October 2017

Slideshow, Audio: Interviews with the Featured Stars of ‘A Bad Moms Christmas’

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Susan Sarandon portrays Isis in ‘A Bad Moms Christmas.’

CHICAGO – The holiday season officially kicks off on November 1st, 2017, with the early present of “A Bad Moms Christmas.” This sequel to the popular “Bad Moms” of last year is decorated with tinsel and has more badness, much of that generated from the stars of the first film… Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell and Kathryn Hahn. Joining these Bad Moms are three iconic actresses portraying their mothers… Christine Baranski, Cheryl Hines and Susan Sarandon. Every major cast member except Baranski came to Chicago last week to promote the film.

Slideshow, Audio: Closing Night ‘The Shape of Water’ at 53rd Chicago International Film Festival

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Michael Shannon is Agent Strickland in ‘The Shape of Water.’

CHICAGO – Put the 53rd Chicago International Film Festival in the books, as the spectacular Closing Night film was “The Shape of Water,” directed by Guillermo Del Toro, and featured Michael Shannon and Michael Stuhlbarg, who both walked the Red Carpet on October 26th, 2017, and was joined by producer Daniel Kraus.

Film Review: Energy of Visual Cinema is the Power of ‘Wonderstruck’

CHICAGO – In one of the coolest visual films of the Fall Season thus far, “Wonderstruck” is another winner from director Todd Haynes (“Carol”), who adapts a Young Adult graphic novel by Brian Selznick (who also wrote the screenplay). The wonder of it all, baby.

Energy of Visual Cinema is the Power of ‘Wonderstruck’

HollywoodChicago.com Oscarman rating: 3.5/5.0
Rating: 3.5/5.0

CHICAGO – In one of the coolest visual films of the Fall Season thus far, “Wonderstruck” is another winner from director Todd Haynes (“Carol”), who adapts a Young Adult graphic novel by Brian Selznick (who also wrote the screenplay). The wonder of it all, baby.

Exclusive Photo, Audio: Patrick Stewart at 53rd Chicago International Film Festival

CHICAGO – Make it so, and the 53rd Chicago International Film Festival accomplished “it,” honoring Patrick Stewart at a tribute event on October 25th, 2017. The versatile actor gained fame as Star Trek’s Jean Luc-Picard and X-Men’s Charles Xavier, AKA Professor X.

Slideshow, Audio: Bill Pullman Red Carpet at 53rd Chicago International Film Festival

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Bill Pullman at the 53rd Chicago International Film Festival.

CHICAGO – Bill Pullman is one of Hollywood’s treasures. The rogue-ish and handsome actor has been plying his trade for over 30 years, in such classics as “Spaceballs,” “A League of Their Own,” “While You Were Sleeping,” “Independence Day,” “Lost Highway” and the recent “Battle of the Sexes.” His latest film, which he previewed at the 53rd Chicago International Film Festival with director Jared Moshe, is a western called “The Ballad of Lefty Brown.”

Slideshow, Audio: Black Perspectives Red Carpet at 53rd Chicago International Film Festival

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Alfre Woodard at her tribute at the 53rd Chicago International Film Festival.

CHICAGO – It was an evening to celebrate the Black Perspective in filmmaking at the 53rd Chicago International Film Festival, and also to celebrate one of the great African American actors with a tribute to Alfre Woodard. Woodard walked the Red Carpet on October 21st, 2017, with fellow actors Regina Taylor (“I’ll Fly Away”) and Jussie Smollett (“Empire”).

Film Review: ‘Suburbicon’ is the Cinematic Equivalent of a Soccer Mom

CHICAGO – Having lived in both the suburbs and in major cities throughout my lifetime, I can say without hesitation that the suburbs tend to be dull, boring and bereft of creativity. To be fair, it’s not their fault since they’re built for efficiency and with placidity in mind. “Surburbicon” is made in much the same way, becoming the one thing a film shouldn’t be: boring.

‘Suburbicon’ is the Cinematic Equivalent of a Soccer Mom

HollywoodChicago.com Oscarman rating: 2.0/5.0
Rating: 2.0/5.0

CHICAGO – Having lived in both the suburbs and in major cities throughout my lifetime, I can say without hesitation that the suburbs tend to be dull, boring and bereft of creativity. To be fair, it’s not their fault since they’re built for efficiency and with placidity in mind. “Surburbicon” is made in much the same way, becoming the one thing a film shouldn’t be: boring.

