CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on March 21st, 2024, reviewing the new streaming series “Manhunt” – based on the bestseller by James L. Swanson – currently streaming on Apple TV+.
July 2014
Film Review: ‘The Purge: Anarchy’ Can’t Decide What it Wants to Be
Submitted by PatrickMcD on July 17, 2014 - 8:30pmCHICAGO – “The Purge: Anarchy” is a cake-and-eat-it film. On one hand there is a monotonous display of firepower, courtesy of a suspension of laws for one night a year, but it also wants to temper this lawlessness with indictments of government, the rich and the law itself.
‘The Purge: Anarchy’ Can’t Decide What it Wants to Be
Submitted by PatrickMcD on July 17, 2014 - 8:26pmRating: 3.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – “The Purge: Anarchy” is a cake-and-eat-it film. On one hand there is a monotonous display of firepower, courtesy of a suspension of laws for one night a year, but it also wants to temper this lawlessness with indictments of government, the rich and the law itself.
Interview: Director Richard Linklater Kept Going Back to ‘Boyhood’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on July 16, 2014 - 5:23pmCHICAGO – Director Richard Linklater is a great American storyteller. In 2002, he embarked on a filmmaking journey that would be twelve years long, and conceived a fictional tale of a boy as he ages from age six to 18. Using the same actors over all those years, the result is the epic and philosophical “Boyhood.”
Interview: Zach Gilford on the World in ‘The Purge: Anarchy’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on July 15, 2014 - 12:55pmCHICAGO – Zach Gilford is a familiar face to fans of the TV series “Friday Night Lights,” where he portrayed Matt Saracen. The actor grew up around Chicago in Evanston, Ill., and has risen through the ranks of acting in his new home of Los Angeles. He currently is featured in the sequel film, “The Purge: Anarchy.”
Slideshow: Weird Al Yankovic Releases New Parody Song ‘Tacky’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on July 15, 2014 - 10:23amCHICAGO – Cyberspace has been all abuzz in the last couple of days as “Weird Al” Yankovic released his newest parody song, “Tacky,” which skewers Pharrell William’s “Happy.” The video for “Tacky” features Aisha Tyler, Margaret Cho, Kristen Schaal and Jack Black, and is part of Weird Al’s new album, “Mandatory Fun.”
Interview: Zach Braff Kickstarts His New Film ‘Wish I Was Here’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on July 14, 2014 - 9:19pmCHICAGO – Zach Braff is an amiable personality, making his mark as “J.D.” on the TV sitcom “Scrubs” and the cult film “Garden State” (2004), which he wrote and directed. For his most recent project, he made show business headlines by using the website Kickstarter to “crowd fund” his latest film, “Wish I Was Here.”
Blu-ray Review: Jason Bateman’s ‘Bad Words’ Not Better on Blu-ray
Submitted by NickHC on July 14, 2014 - 8:28pmLooming over “Bad Words” is the potential it could have had, as is, were it released ten years ago. With its focus of R-rated behavior poking at the projected innocence of children, along with the couple of chromosomes that keep Bateman’s Trilby from being a Vince Vaughn character, this movie is certainly a product of the comedies that have sculpted out the manchild story in the past decade.
Blu-ray Review: Goofy ‘Winter’s Tale’ a Bad Miracle
Submitted by NickHC on July 14, 2014 - 8:18pmThe theatrical poster for “Winter’s Tale,” after promising that “It’s not a true story, it’s a love story,” made a large demand from its viewers at the bottom: “This Valentine’s Day, Believe In Miracles.” While there is indeed a difference between filmmaking and marketing, it is hard to not imagine writer/director Akiva Goldsman whispering “believe in miracles” into the ear of every executive who helped “Winter’s Tale” come to life, immediately after throwing glitter on them.
Blu-ray Review: Criterion Release of Peter Weir’s Mesmerizing ‘Picnic at Hanging Rock’
Submitted by BrianTT on July 14, 2014 - 7:10pmPeter Weir’s “Picnic at Hanging Rock” is a mesmerizing film. Most who go into it know that it tells a tragic (possibly true) story with no resolution. And so it becomes a slow burn, in which the atmosphere and dread of unseen danger hangs thick in every frame.
HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 30 Pairs of Passes to Horror Sequel ‘The Purge: Anarchy’
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on July 13, 2014 - 11:45am- Adam Fendelman
- Blumhouse Productions
- Carmen Ejogo
- Castulo Guerra
- Frank Grillo
- HollywoodChicago.com Content
- HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film
- Jack Conley
- James DeMonaco
- John Beasley
- Justina Machado
- Kiele Sanchez
- Lakeith Lee Stanfield
- Noel Gugliemi
- The Purge
- The Purge: Anarchy
- Universal Pictures
- Zach Gilford
- Zoe Soul
CHICAGO – In the latest HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 30 pairs of advance-screening movie passes up for grabs to the highly anticipated horror sequel “The Purge: Anarchy” starring Frank Grillo and Carmen Ejogo!
