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CHICAGO – The iconic Milwaukee Summerfest for 2024 wrapped up last month, and photographer and Music Editor Jeff “Doc” Doles was on hand to provide an on-stage view with the following “Best-of” Exclusive Photo Slideshow. From headliner Lil Uzi Vert to classic acts like Living Colour and the BoDeans, the event drew music fans from all over the world.

Click “Next” and “Previous” to scan through the Milwaukee Summerfest 2024 slideshow or jump directly to individual photos with the captioned links below. All photos © 2024 Jeff Doles for HollywoodChicago.com.

1. SUMMERFEST1: Headliner Lil Uzi Vert
2. SUMMERFEST2: Abby Anderson
3. SUMMERFEST3: Kurt Neumann of the BoDeans
4. SUMMERFEST4: Charlotte Cardin
5. SUMMERFEST5: Chase Lawrence of Coin
6. SUMMERFEST6: Nathan Willett of Cold War Kids
7. SUMMERFEST7: Dave Lowery of Cracker
8. SUMMERFEST8: Delilah
9. SUMMERFEST9: Jason Jones of Drowning Pool
10. SUMMERFEST10: Jerry DePizzo of O.A.R.
11. SUMMERFEST11: Ken Block of Sister Hazel
12. SUMMERFEST12: Kiana Ledé
13. SUMMERFEST13: Corey Glover of Living Colour
14. SUMMERFEST14: Doug Wimbish of Living Colour
15. SUMMERFEST15: Maxx Denzinger of Set It Off
16. SUMMERFEST16: Matt Quinn of Mt. Joy
17. SUMMERFEST17: Jackie Miclau of Mt. Joy
18. SUMMERFEST18: S. Holden Jaffe Del Water Gap
19. SUMMERFEST19: Tyler Glenn of Neon Trees
20. SUMMERFEST20: Totally Neon Band
21. SUMMERFEST21: Quad City DJs
22. SUMMERFEST22: Summerfest Fan Photo 1
23. SUMMERFEST23: Summerfest Fans 2

For more information about Milwaukee Summerfest, click Summerfest.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 – Last week, filmmakers Meezahn Senbetta & Davis Cameron Chu had their friends/family premiere of their debut short “Hand Job” … and don’t let the title lead you astray. The film is an incredibly expressive and unique journey of one man’s savior hand. They reserved their first interview for HollywoodChicago.com and Pat Über-Critic McDonald.

The lover of an inert man (Davis Cameron Chu) is trying to get a hold of him over the phone, but he is unresponsive. The pills he took are beginning to have their effect … except for one saving grace. One of his hands is still aware and sentient, and is the only thing between him and potential tragedy. Can it muster enough courage to save the day?

Filmmakers Davis Cameron Chu & Meezahn Senbetta of ‘Hand Job’
Photo credit: Insta @HandJobShortFilm

I met the filmmaker couple where all good film people meet, Chicago’s historic Music Box Theatre, shortly after they began writing, directing, performing and producing “Hand Job.” Meezhan Senbetta is a Chicago-based creative producer, who graduated from Northwestern University. After dabbling in reality TV (Netflix’s “Love is Blind”) and talent rep work, she currently is a creative resource manager at Sarofsky.

Davis Cameron Chu is a mixed-media filmmaker who matriculated from Cleveland State University, where his thesis film “Falling Up” was a festival fave. He received a local Great Lakes Emmy for his work on a doc about the golden age of kid’s TV in Cleveland. He is an actor, musician and designer/animator at Sarofsky.

In Part One of their Podtalk first interview by Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, co-filmmaker creators Meezham Senbetta and Davis Cameron Chu talk about the journey to “Hand Job” …

In Part Two, more nuts, bolts and gratitude toward the film’s completion …

In a Video Clip, a short plug …
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“Hand Job” is film festival ready. Written and directed by Meezahn Senbetta and Davis Cameron Chu, and featuring Davis Cameron Chu. For more information about the film click on Instagram @HandJobShortFilm.

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

© 2024 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

CHICAGO – Last month was historic as 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. Filmmakers, actors, the Chicago Mayor and Sundance officials were on the Red Carpet.

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.

