CHICAGO – Love is a powerful enough force to transcend any obstacle that you may put in its path.
India
History by Rote in Formulaic ‘Victoria and Abdul’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on September 30, 2017 - 9:56am Rating: 3.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – There have been 155 TV/Movie depictions of Queen Victoria, who ruled England from 1837 to 1901. The “Victorian Era” continues to fascinate filmmakers, and who is perfect to portray Queen V. towards the end of her life? Get me Dame Judi Dench on the Skype!
‘Lion’ Can’t Quite Tame Audience’s Hearts
Submitted by PatrickMcD on December 30, 2016 - 11:02am Rating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – “Lion” is the kind of inspirational-triumph-over-insurmountable-odds and adversity stories that’s bound to appeal to grandmothers and Academy voters, and it does offer plenty of material to tug at the heartstrings. But it’s a movie that only gets the job half done, and unfortunately loses its way once Nicole Kidman comes into the picture.
‘Million Dollar Arm’ Misses the Strike Zone
Submitted by PatrickMcD on May 16, 2014 - 6:17am Rating: 2.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – “Million Dollar Arm” harkens back to a period of shameless family friendly schmaltz that used to play to families in theaters and then run in perpetuity on “The Wonderful World Of Disney” on television. But this treacly baseball drama throws nothing but balls.
Frieda Pinto Takes a Sad, Tragic Journey in ‘Trishna’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on July 20, 2012 - 8:43pmRating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Transitions are one of the juiciest themes to have in a film, as a character or circumstance takes a path from one way-of-life to another. Director Michael Winterbottom has created “Trishna,” a story based on a 19th Century British novel, but woven into the present day India. Frieda Pinto (“Slumdog Millionaire”) stars as the title character.
‘Good Hair’ Has Chris Rock Getting to the Roots of Follicle Follies
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 9, 2009 - 2:38pmRating: 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.
