CHICAGO – The late playwright August Wilson left a gift to the world in the form of his “American Century Cycle,” a series of plays each individually set in a decade of the 20th Century, focusing on the black experience. Chicago’s Goodman Theatre presents Wilson’s “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone,” now through May 19th, 2024 (click here).
November 2023
Podtalk, Review: Writer/Director Emerald Fennell Applies the ‘Saltburn’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 29, 2023 - 12:22pmCHICAGO – Writer, Director and Actor Emerald Fennell is leading a new revolution of commentary in her feature films. She began with “Promising Young Woman” in 2020 – for which she won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay – and her follow-up is “Saltburn,” which opened wide last week on November 22nd.
Exclusive Portraits: Aparna Nancherla for Her New Book at 2023 Chicago Humanities Festival
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 25, 2023 - 10:11amCHICAGO –At the the just wrapped up Fall 2023 Chicago Humanities Festival, a few laughs (and tears) were had at an appearance by comedian Aparna Nancherla. She has a new book entitled “Unreliable Narrator: Me, Myself and the Imposter Syndrome,” which takes readers on the journey of a stand-up comic and essayist who doesn’t feel she belongs doing what she does, but she’s able to express it.
On-Air Film Review: Able Was I Ere I saw Joaquin Phoenix in ‘Napoleon’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 23, 2023 - 6:10pmCHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on November 22nd, 2023, reviewing “Napoleon,” a biopic of Emperor Bonaparte, directed by Ridley Scott. In theaters on November 22nd, 2023.
Ere I Saw Nappy! On-Air Review of Joaquin Phoenix in ‘Napoleon’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 23, 2023 - 6:07pm Rating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on November 22nd, 2023, reviewing “Napoleon,” a biopic of Emperor Bonaparte, directed by Ridley Scott. In theaters on November 22nd, 2023.
On-Air Film Review: Disney Studios ‘Wish’ is a Dream Your Heart Makes
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 23, 2023 - 5:47pmCHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on November 22nd, 2023, reviewing “Wish,” the latest original film from Walt Disney Studios. In theaters on November 22nd, 2023.
A Dream Your Heart Makes! On-Air Review of Disney Studios ‘Wish’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 23, 2023 - 5:44pm Rating: 4.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on November 22nd, 2023, reviewing “Wish,” the latest original film from Walt Disney Studios. In theaters on November 22nd, 2023.
JFK60: Kicking the Seat Vodcast Discusses the JFK Conspiracy Film ‘Executive Action' (1973)
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 22, 2023 - 10:29pmCHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on Ian Simmons Vodcast, KICKING THE SEAT, talking the 1973 first JFK conspiracy film “Executive Action” … it’s 50th Anniversary. Why was this particular anniversary film chosen? Because today … November 22nd, 2023, is the 60th Anniversary of the John F. Kennedy assassination.
JFK60: Patricia Puckett-Hall, Who Knew Lee Harvey Oswald in 1963
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 22, 2023 - 1:05pmCHICAGO – Today is the 60th Anniversary of the John F. Kennedy assassination, November 22nd, 1963. His alleged assassin was Lee Harvey Oswald. On that day in Dallas, Oswald was staying at a boarding house owned by the grandmother of Patricia Puckett-Hall. Hall was 11 years old at the time, and knew “Mr. Lee.”
JFK60: 2021 Flashback Interview with David Von Pein, Curator of his YouTube ‘JFK Channel’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 21, 2023 - 6:25pmCHICAGO – At 12:30pm Central Time on November 22nd, 1963, President John F. Kennedy was killed by an assassin’s bullet. The shots that echoed through Dealey Plaza in Dallas, Texas, has resonated now for 60 years, but beyond the actual event there was a treasure trove of TV and radio coverage that was recorded.
Audio Film Review: Legacy of ‘Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 19, 2023 - 2:43pmCHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review for “Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story” an intimate documentary – co-directed by insiders Gelila Bekele and Armani Ortiz – about the rags to riches story of the Entertainment Mogul known as “TP.” Currently on Prime Video.
Legacy! Audio Film Review of ‘Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 19, 2023 - 2:40pm Rating: 5.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review for “Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story” an intimate documentary – co-directed by insiders Gelila Bekele and Armani Ortiz – about the rags to riches story of the Entertainment Mogul known as “TP.” Currently on Prime Video.
Podtalk: Co-Directors of ‘Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 19, 2023 - 8:24amCHICAGO – Tyler Perry is taking a spiritual journey, we just happen to be along for the ride. That is the impression when watching the just-released documentary on Prime Video, “Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story,” co-directed by Gelila Bekele (also writer) and Armani Ortiz. They spoke to HollywoodChicago.com.
On-Air Film Review: ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 17, 2023 - 10:38pmCHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on November 16th, 2023, reviewing “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes,” the latest in the popular series. In theaters on November 17th, 2023.
On-Air Review of ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 17, 2023 - 10:36pmRating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on November 16th, 2023, reviewing “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes,” the latest in the popular series. In theaters on November 17th, 2023.
Film Review: The Subconscious Cage in Sharp ‘Dream Scenario’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 17, 2023 - 9:34pmCHICAGO – Nicolas Cage makes a welcome return to Charlie Kaufman-like mind bending drama in “Dream Scenario.” He stars as Paul Matthews, a bald and schlubby college professor always clad in an ever present winter coat. His unremarkable life takes a turn when he mysteriously begins appearing in millions of people’s dreams.