Among the VIPs and star power on the Red Carpet were filmmaker Dawn Porter, of the showcased film “Luther: Never Too Much;” for another showcase, “A Different Man” … actor Adam Pearson and producer Gabi Mayers; Sundance representatives Eugene Hernandez (Festival Director and Head of Public Programming) and Sudeep Sharma (Film Programmer, Documentary); and Mayor Brandon Johnson, City of Chicago

Joe Arce got the Exclusive Portraits on June 28th, 2024. 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. SUNDxCHI1: Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson.
2. SUNDxCHI2: Sudeep Sharma and Eugene Hernandez (right) and of the Sundance Institute.
3. SUNDxCHI3: Filmmaker Dawn Porter of ‘Luther: Never Too Late.’
4. SUNDxCHI4: Producer Gabi Mayers, ‘A Different Man.’
5. SUNDxCHI5: Actor Adam Pearson, ‘A Different Man.’
6. SUNDxCHI6: Adam Pearson, Gabi Mayers, Mayor Johnson and Dawn Porter.

For more information about the Sundance institute, click Sundance.org.

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

© 2024 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

CHICAGO – Indie Film Programmer & Horror-rista Stephanie Sack is back with a Chicago matinee presentation of “Time of Roses,” an under-seen 1969 screening of an urban science fiction film from Finland, remaining the only representative example of serious sci-fi in their cinema history. The 11am matinee will be screened with the short “The Last Golem” at the Music Box Theatre, click TIME OF ROSES for details and tickets.

Risto Jarva’s “Time of Roses” is a rare flower in the histo­ry of Finnish cinema. Set during 2012 in a semi-dystopian world of gleaming white towers, Sony video monitors, and inflatable furniture, the film follows Raimo (Arto Tuominen), a prominent historian of late 20th century culture, researching the mysterious death many years earlier of a free-spirited erotic model, and hires an eerie double to recreate the murder for a TV show he is producing (Rita Vepsä in both roles).

Stephanie Sack Presents ‘Time of Roses’
Photo credit: MusicBoxTheatre.com

The main feature “Time of Roses,” according to the passionate rediscovery of film programmer Stephanie Sack, is a mix of “mod style with some surprisingly prescient technological advancements. This is a world where get-togethers involve everyone snuggled up in semi-orgiastic splendor, rapturously moving their hands to the music as though they’re sculpting shapes in the empty air and where nuclear engineers spend their lunch hours playing touchy-feely games of co-ed handball while sporting snazzy striped rompers.” Ms. Sack will introduce the film and lead a discussion afterward.

“Time of Roses” will be followed by a short … “The Last Golem” … a 1969 anthology horror film from Czechoslovakia that has “romance, some comedy and a faint whiff of science fiction.” In addition, attendees will be able to purchase souvenir local art inspired by the screening’s visuals and themes by award-winning painter Amanda “Freya” Johanson.

CLICK HERE for an Podtalk with film programmer Stephanie Sack by Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com.

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 review for the doc series “Charlie Hustle & the Matter of Pete Rose,” about the rise and bitter fall of the major league legend, the MLB’s all-time hits leader, only to be banned from the sport because of gambling. Streaming on MAX and on HBO since July 24th.

The theme of this thorough four-part documentary is basically, should baseball’s all-time hits leader have his ban lifted and be in the Hall of Fame? Given his first denial in that late 1980s gambling scandal, then confessing to it much later, and his proclivity for seemingly not knowing how to tell the truth, the jury on the reinstatement and Hall of Fame question … his colleagues and the baseball media … are given ample space to debate the issue, including the 83-year-old still-living legend himself.

Charlie Hustle & the Matter of Pete Rose
Photo credit: HBO/MAX

Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio review of “Charlie Hustle & the Matter of Pete Rose” …

“Charlie Hustle & the Matter of Pete Rose” is on HBO and is streaming on MAX since July 24th. Featuring Pete Rose. Directed by Mark Monroe. Rated “TV-14”

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

© 2024 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

CHICAGO – The Windy City Smokeout, which told place from July 11th-14th, 2024, and held against the backdrop of Chicago’s sweltering heat and humidity, sizzled with the energy of top country performers who brought the stage to life. This annual festival, a mecca for BBQ aficionados, music enthusiasts and beer lovers alike, transforms the area outside Chicago’s United Center into a vibrant celebration of all things summer.

Drawing thousands of country music fans from across the globe, the 2024 lineup boasted an impressive roster of stars including Thomas Rhett, Carrie Underwood, Chase Rice, Priscilla Block, Jake Worthington, Red Clay Strays and The Castellows. Each artist delivered performances that matched the intensity of the summer heat, creating an unforgettable experience for attendees.

Beyond the stellar musical acts, families enjoyed a variety of activities such as games, carnival rides, and interactive exhibits, ensuring there was something for everyone to enjoy. The festival grounds were practically buzzing as visitors sampled delicious BBQ from renowned vendors and savored ice-cold beverages from many participating beer vendors.

