, and Channing Tatum plays a general bent on restoring his family name.
‘Gnomeo & Juliet’ Charms With Music of Elton John
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 11, 2011 - 4:05pmRating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – 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.
Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston Hit Career Lows in ‘Just Go With It’
Submitted by BrianTT on February 11, 2011 - 9:09am Rating: 0.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – If you have a masochistic desire to see unlikable morons on a vacation you probably can’t afford, check out one of the worst movies in a long time, Adam Sandler’s horrendous “Just Go With It.” This is the kind of unmitigated disaster that had a group of critics trying to determine if it was Sandler’s worst film EVER. So, imagine your least favorite Sandler joint (may I suggest “Little Nicky” or “I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry”) and know that this one is arguably even more unbearable.
Ed Helms, John C. Reilly Find the Heart in ‘Cedar Rapids’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 11, 2011 - 9:05am Rating: 4.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – It is great to witness a star being born. Ed Helms, who so memorably stole the show in “The Hangover,” breaks out even further with a career defining performance as Tim Lippe in the warm and funny new comedy, “Cedar Rapids.” John C. Reilly, Anne Heche, Sigourney Weaver and Isiah Whitlock Jr. lend essential support.
