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
Reviews
★★★★ (4 Stars) is the Highest Rating
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 StudiosDisney 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 BelleDisney’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 FestivalThe 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
The Town (R) ★★★☆
Ben Affleck in The Town.
Action Thriller Solidifies Affleck’s Talent as a Director
If Gone Baby Gone (2007) made you sit up and take notice, then The Town just might inspire you to stand up … Read more
Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (PG-13) ★★★
You Won’t Sleep Through This One
Oliver Stone, director of Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps, is beginning to grow on me. Yes, I’m even a bit surprised myself by this turn of events. And − … Read more
Catfish (PG-13) ★★★☆
Nev talking with Megan
Online Friendship Becomes Personal on Many Levels
From the get-go, Catfish draws you in and doesn’t let you go until the credits are rolling. It’s human nature to be, somewhat, ‘nosey’ … Read more
Going the Distance (R) ★★★☆
Drew Barrymore as Erin Going the DistancePoster Charlie Day, Jason Sudeikis,Justin Long and Barrymore Click on images to view larger version.
Lots to Laugh About as Barrymore and Long are Hysterically Funny
Drew Barrymore otherwise … Read more
Mao's Last Dancer (PG) ★★★★
Mao’s Last Dancer Poster Li Cunxin Practicing in China Ballet Performance Click on images to view larger version.
An Inspiring, Uplifting Film Based on Courage
Filled with compassion, courage and heartfelt moments, Mao’s Last Dancer… Read more