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Denzel Washington takes ‘Flight’ to DVD Feb 11, 2013 12:00 AM
Denzel Washington, in one of this best performances in years, adds depth and tension to "Flight," a movie in which a plane crash is only one of the tragedies a pilot must overcome in his life.
‘Argo’ named best film at Britain’s Oscars Feb 10, 2013 12:00 AM
Iran-hostage drama “Argo” continued its journey from awards-season outsider to favorite Sunday, winning three prizes, including best-picture, at the British Academy Film Awards. Ben Affleck, who has made a remarkable journey from little-regarded actor to award-winning director, dedicated his directing prize to “anyone out there who’s trying to get their second act.”
DVD previews: ‘Skyfall,’ ‘Robot & Frank’ Feb 9, 2013 12:00 AM
New movies on DVD this week include Daniel Craig as James Bond in "Skyfall" and Frank Langella in the touching dramedy "Robot & Frank."
Chicago Film Critics honor ‘Glee’ star Jane Lynch Feb 9, 2013 12:00 AM
There’s no way a movie award night can go wrong if you throw in some Hollywood glitz, an entertaining emcee, and “Glee” star Jane Lynch. The Chicago actress was honored with the “Comedia Extraordinaire” award on Saturday night at the 24th Chicago Film Critics Association awards, held at Muvico Theater in Rosemont.
McCarthy-Bateman charisma not enough to fuel road comedy Feb 7, 2013 12:00 AM
In "Identity Thief," Seth Gordon steals the identity of the cross-country chase comedy "Midnight Run," then tweaks it with supercharged performances from the droll Jason Bateman and the hilariously improvisational Melissa McCarthy. It's still a bloated, slapsticky, Judd Apatowish wannabe comedy that needs another pass through the editing software to get the vehicle down to fighting weight.
Rolling Meadows choir part of Jane Lynch tribute Feb 7, 2013 12:00 AM
Dann's film notes includes that the Rolling Meadows Show Choir directed by Caitlyn Walsh will be prominently featured during a tribute to Chicago performer Jane Lynch when she receives the Commedia Extraordinaire trophy at the 24th Chicago Film Critics Awards 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Muvico Theater in Rosemont. Dann will be there to help hand out the Best Actress and Best Picture awards.
Soderbergh's last thriller anti-depressing, but dishonest Feb 7, 2013 12:00 AM
"Side Effects" reportedly is the last movie prolific filmmaker Steven Soderbergh directs, at least for a while. It's not exactly a case of him going out with a bang. "Side Effects" works nicely as a taut thriller and an involving mystery that quietly keeps us off-balance until its final, unsettling finale. But it might leave viewers with an aftertaste because of some narrative dishonesty.
Arlington Heights approves new dine-in movie theater Feb 5, 2013 12:00 AM
Star Cinema Grill, a new dine-in movie theater and restaurant, is officially coming to Arlington Heights this spring after receiving approval from the village board. "So many of our residents are excited about getting the theater back and having it open as soon as possible," said Village President Arlene Mulder. The new movie house is set to open mid- to late May.
Disney working on stand-alone ‘Star Wars’ films Feb 5, 2013 12:00 AM
Disney is mining The Force for even more new films. Walt Disney Co. CEO Bob Iger said Tuesday that screenwriters Larry Kasdan and Simon Kinberg are working on stand-alone "Star Wars" movies that aren't part of the new trilogy that's in the works.
‘Warm Bodies’ heats up box office with $20 million Feb 4, 2013 12:00 AM
The love-struck zombies of "Warm Bodies" swarmed the box office on Super Bowl weekend with a $20 million opening. The Lionsgate PG-13 film easily led the box office, according to studio estimates Sunday. The weekend of the Super Bowl always means a significant slide in moviegoing on Sunday, but "Warm Bodies" still lured many teenage fans.
