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
Author: Sarah Knight Adamson
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
Ted Roach Interview ‘120 Days’ ★★★★ Documentary Napa Valley Film Festival
The documentary 120 Days is a riveting “eye-opener” that presents the U.S. immigration debate through the lives of one undocumented family—Miguel Cortes, his wife, and his teenage daughters. The Cortes family settled in Raleigh, North … Read more
Kent Jones Interview ‘Hitchcock/Truffaut’ Documentary Film 51st CIFF
Hitchcock’s Lesson’s in Filmmaking Brought to Life in a New Documentary
Hitchcock/Truffaut is a documentary film for all movie buffs that have ever considered magnifying their knowledge of the components in filmmaking. The film was … Read more
Chicago International Film Festival 2015-It’s a Wrap by Patty Babin
At a Glance−The 2015 Chicago International Film Festival
The energy was magnetic at the 2015 CIFF. The AMC River East was filled with press, actors, directors, producers, photographers, film lovers, volunteers, and last but not … Read more
Patrick Underwood Interview Director of ‘The Middle Distance’ 51st CIFF
In an attempt to recapture a feeling of nostalgia along with those warm feelings one has in childhood, Patrick Underwood has created a beautiful film that delves into those areas, and deals with self-actualization, loss, … Read more
The 51st Chicago International Film Festival Preview by Sarah Adamson
Background, Action, Rolling…the 51st Chicago International Film Festival Oct 15-29, 2015 Offers a Wide Array of Films
There’s a crisp coolness in the air, leaves are turning burnt orange and scarlet red—the sure signs of … Read more
Adriana Trigiani Interview ‘Big Stone Gap’
Adriana Trigiani, director and screenplay writer of the film, Big Stone Gap, was in Chicago to promote the film. I interviewed her by phone and found her to be passionate about her work and her … Read more
Che “Rhymefest” Smith Red Carpet Interview-‘In My Father’s House’ by Patty Babin
The Journey of Family, Truth and Forgiveness
Here’s a rap tribute is to a man who inspires with not only his film but also his grace, humanity, and dignity. Che “Rhymefest” Smith is a hip-hop … Read more
Shaun the Sheep (PG) ★★★½
The movie is fantastic! We’re talking no dialogue, creative script and two catchy songs! All ages will enjoy this creative romp in the city and on the farm.
Thomas Haden Church – Stars in “Max” Interview
Thomas Haden Church, as an actor, has a unique persona—ruggedly handsome, square-jawed—a mystique cowboy, and let’s not forget that undeniable Texas drawl. He’s exactly as I imagined him to be in person; let’s just say … Read more
Jurassic World (PG-13) ★★★ By Kathrine LeBlanc
“When something chases you RUN!.” A true blockbuster, Jurassic World takes the audience on a thrilling, visually captivating, and fun adventure. While at times Jurassic World is cheesy and predictable – take the main character, … Read more
Love and Mercy (PG-13) ★★★★
“Love and Mercy” is a compassionate, gripping and touching tale of the Beach Boys rise to fame and the man (Brian Wilson) behind their distinctive sound. The film’s a refreshingly unconventional biopic directed by Bill … Read more
Brian Wilson and John Cusack Interview
A California Girl Meets a Beach Boy
Finally, Brian Wilson’s own true story will be brought into the daylight via a new biopic film Love and Mercy. The Beach Boys were America’s band just … Read more
87th Academy Awards Telecast to Benefit Variety of Illinois Children’s Charity Celebrates 10 Years
The 10th Annual Variety of Illinois Oscar Charity Event orchestrated by Angelique Barthel, Executive Director of Variety of Illinois was a colossal success. The Red Carpet was rolled out February 22 for the live telecast … Read more
CIMMfest 2015: A Window to the World & A Love Letter to the 808
The 2015 edition of the Chicago International Movies & Music Festival (CIMMfest), which ran April 16 – 19, wrapped up this past Sunday and was an interesting mix of slick productions with sweeping shots and … Read more
CIMMfest 2015 Preview
In the spirit of an election year here in Chicago, it’s time to bring out your inner film critic and vote for your favorites at the 2015 Chicago International Movies & Music Festival (CIMMfest) running … Read more
Bikes vs Cars ★★★½ By Kathrine LeBlanc
Bikes vs. Cars: Breaking the Cycle of Traffic Jams, Pollution, and Corporate Interests
In the documentary film, Bikes vs. Cars (2015), director Fredrik Gertten takes a deep look at a problem all highly-populated cities … Read more
Fredrick Gertten Interview (SXSW) Film Festival 2015 ‘Bikes vs Cars’ By Kathrine LeBlanc
Bikes vs Cars is an impressive documentary from Swedish director, Fredrik Gertten. We caught up with him while he was in the US for the film’s North American debut at the SXSW Film Festival in … Read more