HollywoodChicago.com RSS Feed

CHICAGO – The United States is a nation of judgement without justice. That is what the new release documentary “Sweetheart Deal” is expressing in a story of sex workers and those who profess to help. It is co-directed by Gabriel Miller and Elise Levine, and Levine talked to HollywoodChicago.com in 2023. The doc is in theaters on September 13th.

Four sex workers in Seattle are caught in the spiral of addiction, and turn to a self-proclaimed healer who offers friendship, refuge and a path to salvation from the streets inside the headquarters of his roadside RV. But just as they begin to rebuild their lives, a shocking betrayal comes to light that will change them all. Shot in vérité style over several years, “Sweetheart Deal” offers an intimate portrait of hope, heartbreak and resilience on the fringes of modern America.


These are the type of films that make us question our society and why we will not face certain truths … make sex work legal and regulate. The way the system is now is that the persons who get punished the most are the desperate nowhere-else-to-turn women and men who have run out of all options. It’s the evil antithesis of “making love.” Regardless of all that this documentary shines truth and light to the darkest corners, to illuminate some sort of reckoning, the thinnest sliver in the road to hope.

’Sweetheart Deal,’ Directed by Elisa Levine and Gabriel Miller
Photo credit: Abramorama

In a Podtalk with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com from 2023, co-director Elisa Levine talks about the journey of “Sweetheart Deal” …

Trailer, “Sweetheart Deal” …

”Sweetheart Deal” is in theaters on September 13th. See local listings. Written by Karen Sim. Directed by Elise Levine and Gabriel Miller. Not Rated, but contains graphic adult content.

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

© 2024 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

CHICAGO – Excelsior! Comic book legend Stan Lee’s famous exclamation puts a fine point on the third and final play of Mark Pracht’s FOUR COLOR TRILOGY, “The House of Ideas,” presented by and staged at City Lit Theater in Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood. For tickets/details, click HOUSE OF IDEAS.

The story’s centerpiece is iconic comic book creator Stan Lee (Brian Breau) and his journey within the burgeoning industry, which began when he was a 17-year-old in 1939 at Marvel’s root company, Timely Comics. At Timely he meets artist Jack Kirby (Brian Plocharczyk), a street wise post-Depression hustler who has to admit the skinny teenager has enthusiasm. They are published by owner Martin Goodman (Brian Parry) who develops Timely through the World War II years – with Captain America as an anchor – and hands the creative keys of the newly named Marvel Comics to Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in the 1960s, when they create the superhero legends Spider-Man, The Fantastic Four, The Hulk, Iron Man, the X-Men, Thor, Doctor Strange, Ant-Man, Black Panther and many more … now so familiar, cultural and billion dollar profitable for Marvel/Walt Disney Studios.

At the City Lit Theater in Chicago’s Edgewater Neighborhood
Photo credit: CityLit.org

Audio Theater Review of “The House of Ideas” by Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com …

”The House of Ideas” is presented by and at the City Lit Theater, 1020 West Bryn Mawr Avenue, Chicago. Featuring Bryan Breau, Brian Piocharczyk, Brian Parry, Kate Black-Spence, Carrie Hardin, Megan Clarke, Ben Veatch, Sean Harklerode, Jimmy Hogan and Chad Wise. Written by Mark Pracht. Directed by Terry McCabe. For more information on City Lit Theatre, click CityLit.org.

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

© 2024 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

CHICAGO – The longest running underground film festival in the world kicks off its 31st Edition on Wednesday, September 11th, 2024. The Chicago Underground Film Festival opens with “No One Asked You” at the Gene Siskel Film Center. For tickets and info, click CUFF31.

A global champion of the underground scene, the Chicago Underground Film Festival (CUFF) showcases and celebrates some of the most original films and video art being made today …all supplemented through screenings, panels, and nightly after-parties. After the Gene Siskel Center Opener, the Fest also has screenings in Chicago’s South Side at the Harper Theater in the Hyde Park neighborhood.

31st CUFF
Photo credit: CUFF31.org

“No One Asked You” features Comedian and disrupter extraordinaire Lizz Winstead (co-creator of The Daily Show) and her team of activists crisscross the U.S. to support abortion clinic staff and bust stigma. Pop culture icons and next-gen comics fuel this six-year road film activating small-town folks to rebuild vandalized clinics, exposing wrongdoer politicians, domestic terrorists, and media neglect as the race to the bottom ensues.

