April 2018

Tribeca 2018: Producer Ron Perlman for New Film ‘To Dust’

NEW YORK CITY – The actor side of Ron Perlman has made his mark in films/TV like the “Hellboy” series and “Sons of Anarchy.” But he has put on a producer’s cap for the new film “To Dust,” which features Matthew Broderick. The film made its Red Carpet premiere at the 17th Tribeca Film Festival on April 23rd, 2018.

Film News: Midwest Independent Film Festival Presents Comedy Shorts Showcase on May 1, 2018

Midwest Independent Film Festival Logo

CHICAGO – It’s time to laugh, and the Midwest Independent Film Festival has just the ticket. The 2018 Comedy Short Film Showcase – an annual event – screens on Tuesday May 1st, 2018. at the Landmark Century Centre Cinema in Chicago. The ten films include sneak previews and premieres, in film and TV shorts. For more information, including ticket purchasing and the list of short films, click here.

Photo Gallery: K-Pop Red Velvet Fanmeet at Rosemont Theatre on April 29, 2018

| Image 1 of 8 |
Red Velvet FANMEET at Rosemont Theatre, 1 of 8

ROSEMONT, Ill. – It was K-pop (South Korean pop music) magic time at Rosemont Theatre on April 29, 2018 as the girl group Red Velvet had a “fanmeet” with their admirers. Red Velvet (레드벨벳) debuted on Aug. 1, 2014 with their digital single “Happiness” and was formed by S.M. Entertainment by pairing four members: Irene, Seulgi, Wendy and Joy. In 2015, they added a fifth member, Yeri.

Interview: Adam Pally and Dan Gregor talk “Most Likely to Murder”, Comedy, and “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”

CHICAGO - High school is either the best or worst experience of people’s lives. There is no middle ground. It’s always a constant battle that doesn’t end even after a decade. Add that pressure on top of coming home for the holiday with a hint of death and you get “Most Likely to Murder”. We talk with Adam Pally and Dan Gregor about comedy, “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”, and more!

Film News: 2018 Tribeca Film Festival Honors ‘Diane’ as Best U.S. Narrative Feature

2018 Tribeca Jury Awards, 'Diane'

NEW YORK CITY – The 17th Edition of the Tribeca Film Festival continues through April 29th, 2018, but the main jury awards were announced on April 26th at Awards Night ceremonies. “DIane,” directed by Kent Jones, was awarded Best U.S. Narrative Feature. “Smuggling Hendrix” took the honors for Best International Narrative Feature, and “Island of Hungry Ghosts” was Best Documentary Feature.

Film Review: Epic Comic Book Story in ‘Avengers: Infinity War’

CHICAGO – Coming off the multi-textured “Black Panther,” Marvel Studios now turns its assignment towards an Avengers movie, and man, everything is on the table. This overstuffed, somewhat overindulged journey of a tale never loses its flavor, and has surprises around every corner. Anticipate “Avengers: Infinity War.”

Epic Comic Book Story in ‘Avengers: Infinity War’

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

CHICAGO – Coming off the multi-textured “Black Panther,” Marvel Studios now turns its assignment towards an Avengers movie, and man, everything is on the table. This overstuffed, somewhat overindulged journey of a tale never loses its flavor, and has surprises around every corner. Anticipate “Avengers: Infinity War.”

Podtalk: Brent Kado, Founder of Chicago Independent Film & TV Festival, April 28-29, 2018

ChicIndie2018 logo

CHICAGO – Another spring film festival is blossoming up in the Rogers Park neighborhood, the Chicago Independent Film & TV Festival (CIFF). This is the first one, and its goal is to highlight local, U.S. and international indie films from all styles of creators. The festival takes place on Saturday, April 28th and Sunday, April 29th, 2018, at The New 400 Theater and Damen (Loyola University) Cinema, and all the information regarding the weekend fest can be accessed by clicking here.

Tribeca 2018: Sarah Jessica Parker Shines in ‘Blue Night’

NEW YORK CITY – Although many people will never think of Sarah Jessica Parker in any other role than Carrie Bradshaw of “Sex and the City,” the actor makes a major breakout with her new film, “Blue Night,” which premiered (naturally for her) at the 17th Tribeca Film Festival in New York City on April 19th, 2018.

Podtalk: Verne Troyer in Memoriam, in Interview From 2012

Verne Troyer, photo by Joe Arce.

CHICAGO – Verne Troyer will always be one of the more intriguing breakout celebrities of the last 20 years. Always and forever known as “Mini Me” in the Austin Powers series of films, he also endured stereotyping and the health difficulties associated with his diminutive size. Troyer died on April 21st, 2018, at the age of 49. The cause of his death remains unknown.

