Patrick McDonald

Interview: ‘Me and Earl and the Dying Girl’ Director Alfonso Gomez-Rejon at 2015 Chicago Critics Film Festival

CHICAGO – It was a helluva festival. The third annual 2015 Chicago Critics Film Festival (CCFF) presented films to packed houses, and also featured the stars and the directors from those films. Closing night on May 7th featured “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl,” directed by Alfonso Gomez-Rejon.

Interviews: Two More Filmmakers at 2015 Chicago Critics Film Festival

James Ponsoldt, photo by Joe Arce

CHICAGO – The showcase and respect given to filmmakers at the recently completed 2015 Chicago Critics Film Festival (CCFF) meant that the top directors made appearances on behalf of their featured films. James Ponsoldt of “The End of the Tour” and Patrick Brice of “The Overnight” are two prime artists at the top of their game.

Interviews: Joan Cusack, Richard Roeper Make Appearances at 2015 Chicago Critics Film Festival

CHICAGO – The recently completed 2015 Chicago Critics Festival was heavy on celebrity and filmmaker appearances. One of those special appearances was Oscar nominated actress Joan Cusack, who represented the film “The End of the Tour” on May 6th, and her Q&A was moderated by film critic Richard Roeper.

Film Review: ‘Hot Pursuit’ is an Unoriginal, Redundant Hot Mess

CHICAGO – I get it. The old fashioned buddy movie, except with the twist of the femme-flavor-of-the-moment Sofia Vergara and runty Reese Witherspoon. It practically writes itself. In fact, that might be the only legitimate excuse for the mess that is “Hot Pursuit” – it wrote itself.

Interview: Comedian Barry Crimmins of ‘Call Me Lucky’ at 2015 Chicago Critics Film Festival

CHICAGO – One of the more emotionally stunning screenings at the Chicago Critics Film Festival (CCFF) was a film about a comedian. Barry Crimmins is a beloved comic, with a stable of famous friends. But he also had a secret in his past, and it’s all explored in “Call Me Lucky,” directed by fellow comic traveler Bobcat Goldthwait.

Interview: Legendary Chicago Blackhawks Star Bobby Hull

Bobby Hull, photo by Joe Arce

CHICAGO – Robert Marvin “Bobby” Hull needs no introduction in the City of Chicago, as his career as a Chicago Blackhawks hockey player was as iconic and influential as Babe Ruth was to baseball. The “Golden Jet,” which was his nickname, recently appeared at the Hollywood Show in Rosemont, Ill., and still brings admirers that want to meet him, even though he hung up the skates 35 years ago.

Interviews: Three Filmmakers at the 2015 Chicago Critics Film Festival

CHICAGO – One of the great benefits at the Chicago Critics Film Festival is the opportunity to meet the filmmakers, for both Q&A after their film screenings and one-on-one opportunities in the Music Box Theatre lounge. Like these three – Kris Swanberg (“Unexpected”), Kurt Kuenne (“Batkid Begins”) and Noah Pritzker (“Quitters”).

Interview: Cobie Smulders of ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’ at 2015 Chicago Critics Film Festival

CHICAGO – Where did one of the most prominently featured actresses in “Avengers: Age of Ultron” decide to spend the Saturday night of the film’s release? It was attending the Chicago Critics Film Festival, greeting admirers and participating in Q&As – after her two new films, “Results” and “Unexpected.”

Preview: Final Four Nights of 2015 Chicago Critics Film Festival

CHICAGO – As the Chicago Critics Film Festival (CCFF) – a film festival as programmed by the members of the Chicago Film Critics Association – heads into its last four nights, the variety and depth of the films that are being screened continues to astound and entertain. It all takes place at the Music Box Theatre in Chicago, May 4 through 7, 2015.

Interview: ‘Digging for Fire’ Director Joe Swanberg at 2015 Chicago Critics Film Festival

Joe Swanberg, photo by Patrick McDonald

CHICAGO – He is the master of loose and natural dialogue in his many micro-budget films. Director Joe Swanberg has worked his way up the movie ladder through perseverance and staying true to his vision, despite the obstacles. His film, “Digging for Fire,” opened the Chicago Critics Film Festival on May 1, 2015.

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  • Manhunt

    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+.

  • Topdog/Underdog, Invictus Theatre

    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.

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