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CHICAGO – On June 28th, 2024, two titans of film and filmmaking – Chicago and the Sundance Institute of Park City, Utah – launched a collaborative weekend that signaled a cooperation that has expansion plans. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson was on hand for remarks, as well as Eugene Hernandez, the Director of the Sundance Film Festival.

The event at the Chicago Cultural Center began the three-day event, which includes a weekend filled with Midwest premieres of films, panel discussions on pivotal topics in the independent film industry, and exclusive presentations and master classes by Sundance Institute staff. For details, click SUNDANCExCHICAGO.

Sundance X Chicago: Mayor Brandon Johnson
Photo credit: Joe Arce for HollywoodChicago.com

As a champion and curator of independent stories, the nonprofit Sundance Institute provides and preserves the space for artists in film and episodic storytelling to create and thrive. Actor Robert Redford founded the Institute in 1981 to foster independence, risk-taking and new voices in American film. In addition to the Sundance Film Festival, the Institute hosts many public programs in the U.S. and internationally, like the X Chicago activities, to create community around independent storytelling.

The Sundance Institute X Chicago weekend is June 28-30, 2024.

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

© 2024 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

CHICAGO – Distinctive visions are in such short supply in Hollywood these days I suppose we should be grateful when one makes it onto our movie screens. Director Yorgos Lanthimos is nothing if not distinctive, but his films are by no means easy to watch. His latest film “Kinds Of Kindness” consists of three short stories of power and cruelty.

Each tale centers on a person in desperate need of direction falling to prey to insidious manipulation that hollows them out leaving them an empty husk without a sense of self.

Lanthimos reunites with his muse Emma Stone, along with Jesse Plemons, Willem Dafoe, Margaret Qualley, Hong Chau and Mamoudou Athie, as they act as a sort of repertory company taking different roles in three different stories. There are funny moments yes, but I think it’s a big stretch to call this a comedy in any way. It’s main objective seems to be as off-putting and unsettling as it can be.

”Kinds of Kindness” is in theaters on June 28th. Featuring Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Willem Dafoe, Margaret Qualley, Hong Chau and Mamoudou Athie. Written by Yorgos Lanthimos and Efthimis Filippou. Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos. Rated “R”

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

Kinds of Kindness
Photo credit: Searchlight Pictures

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

CHICAGO – Happy Pride Weekend! To bring us into this proud celebration, HollywoodChicago.com presents three reviews of LGBTQ+ themed films, with audio overviews from Editor/Writer Patrick McDonald, contributor Jon Lennon Espino and guest reviewer/Founder of Cinema Femme, Rebecca Martin Fagerhoim.

Three by Three: ’Cassandro,’ ‘Jeffrey’ and ‘Go Fish’
Photo credit: Prime Video, Shout Factory, Criterion Collection

The three are the “Cassandro” (2023), reviewed by Jon; “Jeffrey” (1995), reviewed by Patrick; and “Go Fish” (1994), reviewed by Rebecca. Click the name in the headlines for more highlights from each of the reviewers.

CASSANDRO (2023) by Jon Lennon Espino

JEFFREY (1995) by Patrick McDonald

GO FISH (1994) by Rebecca Martin Fagerholm

”Cassandro” and “Jeffrey” are streaming on Prime Video. “Go Fish” is streaming free on Pluto TV. All are available for digital download. HAPPY PRIDE WEEKEND!

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

© 2024 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

CHICAGO – Pride Weekend is upon us, and what better way to celebrate then with “Trauma Clown” John Michael, showcasing his latest one-man performance of “Spank Bank Time Machine“ at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre from June 28th-30th, 2024. For tickets and info, click SPANK BANK.

“Spank Bank Time Machine” is a serious subject that John Michael manages to put into elegant and humorous context, as it tells the journey of one of his best friends … nicknamed Fun Monster … and his difficult relationship with substance abuse. The show is an inquiry, within the ramifications of Fun Monster’s constant misuse of self medication, as to why it evolved to the point of no return. This audience participation show is a loving portrait of madness, with John Michael going back and forth along the timeline … thus the title … with several hilarious cautionary tales.

