A Better Life (PG-13) ★★★★

(L to R) JOSÉ JULIÁN and DEMIÁN BICHIR star in A BETTER LIFE.

 Photo: Merrick Morton

© 2011 Summit Entertainment, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Deeply Moving, “A Better Life” is Spellbinding

Every now and then … Read more

Winnie the Pooh (G) ★★★☆

“Winnie the Pooh” is now in theaters.

The Lovable Bear is Back on the Big Screen

The enduring “Winnie the Pooh” is a timeless, sweet and innocent children’s movie for the younger set that’s based … Read more

Horrible Bosses (R) ★★★☆

Jason Sedeikis, Jason Bateman and Charlie Day in “Horrible Bosses”

America’s Sweetheart Shows Us Her Dark Side

When quitting your job is not an option, something’s got to give. For Nick (Jason Bateman, “The Switch” … Read more

Midnight in Paris (PG-13) ★★★★

Owen Wilson stars in Woody Allen’s “Midnight in Paris”

Listen to the review on Hollywood 360!

Woody Allen’s Paris Film Offers a Nostalgic and Romantic Look at the Past

Ah…Paris, the city of love, and … Read more

Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer (PG) ★★★

Jordana Beatty is “Judy Moody”

Listen to the review on Hollywood 360!

Judy Moody Transitions Into a ‘NOT Bummer’ Summer Movie

“Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer” is a movie filled with fun adventure … Read more

Kung Fu Panda 2 (PG) ★★★★

Jack Black returns to voice Po.

That lovable panda is back and in a big way! The first film, “Kung Fu Panda” was nominated for Best Animated Motion Picture during the 2009 Academy Award® season … Read more

Bridesmaids (R) ★★★★

The Cast of “Bridesmaids,” Melissa McCarthy, Ellie Kemper, Rose Byrne, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Maya Rudolph & Kristen Wiig Photo Courtesy of Universal Studios

Bring Your Tissues…For Tears of Laughter

I must admit this review is difficult … Read more

Something Borrowed (PG-13) ★★★

John Krasinski, Ginnifer Goodwin, Kate Hudson and Colin Egglesfield in “Something Borrowed”

Something Worth Seeing

Based on Emily Giffin’s book by the same name, “Something Borrowed” was co-produced by Hilary Swank. This incredibly popular novel … Read more

The Incredibles on Blu-ray™/DVD (PG) ★★★★

“The Incredibles” Photo Credit: Disney Studios

Disney Pixar’s “The Incredibles” now on Blu-ray™ and DVD

“The Incredibles” is an animated Disney Pixar film that has just been released on DVD and Blu-ray. It’s quality family … Read more

The Lincoln Lawyer (R) ★★★

Mick Haller (Matthew McConaughey, left) and Louis Roulet (Ryan Phillippe, right) in THE LINCOLN LAWYER. Photo credit: Saeed Adyani

Backstage Film Reviews- Radio Broadcasts

Just the Facts!

Mystery, Dramatic Thriller − Lionsgate Studios. The film … Read more

The Adjustment Bureau (PG-13) ★★★★

Matt Damon and Emily Blunt in “The Adjustment Bureau”

No Adjustments Needed

What would you do if you knew your future was already determined? Your destiny is run by a mysterious group of irrefutably powerful … Read more

The Illusionist (PG) ★★★★

From French director Sylvain Chomet “The Illusionist” Photo credit: Sony Pictures

Proof That 2D Animation Is Still Viable

At the risk of dating myself, being a fan of the late, comic genius Red Skelton, I … Read more

Top Ten Movies of 2010

The Fighter 127 Hours The Social Network The Black Swan Inception The Town Despicable Me Iron Man 2 Date Night Winter’s Bone Shutter Island… Read more

It's Kind of A Funny Story (PG-13) ★★★

Keir Gilchrist and Zack Galifianakis in “It’s Kind of a Funny Story”

Not Really a Funny Story…But a Good Message

Sixteen-year old Craig (played by Keir Gilchrist “Hungry Hills” 2009) feels like his world is … Read more

The Fighter (R) ★★★☆

Left to right: Mark Wahlberg plays “Irish” Micky Ward, Jack McGee plays George Ward, Melissa Leo plays Alice Ward, Christian Bale plays Dicky Eklund and Jackson Nicoll plays Little Dicky in THE FIGHTER.© 2010 Fighter,… Read more

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

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 ★★★☆

Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, and Daniel Radcliffe

An Ominous Beginning to the Bitter End

“These are dark times, there’s no denying,” declares the Minister of Magic, portrayed by Bill Nighy. Truer words were never spoken. … 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

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

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