In essence, the Windy City Smokeout perfectly blended music, food, and fun, making it one of the highlights of the summer season … and provided top-tier country music and immersed attendees in the vibrant lifestyle and culture of the country music scene for an exhilarating four-day event.

Whether you’re a die-hard country music fan or simply looking to soak up the summer vibes, this festival always delivers an interactive and memorable weekend under the sun. The Smokeout not only met but exceeded expectations, but also offered attendees an experience that felt like they had stepped into the heart of a country music anthem.

HollywoodChicago.com Music Editor and Photographer Jeff “Doc” Doles and son Jimmy Doles were at the Smokeout and they teamed up to capture the following photos, both on and off the stage. Click “Next” and “Previous” to scan through the slideshow or jump directly to individual photos with the captioned links below. All photos © Jeff Doles and Jimmy Doles for HollywoodChicago.com.

1. SMOKEOUT1: Chase Rice Photo 1
2. SMOKEOUT2: Chase Rice 2
3. SMOKEOUT3: Fan Photo 1
4. SMOKEOUT4: Fan 2
5. SMOKEOUT5: Priscilla Block Photo 1
6. SMOKEOUT6: Priscilla Block 2
7. SMOKEOUT7: Jake Worthington Photo 1
8. SMOKEOUT8: Jake Worthington 2
9. SMOKEOUT9: Jake Worthington 3
10. SMOKEOUT10: Fan Photo 3
11. SMOKEOUT11: Fan 4
12. SMOKEOUT12: Red Clay Strays Photo 1
13. SMOKEOUT13: Red Clay Strays 2
14. SMOKEOUT14: Red Clay Strays 3
15. SMOKEOUT15: Fan Photo 5
16. SMOKEOUT16: Fan 6
17. SMOKEOUT17: The Castellows Photo 1
18. SMOKEOUT18: The Castellows 2
19. SMOKEOUT19: The Castellows 3
20. JSMOKEOUT20: The Castellows 4
21. SMOKEOUT21: The Castellows 5
22. SMOKEOUT22: The Castellows 6 (Interview)
23. SMOKEOUT23: The Castellows 7 (Back Stage)
24. SMOKEOUT24: Workers Photo at the Windy City Smokeout.

Next’s year’s Windy City Smokeout is scheduled for July 10th-13th, 2025. For more information, click WindyCitySmokeout.com. For more photos and coverage by HollywoodChicago.com music editor Jeff “Doc” Doles, click Jeff Doles, Music Editor.

Article & Photography by: Jeff Doles, Music Editor (w/Jimmy Doles)
Published by: Patrick McDonald, Site Editor, HollywoodChicago.com

© 2024 HollywoodChicago.com LLC

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on July 25th, reviewing “Made in England: The Films of Powell & Pressburger,” in theaters beginning July 26th, and will be playing throughout August in select markets.

Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger teamed up as filmmakers just before World War 2 began, and in that timing managed to make artistic war propaganda films that allowed the citizens of England and the world to get through that era with some creative integrity. They are best known for the ballet movie “The Red Shoes,” but also scored with the classics “The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp,” “Black Narcissus” and “A Matter of Life and Death.”

“Made in England: The Films of Powell & Pressburger” is in theaters on July 26th, and in select markets in August. See local listings. Featuring Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger. Narrated by Martin Scorsese. Directed by David Hinton. Not Rated.

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of “Made in England: The Films of Powell & Pressburger.”

Made in England: The Films of Powell & Pressburger
Photo credit: Cohen Media Group

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of “Made in England: The Films of Powell & Pressburger.”

CHICAGO –In “Wolverine & Deadpool” we witness the complete and utter exhaustion of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This movie is like sitting next to a particularly annoying Twitter/X feed that never stops announcing its own cleverness, but whose quips aren’t nearly as funny as it thinks they are. I may be in the minority, but I’ve always found Deadpool to be a little exhausting.

If this was the movie that was supposed to set things right with the MCU, then I’m afraid Marvel Studios is in deep trouble. We begin with Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) at a snowy mountain grave of Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), only to find that he did indeed die at the end of the film “Logan.” Deadpool dispatches a bunch of time cops who arrive in the scene with the metal corpse. That may sound like all kinds of awesome on paper but on screen it’s fairly predictable.