Another highlight is the Closing Night’s “Just Above the Surface of the Earth (For a Coming Extinction),” a debut documentary from Marianna Milhorat that is a portrait of contemporary wildlife conservation that reflects on empathy, agency, and the role of hope in the midst of a sixth mass extinction. The film will also screen at the Gene Siskel Film Center. For the rest of the CUFF31, click the schedule link above or below.

The 31st Edition of the Chicago Underground Film Festival (CUFF) will run September 11th-15th, 2024. For a complete overview. schedule and information on after parties, click here.

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

© 2024 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

OAK PARK, IL – When there is an awesome Village like Oak Park (Illinois) right adjacent to Chicago, it stands to reason that Joyce Porter, a prominent character actor, would put in motion the first Oak Park Film Festival.

Opening Night is September 12th, with a special screening of “The Abyss: Special Edition” – which features Oak Park native Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio – and wraps up with an all-day short film and seminar celebration on Saturday, September 14th. For details and tickets, click OAK PARK FF.

Founder Joyce Porter, who is also the President of the Fest, began planning last year for this first time event. The mission of the festival is to bring together and showcase Oak Park Illinois’ outstanding creative community and provide entertainment for the entire Chicago area. The Village, famously the boyhood home of Ernest Hemingway and with a collection of Frank Lloyd Wright Homes, has also been an incubator for the arts, which includes Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, in addition to the dancer Doris Humphrey, writer Edgar Rice Burroughs and actor John Mahoney, among others.

September 12th Opening Night at the Lake Theatre
Photo credit: Oak Park Film Festival

Actor Joyce Porter is a versatile on camera and voice-over artist/actor, with many roles on stage and screen. Born in Chicago, she studied acting at the University of Illinois at Champaign and received an M.A. in Theater from Northwestern University. She co-founded a theater and film program while teaching at Moraine Valley College (Palos Heights, Illinois), and has focused on her acting career since retiring from teaching.

Joyce has performed in numerous independent films and plays as well as several TV shows and commercials, and was recently name Best Actress at the New York Indie Shorts Festival. Under Joyce K. Porter, she had authored a book called “Mastering Senior Life: Thriving and Surviving.” No one thrives harder than Ms. Porter.

In a Podtalk with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, Joyce Porter, Founder & President of the Oak Park Film Festival reflects on the upcoming inaugural event …

Ms. Porter gives the pitch …

The inaugural Oak Park Film Festival Opening Night is Thursday, September 12th at the Lake Theatre and concludes with an all-day Short Film/Seminar event on Saturday, September 14th at the Madison Street Theatre. For all details and schedule, click here.

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

© 2024 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on September 5th, reviewing the new documentary “Look Into My Eyes.” It has a limited release on September 6th, with a wider rollout throughout the month. See local listings.

The film is a straight ahead talking heads doc about that phenomenon and the people who get into the profession. Talking to and profiling seven self proclaimed psychics – Per Erik Borja, Eugene Grygo, Nikenya Hall, Phoebe Hoffman, Michael Kim, Sherrie Lynne and Iika Pinheiro – the films delves into the why’s of how people get to the advocation, the sensitivities involved and the clients whose paths had led them to seek such a service, revealing a kaleidoscope of loneliness, connection, and yes, healing.

”Look Into My Eyes” is in limited theaters beginning September 6th, and will rollout throughout the month. See local listings Featuring profiles of Per Erik Borja, Eugene Grygo, Nikenya Hall, Phoebe Hoffman, Michael Kim, Sherrie Lynne and Iika Pinheiro. Directed by Lana Wilson. Rated “R”

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of “Look Into My Eyes.”

Look Into My Eyes
Photo credit: A24

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of “Look Into My Eyes.”

CHICAGO – I was doing Portrait photography on the last day of the Chicago Fan Expo (August 18th, 2024), and even in these highly political partisan times – where one person’s hero is another’s villain – each of those five woman photographed and featured should be recognized for never being afraid to speak out and fight for their causes. I couldn’t think of a better way to commemorate the exact 104th anniversary of the passage of the right-to-vote 19th Amendment during Fan Expo Chicago.

I’m honored to present the “Five” in Exclusive Portraits and essays below.

Elizabeth Berkley

In her two most famous on-screen roles, Elizabeth Berkley famously portrayed Jessie Spano on “Saved by the Bell” – she was the Bayside High feminist who was always trying to inspire the others to fight for female inclusion and equality. As a lifelong dancer and star of “Showgirls,” Berkley was well aware of the issues of body positivity and the negative effects of bullying that she herself had received in the aftermath of her highly controversial film. 

