Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on Wbgr-fm on May 9th, reviewing “The Last Stop in Yuma County,” a throwback noir and the director debut of Francis Galluppi. In select theaters and available for digital download on May 10th.
Rating: 5.0/5.0
“Last Stop …” begins with a knife salesman (Jim Cummings) stuck at a last-chance-for-a-hundred-miles gas station/diner with an empty tank, and has to cool his heels at the diner to wait for a delayed fuel truck. A second pair of men walks in (Richard Brake and Nicolas Logan) for the same reason, after having robbed a ban. They assert themselves by taking the salesman and diner owner Charlotte (Jocelin Donahue) hostage, when they become aware that Charlotte is married to the local sheriff. As more folks filter in for the same empty tank reason – and Charlotte and the knife salesman have to...
Rating: 5.0/5.0
“Last Stop …” begins with a knife salesman (Jim Cummings) stuck at a last-chance-for-a-hundred-miles gas station/diner with an empty tank, and has to cool his heels at the diner to wait for a delayed fuel truck. A second pair of men walks in (Richard Brake and Nicolas Logan) for the same reason, after having robbed a ban. They assert themselves by taking the salesman and diner owner Charlotte (Jocelin Donahue) hostage, when they become aware that Charlotte is married to the local sheriff. As more folks filter in for the same empty tank reason – and Charlotte and the knife salesman have to...
- 5/11/2024
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on Wbgr-fm on May 9th, reviewing “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” the fourth installment of the current iteration of the franchise. In theaters on May 10th.
Rating: 3.0/5.0
Many generations after the events of the last film, the society left behind means apes now rule, and humans are the sub species. Noa (Owen Teague as a full CGI ape) is part of a tribe who raise birds for hunting and lives in peace. That peace is upended by Proximus Caesar (Kevin Durand), King of the Coastal Apes, who accumulates power by destroying other tribes and using the human’s old war technology against his species. When Noa’s tribe becomes victims of destruction, the young ape seeks his revenge with the help of a evolved human named Nova (Freya Allan).
”Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes...
Rating: 3.0/5.0
Many generations after the events of the last film, the society left behind means apes now rule, and humans are the sub species. Noa (Owen Teague as a full CGI ape) is part of a tribe who raise birds for hunting and lives in peace. That peace is upended by Proximus Caesar (Kevin Durand), King of the Coastal Apes, who accumulates power by destroying other tribes and using the human’s old war technology against his species. When Noa’s tribe becomes victims of destruction, the young ape seeks his revenge with the help of a evolved human named Nova (Freya Allan).
”Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes...
- 5/10/2024
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
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+.
The Civil War has just ended, and Abraham Lincoln (Hamish Linklater) is taking in a play with his wife Mary (Lily Taylor) at Ford’s Theater. On a big laugh line, John Wilkes Booth (Anthony Boyle) … a Southern sympathizer and actor by profession … shoots Lincoln dead and manages to escape Washington before Secretary of Defense Edwin M. Stanton (Tobias Menzies) can shut down the city’s borders. The “Manhunt” is on, even with Booth hobbling on a broken leg.
Manhunt
Photo credit: Apple TV+
Audio TV Series Review of “Manhunt” by Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com …
“Manhunt” is streaming on Apple TV+ since March 15th. Featuring Hamish Linklater, Lily Taylor,...
The Civil War has just ended, and Abraham Lincoln (Hamish Linklater) is taking in a play with his wife Mary (Lily Taylor) at Ford’s Theater. On a big laugh line, John Wilkes Booth (Anthony Boyle) … a Southern sympathizer and actor by profession … shoots Lincoln dead and manages to escape Washington before Secretary of Defense Edwin M. Stanton (Tobias Menzies) can shut down the city’s borders. The “Manhunt” is on, even with Booth hobbling on a broken leg.
Manhunt
Photo credit: Apple TV+
Audio TV Series Review of “Manhunt” by Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com …
“Manhunt” is streaming on Apple TV+ since March 15th. Featuring Hamish Linklater, Lily Taylor,...
- 3/25/2024
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on Wbgr-fm on February 29th, 2024, reviewing “Problemista,” the debut film of writer/director/lead actor Julio Torres. In select theater now, in Chicago March 8th.
Rating: 4.0/5.0
Torres is Alejandro, a nebbishy immigrant from El Salvador in New York City. He is there for one goal … to become a toy designer for Hasbro. While going through the application process, he works for a cryogenic company, maintaining the frozen body of Bobby (portrayed by the rapper Rizza). Bobby’s wife Elizabeth (Tilda Swinton), a prominent art critic, needs to sell Bobby’s paintings to pay for his frozen state. When Alejandro needs a sponsor to extend his visa, and Elizabeth needs an assistant to help mount a show, a new odd couple is born.
”Problemista” is in select theaters March 1st, and Chicago March 8th. See local listings.
Rating: 4.0/5.0
Torres is Alejandro, a nebbishy immigrant from El Salvador in New York City. He is there for one goal … to become a toy designer for Hasbro. While going through the application process, he works for a cryogenic company, maintaining the frozen body of Bobby (portrayed by the rapper Rizza). Bobby’s wife Elizabeth (Tilda Swinton), a prominent art critic, needs to sell Bobby’s paintings to pay for his frozen state. When Alejandro needs a sponsor to extend his visa, and Elizabeth needs an assistant to help mount a show, a new odd couple is born.
”Problemista” is in select theaters March 1st, and Chicago March 8th. See local listings.
- 3/7/2024
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Here we are again, the end of another year, and it’s time to momentarily look back. Thus opens the 10 Best Films Of 2023, the list that represents one soul interacting with the art of cinema. That soul belongs to Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, Wbgr-fm and Wssr-fm.
So begins my list, with such a lofty and third person proclamation. By far, the story of the year is Barbenheimer (the same weekend release of Barbie and Oppenheimer), proving in the digital age that something weird and organic can take hold, and get more people to the theaters, celebrating a true movie event. Kudos to the movie celebrators who did both in one magic day.
I format my 10 Best to reflect the on-air reviews I do weekly on Wbgr-fm and Wssr-fm and New on Missourinet.com. Each of the 10 Best will be in the on-air or audio format for your listening pleasure.
So begins my list, with such a lofty and third person proclamation. By far, the story of the year is Barbenheimer (the same weekend release of Barbie and Oppenheimer), proving in the digital age that something weird and organic can take hold, and get more people to the theaters, celebrating a true movie event. Kudos to the movie celebrators who did both in one magic day.
I format my 10 Best to reflect the on-air reviews I do weekly on Wbgr-fm and Wssr-fm and New on Missourinet.com. Each of the 10 Best will be in the on-air or audio format for your listening pleasure.
- 12/20/2023
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on Wbgr-fm on November 30th, 2023, reviewing “Maestro,” co-written, directed by and starring Bradley Cooper as Leonard Bernstein. In theaters on December 1st, 2023.
Rating: 3.0/5.0
“Maestro” is not much of a linear biography but a series of scenes in the conductor’s life having to do with this relationship with his wife Felicia Montealegre (Carey Mulligan). From their early days to the end, Lenny and Felicia had a difficult and fiery relationship, while through agreement they ignore Bernstein’s penchant for gay relationships. In the meantime, Leonard Bernstein had a legendary music career, which included conducting the New York Philharmonic Orchestra and writing the music for West Side Story.
”Maestro” is in theaters on December 1st. Featuring Bradley Cooper, Carey Mulligan, Matt Bomer, Michael Urle and Sarah Silverman. Written by Bradley Cooper and Josh Singer. Directed by Bradley Cooper.
Rating: 3.0/5.0
“Maestro” is not much of a linear biography but a series of scenes in the conductor’s life having to do with this relationship with his wife Felicia Montealegre (Carey Mulligan). From their early days to the end, Lenny and Felicia had a difficult and fiery relationship, while through agreement they ignore Bernstein’s penchant for gay relationships. In the meantime, Leonard Bernstein had a legendary music career, which included conducting the New York Philharmonic Orchestra and writing the music for West Side Story.
”Maestro” is in theaters on December 1st. Featuring Bradley Cooper, Carey Mulligan, Matt Bomer, Michael Urle and Sarah Silverman. Written by Bradley Cooper and Josh Singer. Directed by Bradley Cooper.
- 12/1/2023
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on Wbgr-fm on November 22nd, 2023, reviewing “Napoleon,” a biopic of Emperor Bonaparte, directed by Ridley Scott. In theaters on November 22nd, 2023.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
Joaquin Phoenix takes the role of Nappy, with Vanessa Kirby as his Empress Josephine. The film focuses on his key battles and his relationship with Josephine, in addition to his rise and fall as Emperor of France. Covers the gamut from the French Revolution to Waterloo, where Napoleon did surrender. Oh Yes.
”Napoleon” is in theaters on November 22nd. Featuring Joaquin Phoenix, Vanessa Kirby, Rupert Everett, Paul Rhys and Ludivine Sagnier. Written by David Scarpa. Directed by Ridley Scott. Rated “R”
Click Here for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of “Napoleon”
Napoleon
Photo credit: Columbia Pictures
Click Here for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of “Napoleon”...
