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CHICAGO – Growth from a young and rising actor is defined by KiKi Layne. After getting her big break as Tish in “If Beale Street Could Talk” from 2018, she has build her resume in both independent (“Native Son”) and tentpole (“Coming 2 America”) films, and showcases her music talent as the title character in “Dandelion,” which opens Friday, July 12th.

Dandelion (KiKi Layne) is a struggling Cincinnati singer-songwriter in a downward spiral, including dead end gigs and a mother who needs caregiving. When she takes a last-ditch-effort gig at a motorcycle rally in South Dakota she meets Casey (Thomas Doherty), a guitarist who walked away from his dream long ago. As Dandelion joins Casey’s nomadic group of struggling musicians, the kindred spirits make music together and strike up a whirlwind romance.

The film is a passionate meditation on young love and the sensitive artist trying to interpret it. The love is as much about the title character’s unrelenting ardor toward music as coupling with misplaced emotions. The story is deliberate and beautifully filmed, and reaches its destinations through that defiant, unquenchable need to create. Layne is a standout as she negotiates all the varied emotions and music craft along the journey, and director Nicole Riegel (“Holler”) creates a cinematic palette of contemplative scenery and reflective character studies. Just dandy.

KiKi Layne in ‘Dandelion’
Photo credit: IFC Films

KiKi Layne began her career in Chicago after graduating from the Theatre School at DePaul University with a role on “Chicago Med.” Filmmaker Barry Jenkins cast her in “If Beale Street Could Talk” in 2018, and she has since appeared in “Native Son” (2019), “The Old Guard” (2020) and “Don’t Worry Darling” (2022). “Dandelion” is her first lead role.

In a Podtalk with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, KiKi Layne talks about “Dandelion” and her career so far …

Trailer, “Dandelion” …

For the Red Carpet photos of KiKi Layne by Joe Arce of HollywoodChicago.com at the Chicago Critics Film Festival, CLICK HERE.

For a Podcast discussion of Dandelion from Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com on Ian Simmon’s KICKING THE SEAT YouTube channel, CLICK HERE.

”Dandelion” is in theaters on July 12th. Featuring KiKi Layne, Thomas Doherty, Melanie Nicholls-King and Grace Kaiser. Written and directed by Nicole Riegel. Rated “R”

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

© 2024 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

CHICAGO – Right before the historic Sundance X Chicago summit a new website was launched, two years in the making, ChicagoScreens.org. The site is the first ever one-stop destination spotlighting Chicago area film festivals (with an emphasis on independents) and film series. The site is the brainchild of the recently formed Chicago Alliance of Film Festivals (CAFF).

This new website spotlights nearly 40 film festivals in the region covering a wide scope of independent film from local to international, from culturally specific to social and environmental focus. Features, shorts, documentaries, animation – all genres can be discovered here providing discoveries for every taste. Audiences can also sign up to receive regular updates on festivals coming soon, festival news, and other event information.  

Now Online
Photo credit: ChicagoScreens.org

The Chicago Alliance of Film Festivals s the first local alliance of its kind in the country representing over 50 members supporting the film festival ecosystem of Chicago and the region. CAFF’s mission is to contribute to the cultural and economic vitality of our communities by growing Chicago’s film festival sector. CAFF is a program of FACETS Cinema, located in Chicago’s DePaul neighborhood. For a current schedule list of member film festivals and series, click CALENDAR.

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

© 2024 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

CHICAGO – As of July 1st, 2024, Comcast has a new service package for their Xfinity internet customers. For only 10 dollars a month, they are offering NOW TV Latino, the best value in Spanish-language live TV, which includes Peacock Premium. For complete details and information on the package, click NOW TV Latino.

NOW TV Latino provides a convenient way for customers to enjoy Spanish-language entertainment and thousands of hours of movies, shows, live sports and news. NOW TV Latino can be purchased as a standalone or as a bolt-on to Xfinity’s other streaming offerings, like NOW TV, NOW StreamSaver TM, and Xfinity StreamSaver TM, which will enhance the array of English and Spanish-language programming.

NOW TV Latino
Photo credit: Xfinity.com

NOW TV Latino offers blockbuster movies, novellas, sports, and live news from 25+ live streaming and free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channels. Content highlights consists of movies/TV/live news in Spanish, and at no additional cost the streaming service Peacock Premium, which includes a huge collection of hit movies, next-day access to all new shows from NBC/Bravo, plus fan-favorite library content and live events. In addition, Peacock Premium has live sports like Premier League Soccer and the upcoming Paris Olympics. And it’s all in both English and Spanish. 

What’s more, pairing NOW TV Latino with other options such as Xfinity StreamSaver, the regular NOW TV packages and NOW StreamSaver creates extra bundle savings. Click the link above or below for all the choices and packages.

