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.
Imelda Staunton
‘Maleficent’ is All Dressed Up With No Story to Tell
Submitted by PatrickMcD on May 30, 2014 - 5:24pm Rating: 2.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – If “Maleficent” were an actual fairy tale storybook, I’d say it has beautiful illustrations but not much story to tell. As the title character, Angelina Jolie is a towering presence with an unforgettable look, but the film itself is all dressed up with nowhere to go. “Maleficent” the movie’s story moves so slowly it makes a sloth look like a cheetah.
‘The Awakening’ with Rebecca Hall Will Put You to Sleep
Submitted by BrianTT on August 31, 2012 - 7:38amRating: 2.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – There a lot of sighs and longing looks in the new horror film “The Awakening” (and good luck trying to distinguish between the generically-titled “The Apparition,” “The Possession,” and this one — all in theaters). This disappointing attempt at an atmospheric ghost story tries to tell a tale that first feels like a haunting from within.
Clever, Fun Adventures of ‘The Pirates! Band of Misfits’
Submitted by BrianTT on April 26, 2012 - 2:25pm Rating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – “The Pirates! Band of Misfits” has that incredible Aardman energy and elegance of works like “Wallace & Gromit” and “Chicken Run” along with some of the best voice work you’ll hear in an animated film all year.
Aardman Studios Offers a Merry ‘Arthur Christmas’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 23, 2011 - 3:49pmRating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Aardman Studios, the creators of the irrepressible “Wallace & Gromit” and the witty “Flushed Away” is back with another animated holiday treat, “Arthur Christmas.” Santa Claus and the gang are taken into the modern era, but the cheeky lads/lasses at Aardman can’t help but throw in a bit of whimsy and heart.
Ang Lee’s ‘Taking Woodstock’ Lays Down Too Mellow a Vibe to Be Memorable
Submitted by BrianTT on August 28, 2009 - 1:23pmRating: 2.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – More about the vibe surrounding the three days of peace and love that would become the most influential festival in history than the actual music itself, Ang Lee’s “Taking Woodstock” is a frustrating drama with individual elements that work but a cinematic set list that is ultimately disjointed and unsatisfying.