Rating: 3.5/5.0
Joaquin Phoenix takes the role of Nappy, with Vanessa Kirby as his Empress Josephine. The film focuses on his key battles and his relationship with Josephine, in addition to his rise and fall as Emperor of France. Covers the gamut from the French Revolution to Waterloo, where Napoleon did surrender. Oh Yes.
”Napoleon” is in theaters on November 22nd. Featuring Joaquin Phoenix, Vanessa Kirby, Rupert Everett, Paul Rhys and Ludivine Sagnier. Written by David Scarpa. Directed by Ridley Scott. Rated “R”
Click Here for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of “Napoleon”
Napoleon
Photo credit: Columbia Pictures
Click Here for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of “Napoleon”...
- 11/23/2023
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on Wbgr-fm on November 22nd, 2023, reviewing “Wish,” the latest original film from Walt Disney Studios. In theaters on November 22nd, 2023.
Rating: 4.5/5.0
The film involves the kingdom of Rosas, ruled by King Magnifico (voice of Chris Pine). Magnifico is also a sorcerer, and he figured out a way to grant all wishes to the citizens of Rosas. But to maintain his power, he hoards the wishes and grants only a couple each year. Enter 17-year-old Asha (Adriana DeBose) who is hoping to become the King’s apprentice and get a wish for her 100 year old grandfather (Victor Garber). When a suspicious King rejects her, Asha learns dark things about his lust for power … so she focuses her hope by wishing on a star … which is alive and comes down from the sky to help her.
”Wish,” is in theaters on November 22nd.
Rating: 4.5/5.0
The film involves the kingdom of Rosas, ruled by King Magnifico (voice of Chris Pine). Magnifico is also a sorcerer, and he figured out a way to grant all wishes to the citizens of Rosas. But to maintain his power, he hoards the wishes and grants only a couple each year. Enter 17-year-old Asha (Adriana DeBose) who is hoping to become the King’s apprentice and get a wish for her 100 year old grandfather (Victor Garber). When a suspicious King rejects her, Asha learns dark things about his lust for power … so she focuses her hope by wishing on a star … which is alive and comes down from the sky to help her.
”Wish,” is in theaters on November 22nd.
- 11/23/2023
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on Wbgr-fm on November 16th, 2023, reviewing “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes,” the latest in the popular series. In theaters on November 17th, 2023.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
The future president of the dystopian Land of Panem, Cornelius Snow (Tom Blyth) is called on to mentor Lucy Gray Baird (Rachel Zegler) for the 10th Hunger Games, who is a troubadour singer from District 12. She is defiant even as she begins the process, run by the infamous Hunger Game master Dr. Gaul (Viola Davis) and facilitated by the Dean of the Academy, Cas Highbottom (Peter Dinklage). Snow creates advantages for Lucy, and their teaming foreshadows other future events, even as romance is blossoming.
”The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes,” is in theaters on November 17th. Featuring Tom Blyth, Rachel Zegler, Tom Blyth, Rachel Zegler, Peter Dinklage,...
Rating: 3.5/5.0
The future president of the dystopian Land of Panem, Cornelius Snow (Tom Blyth) is called on to mentor Lucy Gray Baird (Rachel Zegler) for the 10th Hunger Games, who is a troubadour singer from District 12. She is defiant even as she begins the process, run by the infamous Hunger Game master Dr. Gaul (Viola Davis) and facilitated by the Dean of the Academy, Cas Highbottom (Peter Dinklage). Snow creates advantages for Lucy, and their teaming foreshadows other future events, even as romance is blossoming.
”The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes,” is in theaters on November 17th. Featuring Tom Blyth, Rachel Zegler, Tom Blyth, Rachel Zegler, Peter Dinklage,...
- 11/18/2023
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on Wbgr-fm on November 3rd, 2023, reviewing “The Holdovers,” a reunion of the “Sideways” duo … director Alexander Payne and Paul Giamatti. In theaters on November 4th, 2023, wide release on November 10th.
Rating: 4.0/5.0
Set in 1970, the story follows prep boarding school teacher Paul Hunham (Giamatti), an unpopular history instructor who becomes responsible for supervising the “holdovers,” the students who are unable to return home for the Christmas holidays. During this process, he is forced to deal with Angus (Dominic Sessa), a rebellious student who is grieving the loss of his father. Will this unlikely pair get along?
”The Holdovers” is in theaters on November 3rd, wide release on November 10th. Featuring Paul Giamatti, Dominic Sessa, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Lydia Crane and Ye-Joon Park. Written by David Hemingson. Directed by Alexander Payne. Rated “R”
Click Here for Patrick McDonald...
Rating: 4.0/5.0
Set in 1970, the story follows prep boarding school teacher Paul Hunham (Giamatti), an unpopular history instructor who becomes responsible for supervising the “holdovers,” the students who are unable to return home for the Christmas holidays. During this process, he is forced to deal with Angus (Dominic Sessa), a rebellious student who is grieving the loss of his father. Will this unlikely pair get along?
”The Holdovers” is in theaters on November 3rd, wide release on November 10th. Featuring Paul Giamatti, Dominic Sessa, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Lydia Crane and Ye-Joon Park. Written by David Hemingson. Directed by Alexander Payne. Rated “R”
Click Here for Patrick McDonald...
- 11/4/2023
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on Wbgr-fm on November 3rd, 2023, reviewing “Priscilla,” the story of the relationship between Elvis and Priscilla Presley. In theaters on November 4th, 2023.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
Cailee Spaeny is Priscilla, portraying her from first meeting with Elvis (Jacob Elordi) to the last days of their marriage. The shy girl was all of 14 years old when she met the King of Rock n Roll in 1959 – while he was at the height of his fame and in the army. They were married in 1967, but their connection was never strong. As the Las Vegas years began in the early 1970s, the marriage of Elvis and Priscilla was unraveling.
”Priscilla” is in theaters on November 3rd. Featuring Cailee Spaeny, Jacob Elordi, Dagmara Dominczyk, Ari Cohen, Tim Post and Lynne Griffith. Screenplay adapted and directed by Sofia Coppola. Rated “R”
Click Here for Patrick...
Rating: 3.5/5.0
Cailee Spaeny is Priscilla, portraying her from first meeting with Elvis (Jacob Elordi) to the last days of their marriage. The shy girl was all of 14 years old when she met the King of Rock n Roll in 1959 – while he was at the height of his fame and in the army. They were married in 1967, but their connection was never strong. As the Las Vegas years began in the early 1970s, the marriage of Elvis and Priscilla was unraveling.
”Priscilla” is in theaters on November 3rd. Featuring Cailee Spaeny, Jacob Elordi, Dagmara Dominczyk, Ari Cohen, Tim Post and Lynne Griffith. Screenplay adapted and directed by Sofia Coppola. Rated “R”
Click Here for Patrick...
- 11/4/2023
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on Wbgr-fm on July 28th, reviewing “Haunted Mansion,” another film based on a ride at the Walt Disney Theme Parks. In theaters beginning July 28th.
Rating: 2.5/5.0
Based on a ride at the Walt Disney theme parks, the film features astrophysicist and paranormal tour guide Ben (Lakeith Stanfield), whose wife (Charity Jordan) has recently passed away. In his mourning, he has given up on his elaborate video system that can “see dead people.” When single mother Gabbie (Rosario Dawson) moves into a Louisiana mansion that is haunted, she begs Father Kent (Owen Wilson) to recruit Ben to help see the ghosts that bedevil her and her son. The cleansing team also includes the psychic Harriet (Tiffany Haddish), Professor Bruce (Danny DeVito) and medium Madame Leota (Jamie Lee Curtis). Who ya gonna call?
”Haunted Mansion” is in theaters beginning July 28th.
Rating: 2.5/5.0
Based on a ride at the Walt Disney theme parks, the film features astrophysicist and paranormal tour guide Ben (Lakeith Stanfield), whose wife (Charity Jordan) has recently passed away. In his mourning, he has given up on his elaborate video system that can “see dead people.” When single mother Gabbie (Rosario Dawson) moves into a Louisiana mansion that is haunted, she begs Father Kent (Owen Wilson) to recruit Ben to help see the ghosts that bedevil her and her son. The cleansing team also includes the psychic Harriet (Tiffany Haddish), Professor Bruce (Danny DeVito) and medium Madame Leota (Jamie Lee Curtis). Who ya gonna call?
”Haunted Mansion” is in theaters beginning July 28th.
- 7/27/2023
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on Wbgr-fm on July 13th, reviewing “Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One,” the seventh film of the Tom Cruise-led action series based on the 1960s TV show. In theaters since July 12th.
Rating: 3.0/5.0
Platt is Amos Klobuchar, a camp counselor who is part of a dynamic duo with fellow counselor Rebecca-Diane, trying to keep their go-on-with-the-show sanity together when clueless tech-bro Troy (Jimmy Tatro) takes over the camp operations after his mother Joan (Amy Sedaris) goes into a coma. Amos and Rebecca-Diane write an original musical each summer, and this one has to have a vibe to save the camp from a takeover from a rich kids camp next door. Can this rag-tag bunch of theater kids save the day?
”Theater Camp” is in theaters since July 14th. Featuring Ben Platt, Molly Gordon, Jimmy Tatro,...
