CHICAGO – The funny meter of Netflix went off the scale last week, as the animated series “Chicago Party Aunt” made its debut on September 17th. What began as a Twitter account by comic actor Chris Witaske (who also provides his voice talent) has morphed into the cartoon adventures of Aunt Diane Dumbowski, her nephew Daniel, and an array of familiar Chicago-isms and characters.
Lionsgate
‘The Protege’ Understood the Assignment and Studied Up On Action Films Past
Submitted by JonHC on August 21, 2021 - 9:31am Rating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – I’ve always felt that the line between being a spy or an assassin has always been blade-thin. Both kill people based on the orders of someone else. They are always highly trained in fighting and gun-fu. There is a great chance that they will be absolutely charming and unusually attractive because the job demands it.
Wive’s Tale! On-Air Review of ‘HItman’s Wife’s Bodyguard’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 17, 2021 - 8:12pm Rating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on June 17th, 2021, reviewing the new film “Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard,” in theaters beginning June 16th.
‘Spiral: From the Book of Saw’ is a Horror Ouroboros Devouring Itself
Submitted by JonHC on May 19, 2021 - 5:59pm Rating: 1.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – If you find yourself reading this review, you likely understand how much a film can influence society. Despite our best efforts, we don’t get to decide how or why something gets added to our zeitgeist. Its staying power can extend to anything from a character, an ideology, or even a quote. The effect is so strong that even a small sentence is enough to trigger certain feelings in your brain.
Teen a-Go-Go in Space! On-Air Review of ‘Voyagers’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on April 11, 2021 - 3:00pmRating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on April 8th, 2021, reviewing the new film “Voyagers,” in theaters now.
Spreading Wings! On-Air Reviews of ‘The Nest’ & ‘Antebellum’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on September 18, 2020 - 12:24pm Rating: 4.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on September 18th, 2020, reviewing the new films “The Nest” (in theaters) and “Antebellum” (VOD).
‘Long Shot’ Awkwardly Combines Politics & Romance
Submitted by PatrickMcD on May 4, 2019 - 7:38am Rating: 2.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – “Long Shot” is a bit of a hybrid that can’t quite decide what it wants to be. Is it a political satire, or is it another in a long line of Seth Rogen stoner comedies with a little rom com thrown in for good measure? It’s a little of both, with the shaggy dog stoner comedy the dominant form … making it a somewhat jarring and incongruous fit with the more political elements of this comedy.
Vivacity and Simplicity Come Together to Perform in ‘Teen Spirit’
Submitted by JonHC on April 22, 2019 - 5:44pmRating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – For most of us, music literally becomes the soundtrack to our lives. They become a reflection of our mood, innermost thoughts, and even our fears. Sometimes they are just a pick me up, the same way Cardi B is currently soundtracking the writing of this review. Certain, well-placed songs can even tell our life story without us having to utter a single word, much like Teen Spirit.
‘Hellboy’ Maintains Energy Just by Being Hellboy
Submitted by PatrickMcD on April 11, 2019 - 8:41amRating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – The latest film reboot is “Hellboy,” and it cruises based on the viability and popularity of its title character. David Harbour takes the reins from Ron Perlman in portraying the demon, and although it’s bogged down by the story, the latest iteration works because the character is so weirdly appealing.
‘Robin Hood’ is a By-the-Book Waste of Cinema Energy
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 22, 2018 - 9:17amRating: 2.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – No one in the movie-going universe was pining for another Robin Hood remake. No. One. Yet, with the story in public domain and some overseas cash to spend, here we are. Taron Egerton (“Kingsman” series) takes on the title role, with support from Jamie Foxx.
Entertaining ‘A Simple Favor’ Can’t Maintain Its Mojo
Submitted by PatrickMcD on September 15, 2018 - 11:34amRating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – As the secrets are revealed in “A Simple Favor,” filtered through the witty and entertaining directorial style of Paul Feig (“Bridesmaids”), the story moves with charm and energy for three-quarters of its running time. But as the mystery gets solved, the conclusion doesn’t live up to the promising beginning.
