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Updated: 1 hour 38 min ago

Film Review: Size Matters in ‘Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire’

March 28, 2024 - 2:49pm

CHICAGO – The key to the rapidly expanding Warner Bros. “Mosterverse” of films, now on its fifth installment, is the enduring pleasure of watching giant creatures laying waste to entire cities. Godzilla and Kong are entirely digital creations, but they have all the personality we need in a movie like this.


Rating: 3.0/5.0

When we last left the big ape, he was learning to adapt to his new habitat in hollow earth, a natural world located deep inside the earth, while Godzilla is back up on the surface battling other titans and occasionally causing some major collateral property damage. But as they say, there is a disturbance in the force. Turns out a mysterious distress signal from an ancient civilization still keeping the peace in a secret settlement in hollow earth is sending those monitors vibrating and giving visions to Jia (Kaylee Hottle), the displaced teen who telepathically communicates with Kong.

“Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire” is in theaters March 29th. Featuring Rebecca Hall, Dan Stevens, Brian Tyree Henry, Alex Ferns and Kaylee Hottle. Written by Terry Rossio, Simon Barrett and Jeremy Slater. Directed by Adam Wingard. Rated “PG-13”

Continue reading for Spike Walter’s full review of “Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire”


Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire
Photo credit: Warner Bros.

Continue reading for Spike Walter’s full review of “Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire”

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Audio Film Review: Naked Truth in ‘Carol Doda Topless at the Condor’

March 27, 2024 - 1:48pm

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review for “Carol Doda Topless at the Condor,” a documentary about a different time and morality in America, written and directed by Mario McKenzie and Jonathan Parker. In select theaters on March 29th. See local listings.


Rating: 4.0/5.0

Carol Doda was an exotic dancer in San Francisco in the 1960s, who hijinks eventually led the way to a loosening of standards and breast coverings at the strip (hyy-oh) of clubs in North Beach. Doda was a waitress at the Condor, who began to dance on top of the piano as a gag, and her outgoing nature began to get popular, especially after she donned the infamous “monokini” topless bathing suit for the act in 1964. This led to a busting out of similar clubs in San Fran, but it was Carol who owned the street in the early days, honored by the Condor with a full length rendering on their marquee. She maintained her legend status all the way to the end.

“Carol Doda Topless at the Condor” is in select theaters on March 29th (including Chicago’s … click link … Landmark Century Centre Cinema) see local listings. Featuring archival footage of Carol Doda. Written and directed by Mario McKenzie and Jonathan Parker. Rated “R”

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s audio review of “Carol Doda Topless at the Condor”


Carol Doda Topless at the Condor
Photo credit: Picturehouse

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s audio review of “Carol Doda Topless at the Condor”

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Audio Film Review: Saint Comes Marching In for ‘Cabrini’

March 27, 2024 - 1:17pm

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review for “Cabrini,” the origin story of the first American canonized saint, Mother Cabrini, directed by Alejandro Monteverde of “Sound of Freedom.” Currently in theaters see local listings.


Rating: 3.5/5.0

Christina Dell’Anna is Mother Cabrini, an Italian nun whose life mission is to build orphanages around the world. When she goes to Pope Leo (Giancarlo Giannini) to plead to do this in Asia, the Pope instead sends her to New York City America, where the notorious Five Points neighborhood is crowded by the influx of Italian immigrants in need. She goes to work building an orphanage and hospital, much to the chagrin of Archbishop Corrigan (David Morse) and New York’s Mayor Gould (John Lithgow). Some of their dread is bureaucratic and most has to do with the headstrong female in a man’s world. Can Mother Cabrini make a difference?

“Cabrini” is currently in theaters. Featuring Christina Dell’Anna, Giancarlo Giannini, David Morse, Romana Maggiora Vergano and John Lithgow. Written and Directed by Alejandro Monteverde. Rated “PG-13”

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s audio review of “Cabrini”


Cabrini
Photo credit: Angel Studios

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s audio review of “Cabrini”

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Podtalk: Director Ahn Hung Tran for ‘The Taste of Things,’ Digital Release on March 28, 2024

March 26, 2024 - 11:38am

CHICAGO – The great food movies of cinema history … think “Babette’s Feast” or “Big Night” … use food prep cinematically as a palette for the senses. A French/Belgium film from last year continues that tradition. “The Taste of Things,” featuring Oscar winner Juliette Binoche and written/directed by Ahn Hung Tran, is set in late 19th Century France within a romance between a chef and his muse.


Rating: 4.5/5.0

Adapted from a popular French novel featuring Chef Dodin Bouffant (Benoit Magimel), and set in 1889, the story involves the developing love affair between Bouffant and his vital taster and sous chef Eugenie (Juliette Binoche). As Bouffant’s reputation grows, to a point where ambassadors and kings desire his meals, Eugenie continues to be his muse. Right at the height of their love and food creative relationship, Eugenie’s health becomes an obstacle.


