★★★★ (4 Stars) is the Highest Rating
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
(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
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
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
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
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
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 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
Sweet Dreams Equals Sweet Hollywood Script!
By far, Christopher Nolan’s Inception has been the most highly anticipated film of the summer by both critics and fans. The film challenges your mind and thought processes; you … Read more
Gru and his minions Despicable Me Poster Gru with the children Click on images to view larger version.
That Villain is Really Very Funny!
Parents and kids will enjoy sitting through Despicable Me as the … Read more
Jennifer Lawrence as Ree Dolly Winter’s Bone Poster John Hawkes as Uncle Teardrop Click on images to view larger version.
A Determined Teen Struggles for Survival
If you have ever wondered how life has changed … Read more
Edward & Bella Eclipse Poster Jacob & Bella Click on images to view larger version.
Total Eclipse of the Heart for Bella
Being of the mind set to ‘live in the moment’ and not look … Read more