Part of the ”Outlook” Series at Steppenwolf Theatre
Photo credit: Steppenwolf.org

John Michael is a Texas-born performer whose specialty is the one man show. His spin brings in the audience as characters, as he tells his life stories in his one-of-a-kind style. He first got rave notices in Chicago with a show he developed in his native Dallas, “John Michael and the Order of the Penix.” His follow-up was “Dementia Me” – a chronicle of his two-year period keeping up with dementia patients as he worked at a Dallas care facility. “Meatball Seance” first opened in 2017, and he took that on the road to various theater and performance festivals. And finally, as he explains in the Podtalk, his introspective road to “Spank Bank Time Machine.”

Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com sat down with John Michael for a Podtalk and asked him four questions about the show, and then he gives his personal video pitch below, while unboxing of his preferred brand of “Man-kini."

QUESTION ONE …

QUESTION TWO …

QUESTION THREE …

QUESTION FOUR (Spoiler Alert: If you want to be completely surprised by the performance, don’t listen) …

Man-kini Master John Michael does an “Unboxing” …

Steppenwolf Theatre of Chicago “Outlook” series presents “Spank Bank Time Machine,” created by John Michael with Sammy Zeisel. Directed by Elizabeth Lovelady. The 2024 Chicago Pride Parade is Sunday, June 30th, 2024, beginning an hour earlier than usual at 11am. For details, go to PrideChicago.org. To access the Facebook Page of John Michael, click here. Have a Happy Pride Weekend with John Michael!

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

© 2024 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

CHICAGO – Happy Pride Weekend! HollywoodChicago.com kicks it off with a revisit to one of our favorite interview subjects, LGBTQ+ activist Gary G. Chichester. But this time we gave him an assignment … provide his personal list of the top Chicago historic LGBTQ+ sites in the city. The results are in the YouTube video below.

Bughouse Square Chicago … First Gay Liberation March, June 27, 1970
Photo credit: File Photo

Gary Chichester helped organize Chicago’s first Gay Liberation March on June 27th, 1970, and followed that up the next year by helping to organize the first Pride Parade. Chichester has seen it grow to be the most popular parade event in Chicago, drawing one million people to the Uptown and Chicago’s Proudest Neighborhood.

The gay scene of 1970 in Chicago was underground, with the riots and uprising of New York City’s Stonewall Inn only one year old. To honor that event, New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Chicago were the first cities to have gay pride marches in 1970 … with Chicago leading the way on June 27th, a couple hours before the San Francisco march, and a day before the others.

As the march became a parade in 1971, Gary Chichester became involved by co-founding the Chicago Gay Alliance that same year, which created the first gay and lesbian community center in the Windy City (he talks about it in the video). Also on his resume is helping to organize that first Chicago gay pride, and practicing activism through The Chicago Gay Health Project, the Gay Rights National Lobby, the NAMES Project, Strike Against AIDS and the City of Chicago’s Advisory Council on Gay and Lesbian Issues, among so much more. He was inducted into the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame in 1992. Chichester was the Grand Marshal of the Pride Parade in 2022.

In a Podtalk interview by Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, Gary Chichester answers a few questions to warm up …

In a World Premiere Video, Gary G. Chichester talks about the top important spots for him in Chicago LGBTQ+ history …

CLICK HERE for more Chicago LGBTQ+ history from Gary G. Chichester.

The 2024 Chicago Pride Parade is Sunday, June 30th, 2024, beginning an hour earlier than usual at 11am. For details, go to PrideChicago.org. To access the Facebook Page of Gary G. Chichester, click here. CELEBRATE Pride!

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

© 2024 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

CHICAGO – As you know if you interact with this website, HollywoodChicago.com is “Everything Entertainment.” But as a alternative today, through a connection from the Dallas International Film Festival, we talked to Alan Washer from HomeVestors® of America, because of their efforts in volunteering for the community, specifically The Friendship Center Food Pantry of Chicago. For more information about that organization, click TFC.

The Friendship Center (TFC) supports the food-insecure populations of Chicago’s northwest side neighborhoods like Albany Park, Lincoln Square, North Park, Ravenswood, and West Ridge. As Alan explains, they are a full-choice pantry providing hot meals, home delivery, and pet food distributions. They serve over 4,500 neighbors facing hunger each month.

