CHICAGO – Society, or at least certain elements of society, are always looking for scapegoats to hide the sins of themselves and authority. In the so-called “great America” of the 1950s, the scapegoat target was comic books … specifically through a sociological study called “The Seduction of the Innocent.” City Lit Theater Company, in part two of a trilogy on comic culture by Mark Pracht, presents “The Innocence of Seduction … now through October 8th, 2023. For details and tickets, click COMIC BOOK.
TriStar Pictures
Rosebud! On-Air Reviews of ‘Mank’ & ‘The Last Vermeer’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 19, 2020 - 7:05pm- Amanda Seyfried
- Citizen Kane
- Claes Bang
- Gary Oldman
- Guy Pierce
- Herman Mankiewicz
- HollywoodChicago.com Content
- Mank
- Monroe
- Movie Review
- Nazis
- Netflix
- Orson Welles
- Patrick McDonald
- Rosebud
- Scott Thompson
- The Last Vermeer
- The Morning Mess
- TriStar Pictures
- WBGR-FM
- William Randolph Hearst
- Wisconsin
- World War II
 Rating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on November 19th, 2020, reviewing the new films “Mank” (in theaters, on Netflix December 4th) and “The Last Verneer” (only in theaters).
‘T2 Trainspotting’ is a Nostalgic Trip That Stays on the Rails
Submitted by JonHC on April 6, 2017 - 2:38am Rating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Sequels are the bane of film’s existence. They tend to end with unresolved plotlines in an attempt to promote the need for another film. Disappointing film franchises have been built this way, but Danny Boyle is the last person I would have expected this from. “T2 Trainspotting” is the sequel to “Trainspotting” that we never wanted but are surprisingly happy to have.
‘Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk’ Won Some of the Battles But Lost the War
Submitted by JonHC on November 18, 2016 - 12:42pm Rating: 2.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – War is an ugly part of our civilization, but it can be told beautifully. The complexities of battle are often dark and overwhelming, but inside of that there is also a light that reflects hope and love. “Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk” wants to show us both sides of the war, but despite the bright visuals it is still shrouded in problems.
‘When the Game Stands Tall’ a Sermonizing Snooze
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 22, 2014 - 7:05pm Rating: 2.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – “When The Game Stands Tall” has more sermons than a month of Sundays. Its heart is in the right place, but it’s more likely to put its audience to sleep than bring it to its feet. By now the tropes of the inspirational sports drama have become as familiar as the West Coast Offense, but this film can’t effectively figure out how to execute them.
Chaotic Comedy ‘Moms’ Night Out’ Has Wholesome Content, Toxic Attitude
Submitted by NickHC on May 9, 2014 - 1:56pm Rating: 1.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Liberty is a concept expressed only in irony with “Moms’ Night Out,” a female-driven minivan comedy that instructs ultimately to listen to thy husband for it is Biblical, even if thy husband is a child himself. Like sad Mitt Romney and his chocolate milk, this PG-romp is a brief walk on the wild side from the rules that await at the end of the night.
Spirituality Over Dogma Uplifts ‘Heaven Is for Real’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on April 16, 2014 - 9:51amRating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – It would be easy to dismiss “Heaven Is for Real,” given that it is based on the visions of the afterlife by a child, that just happens to coincide perfectly with Christian doctrine (Jesus, Angels, etc.). But there is more to this film in the sincerity of its spirituality, and it succeeds with that inspiration.
Explosive Conclusion is the Fate for ‘Pompeii’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 21, 2014 - 9:07amRating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – For a film in which everyone knows the ending walking in, “Pompeii” creates a decent good-versus-evil precursor to the volcanic big bang, and enough sword and sandals style fight sequences to provide some action. It all comes down to an active volcano, in modern digital design and 3D.
Tense Thriller Has Halle Berry Answering ‘The Call’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 16, 2013 - 12:20amRating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – “The Call” rises above the usual crime drama for a couple of reasons. First, it is a thriller that runs at a breakneck speed, using the driving culture of Los Angeles in a cat-and-mouse chase. Secondly, it symbolically emphasizes the plight of women, and honors their empowerment.
‘Sparkle’ is Dull for Whitney Houston Swan Song
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 17, 2012 - 7:28amRating: 2.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Given the shocking circumstances of Whitney Houston’s passing, it is a bit disconcerting to see her vibrantly alive again in the new film “Sparkle.” However, if she was still with us, this trifling and dull film would soon be forgotten. Jordan Sparks, Derek Luke and Carmen Ejogo co-star.
No Leap of Faith to Enjoy ‘Jumping the Broom’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on May 6, 2011 - 5:36amRating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – There is a tradition within the African American community during weddings. It stems from the past, when marriage was deemed illegal for the race, and provides the title for a new film, “Jumping the Broom.” The now symbolic gesture is the basis for a clash between families and social classses in one seriocomic marriage weekend.