Exclusive Photo: Unit Still Photographer Dale Robinette Provides a Sneak Peek at ‘Wonder’

Wonder, photo by Dale Robinette

CHICAGO – When we last caught up with “Uncle Dale” Robinette – Unit Still Photographer in Los Angeles – it was Oscar time in February of this year, and he talked to HollywoodChicago.com about his iconic “dancing” photo from “La La Land.” Well, Uncle Dale is back to provide an Exclusive Photo as a preview to the new film “Wonder,” opening nationwide on November 17th, 2017.

Photo Gallery: Barb Wire Dolls at Cobra Lounge on Oct. 25, 2017

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Barb Wire Dolls

CHICAGO – Street punk rock band Barb Wire Dolls performed at Cobra Lounge on Oct. 25, 2017. HollywoodChicago.com photographer Jeff Doles brings you the photos!

Interview, Audio: Director Todd Haynes Becomes ‘Wonderstruck’

CHICAGO – Todd Haynes is an American auteur, as every one of his films bear the distinct mark of his creativity. From his beginnings with the indie masterpiece “Safe” (1995) through unforgettable films like “Far From Heaven” (2002), “I’m Not There” (2007) and “Carol,” Haynes has made cinematic art. His latest film is “Wonderstruck.”

Film News: Closing-Night Film ‘The Shape of Water’ at 53rd Chicago International Film Festival

Shape of Water, The

CHICAGO – Two weeks of tributes, perspectives and events have flown by, including the amazing line-up of over 150 films from 50 countries. The 53rd Chicago International Film Festival concludes Thursday, October 26th, 2017, with “The Shape of Water” (United States), directed by Guillermo Del Toro (“Pan’s Labyrinth”).

Interview, Audio: Miles Teller on ‘Thank You for Your Service’

CHICAGO – When Johnny comes marching home again, as the old song goes, we’ll give him a hearty welcome then. Most Americans truncate that to the phrase, “Thank You for Your Service,” which is the title of a new film featuring Miles Teller, who portrays Iraq War veteran Adam Schumann, and is the directorial debut of Jason Hall.

Film Review: Short Film ‘The Replacement’ at 53rd Chicago International Film Festival

Replacement, The

CHICAGO – The science fiction that we once knew, that we thought was impossible, is fast becoming everyday life. One short film that premiered at the 53rd Chicago International Film Festival – “The Replacement” – takes the concept of cloning, applying a chilling and symbolic twist to a science fiction that can also be interpreted in our current times as reality. “The Replacement” screens one more time as part of the “City & State” slate of shorts on Wednesday, October 25th, 2017 (details below).

Podtalk: Kristin Broadwell, Katia Gomez & Pam Tierney of Web Series ‘Vendors’

Vendors

CHICAGO – Creating web TV series is one of the hottest show business pursuits of the moment, and the three creators and actors of Urban Doe Productions – Kristin Broadwell, Katia Gomez and Pam Tierney – are developing a show that has already had a Season One online. “Vendors” is the story of three women who develop a friendship while maintaining their lives and businesses. In Season One, the women met at an outdoor market. In Season Two, they will set up a storefront.

Film Review: Stellar Cast & Director Fail to Build ‘The Snowman’

Snowman, The

CHICAGO – The biggest mystery in “The Snowman” is what in the world talented actors like Michael Fassbender, Chloe Sevigny, Toby Jones, and Val Kilmer are doing here in the first place. Fassbender’s character’s name alone should have sent off alarm bells. This is based on a series of detective novels featuring detective Harry Hole, and characters have voluminous opportunities to repeat it, although with nary a snigger.

Stellar Cast & Director Fail to Build ‘The Snowman’

HollywoodChicago.com Oscarman rating: 1.0/5.0
Rating: 1.0/5.0

CHICAGO – The biggest mystery in “The Snowman” is what in the world talented actors like Michael Fassbender, Chloe Sevigny, Toby Jones, and Val Kilmer are doing here in the first place. Fassbender’s character’s name alone should have sent off alarm bells. This is based on a series of detective novels featuring detective Harry Hole, and characters have voluminous opportunities to repeat it, although with nary a snigger.

