Archive for January 2014

12 More Recent Movies You Probably Haven't Seen But Should

12 More Recent Movies You Probably Haven't Seen But Should
It was around this time last year that I wrote my first post about “recent movies you probably haven’t seen but should.”  You can read it here.  Great!  Now that you’ve seen all those movies, you may find yourself in a similar, if not worse, position: suffering through Polar Vortexes, exhausted from all the end-of-the-year... Read more »
By John Hammerle,
January 29, 2014 at 11:00 pm • 

The Greatest Movie Scene of All Time

Every month, we ChicagoNow bloggers are asked to complete a time trial wherein we are given a topic and asked to write a post in less than an hour. This month’s topic was to write about a movie scene that has affected us in some way. If you know me, you probably know my favorite... Read more »
By Julie - Hammervision,
January 29, 2014 at 9:59 pm • 

My Writing Process

I’ve been reading a book called Forest for the Trees, and one chapter highlights famous authors and their writing processes. Yesterday, while both kids were home and stuck inside because of the cold, I took a look at mine. 5:30: Wake up and check the internet. Have coffee. Do not skip this step. At least... Read more »
By Julie - Hammervision,
January 28, 2014 at 6:48 am • 
Advertisement:

Disney on Ice review: Disney just doesn't get it, do they?

Disney on Ice review: Disney just doesn't get it, do they?
We had nothing going on this weekend, so we decided to buy tickets to Disney on Ice. Our kids will never be at a more Disney on Ice age than they are right now; plus it has been so warm and balmy out this winter, we figured it would be nice to feel a chill... Read more »
By Julie - Hammervision,
January 27, 2014 at 7:14 am • 

Movie Review: Ride Along

Movie Review: Ride Along
RIDE ALONG Genre: Action Comedy Rating: PG-13 Running Time: 99 mins. Premise: In an effort to win the approval of his future brother-in-law, glowering cop James (Ice Cube), security guard Ben (Kevin Hart) agrees to accompany James on a 24-hour patrol of Atlanta. Behind-the-Scenes: Tim Story (Barbershop, Taxi, Fantastic Four) directs.  Fans of FX’s The League... Read more »
By John Hammerle,
January 26, 2014 at 9:23 am • 

4 things to get excited about that aren't Justin Bieber's mugshot

I don’t know about you, maybe it’s the weather, but I’m having a hard time getting it up (blogging-wise) for all the nonsense happening over the past few days. I don’t care about the Super Bowl. I’m not interested in any movie scripts Quentin Tarantino will not be filming. I’m not outraged about anything Cubs-related.... Read more »
By Julie - Hammervision,
January 23, 2014 at 12:56 pm • 
Advertisement:

Hammering Out... August: Osage County

Hammering Out... August: Osage County
Hammering Out… is a series of movie reviews featuring a lively he said/she said discussion between John and Julie.  This week: AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY. JOHN: Although August: Osage County (I’m calling it AOC here on out) picked up two acting nominations for Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts last week, I’m pretty sure Harvey Weinstein had... Read more »
By John Hammerle,
January 21, 2014 at 9:35 pm • 

Not every restaurant is Alinea

Dear Citizens, Yes, we now live in a world where it has been decided, by a bunch of people on the internet, that babies are not welcome at Alinea, the pinnacle of fine dining in Chicago and the rest of the universe. Score one for people who want to eat their $500+ meals in peace!... Read more »
By Julie - Hammervision,
January 21, 2014 at 12:18 pm • 

Movie Review - Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit

Movie Review - Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit
JACK RYAN: SHADOW RECRUIT Genre: Action Rating: PG-13 Running Time: 105 mins. Premise: CIA analyst, Jack Ryan (Chris Pine), is sent to Russia to thwart an evil plot by Viktor Chereven (Kenneth Branagh) to crash the U.S. economy with a terrorist attack.  But, when Chereven kidnaps Jack’s girlfriend, Cathy (Keira Knightley), the mission gets personal.... Read more »
By John Hammerle,
January 19, 2014 at 1:51 pm • 
Advertisement:

Thoughts on This Morning's Oscar Nominations

Thoughts on This Morning's Oscar Nominations
The Oscar ceremony isn’t until March 2, but all the nominations were announced this morning so that gives us all plenty of time to speculate, bitch and moan in the interim.  Thor (Chris Hemsworth) helped announce the nominees, and, per usual, there were some snubs, surprises, and typical Academy bullshit.  Here’s the rundown: Best Picture... Read more »
By John Hammerle,
January 16, 2014 at 8:19 am •