Ahn Hung Tran and Benoit Magimel on the set of ‘The Taste of Things’
Photo credit: Stephanie Branchu for IFC Films

The film explores the cooperation of creativity, especially in cooking, where each phase is lovingly explored through the vision of director Ahn Hung Tran. The created dishes are shown as flavor breakthroughs, and Eugenie’s contributions are essential for Bouffant’s success. To experience both sides of the relationship is the key to both the beauty of the film and its romance, which allows for the food to burst outward from the screen and become a necessary symbol for true love and inspiration.

Ahn Hung Tran, the writer/director of the film, made a splash early in this career with a trilogy of films set in his native Vietnam (Tran’s family left there when he was 12 years old). “The Scent of Green Papaya” (1993) was Oscar nominated for Best International Film, “Cyclo” (1995) won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival and the trilogy finale was “The Vertical Ray of the Sun” (2000). “The Taste of Things” is his seventh feature film.

In Podtalk interview by Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, Ahn Hung Tran relates the depth of “The Taste of Things” …

Trailer, “The Taste of Things”…

”The Taste of Things” is available for digital download on March 28th thru various platforms. Featuring Juliette Binoche, Benoit Magimel, Emmanuel Salinger, Patrick d’Assumcao and Galatea Bellugi. Written (adapted) and directed by Ahn Hung Tran. Rated “PG-13”

By PATRICK McDONALD
Editor and Film Critic/Writer
HollywoodChicago.com
pat@hollywoodchicago.com

© 2024 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

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Podtalk: Legacy Curator Kathy Connor of The George Eastman Museum

March 25, 2024 - 8:28pm

ROCHESTER, NY – The last week of the “job well done” certainly applies to the career of Legacy Curator Kathy Connor of the George Eastman Museum in Rochester, New York. After 42 years she retires as of March 31st, after overseeing the renovations and expansion to the Victorian mansion and the preservation efforts of George Eastman’s photography and film heritage.

George Eastman was in essence the inventor of at-home photography. As described in the Podtalk, he found a way to take the mechanics of picture taking from the studios of the era to the hands of everyone, as he evolved the photo/movie film formats through the years and compacted them further. Even as he passed away in 1932, the Rochester-based “Kodak” company (an invented name by Eastman) continued to innovate home photography and motion pictures for many years afterward. He was also a generous benefactor, providing $100 million dollars of his fortune … equivalent to two billion today … to various causes.


The George Eastman House and Museum in Rochester, New York
Photo credit: Eastman.org

The George Eastman Museum (AKA George Eastman House) was established in his former residence after use by the University of Rochester (he left to home to that institution). The museum opened it doors in 1949, and soon had the largest collection of rare photographs for preservation in the world. As part of its expansion in the 1980s and beyond, the museum also became the conservator of film stock, one of four conservation centers in the United States.The museum’s Dryden Theater for film projects its various prints and collections five days a week.

Kathy Connor began her tenure at the George Eastman Museum right after graduate school in 1982. She attributed her longevity to the various positions she took on, and her interaction with the development and expansion of the facility. As she recently told RochesterFirst.com, “I guess I’m walking away with a feeling of pride, that this house looks a ton better, and my mother always said, ‘You always leave your place better than you found it,’ and I feel I’ve done that here.”


Legacy Curator Kathy Connor of the George Eastman Museum
Photo credit: Eastman.org

In Podtalk interview by Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, Legacy Curator Kathy Connor provides an overview of the George Eastman Museum …

A video overview of the George Eastman Museum, after their 2020 expansion …

The George Eastman Museum is located at 900 East Avenue in Rochester, New York, and is open every day except Mondays. Click Eastman.org for all details and tickets. This reporter is grateful to Legacy Curator Kathy Connor for her personal tour of the George Eastman House and sends best wishes for her retirement.

By PATRICK McDONALD
Editor and Film Critic/Writer
HollywoodChicago.com
pat@hollywoodchicago.com

© 2024 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

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Via Zoom: Actors Caleb Landry Jones & Jojo T. Gibbs for 'DogMan'

March 25, 2024 - 4:31pm

CHICAGO – In one of the more unusual film releases of late, Caleb Landry Jones and Jojo T. Gibbs are the feature lead actors in “Dogman,” opening in Chicago on March 29th and wider on April 5th. Written and directed by Luc Besson (“The Fifth Element’), the film defies convention in a story that is multi-faceted and symbolic.

