Author: Sarah Knight Adamson
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
First Man (PG-13) ★★★½
Claire Foy’s Janet Armstrong Sparkles
There’s a saying from the past, “Behind every successful man there is a woman.” In “First Man” (PG-13) Director Damien Chazelle tells the true story of the United States space … Read more
Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween (PG) ★★★
Halloween Fun, Beware of Slappy
Here’s the sequel to “Goosebumps” (2015) both films are based on the children’s horror book series of the same name by R. L. Stine of which millions of young readers … Read more
A Star is Born (R) ★★★★
Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga are Magic
Undeniably, the new “A Star is Born” shines due to the realistic chemistry between Bradley Cooper (Jackson Maine) and Lady Gaga (Ally). Cooper’s directorial debut is a winner, … Read more
On the Red Carpet with Megan Mullally and Nick Offerman by Patty Babin
Book Launch, “The Greatest Love Story Ever Told”
It was a special day in Chicago on Tuesday, Oct. 2, when Michigan Avenue Magazine celebrated their October issue with cover stars, Megan Mullally and Nick Offerman. … Read more
Bradley Cooper Q&A “A Star is Born”
Bradley Cooper Gives His Perspectives on “A Star is Born”
Bradley Cooper and Oliver Platt were in Chicago, IL at the AMC River East Theater on the evening of September 17, 2018, to discuss the … Read more
Jane Fonda in Five Acts ★★★½
A Heartfelt Journey That Will Not Be Putting on the Brakes Anytime Soon
Regardless of your feelings towards Jane Fonda on her controversial mistakes in Viet Nam in the 70s, this outstanding documentary sheds light … Read more
The House with the Clock in its Walls ★½ (PG)
Non Kid-Centered Movie, Billed for Kids
Here’s what’s truly infuriating—the fact that this beloved young-adult novel fell into the hands of the “Hostel” (torture porn) series horror-famed writer, director, producer Eli Roth. As a film, … Read more
A Simple Favor (R) ★★★½
Dry Martini’s in the Suburbs
Despite the ambiguous genre of this superb diabolical modern-suburbia film—that has themes of mystery, comedy, murder, romance, secrets, and betrayals—for sure it’s one of the best times I’ve had at … Read more
Crazy Rich Asians (PG-13)★★★½
A “Crazy Great” Movie
Director Jon M. Chu’s adaptation of Kevin Kwan’s book stands on its own, by adding key scenes, tweaking character’s roles while at the same time astonishingly bringing the over-the-top opulence to … Read more
BlacKkKlansman (R) ★★★★
One of the Years Best
Ron Stallworth’s memoir is retold with passion and admiration—aptly Lee’s finale reminds us of our current gut-wrenching racial tensions. Be prepared for a history lesson of shock and awe—it’s about … Read more