CHICAGO – In the last several years, how many times have you wanted to shout the “Mad as Hell” movie quote? Well, Invictus Theatre Co. has produced a stage adaptation of “Network” – with that quote shout worthy – at the Windy City Playhouse in Chicago through September 29th. For tickets/details, click HOWARD BEALE.
HollywoodChicago.com Movie Reviews
‘Hop’ is a Limp Skip, Jump For Russell Brand
Submitted by PatrickMcD on April 1, 2011 - 7:31am Rating: 2.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – A definitive cinematic exploration of the Easter Bunny story is precisely what the world is missing. Right?
Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan Star in Thrilling ‘Source Code’
Submitted by BrianTT on March 31, 2011 - 5:00pm Rating: 4.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Duncan Jones announced his arrival on the sci-fi scene with such authority with the excellent “Moon” that genre fans were naturally concerned about a sophomore slump. Worry no more. “Source Code” may first feel like a more traditional thriller but it’s clearly cut from the same cloth as “Moon” in that it takes the impossible and makes it human, even spiritual. Like the best sci-fi, “Source Code” is both entertaining and thought-provoking. It’s a great slice of entertainment that you’ll want to relive as soon as it’s done playing.
Paul Giamatti, Amy Ryan Rock in Fantastic ‘Win Win’
Submitted by BrianTT on March 25, 2011 - 1:44pm Rating: 5.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Writer/Director Thomas McCarthy makes films with that very unique attribute in which the characters completely feel like they exist before the opening scene and after the credits roll. As he did in “The Station Agent” and “The Visitor,” he has told another unique story that is both moving and also believable at the same time, an increasingly-rare combination. “Win Win” is the first great film of 2011.
Oscar-Nominated ‘Outside the Law’ Makes Revolution Personal
Submitted by BrianTT on March 25, 2011 - 12:05pm Rating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Rachid Bouchareb’s “Outside the Law” paints a vivid family portrait of a trio of brothers at the forefront of a violent, impassioned time in France as the country was trying to stop a revolution in Algeria and dealing with the violence that brought to their home country. With a story that spans decades, “Outside the Law” is sometimes a bit too episodic and stuffed with history to register emotionally but the three central performances carry the piece overall.
‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules’ is Wacky Family Fare
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 25, 2011 - 7:51amRating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – The overwrought movie term “family fare” can automatically inspire a swift movement toward the exits. The true something-for-everyone film is rare, and “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules” actually fulfills that standard. It’s strange, funny and heart-warming, plus features a cast that can deliver the somewhat oddball material.
‘Sucker Punch’ Has Dazzling Imagery, Comic Book Wham-Bam
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 25, 2011 - 5:36am Rating: 4.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – It’s a pleasure to see the comic book film done right, especially with the visionary guidance of director Zach Snyder (”300”). “Sucker Punch” is an amazing treat, a feast of eye candy and incredible adventure.
‘Kill the Irishman’ Offers History as Explosions
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 18, 2011 - 4:47pm Rating: 2.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – The amalgamation of big time unions and organized crime in post-WW2 industrial America is as enlightening as any struggle for power. Cleveland, Ohio, in the 1950s thru the ‘70s was both on the waterfront and had the East Coast influence of New York City’s most notorious crime families. That history is wasted in “Kill the Irishman.”
Bradley Cooper’s ‘Limitless’ Unlocks 100% of Hollywood’s Ridiculousness
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on March 18, 2011 - 4:39pmRating: 2.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – If you’re not easily susceptible to vertigo and can survive the intro cut scene, “Limitless” proceeds to treat you to one part thrill ride and one part exercise in ridiculousness. While we often go to the movies to escape, “Limitless” manipulatively exploits our deepest and darkest desires for wealth, power and Google-like global conquests.
Mia Wasikowska, Judi Dench Float on ‘Jane Eyre’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 18, 2011 - 10:53amRating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Film adaptations of classic literature are often lose-lose scenarios. The ardent admirers of the source often sour on what is left out, and the average filmgoer might wonder what the fuss is about when experiencing a truncated interpretation. There is obvious passion behind the latest adaptation of “Jane Eyre,” with performances that follow that lead.
Abbas Kiarostami’s ‘Certified Copy’ Tantalizes, Delights
Submitted by mattmovieman on March 18, 2011 - 9:33amRating: 5.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Nothing transfixes me quite like transcendent acting and writing when viewed under a cinematic lens. My favorite films of early 2011 have been Tommy Lee Jones’s stunning adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s play, “The Sunset Limited,” and Abbas Kiarostami’s beguiling new masterwork, “Certified Copy.” Both films derive their dramatic power from the differing philosophies of two articulate characters who may or may not be what they seem.
Matthew McConaughey Nearly Saves Problematic ‘The Lincoln Lawyer’
Submitted by BrianTT on March 18, 2011 - 9:11am Rating: 3.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Proving yet again that he can deliver when he avoids horrendous romantic comedy cliches, Matthew McConaughey does his best work in years in “The Lincoln Lawyer,” but the film doesn’t quite come together like one wishes that it would due to the common traps that befall big screen adaptations of best-selling thrillers.
Simon Pegg, Seth Rogen Have Close Encounter in Fun ‘Paul’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 18, 2011 - 8:58amRating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – When having fun at the movies seems in short supply, the British film duo of Simon Pegg and Nick Frost come along with one of their goofy, comic tributes to our cinematic heritage. After zombies in “Shaun of the Dead” and action heroes in “Hot Fuzz.” Pegg and Frost take on the extra terrestrials in “Paul.”
Spectacle, Emotion Propel Animation in ‘Mars Needs Moms’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 11, 2011 - 6:07pm Rating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – “Mars Needs Moms” is an animated epic that takes its time to build toward the message, but the path to that real emotion is decorated with spectacular imagery and sprightly comedy. It’s Mom, apple pie and motion capture technology.