The DogMan is Doug (Caleb Landry Jones) and as the movie begins we see him busted by New Jersey law enforcement, where they find several dogs in his truck, and he’s also in drag as Marilyn Monroe. Wanting to get into his motivations, they put their psychiatrist Evelyn (Jojo T. Gibbs) on the case, and she begins to unravel the DogMan’s life, which includes childhood abuse, paralysis and Shakespeare. He also has a psychic connection to the dogs he keeps, using them as an army to protect and do break-ins for him. Finally, because of all these circumstances, he lands a job as a drag queen, doing song renditions of famous women. Is DogMan a Sinner or a Saint?


Jojo T. Gibbs and Caleb Landry Jones in ‘DogMan’
Photo credit: Briarcliff Entertainment

Both Caleb Landry Jones and Jojo T. Gibbs are veteran actors. Jones is known for portraying Banshee in “X-Men: First Class” and also appearing in “Get Out” and “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.” Gibbs was recently in the Oscar nominated “Past Lives” and will be in the upcoming “Civil War.”

In an interview Via Zoom by Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, Caleb Landry Jones and Jojo T. Gibbs talks “Dogman” …

Trailer, “Dogman” …

“DogMan” is in salect theaters (including Chicago) on March 29th, opening wider on April 5th. See local listings. Featuring Caleb Landry Jones, Jojo T. Gibbs, Christopher Denham, Clemens Schick and John Charles Aguilar. Written and directed by Luc Beeson. Rated “R”

By PATRICK McDONALD
Editor and Film Critic/Writer
HollywoodChicago.com
pat@hollywoodchicago.com

© 2024 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

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On-Air TV Review: ‘Manhunt’ Reserves a Booth for Lincoln

March 25, 2024 - 10:10am

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 Civil War has just ended, and Abraham Lincoln (Hamish Linklater) is taking in a play with his wife Mary (Lily Taylor) at Ford’s Theater. On a big laugh line, John Wilkes Booth (Anthony Boyle) … a Southern sympathizer and actor by profession … shoots Lincoln dead and manages to escape Washington before Secretary of Defense Edwin M. Stanton (Tobias Menzies) can shut down the city’s borders. The “Manhunt” is on, even with Booth hobbling on a broken leg.


Manhunt
Photo credit: Apple TV+

Audio TV Series Review of “Manhunt” by Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com …

“Manhunt” is streaming on Apple TV+ since March 15th. Featuring Hamish Linklater, Lily Taylor, Anthony Boyle, Tobias Menzies and Patton Oswalt. Created by Monica Betletsky. Rated “TV-MA.” “Besides that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?”

By PATRICK McDONALD
Editor and Film Critic/Writer
HollywoodChicago.com
pat@hollywoodchicago.com

© 2024 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

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On-Air Film Review: Surely Regina King is Essential as ‘Shirley’

March 24, 2024 - 9:55am

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on March 22nd, 2024, reviewing “Shirley,” featuring Regina King as 1960s/70s Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm. Streaming on Netflix since March 22nd.


Rating: 4.0/5.0

Ms. King portrayed Congresswoman Chisholm as she launches an impossible dream of running for the Democratic nomination for president in 1972. Behind Ms. Chisholm was her husband Conrad (Michael Cherrie), her advisors Arthur Hardwick (Terrence Howard) and Mac Holder (Lance Reddick), as well as colleagues Congressman Walter Fauntroy (André Holland) and future politico and congresswoman, Barbara Lee (Christina Jackson). The result of her run are obviously known, but it’s the insider process that is the guts of this impossible dream.

”Late Night with the Devil” is in select theaters on March 22nd. See local listings. Featuring David Dastmalchian, Rhys Auteri, Ian Bliss, Laura Gordon and Ingrid Torelli. Co-written and directed by Colin and Cameron Cairnes. Rated “R”

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of “Shirley”


Shirley
Photo credit: Netflix

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of “Shirley”

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On-Air Film Review: Heere’s David in ‘Late Night with the Devil’

March 23, 2024 - 1:35pm

Rating: 4.0/5.0

Dastmalchian is Jack Delroy, a fictional 1970s talk show host who is in trouble. Jack and his show “Night Owls,” once one of the biggest shows in late night, is now struggling. So now, with his personal life marred by tragedy and his ratings in free fall, he’s desperate to keep his show. Jack and his producers cook up a controversial plan for their 1977 Halloween special … a live demonic possession, as performed by parapsychologist Dr. June (Laura Gordon) and 13-year-old Lilly (Ingrid Torelli). On the spookiest night of the year, demons are about to get real.

”Late Night with the Devil” is in select theaters on March 22nd. See local listings. Featuring David Dastmalchian, Rhys Auteri, Ian Bliss, Laura Gordon and Ingrid Torelli. Co-written and directed by Colin and Cameron Cairnes. Rated “R”

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of “Late Night with the Devil”


Late Night with the Devil
Photo credit: IFC Films

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of “Late Night with the Devil”

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Audio Film Review: ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’ is Busted

March 23, 2024 - 1:03pm

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review for “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,” a sequel to the reboot of 2021, which was adapted from the 1984 classic and featuring OGs Bill Murray, Dan Akyroyd, Harold Ramis and Ernie Hudson. In theaters since March 22nd.


