Mary Houlihan
Mary Houlihan's reviews only count toward the Tomatometer® when published at the following Tomatometer-approved publication(s):
Chicago Sun-Times
Chicago Sun-Times film critic.
Movies reviews only
| Rating | T-Meter | Title | Year | Review |
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Desert Dancer (2015) |
In his feature film debut, director Richard Raymond keeps the story moving despite some dramatic cliches. - Chicago Sun-Times
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| Posted Apr 10, 2015
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Song of the Sea (2014) |
Moore manages this life-affirming touch without being preachy and by simply melding unusual old folktales into a new story filled with visually stunning images sure to captivate children of all ages. - Chicago Sun-Times
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| Posted Feb 20, 2015
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Song One (2014) |
There are no real surprises here, just lives played out quietly and succinctly under the seductive spell of music. - Chicago Sun-Times
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| Posted Jan 23, 2015
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Paddington (2014) |
This is a charming film whose underlying message of tolerance and acceptance strikes a palpable chord in today's world -- both for children and adults. - Chicago Sun-Times
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| Posted Jan 15, 2015
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Annie (2014) |
Even Sandy the dog looks like he's had enough. - Chicago Sun-Times
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| Posted Dec 29, 2014
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The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2013) |
It's the beautiful and breathtaking animation that gives The Tale of the Princess Kaguya a luster that is both simple and sophisticated. - Chicago Sun-Times
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| Posted Dec 04, 2014
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Rosewater (2014) |
With Rosewater, Stewart proves he can pull back from the satirical comedy and become a thoughtful, incisive and questioning filmmaker. - Chicago Sun-Times
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| Posted Nov 13, 2014
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Hellaware (2013) |
Bilandic does perfectly capture the laid-back style of the twentysomethings (the lead actors all do fine work) and manages to present a fresh story of callow youth caught up in their own American odyssey. - Chicago Sun-Times
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| Posted Oct 30, 2014
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The Boxtrolls (2014) |
It's a world that runs in a parallel universe akin to that of Charles Dickens, with creatively named characters involved in seemingly outlandish adventures in a Victorian-era city where a moral or two plays out in the end. - Chicago Sun-Times
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| Posted Sep 26, 2014
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Yves Saint Laurent (2014) |
The film takes on a dour note as way too much time is spent on Saint Laurent's drunken antics. He comes across as sullen and not very likable. This may be true to the man, but what of his other side? - Chicago Sun-Times
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| Posted Aug 28, 2014
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Sex Tape (2014) |
An uneasy comedy that is not without its laugh-out-loud moments. - Chicago Sun-Times
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| Posted Jul 17, 2014
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The Perfect Wave (2014) |
Unfortunately, it's not enough to resurrect this film that boasts lots of message but very little plot and character development. - Chicago Sun-Times
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| Posted Jul 10, 2014
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Half of a Yellow Sun (2013) |
The result is that melodramatic soap opera elements win out over Bandele's attempts at stirring historical drama. That said, it's still a story worth telling. - Chicago Sun-Times
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| Posted Jun 19, 2014
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The Rover (2014) |
The Rover does have a central nervous system that crackles and pops with suspense, but in the end it's not enough to jump-start the lack of narrative. - Chicago Sun-Times
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| Posted Jun 19, 2014
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Chinese Puzzle (2013) |
Once the story picks up, it's easy, breezy and enjoyable. It seduces you into thinking: Wouldn't it be fun to reconnect with Xavier in another five years or so? - Chicago Sun-Times
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| Posted Jun 05, 2014
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NOW: In the Wings on a World Stage (2014) |
Spacey serves as an engaging, amiable host but also offers spot-on observations about the demanding role. - Chicago Sun-Times
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| Posted May 02, 2014
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From the Rough (2013) |
Henson nicely captures Starks' determination but also her doubts and personal demons. - Chicago Sun-Times
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| Posted Apr 24, 2014
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No God, No Master (2012) |
No God, No Master has an authentic period feel. But Green is focused on so many historical figures and potential storylines that the film feels rushed and, at times, confusing. - Chicago Sun-Times
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| Posted Apr 24, 2014
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Shirin in Love (2014) |
There's a glint of a clever idea here, but writer-director Ramin Niami's reliance on tired rom-com tropes only serve to drag down the film, which plays out like a Harlequin romance. - Chicago Sun-Times
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| Posted Mar 27, 2014
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A Birder's Guide to Everything (2013) |
The trek through the serene, beautiful woods highlights the banter between the quartet as truths are unveiled and friendships strengthened. The young actors shine revealing lights on their characters. - Chicago Sun-Times