'Girls,' 'Argo' earn Directors Guild honors Feb 3, 2013 12:00 AM
Ben Affleck has won the top film honor from the Directors Guild of America for his CIA thriller “Argo,” further sealing its status as best-picture front-runner at the Academy Awards. Saturday's prize also normally would make Affleck a near shoo-in to win best-director at the Feb. 24 Oscars, since the Directors Guild recipient nearly always goes on to claim the same prize at Hollywood's biggest night.
5 great movies about deception Feb 2, 2013 12:00 AM
When scandalous tales of fraud involving superstar athletes Lance Armstrong and Manti Te'o were recently exposed, connections to films were immediate and obvious. It's a huge topic that's been explored in myriad ways on screen, and you'd probably come up with five entirely different choices, but here are my picks for five great movies about deception:
DVD previews: ‘Flight,’ ‘Alex Cross’ Feb 2, 2013 12:00 AM
Movies coming out this week on DVD include the drama "Flight" with Denzel Washington and "Alex Cross" with Tyler Perry.
'Scandal' star Washington wins 3 trophies at NAACP Image Awards Feb 2, 2013 12:00 AM
Kerry Washington was a triple threat at the NAACP Image Awards. The star of ABC's “Scandal” picked up a trio of trophies at the 44th annual ceremony: outstanding actress in a drama series for “Scandal,” supporting actress in a motion picture for “Django Unchained” and the President's Award, which is given in recognition of special achievement and exceptional public service.
'Casablanca,' 'Gone With the Wind' among the celebrated films Feb 1, 2013 12:00 AM
Warner Brothers Studios has put together a great collection of 20 films that have all won the Academy Award for best picture. Included are classics like "Casablanca" and "Gone with the Wind," as well modern winners "The Departed" and "Million Dollar Baby."
City celebrates 20th anniversary of 'Groundhog Day'Jan 31, 2013 12:00 AM
It's been more than 20 years since the movie "Groundhog Day" was filmed in Woodstock, but the town hasn't forgotten. The 20th anniversary of the 1993 film will be celebrated in the city where much of it was shot. Woodstock's Groundhog Days festival continues through Sunday with a dinner dance, prognostication on the square, chili cook-off, storytelling, tour of filming sites, and more.
Reader: 'Django,' Hollywood feeding the violence problemJan 31, 2013 12:00 AM
After a reader attacked Dann for his positive review of "Django," Dann sets the record straight saying that he would denounce real violence against innocent people, and fake violence when it's horribly mounted, as in stupid mad slasher films and ineptly made gladiator opuses. However, he says he would celebrate and endorse fake violence when it has been executed with finesse and artistry.
Zombie romance surprisingly sweet testament to loveJan 31, 2013 12:00 AM
Nicholas Hoult is officially the cutest undead guy in the history of the zombie film genre. He's the star of "Warm Bodies," a dopey, schmaltzy "love will conquer all" premise, carried out with panache and sincerity by Jonathan Levine, who treats the story not as a zombie tale, but a thinly disguised plea for humanity to save our world by letting what unites us triumph over what divides us.
Great cast strengthens weak 'Stand Up Guys' Jan 31, 2013 12:00 AM
Watching "Stand Up Guys" feels akin to seeing an old, favorite rock band getting back together for one last gig after decades apart. Stars Christopher Walken, Al Pacino and Alan Arkin are all performing their greatest hits in this con-man comedy, albeit within dialed-down versions of their familiar screen personae. But there's enough humor and tenderness in Fisher Stevens' film to make it a passably enjoyable experience for the most part.
Stallone's brainless action film a real 'Bullet to the Head' Jan 31, 2013 12:00 AM
Walter Hill's "Bullet to the Head" takes its title so seriously that practically everyone who dies in this movie — and that's a fair chunk of the New Orleans' population — winds up with a slug planted neatly between the eyes. That makes this action thriller just about as brainless as the cadavers left in the wake of a hit man's quest for revenge against the people who killed his partner.