Rating: 2.5/5.0

The new crew are relatives of Egon Spengler (the late Harold Ramis character), including daughter Callie (Carrie Coon) and her kids Trevor (Finn Wolfhard) and science nerd Phoebe (Mckenna Grace), now in New York City with step dad Gary (Paul Rudd). They’re also living in the original firehouse headquarters, where they are busted by City Hall after a ghost chase destroys several blocks. They find out … through an ancient round orb sold to OG Buster Ray (Akyroyd) by Nadeem (Kumail Nanjiani) that the site of the firehouse is a portal to the ghost world. So through a ghost that Phoebe befriends named Melody (Emily Alyn Lind) … an ancient spirit monster is about to arise in NYC through that portal. Who ya gonna call?

“Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” is in theaters since March 22nd. Featuring the voices of Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, Annie Potts, Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard, Mckenna Grace, Emily Alyn Lind, Kumail Nanjiani and Patton Oswalt. Written by Gil Kenan and Jason Reitman. Directed by Gil Kenan. Rated “PG-13”

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s audio review of “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire”


Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
Photo credit: Columbia Pictures

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s audio review of “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire”

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Film News: Midwest Film Festival Presents Global Kaleidoscope Night on March 25, 2024

March 22, 2024 - 7:33pm

CHICAGO – The Midwest Film Festival presents Global Kaleidoscope Night on March 25th, 2024. The short film showcase celebrates a broad spectrum of narratives, perspectives, and identities. The filmmakers … rooted in the Midwest … bring forth stories, personal viewpoints, and emotional journeys that reach far beyond regional boundaries. The Fest is based at the Gene Siskel Film Center. For tickets and info, click GLOBAL.

The Short Film Line-Up features “Arrangements” by Thavary Krouch, “Ghareeb EP3” by Lena Elmeligy, “SISTERS” by Luke Jaden, “Cottage Grove” by George Ellzey Jr., “The Appraiser” by C.J. Arellano, “Nazar Sean” by Sankalp Raju, “I Said, No” by Gabriella Wiltz, “The Original Shareholder Experience” by Petyr Xyst and “Tonantzin Dance Company“ by Sofía Elena Ávila-Olderman. The evening begins at 6:30pm with a Networking Reception, followed by a Community Spotlight (details below), the short film screenings and an After Party at the Emerald Loop Bar & Grill in Chicago’s Loop.


March 25th, 2024, at the Gene Siskel Film Center
Photo credit: MidwestFilm.com

In March’s Community Spotlight conversation, the Midwest Film Festival features Mezcla Media Collective, an organization committed to promoting equality. Mezcla actively challenges Chicago's historical and systemic exclusivity, providing resources for connection, instruction, and career development at the local level.

The Midwest Film Festival has been a staple in Chicago’s film community for since 2004. At the beginning of 2020, the festival was reinvented with a a new outlook and name, facilitated by Executive Director Erica Duffy. It remains one of the most influential and provocative film festivals in the city.

The Midwest Film Festival Presents Global Kaleidoscope Night, beginning at 6:30pm on Monday, March 25th, at the Gene Siskel Film Center, Chicago. For more information on The Midwest Film Festival, click here.

By PATRICK McDONALD
Editor and Film Critic/Writer
HollywoodChicago.com
pat@hollywoodchicago.com

© 2024 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

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Podtalk: Joan Shamanic on Life Force Arts ‘Hawaiian Goddesses: Fire of Life,’ March 24, 2024

March 21, 2024 - 8:06pm

CHICAGO – Healing is the goal of the Life Force Arts Ensemble (LFAE). Combining Shamanic practice with the arts of music, dance, poetry and paintings, the current thematic exhibit is “Conscious Body: Living Soul From Sentience to Sovereignty.” In association with that theme will be a Sound Healing Ceremony entitled (click link) “Hawaiian Goddesses: Fire of Life” taking place on Sunday, March 24th, 2024.

“I am the Fire of Life!” Says Pele, Goddess of Fire and Volcanoes. “Turn your insides out, the way a volcano creates new land, whole mountains.“ This Shamanic Sound Healing Ceremony by Life Force Arts Ensemble uses music, dance, Sound Healing, poetry within the beautiful artwork of the current exhibit. Part of the performance allows time for the audience to do a Shamanic Journey, to journal through writing or drawing their responses and insights, and a time for sharing.


