CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on March 21st, 2024, reviewing the new streaming series “Manhunt” – based on the bestseller by James L. Swanson – currently streaming on Apple TV+.
HollywoodChicago.com Movie Reviews
‘Oscar Shorts 2011’ Features a Few Memorable Highlights
Submitted by BrianTT on February 17, 2011 - 5:03pm Rating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Has there ever been a consistent shorts program that delivered 5-star quality from start to finish? By their very nature, programs of short films seem destined to offer something more of a mixed bag and the unusual nominees selections of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences typically makes up a series of average shorts with a few highlights. This year is no different.
Channing Tatum, Roman Empire Land in ‘The Eagle’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 11, 2011 - 5:27pm Rating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – In ancient times, history was at the end of a sword point and edge of the world. “The Eagle” tells of a Roman Empire battle in those times, and Channing Tatum plays a general bent on restoring his family name.
‘Gnomeo & Juliet’ Charms With Music of Elton John
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 11, 2011 - 4:05pmRating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – As movie animation domination continues, “Gnomeo and Juliet” throws its stone cap into the ring, and has a lively story that tweaks it source, while respecting its power. James McAvoy and Emily Blunt are the voices of the star-crossed lovers, with the addition of familiar vocals from Michael Caine and Ozzy Osbourne, among others.
Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston Hit Career Lows in ‘Just Go With It’
Submitted by BrianTT on February 11, 2011 - 9:09am Rating: 0.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – If you have a masochistic desire to see unlikable morons on a vacation you probably can’t afford, check out one of the worst movies in a long time, Adam Sandler’s horrendous “Just Go With It.” This is the kind of unmitigated disaster that had a group of critics trying to determine if it was Sandler’s worst film EVER. So, imagine your least favorite Sandler joint (may I suggest “Little Nicky” or “I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry”) and know that this one is arguably even more unbearable.
Ed Helms, John C. Reilly Find the Heart in ‘Cedar Rapids’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 11, 2011 - 9:05am Rating: 4.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – It is great to witness a star being born. Ed Helms, who so memorably stole the show in “The Hangover,” breaks out even further with a career defining performance as Tim Lippe in the warm and funny new comedy, “Cedar Rapids.” John C. Reilly, Anne Heche, Sigourney Weaver and Isiah Whitlock Jr. lend essential support.
Leighton Meester Borrows the Soap in ‘The Roommate’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 5, 2011 - 11:21am Rating: 2.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – The latest “It” girls and guys have been collected for the “Meeting of the Marketed Movie,” the showcase for the latest actor brands. It’s titled “The Roommate, “ and Leighton Meester (”Gossip Girl”), Cam Gigandet (”Twilight”) and Minka Kelly (”Friday Night Lights”) lead the way.
‘Cold Weather’ Delivers Genuine Chills, Exudes Warmth
Submitted by mattmovieman on February 4, 2011 - 12:56pmRating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Nothing inspires moviegoers to huddle around the warm glow of their television sets quite like a record-breaking snowstorm. And few films were more tailor-made for a slow-moving snow day than “Cold Weather,” the entrancing new picture from indie filmmaker Aaron Katz, best known for his breakout projects “Dance Party, USA” and “Quiet City.”
Halle Berry Expresses All Roles in ‘Frankie and Alice’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 4, 2011 - 9:13amRating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – The stunning looks of Halle Berry is always the lead whenever the entertainment media considers her. But in “Frankie and Alice,” she reminds us of why her career continues to flourish and why she is a Best Actress Oscar winner.
Excellent ‘Louder Than a Bomb’ Begins First Chicago Run
Submitted by BrianTT on February 3, 2011 - 5:01pm Rating: 5.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – As pundits continue to debate the Academy’s choices for the Best Documentary of 2010, one of the most purely enjoyable that I saw last year is opening at the Siskel Film Center for its first Chicago run since the Chicago International Film Festival last October. “Louder Than a Bomb” is the most enjoyable and inspiring film you could see in a theater over the next week. Don’t miss it.
Korean Erotic Thriller ‘The Housemaid’ Offers Twisted Ride
Submitted by BrianTT on February 3, 2011 - 2:53pmRating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Movies don’t get much weirder than “The Housemaid.” And I mean that in a good way. Mostly. The extreme Gothic elements of this twisted thriller work even if the ludicrous finale somewhat falls apart on recollection. “The Housemaid” opens this week at the Music Box Theater in Chicago after playing the International Film Festival in October 2010.
Jason Statham in ‘The Mechanic’ is a Mindless Repeat of All Prior Gun-Toting Slayers
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on January 28, 2011 - 3:28pmRating: 2.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – It wouldn’t be a Jason Statham film if in it he was just fixing cars. In “The Mechanic,” his profession is fixing people. And by fixing, like “The Transporter” he’s again cracking skulls.
Javier Bardem Takes a Journey to an End in ‘Biutiful’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on January 28, 2011 - 7:51amRating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – In the midst of life’s journey, what may seem like a long time suddenly can become short, what seems like the routine suddenly becomes desperate. The theme of these changes and the effect on a dying soul is explored in “Biutiful.”
Muddled ‘Kalamity’ Plays One-Night Only Chicago Engagement
Submitted by BrianTT on January 25, 2011 - 10:51am Rating: 1.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – There was a day not that long ago when it felt like Nick Stahl was the next rising star. He delivered nuanced performances in films and on HBO’s “Carnivale” that led one to believe there was potential for stardom. “The Thin Red Line,” “In the Bedroom,” “Bully” — he was going somewhere in the early ’00s, but he was derailed into basically nothing but straight-to-video junk like “Mirrors 2” since 2005’s “Sin City.”
