CHICAGO – In anticipation of the scariest week of the year, HollywoodChicago.com launches its 2024 Movie Gifts series, which will suggest DVDs and collections for holiday giving.
HollywoodChicago.com Movie Reviews
Talented Cast Carries Dark Comedy of ‘Horrible Bosses’
Submitted by BrianTT on July 7, 2011 - 4:57pm Rating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – There’s a theory that a film that should be judged based on how well it succeeds at what it attempts to do. If it’s a comedy, does it make you laugh? “Horrible Bosses” has some issues but it is an undeniably funny movie. With stellar comic timing from the entire ensemble and a dark streak of edgy humor with just enough wit to make it not seem cruel, this is one of the straight-up funniest movies of the year.
John Carpenter Returns With Mediocre ‘The Ward’
Submitted by BrianTT on July 6, 2011 - 9:17pm Rating: 2.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – John Carpenter’s “The Ward” would make for a satisfying episode of the now-canceled “Masters of Horror” and might therefore be an interesting rental someday but it doesn’t live up to the pedigree of its once-brilliant director and ultimately disappoints regardless of the name above the title.
‘Monte Carlo’ is Cut Above Young-Women-Abroad Films
Submitted by PatrickMcD on July 1, 2011 - 5:39pmRating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Nothing like a summer surprise at the movies to make the season a little more tolerable. Selena Gomez and the ubiquitous Leighton Meester take a sumptuous trip and brings us along in “Monte Carlo.”
Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts Seek to Repurpose ‘Larry Crowne’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on July 1, 2011 - 5:13am Rating: 3.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Movie stars need certain types of films to keep their star power safe and audiences expect certain things from them, with limitations, to create summer movie comfort. Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts fill the bill in “Larry Crowne.”
Change Comes in ‘Page One: Inside The New York Times’
Submitted by BrianTT on June 30, 2011 - 10:09am Rating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Will my kids read newspapers? It’s a question that I’ve asked myself multiple times over the years, more so as so many of them have been closed down by the explosion of technology that demanded change. With more and more people getting their news through new delivery systems, what will happen to institutions like The New York Times?
‘Transformers: Dark of the Moon’ Gets Adrenalin Pumping
Submitted by BrianTT on June 28, 2011 - 8:27amRating: 2.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – The final 45 minutes of “Transformers: Dark of the Moon” are such an orgy of CGI insanity, falling skyscrapers, and battling robots that the film approaches some sort of summer movie nirvana, or at least it will for the right audience. There’s little debate that the Chicago-set climax of Michael Bay’s third film based on Hasbro’s line of toys delivers what it promises.
Cameron Diaz Commits Sin of Boredom in ‘Bad Teacher’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 25, 2011 - 5:59amRating: 2.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – If you’re going to be bad, be bad. But this is mainstream Hollywood “product,” starring Cameron Diaz, and while the concept of the new film “Bad Teacher” had promise, it eventually fell down on the weight of happy resolutions and the worse mortal sin for a comedy…it was dull.
Despite a Ferrari Predecessor, ‘Cars 2’ is a Honda Requiring Repair
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on June 24, 2011 - 3:16pmRating: 2.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – “Cars 2” is an unequal Pixar blend for adults and kiddies that never evolves into the storytelling success of its predecessor. The film, which draws thematic elements from “The Bourne Identity,” “Beverly Hillbillies” and “Transformers,” is a Honda needing a body shop as compared to the pristine Ferrari that was “Cars”.
Obsessive, Intriguing ‘Conan O’Brien Can’t Stop’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 24, 2011 - 6:54amRating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – It’s the movie poster that says it all. The familiar red-headed talk show host, now bearded, resting his head against an ever-present microphone. The show must go on for “Conan O’Brien Can’t Stop.”
Cindy Meehl’s ‘Buck’ Celebrates a Well-Lived Life
Submitted by mattmovieman on June 24, 2011 - 5:44am Rating: 4.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Every once in a while, a life is profoundly enriched by the example set by another. For several animal lovers throughout the country, Buck Brannaman has served as an inspiration. His philosophical approach toward working with horses holds countless truths that can be applied to all aspects of life, and they are woven into the very fabric of Cindy Meehl’s wonderful documentary, “Buck.”
‘The Art of Getting By’ Explores a Teenage Wasteland
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 19, 2011 - 10:50amRating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – The angst ridden, doom-and-gloom adolescent has been fodder for the movies ever since teenagers were invented. From James Dean to “Heathers,” the juvenile anti-hero trying to figure out life has lit up the screen. Freddie Highmore takes his turn in “The Art of Getting By.”
Ryan Reynolds in ‘Green Lantern’ is Spectacle Over Story
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 17, 2011 - 6:58pmRating: 2.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – The tipping point is close approaching in the super hero movie aura, especially as the B-list get their moment in the projection machine. “Green Lantern,” featuring Ryan Reynolds, stays true to its comic book roots, but lacks any cohesive passion within the main story.
Nature is Abused By Jim Carrey in ‘Mr Popper’s Penguins’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 17, 2011 - 6:49am Rating: 1.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Pity the poor penguin making pictures. Their wings cannot fly, they have no script approval or agents, just a trainer bribing them with food to hit the mark. Their presence, their cuteness, even their flightlessness are exploited for a dreadful Jim Carrey film called “Mr Popper’s Penguins.” Somebody call PETA.