The Friendship Center Food Pantry of Chicago
Photo credit: FriendshipCenterChicago.org

Alan Washer is a Chicagoland franchise owner at HomeVestors of America, the “We Buy Ugly Homes” folks, and connected with The Friendship Center through a serendipitous happenstance (as told in the Podtalk below). HomeVestors is America’s Number One home buyer for the past eight years, has been consistently ranked among the top 100 companies in the Franchise 500, per AccessWire. They’ve purchased over 140,000 houses, and having encountered every type of red tape and roadblock in homes sales has the experience to navigate through them.

In a Podtalk interview by Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, Alan Washer from HomeVestors of America talks about the company interaction with The Friendship Center of Chicago …

In a Video Clip, Alan Washer makes the case for volunteering …

For more information on The Friendship Center of Chicago Food Pantry, click FriendshipCenterChicago.org. For more information about HomeVestors of America, click HomeVestors.com.

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

© 2024 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

CHICAGO – Happy Pride from the Midwest Film Festival of Chicago, celebrating with a special film event on June 24th, 2024 … writer/director Cory Grant’s “Screams From the Tower.” For tickets and information, click SCREAMS.

The film follows Julien (Richie Fusco), his best friend Cary (David Bloom) and their outcast friends, as they navigate high school in the mid 1990s. When Julien and Cary’s dream of having their own morning show on the high school radio station is finally realized, it begins a chain of events that brings them popularity, a challenge to their friendship and Julien coming out to who is really is … all while filmed in the same Chicagoland north shore suburbs as the best of John Hughes.

’Screams From the Tower’ at the Midwest Film Festival
Photo credit: MidwestFilm.com

Cory Wexler Grant is an actor, writer, director and producer. He spent his formative years in San Francisco and Chicago, and moved to New York City permanently after being accepted into NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. After graduation, he began writing, directing, and producing original theatrical works, including three plays and two musicals. Cory wrote and directed his first feature film “Painter” in 2018, which was awarded Grand Prize, Best Feature Film at Rhode Island International Film Festival. Cory lives in Greenwich Village with his husband and their two children.

In Part One of a Podtalk interview by Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, it’s writer/director Cory Grant on “Screams From the Tower” …

In Part Two is Cory Grant the inspiration for the character “Cary”? …

In a Video Clip, Cory Grant pitches to the potential audience …

The Midwest Film Festival has been a staple in Chicago’s film community 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 Windy City.

Chicago’s Midwest Film Festival presents “Screams From the Tower” on Monday, June 24th, 2024, at the Gene Siskel Film Center. Featuring Richie Fusco, David Bloom, TJ Lee, Madison Devlin and Melody Betts. Written and directed by Cory Grant. For more information on The Midwest Film Festival, click here. Happy Pride!

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 June 20th, reviewing “Thelma,” a debut for adapter/director Josh Margolin and featuring the great character actor June Squibb. In theaters on June 21st.

June Squibb is Thelma, a 93-year-old woman who has been without her beloved husband for two years, but still lives independently with help from her grandson Daniel (Fred Hechinger). One night, Daniel calls Thelma in a panic telling her he’s been in a car accident, has run over a pregnant woman and is in custody. To take care of the situation, Thelma then is told to send 10K in cash to a certain address, and she does … yes, she’s been scammed. But, the perpetrators have underestimated this grandma, who recruits her buddy Ben (Richard Roundtree) to help her get the money back.

“Thelma” is in theaters on June 21st. Featuring June Squibb, Fred Hechinger, Richard Roundtree, Parker Posey and Clark Gregg. Screenplay adapted and directed by Josh Margolin. Rated “PG-13”

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

Thelma
Photo credit: Magnolia Pictures

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

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on June 20th, reviewing “The Bikeriders,” a new motorcycle gang film directed by Jeff Nichols (“Mud”). In theaters on June 21st.

The film has a stellar cast, with great biker names. Benny (Austin Butler), Johnny (Tom Hardy), Zipco (Michael Shannon, natch), Funny Sunny (Noman Reedus), Cockroach (Emory Cohen) and love interest Kathy (Jodie Comer). Set in the 1960s, it follows the rise of the Vandals MC, a Chicago outlaw motorcycle club. Their adventures are seen through the lives of its members and their families, and the club evolves over the course of a decade from a surrogate family for local outcasts into a violent organized crime syndicate.