Rating: 3.0/5.0
Platt is Amos Klobuchar, a camp counselor who is part of a dynamic duo with fellow counselor Rebecca-Diane, trying to keep their go-on-with-the-show sanity together when clueless tech-bro Troy (Jimmy Tatro) takes over the camp operations after his mother Joan (Amy Sedaris) goes into a coma. Amos and Rebecca-Diane write an original musical each summer, and this one has to have a vibe to save the camp from a takeover from a rich kids camp next door. Can this rag-tag bunch of theater kids save the day?
”Theater Camp” is in theaters since July 14th. Featuring Ben Platt, Molly Gordon, Jimmy Tatro,...
- 7/14/2023
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on Wbgr-fm on July 13th, reviewing “Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One,” the seventh film of the Tom Cruise-led action series based on the 1960s TV show. In theaters since July 12th.
Rating: 4.5/5.0
Cruise is back as Ethan Hunt, the mysterious super spy of the rogue Imf (Impossible Mission Force), and we learn more about his past, infiltrating his next mission. It centers on two halves of a key, which will allow shutdown access to a database whose artificial intelligence is multiplying at an unstoppable rate. This leads Hunt to seek out old flame Ilsa (Rebecca Ferguson) who is rumored to have one half of the key. From there, it’s a cat and mouse game … which includes high level thief Grace (Hayley Atwell) … as to who possesses and desires the keys. Along the way of course,...
Rating: 4.5/5.0
Cruise is back as Ethan Hunt, the mysterious super spy of the rogue Imf (Impossible Mission Force), and we learn more about his past, infiltrating his next mission. It centers on two halves of a key, which will allow shutdown access to a database whose artificial intelligence is multiplying at an unstoppable rate. This leads Hunt to seek out old flame Ilsa (Rebecca Ferguson) who is rumored to have one half of the key. From there, it’s a cat and mouse game … which includes high level thief Grace (Hayley Atwell) … as to who possesses and desires the keys. Along the way of course,...
- 7/14/2023
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on Wbgr-fm on June 1st, reviewing “Shooting Stars,” telling the phenomenal origins of LeBron James and his childhood high school team. Streaming on Peacock beginning June 2nd.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
It was group of four lower middle class boys from Akron, Ohio, who came together in a Salvation Army basketball league, coached by Dru Joyce (Wood Harris) and later as teenagers coached in part by Keith Dambrot (Dermot Mulroney) at the local Catholic School. The team consisted of the core Little Dru Joyce (Caleb McLaughlin), Willie McGee (Avery S. Wills Jr.), Sian Cotton (Khalil Everage) and LeBron James, and became the Fab Five with the addition of Romeo Travis (Sterling Henderson). As a unit, there were one of the greatest high school basketball teams in history, with state championships, national championships, a number one nationwide rating and a future NBA Superstar.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
It was group of four lower middle class boys from Akron, Ohio, who came together in a Salvation Army basketball league, coached by Dru Joyce (Wood Harris) and later as teenagers coached in part by Keith Dambrot (Dermot Mulroney) at the local Catholic School. The team consisted of the core Little Dru Joyce (Caleb McLaughlin), Willie McGee (Avery S. Wills Jr.), Sian Cotton (Khalil Everage) and LeBron James, and became the Fab Five with the addition of Romeo Travis (Sterling Henderson). As a unit, there were one of the greatest high school basketball teams in history, with state championships, national championships, a number one nationwide rating and a future NBA Superstar.
- 6/2/2023
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on Wbgr-fm on June 1st, reviewing “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” another animated adventure for the web slinger in the multi-verse. In theaters on June 2nd.
Rating: 5.0/5.0
The premise again is that there are that there are many Spider-Heroes, across multiple universes. We are back with Miles Morales (voice of Shameik Moore), who has settled into the spider role in his universe. He has a new nemesis, The Spot (Jason Schwatzman) a faceless humanoid whose spotted body can form real holes. Complications arise as The Spot gains more power, which has another universe’s Spider-Woman Gwen (Hailee Steinfeld) visiting Miles again, renewing some feelings they had as a couple. When The Spot escapes into the multiverse, Miles follows close behind, ending up in several surreal places with several different Spider-Heroes, including his multi-universe mentor Peter Parker (Jake Johnson...
Rating: 5.0/5.0
The premise again is that there are that there are many Spider-Heroes, across multiple universes. We are back with Miles Morales (voice of Shameik Moore), who has settled into the spider role in his universe. He has a new nemesis, The Spot (Jason Schwatzman) a faceless humanoid whose spotted body can form real holes. Complications arise as The Spot gains more power, which has another universe’s Spider-Woman Gwen (Hailee Steinfeld) visiting Miles again, renewing some feelings they had as a couple. When The Spot escapes into the multiverse, Miles follows close behind, ending up in several surreal places with several different Spider-Heroes, including his multi-universe mentor Peter Parker (Jake Johnson...
- 6/2/2023
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on Wbgr-fm on May 25th, reviewing “About My Father,” the first film with comedian Sebastian Maniscalco taking a lead role. In theaters on May 26th.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
The fictional story uses Maniscalco’s real name, as he is about to propose to his girlfriend Ellie (Leslie Bibb), but his widowed father Salvo (Robert De Niro) still dominates his life. Ellie asks Sebastian to spend the 4th of July with her wealthy blue blood family, with includes her Senator mother Tigger (Kim Cattrall), father Bill (David Rasche) and brothers Lucky (Anders Holm) and Doug (Brett Dier). Sebastian tries to get out of it, with the excuse that he has to spend the 4th with Salvo, but Ellie insists that he bring Dad along. So it’s the Sicilian father and son against the country club one percenters.
Click...
Rating: 3.5/5.0
The fictional story uses Maniscalco’s real name, as he is about to propose to his girlfriend Ellie (Leslie Bibb), but his widowed father Salvo (Robert De Niro) still dominates his life. Ellie asks Sebastian to spend the 4th of July with her wealthy blue blood family, with includes her Senator mother Tigger (Kim Cattrall), father Bill (David Rasche) and brothers Lucky (Anders Holm) and Doug (Brett Dier). Sebastian tries to get out of it, with the excuse that he has to spend the 4th with Salvo, but Ellie insists that he bring Dad along. So it’s the Sicilian father and son against the country club one percenters.
Click...
- 5/27/2023
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on Wbgr-fm on May 25th, reviewing “The Little Mermaid,” Walt Disney Studios live action reboot. In theaters on May 26th.
Rating: 4.0/5.0
The under-the-sea mermaid princess Ariel (Halle Bailey) is curious about the non-ocean earth and its inhabitants, and gets her opportunity to infiltrate when human Prince Eric (Jonah Hauer-King) is in a shipwreck and she saves him from drowning. Her father King Triton (Javier Bardem) forbids her to follow up on the rescue, so the evil sea witch Ursula (Melissa McCarthy) helps her out by casting a spell that make Ariel human. The catch is she has three days to get the prince to kiss her, and Ursula has taken away her siren song voice. Luckily, she has Sebastian the Crab (voice of Daveed Diggs) and seagull Scuttle (Awkwafina), to help her get to that kiss.
Rating: 4.0/5.0
The under-the-sea mermaid princess Ariel (Halle Bailey) is curious about the non-ocean earth and its inhabitants, and gets her opportunity to infiltrate when human Prince Eric (Jonah Hauer-King) is in a shipwreck and she saves him from drowning. Her father King Triton (Javier Bardem) forbids her to follow up on the rescue, so the evil sea witch Ursula (Melissa McCarthy) helps her out by casting a spell that make Ariel human. The catch is she has three days to get the prince to kiss her, and Ursula has taken away her siren song voice. Luckily, she has Sebastian the Crab (voice of Daveed Diggs) and seagull Scuttle (Awkwafina), to help her get to that kiss.
- 5/26/2023
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Often on my weekly appearances on Wgbr-fm, there is a topic associated with that week’s reviews. I don’t usually publish them, but the result of May the 4th was special. Host Dan Baker and I did a ranking of our favorite superhero movies on “Guardians 3” release day, and the talk was lively and surprising.
Dan Baker was hosting the “Morning Mess” on that Thursday, and after I reviewed “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” we took on the topic of our Top Three Superhero Movies of All Time. Now this is a daunting subject given the last ten years or so, but on my end I broke it up through childhood, young adulthood and role of film critic. Baker took on just his impressions, and came up with some surprising picks. This is by far an unofficial and casual list, yet it’s also an exploration on...
Dan Baker was hosting the “Morning Mess” on that Thursday, and after I reviewed “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” we took on the topic of our Top Three Superhero Movies of All Time. Now this is a daunting subject given the last ten years or so, but on my end I broke it up through childhood, young adulthood and role of film critic. Baker took on just his impressions, and came up with some surprising picks. This is by far an unofficial and casual list, yet it’s also an exploration on...
- 5/15/2023
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on Wbgr-fm on May 11th, reviewing “BlackBerry,” the story of the rise and fall of the world’s first smartphone. In theaters on May 12th.
Rating: 4.0/5.0
In 1996, Mike Lazaridis (Jay Baruchel) and his business partner and best friend Douglas Fregin (Matt Johnson) are on the edge of creating the Blackberry, the world’s first smartphone. Unfortunately for them, they are less successful at generating money for their ideas. Everything changes when hustler Jim Balsillie (Glenn Howerton) blusters his way into securing funding and taking in partners. The rest is a historic rise to the top, and as deep a reverse dive to the bottom.