’Goddess Pele Empowered’ by Lisa Nomikos at the current LFEA Exhibit
Photo credit: LifeForceArts.org

The Life Force Arts Ensemble (LFAE) is a company of multidisciplinary healing-teaching artists based in the Life Force Arts Method who channel powerful spiritual energy to catalyze individual and societal transformation. The Life Force Arts Method is a psychological and spiritual practice rooted in both the arts and universal wisdom teachings about the skills of being human. Joan Forest Mage (AKA Joan Shamanic) is the Founder and Director of the LFAE.

In a Podtalk with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, Joan Shamanic talks about the LFAE and the upcoming “Hawaiian Goddesses: Fire of Life” …

The Life Force Arts Ensemble presents “Hawaiian Goddesses: Fire of Life” Sound Healing Ceremony on Sunday, March 24th, 2024, at the Life Force Shamanic Arts and Healing Center, 1609 West Belmont Avenue, Chicago. Click LifeForceArts.org for overall information.

By PATRICK McDONALD
Editor and Film Critic/Writer
HollywoodChicago.com
pat@hollywoodchicago.com

© 2024 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

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Film News: Taiwan Showcase Weekend at Chicago’s Asian Pop-Up Cinema, March 23-24, 2024

March 21, 2024 - 1:54pm

CHICAGO – Taiwan is the focus for the Asian Pop-Up Cinema this upcoming Saturday and Sunday, March 23rd and 24th, as Season 18 kicks off. Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com will moderate the post film Q&A sessions on Saturday, with the films “A Boy and a Girl” and “The Young Hoodlum.” Click TAIWAN for tickets.

In behalf of the Saturday films there will be appearances by director Hsu Li-Da, producer Tang Tsai-Yang and actress Kira Skelly of “A Boy and a Girl” and director Yu Chi Han and actor Joseph Huang of “The Young Hoodlum.” The third film on Sunday is (click link) ”After School”. All films will screen at the conveniently located AMC NEWCITY in Chicago’s Clybourn Street neighborhood.


Left: ‘A Boy and a Girl’ .. Center: ‘Young Hoodlum’ .. Right: ‘After School’
Photo credit: AsianPopUpCinema.org

“A Boy and a Girl” is director/screenwriter Hsu Li-Da’s story of raw and simple emotions about the experience of teenagers. The film examines the struggle and fear to be independent while their personalities are being shaped, the unclear logic between good and evil, and the hazy process of understanding love and sex. “The Young Hoodlum” follows four youngsters from dysfunctional families who meet a rich runaway girl. What begins as an innocent and fun relationship leads to a shocking crime that pushes all of them to the point of no return.

Season 18 screenings will “pop up” in Chicago, north suburban Evanston and the Alliance Francaise de Chicago. The festival will feature films by region … going forward is South Korea (March 30-April 3); Japan (April 4-6); India (April 10); and Hong Kong (April 15-21), as well an additional APUC Season 18 “Virtual Festival” (click link, March 23-April 15).

The Asian Pop-Up Cinema (APUC) an annual Asian Film Festival, and the brainchild of Sophia Wong Boccio, founder of Sophia’s Choice. The multi-pronged mission of APUC is cultivating an interest in and understanding of Asian cultures via a diverse offering of multi-country and regional films … connecting the Asian film industry with local Chicago film professionals, educators, and students … and promoting Chicago as a destination for international visitors.

Go to Page Two for an APUC Opening Night Red Carpet interview with actor Jean Bui of the Canadian film “Ru.”

OPENING NIGHT of Season 18 of the Asian Pop-Up Cinema took place on March 20th, 2024, with the U.S. Premiere of “Ru,” a Canadian film about Vietnamese immigration. Actor Jean Bui represented the film on the Red Carpet, and his interview with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com is below.


APUC Opening Night: Jean Bui of ‘Ru’
Photo credit: Patrick McDonald for HollywoodChicago.com


Trailer, Season 18, Asian Pop Up Cinema …

Season 18 of the Asian Pop-Up Cinema (APUC) presents the Taiwan Cinema Showcase, March 23-24, 2024, at AMC NEWCITY, 1500 North Clybourn Avenue, Chicago. For a complete overview and schedule for the rest of the season, which runs through April 21st, click here.

By PATRICK McDONALD
Editor and Film Critic/Writer
HollywoodChicago.com
pat@hollywoodchicago.com

© 2024 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

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Podtalk & Photos: David Dastmalchian in ‘Late Night with the Devil’

March 20, 2024 - 12:55pm

CHICAGO – David Dastmalchian is taking the spotlight in his latest role. The in-demand character actor, with vital portrayals in “Suicide Squad,’ “Dune” and “Oppenheimer,” is the lead performer as a 1970s talk show host in the new horror epic “Late Night with the Devil,” co-written/directed by Colin and Cameron Cairnes. In select theaters March 22nd.


