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 about Precious (R) ★★★★…
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 to… Read more about Disney's A Christmas Carol (PG) ★★★☆…
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 about Pirate Radio (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 about The Men Who Stare At Goats (R) ★★★☆…
Actress Teri Garr from the film “Young Frankenstein” (more…)
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 about Spike Jonze and Catherine Keener Interview…
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 about Michael Stuhlbarg Interview “The Serious Man” New Cohen Brothers Film…
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 about Zombieland (R) ★★★…
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 about Astro Boy (PG) ★☆…
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 about A Serious Man (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 about Paranormal Activity (R) ★★★☆…
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 believe… Read more about Paper Heart (PG-13) ★★★★…
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 about On The Red Carpet with Harold Ramis – “Year One” Premiere…
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 about Rumer Willis Sorority Row Interview…
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 of Summer”… Read more about 500 Days of Summer (PG) ★★★…
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 about The September Issue (PG-13) ★★★…
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 about Ponyo (G) ★★★★…
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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 about Julie & Julia (PG-13) ★★★★…
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 about Charlyne Yi and Jake Johnson Interview…
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 about Yara Shahidi “Imagine That” Interview Hollywood Blvd. Woodridge, IL…
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 about The Proposal (PG-13) ★★★☆…
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 hilarious and… Read more about Imagine That (PG) ★★★★…
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. Tom Hanksrecreates… Read more about Angels and Demons (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 about X Men Origins: Wolverine (PG-13) ★★★…