Black Swan (R) ★★★★

Natalie Portman in “Black Swan”

Perfectionism − Should be Considered a Character Flaw

“Black Swan” stars Natalie Portman in her most riveting role to date. She carries the film to great lengths and in most … Read more

Ralf Schmerberg Director “Problema” Interview

Sarah Adamson Interviews Filmmaker Ralf Schmerberg of the movie “Problema.”

If you happened to attend The Chicago Film Festival this past October you may have heard the buzz surrounding this extraordinary one-of-a-kind film. “Problema” posed … Read more

Danny Boyle Academy Award Winner Best Director Interview

Danny Boyle Interview with Sarah Adamson in Chicago

“127 Hours” Round Table Interview October 14, 2010 Elysian Hotel Backstage Notes: Danny Boyle was really cool to meet in person as he’s a people person who … Read more

Beauty and the Beast on BluRay/DVD ★★★★

Robby Benson voices the Beast and Paige O’Hara voices Belle

Disney’s Diamond Edition of “Beauty and the Beast” Is a Gem

It is hard to believe that it has been 19 years since Disney’s “Beauty … Read more

IMAX Opening in Naperville ShowPlace 16 – Sign up to get FREE tickets to “Megamind”

Megamind Poster

In honor of the new IMAX opening an official “blue” ribbon cutting ceremony (by Mayor George Pradel) and the proclamation of ‘Blue Day’ will take place prior to a free private screening of … Read more

Cécile De France Interview “Hereafter”

Star of “Hereafter” Cecile De France Interview with Sarah Knight Adamson

I interviewed Cecile De France at the Elysian Hotel in Chicago on October 14, 2010. She’s a Belgium actress who most of us haven’t … Read more

127 Hours (R) ★★★★

James Franco stars in ‘127 Hours’

Okay Kids−Always Tell Your Mother Where You Are Going!

Here’s an example of what happens when a seasoned director; Academy Award winner Danny Boyle (“Slumdog Millionaire” 2008) meets up … Read more

Chicago International Film Festival 46th Boasts Big Talent

46th Chicago International Film Festival

The staff of Sarah’s Backstage Pass used the old adage, ‘divide and conquer’ in approaching coverage of the 46th annual Chicago International Film Festival Oct. 7th through October 21, 2010. … Read more

Hereafter (PG-13) ★★★☆

Cecile De France and Matt Damon in “Hereafter”

He Sees Dead People When He Grips Your Hand

Clint Eastwood directs a very different type of film, that some will probably not like due to the … Read more

Edward Norton and John Curran Director of “Stone” Interview

Sarah’s Backstage Pass was invited to interview Edward Norton and director John Curran at the Trump Tower Hotel in Chicago. Ed is starring in the dramatic film “Stone” he plays a prison inmate and John… Read more

Stone (R) ★★★

Robert De Niro as Jack and Edward Norton as Stone.

Edward Norton as Stone Gives a Haunting Performance

John Curran (“The Painted Veil” 2006) directs a layered, compelling film centering on four main characters’ secrets, … Read more

Secretariat (PG) ★★★☆

(L-R) Diane Lane, Nelsan Ellis, Otto Thorwarth and John Malkovich in “Secretariat”.

The Perfect Family Film − Crossing All Generations

Disney’s “Secretariat” is a heartwarming story about an amazing race horse and its owner, Penny … Read more

The Social Network (PG-13) ★★★★

Justin Timberlake as Sean Parker and Jesse Eisenberg as Mark Zuckerberg in The Social Network.

Friend Me, Tag Me in a Photo, Post on My Wall − Facebook Fans Rejoice as this Critic Clicks: Read more

Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (PG-13) ★★★

You Won’t Sleep Through This One

Oliver Stone, director of Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps, is beginning to grow on me. Yes, I’m even a bit surprised myself by this turn of events. And − … Read more

Catfish (PG-13) ★★★☆

Nev talking with Megan

Online Friendship Becomes Personal on Many Levels

From the get-go, Catfish draws you in and doesn’t let you go until the credits are rolling. It’s human nature to be, somewhat, ‘nosey’ … Read more

Celebrity Photos & Events

[nggallery id=4]… Read more

Interview with Nanette Burstein director of ‘Going the Distance’

Nanette Burstein director of Going the Distance starring Drew Barrymore and Justin Long Chats with WIND am 560’s film critic Sarah Adamson

Backstage Notes: August 11, 2010 – The interview was in a beautiful suite … Read more

Going the Distance (R) ★★★☆

Drew Barrymore as Erin  Going the DistancePoster Charlie Day, Jason Sudeikis,Justin Long and Barrymore Click on images to view larger version.

Lots to Laugh About as Barrymore and Long are Hysterically Funny

Drew Barrymore otherwise … Read more

Mao's Last Dancer (PG) ★★★★

Mao’s Last Dancer Poster Li Cunxin Practicing in China Ballet Performance Click on images to view larger version.

An Inspiring, Uplifting Film Based on Courage

Filled with compassion, courage and heartfelt moments, Mao’s Last DancerRead more

Interview Nastia Liukin – Olympic Gold Medalist Gymnast

Backstage Notes: Nastia was in Chicago promoting her new SuperGirl line of clothing; a pairing of Warner Bros. and JC Penny’s. We met in the chic Elysian Hotel in Chicago on August 6, 2010. In Read more

Inception (PG-13) ★★★★

Sweet Dreams Equals Sweet Hollywood Script!

By far, Christopher Nolan’s Inception has been the most highly anticipated film of the summer by both critics and fans. The film challenges your mind and thought processes; you Read more

Despicable Me (G) ★★★☆

Gru and his minions Despicable Me Poster Gru with the children Click on images to view larger version.

That Villain is Really Very Funny!

Parents and kids will enjoy sitting through Despicable Me as the … Read more

Winter’s Bone (R) ★★★★

Jennifer Lawrence as Ree Dolly Winter’s Bone Poster John Hawkes as Uncle Teardrop Click on images to view larger version.

A Determined Teen Struggles for Survival

If you have ever wondered how life has changed … Read more

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (PG-13) ★★★

Edward & Bella Eclipse Poster Jacob & Bella Click on images to view larger version.

Total Eclipse of the Heart for Bella

Being of the mind set to ‘live in the moment’ and not look … Read more