Suicide Squad (PG-13) ★★

Suicide Squad makes very little sense.

When I was at Comic-Con a few weeks ago, I couldn’t believe there were hundreds of people—many of whom were in full Joker or Harley Quinn costumes and makeup—standing … Read more

Life Animated (Documentary) ★★★½

An inspiring, hopeful documentary about one family’s experience with autism.

I knew what Life, Animated was about before I saw the film, and so I was not surprised to find my eyes welling up only … Read more

The BFG (PG) ★★★½

The BFG, Fantasy Story with a Big Heart

Thankfully, Spielberg’s The BFG stays faithful to the treasured Roald Dahl young adult novel with old-fashioned storytelling of the love between a wise older giant and … Read more

Zootopia DVD Review ★★★★

Zootopia Blu-ray DVD and Digital Bonus Features

Zootopia is one of Disney’s best films to date and my favorite film of the year so far. It’s family friendly and teaches kids so many great life … Read more

Finding Dory (PG) ★★★½

Finding Dory is a whopper of a film that’s part comedic ‘fish tale’ but mostly life lessons for kids. Sensitivity to disabilities is front and center with the added bonus of parenting advice.

 * Extra … Read more

Genius (PG-13) ★★★

If anyone can make the editing process interesting, it’s Colin Firth and Jude Law.

I love it when a film can expose me to something—a historical figure, a place, an idea, an event—that I would … Read more

Brandon Stacy Interview by Alexi Rabin

Brandon Stacy might have lost 25 pounds for his role in Roots, but he gained plenty of knowledge about American history.

Along with Roots, Stacy also had roles in films and televison such as … Read more

Now You See Me 2 (PG-13) ★½

It’s extra sad when a sequel about magicians delivers absolutely nothing magical.

The 2013 “heist… with magicians!” film Now You See Me had plots issues, sure, but overall I found it to be a whole … Read more

Me Before You (PG-13) ★★★

An Inspiring Love Story

Let’s get something out of the way from the get-go: you will, I repeat, you will need to bring a box of Kleenex to the theater while viewing the film Me Read more

Alice Through the Looking Glass (PG) ★½

Don’t Waste Your ‘Time” On Yet Another Second-rate Sequel

Six years ago, many anxiously awaited director Tim Burton’s take on the wacky world of Alice. Equally so was the anticipation of Johnny Depp’s new redheaded, … Read more

X-Men: Apocolypse (PG-13) ★★★

When X-Men: Apocalypse is good, it’s really good. But when it’s bad…

While I have seen all of the X-Men films and liked several of them, I would not go so far as to call … Read more

Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising (R) ★★

An unnecessary sequel that fails in its girl-power message.

I was not a fan of 2014’s Neighbors, so I admittedly didn’t have high hopes for Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising. This time around, Mac (Seth … Read more

The Nice Guys (R) ★★½

Ryan and Gosling and Russell Crowe make a fun pair, but it’s not all laughs. The Nice Guys is one of those movies you’re either going to get, or you’re not. And I didn’t get … Read more

Money Monster (R) ★★½

A fast-paced but ultimately forgettable thriller, despite its A-list cast and director.

It’s a horrific situation that seems all too possible these days: an unstable gunman takes a TV host hostage live on-air, straps a … Read more

Captain America: Civil War (PG-13) ★★★½

Another Awesome Hit for Marvel

Who knew comic book characters struggle with feelings of guilt, anger, patriotism, revenge, betrayal, and loyalty? All of these issues are explored as the “Avengers” take sides. Either you’re with … Read more

The Jungle Book (PG) ★★★½

Those who were anxious about this remake can forget about their worries (and their strife).

“Now I’m the king of the swingers-oh, the jungle VIP; I reached the top and had to stop and that’s … Read more

Eye in the Sky ★★★

When is it OK to kill a nine-year-old girl?

It’s a horrific thought. And you’re probably thinking, “Well, NEVER, of course.” But Gavin Hood’s Eye in the Sky doesn’t let its audience off that easy. … Read more

Hosting the 88th Academy Awards Charity Event – Mixture of Fun and Surprises

Hollywood Blvd. Cinema and Variety Charity Viewing Party is a Huge Success and the winners are …”The Kids of Illinois”

Weather in the 60s on a Chicago winter day is a sigh of relief; especially … Read more

10 Cloverfield Lane (PG-13) ★★★

What I remember most about 2008’s Cloverfield doesn’t have anything to do with its alien-invasion plot. Nope, what’s still clearest in my mind is the fact that I was worried I was going to hurl … Read more

Race (PG-13) ★★★

Race is one part feel-good biopic and one part unnerving history lesson.

Aside from tales of Middle-Earth and stories about galaxies far, far away, there’s nothing I’m a bigger sucker for than a rousing true … Read more

How to be Single ★★★

A Girl’s Guide to Dating New York City Style−Sort Of

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, How to be Single, a refreshing, laugh-out-loud comedy, is erroneously being advertised as a romantic comedy. Nope, no … Read more

Zoolander 2 (PG-13) ★★

Zoolander 2 is heavy on cameos but light on laughs.

Don’t you just hate it when—against your better judgment—you still get your hopes up for a movie… and then it disappoints you mightily? I’ll admit … Read more

Top 20 Movies of 2015 and More!

Top 20 Movies of 2015−In Order of Favorites-Starting with #1

1. Spotlight Drama, based on true events. Director & screenplay credit, Tom McCarthy, Screenplay, Josh Singer. An all-star cast, Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Rachel … Read more

Chicago Film Critics Association 2015- Film Awards

The CFCA bestowed their annual awards last night after members socialized and dined at Zia’s restaurant in Chicago. The big winner of the evening was Mad Max: Fury Road, a sci-fi action film that … Read more