Exclusive Portraits: Stars of the 2014 Chicago Critics Film Festival
Submitted by PatrickMcD on July 12, 2014 - 10:43am- Animals
- Bobcat Goldthwait
- Chicago Critics Film Festival
- Chicago Film Critics Association
- Collin Schifffi
- David Dastmachian
- David Wain
- Dick Miller
- HollywoodChicago.com Content
- HollywoodChicago.com Slideshow
- Jocelyn De Boer
- Joe Arce
- Jordan Vogt-Roberts
- Martin Starr
- Music Box Theatre
- Nick Offerman: American Ham
- Patrick McDonald
- They Came Together
- Willow Creek
CHICAGO – The second-annual Chicago Critics Film Festival, which took place from May 9 to May 15, 2014 at the Music Box Theatre from the Chicago Film Critics Association, has been one of the best film events of 2014 in Chicago. Over seven days, films from such diverse representatives as David Wain, Martin Starr, Dick Miller and Bobcat Goldthwait were unreeled for Chicago film aficionados.
Film Review: Nothing But Fear, Anger in Dinesh D’Souza’s ‘America’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on July 12, 2014 - 9:13amCHICAGO – Dear Dinesh D’Souza: Why are you afraid of alternate narratives in American History? History, as we know, is written by the winners, and you seem all sad and angry that one man, Howard Zinn, wrote a History of the United States by defining the desperation of the people left behind in the American dream. Why is that so awful? You define it as “progressive left wing” narrative, but what is your propaganda film – blithely called “America” – but a distillation of your view of history?
Nothing But Fear, Anger in Dinesh D’Souza’s ‘America’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on July 12, 2014 - 9:03amRating: 1.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Dear Dinesh D’Souza: Why are you afraid of alternate narratives in American History? History, as we know, is written by the winners, and you seem all sad and angry that one man, Howard Zinn, wrote a History of the United States by defining the desperation of the people left behind in the American dream. Why is that so awful? You define it as “progressive left wing” narrative, but what is your propaganda film – blithely called “America” – but a distillation of your view of history?
HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 30 Pairs of Passes to ‘And So it Goes’ With Michael Douglas, Diane Keaton
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on July 11, 2014 - 11:28pmCHICAGO – In the latest HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 30 pairs of advance-screening movie passes up for grabs to the new romantic comedy “And So it Goes” starring Michael Douglas and Diane Keaton!
Film Review: Dull Soap Opera in ‘Dawn of the Planet of the Apes’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on July 10, 2014 - 11:55pmCHICAGO – “Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes” just goes to show you can have the most expensive and best looking visual effects money can buy, but it doesn’t mean a damn thing if you haven’t got a good tale to tell.
Dull Soap Opera in ‘Dawn of the Planet of the Apes’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on July 10, 2014 - 11:50pmRating: 2.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – “Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes” just goes to show that you can have the most expensive and best looking visual effects money can buy, but it doesn’t mean a damn thing if you haven’t got a good tale to tell.
TV News: 2014 Emmy Award Nominations Announced
Submitted by PatrickMcD on July 10, 2014 - 8:47pmCHICAGO – Some old TV favorites and some new online upstarts highlight the nominations for the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards, which takes place on Monday, August 25th, 2014. The Netflix series “Orange is the New Black” competes with stalwart sitcoms “The Big Bang Theory” and “Modern Family” at this year’s ceremony.
Interview: Teen Queen Debbie Gibson is All Grown Up
Submitted by PatrickMcD on July 10, 2014 - 9:37amCHICAGO – Debbie Gibson was the youngest recording artist – at 17 years old – to write, produce and perform a number one hit (“Foolish Beat” in 1988), and her songs were the soundtrack to that era’s teen generation. HollywoodChicago.com caught up with the candid Ms. Gibson at the “Hollywood Show” Chicago.
Interview: Mackenzie Phillips Lives Life One Day at a Time
Submitted by PatrickMcD on July 9, 2014 - 7:15amCHICAGO – The irony is, of course, that actress Mackenzie Phillips was in a notable 1970s sitcom called “One Day at a Time,” and that phrase often describes the struggles of living with addiction. Phillips talked to HollywoodChicago.com about living that life at the “Hollywood Show” Chicago.