NOW TV Latino is currently available for new and existing Xfinity TV/Internet customers. Go to Xfinity.com for all the details and information.

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

© 2024 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

CHICAGO – The Steppenwolf Theatre of Chicago continues to provide different viewpoints on the American stage, and their latest “Little Bear Ridge Road” is no exception. Featuring ensemble member Laurie Metcalf, it’s the resonate story of a family at the crossroads. For tickets/details, click LITTLE BEAR.

In the outer limits of rural Idaho, the last two estranged members of the Fernsby family tree, a reclusive aunt Sarah (Laurie Metcalf) and her gay nephew Ethan (Micah Stock), reunite during the pandemic to sort the mess left behind after Ethan’s troubled father passes away. Ethan’s disconnect is made a bit more palatable through a passing relationship with James (John Drea), but the main story is about the two reluctant Fernsbys ­– separated by age and experience – as they begin to understand the joys and perils of letting someone else into your own story, even if only for a moment.

Through August 4th, 2024
Photo credit: Steppenwolf.org

Audio Theater Review of “Little Bear Ridge Road” by Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com …

”Little Bear Ridge Road” is at the Steppenwolf Theatre through August 4th, 1650 N. Halsted Street, Chicago. Featuring Laurie Metcalf, Micah Stock, John Drea and Meighan Gerachis. Written by Samuel D. Hunter. Directed by Joe Mantello. For more information on Steppenwolf Theatre, 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 audio film reviews for “‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” with Eddie Murphy & “Despicable Me 4 with the voice of Steve Carell, both in the fourth film in their respective series. “Cop” is streaming on Netflix since July 3rd, and “Me” is in theaters since the same date.

”Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” has Eddie Murphy back as Detroit-based Axel Foley. After destroying several city blocks with a snow plow car chase, he is taken to task by his superior Friedman (Paul Reiser). At the same time, Foley’s west coast daughter Jane (Taylour Paige) is a Defense Attorney trying to get an innocent man out of jail. But the man is marked, and suddenly her life is in danger from a cartel. Quicker than you can say Rodeo Drive, Axel is back in Beverly Hills, to experience the same fish out of water world with old pals Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold), Taggart (John Ashton) and Serge (Bronson Pinchot), and new partner Abbott (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and bad cop Grant (Kevin Bacon). This time, as they say, it’s personal.

In “Despicable Me 4,” villain Gru (voice of Steve Carell) and his now established family, wife Lucy (Kristen Wiig), and adopted kids Margo, Edith and Agnes, plus they’ve added baby Gru. When an old high school rival named Maxime (Will Ferrell) emerges, the Anti-Villain League informs the Gru family that they have to change their names and move to a new city. Can Gru remain anonymous, when the neighbor teen Poppy (Joey King) suspects something?

”Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” is streaming on Netflix since July 3rd. Featuring Eddie Murphy, Judge Reinhold, Paul Reiser, Bronson Pinchot, Taylour Paige and Kevin Bacon. Screenplay by Will Beall, Tom Gormican and Kevin Etten. Directed by Mark Molloy. Rated “R”

”Despicable Me 4” is in theaters since July 3rd. Featuring the voices of Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Joey King, Will Ferrell, Sofia Vergara, Stephen Colbert and Steve Coogan. Written by Mike White and Ken Daurio. Directed by Chris Renaud and Patrick Delage. Rated “PG-13”

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s audio review of “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” & “Despicable Me 4”

Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F
Photo credit: Netflix

Despicable Me 4
Photo credit: Universal Pictures

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s audio review of “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” & “Despicable Me 4”

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review for “MaXXXine,” the third film in writer/director Ti West’s overview of the 1970s/80s American Cinema porno film era, after “X” and “Pearl,” and featuring Mia Goth.In theaters since July 5th.

Maxine (Mia Goth) has made her way to Los Angeles after her survival from a horrific mass murder in 1979 Texas. As in Texas, she begins in L.A. as a porn actress, but is confident she can land a mainstream part in a horror franchise. Meanwhile LA LA Land is on alert as a series of “Night Stalker” murders are taking place, and two of Maxine’s closest friends are supposedly killed by the perpetrator. At the same time, a private investigator (Kevin Bacon) is about to confront Maxine with her past secrets. Can an actress make the reformation she feels she deserves?

”MaXXXine” is in theaters since July 5th. Featuring Mia Goth, Kevin Bacon, Simon Prast, Elizabeth Debicki and Chloe Farnsworth. Written and directed by Ti West. Rated “R”

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

MaXXXine
Photo credit: A24

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

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on June 27th, reviewing new films “Daddio,” with Dakota Johnson and Sean Penn, and the A24 release “Janet Planet.” Both in theaters since June 28th.

