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The 4th of July is right around the corner, and you know what that means: fireworks. Lots and lots of fireworks. Maybe you're headed to a big show—something elaborate and professional over Navy Pier here in Chicago, or bursting across the sky above Grant Park while a John Philip Sousa march blares in the background. Or maybe it's a baseball game, and the fireworks fly after the final out. That’s all great—classic, beautiful, family-friendly explosions in the sky. Then ther

My Film Critic pants are stylish and looking good, so I am ready to review four new movies in this week's capsule (short) movie reviews for Friday, May 9th, 2025. 1) SHADOW FORCE Joe Carnahan  has always been a bit of a wild card. The guy can swing between gritty excellence ( Narc , The Grey ) and ridiculous, testosterone-fueled cartoon chaos ( Smokin' Aces , Boss Level , The A-Team ). He's one of those directors where you never really know what you'll get, except that it wil