“The Bikeriders” is in theaters on June 21st. Featuring Austin Butler, Tom Hardy, Michael Shannon, Norman Reedus and Jodie Comer. Screenplay adapted and directed by Jeff Nichols. Rated “R”

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

The Bikeriders
Photo credit: Focus Features

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

NEW YORK – Last week, the competition awards were conferred at the (click) Tribeca Festival and the top narrative films were “Griffin in Summer” (U.S.) and “Bikechess” (International). While different in story arc, both films involved individuals facing a truth they inherently knew but never expected to encounter.

The 2024 Tribeca Festival, presented by Web3 tech company OKX, brings artists and diverse audiences together to celebrate storytelling in all its forms, including film, TV, VR, gaming, music, and online work. With strong roots in independent film, Tribeca is a platform for creative expression and entertainment. For all information, including more on the final weekend, CLICK TRIBECA 2024.

2024 Tribeca Best U.S. Narrative: ‘Griffin in Summer’
Photo credit: TribecaFilm.com

Capsule Reviews, 2024 Tribeca Film Festival

Griffin in Summer involves 14-year-old Griffin (Everett Blunck) who likes to spend his summers producing stage plays. However, when his tween collaborators get distracted by more trivial pursuits like boys and camp, Griffin’s attention drifts toward Brad (Owen Teague), the zoned-out handyman working at his house.

CAPSULE REVIEW: This combines the intensity of a teenage first crush with a somewhat coming out story, although that aspect of it seems on the periphery. Owen Teague is hilarious as the clueless performance-artist-turned-handyman, especially when he temporarily infiltrates Griffin’s play (which is a masked reference to Griffin’s reality with his parents). The whole film wrings both awkward and direct laughs from the pitch-black actuality, but like Griffin, life is the pool we all have to jump into. Best U.S. Narrative Feature, Tribeca 2024

BikeChess is the story of Dina (Saltanat Nauruz), a disenchanted Kazakhstan broadcast journalist who is much more capable than the propaganda she is forced to cover. Challenged by her radical sister and the job, Dina has to amp up her coping mechanism.

CAPSULE REVIEW: Combining “1984” with “Inside Edition,” the film’s slower pace allows for a meditation on “what are survival instincts?” It’s one thing to dismiss authoritarianism (Kazakhstan’s government has been characterized as such) and another to lose a cushy job because you fight against it. This balancing debate in the film is the key, down to the vague last image, reminiscent of “The 400 Blows.” U.S. citizens might be facing this very choice in the future. Best International Narrative Feature, Tribeca 2024

Don’t You Let Me Go focuses on Adela (Chlara Hourcade), who is distraught and lost after attending the funeral of cherished best friend Elena (Victoria Jorge). After sobbing in her car, she notices a bus that is waiting for her. This magic bus is about to whisk her away to her younger self, and a holiday with the younger Elena.

CAPSULE REVIEW: What is remarkable about the film from Uruguay is that Adela doesn’t realize that this is a fantasy, she is fully her younger self interacting with the beloved Elena (save for some momentary reality checks). The film is a definition of friendship in its most trustworthy times, and that worthiness characterizes the grief that is shown at the top of the film. This is an ultimate “go with the flow’ film, down to the audacious and appropriate final scene. Nora Ephron Award, Tribeca 2024

CAPSULE REVIEWS of ”Driver” and Short Films: “Driver” is a stark and honest document of the lives of women truckers, the so-called “essential workers” of the pandemic era, only to devolve back into a world of low pay and sexism. The truth of America is magnified in the crass patriarchy of the industry. For short films, Prince Shoutoku, The End of the Party and Book a Room are three bright and heroic music videos (remember those?) that meditate on women’s lives. Dirty Towel uses a mother’s suspicion about a teen’s sex life as an hilarious metaphor. And Jane Austen’s Period Drama is yes, about mannerly menstruation … “somebody get some chicken’s blood.” Hahahaha

As a conclusion to the 2024 Tribeca Festival, a Moment of Zen …

The 2024 Tribeca Festival took place June 5th-16th, 2024. For all information click on TribecaFilm.com. Onto 2025!

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

© 2024 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

NEW YORK – It’s over, but the memories echo. The 23rd edition of the Tribeca Festival wrapped up on June 16th, 2024, but not without a sendoff celebrating Melissa Etheridge’s new documentary, the 25th Anniversary retrospect of the iconic series, “The Sopranos,” and a nod to fest co-founder/savior of democracy Robert De Niro.

