Crazy Heart (PG-13) ★★★★
Jeff Bridges in His Finest Performance to Date
This film is not a musical, but it is most definitely about the world of music where musicians can rise to stardom and then fade away … Read more
Author: Sarah Knight Adamson
Invictus (PG-13) ★★★★
Hollywood Presents an Important History Lesson
Invictus above all things is ‘inspirational.’ This movie provides us with the history of South Africa in the year 1990 when Nelson Mandela came into office during a time … Read more
Fantastic Mr. Fox (PG) ★★★☆
Mr. Fox on the Big Screen is Sure to Delight Roald Dahl Fan
A first look-see at Mr. Fox on the screen may result in unexpected gasps of wow! You’ll no doubt wonder what the … Read more
Up In The Air (R) ★★★★
George Clooney Soars to New Heights
“Up in the Air” is directed by Jason Reitman who also co-wrote the screenplay. He’s the Academy Award nominated director of the mega-hit “Juno” (2007). The story is based … Read more
Avatar (PG-13) ★★★★
He’s “King of the World” on Pandora!
James Cameron from “Titanic 1997” Academy Award winning fame (11 Oscars®) has given us undoubtedly another incredible film. “Avatar” written and directed by Cameron is a visual 3D … Read more
The Men Who Stare At Goats (R) ★★★☆
Off-beat Comedy Based on a True Story (Well Maybe…)
George Clooney is the main draw for this off-beat Cohen Bros-like film. Oh—and if you are longing for a reacquaintance with the ‘long-haired hippie guy’ Jeff … Read more
Pirate Radio (R) ★★★★
This Boat Will Rock Your World
“Pirate Radio” is a heartfelt trip down rock and roll memory lane, one that is totally delightful and musically entertaining. Rock and roll is the main feature here as … Read more
Disney's A Christmas Carol (PG) ★★★☆
Bah Humbug! This Scrooge REALLY Means It!
Academy Award winning director Robert Zemeckis brings us this classic tale in motion capture animation. To refresh your memory, Zemeckis is the director for all of the Back … Read more
Precious (R) ★★★★
Portrait of a Teen Stricken with Ghastly Parents
Precious is an emotionally-raw film that takes you inside the ghetto of Harlem in 1987 and doesn’t let you out until long after the credits are rolling. … Read more
The Blind Side (PG-13) ★★★★
An Incredible Story Based On Love
“The Blind Side,” boasts a strong script centering on the heartwarming inspirational true story of a homeless black teen (Michael Oher). He’s adopted by a wealthy white family who … Read more
Spike Jonze and Catherine Keener Interview
I interviewed Spike Jonze writer and director of “Where The Wild Things Are” in Chicago at the Trump Hotel. Catherine Keener who plays Max’s mom in the film was also present.
Backstage Notes:
Spike is … Read more
Michael Stuhlbarg Interview “The Serious Man” New Cohen Brothers Film
My interview with Michael Stuhlbarg was the first of the day and as luck may have it while waiting in the chic lobby of the Trump Tower Hotel in Chicago I spotted Michael out of … Read more
Paper Heart (PG-13) ★★★★
Paper Heart’s main theme is love or the notion of love. Charlyne Yi, (Knocked Up 2008) is a talented actress, writer, comedian and artist. At the beginning of this documentary, she proclaims that she doesn’t … Read more
Paranormal Activity (R) ★★★☆
Yes, This One Will Scare You!
“Paranormal Activity” is just the kind of scary film that I can sit through in a dark movie theater and appreciate. It’s not a slasher film nor one of … Read more
A Serious Man (R) ★★★★
The Coen Brothers Get Seriously Personal
Be prepared for a multi-layered film that reaches out and dares you to examine your own upbringing and core value beliefs. Also be prepared for a seriously funny film! … Read more
Astro Boy (PG) ★☆
Great Visuals, Storyline Too Depressing for Kids
The film is an animated science fiction story based on the Japanese comic book character ‘Astro Boy.’ The look is futuristic with elements of a ‘Jetsons World’— space … Read more
Zombieland (R) ★★★
Zombies Invade Chicago During a Red Carpet Event
I’m not a big fan of horror films so the fact that this film is basically a comedy loosely based on horror is ok with me. I … Read more
On The Red Carpet with Harold Ramis – “Year One” Premiere
Sarah’s Backstage Pass attended a Red Carpet event for the premiere of the film Year One and the honoring of Harold Ramis, the recipient of the Just For Laughs Lifetime Achievement Award. The award is … Read more
Rumer Willis Sorority Row Interview
The interview took place in an elaborate suite at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Chicago in September of 2009. Rumer was on a press junket for her film “Sorority Row.” She’s the daughter of Demi … Read more
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Julie & Julia (PG-13) ★★★★
Culinary Cinematic Delight
If this film doesn’t coerce you to drag out those old cookbooks and begin whipping up some savory dishes for you and your significant other, than I’m not sure what will! The … Read more
Ponyo (G) ★★★★
Magical Story that will Entertain and Teach Your Children
Parents and Grandparents of pre-schoolers and grade school kids, run–don’t walk to your local cinema as “Ponyo” is the film for you! Artistically and visually this … Read more
The September Issue (PG-13) ★★★
This film is a documentary directed by R.J. Cutler which conveys the painstaking process of how Vogue magazine compiles its ‘Fall fashion Bible,’ the September issue. In 2007, the September issue of Vogue weighed nearly … Read more
500 Days of Summer (PG) ★★★
Relationships Aren’t Always Easy
Summer (Zooey Deschanel) stars in this heart-wrenching story about what it feels like to be in love and how it essentially feels to be ‘dumped.’ The title, “500 days … Read more