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
Melodrama, Weak Performances Hold Back ‘The Twilight Saga: New Moon’
Submitted by BrianTT on November 20, 2009 - 12:51pm Rating: 2.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – The amazing adoration for “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” is based on one of two things: a crush on one of the cast members or goodwill spawned by a love of Stephenie Meyer’s books.
Sandra Bullock, Strong Script Bring Clarity to ‘The Blind Side’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 20, 2009 - 8:14am Rating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – “Based on a True Story” films are difficult to pull off, especially those that are the improbable story of a white Memphis family adopting an African American football prodigy. Sandra Bullock is the mother, through it all, in “The Blind Side.”
‘Napoleon Dynamite’ Creator Jared Hess Scores With ‘Gentlemen Broncos’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 13, 2009 - 9:29am Rating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Writer/Director Jared Hess’ universe, where obscure pop culture references and strange survivors abide, gets another workout with the spontaneously funny “Gentlemen Broncos,” which also features Mike White and Jennifer Coolidge.
Gabourey Sidibe Shines in Inspirational True Story of ‘Precious’
Submitted by BrianTT on November 6, 2009 - 3:16pmRating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – The final scene of Lee Daniels’ “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire” ends with a dedication that the film is for “precious girls everywhere”.
Art World Bares its Soul in Adam Goldberg’s Superlative ‘(Untitled)’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 6, 2009 - 11:52am Rating: 5.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – One of the best and most exciting surprises of the 2009 film year is a smaller, claustrophobic film starring Adam Goldberg and set in the art gallery world of New York City. “(Untitled)” is an honest, uncompromising character study.
‘The House of the Devil’ is a Trip Back in Suspense Horror
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 31, 2009 - 12:07pmRating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Halloween is the perfect time to revisit those horror films of youth, lost in the mall theaters or crackling through the VCR in a multiply rented copy. “The House of the Devil” reveres those roots and brings them back to light.
‘Michael Jackson’s This is It’ Would Evocatively, Memorably Move Even Rhythmless Zombies
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on October 28, 2009 - 12:59amRating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Even a rhythmless zombie will be able to siphon Michael Jackson’s prowess now. And this time, this is it.
If you thought the king of pop wouldn’t deliver on his latest bout of 50 sold-out worldwide concerts, think again.
‘Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant’ With John C. Reilly Not Freaky Enough
Submitted by BrianTT on October 23, 2009 - 2:51pmRating: 2.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – For everything that Paul Weitz’s “Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant” does right, there’s something about the film that just doesn’t work. More manic than quirky and more cluttered than consistent, “Cirque” features a few great performances and interesting characters but they’re sabotaged by the other members of this cinematic freak show.
‘Astro Boy’ is Here to Save Whatever is Left of the Future
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 23, 2009 - 8:18am Rating: 3.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – The cartoon universe is replete with superheroes, none more distinct than the title character in the new animated film “Astro Boy.” Based on a Japanese comic book from 1951, Astro Boy has new life in 3-D cartoon form.
Easily Scared Viewers Should Stay Away From Buzzed ‘Paranormal Activity’
Submitted by BrianTT on October 13, 2009 - 11:07pmRating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Over the weekend, a little movie that cost reportedly $11,000 to make and was shot on one set made over $7 million at the box office. If you haven’t heard about the phenomenon that is “Paranormal Activity,” you’re simply not paying attention. The good news? Unlike a lot of highly buzzed films, this one lives up to the hype.
‘A Serious Man’ Plays as Masterfully Fictionalized Autobiography For Joel, Ethan Coen
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on October 11, 2009 - 11:55amRating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – “A Serious Man” isn’t the story of Joel and Ethan Coen’s lives. But you might not necessarily know it. While the brothers continue to turn their films into Hollywood gold, this 1967-set black comedy is among the more personal projects in their repertoire.
‘Good Hair’ Has Chris Rock Getting to the Roots of Follicle Follies
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 9, 2009 - 3:38pmRating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Positioning himself as a informational bridge-builder, comedian Chris Rock explores the often complex social economics of African American hair, specifically the intense styling that is a borderline obsession for women of color.
The Beauty and the Ugliness of Loss in ‘The Boys Are Back’
Submitted by BrianTT on October 5, 2009 - 7:30am Rating: 4.5/5.0 |
ATLANTA – Sometimes human tragedy hits dramatically, but other times it subtly, imperceptibly, alters the intrinsic fibers of everyday life in undetectable ways. That is the premise behind Scott Hicks’ film “The Boys Are Back.” It is the story not of death, but of the strategy human beings devise to cope, to defend and to protect themselves against pain and loss.