The 2024 Tribeca Festival, presented by Web3 tech company OKX, brings artists and diverse audiences together to celebrate storytelling in all its forms, including film, TV, VR, gaming, music, and online work. With strong roots in independent film, Tribeca is a platform for creative expression and entertainment. For all information, including more on the final weekend, CLICK TRIBECA 2024.

That’s a Wrap on the 23rd Edition
Photo credit: TribecaFilm.com

The two-part Melissa Etheridge: I’m Not Broken is premiering on Paramount+ on July 9th. It’s unbelievable that The Sopranos celebrates the 25th Anniversary of its 1999 premiere with most of the original cast and creator David Chase walking the red carpet. And finally, what better way to wrap the 2024 Tribeca Fest then with De Niro Con, a three day celebration of all things Bobby D.

In video clips from the Red Carpet, Melissa Etheridge, “The Sopranos” creator/cast and a mute Bobby and Marty provide the way home …

The 2024 Tribeca Festival took place June 5th-16th, 2024. For all information click on TribecaFilm.com. Onto 2025! Save us Bobby D!

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 “Robot Dreams,” a co-directorial collaboration between Alex Thompson and Kelly O’Sullivan of 2019’s “Saint Frances,” from a Kelly O’Sullivan script. Currently in theaters, including Chicago’s Gene Siskel Film Center.

Based on a popular graphic novel, this Best Animated Feature nominee from this year’s Oscars was created by Pablo Berger in a co-production from Spain/France. The story involves a lonely Dog who finds joy and companionship with a mail order Robot. Their adventures together are interrupted by a beach outing that causes the Robot to be trapped, rusting away on the beach. Can they overcome this separation?

”Robot Dreams” is in theaters NOW, including (click link) the Gene Siskel Film Center. Screenplay adapted and directed by Pablo Berger. Not Rated.

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

Robot Dreams
Photo credit: Neon

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

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review for “Ghostlight,” a co-directorial collaboration between Alex Thompson and Kelly O’Sullivan of 2019’s “Saint Frances,” from a Kelly O’Sullivan script. Currently in theaters since June 14th.

Dan (Keith Kupferer) is a middle-aged construction worker grieving a family tragedy, and has cut himself off from his devoted wife Sharon (Tara Mallen) and talented but troubled daughter Daisy (Katherine Mallen Kupferer), Through an accidental circumstance, Dan finds comfort and community in a misfit company of amateur actors. While performing for the first in a low-rent production of a Shakespeare’s most famous tragedy, Dan is forced to confront his buried emotions.

”Ghostlight” is in theaters NOW, since June 14th. Featuring Keith Kupferer, Katherine Mallen Kupferer, Tara Mallen, Dolly De Leon, Dexter Zollicofer and H.B. Ward. Written by Kelly O’Sullivan. Directed by Alex Thompson and Kelly O’Sullivan. Rated “R”

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

Ghostlight
Photo credit: IFC Films

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

CHICAGO – Just in time for Pride Month, Strawdog Theatre Co. presents an updated staging of the Oscar Wilde classic, “The Importance of Being Earnest.” Strawdog policy … the tickets are FREE (donations encouraged), but you must put in a reservation by clicking EARNEST.

“Earnest” – which was first staged in 1895 – is updated to modern day Chicago, within a chic apartment in the first half and a summer home in Michigan in the second. It’s a brunch being thrown by Algernon (Jack Seijo) at the apartment, and his friend Jack (Johnard Washington) is there to announce his hopeful engagement to the flamboyant Gwendolen (Kade Cox). However Jack is not known by Jack, for in the city he is Earnest, a fake name he has given himself to escape the responsibilities he has in the summer home, especially the care for his niece Cecily (Andi Muriel). Gwendolen accepts Earnest’s proposal, and the gang … including the skeptical queen Bracknell (Michael Reyes) and Algernon’s Butler (Matt Keely) head to Michigan. While there, unknown to Jack, Algernon is about to propose to Cecily. Except now they say THEIR NAME is Earnest. Who will find their elusive importance?

Rivendell Theatre Through June 30th, 2024
Photo credit: Strawdog.org

Audio Theater Review of “The Importance of Being Earnest” by Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com …

Strawdog Theatre Co. presents “The Importance of Being Earnest,” through June 30th at the Rivendell Theatre, 5779 North Ridge Avenue, Chicago. Besides cast list above, featuring Lynne Baker as Miss Prism and Crystal Claros as Dr. Chasuble. Written by Oscar Wilde. Adaptation by Elizabeth Swanson & Dusty Brown. Directed by Elizabeth Swanson. For more information on the Strawdog Theatre Co., click here. Happy Pride!