In “Daddio,” Dakota Johnson is a woman, coming into JFK International Airport in New York City, and gets a cab with the driver man (Sean Penn). During the journey into midtown Manhattan, they start to get to know each other, and the conservation becomes observational and philosophical. When a bad accident delays their journey, several breakthroughs are made, and several undeniable truths create some discomfort. The truth does hurt, but it also can set you free.

For “Janet Planet,” Janet (Julianne Nicholson) is a hippie-ish acupuncturist in rural Massachusetts, who is a single Mom for her 11-year-old daughter Lacy (Zoe Ziegler). The film is divided into three parts depicting Janet and Lacy’s journey with three people … number one boyfriend Wayne (Will Patton), secondly friend and new boarder Regina (Sophie Oko-nedo) and finally theater artist Avi (Elias Korteas), who wants to date Janet. As the summer becomes autumn, the rise and fall of the three become the basis for a necessary renewal.

“Daddio” is in theaters since June 28th. Featuring Dakota Johnson and Sean Penn. Written and directed by Christy Hall. Rated “R.” The new release “Janet Planet” is in theaters now. Featuring Julianne Nicholson, Zoe Ziegler, Will Patton, Sophie Okonedo and Elias Koteas. Written and directed by Annie Baker. Rated “PG-13”

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of “Daddio” and “Janet Planet.”

Daddio
Photo credit: Sony Pictures Classics

Janet Planet
Photo credit: A24

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of “Daddio” and “Janet Planet.”

CHICAGO – The Crüe is back and touring, stopping by the 2024 Summerfest in Milwaukee on June 21st, with line-up vocalist Vince Neil, bassist Nikki Sixx, guitarist John 5 and the incomparable Tommy Lee on drums. The 85 minute set included some of their greatest songs, including “Home Sweet Home,” “Primal Scream” “Dr. Feelgood” and “Girls Girls Girls.” HollywoodChicago.com Music Editor and Photographer Jeff “Doc” Doles was there to capture the iconic band.

Mötley Crüe was formed in 1981, and has sold over 100 million albums worldwide. They have also achieved seven platinum or multi-platinum certifications, nine Top 10 albums on the Billboard 200 chart (including 1989’s “Dr. Feelgood,” which was Mötley Crüe’s only studio album to reach number one), twenty-two Top 40 mainstream rock hits, and six Top 20 pop singles.

Upcoming 2024 shows include three Canadian dates, July 11th (Calgary) July 13th (Ottawa) and July 14th (Quebec City) and back in this area at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield on August 10th. Click the link below for all tour dates.

Click “Next” and “Previous” to scan through the Mötley Crüe slideshow or jump directly to individual photos with the captioned links below. All photos © Jeff Doles for HollywoodChicago.com.

1. CRÜE1: Bassist Nikki Sixx
2. CRÜE2: Guitarist John 5
3. CRÜE3: Another view of John 5.
4. CRÜE4: Vocalist Vince Neil One
5. CRÜE5: Vince Neil Two
6. CRÜE6: Vince Neil Three
7. CRÜE7: Vince Neil Four
8. CRÜE8: Another view of Nikki Sixx.
9. CRÜE9: Drummer Tommy Lee
10. CRÜE10: Tommy Lee Two
11. CRÜE11: Tommy Lee Three

For more information about Mötley Crüe (including their upcoming tour dates), click Motley.com. For more photos and coverage by HollywoodChicago.com music editor Jeff “Doc” Doles, click Jeff Doles, Music Editor.

Photography by: Jeff Doles, Music Editor
Published by: Patrick McDonald, Site Editor, HollywoodChicago.com

© 2024 HollywoodChicago.com LLC

CHICAGO – The same day that director Ti West’s “MaXXXine” – the third film in his “Maxine” series – is released, why not catch up with the story beforehand at Chicago’s FACETS with a double feature/discussions on the first two films, “X” and “Pearl,” presented by film programmer Stephanie Sack. Click TI WEST for tickets/details.

Mia Goth portrays Maxine in “X” and the title character in “Pearl.” The singularly titled “X” is the first film of the trilogy, and involves a fledging group of porn filmmakers and their cast on a Texas farm location in 1979. In “Pearl,” the setting is the same, but the year is 1918, regarding a dreamy farm girl who desires to dance and eventually be in the fledgling movie industry. The third film, “MaXXXine,” is in theaters the same day, so noble cinema buffs can catch all three.

