‘The Master,' ‘End of Watch' must sees, ‘Trouble with the Curve' misses: Zwecker
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By Bill Zwecker, FOX 32 News Entertainment Reporter - bio | email
CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -
It's a busy weekend at the box office -- plus Amy Adams has two new films opening Friday.
The first is "The Master" -- which is truly a masterpiece thanks to the Oscar-worthy performances of Philip Seymour Hoffman and especially Joaquin Phoenix.
Despite the denial by director Paul Thomas Anderson that "The Master" is about Scientology - it is clear there's a connection.
Hoffman plays a mysterious, Messiah-like leader and creator of "The Cause" - a cult that initially snares Phoenix, a truly lost, alcoholic ex-soldier who comes to realize Hoffman is an amazing con artist. Adams delivers a great performance as well -- playing Hoffman's chilly, ambitious wife.
This is a must-see.
Adams also stars in "Trouble With the Curve" - a pretty predicable sports dramedy with Clint Eastwood as the crotchity baseball scout at the end of his career who is losing his touch - and tries to re-connect with Adams, playing his long-ignored daughter.
Justin Timberlake is on hand as an ex-ballplayer and wannabe sports announcer who, of course, becomes a love interest for Adams.
While it's always fun to watch Eastwood playing a hard-to-love guy, "Trouble With the Curve" does not hit it out of the ball park. This is one you can wait to rent.
However, an excellent choice for this weekend is the absolutely terrific "End of Watch" - a gritty, often violent - but also very funny - buddy-cop film with Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Pena as partners on the beat in the toughest South Central Los Angeles neighborhood.
The action is great, the writing is realistic and on-target and it's quite the thriller - especially after Gyllenhaal and Pena's characters stumble on a secret that makes them a target of a Mexican drug cartel.
For this genre -- this is one of the year's best films released so far.
Four-time Emmy winner and star of Northlight Theatre's "Stella and Lou" Rhea Perlman joined Bill Zwecker to speak on the world premiere and teaming up with fellow "Cheers" alum Kirstie Alley again very soon!
Four-time Emmy winner and star of Northlight Theatre's "Stella and Lou" Rhea Perlman joined Bill Zwecker to speak on the world premiere and teaming up with fellow "Cheers" alum Kirstie Alley again very soon!
Leslie Zemeckis, wife of Oscar winning director Robert Zemeckis, has released her new book, "Behind the Burly Q: The History of American Burlesque." She explains where it all started - with a documentary.
Leslie Zemeckis, wife of Oscar winning director Robert Zemeckis, has released her new book, "Behind the Burly Q: The History of American Burlesque." She explains where it all started - with a documentary.
FOX's Bill Zwecker shares photos from "The Hangover Part III" premiere after party in Las Vegas, and sat down with stars Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis and Ed Helms to get their take on the film.
FOX's Bill Zwecker shares photos from "The Hangover Part III" premiere after party in Las Vegas, and sat down with stars Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis and Ed Helms to get their take on the film.
FOX entertainment guru Bill Zwecker reviewed "Star Trek: Into Darkness" and "The Ice Man" starring Michael Shannon in the Screening Room Friday. Both are must-see movies, and they open this weekend! Don't miss out!
FOX entertainment guru Bill Zwecker reviewed "Star Trek: Into Darkness" and "The Ice Man" starring Michael Shannon in the Screening Room Friday. Both are must-see movies, and they open this weekend! Don't miss out!
Candice Glover was named the nation's favorite singer on "American Idol" Thursday night, after singing with Aretha Franklin and Chicago native and "Idol" alum Jennifer Hudson. She never, ever gave up on her dream.
Candice Glover was named the nation's favorite singer on "American Idol" Thursday night, after singing with Aretha Franklin and Chicago native and "Idol" alum Jennifer Hudson. She never, ever gave up on her dream.
American Idol will soon name the nation's newest, favorite singer. The last two hopefuls gave their finale performances Wednesday night, and their fate depends on the vote. Bill Zwecker reports.
American Idol will soon name the nation's newest, favorite singer. The last two hopefuls gave their finale performances Wednesday night, and their fate depends on the vote. Bill Zwecker reports.
Golden Globe and Oscar nominee, musician and original Major Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan from "MASH," Sally Kellerman introduced her revealing tell-all autobiography "Read My Lips."
Golden Globe and Oscar nominee, musician and original Major Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan from "MASH," Sally Kellerman introduced her revealing tell-all autobiography "Read My Lips."
Bill Zwecker has the scoop on Miley Cyrus receiving nasty comments from fans of Selena Gomez and Taylor Swift, Barbara Walters' retirement, Beyonce baby rumors and new judges on"The X-Factor."
Bill Zwecker has the scoop on Miley Cyrus receiving nasty comments from fans of Selena Gomez and Taylor Swift, Barbara Walters' retirement, Beyonce baby rumors and new judges on"The X-Factor."
Bill Zwecker sat down with Chicago native and "The Office" favorite Craig Robinson, who leads in Tyler Perry's new film "Peeples" with Kerry Washington. Bill also says "The Great Gatsby" is a must-see!
Bill Zwecker sat down with Chicago native and "The Office" favorite Craig Robinson, who leads in Tyler Perry's new film "Peeples" with Kerry Washington. Bill also says "The Great Gatsby" is a must-see!