Red-Carpet Video Interviews: Cast of ‘Super Troopers 2,’ Broken Lizard Comedy Troupe

CHICAGO – “Super Troopers 2” held its star-studded premiere in Chicago on April 17, 2018. On the red carpet, Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com interviewed the cast of the film and the Broken Lizard comedy troupe including Jay Chandrasekhar (Chicago native, co-writer, director, star), Kevin Heffernan (co-writer, star), Erik Stolhanske (co-writer, star), Steve Lemme (co-writer, star) and Paul Soter (co-writer, star).

Film Review: Amy Schumer is Empowering in ‘I Feel Pretty’

CHICAGO – It is a neutered Amy Schumer who is portraying her latest character… a schlumpy woman who lacks the confidence to break out of her shell. It takes the most sitcomish of all actions, the whack on the head, to motivate her that she is one of the most beautiful woman in the world. This empowers the story of “I Feel Pretty.”

Amy Schumer is Empowering in ‘I Feel Pretty’

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

CHICAGO – It is a neutered Amy Schumer who is portraying her latest character… a schlumpy woman who lacks the confidence to break out of her shell. It takes the most sitcomish of all actions, the whack on the head, to motivate her that she is one of the most beautiful woman in the world. This empowers the story of “I Feel Pretty.”

Slideshow: Chicago Premiere of Broken Lizard’s ‘Super Troopers 2’

| Image 1 of 6 |
The Broken Lizard comedy troupe presents SUPER TROOPERS 2

CHICAGO – They’re back! The gang from the 2002 film “Super Troopers,” also known as the comedy team “Broken Lizards,” are finally releasing a sequel, “Super Troopers 2.” Jay Chandrasekhar (also director), Kevin Heffernan, Steve Lemme, Paul Soter and Erik Stolhanske co-wrote and perform in the wacky adventures of their State Trooper characters mediating a Canadian/USA border dispute.

Tribeca 2018: Joy Reid for ‘Rest in Power: The Trayvon Martin Story’

Joy Reid Tribeca 2018

NEW YORK CITY – Trayvon Martin, the African-American teenager who was shot and killed by George Zimmerman in Florida, has become a human symbol for the overreach of “protection” in society and justice itself. Paramount Network premiered the new documentary “Rest in Power: The Trayvon Martin Story” at the 17th Tribeca Film Festival on April 20th, 2018. Joy Reid, moderator of “AM Joy” on MSNBC, moderated the post-film discussion.

Tribeca 2018 Slideshow: Opening-Night Red Carpet for ‘Love Gilda’

| Image 1 of 8 |
The premiere of LOVE GILDA at the Beacon Theatre

NEW YORK CITY – The 17th Tribeca Film Festival opened on April 18, 2018, opened with New York City centered film, the documentary “Love, Gilda.” Directed by Lisa Dapolito, the film tells the story of Gilda Radner, an original cast member in 1975 on “Saturday Night Live” (SNL). The doc featured past and present members of SNL, relating their stories on the meteoric rise and later battles of Gilda, who almost by accident became famous.

Interview: Deon Taylor and Laz Alonso Talk ‘Traffik’, Modern Slavery, Trump

CHICAGO - Many people think that human trafficking is a problem in other countries, but not the US. They would be wrong. This modern form of slavery is alive and well in the US, but it is well-hidden, especially since most people don’t pay attention to the signs. Writer/Director Deon Taylor and actor Laz Alonso talk to us about this dark topic and much more!

Film News: ‘The Summit’ on Closing Night of 34th Chicago Latino Film Festival on April 19, 2018

2018 CLFF Closing Night 'The Summit'

CHICAGO – It’s coming up on Closing Night for the 34th Chicago Latino Film Festival, and the two weeks of the fest was a celebration and gift to film in Chicago. The Closing Night Gala on April 19th, 2018, will feature the film “The Summit” (“La Cordillera”) from Argentina, Spain and France. Actor Ricardo Darín will also receive the Gloria Career Achievement Award as part of the festivities. The event is sold out, but click here for more information.

Film News: Cinema/Chicago Presents the 14th CineYouth Festival, April 20-22, 2018

2018 CineYouth logo

CHICAGO – The 14th annual CineYouth Festival – presented by Cinema/Chicago – starts on Friday, April 20th, 2017, at the Music Box Theatre in Chicago, kicking off a three day festival run. The opening night film is Director Bing Liu’s “Minding the Gap,’ a critically acclaimed documentary by Chicago’s Kartemquin films. Tickets to all events are FREE and open to the public. For more information and a full weekend schedule, click here.

Interview: ‘Life is a Bitch,’ at the 34th Chicago Latino Film Festival on April 18, 2018

Life is a Bitch

CHICAGO – The 34th Chicago Latino Film Festival (CLFF) has been nearly two weeks of the best in Latin American, Mexican and Hispanic cinema. As the festival wraps up on April 19th, one of its best comedies – “Life is a Bitch” from Brazil – will screen on Wednesday, April 18th, 2018. For more information, click here.