”Deadpool & Wolverine” is in theaters on July 26th. Featuring Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Matthew Macfayden, Rob Delaney, Leslie Uggams and Jon Favreau. Written by Shawn Levy, Rhett Reese, Ryan Reynolds, Paul Wernick and Zen Wells. Directed by Shawn Levy. Rated “R”

Continue reading for Spike Walter’s full review of “Deadpool & Wolverine”

Deadpool & Wolverine
Photo credit: Walt Disney Studios/Marvel Studios

Continue reading for Spike Walter’s full review of “Deadpool & Wolverine”

CHICAGO – Scheduled within the recent 2024 Chicago Critics Film Festival was “Shorts Program #2.” During that event … curated by CCFF shorts programmer Collin Souter … the Windy City was introduced to Filmmaker Sarah Lasley, with her surreal, expressive and brilliant short “Welcome to the Enclave.”

In 12 rich minutes, “Welcome to the Enclave” introduces us to Moni and Blair, two sisters fighting to save their digital utopia from demise. When they come up with an idea for creating income, they immediately are under attack from internet hackers who have changed their road signs to obscenities and splattered the walls with sexually explicit videos. Together with her sister, Moni desperately looks for a way to save her patch of e-serenity. The film features actor/choreographer Brenna Palughi.

‘Welcome to the Enclave’ by Sarah Lasley
Photo credit: SarahLasley.com

Sarah Lasley is a video artist from Louisville, Kentucky and an Assistant Professor of Film at Cal Poly Humboldt. She has screened internationally at film festivals such as the Chicago Critics Film Festival, Slamdance Film Festival, Cairo Video Festival, Katonah Museum of Art, Vox Populi Gallery, and the Wrong Bienniale. She holds an MFA from Yale School of Art and a BFA from University of Louisville and was a resident at the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture in 2004.

In Part One in a Podtalk with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, filmmaker Sarah Lasley talks about the processes, and her collaboration with Brenna Palughi, in creating “Welcome to the Enclave” …

In Part Two, online trolling and our fave “third character” …

In Part Three, using the “camera” and Moni’s famous dance…

In a video clip, Sarah Lasley introduces “Welcome to the Enclave,” streaming below …

And now, Sarah Lasley’s “Welcome to the Enclave” …

”Welcome to the Enclave” is also available on (click) NoBudge.com. Featuring Brenna Palughi. Written and directed by Sarah Lasley. For more on Sarah Lasley, go to SarahLasley.com.

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

© 2024 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

CHICAGO – Michael P. Nash is a filmmaker on a mission. As searing heat bakes the country this summer, with extreme weather like severe tornadoes and the recent Galveston floods in its wake, the realities in Nash’s prescient 2010 documentary “Climate Refugees” is coming to our own shores. The veteran writer/director is currently working on the followup film “Chasing the Truth,” partnering with Leonardo Di Caprio and his father George.

“Climate Refugees” unveils for the first time the human face of climate change, following the stories of millions of displaced individuals worldwide. This this multi-award winning documentary stands out as a portrayal of the present-day consequences of climate change on humanity. While Al Gore’s “An Inconvenient Truth” addressed the causes of climate change, Nash’s film concentrated on the immediate effects experienced by individuals and communities worldwide, casting a light on the human face of our changing climate.

On the Moon: ‘Climate Refugees’ (2010), Written and Directed by Michael P. Nash
Photo credit: Beverly Hills Productions

The documentary recently made additional history by becoming the sole non-fiction film included in the “Lunar Museum,” a collaborative moon mission involving NASA, the Arch Foundation, SpaceX, and BlueSpace. The time capsule on board touched down on the lunar surface in February of 2024 – marking the first return by the U.S. in over half a century – and its contents included contributions from artistic world-historic figures spanning art, literature, film, music, and cultural marvels.

Irish American filmmaker Michael P. Nash is a Chicagoland native, and as the founder of Beverly Hills Productions, Nash has crafted numerous award-winning films including “Fuel,” “Nebraska,” “SavingThe Roar” and the upcoming aforementioned “Chasing Truth.” Recognized by MovieMaker Magazine in 2010 as one of the Top 10 Filmmakers For The Planet, His dedication to storytelling for positive change has led him beyond the screen to serve on several advisory boards, including a United Nations panel dedicated to creating content for positive change.