”BlackBerry” opens in theaters on May 12th. Featuring Matt Johnson, Jay Baruchel, Glenn Howerton, Cary Elwes, Saul Rubinek and Michael Ironside. Screenplay adapted by Matt Johnson and Matthew Miller. directed by Matt Johnson.
Rating: 4.0/5.0
In 1996, Mike Lazaridis (Jay Baruchel) and his business partner and best friend Douglas Fregin (Matt Johnson) are on the edge of creating the Blackberry, the world’s first smartphone. Unfortunately for them, they are less successful at generating money for their ideas. Everything changes when hustler Jim Balsillie (Glenn Howerton) blusters his way into securing funding and taking in partners. The rest is a historic rise to the top, and as deep a reverse dive to the bottom.
”BlackBerry” opens in theaters on May 12th. Featuring Matt Johnson, Jay Baruchel, Glenn Howerton, Cary Elwes, Saul Rubinek and Michael Ironside. Screenplay adapted by Matt Johnson and Matthew Miller. directed by Matt Johnson.
- 5/13/2023
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on Wbgr-fm on May 11th, reviewing “Book Club: The Next Chapter,” the sequel to the popular film from 2018. In theaters on May 12th.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
Yep it’s a real Book Club with Vivian (Jane Fonda), Sharon (Candice Bergen), Carol (Mary Steenburgen) and Diane (Diane Keaton). After surviving the Covid shut-in, they re-emerge to news that Vivian is getting engaged to Arthur (Don Johnson). So what do these adventurous gals do? … They take Viv for a Bachelorette Party in Italy. Wacky adventures and nice scenery ensue.
”Book Club: The Next Chapter” is in theaters on May 12th. Featuring Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen, Diane Keaton, Mary Steenburgen, Don Johnson, Andy Garcia and Craig T. Nelson. Written by Bill Holderman and Erin Simms. Directed by Bill Holderman. Rated “PG-13”
Click Here for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of “Book Club: The Next Chapter...
Rating: 3.5/5.0
Yep it’s a real Book Club with Vivian (Jane Fonda), Sharon (Candice Bergen), Carol (Mary Steenburgen) and Diane (Diane Keaton). After surviving the Covid shut-in, they re-emerge to news that Vivian is getting engaged to Arthur (Don Johnson). So what do these adventurous gals do? … They take Viv for a Bachelorette Party in Italy. Wacky adventures and nice scenery ensue.
”Book Club: The Next Chapter” is in theaters on May 12th. Featuring Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen, Diane Keaton, Mary Steenburgen, Don Johnson, Andy Garcia and Craig T. Nelson. Written by Bill Holderman and Erin Simms. Directed by Bill Holderman. Rated “PG-13”
Click Here for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of “Book Club: The Next Chapter...
- 5/12/2023
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on Wbgr-fm on May 4th, reviewing “What’s Love Got to Do With It?,” featuring Lily James and Emma Thompson about neighbors in England. In theaters on May 5th.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
A British Pakistani family is looking to marry off their doctor son Kaz (Shazad Latif) and arranges a marriage with Maymouma (Sajal Aly). The twist is he’s a childhood friend of his native Brit neighbor Zoe (Lily James), a documentary filmmaker who wants to follow Kaz through the process of his arranged marriage. Because she is a friend of the family, along with her mother Cath (Emma Thompson), she gets an insider’s look at Pakistani tradition.
”What’s Love Got to Do With It?” is in theaters on May 5th. Featuring Lily James, Emma Thompson, Shazad Latif, Sajal Ali and Asim Chadhry. Written by Jemima Khan.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
A British Pakistani family is looking to marry off their doctor son Kaz (Shazad Latif) and arranges a marriage with Maymouma (Sajal Aly). The twist is he’s a childhood friend of his native Brit neighbor Zoe (Lily James), a documentary filmmaker who wants to follow Kaz through the process of his arranged marriage. Because she is a friend of the family, along with her mother Cath (Emma Thompson), she gets an insider’s look at Pakistani tradition.
”What’s Love Got to Do With It?” is in theaters on May 5th. Featuring Lily James, Emma Thompson, Shazad Latif, Sajal Ali and Asim Chadhry. Written by Jemima Khan.
- 5/6/2023
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on Wbgr-fm on April 27th, reviewing “Peter Pan & Wendy,” the live action reboot of the 1953 animated “Peter Pan.” Streaming on Disney+ beginning April 28th.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
The Darlings siblings dynamic is changing, with two brothers John and Michael (Joshua Pickering and Jacobi Jupe) and their sister Wendy (Ever Anderson), who is much older than the boys and is transitioning to boarding school. She wishes not to grow up, and are visited by Tinker Bell (Yara Shahidi) and Peter Pan (Alexander Molony) and whisked to Never Never Land, where they deal with Captain Hook (Jude Law), the Lost Boys and other Peter Pan stuff.
”Peter Pan & Wendy” is Streaming on Disney+ beginning April 28th. Featuring Jude Law, Ever Anderson, Alexander Molony, Yara Shahidi, Joshua Pickering, Jacobi Jupe and Jim Gaffigan. Screenplay adapted by David Lowery and Toby Halbrooks.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
The Darlings siblings dynamic is changing, with two brothers John and Michael (Joshua Pickering and Jacobi Jupe) and their sister Wendy (Ever Anderson), who is much older than the boys and is transitioning to boarding school. She wishes not to grow up, and are visited by Tinker Bell (Yara Shahidi) and Peter Pan (Alexander Molony) and whisked to Never Never Land, where they deal with Captain Hook (Jude Law), the Lost Boys and other Peter Pan stuff.
”Peter Pan & Wendy” is Streaming on Disney+ beginning April 28th. Featuring Jude Law, Ever Anderson, Alexander Molony, Yara Shahidi, Joshua Pickering, Jacobi Jupe and Jim Gaffigan. Screenplay adapted by David Lowery and Toby Halbrooks.
- 4/29/2023
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on Wbgr-fm on April 27th, reviewing “Polite Society,” the debut action film tribute from British/Pakistani director Nida Manzoor becoming a famous artist. When Lena drops out of art school, she catches the eye of Salim (Akshay Khanna) and soon they are engaged, which enrages Ria. So she recruits her crew Alba and Clara (Ella Bruccoleri and Seraphina Beh) for a mission … break up the potential marriage.
”Polite Society” is in theaters on April 28th. See local listings.Featuring Priya Kansara, Ritu Arya, Akshay Khanna, Nimra Bucha, Ella Bruccoleri and Seraphina Beh. Written and directed by Nida Manzoor. Rated “PG-13”
Click Here for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of “Polite Society”
Polite Society
Photo credit: Focus Features
Click Here for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of “Polite Society”...
”Polite Society” is in theaters on April 28th. See local listings.Featuring Priya Kansara, Ritu Arya, Akshay Khanna, Nimra Bucha, Ella Bruccoleri and Seraphina Beh. Written and directed by Nida Manzoor. Rated “PG-13”
Click Here for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of “Polite Society”
Polite Society
Photo credit: Focus Features
Click Here for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of “Polite Society”...
- 4/29/2023
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on Wbgr-fm on April 27th, reviewing “Polite Society,” the debut action film tribute from British/Pakistani director Nida Manzoor becoming a famous artist. When Lena drops out of art school, she catches the eye of Salim (Akshay Khanna) and soon they are engaged, which enrages Ria. So she recruits her crew Alba and Clara (Ella Bruccoleri and Seraphina Beh) for a mission … break up the potential marriage.
”Polite Society” is in theaters on April 28th. See local listings.Featuring Priya Kansara, Ritu Arya, Akshay Khanna, Nimra Bucha, Ella Bruccoleri and Seraphina Beh. Written and directed by Nida Manzoor. Rated “PG-13”
Click Here for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of “Polite Society”
Polite Society
Photo credit: Focus Features
Click Here for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of “Polite Society”...
”Polite Society” is in theaters on April 28th. See local listings.Featuring Priya Kansara, Ritu Arya, Akshay Khanna, Nimra Bucha, Ella Bruccoleri and Seraphina Beh. Written and directed by Nida Manzoor. Rated “PG-13”
Click Here for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of “Polite Society”
Polite Society
Photo credit: Focus Features
Click Here for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of “Polite Society”...
- 4/29/2023
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker in for Scott Thompson on Wbgr-fm on March 9th, 2023, reviewing “Scream VI,” the continuing story of Ghostface and his victims. In theaters beginning March 10th.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
This follows up on the film from last year, continuing the story of Sam (Melissa Barrera), her half-sister Tara (Jenna Ortega) and the two college students and friends. They are the Core Four from the last film, and are joined by veteran Screamers Courteney Cox as Gale Weathers (first “Scream”) and Hayden Panettiere as Kirby Reed (“Scream 4”). They are all haunted by Ghostface (voice of Roger L. Jackson), setting the action at the Core Four’s New York City college campus.