The Subconscious Cage in Sharp ‘Dream Scenario’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 17, 2023 - 9:32pm Rating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Nicolas Cage makes a welcome return to Charlie Kaufman-like mind bending drama in “Dream Scenario.” He stars as Paul Matthews, a bald and schlubby college professor always clad in an ever present winter coat. His unremarkable life takes a turn when he mysteriously begins appearing in millions of people’s dreams.
Podtalk: Director Andrew Davis to Introduce His 1978 ‘Stony Island’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 16, 2023 - 10:20amCHICAGO – It was another city in another time when Andrew Davis directed his first film “Stony Island” in 1970s Chicago. The film was released in 1978 to acclaim, but faded into the mist of cinema. Andrew Davis is back in his hometown to introduce “Stony Island” at the Gene Siskel Film Center on Friday, November 17th, 2023. For tickets and info, click STONY ISLAND.
Audio Theater Review: Steppenwolf Theatre Hails to the ‘POTUS,’ Through Dec. 17, 2023
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 13, 2023 - 12:01pm- Audrey Francis
- Caroline Neff
- Celeste M. Cooper
- Chloe Baldwin
- HollywoodChicago.com Content
- Karen Aldridge
- Karen Rodriquez
- Meighan Gerachis
- Or Behind Every Great Dumbass are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive
- Patrick McDonald
- POTUS
- Sandra Marquez
- Selina Fillinger
- Steppenwolf Theatre
- Theater Review
- Theater, TV, DVD & Blu-Ray
CHICAGO – The great and lofty Steppenwolf Theatre of Chicago has brought the current political season right on target with “POTUS: Or Behind Every Great Dumbass are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive,” now extended through December 17th. Click POTUS.
On-Air Film Review: ‘Journey to Bethlehem’ is a Stable Trip
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 10, 2023 - 10:43amCHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Ben Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on November 9th, 2023, reviewing “Journey to Bethlehem,” a re-telling of the Baby Jesus story as a musical! In theaters on November 10th, 2023.
Trip to the Stable! On-Air Review of ‘Journey to Bethlehem’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 10, 2023 - 10:41amRating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Ben Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on November 9th, 2023, reviewing “Journey to Bethlehem,” a re-telling of the Baby Jesus story as a musical! In theaters on November 10th, 2023.
Film Review: MCU’s ‘The Marvels’ is Decidedly Non-Marvelous
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 9, 2023 - 9:23pmCHICAGO – Some Marvel movies are essential viewing for those following the ongoing advancements in the Marvel Cinema Universe (MCU). “The Marvels” is eminently skippable, and draws from so many different MCU properties it almost feels like you’d have to cram for a comic book final exam to understand half of what is going on.
MCU’s ‘The Marvels’ is Decidedly Non-Marvelous
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 9, 2023 - 9:21pm Rating: 2.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Some Marvel movies are essential viewing for those following the ongoing advancements in the Marvel Cinema Universe (MCU). “The Marvels” is eminently skippable, and draws from so many different MCU properties it almost feels like you’d have to cram for a comic book final exam to understand half of what is going on.
Podtalk: Filmmaker Raven Jackson for ‘All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 9, 2023 - 2:03pmCHICAGO – Reflective and observational films … as if the audience is inside looking out along with the the characters … are very rare and takes a quality creator to pull off. One such film is “All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt” and it is written and directed by a quality creator, the poet-turned-filmmaker Raven Jackson.
Podtalk: Director Jack C. Newell is ‘Reporting for Christmas’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 9, 2023 - 10:28amCHICAGO – When a locally filmed romantic Christmas movie was released last week on HULU, the audience comfort and joy for this genre was proven once again by its TOP TEN trending status on the streaming service. The merry elf director behind “Reporting for Christmas” is Chicago-based Jack C. Newell.
Exclusive Portrait: Geri ‘Ginger Spice’ Halliwell for New Book
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 6, 2023 - 4:35pmCHICAGO – In the case of this Ginger and Geri, no choice needs to be made because they are one and the same. Geri “Ginger Spice” Halliwell was a member of the best selling female pop group in history, the Spice Girls. She appeared in Downers Grove (Illinois) for her new novel, “Rosie Frost and the Falcon Queen.”
On-Air Film Review: Three Kings of Lonely in 'The Holdovers'
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 4, 2023 - 12:34pmCHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on November 3rd, 2023, reviewing “The Holdovers,” a reunion of the “Sideways” duo … director Alexander Payne and Paul Giamatti. In theaters on November 4th, 2023, wide release on November 10th.
Three Kings of Lonely! On-Air Review of ‘The Holdovers’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 4, 2023 - 12:23pmRating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on November 3rd, 2023, reviewing “The Holdovers,” a reunion of the “Sideways” duo … director Alexander Payne and Paul Giamatti. In theaters on November 4th, 2023, wide release on November 10th.
On-Air Film Review: ‘Priscilla’ is a Hunka Hunka Burning Love
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 3, 2023 - 10:39pmCHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on November 3rd, 2023, reviewing “Priscilla,” the story of the relationship between Elvis and Priscilla Presley. In theaters on November 4th, 2023.
Hunka Hunka Burning Love! On-Air Review of ‘Priscilla’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 3, 2023 - 10:34pmRating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on November 3rd, 2023, reviewing “Priscilla,” the story of the relationship between Elvis and Priscilla Presley. In theaters on November 4th, 2023.
Podtalk: Deidre Searcy of 40th Chicago International Children’s Film Festival, Nov. 3-19, 2023
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 3, 2023 - 1:18pmCHICAGO – Opening Night of the 40th Chicago International Children’s Film Festival’s (CICFF40) is November 3rd, and Festival Director Deidre Searcy presents a night at Chicago History Museum. For details/tickets, click CICFF.