In Part One a Podtalk with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, Filmmaker Michael P. Nash talks about his film on the moon and updates on the topics within “Climate Refugees” …

In Part Two, politics, the power of storytelling and Newt Gingrich …

In Part Three, “Saving the Roar” and the partnership with Leonardo Di Caprio …

In a video clip, Michael Nash provides advice on understanding the issues …

Trailer, “Climate Refugees” …

”Climate Refugees” is available for digital download on all platforms, and for free on (click) SLING TV. Written and directed by Michael P. Nash. Not Rated.

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 “Find Me Falling,” featuring Harry Connick Jr. as a depressed rock star and the Greek island country he escapes to go back to his past to help his present. Streaming on Netflix beginning on July 19th.

Harry Connick Jr. is John Allman, a rock star in this universe, whose last album is a bust, so he escapes to the Greek island country of Cyprus, where he buys a cliffside beach home that has a secret … it’s a spot where people like to jump to their deaths. Strangely, that’s not the main story. It seems that John has chosen this locale because he knows Sia (Agni Scott) lives there. They are old lovers from John’s wild days, and he wants to reconnect. There are a lot of obstacles though, including a singer at a local taverna named Melina (Ali Fumiko Whitney). Will these older souls find refreshment with each other?

”Find Me Falling” is streaming on Netflix beginning July 19th. Featuring Harry Connick Jr., Agni Scott, Ali Fumiko Whitney, Tony Demetriou and Andreas Phylactou. Written and directed by Stelana Kliris. Rated TV-MA

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s audio review of “Find Me Falling”

Find Me Falling
Photo credit: Netflix

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s audio review of “Find Me Falling”

CHICAGO – “Twisters” is the kind of movie seemingly engineered to be seen on a big screen, accompanied by ear splitting sound that rattles your seat. And in that kind of environment, it’s exactly the kind of big dumb popcorn movie it sets out to be, even if it doesn’t add up to much once it’s all over.

British actress Daisy Edgar Jones dons an American accent as a storm chaser named Kate who walks away from chasing tornadoes after a twister kills most of her high school research team. But she’s lured back by the other survivor Javi (Anthony Ramos), who has new gadgets which could help them produce the first 3D models of a twister in action … which could be used to devise better warning systems and save lives.

Glen Powell earns his movie star stripes as Tyler, a rival “Tornado Wrangler.” He’s a good ol’ boy with a YouTube channel out to build a brand while chasing the storms. His fondness for flashy but pointless stunts like firing fireworks into a funnel cloud somewhat obscures the fact that he actually knows what he’s talking about.

”Twisters” is in theaters on July 19th. Featuring Daisy Edgar-Jones, Glen Powell, Anthony Ramos, Brandon Perea and Maura Tierney. Screenplay by Mark L. Smith. Directed by Lee Isaac Chung. Rated “PG-13”

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

Twisters
Photo credit: Universal Pictures

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

CHICAGO – The power of performance is on unique display in “Sing Sing,” expanding in theaters this August. It’s directed/co-adapted by Greg Kwedar and features the consummate Colman Domingo. The film is set in the infamous prison, as the incarcerated become a troupe of actors, and how it changes their lives.

Divine G (Colman Domingo) is imprisoned in New York State’s Sing Sing, and finds purpose by acting in a theatre group alongside other men who are also incarcerated. Their acting coach/play director (Paul Raci) is a patient mentor, but some troupe members – like “Divine Eye” (Clarence Maclin) – are going to have a rockier path towards interpreting this variation of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.”

Colman Domingo (right) and Director Greg Kwedar of ‘Sing Sing’
Photo credit: A24

The story uses actual formerly incarcerated actors alongside Domingo Colman and the other professionals, but all are equally present. The redemptive power of pretending to be something else is on display, filtered through the intense experiences of both society’s law breakers and rejected persons (including the majority as people of color). Frustrations, revelations and a calming influence follow the troupe to their stage play, where all the men in this case are merely players, in a fascinating journey.

Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com recently interviewed director/co-screenplay adapter Greg Kwedar and producer Monique Walton of “Sing Sing.” Kwedar also co-wrote and produced (with creative partner Clint Bentley, who directed) the indie fave “Jockey,” which premiered at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival in the U.S. Dramatic Competition, and was acquired by Sony Pictures Classics for theatrical release. Monique Walton previous producer credits include “Bull” (which premiered at Cannes) and the doc “Hollow Tree.” She was also honored with the 2024 Producers Award at the Film Independent Spirit Awards.

