CHICAGO – When two brothers confront the sins of each other and it expands into a psychology of an entire race, it’s at a stage play found in Chicago’s Invictus Theatre Company production of “Topdog/Underdog,” now at their new home at the Windy City Playhouse through March 31st, 2024. Click TD/UD for tickets/info.
Oprah Winfrey
Audio Film Review: ‘The Color Purple’ Adapts to a Film Musical
Submitted by PatrickMcD on December 27, 2023 - 2:18pmCHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review for “The Color Purple,” the film musical adaptation of the beloved novel by Alice Walker, produced by Steven Spielberg … the director of the 1985 film version … and Oprah Winfrey. In theaters since December 25th.!—break—>
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.!—break—>
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.
Tribeca 2018: Author Tawni O’Dell on the Screenplay Adaptation of Her Book, ‘Back Roads’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on May 2, 2018 - 10:47amCHICAGO – For a first book author, there is probably no greater literary blessing than their work becoming a “Oprah’s Book Club” selection. Tawni O’Dell experienced that honor in 2000, for her novel “Back Roads.” Fast forward years later, and O’Dell adapted that novel – with Adrian Lyne – into a screenplay that became the film “Back Roads,” which screened at the 17th Tribeca Film Festival on April 20th, 2018.
Film Review: ‘A Wrinkle in Time’ Can’t Smooth Its Bizarre Fabric
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 8, 2018 - 6:10pmCHICAGO – Although I am an admirer of Oprah Winfrey, it’s unfortunate that the best way to describe “A Wrinkle in Time” – with her role as goddess problem solver – is Worst. Episode. of. Oprah. Ever. The film, based on a novel from 1962, caves into effects over cohesiveness or story.
Entertainment News: Awards Season Begins with 2018 Golden Globes
Submitted by PatrickMcD on January 8, 2018 - 10:41amCHICAGO – It was basic black at the 75th Golden Globe Awards on January 7th, 2018, as attendees chose a fashion statement to define the year that Hollywood faced the realities of sexual harassment. Hosted by Seth Meyers of NBC-TV’s “Late Night,” the Globes celebrated the best of TV and film in 2017.
Exclusive Portrait: Holly Robinson Peete Promotes Book ‘Same But Different’ in Chicagoland
Submitted by PatrickMcD on May 6, 2016 - 2:23pmCHICAGO – Holly Robinson Peete is a notable television actor (“21 Jump Street,” “Hanging with Mr. Cooper”), but her true life’s work is as a national spokesperson for autism. Currently, her family is featured on the reality show “For Peete’s Sake,” on the OWN Network, and she has written a new book, “Same But Different: Teen Life on the Autism Express.” She recently appeared at Anderson’s Bookshop in Naperville, Ill., to promote the book.
Interview: Actor Trai Byers of Film ‘Selma,’ TV’s ‘Empire’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on January 22, 2015 - 4:34pmCHICAGO – The excellent film “Selma” focuses on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. But just as important as King were the marchers from supporting civil rights societies, such as the Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), and their leaders like James Forman, portrayed in the film by Trai Byers.
Interview: Actor David Oyelowo, Director Ava DuVernay of ‘Selma’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on January 8, 2015 - 7:45amCHICAGO – One of the most vital – and contemporarily relevant – historical films is about to be released. “Selma” is the story of the titanic struggle to establish voting rights in Alabama in 1965, led by the iconic civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Actor David Oyelowo portrays King, and was directed by Ava DuVernay.
Film Review: ‘Selma’ a Powerful Reminder that History Does Repeat
Submitted by PatrickMcD on January 1, 2015 - 9:59amCHICAGO – With exquisite timing, the historical docudrama “Selma” will ring in 2015, and adds to the race-oppression-in-America debate that everything old is new again. Set in 1965, it is the courageous story of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the ordinary citizens that fought for the right to vote.