David Dastmalchian for ‘Late Night with the Devil’
Photo credit: Joe Arce for HollywoodChicago.com

Dastmalchian is Jack Delroy, a fictional 1970s talk show host who is in trouble. Jack and his show “Night Owls,” once one of the biggest shows in late night, is now struggling. So now, with his personal life marred by tragedy and his ratings in free fall, he’s desperate to keep his show. With his sidekick Gus (Rhys Auteri) and his producers, they cook up a controversial plan for their 1977 Halloween special … a live demonic possession, as performed by parapsychologist Dr. June (Laura Gordon) and 13-year-old Lilly (Ingrid Torelli). On the spookiest night of the year, the demons are about to get real.


David Dastmalchian Strikes a Pose in October of 2023, Music Box Theatre, Chicago
Photo credit: Joe Arce for HollywoodChicago.com

The characters of David Dastmalchian exist in many universes, including that of the Marvel Studios and the DC Universe. He achieved blockbuster notoriety as the Russian Kurt, part of the “Antourage” in the Marvel Universe “Ant-Man” films, and has appeared as a villain in the DC Comic/CW series “The Flash” and as the mother-obsessed Polka-Dot Man in the DC film “Suicide Squad.”

His two most recent high profile roles were as Piter De Vries in “Dune” and as William Borden in “Oppenheimer.” Dastmalchian also had an independent film partnership with director Collin Schiffli … the award winning “Animals” (2014) and “All Creatures Here Below” (2018). And in his spare time, he has created a popular comic book … “Count Crowley” … and is a spokesperson for a casket company.


David Dastmalchian as Jack Delroy in ‘Late Night with the Devil’
Photo credit: IFC Films

The following Podtalk interview – with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com – took place at the 59th Chicago International Film Festival in October of 2023. Photographer Joe Arce captured the Exclusive Portraits.

In the Podtalk, David Dastmalchian reflects on his featured role in “Late Night with the Devil” …

”Late Night with the Devil” is in select theaters on March 22nd. See local listings. Featuring David Dastmalchian, Rhys Auteri, Ian Bliss, Laura Gordon and Ingrid Torelli. Co-written and directed by Colin and Cameron Cairnes. Rated “R”

By PATRICK McDONALD
Editor and Film Critic/Writer
HollywoodChicago.com
pat@hollywoodchicago.com

© 2024 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

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On-Air Film Review: ‘They Shot the Piano Player’ in the Key of 88

March 20, 2024 - 10:00am

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review for “They Shot the Piano Player,” an animated epic written and co-directed by Fernando Trueba that combines the Bossa Nova sound, a music reporter and a mystery about a long lost pianist. Currently in select theaters. See local listings.


Rating: 5.0/5.0

Jeff Goldblum voices the real-life Jeff Harris, a music journalist who goes to Argentina to research a book on the Bossa Nova sound, which was a worldwide sensation in the 1960s and ‘70s, only to be repressed by a dictatorship in Argentina that began in 1974. Swept up in that coup was the pianist Tenorio Jr., a major force both in Bossa Nova and his own unique approach to the instrument. In Harris’ research, Tenorio’s name comes up again and again, to the point where the journalist’s new mission is to solve the mystery of the piano player’s disappearance.

They Shot the Piano Player” is currently in select theaters. See local listings Featuring the voices of Jeff Goldblum, Tony Ramos and the legends of Bossa Nova. Written by Fernando Trueba. Directed by Javier Mariscal and Fernando Trueba. Rated “PG-13”

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of “They Shot the Piano Player”


They Shot the Piano Player
Photo credit: Sony Pictures Classics

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of “They Shot the Piano Player”

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On-Air Film Review: Raunchy John Cena in ‘Ricky Stanicky’

March 19, 2024 - 3:46pm

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on March 7th, 2024, reviewing “Ricky Stanicky,” featuring John Cena in a comedic dual role, directed by Pater Farrelly. Streaming on Prime Video.


Rating: 3.5/5.0

Cena portrays the title character, but not until a third into the film. Three buddies, Dean, JT and Wes (Zac Efron, Andrew Santino and Jermaine Fowler) have used the name Ricky Stanicky their whole lives to either get out of trouble or as adults get out of responsibility. While playing hooky in Atlantic City, they meet the actor Rod (Cena), and to expand the lie they hire him to portray Ricky Stanicky for their families. Let the wackiness ensue.

