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.
Walt Disney Studios
Mystery Trip! On-Air Review of ‘Jungle Cruise’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on July 29, 2021 - 7:39pm 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 July 29th, 2021, reviewing the new film “Jungle Cruise.” In theaters and streaming on Disney+ Premier Access beginning July 30th.
Hair-Raising Black & White! On-Air Review of ‘Cruella’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on May 30, 2021 - 11:26pmRating: 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 May 28th, 2021, reviewing the new Walt Disney release “Cruella,” opening in theaters on May 28th, 2021.
Dragon the Line! On-Air Review of ‘Raya and The Last Dragon’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 4, 2021 - 8:29pm 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 March 4th, reviewing the new film “Raya and the Last Dragon,” in theaters and available through Disney+ (Premier Access) on March 5th, 2021.
What is Being There? On-Air Review of ‘Soul’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on December 25, 2020 - 10:28pm Rating: 5.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on December 24th, 2020, reviewing the new animated film “Soul,” from Disney/Pixar and streaming on Disney+ on December 25th, 2020.
Homage & Reimagining! On-Air Review of ‘Mulan’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on September 4, 2020 - 11:21amRating: 5.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on September 3rd, 2020, reviewing the new live action film “Mulan.” This is the Walt Disney Studios adaptation of their own 1998 animated film, originally a March release, now leading off the Fall Season.
Journey to Conclusion is the Thrill of ‘Avengers: Endgame’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on April 24, 2019 - 11:15amRating: 4.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – When it comes down to this, and the creators do it right, there is no more satisfying conclusion than “Avengers: Endgame.” Admirers of this magnificent Marvel (Studios) Universe story will get everything they want. It is the “Gone with the Wind” of superhero epic films.
Tim Burton’s Version of ‘Dumbo’ is Disappointingly Glum
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 29, 2019 - 7:03am Rating: 2.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – For reasons which remain unexplained, Walt Disney Studios and director Tim Burton have decided to weigh down the sweet story of a flying elephant with a whole pachyderm’s worth of pathos. The animated original clocked in as one of Disney’s shortest full length animated features. But the live action version drags us through nearly an extra hour’s worth of post-World War One misery.
Brie Larson as ‘Captain Marvel’ is Not as Marvel-ous
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 8, 2019 - 10:00amRating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Since the Marvel cinematic universe began over a decade ago with “Iron Man,” it’s shown an amazing talent for consistency. While only a few installments have surpassed their comic book origins to become great examples of the genre – and great stories in general – Marvel hasn’t had many out and out clunkers either (possible exception, the second Thor movie).
You’ll Be Wild About Magical ‘Mary Poppins Returns’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on December 19, 2018 - 6:49amRating: 4.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – They did it. Walt Disney Studios took one of their most beloved live action/animated films and rebooted it for a new millennium. “Mary Poppins Returns” is a song-filled, emotional and magical celebration of all things Mary P, combining the elements that made it great the first time with the modern movie strengths of today.
‘Christopher Robin’ is a Story That Should Have Remained Untold
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 3, 2018 - 5:05am Rating: 2.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Yeesh. Who woulda thunk that the fine people at Walt Disney Studios would throw the “legend” of Winnie-the-Pooh into a live action “sequel,” with absolutely no life… including the computer generated dead-eyed stuffed machinations of the famous animals. Yet, here we are with “Christopher Robin,” featuring Ewan McGregor in the title role.