In response to the the thousands of fan letters she regularly received from teen girls asking for all kinds of advice, she launched girls-only self esteem workshop days in various schools. The “Ask Elizabeth” program ran for over five years. She followed it up by writing a a New York Times Best Seller “Ask Elizabeth” – based upon those years of workshops – as a mentoring guide for millions of young girls.

Laurie Metcalf

While beloved by millions as Jackie Harris – Roseanne’s awkward and underachieving sister on “Roseanne” and its current spinoff, “The Connors” – Laurie Metcalf has won four Primetime Emmys, two Tonys for her stage work and an Academy Award Nomination for “Lady Bird” (2017).

One of the founding members of Chicago’s illustrious Steppenwolf Theater, while off stage Metcalf self describes herself as a painfully shy workaholic, but still finds time as the national spokesperson and ambassador for “Plan International USA,” the global development and humanitarian nonprofit, that partners with girls and their local communities to fight for female rights and to end gender inequality. 

Morena Baccarin

Whether you know her as Vanessa Carlysle from the “Deadpool” franchise or her Emmy nominated role in “Homeland,” Morena Baccarin, like her mother before her, takes her sense of justice just as seriously as her acting roles. 

Born in Rio de Janeiro to an actress mom and a journalist father, her family relocated to New York City when she was ten-years old. Baccarin never left behind her love of her native Brazil nor her mothers advocacy fighting for woman’s rights in her native country. As an Ambassador for the International Rescue Committee on Behalf of Refugees, she penned an op-ed for Newsweek in January of 2019 warning of a looming crisis … more than five million Venezuelans were facing displacement. Baccarin interviewed the refugees on camera in Columbia – while many were heading north – and helped push for a bipartisan congressional bill to grant Emergency Protected Status (EPS) for Venezuelans already in the U.S.
Ella Purnell

If fighting off irradiated mutants in a post nuclear apocalyptic world for Prime Video’s “Fallout” or struggling to survive a remote plane crash by being forced to cannibalize your fellow female soccer teammates in Showtime’s “Yellowjackets” wasn’t enough, British beauty Ella Purnell has championed the real life struggles of young people offscreen as well. 

As the spokesperson and ambassador for “YoungMinds.org” since 2019, the 27 year-old former child actor turned streaming series leading lady is a fearless advocate for young people’s mental health programs. Purnell has openly both discussed and written op-ed articles sharing her own teen struggles with depression, anxiety and self harm. Her piece “A Letter to my Younger Self: The Night Before Results Day” went viral in 2018 for its tips and advice for helping college students mentally cope during exams. The UK-based mental health charity organization Purnell works for fights to de-stigmatize the need to seek help and offers both 24/7 hotline help and access to impatient treatment for English youth.

Gina Carano

From being the first female Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) champion to an award winning action star in films like “Haywire”, “Fast and Furious 6” and “Deadpool,” right wing conservative firebrand Gina Carano has never backed down from a fight. With a long “herstory” of mentorship and coaching female athletes … especially young fellow mixed martial arts fighters … Carano was celebrated as both the ultimate fitness role model and cinematic sex symbol on the rise.

Fired from Disney Studios Star Wars series “The Mandalorian” after two seasons for insensitive online comments, she became a polarizing political lightning rod. While many claimed her “anti-woke” trolling crossed the line into hate speech, her legions of conservative fans championed her a warrior and defender of First Amendment free speech rights. Following her termination from Disney she was immediately hired for a staring role as the new action hero for the Daily Wire’s film division. She currently has several projects in development there, and has sued Disney Studios for “Discriminatory Termination,” with financial backing from Elon Musk … her battle rages on. 

Click “Next” and “Previous” to scan through the slideshow or jump directly to individual photos with the captioned links below. All photos © Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com.

1. 24FANEXPO1: Elizabeth Berkley
2. 24FANEXPO2: Laurie Metcalf
3. 24FANEXPO3: Morena Baccarin
4. 24FANEXPO3: Ella Purnell
5. 24FANEXPO4: Gina Carano

FAN EXPO Chicago will take place in 2025 on August 15th-17th, 2024. For complete information, click FanExpoHQ.com/FanExpoChicago.

Photography and Article by: Joe Arce
Published by: Patrick McDonald, Site Editor, HollywoodChicago.com

© 2024 HollywoodChicago.com LLC

CHICAGO – “Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice” is a return to the practical effects playfulness of Tim Burton’s earlier work and thankfully doesn’t try to be a note-for-note remake of the largely flawless original, although there are callbacks a plenty. The film is one of director Tim Burton’s better late period films but when you consider his output from the last 20 years or so, that’s not exactly high praise.