Film News: 2018 Tribeca Film Festival Opens with ‘Love, Gilda’

NEW YORK CITY – The 17th edition of the Tribeca Film Festival will open with a truly New York-centric celebration. Live from the Beacon Theatre on April 18th, 2018, will be “Love, Gilda.” This documentary on the life of “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) superstar Gilda Radner kicks off the two week festival, April 18th through April 29th.

Theater Review: Nothing Without a Company Builds a ‘Cornerstone’ in Downtown Chicago

Cornerstone, Nothing Without a Company

CHICAGO – We all need some help. The stage play group Nothing Without a Company realizes that, and has collaborated with the organization “Cornerstone” to provide that assistance. Cornerstone is a seminar and a happening in downtown Chicago, facilitated by “experts” to generate your potential. The presentation has a Thursday-Sunday run at Michigan Avenue’s Artspace 8 through May 6th, 2018. Click here for more details, including ticket information.

Photo Gallery: Echosmith at Metro Chicago on April 15, 2018

| Image 1 of 5 |
1 of 5. Echosmith at Metro Chicago, April 15, 2018.

CHICAGOEchosmith performing at Metro Chicago on April 15th, 2018. HollywoodChicago.com photographer Jeff Doles brings you the photos! Click “Next” and “Previous” to scan through the slideshow or jump directly to individual photos with the captioned links below. All photos © Jeff Doles for HollywoodChicago.com.

Interview: Larry Ziegelman's Chicago Web Series ‘Geek Lounge,’ Screening April 17, 2018

Geek Lounge

CHICAGO – Getting to the next step of any new creative project is the goal, and creator/director Larry Ziegelman has done it. One year after premiering his new web series, “Geek Lounge,” he has completed an entire season, and is ready for the festivals. The idea behind Geek Lounge was to combine the nerd culture of “Silicon Valley” with the back-and-forth bar banter of “Cheers.” He will screen the entire series on Tuesday, April 17th, 2018, at the Den Theatre in Chicago, FREE and open to the public. Click here for details and ticket information.

Film Review: Stylish, Well Performed ‘You Were Never Really Here’

CHICAGO – Actor Joaquin Phoenix almost solely specializes in portraying broken souls, but he also does it with such intensity that he adds necessary depth to those characters, to allow for their redemption. As a hit man for hire in the new film “You Were Never Really Here,” he again reaches beyond the darkness.

Stylish, Well Performed ‘You Were Never Really Here’

HollywoodChicago.com Oscarman rating: 4.0/5.0
Rating: 4.0/5.0

CHICAGO – Actor Joaquin Phoenix almost solely specializes in portraying broken souls, but he also does it with such intensity that he adds necessary depth to those characters, to allow for their redemption. As a hit man for hire in the new film “You Were Never Really Here,” he again reaches beyond the darkness.

Interview: Director Huaug Hsin-yao on ‘The Great Buddha +’ at Chicago’s Asian Pop-Up Cinema

Great Buddha +, The

CHICAGO – Season Six is one of the most successful for Chicago’s Asian Pop-Up Cinema (APUC), as they present gems from the Asian film world that provide mind and cultural expansion. Recently, as part of their Taiwan Cinema Days, APUC brought in director Huang Hsin-yao of “The Great Buddha +,” a meditation on class, religion and the ever present eye-in-the-sky video of the current era.

Podtalk: Brian Zahm on ‘Tea Party’ at Chicago’s Sound of Silent Film Fest on April 14, 2018

2018 Sound of Silent Film Festival

CHICAGO – Chicago has a wealth of film festivals this spring, and one of the coolest ones will take place on Saturday, April 14th, 2018, at the historic Davis Theater. The 13th Sound of Silent Film Festival combines cutting edge filmmakers – like Brian Zahm of “Tea Party” – and pairs their short works with Chicago-area musicians in all styles, who will provide live in-theater accompaniment. There are two shows, 7pm and 9:30pm, and to purchase tickets to one or both click here.

Film Review: There Are Just Enough Reasons to Go Ape Over ‘Rampage’

CHICAGO - As a whole, we have a fascination with watching destruction in front of us. It provides a catharsis from our heavily stressed lives, especially in the Trump era. It provides a necessary release of aggression, the same way video games do for people. “Rampage” scratches that itch, but only if you aren’t also looking to be intellectually stimulated or care about plot coherence.

There Are Just Enough Reasons to Go Ape Over ‘Rampage’

HollywoodChicago.com Oscarman rating: 2.5/5.0
Rating: 2.5/5.0

CHICAGO - As a whole, we have a fascination with watching destruction in front of us. It provides a catharsis from our heavily stressed lives, especially in the Trump era. It provides a necessary release of aggression, the same way video games do for people. “Rampage” scratches that itch, but only if you aren’t also looking to be intellectually stimulated or care about plot coherence.

User Login

Free Giveaway Mailing

TV, DVD, BLU-RAY & THEATER REVIEWS

Advertisement



HollywoodChicago.com on Twitter

archive

HollywoodChicago.com Top Ten Discussions
referendum
tracker