”Scream VI” opens in theaters everywhere March 10th. Featuring Melissa Barrera, Jenna Ortega, Mason Gooding, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Hayden Panettiere and Courtney Cox. Written by James Vanderbilt and Guy Busick.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
This follows up on the film from last year, continuing the story of Sam (Melissa Barrera), her half-sister Tara (Jenna Ortega) and the two college students and friends. They are the Core Four from the last film, and are joined by veteran Screamers Courteney Cox as Gale Weathers (first “Scream”) and Hayden Panettiere as Kirby Reed (“Scream 4”). They are all haunted by Ghostface (voice of Roger L. Jackson), setting the action at the Core Four’s New York City college campus.
”Scream VI” opens in theaters everywhere March 10th. Featuring Melissa Barrera, Jenna Ortega, Mason Gooding, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Hayden Panettiere and Courtney Cox. Written by James Vanderbilt and Guy Busick.
- 3/10/2023
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker in for Scott Thompson on Wbgr-fm on March 3rd, 2023, reviewing “Creed III,” with Michael B. Jordan making his directorial debut and reprising his role as Adonis Creed. In theaters beginning March 3rd.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
Damian (Jonathan Majors) was a fellow juvenile detention brother to Adonis, before the troubled son of Apollo was taken off the streets by Mama Creed (Phylicia Rashad). Damian served 18 years for a gun situation that involved Adonis, and “Dame” was the Golden Gloves champion who never got his shot. When he emerges from prison, he expects Adonis to give him that shot, and eventually they face off where they should have been years before … in the boxing ring. Tessa Thompson also reprises her role as Bianca Taylor, the singing star wife of Adonis.
”Creed III” opens in theaters everywhere March 3rd. Featuring Michael B.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
Damian (Jonathan Majors) was a fellow juvenile detention brother to Adonis, before the troubled son of Apollo was taken off the streets by Mama Creed (Phylicia Rashad). Damian served 18 years for a gun situation that involved Adonis, and “Dame” was the Golden Gloves champion who never got his shot. When he emerges from prison, he expects Adonis to give him that shot, and eventually they face off where they should have been years before … in the boxing ring. Tessa Thompson also reprises her role as Bianca Taylor, the singing star wife of Adonis.
”Creed III” opens in theaters everywhere March 3rd. Featuring Michael B.
- 3/3/2023
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker in for Scott Thompson on Wbgr-fm on February 23rd, 2023, reviewing “Return to Seoul,” a meditation on an adoptee and identity. In select theaters beginning February 24th.
Rating: 5.0/5.0
Frederique “Freddie” Benoit (Ji-min Park) was adopted from South Korea as a baby and has never traveled back there. When a switched flight and a quirk of fate intervenes, she lands in Seoul, South Korea, and gets information about her biological parents from the adoption agency that handled her transaction. She sees her bio father (Kwang-rok Oh) immediately, and can find no connection, but her mother refuses to see her. What follows is an eight year journey, in which she comes in and out of Seoul over the years, reaching for something she has a hard time grasping.
”Return to Seoul” is in select theaters (see local listings) beginning February 24th.
Rating: 5.0/5.0
Frederique “Freddie” Benoit (Ji-min Park) was adopted from South Korea as a baby and has never traveled back there. When a switched flight and a quirk of fate intervenes, she lands in Seoul, South Korea, and gets information about her biological parents from the adoption agency that handled her transaction. She sees her bio father (Kwang-rok Oh) immediately, and can find no connection, but her mother refuses to see her. What follows is an eight year journey, in which she comes in and out of Seoul over the years, reaching for something she has a hard time grasping.
”Return to Seoul” is in select theaters (see local listings) beginning February 24th.
- 2/24/2023
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker in for Scott Thompson on Wbgr-fm on February 23rd, 2023, reviewing “Cocaine Bear,” the based-on-truth coked up animal story. In theaters beginning February 24th.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
In 1985, a cargo plane smuggling the white powder is about to crash. The pilot starts to chuck out the drugs, hoping to get a message to his contacts in Tennessee that the drugs are strewn all over a National Park … the Chathoochee National Forest in Georgia. When the pilot dies, the on-the-ground contact Syd (Ray Liotta), his son Eddie (Aiden Ehrenreich) and colleague Daveed (O’Shea Jackson) make a beeline to the Forest to find the cocaine bags, but they have to deal with those who are already there …. including some kids (Brooklynn Prince and Christian Convery), a mother (Keri Russell), park rangers (Margo Martindale and Jesse Tyler Ferguson), three teen burnouts and...
Rating: 3.5/5.0
In 1985, a cargo plane smuggling the white powder is about to crash. The pilot starts to chuck out the drugs, hoping to get a message to his contacts in Tennessee that the drugs are strewn all over a National Park … the Chathoochee National Forest in Georgia. When the pilot dies, the on-the-ground contact Syd (Ray Liotta), his son Eddie (Aiden Ehrenreich) and colleague Daveed (O’Shea Jackson) make a beeline to the Forest to find the cocaine bags, but they have to deal with those who are already there …. including some kids (Brooklynn Prince and Christian Convery), a mother (Keri Russell), park rangers (Margo Martindale and Jesse Tyler Ferguson), three teen burnouts and...
- 2/24/2023
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on Wbgr-fm on November 17th, 2022, reviewing “She Said,” about the New York Times breaking the Harvey Weinstein case that launched #MeToo, in theaters on November 18th.
Rating: 4.0/5.0
It was the work of two brave reporters on the New York Times, Meghan Twohey (Carey Mulligan) and Jodi Kantor (Zoe Kazan) who dissected the many sources and most importantly got them to talk, and it finally indict Weinstein (who is only depicted through voice and the back of his head) and was instrumental in a new women’s movement. They were joined by Nyt editors Rebecca Corbett (Patricia Clarkson) and Dean Baquet (Andre Braugher) to break open the story and society.
”She Said” is in theaters beginning November 18th. Featuring Carey Mulligan, Zoe Kazan, Patricia Clarkson, Andre Braugher, Jennifer Ehle and Ashley Judd. Screenplay adapted by Rebecca Lenkiewicz.
Rating: 4.0/5.0
It was the work of two brave reporters on the New York Times, Meghan Twohey (Carey Mulligan) and Jodi Kantor (Zoe Kazan) who dissected the many sources and most importantly got them to talk, and it finally indict Weinstein (who is only depicted through voice and the back of his head) and was instrumental in a new women’s movement. They were joined by Nyt editors Rebecca Corbett (Patricia Clarkson) and Dean Baquet (Andre Braugher) to break open the story and society.
”She Said” is in theaters beginning November 18th. Featuring Carey Mulligan, Zoe Kazan, Patricia Clarkson, Andre Braugher, Jennifer Ehle and Ashley Judd. Screenplay adapted by Rebecca Lenkiewicz.
- 11/19/2022
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on Wbgr-fm on November 17th, 2022, reviewing “A Christmas Story Christmas,” a sequel to the holiday classic set 30 years after the original, currently streaming on HBO Max.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
In 1973, thirty years after the events of “A Christmas Story,” Ralphie returns to his former home in Hohman, Indiana. With him is his wife Sandy (Erinn Hayes) and children, visiting his widowed mother (Julie Hagerty) after the passing of the Old Man (the late Darrin McGavin in flashback from the original film). Desiring to give his mother, wife and kids a Christmas the Old Man would be proud of, Ralphie soon realizes that the task is much more difficult than when he was a child.
”A Christmas Story Christmas” is currently streaming on HBO Max. Featuring Peter Billingsley, Erinn Hayes, Julie Hagerty, Scott Schwartz, R.D. Robb, Zach Ward and Darrin McGavin.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
In 1973, thirty years after the events of “A Christmas Story,” Ralphie returns to his former home in Hohman, Indiana. With him is his wife Sandy (Erinn Hayes) and children, visiting his widowed mother (Julie Hagerty) after the passing of the Old Man (the late Darrin McGavin in flashback from the original film). Desiring to give his mother, wife and kids a Christmas the Old Man would be proud of, Ralphie soon realizes that the task is much more difficult than when he was a child.
”A Christmas Story Christmas” is currently streaming on HBO Max. Featuring Peter Billingsley, Erinn Hayes, Julie Hagerty, Scott Schwartz, R.D. Robb, Zach Ward and Darrin McGavin.
- 11/18/2022
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on Wbgr-fm on November 3rd, 2022, reviewing “Armageddon Time,” a memoir from writer and director James Gray, in theaters beginning November 5th..
Rating: 3.5/5.0
The origins of Young Al Yankovic (eventually portrayed by Daniel Radcliffe) and his magic accordion, and his shooting star fame all the way through the 1980s, including dating Madonna (Evan Rachel Wood). Or at least it’s how he remembers it. It’s time to Eat It, Eat It, Eat It.
”Armageddon Time” is in theaters beginning November 4th. Featuring Anne Hathaway, Jeremy Strong, Banks Repeta, Jessica Chastain and Anthony Hopkins. Written and directed by James Gray. Rated “R”
Click Here for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story”
Weird: The Al Yankovic Story
Photo credit: Roku Channel
Click Here for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story...
Rating: 3.5/5.0
The origins of Young Al Yankovic (eventually portrayed by Daniel Radcliffe) and his magic accordion, and his shooting star fame all the way through the 1980s, including dating Madonna (Evan Rachel Wood). Or at least it’s how he remembers it. It’s time to Eat It, Eat It, Eat It.