The film thankfully brings back not just Michael Keaton, but also Winona Ryder as Lydia and MVP Catherine O’Hara as Ryder’s mother Delia Deetz. Lydia is now a cheesy TV psychic with a cable show who can communicate with the dead and has a rebellious daughter Astrid (Jenna Ortega) who wants nothing to do with her, and thinks ghosts are a bunch of hooey.

”Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” is in theaters on September 6th. Featuring Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Jenny Ortega, Catherine O’Hara, Justin Theroux, Arthur Conti and Monica Belluci. Screenplay by Alfred Gough and Miles Milar. Directed by Tim Burton. Rated “PG-13”

Continue reading for Spike Walter’s full review of “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice”

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
Photo credit: Warner Bros.

Continue reading for Spike Walter’s full review of “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice”

CHICAGO – Author David K. Wilson had a plan during the pandemic, and it evolved to a now seventh book in his Sam Lawson mystery series, entitled “Murder in Spa City.” David spent time in his early career in Chicago, and the series followed a creative career in other writing. To order the book and series, click SAM LAWSON.

While visiting the idyllic resort town of Saratoga Springs, private detective Sam Lawson is thrust into a murder investigation of a wealthy businessman, and it isn’t long before he realizes the key suspects are every member of the victim’s dysfunctional family …from the grieving widow harboring dark secrets to the scheming adult children with their own hidden agendas, everyone has a motive. But as Sam uncovers their web of lies, affairs and corruption, a mysterious stranger lurks in the shadows, casting doubt on everything Sam thought he knew.

’Murder in Spa City’ by David K. Wilson
Photo credit: DavidKWilsonAuthor.com

David K. Wilson is the author of the popular Sam Lawson Mystery series. He grew up in East Texas, surrounded by enough colorful characters to fill the pages of hundreds of books. Later, while living in Chicago, he became an advertising copywriter and creative director. He’s also a screenwriter, having written several horror movies, as well as the acclaimed family film “Spirit Riders,” starring Lance Henrickson, C. Thomas Howell and Alexandria DeBerry. He currently lives in Saratoga Springs, New York, the setting for “Murder in Spa City.”

In a Podtalk with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, Author David K. Wilson on “Murder in Spa City” …

David’s video pitch …

”Murder in Spa City” is available on Amazon and other online outlets. For more information on the Sam Lawson Mystery Series by David K. Wilson, click DavidKWilsonAuthor.com.

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

© 2024 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

CHICAGO – The Czar of Noir is coming to town, bringing his “Noir City Chicago” back to the Music Box Theatre, September 6-12, 2024. Eddie Muller, the host of Turner Classic Movies “Noir Alley,” will host the first weekend of the series, entitled “Darkness Has No Borders.” For more information, full schedule and tickets, click NOIR CITY.

“Noir City: Chicago” is a week-long celebration of “film noir” … the dark category of film drama that usually takes place at night, and features a rogues gallery of dames, gumshoes, coppers and crooks … and will be hosted by Muller from Friday to Sunday, and Film Noir Foundation’s Alan K. Rode the rest of the way. In “Darkness Has No Borders” an international noir film will be paired with its more familiar American and British counterparts, for a unique perspective on the larceny of the soul … in any language.

For the kickoff night on September 6th, Muller will begin with the classic “The Postman Always Rings Twice (1946) in a 35mm print, followed by the first film version of that iconic story made in Italy by director Luchino Visconti, “Obsessione.” (1943). As a bonus, the Music Box Theatre will premier its new and modern seating in the main theater, complete with … wait for it … cup holders. The rest of the films and schedule can be accessed by clicking the link above.

Hosted by Eddie Muller (inset), September 6-8, 2024
Photo credit: MusicBoxTheatre.com

Eddie Muller is the recognized world expert on film noir, famously nicknamed the “Czar of Noir” by James Ellroy, author of “L.A. Confidential.” His father, also named Eddie Muller, was a renown sports writer for the San Francisco Examiner, covering the golden age and the underbelly in the boxing world. Eddie the Second followed in his father’s footsteps, beginning his career as a journalist, and eventually writing a novel about boxing and San Francisco. While plying that trade, he attended film school in the late 1970s, garnering a finalist nod for a student Academy Award in 1979 for “Bay City Blues,” his homage to literary noir-ist Raymond Chandler.

