CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on March 21st, 2024, reviewing the new streaming series “Manhunt” – based on the bestseller by James L. Swanson – currently streaming on Apple TV+.
Gael Garcia Bernal
The Spark That Lights Fire! Audio Review of ‘Ema’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 15, 2021 - 1:41pm Rating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review on the new Pablo Larrain film “Ema,” a Chilean Film distributed in the U.S. by Music Box Films of Chicago. In select theaters, including the Music Box Theatre. beginning August 13th, 2021.
Too Fast Too Elderly! On-Air Review of ‘Old’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on July 24, 2021 - 10:29am Rating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on The Eddie Volkman Show on WSSR-FM (Star 96.7 Joliet, Illinois) on July 23rd, 2021, reviewing the new M. Night Shyamalan film chiller “Old,” opening in theaters on Friday, July 23rd.
Visual Excellence Aside, ‘Coco’ is Just So-So
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 22, 2017 - 2:56pmRating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – “Coco” bears all the visual hallmarks of the Pixar Studio at its best, however its story bears the more recent symptoms of creative exhaustion. In this story, a young boy named Miguel (voice of Anthony Gonzalez) aims to follow his heart and pursue music, but toe tapping tunes have been strictly forbidden in his home.
‘Neruda’ Turns the Biography Film Into Fine Art
Submitted by PatrickMcD on January 4, 2017 - 8:27am Rating: 4.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – “In me nothing is extinguished or forgotten…” is a single line from a poem by Pablo Neruda (“If You Forget Me”), and succinctly describes the film tribute to him, written by Neruda’s fellow Chilean countryman Guillermo Calderón, and directed with grace by another Chilean, Pablo Larrain.
Taut, Witty ‘No’ Celebrates Unorthodox Marketing of Freedom
Submitted by mattmovieman on March 8, 2013 - 10:30amRating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – The controversy swirling around Pablo Larraín’s Oscar-nominee “No” is typical of the outrage garnered by many a historical drama. Since the film focuses solely on one crucial segment of the activism that ousted Chilean dictator Pinochet during the 1988 plebiscite, some viewers will complain that not every hero in the tale is represented. Of course, that’s what encyclopedias are for.
Kate Hudson Reveals Hell in ‘A Little Bit of Heaven’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on May 4, 2012 - 7:23am Rating: 1.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Kate Hudson portrays a dying woman in “A Little Bit of Heaven,” and the film is so annoying that her extinguishment can’t come fast enough. The film insults both living and dying, and virtually everything in between, and brings along Lucy Punch, Kathy Bates, Gael Garciá Bernal, Peter Dinklage and Whoopi Goldberg for the funeral.
Will Ferrell Experiments with Surreal ‘Casa de mi Padre’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 16, 2012 - 4:10pmRating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Will Ferrell can never be accused of sitting on his comic laurels, nor repeating himself. “Casa de mi Padre” is a complete set-in-Mexico Spanish language film, including Ferrell’s dialogue. Although uneven, it delivers such a peculiar vibe that it can’t help but be admired, at least for the effort.
‘Even the Rain’ Takes Preachy Approach to Powerful Story
Submitted by mattmovieman on February 25, 2011 - 8:55amRating: 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.
Vanessa Redgrave Shines in ‘Letters to Juliet,’ But Romantic Leads Bore
Submitted by BrianTT on May 14, 2010 - 2:46pm Rating: 2.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – I want to live in the alternate universe where Vanessa Redgrave’s Claire is the lead of “Letters to Juliet” and the two vapid dorks who trail her on a journey of lost love can learn a lesson or two but never take the spotlight. Sadly, such is not the case with this Amanda Seyfried and Christopher Egan vehicle, a romantic drama entirely stolen from its young stars by a timeless actress.