”Ricky Stanicky” is currently streaming on Prime Video. Featuring Zac Efron, John Cena, Andrew Santino, Jermaine Fowler and William H. Macy. Screenplay by Peter Farrelly, Jeffrey Bushnell, Brian Jarvis, Jamie Lee Freeman, Pete Jones and Mike Cerrone. Directed by Peter Farrelly. Rated “R”

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of “Ricky Stanicky”


Ricky Stanicky
Photo credit: Prime Video

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of “Ricky Stanicky”

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Podtalk & Portraits: Actor Christina Jackson on Netflix’s ‘Shirley’

March 19, 2024 - 2:15pm

CHICAGO – One of the great lesser known pioneers of social and civil rights history is Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm. As a black woman in the 1960s/70s, she not only was elected to the House of Representatives but also ran for president in 1972 against all odds. Actor Christina Jackson was in Chicago on behalf of the new biopic, “Shirley.”

Shirley Chisholm (Regina King, in a stellar performance) was the first black woman elected to Congress in 1968, and within the political atmosphere in 1972 decided to run for the Democratic presidential nomination. Behind Ms. Chisholm was her husband Conrad (Michael Cherrie), her advisors Arthur Hardwick (Terrence Howard) and Mac Holder (Lance Reddick), as well as colleagues Congressman Walter Fauntroy (André Holland) and future politico Barbara Lee (Christina Jackson).


Actor Christina Jackson at Chicago Humanities Fest Night, March 18, 2024
Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

Christina Jackson has been a veteran character actress since her TV series debut in “Unforgettable” and “Blue Bloods” in 2012. Her breakthrough, as she describes in the Podtalk, was shortly thereafter in “Boardwalk Empire” as Maybelle White. Her other notable role was as Daisy Brown, wife of Jesse Brown (Jonathan Majors), in the recent film “Devotion” (2022).

Ms. Jackson appeared on Chicago Humanities Festival Night … kicking off their Spring season … at the historic Davis Theatre on the north side with a preview of “Shirley” on March 18th, 2024. Photographer Joe Arce of HollywoodChicago.com captured these Exclusive Portraits at the event.


Christina Jackson is Barbara Lee in ‘Shirley’
Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

In Part One of a Podtalk interview by Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, Christina Jackson talks of her journey with “Shirley” …

In Part Two, on-set inspirations and her career …

Trailer, “Shirley” …

“Shirley” will stream on Netflix beginning March 22nd. Featuring Christina Jackson, Regina King, Terrence Howard, André Holland, Lance Reddick and Michael Cherrie. Written and directed by John Ridley. Rated “PG-13.” The Spring Season information for the Chicago Humanities Festival is available by clicking ChicagoHumanities.org.

By PATRICK McDONALD
Editor and Film Critic/Writer
HollywoodChicago.com
pat@hollywoodchicago.com

© 2024 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

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On-Air Film Review: The Weight of the World in ‘Club Zero’

March 17, 2024 - 8:26pm

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review for “Club Zero,” a presupposition story about eating techniques that can lead to complete elimination for food, written and directed by Jennifer Hausner. In select theaters since March 15th. See local listings


Rating: 5.0/5.0

The film is set in an elite boarding school, which brings in progressive teachers. One such guru who is instructing a group of students is Miss Novak (Mia Wasikowska), a leader in “conscious eating.” She instructs her new pupils to apply a special thought process to food, eventually weaning themselves off the eating of larger amounts, which is justified as the food industry contribution to world destruction in our modern era. But the experiment goes too far, and Miss Novak’s rule breaking closeness to a particular male student comes under scrutiny. Will any of the pupils join CLUB ZERO, the elimination of a need to eat?

“Club Zero” is in select theaters since March 16th. See local listings Featuring Mia Wasikowska, Sidse Babett Knudsen, Florence Baker, Samuel D Anderson and Luke Barker. Written and directed by Jennifer Hausner. Not Rated.

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of “Club Zero”


Club Zero
Photo credit: Film Movement

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of “Club Zero”

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SXSW2024: ‘Bob Trevino Likes It’ is Top Film at SXSW Film & TV Fest

March 17, 2024 - 7:40pm

AUSTIN, TX – The 2024SXSW Conference and Festivals wrapped on March 16th, after nine days of magic and Austin wackiness, showcasing film, TV, interactive, conferences, interviews and music. The Film & TV Fest named “Bob Trevino Likes It” as the top Narrative Feature and “Marvin is Sorry” as top TV Pilot.

The Narrative Jury included Chicago critic Robert Daniels. The Jury’s statement about “Bob Trevino Likes It” was “Tracie Laymon’s semi-autobiographical story of a struggling young woman who finds anchor in an unlikely connection feels at once familiar and yet surprising. Laymon’s sure hand transforms what might have been saccharine into something raw thanks to vulnerable lead performances from Barbie Ferreira and an unusually uncool John Leguizamo. Refreshingly real and wrenchingly bittersweet, “Bob Trevino Likes It” stole our hearts and earned this prize.” 