From there, he delved into the noir world in both film and design, and has written film books like “Dark City: The Lost World of Film Noir.” Besides programming the traveling Noir City film screenings for the past several years, he is host on Turner Classic Movies Noir Alley, every Saturday at Midnight and repeated Sunday morning. He is also the founder of the Film Noir Foundation, dedicated to education and restoration of the genre. His latest theme-based book is “Noir Bar,” which recommends classic cocktail pairings and recipes with 50 Noir film legends.

In Part One of a Podtalk with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, TCM Host Eddie Muller of “Noir City: Chicago” gives a preview of the event …

In Part Two, the Film Noir Foundation and which classic American movie studio embraced Noir …

Part Three, the state of Turner Classic Movies and Eddie’s beloved San Francisco …

In the video clip, Pat and Eddie’s rhapsody to TCM …

”Noir City Chicago” takes place from September 6th-12th, 2024, at the Music Box Theatre, Chicago. Hosted by Eddie Muller and Alan K. Rode. For more information on the Music Box Theatre, including their renovations, click MusicBoxTheatre.com.

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

© 2024 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

CHICAGO – In the last several years, how many times have you wanted to shout the “Mad as Hell” movie quote? Well, Invictus Theatre Co. has produced a stage adaptation of “Network” – with that quote shout worthy – at the Windy City Playhouse in Chicago through September 29th. For tickets/details, click HOWARD BEALE.

The events of the play take place in the same 1970s timeline as the film version, and begins with the firing of Howard Beale (Jim Turano), one of the “grand old newscasters” of the CBS/NBC/ABC network era – Howard works for the fictional UBS. He is fired by his producer and friend Max Schumacher (Chuck Munro), but pulls a switcheroo during his farewell week and announces he will commit suicide by blowing his brains out on the air … and this sensational moment causes the news ratings to soar. So Beale gets to continue even as he lapses into further madness, and ambitious network programmer Diane Christensen (Anne Trodden) gets to takeover the now-hot news division, and is given the newly named Howard Beale Show from bottom line network exec Frank Hackett (Joe Sergio), who only sees dollar signs from newly dubbed “Mad Prophet of the Airwaves.” When Howard Beale proclaims, “I’m as mad as hell, and I”m not going to take it anymore” we all know what’s he’s talking about.

At the Windy City Playhouse thru September 29th, 2024
Photo credit: InvictusTheatreCo.org

Audio Theater Review of “Network” by Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com …

”Network” is at the Windy City Playhouse, 3014 West Irving Park Road, Chicago. Featuring Jim Turano, Chuck Munro, Anne Trodden, Joe Sergio and Keisha Yelton-Hunter. Written by Lee Hall, from the film by Paddy Chayefsky. Directed by Charles Askenaizer. For more information on Invictus Theatre Company, click here.

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

© 2024 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on The Eddie Volkman Show on a Two-Station Broadcast … Star 96.7 Joliet (IL) and Star 105.5 McHenry on August 30th, reviewing the new film “You Gotta Believe,” a baseball movie featuring Luke Wilson. In theaters on August 30th.

The film is based on a true story of the Fort Worth Texas Little League team whose collection of All-Stars went all the way to the Little League World Series, inspired by Coach Bobby (Luke Wilson) who had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. He is aided by Coach Jon (Greg Kinnear) and the rag-tag bunch of Texas kid ballplayers who came together for a cause – and each other – to get to the big show. Also featuring Patrick Renna … who said the immortal “You’re killing me Smalls.” In “The Sandlot.”

”You Gotta Believe” is in theaters beginning August 30th, see local listings. Featuring Luke Wilson, Greg Kinnear, Lew Temple, Molly Parker, Sarah Gadon and Patrick Renna. Written by Lane Garrison. Directed by Ty Roberts Rated “PG”

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of “You Gotta Believe.”

You Gotta Believe
Photo credit: Well Go USA Entertainment

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of “You Gotta Believe.”

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on August 29th, reviewing the new film “Slingshot,” featuring Casey Affleck as a man on a space mission. In theaters beginning August 30th.

Affleck is John, a man on a mission in the near future to Titan (a Jupiter moon), which may contain resources to mitigate climate change on earth. Joining him on this pursuit is Captain Franks (Laurence Fishburne) and Nash (Tomer Capone), both vying for John’s attention in different ways. They use hibernation chambers nine months at a time, and each time they wake up the effects of the powerful sedatives are more apparent. As the journey drags on, heading toward a “slingshot” maneuver around Jupiter, which will accelerate their course toward Titan, signs of wear and tear start to become more dangerous.

