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
Author: Sarah Knight Adamson
Charlyne Yi and Jake Johnson Interview
Sarah’s Backstage Pass was granted an interview with writer, actress and artist Charlyne Yi and actor Jake Johnson both starring in the film “Paper Heart.” We met at the James Hotel in Chicago in July … Read more
Yara Shahidi “Imagine That” Interview Hollywood Blvd. Woodridge, IL
The long line outside Hollywood Blvd. Theater in Woodridge, Illinois looked endless as I approached the entrance with staff writer Jessica Aymond. Mobs of little girls, boys, and parents were waiting eagerly and patiently to … Read more
Imagine That (PG) ★★★★
Quality Time With Dad
Hey, I’m with you if you’re questioning the thought of ‘Eddie Murphy’ in a family comedy film? Fortunately, I’m here to tell you that he’s tame in the film and he’s … Read more
The Proposal (PG-13) ★★★☆
Say I Do or Else!
If you’re looking for a near perfect romantic comedy then you won’t be disappointed with “The Proposal.” The film boasts big name stars: Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds, Betty White, Mary … Read more
Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (PG) ★★★★
Historical Personas Come Alive!
Night at the Museum: Battle of The Smithsonian is an example of an entertaining family film that all can enjoy. As a former teacher I say bravo to director Shawn Levy… Read more
Star Trek (PG-13) ★★★★
A New Generation of Trekkie Fans
“Star Trek” the film is an immensely enjoyable nostalgic space journey down celestial lane. The franchise celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2006 and by the looks of this film; … Read more
Up (PG) ★★★★
Brilliant Spectacle of a Film for All Ages
Walt Disney Pixar Animation Studios presents “Up” in 3D. This film is a brilliant tribute to the genre of animation. Not only is the story a wonderful … Read more
X Men Origins: Wolverine (PG-13) ★★★
I am The Wolverine!
Hugh Jackman as the comic book character Wolverine is hands down or shall I say blades down the best of the best in this category. He’s got it– don’t even try … Read more
Angels and Demons (PG-13) ★★★☆
Trouble in Vatican City
Angels and Demons is a brilliantly filmed mystery thrill ride of a puzzle with Ron Howard at the directing helm. The backdrop is the architectural, historical and spiritual city of Rome. … Read more
Fast & Furious (PG-13) ★★★
Off Road Racing Thrill Ride
Vin Diesel is back in the fourth installment of the series and this is by far the best of the lot. The muscle cars are way cool, the chicks are … Read more
Adventureland (R) ★★★☆
Ah…Yes, the 80’s
Adventureland is a romantic comedy with a summer setting of 1987 centering on a college grad’s experience working at a local amusement park named none other than: Adventureland. The story is written … Read more
I Love You, Man (R) ★★★
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‘Bromance’ in LA
“I Love You Man,” is a ‘laugh out loud’ comedy stars two of the funniest guys who are becoming the new ‘go to’ comedy actors in Hollywood. Paul Rudd and Jason … Read more
Coraline (PG) ★★☆
A Kid’s Worst Nightmare
The film is an animated fantasy story based on the children’s novel by Neil Gaiman and directed by Henry Selick (The Night Before Christmas) and (James and the Giant Peach). It’s … Read more
Confessions of a Shopaholic (PG) ★★★☆
Everything Designer Can Ruin Everything!
A thoroughly enjoyable, fun, uplifting, fashion show of a film with an adorable talented actress at the center–Isla Fisher. The film is based on the popular book of … Read more
Gran Torino (R) ★★★☆
Social Injustice Played Out Eastwood Style
Clint Eastwood’s latest film centers on a myriad of social issues and sends a message of conflict resolution as a means to an end. The film also shows us … Read more
Taken (PG-13) ★☆
This Film Should Be Rated R
Liam Neeson’s latest film is an extremely violent, implausible story that should not be seen by anyone under the age of 17. Parents beware as this movie portrays girls … Read more
The Wrestler (R) ★★★☆
The Real Mickey Rourke
Pro wrestler Randy “The Ram” Robinson (Mickey Rourke) was at the top of the heap 20 years earlier; a headliner, a show stopper, a money-maker in the ‘not so … Read more
John Hamburg Interview Writer and Director of “I Love You, Man”
It’s not surprising that John Hamburg is soon to become a name associated with the likes of Judd Apatow and Greg Mottola, both comedy writers that direct their own work (“Knock-Up,” “Adventureland”). Hamburg is the… Read more
Jane Lynch Interview
If you are a fan of the hysterical mockumentary Christopher Guest movies (Waiting for Guffman 1996, or Best in Show 2000) you’d recognize Jane Lynch immediately as she has worked in his last three films. … Read more
Madison Davenport Interview American Girl Doll Film
Sarah’s Backstage Pass caught up with the talented child star Madison Davenport as she was on a press junket promoting the film “Kitt Kittredge: An American Girl” in Woodridge at the Hollywood Blvd. Theater. Madison … Read more
Neil Burger Interview – Director of “The Lucky Ones” Sarah Works as Party Dancer on the Film
Sarah’s Backstage Pass interviewed director Neil Burger when he was here in Chicago promoting his new film “The Lucky Ones” (2008). A graduate of Yale University and director of the acclaimed movie “The Illusionist” (2006), … Read more
Marc Fienberg – Director & Writer of “Play the Game”
Marc Fienberg is a really cool guy to meet in person. He’s smart, witty and down to earth. During our interview in Chicago on Michigan Ave., police sirens kept blaring in the background. We both … Read more
Joan Cusack Interview
Roundtable Interview Ritz Carlton Hotel Chicago June 17, 2008
Joan was on a press junket for the movie Kit Kittredge: An American Girl movie. Joan portrays Miss Bond a nutty mobile librarian and a Kittredge … Read more