Shazam! (PG-13) ★★★½
A Good-Natured Superhero with Loads of Heart
Shazman is the new ‘superhero kid on the block’ as Zachary Levi’s energetic, yet heartfelt performance nails his DC character for years to come! Finally, the DC Universe … Read more
Author: Sarah Knight Adamson
Sundance 2019 Buzz Watch and Winners List 35 Films—21 Award Winners, 14 Buzz Watch
All of the film trailers and some of the feature films have been viewed—the top entertainment film websites have been scoured—here are 35 Sundance 2019 films that garner attention. Congratulations to all Sundance Festival winners!… Read more
Dumbo (PG) ★½
Non-kid Centered, Lacks Heart
Though the 1941 original “Dumbo” movie is very short, 64 minutes, and full of racist innuendos, that darling flying, big-eared baby elephant is hard to resist—so it makes perfect sense that … Read more
Captain Marvel (PG-13) ★★★
Brie Larson’s Captain Marvel Serves as a Role Model for Female Empowerment
“Captain Marvel” stars Brie Larson, Academy Award winner (“Room” 2015), as Carol Danvers, the first female superhero from Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) films—yes; … Read more
Apollo 11 ★★★★
Brilliantly Realized, Stunningly Gorgeous “Apollo 11” Soars
“Apollo 11” is a visual delicacy to be savored long after the extensive credits roll—unlike most documentaries where talking head interviews and newspaper clippings are the main source—director/editor … Read more
Alita: Battle Angel (PG-13) ★½
Ultra-Violent Movie, Lacks Heart and Target Audience
No doubt, we have to talk about those creepy big eyes—from start to finish they are disconcerting—which is a shame, as Alita, the spunky female lead character doesn’t … Read more
What Men Want (R) ★★★
Taraji P. Henson Is Magnetic!
Fittingly, this modern-day tale of ‘Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus’ mentality shines a spotlight on the male-dominated workplace and women’s struggles in general to even the playing … Read more
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (Radio Podcast)
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse ★★★★
Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, are the creative minds behind “The Lego Movie.” Boasting a brand-new visual style that’s the first of its kind. Brooklyn teen Miles Morales, is voiced … Read more
Critics Choice Awards 2019 (posted to RogerEbert.com)
ROMA, VICE, BLACK PANTHER WIN BIG AT 24TH CRITICS’ CHOICE AWARDS
Energetic host Taye Diggs, kicked off the evening at the 24th Critics Choice Awards in Santa Monica, CA, with a song and dance number … Read more
Alfonso Cuarón “ROMA” Interview
Director and screenplay writer Alfonso Cuarón tells a very personal story of growing up in the 70s in Colonia Roma, Mexico. Roma a story of home, love, hope, courage, and change is female-focused, providing emotional, … Read more
Our Staff’s Top Films of 2018
Sarah Knight Adamson’s Favorite and Top 28 Award Worthy Films of 2018
A Star is Born Black Panther Won’t You Be My Neighbor? BlacKkKlansman Can You Ever Forgive Me? The Favourite Green Book If Beale… Read more
Mary Poppins Returns (PG) ★★★½
Hollywood 360 Radio Podcast aired December 22, 2018
Rob Marshall directs “Mary Poppins Returns” starring Emily Blunt in the sequel to the 1964 movie “Mary Poppins” that starred Julie Andrews.
It’s been over 30 years … Read more
Julian Day Interview, Costume Designer “Bohemian Rhapsody”
“Bohemian Rhapsody” Costume Designer Julian Day Replicates Freddy Mercury’s Iconic Style
Julian Day’s designs appear in Ron Howard’s “Rush” (2013), Oliver Hirschbiegel’s “Diana” (2013), (Princess Diana, biographical drama), and the soon to be released Elton … Read more
The Grinch (PG)★★★½
Hollywood 360 Radio Podcast aired December 1, 2018
“The Grinch” is an animated cartoon for kids and adults by Universal Pictures. The film is based on the Dr. Seuss book, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” … Read more
Instant Family (PG-13) ★★★½
Heartwarming Tale of Finding a Family
If you’ve ever wondered how the foster care system works in America, the excellent film “Instant Family” provides an up close and personal snapshot from Sean Anders the co-writer … Read more
Sean Anders Interview, “Instant Family”
Director and co-writer Sean Anders new film “Instant Family” is based partially on him and his wife’s real-life experiences with foster care prior to the adoption of their three children who are biological siblings. The … Read more
The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (PG) ★★½
Sadly, the Four Realms Lack Heart
The Christmas ballet ‘The Nutcracker’ is a popular worldwide event that’s become a tradition for families. For myself, my daughter performed in a local dance recital as a piece … Read more
Can You Ever Forgive Me? (R) ★★★★
Melissa McCarthy’s Career Best Performance
Based on the true story of New York’s best-selling author Lee Israel, Melissa McCarthy tackles a dramatic role giving one of the best performances of her career. Known for her … Read more
Bohemian Rhapsody (PG-13) ★★★
Rami Malek’s Performance is Epic
Any attempt to recreate the pure magic of the British rock and roll 70s band Queen—all depends upon casting the lead role of the eccentric, ultra-talented Freddie Mercury—in this case, … Read more
The Wife (R) ★★★½
Glen Close Gives the Performance of a Lifetime
The dramatic film, “The Wife,” conjures’ up a range of emotions: sympathy, disgust, shock, and ultimately validation. Beginning with a late night call from Sweden, an elderly … Read more
The Chicago 54th International Film Festival
Happy as Lazzaro and Ash Is Purest White Top Winners
The 54th Chicago International Film Festival hosted its Awards Ceremony at AMC River East 21, 322 E. Illinois St., on October 19, 2018. Jury members … Read more
Rachel Brosnahan Interview by Alexi Rabin
A marvelous evening it was, spent with Emmy, Golden Globe, and Critic’s Choice Award winner, Rachel Brosnahan, at The Highland Park Community House in Highland Park, IL.
“A Marvelous Evening with Mrs. Maisel,” a fundraiser … Read more
Studio 54 The Documentary (NR) ★★★½
Party Like it’s 1977
Infamous by name, New York’s Studio 54, served as a glitzy yet, dingy playground for the rich and famous nightclub crowd. Why was it such an enigma? Why did it catapult … Read more
Smallfoot (PG) ★★ Radio Review
Too Many Sub-Plots for Kids
Sadly, overly-stuffed “Smallfoot” invents modern fairy tale notions about Yeti’s, with mediocre animation, and songs without actually teaching anything of substance to kids.
Smallfoot is an animated children’s film by … Read more