”Slingshot” is in theaters beginning August 30th. Featuring Casey Affleck, Laurence Fishburne, Tomer Capone and Emily Beecham. Written by R. Scott Adams and Nathan Parker. Directed by Mikael Håfström. Rated “R”

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

Slingshot
Photo credit: Bleecker Street Media

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

CHICAGO – Tyrese Gibson is taking this one personally. Originally from the Watts neighborhood in Los Angeles, Gibson is the lead role in the film “1992” (in theaters on August 30th). His character Mercer went through the Watts Uprising in 1965, plus he and his son must navigate the Rodney King Uprising in 1992.

In that year, Mercer Bey (Gibson) is desperately trying to rebuild his life and relationship with his son (Christopher A’mmanuel) amidst the turbulent Los Angeles uprising following the Rodney King verdict. Across town, another father (the late Ray Liotta, in his final performance) and son (Scott Eastwood) put their own strained relationship to the test as they plot a precious metals heist from the factory where Mercer works. As tensions rise in Los Angeles and chaos erupts, both families reach their boiling points when they collide.

Tyrese Gibson in ‘1992’
Photo credit: Lionsgate

The film – co-written and directed by Ariel Vromen – delivers on several levels, and has a Shakespearian-level clash between fathers and sons. Themes of injustice over the King verdict spill over into the clash of wills, especially in law enforcement treatment of justifiably angry L.A. blacks versus the ridiculous heist by greedy white men. Gibson is particularly effective as Mercer, using action film moves the character learned in prison when he’s confronted, but also at peace with a world that has given him nothing. Using the King situation as a backdrop for the tense story is the engine of the entire scenario, and the great cast (including a manic Liotta) generates an authentic atmosphere.


Tyrese Gibson is an R&B music star and movie star. He debuted in 1998 with the album “Tyrese,” and had his first starring role in John Singleton’s “Baby Boy” (2001). His subsequent albums have included “2000 Watts,” “I Wanna Go There,” “Alter Ego” (hip-hop as Black Ty), the Grammy-nominated “Open Invitation” and “Black Rose,” which was Number One on the week of release in 2015. In film, he has prominent roles in the Fast & Furious and Transformers series, as well as his third collaboration with John Singleton in “Four Brothers” (2005).

In the following Podtalk with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, the always energetic Tyrese Gibson answered five vital questions, with reflections on the larger themes in “1992,’ his personal relationships with the Watts neighborhood and the Rodney King era, in addition to his deep friendship with the late filmmaker John Singleton.

In a Podtalk with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, Question One with Tyrese Gibson is a reflection on his character Mercer…

In Question Two, Gibson on the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles …

Question Three, Gibson’s interaction with the Rodney King Uprising …

Question Four, another reflection on “1992” …

In the video clip of Question Five, Gibson’s tribute to John Singleton …

Trailer, “1992” …

CLICK HERE for a 2011 Interview of Tyrese Gibson with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com.

”1992” opens in theaters on August 30th. Featuring Tyrese Gibson, Ray Liotta, Scott Eastwood, Christopher A’mmanuel and Dylan Arnold. Written by Ariel Vromen and Sascha Penn. Directed by Ariel Vromen. Rated “R”

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

© 2024 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

CHICAGO – What better film to have a World Premiere in Chicago than local filmmaker Jon Silver’s “The Premiere,” happening at the Davis Theater in Chicago on August 27th (8pm). Art meets life in a wacky and poignant way for a director during the premiere day of his latest film. For tickets and deets, click THE PREMIERE.

Shot on location at Chicago’s historic Music Box Theatre, Jacob (Grant Kennedy Lewis) is a young filmmaker facing numerous challenges during his debut movie premiere. Disaster looms at every turn, and as the clock ticks to the 90 minutes leading up to the premiere, his family argues, audience members complain, the popcorn machine breaks, and the movie file doesn’t work. All of these nuisances are exasperated by the rumored arrival of a famous actor. Jacob struggles to overcome doubt, all while fending off criticisms, expectations, and disturbing figments of his imagination.

World Premiere at Davis Theater Chicago, August 27, 2024
Photo credit: ShowPup Productions

“The Premiere” is a 100% Illinois-made movie, made by Chicago filmmakers. Jon Silver directed and wrote the screenplay, and the cast includes Steppenwolf Theatre actor Grant Kennedy Lewis, The Second City mainstage alum Adam Schreck, Greg Hollimon (“Strangers with Candy”), Rick Hall (“K.C. Undercover”) and Natalie West (“The Conners”).