The following is the list of top honorees …

Grand Jury Prize - Narrative Feature


Bob Trevino Likes It
Photo credit: SXSW.com

WINNER: “Bob Trevino Likes It,” Written/Directed by Tracie Laymon

SPECIAL JURY AWARD - PERFORMANCE: Maria Rodríguez Soto for “Mamifera.”

SPECIAL JURY AWARD - FILMMAKING: Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu, in “We Were Dangerous”

Grand Jury Prize - TV Pilot Competition


Marvin is Sorry
Photo credit: SXSW.com

WINNER: “Marvin is Sorry” Showrunners/Screenwriters Brett Morrow, Alex Gehrlein and Jack Gracek

SPECIAL JURY AWARD - PERFORMANCE: Zeke Nicholson for “Halfican American.”

Grand Jury Prize - Documentary Feature


Grand Theft Hamlet
Photo credit: SXSW.com

WINNER: “Grand Theft Hamlet” Screenplay/Directed by Penny Gryllis and Sam Crane

SPECIAL JURY AWARD - BRAVERY AND EMPATHY: “We Can Be Heroes” Carina Mia Wong and Alex Simmons

Grand Jury Prizes - Short Films and Music Video


Dissolution
Photo credit: SXSW.com

WINNER - NARRATIVE SHORT: “Dissolution” Written/Directed by Anthony Same

SPECIAL JURY AWARD - NARRATIVE SHORT: “Trapped” Sam Cutler-Kreutz and David Cutler-Kreutz

WINNER - DOCUMENTARY SHORT: “Remember, Broken Crayons Colour Too” Written/Directed by Shannet Clemmings and Ursa Kastelic

SPECIAL JURY AWARD - DOCUMENTARY SHORT: “Frank” David Gauvey Herbert

WINNER - MIDNIGHT SHORT: “Transylvania” Directed by Rodrigue Huart

SPECIAL JURY AWARD - MIDNIGHT SHORT: “Eros V. Meat Puppet”

WINNER - ANIMATED SHORT: “Wander to Wonder” Directed by Nina Gantz

SPECIAL JURY AWARD - ANIMATED SHORT: “Bug Diner” Directed by Phoebe Jane Hart

WINNER - MUSIC VIDEO: “Mom told you so” Artist: Célen. Written/Directed by Cécile Cornelle

SPECIAL JURY AWARD - MUSIC VIDEO TECHNICAL AWARD: “All I Need” Artist: Joe Nicolosi, The Burning Hell

FOR MORE AWARDS … including TEXAS SHORTS, POSTER DESIGN, XR EXPERIENCE and SPECIAL AWARDS, CLICK HERE!

The 2024 South by Southwest (SXSW) Conference and Festivals took place on March 8th through March 16th. For all information click on SXSW.com

By PATRICK McDONALD
Editor and Film Critic/Writer
HollywoodChicago.com
pat@hollywoodchicago.com

© 2024 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

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Podtalk: Sophia Wong Boccio of APUC Chicago on Season 18

March 17, 2024 - 4:12pm

CHICAGO – Wednesday, March 20th, will begin Season 18 of Chicago’s Asian Pop-Up Cinema (APUC), a film festival that has grown and evolved to become a prime cultural influencer. The Founder and Curator of APUC, Sophia Wong Boccio, provides a preview to the new season below. For details, click SEASON 18.

Season 18 screenings will pop up in Chicago, north suburban Evanston and the Alliance Francaise de Chicago. The festival will feature films by region: Canada (March 20); Taiwan (March 23-24); South Korea (March 30-April 3); Japan (April 4-6); India (April 10); and Hong Kong (April 15-21), as well an additional APUC Season 18 “Virtual Festival” (click link, March 23-April 15).


APUC Season 18
Photo credit: AsianPopUpCinema.org

The Asian Pop-Up Cinema (APUC) an annual Asian Film Festival, and the brainchild of Sophia Wong Boccio, founder of Sophia’s Choice. The multi-pronged mission of APUC is cultivating an interest in and understanding of Asian cultures via a diverse offering of multi-country and regional films … connecting the Asian film industry with local Chicago film professionals, educators, and students … and promoting Chicago as a destination for international visitors.

In a Podtalk interview by Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com with Founder and Curator Sophia Wong Boccio of APUC, the highlights are discussed …

In a Video Clip, Sophia pitches the Season 18 APUC experience …

In a another Video Clip, Sophia introduces some Season 18 films …

Trailer, Season 18, Asian Pop Up Cinema …

Season 18 of the Asian Pop-Up Cinema (APUC) opens with “RU” on March 20th, 2024, at the Alliance Franchise de Chicago, 810 North Dearborn Avenue. For a complete overview and schedule for the rest of the season, which runs through April 21st, click here.

By PATRICK McDONALD
Editor and Film Critic/Writer
HollywoodChicago.com
pat@hollywoodchicago.com

© 2024 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

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    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+.

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    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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