In Part One of a Podtalk with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, director Greg Kwedar and Producer Monique Walton of “Sing Sing” …

In Part Two, reflections on Colman Domingo and “Jockey” …

Trailer, “Sing Sing” …

”Sing Sing” opens in Chicago on August 2nd, expands nationwide afterward. Featuring Colman Domingo, Paul Raci, Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin and Sean “Dino” Johnson. Screenplay adapted by Greg Kwedar and Clint Bentley. Directed by Greg Kwedar. Rated “R”

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

© 2024 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

CHICAGO – The power of performance is on unique display in “Sing Sing,” expanding in theaters this August. It’s directed/co-adapted by Greg Kwedar and features the consummate Colman Domingo. The film is set in the infamous prison, as the incarcerated become a troupe of actors, and how it changes their lives.

Divine G (Colman Domingo) is doing time in New York State’s Sing Sing prison, and finds purpose by acting in a theatre group alongside other men who are also incarcerated. Their acting coach/play director (Paul Raci) is a patient mentor, but some troupe members – like “Divine Eye” (Clarence Maclin) – are going to have a rockier path towards interpreting this variation of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.”

Colman Domingo (left) and Clarence ‘Divine Eye’ Maclin of ‘Sing Sing’
Photo credit: A24

The story uses actual formerly incarcerated actors alongside Domingo Colman and the other professionals, but all are equally present. The redemptive power of pretending to be something else is on display, filtered through the intense experiences of both society’s law breakers and rejected persons (including the majority as people of color). Frustrations, revelations and a calming influence follow the troupe to their stage play, where all the men in this case are merely players, in a fascinating journey.

Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com recently interviewed Paul Raci, Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin and Sean “Dino” Johnson (as another incarcerated actor). Raci is a veteran character actor, nominated in 2019 for “Sound of Metal.” Maclin is portraying a variation on himself, formerly incarcerated, who went through the program depicted on screen. Johnson is a formerly incarcerated board member of RTA, the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program which puts the inmates on stage, and the Executive Director of a non-profit violence reduction initiative, the Council for Unity.

L to R: Paul Raci, ‘Divine Eye’ Maclin and ‘Dino’ Johnson of ‘Sing Sing’
Photo credit: A24

In a Podtalk with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, Actor Paul Raci of “Sing Sing” on inspirations and Joaquin Phoenix …

Actors Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin (speaks first) and Sean “Dino” Johnson (a Philosopher King, listen to his reflections), the formerly incarcerated actors in “Sing Sing” …

Divine Eye and Dino answer an acting question …

Trailer, “Sing Sing” …

”Sing Sing” opens in Chicago on August 2nd, expands nationwide afterward. Featuring Colman Domingo, Paul Raci, Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin and Sean “Dino” Johnson. Screenplay adapted by Greg Kwedar and Clint Bentley. Directed by Greg Kwedar. Rated “R”

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

© 2024 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

CHICAGO – In filmmaking, the short film is usually the medium where most potential directors do their first works or present a shorter version of what they hope will become a longer film or simply that they prefer that length of story-telling. One of the short films fests that has been around Chicago for several years is the “Big Teeth Small Shorts” presentation, and the founder of Big Teeth Productions … Gregg Jaffe …will be facilitating their Summer ’24 Live Screening on Thursday, July 18th, at FACETS Cinema in Chicago’s DePaul Neighborhood. For details and tickets, click BIG TEETH.

“Big Teeth” distinguishes itself by screening only films that are five minutes or less (small shorts), including a “micro shorts” category for films 90 seconds or less. The films are in a range in the following categories … Comedy, Documentary, Horror/Thriller, Science Fiction, Animation, Drama/Romance and of course, Experimental.

’Big Teeth Small Shorts on Thursday, July 18th
Photo credit: Big Teeth Productions

Gregg Jaffe co-founded Big Teeth Productions in 2005, and the Big Teeth Small Shorts festivals began in 2019. Big Teeth Productions creates film and animation for brands, agencies and organizations, and Jaffe also is a filmmaker and director for hire.

In a Podtalk interview by Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, Gregg Jaffe talks everything Big Teeth Small Shorts …

In a Video Clip, Gregg gives the “short” pitch on Big Teeth Small Shorts Summer ’24 Fest …

“Big Teeth Small Shorts” Summer ’24 Live Screening takes place Thursday, July 18th, at FACETS Cinema – 1517 West Fullerton Avenue, Chicago. For more information on Big Teeth Productions, click here..

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

© 2024 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

CHICAGO – One month after John Lennon made his iconic walk across Abbey Road for that classic album cover, he got a call from Canadian promoter Johnny Brower. Would Lennon play at a Toronto rock show? The answer to that question is told in the recently released rock doc “REVIVAL69: The Concert That Rocked the World.”