Interview, Audio: Director Simon Curtis of ‘Goodbye Christopher Robin’

CHICAGO – Winnie the Pooh is a cultural icon of four generations, due both to the character’s literary roots and Walt Disney’s interpretation. A new film, “Goodbye Christopher Robin,” is the origin story of the famous bear, as created by author A.A. Milne. The movie is directed by veteran helmsman Simon Curtis.

Photo Gallery: Nightmare on Chicago Street in Elgin, Ill.

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Nightmare on Chicago Street

ELGIN, Ill. – Nightmare on Chicago Street took place on Oct. 21, 2017 in Elgin, Ill. HollywoodChicago.com photographer Jeff Doles brings you the photos of the costumes and entertainment!

Exclusive Portrait, Audio: Vanessa Redgrave at the 53rd Chicago International Film Festival

Vanessa Redgrave, photo by Joe Arce

CHICAGO – The luminous and legendary movie star Vanessa Redgrave was given a tribute at the 53rd Chicago International Film Festival on October 16th, 2017. The Oscar-winning actress also directed a documentary that she brought to the festival, an overview of the world’s refugee crisis entitled “Sea Sorrow.” HollywoodChicago.com talked to Redgrave, and photographer Joe Arce took the Exclusive Portrait.

Film News: Award Honorees at 53rd Chicago International Film Festival

CHICAGO – The Chicago International Film Festival is a competitive fest, and the 53rd edition presented its awards on October 20th, 2017, at the AMC River East Theatre in Chicago. The winner of the Gold Hugo as Best Film was “A Sort of Family” (Argentina), directed by Diego Lerman.

Preview: Week Two Films at 53rd Chicago International Film Festival

CIFF 2017 Week Two

CHICAGO – The 53rd Chicago International Film Festival is winding down, with the closing night film set for Thursday, October 26th, 2017 (“The Shape of Water”). But there are still many films to go until the end, and Jon Lennon Espino and Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com preview some choices for week two.

Podtalk: ‘Liquid Truth’ at the 53rd Chicago International Film Festival

Liquid Truth

CHICAGO – In a story that could be happening right now, Brazilian director Carolina Jabor adapted a stage play into “Liquid Truth,” about a swim teacher (portrayed by Daniel de Oliveira) who experiences a smear campaign by a parent on social media after being accused of being too familiar with of his students.

Slideshow, Audio: ‘Chasing the Blues’ Red Carpet at 53rd Chicago International Film Festival

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That’s the Ticket! Jon Lovitz portrays Lincoln Groome in ‘Chasing the Blues.’

CHICAGO – The Chicago International Film Festival has always been a proponent of local filmmaking, and the 53rd edition of the Fest had a special Red Carpet for a Chicago film. “Chasing the Blues” was filmed in the Windy City, with stars Jon Lovitz, Grant Rosenmeyer and director Scott Smith, who all walked the Carpet on October 14th, 2017. HollywoodChicago.com interviewed the principle cast and crew before the world premiere of “Chasing the Blues” at the festival.

Film Review: Dull ‘Professor Marston & the Wonder Women’

CHICAGO – For a film that has free love, lie detection, bondage, the origin of a great comic superhero and 3-way carnality, “Professor Marston & the Wonder Women” still comes out rather flat… quite a achievement. Wonder Woman is the comic hero, and this is the rest of her story.

Dull Origins in ‘Professor Marston & the Wonder Women’

HollywoodChicago.com Oscarman rating: 3.0/5.0
Rating: 3.0/5.0

CHICAGO – For a film that has free love, lie detection, bondage, the origin of a great comic superhero and 3-way carnality, “Professor Marston & the Wonder Women” still comes out rather flat… quite a achievement. Wonder Woman is the comic hero, and this is the rest of her story.

Preview: Week-One Films at 53rd Chicago International Film Festival

CIFF 2017 Week One

CHICAGO – The 53rd Chicago International Film Festival has kicked off, and the first weekend has already unspooled. But what is coming up for the WEEK ONE as the Festival kicks into gear? HollywoodChicago.com’s Patrick McDonald and Jon Lennon Espino preview the films and events to put on your list.

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