Laid-back Woody Harrelson takes on ‘heavy’ role in ‘Rampart’

At 50, Woody Harrelson is struggling with the numbers game. “When I was younger, I felt like someone pushing the big rock up a hill,” one of the most laid-back guys in Hollywood says of the milestone he hit last summer. “Now, I’m just trying …

‘Buzzkill’ a film fit for the Second City label

Considering the A-list talent it has nurtured, Second City must have had any number of opportunities over the years to sell out. But unlike, say, the National Lampoon, whose once iconic brand is now slapped on raunchy direct-to-video frat-boy fare (the latest: “The Legend of …

Michael Caine’s ‘Journey’ one for the grandchildren

Michael Caine appreciates the journey. “I’m lucky that I started out as an amateur actor. Amateur means you do something because you love it. I’ve been doing something and getting well paid for it for decades, and it’s something I used to do for pleasure. …

Denzel props up formulaic thriller ‘Safe House’

All the best villains have memorable names, from Hannibal Lecter to Hans Gruber to Norman Bates to, well, Darth Vader. That name usually gets bandied about quite a bit by the good guys, who utter it with fear and respect so we know we’re dealing …

Family fare: Movie reviews for parents

Assessments from a parent’s perspective of new and recently released movies: ‘Journey 2: The Mysterious Island’’ Rated PG for some mild adventure action and brief mild language. Translation: Characters in peril; minor injuries. Icky and scary-looking animals. Some jump-out-at-you surprises. Some potty humor, brief schoolyard …

New on DVD: In stores next week

‘The Rum Diary’ ★★½

(2011, Sony; R, 119 min.) Inspired by a little-known early novel by Hunter S. Thompson, the film’s hero (Johnny Depp) is young, alcoholic, and working as a newspaper reporter in San Juan, Puerto Rico. A rich cast of supporting characters includes …

‘Journey’ comes full circle for Dwayne Johnson

HONOLULU — In his early days, it was the local cops who wanted a piece of the Rock. At age 13, he was a total screwup. “I got myself arrested. A lot,” says Dwayne Johnson. “I was really fortunate that I had great parents who …

‘Chronicle’ the No. 1 movie after a big viral push

Hyped online, the hit movie’s full of special effects and “found footage,” but director says it’s about teen behavior that could happen in any era.

Ralph Fiennes just fine with ‘Coriolanus’

Ralph Fiennes is well rid of Lord Voldemort, the embodiment of evil who was Harry Potter’s archnemesis.

He’s not haunted at all by the nose-challenged troublemaker now that the boy wizard’s film franchise has come to an end.

“I think he’s been put to sleep,” …

Channing Tatum, Rachel McAdams wow in ‘The Vow’

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — Channing Tatum stands over six feet, which he insists was no match for Mother Nature roaring through the Windy City. “I’ll never forget the day on the set that we had this crazy windstorm,” says Tatum, whose new romantic dramedy “The …

Uplifting ‘Big Miracle’ tells a true-life whale tale

‘You’re not as easy to hate as I thought,” an oil man tells an environmental activist in “Big Miracle,” the heartwarming true story of a 1988 effort to rescue three Alaskan whales. It could just as well have been said by any of the more …

New on DVD: In stores next week

‘Anonymous’ ★★★½ (2011, Fox; PG-13, 130 min.) A richly detailed historical film that argues Shakespeare was not the author of his own plays. The candidate here is Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford (Rhys Ifans), who is seen deeply involved in the intrigues …

Complete list of winners at 18th annual SAG Awards

A complete list of winners at Sunday’s 18th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards: MOVIES: Actor: Jean Dujardin, “The Artist” Actress: Viola Davis, “The Help” Supporting actor: Christopher Plummer, “Beginners.” Supporting actress: Octavia Spencer, “The Help.” Cast: “The Help” Stunt ensemble: “Harry Potter and the Deathly …

Directors Guild singles out maker of ‘The Artist’

The Directors Guild of America Awards were the latest Hollywood film honors to go silent. Hollywood’s top filmmakers group presented its feature-film honor Saturday to Michel Hazanavicius for his silent film “The Artist,” giving him the inside track for the best-director prize at the Academy …

Icy roles packed with thrills, chills

LOS ANGELES — Forget about lions, tigers and bears. Northwestern grad Dermot Mulroney’s life lately has been a case of wolves, whales and other creatures of the wild. He stars opposite Liam Neeson in “The Grey,” the weekend’s No. 1 movie, and this Friday has …