‘Modern Horror Retro Vibe’ Presentation via Host Stephanie Sack (inset)
Photo credit: FACETS.org

Stephanie Sack is a film programmer (“La Gialloholique”) and partner in “Barge Lady Cruises,” a luxury small ship experience. Since 2008 she has taken hot yoga classes in both hemispheres, nine countries, dozens of cities, and seven languages (English, French, Italian, Spanish, Danish, Dutch, and Estonian). In her film work in Chicago, she focuses on classic and repertory cinema, with an expertise in the Italian “Giallo” genre of horror/thriller. Ms. Sack is also helping to program the upcoming (click) Chicago Horror Film Festival.

In a Podtalk with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, Film Programmer Stephanie Sack talks about the road to “X” and “Pearl” …

Trailer, “X” …

Trailer, “Pearl” …

The Modern Horror Retro Vibe presents Ti West’s “X” and “Pearl” in a double feature at FACETS Chicago – 1517 West Fullerton Avenue – doors open at Noon on July 5th, 2024. For more info on FACETS, click here. For more info on BARGE LADY CRUISES, click here.

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

© 2024 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

CHICAGO – What does any seasonal worker do during the summer? James Austin Johnson, Devon Walker and Andrew Dismukes of “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) go on their “Summer Jobs Tour” with stand-up, characters and of course, SNL. For tickets and details click SNL SUMMER.

Summer Jobs Tour
Photo credit: TheDenTheatre.com

James Austin Johnson broke out on the show in 2021 with his on-target impression of Donald Trump. He’s originally from Nashville, and he’s also appeared in TV’s “Baskets” and “Better Call Saul,” as well as the Coen Brother’s film “Hail Caesar,” and has toured extensively as a stand-up comic.

Devon Walker joined SNL in 2022. Originally from Austin, Texas, and is also a stand-up and writer who is best known as a current cast member on Saturday Night Live. Devon’s hourlong interactive show ‘Come and Talk to Me’ will be touring the east coast this summer, and is “lowkey really good” according to audience members who have seen it.

Andrew Dismukes began at SNL as a writer in 2017, and was named a performer by producer Lorne Michaels in 2020 (story in Podtalk below). Andrew started performing stand up comedy in Austin, while studying at the University of Texas. He’s performed at the Just for Laughs Festival, the Dublin Comedy Festival, and the New York Comedy Festival, among others.

In a Podtalk with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, James Austin Johnson, Devon Walker and Andrew Dismukes start the interview in that order …

In Part Two, James Austin Johnson …

In Part Three, Devon Walker …

In Part Four, Andrew Dismukes …

In Part Five, All Together Again for the First Time, with a return to a previous joke …

In a video clip, the “SNL 3” make the pitch for their “Summer Jobs Tour” …

The Summers Jobs Tour,” featuring SNL’s James Austin Johnson, Devon Walker and Andrew Dismukes will be at the Den Theatre, 1331 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, on July 5th and 6th, 2024. For more on the Den Theatre, click here.

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

© 2024 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

CHICAGO – What does any seasonal worker do during the summer? James Austin Johnson, Devon Walker and Andrew Dismukes of “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) go on their “Summer Jobs Tour” with stand-up, characters and of course, SNL. For tickets and details SNL SUMMER.

Summer Jobs Tour
Photo credit: TheDenTheatre.com

James Austin Johnson broke out on the show in 2021 with his on-target impression of Donald Trump. He’s originally from Nashville, and he’s also appeared in TV’s “Baskets” and “Better Call Saul,” as well as the Coen Brother’s film “Hail Caesar,” and has toured extensively as a stand-up comic.

Devon Walker joined SNL in 2022. Originally from Austin, Texas, and is also a stand-up and writer who is best known as a current cast member on Saturday Night Live. Devon’s hourlong interactive show ‘Come and Talk to Me’ will be touring the east coast this summer, and is “lowkey really good” according to audience members who have seen it.

Andrew Dismukes began at SNL as a writer in 2017, and was named a performer by producer Lorne Michaels in 2020 (story in Podtalk below). Andrew started performing stand up comedy in Austin, while studying at the University of Texas. He’s performed at the Just for Laughs Festival, the Dublin Comedy Festival, and the New York Comedy Festival, among others.

In a Podtalk with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, James Austin Johnson, Devon Walker and Andrew Dismukes start the interview in that order …

In Part Two, James Austin Johnson …

In Part Three, Devon Walker …

In Part Four, Andrew Dismukes …

In Part Five, All Together Again for the First Time, with a return to a previous joke …

In a video clip, the “SNL 3” make the pitch for their “Summer Jobs Tour” …

The Summers Jobs Tour,” featuring SNL’s James Austin Johnson, Devon Walker and Andrew Dismukes will be at the Den Theatre on July 5th and 6th, 2024. For more on the Den Theatre, click here.

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

© 2024 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com