”Armageddon Time” is in theaters beginning November 4th. Featuring Anne Hathaway, Jeremy Strong, Banks Repeta, Jessica Chastain and Anthony Hopkins. Written and directed by James Gray. Rated “R”
Click Here for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story”
Weird: The Al Yankovic Story
Photo credit: Roku Channel
Click Here for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story...
- 11/6/2022
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on Wbgr-fm on November 3rd, 2022, reviewing “Armageddon Time,” a memoir from writer and director James Gray, in theaters beginning November 5th.
Rating: 4.5/5.0
Paul Graff (Banks Repeta) is a teenage boy in 1980 whose middle class Jewish family is struggling with recession and angst, with his mother Esther (Anne Hathaway) and father Irving (Jeremy Strong) trying to keep body and soul together, with help from Aaron (Anthony Hopkins), Paul’s grandfather and family patriarch. He befriends a poverty-stricken African American named Johnny (Jaylin Webb), who is a co-conspirator in some bad boy antics. When Paul’s parents sends him to private school because of his behavior, its benefactor is none other than Fred Trump, father of Donald. As the 1980 election year rolls on, the election of Ronald Reagan becomes one more background warning for Paul and his family.
Rating: 4.5/5.0
Paul Graff (Banks Repeta) is a teenage boy in 1980 whose middle class Jewish family is struggling with recession and angst, with his mother Esther (Anne Hathaway) and father Irving (Jeremy Strong) trying to keep body and soul together, with help from Aaron (Anthony Hopkins), Paul’s grandfather and family patriarch. He befriends a poverty-stricken African American named Johnny (Jaylin Webb), who is a co-conspirator in some bad boy antics. When Paul’s parents sends him to private school because of his behavior, its benefactor is none other than Fred Trump, father of Donald. As the 1980 election year rolls on, the election of Ronald Reagan becomes one more background warning for Paul and his family.
- 11/5/2022
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on Wbgr-fm on October 20th, 2022, reviewing “Ticket to Paradise” an old fashion movie star movie featuring George Clooney and Julia Roberts, opening in theaters beginning October 21st..
Rating: 3.0/5.0
Divorcees David (George Clooney) and Georgia (Julia Roberts) only communicate through their daughter Lily (Kaitlyn Dever). Before she starts working as a lawyer, Lily goes to Bali for some post grad fun with Wren (Billie Lourd). There she meets Gede (Maxime Bouttier), a Balian hunk who farms seaweed. After 40 days, they decide to get married, which throws David and Georgia into a temporary truce so they can break it up. Can they accomplish this goal?
”Ticket to Paradise” is in theaters beginning October 21st. Featuring George Clooney, Juilia Roberts, Kaitlyn Dever, Billie Lourde, Lucas Bravo and Maxime Bouttier. Screenplay by Daniel Pipski. Drected by Ol Parker. Rated “PG-...
Rating: 3.0/5.0
Divorcees David (George Clooney) and Georgia (Julia Roberts) only communicate through their daughter Lily (Kaitlyn Dever). Before she starts working as a lawyer, Lily goes to Bali for some post grad fun with Wren (Billie Lourd). There she meets Gede (Maxime Bouttier), a Balian hunk who farms seaweed. After 40 days, they decide to get married, which throws David and Georgia into a temporary truce so they can break it up. Can they accomplish this goal?
”Ticket to Paradise” is in theaters beginning October 21st. Featuring George Clooney, Juilia Roberts, Kaitlyn Dever, Billie Lourde, Lucas Bravo and Maxime Bouttier. Screenplay by Daniel Pipski. Drected by Ol Parker. Rated “PG-...
- 10/21/2022
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on Wbgr-fm on September 1st, 2022. reviewing “Gigi & Nate,” a connection story between a troubled young man and his service monkey. The film is in theaters beginning September 2nd.
Rating: 4.0/5.0
Charlie Rowe portrays Nate Gibson, a teen who unexpectedly develops meningitis, nearly killing him but causing lower limb paralysis and years of physical therapy. After a suicide attempt, his parents Claire and Dan (portrayed by Marcia Gay Harden and Jim Belushi) connect him with Gigi (Allie the Capuchin Monkey) through a service animal organization. The healing begins as the two bond, but forces outside the family work to sever the duo through protest against the use of monkeys as service animals.
“Gigi & Nate” opens in theaters on September 1st. See local listings Featuring Charlie Rowe, Marcia Gay Harden, Jim Belushi, Zoe Margaret Colletti, Josephine Langford,...
Rating: 4.0/5.0
Charlie Rowe portrays Nate Gibson, a teen who unexpectedly develops meningitis, nearly killing him but causing lower limb paralysis and years of physical therapy. After a suicide attempt, his parents Claire and Dan (portrayed by Marcia Gay Harden and Jim Belushi) connect him with Gigi (Allie the Capuchin Monkey) through a service animal organization. The healing begins as the two bond, but forces outside the family work to sever the duo through protest against the use of monkeys as service animals.
“Gigi & Nate” opens in theaters on September 1st. See local listings Featuring Charlie Rowe, Marcia Gay Harden, Jim Belushi, Zoe Margaret Colletti, Josephine Langford,...
- 9/2/2022
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on Wbgr-fm on September 1st, 2022. reviewing “Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul.,” a “mockumentary” featuring Sterling K. Brown and Regina Hall. The film is in theaters and streaming on the Peacock TV beginning September 2nd.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
Sterling K. Brown is Lee-Curtis Childs, a successful for-profit preacher who has lost his congregation, due to vague allegations that become clearer as the story unfolds. His loyal wife is Regina Hall as Trinitie Childs, who is determined to helped her husband regain his status and their wealth. Like a black Jim and Tammy, they sweat the details until the big day of their comeback, as the couple goes through separate journeys in completely different directions.
“Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul.” opens in theaters and streams on Peacock TV on September 1st. Featuring Sterling K. Brown, Regina Hall, Nicole Beharie,...
Rating: 3.5/5.0
Sterling K. Brown is Lee-Curtis Childs, a successful for-profit preacher who has lost his congregation, due to vague allegations that become clearer as the story unfolds. His loyal wife is Regina Hall as Trinitie Childs, who is determined to helped her husband regain his status and their wealth. Like a black Jim and Tammy, they sweat the details until the big day of their comeback, as the couple goes through separate journeys in completely different directions.
“Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul.” opens in theaters and streams on Peacock TV on September 1st. Featuring Sterling K. Brown, Regina Hall, Nicole Beharie,...
- 9/2/2022
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on Wbgr-fm on August 25th, reviewing “Breaking,” a based on truth stand-off drama between the police and a recovering military veteran. The film is in theaters beginning August 26th.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
John Boyega portrays Brian Brown-Easley, a real ex-Iraq War veteran who held hostages at a bank outside Atlanta in 2017. Easley is just there to get his nominal disability check put into his account, and demands to talk to the Veterans Administration to get the cash or he threatens to blow up the bank with a bomb in his backpack. This involves the bank manager Estel (Nichole Beharie), the police negotiator Eli (Michael Kenneth Williams) and reporter Lisa at a local TV station (Connie Britton). The ex-soldier Easley has a point, but is he’s not going about it the right way.
“Breaking” opens in theaters on August 26th.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
John Boyega portrays Brian Brown-Easley, a real ex-Iraq War veteran who held hostages at a bank outside Atlanta in 2017. Easley is just there to get his nominal disability check put into his account, and demands to talk to the Veterans Administration to get the cash or he threatens to blow up the bank with a bomb in his backpack. This involves the bank manager Estel (Nichole Beharie), the police negotiator Eli (Michael Kenneth Williams) and reporter Lisa at a local TV station (Connie Britton). The ex-soldier Easley has a point, but is he’s not going about it the right way.
“Breaking” opens in theaters on August 26th.
- 8/28/2022
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on Wbgr-fm on August 25th, reviewing “Three Thousand Years of Longing,” a magic lamp three wishes story for the ages. The film is in theaters beginning August 26th.
Rating: 4.5/5.0
Tilda Swinton portrays Alithea Binnie, a narrative-ologist, meaning a scholar who analyzes what makes stories work. She lives by choice a solitary life, but it not unhappy. When she begins to have visions at a story conference in Istanbul, it culminates in the purchase of a ancient glass bottle. In her hotel room the bottle explodes, and out pops a Djinn (Idris Elba) … or male Genie … and he grants her the requisite three wishes. What happens next is what neither of them expected, as Ali-thea naturally wants to hear the Djinn’s story.
“Three Thousand Years of Longing” opens in theaters on August 26th. Featuringilda Swinton, Idris Elba,...
Rating: 4.5/5.0
Tilda Swinton portrays Alithea Binnie, a narrative-ologist, meaning a scholar who analyzes what makes stories work. She lives by choice a solitary life, but it not unhappy. When she begins to have visions at a story conference in Istanbul, it culminates in the purchase of a ancient glass bottle. In her hotel room the bottle explodes, and out pops a Djinn (Idris Elba) … or male Genie … and he grants her the requisite three wishes. What happens next is what neither of them expected, as Ali-thea naturally wants to hear the Djinn’s story.
“Three Thousand Years of Longing” opens in theaters on August 26th. Featuringilda Swinton, Idris Elba,...