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 “Treasure,” a feature film pairing the odd couple acting of Lena Dunham and Stephen Fry, as a daughter and father trying to bond in the backdrop of his memories of Auschwitz. Currently in theaters since June 14th.

The film is set in 1991, and Dunham is Ruth, the daughter of Edek (Fry), a Polish immigrant that has not been back to the Auschwitz death camp since he was confined there as a teenager. Ruth has meticulously planned the trip, which includes a side journey to the former family factory and house in the Polish town of Lodz. Edek acts strange and elusive throughout the midst of the trip, leading to a further tear in the fabric of their relationship. What they will learn is about to become very important.

“Treasure” is in theaters since June 14th. Featuring Lena Dunham, Stephen Fry, Tomasz Wlosak, Iwona Bielska and Maria Mamona. Screenplay adapted by Julia von Heinz and John Quester. Directed by Julia von Heinz. Rated “R”

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

Treasure
Photo credit: Bleecker Street Media

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

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Ben Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on June 13th, reviewing “Brats,” a new documentary about the infamous “Brat Pack” of the 1980s, directed by Pack member Andrew McCarthy. Streaming on HULU since June 13th.

Remember the “Brat Pack” from the 1980s … especially the main members Andrew McCarthy, Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, Demi Moore, Ally Sheedy, Molly Ringwald and Judd Nelson, among other adjacent members? In movies like “St. Elmo’s Fire,” “The Outsiders,” “The Breakfast Club,” and “Pretty in Pink,” among others? Well, Andrew McCarthy decided to make a documentary on how that “grouping” affected them, what resentments they hold onto, and how they think about it today.

“Brats” is streaming on HULU since June 13th. Featuring memories from Andrew McCarthy, Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, Demi Moore and Ally Sheedy. Directed by Andrew McCarthy. Not Rated.

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

Brats
Photo credit: HULU

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

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review for “Tuesday,” the debut directorial effort of filmmaker Daina Oniunas-Pusić and featuring the continued performance growth and evolution of actor Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Currently in theaters since June 14th.

Dreyfus portrays Zora, the emotionally distraught mother of a wheelchair-bound daughter named Tuesday (Lola Pettigrew). When an odd talking Macaw bird (voice of Arinzé Kene) infiltrates Tuesday’s bedroom, it’s representing the imminent death of the girl. Zora is unwilling to accept the bird’s premise, using any means to destroy the death by getting rid of the bird … which of course comes with consequences.

“Tuesday” is in theaters since June 14th. Featuring Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Lola Pettigrew, Leah Harvey, Arinzé Kene and Ellie James. Written and directed by Daina Oniunas-Pusić. Rated “R”

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

Tuesday
Photo credit: A24

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

NEW YORK – The 23rd annual Tribeca Festival, presented by OKX, today announced the winners in its competition categories at an awards ceremony at Racket NYC. The top honors went to “Griffin in Summer” for the Founders Award for Best U.S. Narrative Feature, “Bikechess” for Best International Narrative Feature, and “Hacking Hate” for Best Documentary Feature. 

“Griffin in Summer” (Dir: Nicolas Colia) involves 14-year-old Griffin Nafly, who during summer vacations gets down to the serious business of putting on his dramatic new play … an ambitious cross between “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf” and “American Beauty.” However, when his tween collaborators get distracted by more trivial pursuits like boys and camp, Griffin’s attention drifts toward Brad, the zoned-out handyman working at his house.

2024 Tribeca Best U.S. Narrative: ‘Griffin in Summer’
Photo credit: TribecaFilm.com

Best International Narrative Feature “Bikechess” (Dir: Assel Aushakimova) involves Saltanat Nauruz as Dina, a disenchanted Kazakh broadcast journalist who is much more capable than the propaganda she is forced to cover. Challenged by her radical sister and the job, Dina confronts her coping mechanism.

Best Documentary Feature “Hacking Hate” (Dir: Simon Klose) profiles My Vingren, a well-regarded and award-winning Swedish journalist. She is known for her in-depth investigations, especially into white supremacist networks. However, her latest journalistic pursuit is about to bring her into considerably dangerous territory.