In a Podtalk with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, writer/director Jon Silver talks about the World Premiere of “The Premiere” …

In a video clip, all “The Premiere’ details …

Teaser Trailer, “The Premiere” …

The World Premiere of “The Premiere” will take place at the Davis Theater, 4624 North Lincoln Avenue in Chicago, August 27th, 2024 (8pm). Featuring Grant Kennedy Lewis, Adam Schreck, Greg Holliman, Rick Hall, and Natalie West. Written and directed by Jon Silver. Not Rated.

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

© 2024 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

CHICAGO – Last week, the world woke to the news that Phil Donahue, talk show pioneer in the 1970s and beyond, had passed away at age 88. Photographer Joe Arce of HollywoodChicago.com took an Exclusive Portrait of the talker in 2010, and the Portrait is republished as a contributions memorial to Phil Donahue.

Midwestern at heart, Donahue was born in Cleveland, and found his way to Notre Dame University, where he graduated in 1957. He began his broadcasting career in Cleveland, but his break came as nationwide notice was focused on his interviews, subsequent work as a news anchor in Dayton, Ohio, and as a stringer for the Walter Cronkite-era CBS Evening News. His Dayton radio show “Conversation Piece” early on scored a triple historical talk coup with then presidential candidate John F. Kennedy, The Tonight Show host Johnny Carson and activist leader Malcolm X.

Phil Donahue in Chicagoland, 2010
Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

The talk show known as the “The Phil Donahue Show” began in Dayton in 1967, moved to Chicago in 1974, and ten years later landed in New York City. The show’s final original episode – after nearly 7000 syndicated one hour daily shows – aired in 1996. In that time Donahue established his avuncular style and audience participation format, subsequently modified and used by other hosts like Oprah Winfrey. It wasn’t all serious … Donahue often delved into tabloid subjects (“Satanic Panic!”) … but through it all he established a base of integrity and goodwill.

Interestingly, in a Keith Olbermann podcast this week, the story of Phil Donahue’s brief tenure at news network MSNBC came up. In 2002, the network hired him to provide perspective on the George W. Bush administration, and it was common knowledge that he was fired for being “too liberal” (a point that Donahue himself perpetuated). As related by Olbermann, it was actually old fashioned business economics … Donahue’s show was expensive to produce, and wasn’t drawing ratings. How did Olbermann know this? It was his “Countdown” show that replaced Donahue.

Phil Donahue was also famously married to actor and feminist activist Marlo Thomas. In his later years he co-director an Oscar nominated documentary (“Body of War”) and continued to represent progressive causes until his death in New York City on August 18th, 2024. He is survived by Thomas and four of his five children from his first marriage.

Source material from Wikipedia.com. Phil Donahue, 1935-2024.

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

© 2024 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on August 22nd, reviewing the new film “Between the Temples,” featuring Jason Schwartzman and Carol Kane. In theaters beginning August 23rd.

Jason Schwartzman is Benjamin, a Jewish cantor at his temple that had recently lost his novelist wife, who had passed away, and as a result of that event has lost his singing voice. He re-connects in a surprising way with his once-influential grade school music teacher, Carla (Carol Kane), who at the same time – even in her older age – happens to want to complete her Bat Mitzvah, and Benjamin happens to tutor candidates. In their journey together with the religious texts, they find a deeper connection. The “temple” on the other side also has Benjamin leaning into a connection with twentysomething Gabby (Madeline Weinstein), daughter of Rabbi Bruce (Robert Smigel). Everyone is about to sit down to dinner.

”Between the Temples” is in theaters beginning August 23rd. Featuring Jason Schwartzman, Carol Kane, Robert Smigel, Madeline Weinstein and Carol Aaron. Written by Nathan Silver and C. Mason Wells. Directed by Nathan Silver. Rated “R”

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of “Between the Temples.”

Between the Temples
Photo credit: Sony Pictures Classics

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of “Between the Temples.”

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on August 22nd, reviewing the new film “Blink Twice,” the co-writer/director debut of Zoë Kravitz. In theaters beginning August 23rd.

Channing Tatum is Slater King, a wealthy tech guru whose questionable lifestyle gets him in hot water. Frida (Naomi Ackie) has eyes on him at an event where she is suppose to be on the catering staff, and in a series of events Slater invites her and her bestie Jess (Alia Shawkat) to his luxury resort on a remote island. There they find other women guests, including reality star Sarah (Adria Ajona), and a group of male regulars including Vic (Christian Slater), Tom (Haley Joel Osment) and Cody (Simon Rex). Everything seems perfect, but the atmosphere is somewhat creepy.