- 8/26/2022
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on Wbgr-fm on June 2nd, reviewing “Crimes of the Future,” a return to horror sci-fi from genre director David Cronenberg. In theaters beginning June 3rd.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
Viggo Mortensen is Saul, part of a performance artist team with Caprice (Léa Seydoux). In the future, feeling the pain sense has been eliminated and there are those with Accelerated Evolution Syndrome that can actually grow new organs … which Caprice removes from Saul as part of their act. This cutting has replaced sex as the ultimate feeling, and there is actually a National Organ Registry, run in part by Timlin (Kristen Stewart), to monitor new developments. The performance duo looks to their ultimate show … the autopsy of newly evolved-but-deceased eight year old boy.
”Crimes of the Future” opens in theaters on June 3rd. Featuring Viggo Mortensen, Léa Seydoux, Kristen Stewart,...
Rating: 3.5/5.0
Viggo Mortensen is Saul, part of a performance artist team with Caprice (Léa Seydoux). In the future, feeling the pain sense has been eliminated and there are those with Accelerated Evolution Syndrome that can actually grow new organs … which Caprice removes from Saul as part of their act. This cutting has replaced sex as the ultimate feeling, and there is actually a National Organ Registry, run in part by Timlin (Kristen Stewart), to monitor new developments. The performance duo looks to their ultimate show … the autopsy of newly evolved-but-deceased eight year old boy.
”Crimes of the Future” opens in theaters on June 3rd. Featuring Viggo Mortensen, Léa Seydoux, Kristen Stewart,...
- 6/3/2022
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on Wbgr-fm on June 2nd, reviewing “Fire Island,” the new film set at that summer destination, with romance at every rave. Happy Pride Month! Streaming on Hulu beginning June 3rd.
Rating: 4.5/5.0
“Fire Island” is the traditional New York summer Mecca of gay men, women and allies. In this take-off on Jane Austin’s “Pride and Prejudice,” the yearly island visitation ritual is played out by Noah (Joel Kim Booster), Howie (Bowen Yang) and their close fellow travelers, who are house-mothered by Erin (Margaret Cho), a lesbian who owns the summer crash pad. Noah is anxious for shy Howie to hook up, so he can feel free to do the same, but complications arise when a handsome doctor named Charlie (James Scully) has an eye for Howie and Will (Conrad Ricomora) wants more from Noah. Could this be the week that was?...
Rating: 4.5/5.0
“Fire Island” is the traditional New York summer Mecca of gay men, women and allies. In this take-off on Jane Austin’s “Pride and Prejudice,” the yearly island visitation ritual is played out by Noah (Joel Kim Booster), Howie (Bowen Yang) and their close fellow travelers, who are house-mothered by Erin (Margaret Cho), a lesbian who owns the summer crash pad. Noah is anxious for shy Howie to hook up, so he can feel free to do the same, but complications arise when a handsome doctor named Charlie (James Scully) has an eye for Howie and Will (Conrad Ricomora) wants more from Noah. Could this be the week that was?...
- 6/3/2022
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on Wbgr-fm on May 19th, reviewing “Men,” the latest film from visionary directory Alex Garland (“Ex Machina”), in theaters beginning May 20th.
Rating: 4.5/5.0
“Men” features Jessie Buckley as Harper, a British woman whose bi-polar husband has just committed suicide, so she escapes to a country estate rental in order to decompress from the incident. She encounters various men throughout her stay there (all portrayed with chilling accuracy by Rory Kinnear) who haunt her in various ways, and eventually she has to fight for her life.
“Men” is in select theaters now (see local listings) beginning on May 20th. Featuring Jesse Buckley, Roy Kinnear, Papa Essiedu, Gayle Rankin and Sarah Twomey. Written and directed by Alex Garland. Rated “R”
Click Here for Patrick McDonald’s full on-air review of “Men”
Men
Photo credit: A24
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Rating: 4.5/5.0
“Men” features Jessie Buckley as Harper, a British woman whose bi-polar husband has just committed suicide, so she escapes to a country estate rental in order to decompress from the incident. She encounters various men throughout her stay there (all portrayed with chilling accuracy by Rory Kinnear) who haunt her in various ways, and eventually she has to fight for her life.
“Men” is in select theaters now (see local listings) beginning on May 20th. Featuring Jesse Buckley, Roy Kinnear, Papa Essiedu, Gayle Rankin and Sarah Twomey. Written and directed by Alex Garland. Rated “R”
Click Here for Patrick McDonald’s full on-air review of “Men”
Men
Photo credit: A24
Click Here for...
- 5/21/2022
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on Wbgr-fm on May 19th, reviewing “Downtown Abbey: A New Era,” the second film version of the mega-popular BBC/PBS series, in theaters beginning May 20th.
Rating: 4.0/5.0
It’s the continuing adventures of the Crawleys (Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern), the wealthy English proprietors and their servants of Downton Abbey. In this second film based from the TV series, the new era has begun, as the Crawleys have found that Countess Violet, Aka Granny (Maggie Smith) has inherited a French villa through mysterious circumstances. At the same time, a film crew arrives at Downton, to shoot a silent film that halfway through production has to convert to a talkie, aided by Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery). The Crawleys head to France with loyal butler Carson (Jim Carter), while the film crew rolls on.
“Downton Abbey: A New Era...
Rating: 4.0/5.0
It’s the continuing adventures of the Crawleys (Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern), the wealthy English proprietors and their servants of Downton Abbey. In this second film based from the TV series, the new era has begun, as the Crawleys have found that Countess Violet, Aka Granny (Maggie Smith) has inherited a French villa through mysterious circumstances. At the same time, a film crew arrives at Downton, to shoot a silent film that halfway through production has to convert to a talkie, aided by Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery). The Crawleys head to France with loyal butler Carson (Jim Carter), while the film crew rolls on.
“Downton Abbey: A New Era...
- 5/20/2022
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on Wbgr-fm on May 12th, reviewing “On the Count of Three,” the directorial debut of comedian Jerrod Carmichael, in select theaters and through Video On Demand beginning May 13th.
Rating: 4.5/5.0
Jerrod Carmichael also is featured as Val, a dead-ender in a dead end town in which he sees no way out. After hearing that his institutionalized best friend Kevin (Christopher Abbott) has attempted suicide, Val decides to raid the mental clinic and bust his friend out. He then convinces his depressed friend to participate in a double suicide … they will shoot each other “on the count of three.” But before they do, they take one last day to have adventures.
“On the Count of Three” is in select theaters now (see local listings) and through Video On Demand. Featuring Dan Baker, Jerrod Carmichael, Christopher Abbott, Tiffany Haddish and J.B. Smoove.
Rating: 4.5/5.0
Jerrod Carmichael also is featured as Val, a dead-ender in a dead end town in which he sees no way out. After hearing that his institutionalized best friend Kevin (Christopher Abbott) has attempted suicide, Val decides to raid the mental clinic and bust his friend out. He then convinces his depressed friend to participate in a double suicide … they will shoot each other “on the count of three.” But before they do, they take one last day to have adventures.
“On the Count of Three” is in select theaters now (see local listings) and through Video On Demand. Featuring Dan Baker, Jerrod Carmichael, Christopher Abbott, Tiffany Haddish and J.B. Smoove.
- 5/16/2022
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on Wbgr-fm on May 5th, reviewing the new miniseries “The Offer,” about the creation of the classic film “The Godfather,” currently streaming on Paramount+.
Television Rating: 4.5/5.0
Wannabe Film Producer Albert Ruddy (Miles Teller) approaches legendary movie man and head of Paramount Studios Robert Evans (Matthew Goode) and gets his first assignment … “The Godfather,” an adaptation of the bestselling book by Mario Puzo (Patrick Gallo) and to be directed by Francis Ford Coppola (Dan Fogler). In the meantime, the real New York mafia, represented by Joe Columbo (Giovanni Ribisi) wants to shut the whole thing down. How will this classic movie get made?
The Offer
Photo credit: Paramount+
Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com reviewed “The Offer” during the Morning Mess with Dan Baker on Wbgr-fm, Monroe, Wisconsin, May 5th, 2022 …
“The Offer” is currently streaming on Paramount+. Featuring Miles Teller,...
Television Rating: 4.5/5.0
Wannabe Film Producer Albert Ruddy (Miles Teller) approaches legendary movie man and head of Paramount Studios Robert Evans (Matthew Goode) and gets his first assignment … “The Godfather,” an adaptation of the bestselling book by Mario Puzo (Patrick Gallo) and to be directed by Francis Ford Coppola (Dan Fogler). In the meantime, the real New York mafia, represented by Joe Columbo (Giovanni Ribisi) wants to shut the whole thing down. How will this classic movie get made?
The Offer
Photo credit: Paramount+
Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com reviewed “The Offer” during the Morning Mess with Dan Baker on Wbgr-fm, Monroe, Wisconsin, May 5th, 2022 …
“The Offer” is currently streaming on Paramount+. Featuring Miles Teller,...
- 5/6/2022
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on Wbgr-fm on April 28th, reviewing “The Duke,” a British heist comedy featuring Jim Broadbent and Helen Mirren, in select theaters April 29th.
