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Mary Houlihan

Mary Houlihan's reviews only count toward the Tomatometer® when published at Tomatometer-approved publication(s).
Biography:

Chicago Sun-Times film critic.

Publications:

Reviews

Movies TV Shows
Desert Dancer (2015) 31% 2.5/4 EDIT “In his feature film debut, director Richard Raymond keeps the story moving despite some dramatic cliches.” – Chicago Sun-Times Apr 10, 2015 Full Review Song of the Sea (2014) 99% 3/4 EDIT “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 Feb 20, 2015 Full Review Song One (2014) 34% EDIT “There are no real surprises here, just lives played out quietly and succinctly under the seductive spell of music.” – Chicago Sun-Times Jan 23, 2015 Full Review Paddington (2014) 96% 3.5/4 EDIT “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 Jan 15, 2015 Full Review Annie (2014) 28% 2/4 EDIT “Even Sandy the dog looks like he's had enough.” – Chicago Sun-Times Dec 29, 2014 Full Review The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2013) 100% 3/4 EDIT “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 Dec 4, 2014 Full Review Rosewater (2014) 76% 3/4 EDIT “With Rosewater, Stewart proves he can pull back from the satirical comedy and become a thoughtful, incisive and questioning filmmaker.” – Chicago Sun-Times Nov 13, 2014 Full Review Hellaware (2013) 94% 3/4 EDIT “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 Oct 30, 2014 Full Review The Boxtrolls (2014) 78% 3/4 EDIT “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 Sep 26, 2014 Full Review Yves Saint Laurent (2014) 45% 2.5/4 EDIT “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 Aug 28, 2014 Full Review Sex Tape (2014) 16% 2.5/4 EDIT “An uneasy comedy that is not without its laugh-out-loud moments.” – Chicago Sun-Times Jul 17, 2014 Full Review The Perfect Wave (2014) 2.5/4 EDIT “Unfortunately, it's not enough to resurrect this film that boasts lots of message but very little plot and character development.” – Chicago Sun-Times Jul 10, 2014 Full Review Half of a Yellow Sun (2013) 50% 2.5/4 EDIT “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 Jun 19, 2014 Full Review The Rover (2014) 67% 2/4 EDIT “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 Jun 19, 2014 Full Review Chinese Puzzle (2013) 78% 3/4 EDIT “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 Jun 5, 2014 Full Review NOW: In the Wings on a World Stage (2014) 52% 3/4 EDIT “Spacey serves as an engaging, amiable host but also offers spot-on observations about the demanding role.” – Chicago Sun-Times May 2, 2014 Full Review From the Rough (2013) 2.5/4 EDIT “Henson nicely captures Starks' determination but also her doubts and personal demons.” – Chicago Sun-Times Apr 24, 2014 Full Review No God, No Master (2012) 71% 2.5/4 EDIT “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 Apr 24, 2014 Full Review Shirin in Love (2014) 21% 2/4 EDIT “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 Mar 27, 2014 Full Review A Birder's Guide to Everything (2013) 87% 3/4 EDIT “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 Mar 24, 2014 Full Review The Lunchbox (2013) 97% 3.5/4 EDIT “Atouching and credible story that easily draws the viewer into the lives of its characters.” – Chicago Sun-Times Mar 7, 2014 Full Review Omar (2013) 90% 3/4 EDIT “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 Feb 28, 2014 Full Review Gloria (2013) 100% 3.5/4 EDIT “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 Feb 7, 2014 Full Review At Middleton (2013) 61% 2.5/4 EDIT “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 Jan 31, 2014 Full Review Black Coffee (2014) 40% 2.5/4 EDIT “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 Jan 17, 2014 Full Review
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