Once upon a time, it took a little while for Hollywood to take on modern stories. There was a sort of unofficial understood waiting period before a major, real life event could be turned into a film. These days, however, that period has evaporated, as evidenced by numerous recent examples like Patriots Day, Zero Dark Thirty, and Charlize Theron is set to play Megyn Kelly in a film about the Roger Ailes scandal. Basically, films about current events are coming out a lot closer to the actual events. That got me wondering about what current stories might make for good films.
Read More
The stars align here at the end of May. Ron Howard’s new film Solo: A Star Wars Storyhits the big screen featuring a backstory of the iconic character made famous by Harrison Ford. The happenstance of Ron Howard treading into Harrison Ford’s territory led us to an American classic that turns 45 years old this year. Hop in your car of choice, roll the windows down, turn your music up, and drive it slow as we talk American Graffiti.
Read More
In the third and final part of a busy May collaboration, Mike Crowley of "You'll Probably Agree" leads a full-bodied recap of what he and I covered from the prestigious and successful 6th Chicago Critics Film Festival. We rundown a collection of 10 reviews that included The Guilty, First Reformed, On Chesil Beach, Eighth Grade, Bodied, Support The Girls, Revenge, We The Animals, and Abducted in Plain Sight. Enjoy this uncut back-and-forth shared discussion!
Read More
There is a different and commendable bravery found in the young and old to carry on the community dream of hearth and home. For the “War to End All Wars” at the beginning of the 20th century, those civilians predominantly included women who were mothers, wives, fiances, and sisters. Xavier Beauvois’s often lovely foreign film The Guardians from Music Box Films follows the hardscrabble trials and tribulations of one French homestead of ladies during the lean years of World War I
Read More
Original On Chesil Beach writer Ian McEwan was able to write his own screenplay and select his own places to deviate and condense. The denouement in the film is shortened from the deeper explorations made by the novel. It’s a hell of a turn that hits like a ton of brick but feels very rushed. The additional heft and scope do elevate the film from the comedic beginning into something more poignant, albeit it is a mismatched and difficult experience to approach and accept, much like the maligned central couple.
Read More
With First Reformed from A24, veteran writer-director Paul Schrader has crafted another startling and fascinating cinematic gem on his favored topic of self-destruction. The escalating tension is phenomenal, guiding heavy lessons and postures, all led by quite possibly the best performance to date from Ethan Hawke. Discerning audiences will find much to dissect and discuss as they process First Reformed.
Read More
Paired up for the second of three segments, "You'll Probably Agree" YouTube video critic Mike Crowley invited me to his Star Wars lair to offer an advance review Solo after a recent press screening. Mike is a big fan and was very eager to hear the prequel lowdown. He lets me take the lead to frame, dispel, and clear up expectations, hype, and some pressing questions. This review and video is SPOILER-FREE!
Read More
YouTube video critic Mike Crowley invited me on his "You'll Probably Agree" channel to review Deadpool 2 after a recent press screening. We pile the humor on this R-rated blockbuster which is bigger, loud, and more of the same from Ryan Reynolds and company. Grace this video your thumbs up and feedback. While you're at it, do give Mike and his channel a subscribe and a follow on YouTube and Facebook.
Read More
On behalf of the Wilmette Theatre, I have to give a big thank you to the media coverage from Alexa Burnell of The Wilmette Beacon for giving some love to our "Kids Klassics" series. It was a pleasure to talk with her after our opening showing of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. I'll always be that small-town kid who always takes it as a big deal when you get your picture in the paper. Much appreciated!
Read More
In a special edition of my ongoing "Guest Critic" series, meet my own mother, Kathy Shanahan. She was my recent Mother's Day +1 to see an advanced screening of the new summer comedy Book Club. I had my take on the film and she, as a member of the target demographic, certainly had hers. Come hear about our Mother’s Day trip together and for a second take on Book Club.
Read More
Viewers of Book Club are coming for the assembled legendary talent and the chance to watch Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen, and Mary Steenburgen prance with punchlines. All that banter! All the innuendos! All the metaphors! All the “lethargic pussy” zingers! All of it is an easy treat of summer counter-programming and a little more.
Read More
Succeeding frequently with several exciting and well-conceived action sequences and a bevy of rich supporting characters to enjoy, Solo: A Star Wars Story still has an inescapable ceiling. Directed by a respected safe veteran in Ron Howard, rescuing this film from loudly reported production woes, this prequel seeks to chronicle a background of how our favorite smuggler, thief, and scoundrel came to be. On this writer’s ledger, the first two of those three traits register emphatically from the movie.
Read More