Slideshow: Morgan Freeman Honored by Gene Siskel Film Center
Submitted by PatrickMcD on July 8, 2014 - 7:25pm- A Candid Conversation with Morgan Freeman
- Deep Impact
- Driving Miss Daisy
- Gene Siskel Film Center
- Glory
- HollywoodChicago.com Content
- HollywoodChicago.com Slideshow
- Joe Arce
- Last Vegas
- Million Dollar Baby
- Morgan Freeman
- Patrick McDonald
- Seven
- The Dark Knight
- The LEGO Movie
- The Shawshank Redemption
- Unforgiven
CHICAGO – The sonorous and familiar voice of Morgan Freeman was in Chicago on June 7th, 2014, as the Gene Siskel Film Center presented “A Candid Conversation with Morgan Freeman” to benefit the theater. The event, at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago, raised more than $350,000 for the Film Center’s programming budget.
Interview: We Dream of Barbara Eden at the ‘Hollywood Show’ Chicago
Submitted by PatrickMcD on July 8, 2014 - 11:35amCHICAGO – Next year will mark the 50th Anniversary of the seminal 1960s sitcom, “I Dream of Jeannie.” Unforgettable – for many reasons – was Barbara Eden, who portrayed a genie named Jeannie. Ms. Eden was at the “Hollywood Show” Chicago last year, and was interviewed by HollywoodChicago.com.
Interview: Theo Epstein, Peter Gammons at ‘Hot Stove Cool Music’ in Chicago
Submitted by PatrickMcD on July 7, 2014 - 2:21pmCHICAGO – With the 2014 Major League All-Star game coming up next week on July 15th, that break is a time to reflect on the current season and your favorite team. At the “Hot Stove Cool Music” event in Chicago on June 20th, HollywoodChicago.com got in the All-Star spirit by talking with the President of Baseball Operations for the Chicago Cubs, Theo Epstein, plus baseball writer and former ESPN commentator, Peter Gammons.
Film Review: Roger Ebert Doc a Titanic Love Story About Movies, Chaz & ‘Life Itself’
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on July 6, 2014 - 5:40pmCHICAGO – We’d all be so lucky to live a full life of love, success and dignity. But earning it and then dying with it is the ultimate accomplishment.
Roger Ebert Doc a Titanic Love Story About Movies, Chaz & ‘Life Itself’
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on July 6, 2014 - 4:41pmRating: 4.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – We’d all be so lucky to live a full life of love, success and dignity. But earning it and then dying with it is the ultimate accomplishment.
The film festival hit “Life Itself” honestly portrays the life and death of a great man that any man or woman can strive to emulate.
HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 30 Pairs of Passes to ‘Dawn of the Planet of the Apes’ With Gary Oldman
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on July 6, 2014 - 2:35pmCHICAGO – In the latest HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 30 pairs of advance-screening movie passes up for grabs to the highly anticipated “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” starring Gary Oldman and Keri Russell!
Film Review: It’s Been ‘A Hard Day’s Night’ Then, Now & Forever
Submitted by PatrickMcD on July 5, 2014 - 10:42amCHICAGO – If you are lucky enough to have the 50th Anniversary edition of “A Hard Day’s Night” playing in your area, drop everything and go see it, especially if you’ve never seen it before. The Beatles – John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr – are ageless and timeless in a new print restoration and sound remastering of their 1964 debut film.
It’s Been ‘A Hard Day’s Night’ Then, Now & Forever
Submitted by PatrickMcD on July 5, 2014 - 10:37amRating: 5.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – If you are lucky enough to have the 50th Anniversary edition of “A Hard Day’s Night” playing in your area, drop everything and go see it, especially if you’ve never seen it before. The Beatles – John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr – are ageless and timeless in a new print restoration and sound remastering of their 1964 debut film.
Blu-ray Review: ‘RoboCop’ Remake Struggles with Identity
Submitted by NickHC on July 5, 2014 - 9:33amCHICAGO – After years of being envisioned with numerous directors (“Noah’s” Darren Aronofsky was once attached), a new version of “RoboCop” has arrived. While the original 80s classic stood out for its foresight into current cultural turmoil, this remake is more a product of movies of the past, and to be more specific, our recent beloved superhero movies.
Film Review: ‘Snowpiercer’ a Problematic But Wild Ride Dystopia
Submitted by PatrickMcD on July 4, 2014 - 1:40pmCHICAGO – Travelers. We are travelers in this life, and metaphorically we’re mostly in coach, but sometimes manage to get some first class treatment. What if all this traveling were confined to one vehicle? Imagine a future world contained in a constantly traveling train, and the premise for “Snowpiercer” realizes a one-of-a-kind dystopia.
‘Snowpiercer’ is a Wild Ride, One-of-a-Kind Dystopia
Submitted by PatrickMcD on July 4, 2014 - 1:35pmRating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Travelers. We are travelers in this life, and metaphorically we’re mostly in coach, but sometimes manage to get some first class treatment. What if all this traveling were confined to one vehicle? Imagine a future world contained in a constantly traveling train, and the premise for “Snowpiercer” realizes a one-of-a-kind dystopia.