REVIVAL69: The Concert That Rocked the World
Photo credit: Greenwich Entertainment

The Toronto Rock and Roll Revival (AKA Revival ’69) was held at Varsity Stadium on September 13th, 1969, and was filmed by famed rock documentarian D.A. Pennebaker. Johnny Brower was the young promoter, who had made a name for himself as THE rock concert promoter/facilitator of that era for Canada. The planned concert revival “happening” – a bill of 1950s rockers like Little Richard, Chuck Berry and Jerry Lee Lewis, even adding Jim Morrison and The Doors and a young Alice Cooper – failed to generate ticket sales. The solution was simple … get Beatle John Lennon to play. He agreed, and formed the nascent “Plastic Ono Band” with wife Yoko Ono and Eric Clapton, and the concert became history.

The story has to be true, because it was so improbable. The snap decisions made in a simpler era of results was the key to the whole event, and the mentor rockers of the 1950s was the impetus for booking Lennon and The Doors. Every element of this once in a lifetime event – including a motorcycle escort for Lennon and Co. to the show – had to happen the way it did, or the whole thing would fall apart. The documentary “REVIVAL69” is one of the greatest rock stories ever told, and in the middle of it all was Canadian impresario Johnny Brower.

Johnny Brower was just out of his teen years when he turned his dream of being in a rock band to managing and promoting rock shows. After scoring with a couple big acts in Toronto, his club The Rock Pile opened, and became a stop on the circuit of clubs in North America for legends like Led Zeppelin, The Who and Rod Stewart. After promoting a show with Chuck Berry, the idea came for a “Rock ’n Roll Revival,” and set in motion the events that take place in “REVIVAL69: The Concert That Rocked the World.”

Yoko Ono, John Lennon and Johnny Brower in ‘REVIVAL69’
Photo credit: Greenwich Entertainment

In Part One of a Podtalk with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, Johnny Brower provides background for “REVIVAL69”…

In Part Two, great timing and a Jim Morrison limo ride (NOTE: Shep is Shep Gordon, Alice Cooper’s manager) …

In Part Three, a tense moment, the biker escort and a wild Beatle story …

In Part Four, legacy …

Trailer, “REVIVAL69: The Concert That Rocked the World” …

“REVIVAL69: The Concert That Rocked the World” is in select theaters and available for digital download on all outlets since June 28th. Featuring John Lennon, Yoko Ono, Eric Clapton, Jim Morrison, The Doors, Alice Cooper, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Brower. Written by Phyllis Ellis. Directed by Ron Chapman. Not Rated.

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 “Fly Me the Moon,” an alternative history satire about the Apollo 11 first-msn-on-the-moon mission, featuring Scarlett Johansson, Channing Tatum and Woody Harrelson. In theaters on July 12th.

The premise is basically a parallel universe to the actual event in 1969 as Channing Tatum is Cole Davis, the flight director for Apollo 11. When expected funding is being held up by Congress, the Nixon administration sends an uncover CIA spook named Moe (Woody Harrelson), who helps NASA to hire a hot shot Mad-Men era marketing expert named Kelly Jones (Scarlett Johansson) to boost the profile in the space race against the Soviet Union. This confuses Cole’s right-hand man Henry (Ray Romano) and puts pressure on the rest of the mission, including a commercial film director hired by Kelly named Lance (Jim Rash), who is given a peculiar assignment.

”Fly Me to the Moon” is in theaters July 12th. Featuring Scarlett Johansson, Channing Tatum, Ray Romano, Woody Harrelson, Colin Jost and Jim Rash. Screenplay by Rose Gilroy. Directed by Greg Berlanti. Rated “PG-13”

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s audio review of “Fly Me to the Moon”

Fly Me to the Moon
Photo credit: Columbia Pictures

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s audio review of “Fly Me to the Moon”

CHICAGO – Singer/songwriter Richard Knight Jr. believes that “Love is Possible,” so that is the title of his latest album. He will be performing selections from that album and more as he appears at SPACE in Evanston, Illinois, on Monday July 15th, along with Gerald Dowd. For tickets and details, click SPACE.