Awards were given in the following competition categories … U.S. Narrative, International Narrative, Documentary, Short Film, Audio Storytelling, Games, Human/Nature, Nora Ephron, Viewpoints, AT&T Untold Stories, and Tribeca X.

“After a banner year of Tribeca programming, I do not envy our jurors’ task of selecting this year’s winners,” said Cara Cusumano, Tribeca Festival Director/Programming SVP. “I’m delighted to see they’ve chosen to honor a diverse, international, adventurous group of films that truly reflect the Tribeca spirit. We can’t wait to continue to follow and support all these films’ journeys into the world.”

FOR THE LIST AND DETAILS OF ALL Tribeca Festival 2024 Award Honorees, CLICK HERE.

The 2024 Tribeca Festival is taking place through June 16th. For tickets, events schedule and all information click on TribecaFilm.com

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

© 2024 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

CHICAGO –Pixar Studios rediscovers some of its movie magic with the thoughtful and sophisticated “Inside Out 2.” It’s the sequel that doesn’t feel like a retread of what came before but instead is a natural progression of the story we’re already invested in … as early adolescence and puberty arrive to crash the kid party.

We pick up the story with Riley, now a 13-year-old girl, still obsessed with hockey and getting a surprise invite to a big weekend hockey camp. The first emotional hiccup to handle for Joy (voice of Amy Poehler) and her “mission control” is when Riley’s two best friends reveal they’re going to a different high school next year.

But Joy’s positivity seems to have things all wrapped up, with a system of banishing bad memories to the back of the mind so Riley’s sense of positive self can blossom.This all changes the night before the camp when puberty arrives like a literal wrecking ball into mission control headquarters. The onset is accompanied by three new emotions … Anxiety (Maya Hawke), Envy (Ayo Edebiri of “The Bear”) and Ennui (Adele Exarchopoulos).

”Inside Out 2” is in theaters on June 14th. Featuring the voices of Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Lewis Black, Tony Hale, Liza Lempira and Ayo Edebiri. Screenplay by Meg LeFauve and Dave Holstein. Directed by Kelsey Mann. Rated “PG”

Continue reading for Spike Walter’s full review of “Inside Out 2”

Inside Out 2
Photo credit: Pixar/Walt Disney Studios

Continue reading for Spike Walter’s full review of “Inside Out 2”

CHICAGO – “Scrap” is a scrappy new film that is building anticipation through the film festival circuit. The writer, director and lead actor of “Scrap” is Vivian Kerr, and it also features familiar character actors Anthony Rapp and Lana Parrilla. The release date for this set-in-Los Angeles family drama is to be determined.

Beth (Vivian Kerr) has recently been laid off and struggles to maintain the appearance of a successful middle-class lifestyle as she bounces around Los Angeles. Hoping to land a new job and change her situation before her estranged older brother Ben (Anthony Rapp) finds out, Beth must confront her own pride in order to reconnect with him and provide for her young daughter Birdy (Julianna Layne). Meanwhile, Ben and his wife Stacy (Lana Parrilla) – a successful attorney – consider a third round of IVF, while she begins to re-evaluate her own conflicted relationship with motherhood.

Scrap
Photo credit: Rue Dangeau

Vivian Kerr is an LA-based actor, writer, director, and producer with her company Rue Dangeau. Some of the awards “Scrap” has won on the film festival circuit include the NYWIFT Award for Excellence in Narrative Directing at the SOHO International Film Festival, a Special Jury Prize in Acting Achievement at Phoenix Film Festival, Outstanding Actress at Micheaux Film Festival, Best Director at Mystic Film Festival and the MINT Spirit Award at the Montana International Film Festival.

In Part One of a Podtalk with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, Filmmakers Vivian Kerr breaks down the themes in “Scrap” …

In Part Two, more on “Scrap” and stories from a working actor …

In a video clip, the filmmaker pitch …

Trailer, “Scrap” …

”Scrap” will next screen at the (click links) Long Island International Film Expo and Waco Independent Film Festival. Featuring Vivian Kerr, Anthony Rapp, Lana Parrilla, Khleo Thomas and Julianna Layne. Written and directed by Vivian Kerr. Not Rated. For more information, click here.

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

© 2024 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com