Rating: 4.0/5.0
Kempton Bunton (Jim Broadbent) is a perpetually unemployed dreamer, who write plays and drives his wife Dorothy (Helen Mirren) crazy with his anarchistic principles, often getting his younger son Jackie (Fionn Whitehead) involved. When collectors come for his TV license … Britain collects fees from each home for programming … he begins a protest that leads to London, and while there he gets involved in stealing a priceless painting – the Duke of Wellington by Francisco Goya – to further his cause.
“The Duke” is in select theaters beginning April 29th. Featuring Jim Broadbent, Helen Mirren, Fionn Whitehead, Matthew Goode and Jack Bandeira. Written by Richard Bean and Clive Coleman. Directed by Roger Mitchell. Rated “PG-...
Rating: 4.0/5.0
Kempton Bunton (Jim Broadbent) is a perpetually unemployed dreamer, who write plays and drives his wife Dorothy (Helen Mirren) crazy with his anarchistic principles, often getting his younger son Jackie (Fionn Whitehead) involved. When collectors come for his TV license … Britain collects fees from each home for programming … he begins a protest that leads to London, and while there he gets involved in stealing a priceless painting – the Duke of Wellington by Francisco Goya – to further his cause.
“The Duke” is in select theaters beginning April 29th. Featuring Jim Broadbent, Helen Mirren, Fionn Whitehead, Matthew Goode and Jack Bandeira. Written by Richard Bean and Clive Coleman. Directed by Roger Mitchell. Rated “PG-...
- 4/29/2022
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on Wbgr-fm on April 28th, reviewing “Memory,” the latest action film, based on a Belgium novel/film, starring Liam Neeson, in theaters April 29th.
Rating: 4.0/5.0
Neeson is Alex Lewis, a contract assassin, who is wrapping up his harsh career because he is having memory problems … his brother has full blown Alzheimer’s, and he suspects it’s happening to him. When he gets involved with human traffickers – ultimately led by a wealthy boss named Davana (Monica Bellucci) – he draws the line on a certain kill, which gets the FBI, represented by agents Vincent (Guy Pierce) and Linda (Taj Atwal), closer to his capture. Can Alex remember how to flee?
“Memory” is in theaters beginning April 29th. Featuring Liam Neeson, Guy Pierce, Monica Bellucci, Ray Stevenson, Lee Boardman and Taj Atwai,. Screenplay adapted by Dario Scardapane. Directed by Martin Campbell.
Rating: 4.0/5.0
Neeson is Alex Lewis, a contract assassin, who is wrapping up his harsh career because he is having memory problems … his brother has full blown Alzheimer’s, and he suspects it’s happening to him. When he gets involved with human traffickers – ultimately led by a wealthy boss named Davana (Monica Bellucci) – he draws the line on a certain kill, which gets the FBI, represented by agents Vincent (Guy Pierce) and Linda (Taj Atwal), closer to his capture. Can Alex remember how to flee?
“Memory” is in theaters beginning April 29th. Featuring Liam Neeson, Guy Pierce, Monica Bellucci, Ray Stevenson, Lee Boardman and Taj Atwai,. Screenplay adapted by Dario Scardapane. Directed by Martin Campbell.
- 4/29/2022
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on Wbgr-fm on March 10th, reviewing “The Adam Project,” featuring the “Free Guy” team of Ryan Reynolds and director Shawn Levy, and is streaming on Netflix beginning March 11th.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
This is big science fiction, as Reynolds portrays Adam, a spaceship pilot from the year 2050 who also has the ability to time travel, so he takes the time hop to meet his younger Adam self (Walker Scobell) to alter the future. This involves his mother (Jennifer Garner), his wife (Zoe Saldana), his father’s business partner (Catherine Keener) and dear old Dad himself (Mark Ruffalo).
“The Adam Project” is streaming on Netflix starting March 11th. Featuring Ryan Reynolds, Jennifer Garner, Mark Ruffalo, Catherine Keene and Walker Scobell. Written by Jonathan Trooper, T.S. Nowlin, Jennifer Flackett and Mark Levin. Directed by Shawn Levy. Rated “PG-13”
Click Here...
Rating: 3.5/5.0
This is big science fiction, as Reynolds portrays Adam, a spaceship pilot from the year 2050 who also has the ability to time travel, so he takes the time hop to meet his younger Adam self (Walker Scobell) to alter the future. This involves his mother (Jennifer Garner), his wife (Zoe Saldana), his father’s business partner (Catherine Keener) and dear old Dad himself (Mark Ruffalo).
“The Adam Project” is streaming on Netflix starting March 11th. Featuring Ryan Reynolds, Jennifer Garner, Mark Ruffalo, Catherine Keene and Walker Scobell. Written by Jonathan Trooper, T.S. Nowlin, Jennifer Flackett and Mark Levin. Directed by Shawn Levy. Rated “PG-13”
Click Here...
- 3/12/2022
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on Wbgr-fm on March 10th, reviewing “Turning Red,” a new animated film from Pixar Studios and Disney, streaming on Disney+ beginning March 11th.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
The film is set in Toronto in 2002, where Chinese immigrants Ming (voice of Sandra Oh) and husband Jin (Orion Lee) are raising their 13-year-old daughter Mei-Lin (Rosalie Chiang) while managing a Buddhist temple. Mei-Lin is a uber student who loves her crew, boy bands and her high-achievement life, until one day she magically turns into a Red Panda. This event opens up both family secrets and opportunities for the perplexed teenager.
“Turning Red” is streaming on Disney+ starting March 11th. Featuring the voices of Sandra Oh, Orion Lee, Rosalie Chiang and James Hong. Screenplay by Julio Cho and Domee Shi. Directed by Domee Shi. Rated “PG”
Click Here for Patrick McDonald’s...
Rating: 3.5/5.0
The film is set in Toronto in 2002, where Chinese immigrants Ming (voice of Sandra Oh) and husband Jin (Orion Lee) are raising their 13-year-old daughter Mei-Lin (Rosalie Chiang) while managing a Buddhist temple. Mei-Lin is a uber student who loves her crew, boy bands and her high-achievement life, until one day she magically turns into a Red Panda. This event opens up both family secrets and opportunities for the perplexed teenager.
“Turning Red” is streaming on Disney+ starting March 11th. Featuring the voices of Sandra Oh, Orion Lee, Rosalie Chiang and James Hong. Screenplay by Julio Cho and Domee Shi. Directed by Domee Shi. Rated “PG”
Click Here for Patrick McDonald’s...
- 3/12/2022
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on Wbgr-fm on June 3rd, 2021, reviewing the new Dreamworks animated film “Spirit Untamed” in theaters beginning June 4th.
Rating: 4.5/5.0
Set in the era of the Old West, Lucky Prescott (voice of Isabela Merced) is a girl who was sent away by her father to live with her rich grandpa after her rodeo performing mother dies. When her father Jim (Jake Gyllenhaal) wants to see her when she turns 13 years old, her Aunt Cora (Julianne Moore) escorts her back to the untamed west, where she meets a wild horse of her dreams, which she names Spirit. When a band of marauders want to separate her from her new equine friend, it’s confrontation time.
“Spirit Untamed” opens in theaters June 4th. Featuring the voices of Isabela Merced, Jake Gyllenaal, Julianne Moore, Mckenna Grace and Andre Braugher. Written...
Rating: 4.5/5.0
Set in the era of the Old West, Lucky Prescott (voice of Isabela Merced) is a girl who was sent away by her father to live with her rich grandpa after her rodeo performing mother dies. When her father Jim (Jake Gyllenhaal) wants to see her when she turns 13 years old, her Aunt Cora (Julianne Moore) escorts her back to the untamed west, where she meets a wild horse of her dreams, which she names Spirit. When a band of marauders want to separate her from her new equine friend, it’s confrontation time.
“Spirit Untamed” opens in theaters June 4th. Featuring the voices of Isabela Merced, Jake Gyllenaal, Julianne Moore, Mckenna Grace and Andre Braugher. Written...
- 6/4/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on Wbgr-fm on May 20th, 2021, reviewing the new World War II documentary “Final Account” in theaters beginning May 21st.
Rating: 4.0/5.0
“Final Account” took a decade to produce, as men and women ranging from former SS members to civilians of the Nazi era, in never-before-seen interviews, reckon with their memories, perceptions and personal appraisals of their participation back then. From the 1920s to the 1940s, the survivors who were dutiful children, bureaucrats, soldiers and ordinary citizens reconcile with, or in one case support, their role in history.
“Final Account” opened in theaters on May 21st. See local listings for theaters and show times. Written and directed by Luke Holland. Rated “PG-13”
Click here for Patrick McDonald’s full on-air review of “Final Account”
Final Account
Photo credit: Focus Features
Click here for Patrick McDonald’s full...
Rating: 4.0/5.0
“Final Account” took a decade to produce, as men and women ranging from former SS members to civilians of the Nazi era, in never-before-seen interviews, reckon with their memories, perceptions and personal appraisals of their participation back then. From the 1920s to the 1940s, the survivors who were dutiful children, bureaucrats, soldiers and ordinary citizens reconcile with, or in one case support, their role in history.
“Final Account” opened in theaters on May 21st. See local listings for theaters and show times. Written and directed by Luke Holland. Rated “PG-13”
Click here for Patrick McDonald’s full on-air review of “Final Account”
Final Account
Photo credit: Focus Features
Click here for Patrick McDonald’s full...
- 5/23/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
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