2009 Top Movies
Avatar
The Proposal
Fantastic Mr. Fox
Crazy Heart
The Blind Side
The Hurt Locker
Up
Julie and Julia
Date Night
Star Trek
A Serious Man
Invictus
A Single Man
Inglorious Bastards
500… Read more about Top 10 Movies of 2009…
Sherlock Holmes – A New Superhero CSI Style
Non-stop action, lavish 1800’s London sets, Robert Downey Jr. as Holmes and Jude Law as Watson would appear to be a first rate combination for a winner… Read more about Sherlock Holmes (R) ★★★☆…
Jeff Bridges in His Finest Performance to DateThis 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 into nameless… Read more about Crazy Heart (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 about Invictus (PG-13) ★★★★…
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 about Fantastic Mr. Fox (PG) ★★★☆…
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 about Up In The Air (R) ★★★★…
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 about Avatar (PG-13) ★★★★…
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) ★★★☆…
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) ★★★★…
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) ★★★☆…
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) ★★★★…
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 about The Blind Side (PG-13) ★★★★…
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…
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) ★★★★…
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) ★★★☆…
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) ★★★★…
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) ★☆…
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) ★★★…
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…
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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) ★★★★…
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) ★★★★…