movies
Review: ‘Dark Shadows’ favors visuals over story
★1/2 Tim Burton and Johnny Depp are snuggled warmly in their comfort zone in the chilly horror-comedy “Dark Shadows.” Their eighth collaboration as director and star, respectively, is their weakest by far. You don’t need to know a thing about the late-1960s “Dark Shadows” TV …
Early screenings for ‘Dark Shadows,’ more
People who like to see new movies first can take in 12:01 a.m. May 11 screenings of “Dark Shadows” or “Girl in Progress.”
Ultimate ‘Dark Shadows’ fan frets about upcoming movie
CARPENTERSVILLE — Tim Burton’s upcoming take on the 1960s TV supernatural soap opera “Dark Shadows” looks like another fish out of water comedy from the quirky director whose credits include “Edward Scissorhands,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” and “Alice in Wonderland.”
But a diehard “Dark Shadows” …
‘The Avengers’ hits big screen with a blast
★★★1/2
The hype has been building for years and it couldn’t possibly be more deafening at this point.
After a series of summer blockbusters that individually introduced Iron Man, the Incredible Hulk, Thor and Captain America, all these characters come together alongside several other friends …
Review: Cast makes ‘Think Like a Man’ appealing
★★1/2
What is a shameless and overlong infomercial for Steve Harvey’s dating advice book becomes tolerable and enjoyable with the help of an attractive, likable cast in “Think Like a Man.”
Harvey’s best seller “Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man” (Amistad) serves as …
A primer on Panem and ‘The Hunger Games’
What could arguably be the biggest movie of 2012 opens March 23.
“The Hunger Games” is Suzanne Collins’ view of a future dystopian America where children battle to the death for the entertainment of the country.
Not since the “Harry Potter” finale has a movie …
Action balances laughs in ‘The Pirates! Band of Misfits’
Aardman Animations’ distinctively charming brand of claymation returns to the big screen at last in “The Pirates! Band of Misfits.”
The delightful romp has varied pleasures that should please kids all along the age spectrum.
An easy sell at the box office, “The Pirates!” is …
Efron all grown up in ‘The Lucky One’
★★1/2
“The Lucky One” is yet another adaptation of a Nicholas Sparks novel, so you know exactly what you’re getting walking into this thing.
It’s predictable and schmaltzy and sappy and smothered with voice-over that explains the film’s already none-too-subtle themes of destiny and fate …
Review: ‘Five-Year Engagement’ feels about as long
★★
The problem that plagues so many Judd Apatow productions — the one that keeps good comedies from being great ones — unfortunately exists in “The Five-Year Engagement,” too.
It’s a matter of knowing when to say when, of knowing which bits should be trimmed …
Review: Statham plays ‘Safe’ with savage excess
★1/2
“Safe” is the worst Jason Statham movie since the last Jason Statham movie, carrying on the bargain-budget action star’s tradition of building work out of, well, dead bodies.
Writer-director Boaz Yakin (who directed the gentle football drama “Remember the Titans” but now is back …
Review: Quoth ‘The Raven,’ what a bore
★1/2
What would Edgar Allan Poe be doing if he were alive today?
Clawing at the inside of his coffin, desperate to get at the people who used and abused his ingenious, diabolical tales as the basis for the pile of cinematic bird poo that …
Tinley Park-born producer continues success with ‘Chimpanzee’
★★★★
An Oscar for Oscar? A lot of moviegoers thought Uggie, the dog in 2012’s Academy Award-winning film “The Artist,” perhaps should have won a statue for his role.
Well, Oscar, the star in the Disneynature film “Chimpanzee” should captivate audiences just as much. Only …
Review: ‘Three Stooges’ one long poke in the eye
★★
A little nyuk-nyuk-nyuk goes a long way in “The Three Stooges,” Peter and Bobby Farrelly’s feature-length homage to the classic slapstick comedy trio.
The Farrelly brothers said they wanted to make this movie for years, and for the most part they didn’t try to …
Summer movie preview
This summer offers the usual buffet of big, dumb fun to sample. Still, there are some curiosities among the usual fare — and no, I am not talking about “G.I. Joe: Retaliation.” Here are 10 films that might provide a worthwhile break from outdoor sun …
Summer movie schedule set in New Lenox
NEW LENOX — Gone are the days of drive-in movies, but New Lenox has the next best thing: an outdoor theater. All summer long, the village will feature movie nights Wednesdays in the commons. About 8 or 8:30 p.m., a big screen will drop down …