”Blink Twice” is in theaters beginning August 23rd. Featuring Naomi Ackie, Channing Tatum, Alia Shawkat, Christian Slater, Kyle MacLachlan, Haley Joel Osment and Geena Davis. Written by Zoë Kravitz and E.T. Feigenbaum. Directed by Zoë Kravitz. Rated “R”

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of “Blink Twice.”

Blink Twice
Photo credit: MGM

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of “Blink Twice.”

CHICAGO – YIPPIE YIPPIE YIPPIE Fest it’s back, the 8th annual YippieFest is for the first time at the historic Chopin Theatre in Wicker Park. For three days – August 23rd, 24th and 25th, 2024 – the fest will present an unending variety of acts, plays, sketch and other stage performance arts. Tickets prices are for one day or all three days, so click YiPPIE FEST 2024.

Famous in the Future at YIPPIEFEST on 8/24
Photo credit: YippieFest.com

YippieFest began in 2017 as an event that continued the stage tradition of the former Abbie Hoffman Died for Our Sins Festival (1989-2016). The Fest Executive Director, since its inception, is Frank Carr. The comedy group he co-founded, FAMOUS IN THE FUTURE … with current members Carr, Desiree Burcum, Tina Teske, Michael Hora and Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com … has performed in every Abbie Hoffman fest and so far every YippieFest. They will appear at 7:30pm on Saturday, August 24th.

YIPPIE YIPPIE YIPPIE
Photo credit: YippieFest.com

ALL proceeds for YippieFest 2024 will benefit the following three charities … Deborah’s Place Women’s Shelter, Howard Brown Health and the Wicker Park Northwestern Settlement Food Pantry. Be there or literally be a square.

In a Podtalk with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, Frank Carr (Executive Director of YippieFest 2024) goes into details …

In a video clip, Frank Carr appears …

YippieFest 2024 takes place August 23rd-25th. Go to YippieFest.com for complete information.

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

© 2024 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review for “Sugarcane,” a different road of a documentary from National Geographic Films, chronicling the discovery of heinous and complicit crimes of Canada and the Catholic Church. In select theaters since August 16th, see local listings.

The film highlights the SUGARCANE tribe and the survivors of the so-called Residential Schools … a program backed by Canada in which the goal was to assimilate the Native Canadian tribal children into white society. With the complicity of the Catholic Church, the State took these children from their parents and forced them into the dogma and disciplines of that Church, not allowing any native language or tribal traditions into their lives. Behind these programs were priests and religious orders that abused children, both male and female, and also practiced murder of any inconvenient babies that came out of the abuse.

”Sugarcane” is in select theaters on August 16th, see local listings, including the (click) Gene Siskel Film Center of Chicago. Directed by Emily Kassie and Julian Brave NoiseCat. Rated “R”

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

Sugarcane
Photo credit: National Geographic Films

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

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio review for the streaming series “Emily in Paris” the adventures of Emily Cooper and her fanciful/fashionable Paris friends and lovers, now in its fourth season. Episodes 1-5 currently on Netflix.

At the end of Season Three, when we last left American marketing maven Emily Cooper (Lily Collins) in her adopted Paree, she was attending the wedding of her hunky chef neighbor Gabriel (Lucas Bravo) to a Champagne Heiress … and Emily friend … Camille (Camille Razat). But the couple can’t go through with it, with Camille revealing that Gabriel still holds a torch for Emily, and the heiress has a secret of her own. Emily’s current boyfriend, Alfie (Lucien Laviscount), has had enough and leaves Emily standing in the chapel.

Emily in Paris
Photo credit: Netflix

In the fourth season opener, Emily’s work and life come together as a promotion features her and Alfie as the ideal couple, and boss Sylvie (Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu) and wacky co-workers Julien (Samuel Arnold) and Luc (Bruno Gouery) insist that they get back together, while Emily’s bestie Mindy Chen (Ashley Park) deals with her relationship with wealthy Nicolas (Paul Forman) and balances her band’s acceptance in the Eurovision song competition. Can Emily get through her hectic days, while never wearing the same outfit twice?

Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio review of “Emily in Paris,” Season Four …

“Emily in Paris” Season Four, Episode One-Five is currently streaming on Netflix, Episodes 6-10 will begin on September 12th. Featuring Lily Collins, Mindy Chen, Lucas Bravo, Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, Samuel Arnold, Bruno Gouery and Lucien Laviscount. Created by Darren Star.

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

© 2024 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com