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| Posted Mar 24, 2014
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The Lunchbox (2013) |
Atouching and credible story that easily draws the viewer into the lives of its characters. - Chicago Sun-Times
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| Posted Mar 07, 2014
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Omar (2013) |
Abu-Assad offers no solutions here. Instead he paints a portrait of the daily rhythms of the occupation, an endless conflict that has seeped into every aspect of life in the West Bank. - Chicago Sun-Times
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| Posted Feb 28, 2014
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Gloria (2013) |
The film belongs to Garcia, who is in literally every shot. Wafting over Garcia's face at different moments are contentment, frustration, loneliness, disappointment, happiness. - Chicago Sun-Times
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| Posted Feb 07, 2014
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At Middleton (2013) |
Some truths about George and Edith's underlying emotional state come out in an unconventional and interesting way, but it's not enough to make us care about the attraction that is drawing them closer. - Chicago Sun-Times
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| Posted Jan 31, 2014
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Black Coffee (2014) |
In the end, there's nothing wrong with an overly positive outlook on relationships, and Harris has a nice hand with bits of dialogue that do ring true. - Chicago Sun-Times
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| Posted Jan 17, 2014
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Some Velvet Morning (2013) |
With Some Velvet Morning, LaBute returns to the provocative style that made his name. - Chicago Sun-Times
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| Posted Dec 20, 2013
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Frances Ha (2012) |
As Frances literally dances her way through the streets of New York, you can't help smiling and knowing she will be OK. She will figure out how to be the adult she was meant to be. - Chicago Sun-Times
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| Posted Dec 11, 2013
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Black Nativity (2013) |
Kasi Lemmons' contemporary adaptation is an uplifting holiday extravaganza with a musical score filled with familiar spiritual standards plus some new songs by Raphael Saadiq and Laura Karpman that underscore themes of faith, healing and family. - Chicago Sun-Times
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| Posted Nov 27, 2013
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Great Expectations (2012) |
This Great Expectations is an absorbing addition to the roster of Dickens films that continues our 21st-century fascination with the worlds created by a 19th-century storyteller. - Chicago Sun-Times
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| Posted Nov 08, 2013
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Getaway (2013) |
After a while it all becomes mind-numbing. How many chase scenes and car crashes (they do all start to look alike) can one person take? - Chicago Sun-Times
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| Posted Aug 29, 2013
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Violet & Daisy (2011) |
Of course, the violence is cringe-worthy and, at times, over the top. But view this as a modern comic book/fairy tale, and it's easier to accept this saga of girls with guns and the life lessons they eventually confront. - Chicago Sun-Times
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| Posted Jun 07, 2013
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Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel (2011) |
A highly entertaining and colorful portrait of a unique woman. - Chicago Sun-Times
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| Posted Oct 05, 2012
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Flawless (2007) |
Flawless, directed with a fine eye by Michael Radford, is a diamond-heist thriller that will make you nostalgic for the smart, classy caper films of a certain era. - Chicago Sun-Times
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| Posted Mar 28, 2008
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The Ten Commandments (2007) |
While the story is solid, the computer-generated animation, which lacks any flow and grace, is another matter. Actually, it's kind of creepy - Chicago Sun-Times
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| Posted Oct 19, 2007
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Hollywood Dreams (2006) |
It's the Hollywood dream factory as seen through [director] Jaglom's lens, and it's often out of focus. - Chicago Sun-Times
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| Posted Jun 08, 2007
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Once (2006) |
[A] wonderful film that is one of the year's best. - Chicago Sun-Times
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| Posted May 25, 2007
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Hot Fuzz (2007) |
The straight-faced spoof is really quite funny, if you can get beyond the graphic gore and mind-numbing final 30 minutes. - Chicago Sun-Times
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| Posted Apr 20, 2007
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Because I Said So (2007) |
Keaton is almost unwatchable in embarrassing scenes that involve an over-the-top car chase and a computer with a mind of its own. - Chicago Sun-Times
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| Posted Feb 02, 2007
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Stomp the Yard (2007) |
A nod must be given to choreographer Dave Scott, who skillfully blends the dance styles into an explosive whole. Seeing Stomp the Yard for these bits alone is well worth it. - Chicago Sun-Times
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| Posted Jan 12, 2007
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Shut Up and Sing (2006) |
What emerges is an intimate and fascinating portrait of the three women who, instead of being 'divided and conquered,' stick together and build something new. - Chicago Sun-Times
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| Posted Nov 17, 2006
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