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+.
The Second City
Interview: Philosopher King Mike Birbiglia of ‘Don’t Think Twice’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on July 27, 2016 - 10:42amCHICAGO – When comedian/writer/director Mike Birbiglia is in his element, as during the interviews he conducted at The iO Theater in Chicago, he is relaxed and ardently philosophical. He has written and directed a new film, “Don’t Think Twice,” which is about a improvisation comedy troupe, but it’s also about life.
Interview: Actor Paul Dooley on Getting to Portray Dad
Submitted by PatrickMcD on July 26, 2016 - 9:37amCHICAGO – After he reigned as the father in the classic 1979 film “Breaking Away,” actor Paul Dooley suddenly became everyone’s Dad – and by everyone that meant Molly Ringwald (“Sixteen Candles”), Julia Roberts (“Runaway Bride”) and Helen Hunt (“Mad About You”). He tells all in PART TWO of a comprehensive interview.
Interview: Actor Paul Dooley of ‘Breaking Away,’ ‘Sixteen Candles’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on July 21, 2016 - 12:25pmCHICAGO – If there ever was a quintessential “Dad” in movies of the last generation, it would have to be Paul Dooley. The comedian and character actor is best known for portraying the patriarch in “Breaking Away” (1979) and “Sixteen Candles” (1984), but was also in director’s Robert Altman’s ‘ensemble’ and has had a stellar career.
Interview: Adam McKay Comes Up Large in ‘The Big Short’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on December 24, 2015 - 10:21amCHICAGO – When HollywoodChicago.com last spoke to writer/director Adam McKay in 2013, he was about to release “Anchorman 2,” and wasn’t really known for anything but his wacky comedy films. That all changed this month, with the release of “The Big Short,” a brilliant indictment of the financial meltdown of 2007 and ’08, and an impressively creative and serious effort from the comic director.
Interview: Director Jack C. Newell Has ‘Open Tables’ at 51st Chicago International Film Festival
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 20, 2015 - 9:42amCHICAGO – Jack C. Newell will ride his bike when he meets you for an interview in Chicago, naturally. The locally based director is a welcome original, with credits in both documentary and narrative films. His latest feature, “Open Tables,” will screen at the 51st Chicago International Film Festival on October 20th, 2015.
Interview: Co-Executive Producer Cindy Caponera of ‘Ground Floor’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on December 9, 2014 - 11:07amCHICAGO – December 9th is the 2014 second season premiere of “Ground Floor,” the TBS workplace comedy featuring John C. McGinley (“Scrubs”), plus Skylar Astin and Briga Heelan (seen in the film “Pitch Perfect”). Chicago native Cindy Caponera is a writer and co-executive producer on the show.
Movie News: Oscar-Winning Director Mike Nichols Dies at 83
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 20, 2014 - 10:13am- 83 years old
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NEW YORK CITY – He was an immigrant kid from Germany who directed the most American of stage plays and films. Mike Nichols uplifted the culture with his art, and along the way won the famed EGOT – Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony. Nichols passed away suddenly at his home. He was 83.
Entertainment News: Comic Legend Joan Rivers Dies at 81
Submitted by PatrickMcD on September 4, 2014 - 5:03pmNEW YORK CITY – There are legends, and then there is Joan Rivers. The comedian and show business survivor had a life journey as an influential star from the 1960s all the way to the end of her life. Joan Rivers died on September 4th, 2014, in New York City after suffering respiratory failure last weekend.
Interview: Cindy Caponera on Her New Book ‘I Triggered Her Bully’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on May 26, 2014 - 3:33pmCHICAGO – It was a cold Chicago day in May, typical of the endless winter. The coffee shop was warm and inviting, as I waited to interview the comedy icon, Cindy Caponera. She had written a book – “I Triggered Her Bully” – but as she walked in I was more interested in what she was wearing.
Film News: Director, Comic Actor Harold Ramis Dead at 69
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 24, 2014 - 2:05pmCHICAGO – He was a Ghostbuster, and Bill Murray’s sidekick in “Stripes.” He co-wrote classic modern comedies like “Animal House” and “Caddyshack.” He directed the legendary absurdist comedy, “Groundhog Day.” He is Harold Ramis, and he died on February 24th, according to his wife Erica Mann Ramis.