Richard Knight Jr. is a Chicago legend, as performer, writer, filmmaker, activist and film programmer for the REELING LGBTQ+ festival. He has performed in many capacities, but is most well-known for his local Emmy-winning character Dick O’Day, in his appearances on the Chicago PBS show “Wild Chicago” from 1996-2002 and other showcases. As a writer, he wrote a memoir in 2023 entitled “How Do I Get Outside?!: My Life Aboard the World’s Most Luxurious Cruise Ship” (Richard NOTE: He is currently shopping the book and looking for representation) about his exploits as a cocktail piano player on board, and was a prominent film critic for the Windy City Times. In 2012, he produced, wrote and co-directed a queer version of “A Christmas Carol” entitled “Scrooge & Marley.”

Richard Knight Jr. (right, and Gerald Dowd) at SPACE
Photo credit: EvanstonSpaceMusic.com

Richard will be appearing at SPACE with Gerald Dowd, a Boston-raised/Chicago-braised drummer/singer/songwriter, who has been described as “the hardest working drummer in Chicago,” in the midst of playing on over 100 albums, and averaging 150 live dates a year around the world.

In a Podtalk interview by Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, singer/songwriter Richard Knight Jr. talks his upcoming gig at SPACE …

In a Video Clip, Richard makes the pitch …

Richard Knight Jr. and Gerald Dowd will perform July 15th, 2024, at SPACE, 1245 Chicago Avenue in Evanston, Illinois. For Richard’s album “Love is Possible,” click here. For his Bandcamp site, click here and for his overall music website, click here.

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

© 2024 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

CHICAGO – Writer/director Brittani Ward is bringing her made-in-Chicagoland feature, “Single Car Crashes” back home to the Gene Siskel Film Center for a special screening run on July 12th-14th & 16th, 2024, after the festival circuit with Cinequest (New Vision Award) and the Midwest Film Fest. For tickets and details, click SCC SISKEL.

Ten years after a devastating car crash took his best friend Zach’s life, Sean (Trevor Morgan), still lives small town where he grew up, struggling with his survivor’s guilt. When Zach’s sister Kendall (Lindsey Morgan) – who also was Sean’s first love – returns to town to marry someone else, Sean is forced to confront his failure to launch and the impact it’s having not only on his own stunted life, but on his now nine-year-old son.

’Single Car Crashes’ at Chicago’s Gene Siskel Film Center
Photo credit: five two one films

Writer/director Brittani Ward of “Single Car Crashes” has built an impressive career, working on projects of every size. Extensive casting associate work under Emmy-award winners (Barbara Fiorentino, Amber Horn, Danielle Aufiero, Laray Mayfield, and Julie Schubert) includes one season of every Marvel/Netflix series, “50 Shades of Gray Darker” and “Freed,” as well as “Death Note,” two Jason Statham-led features and several television pilots and series.

In 2022, she partnered up with Angie Gaffney to produce not only “Single Car Crashes,” but also “Adult Children” and “Desire Lines” (a documentary/narrative-hybrid feature). “Single Car Crashes” was honored with the New Vision Award at its World Premiere during the Cinequest Film Festival in San Jose, California, and a road show trip to Milwaukee for the Midwest Film Festival.

In a Podtalk interview by Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, writer/director Brittani Ward talks about “Single Car Crashes” …

In a Video Clip, Brittani Ward on the Gene Siskel Center Screenings …

“Single Car Crashes” screens at the Gene Siskel Film Center – 164 North State Street, Chicago – on July 12-14 & 16, 2024. Featuring Trevor Morgan, Lindsey Morgan, Paulina Olszynski, Cruz Gonzalez-Cadel, Chris Lee, Billy Dec and Billy Zane. Written and directed by Brittani Ward. Not Rated.

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

© 2024 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

CHICAGO – It’s been an exciting year so far for the gem of film exhibition, FACETS Cinema in Chicago’s DePaul Neighborhood. And spearheading that excitement is Executive Director Karen Cardarelli, who began in that position in the pandemic year of 2020 and has shepherded FACET’s growth and new programming, in addition to becoming a leader in Chicago’s film scene.

Karen Caradelli connected to FACETS through her role as the co-founder of Emerald City Theatre in 1996, a theater that focused on developing the stage for children, including an outreach to Chicago Public School students. In her tenure so far, she has guided FACETS through the crucial period of the pandemic challenges, and has emerged in progressing both the physical film theater space on Fullerton Avenue in Chicago – which was founded in 1975 by the late iconic film scholar Milos Stehlik – and the cinema community in the Windy City.

Karen Cardarelli, Executive Director of FACETS
Photo credit: FACETS.org

As a leader, Karen and FACETS are involved currently in launching the CHICAGO ALLIANCE OF FILM FESTIVALS (CAFF). The Alliance seeks to aid Chicago-area film festivals through sector building efforts focused on expanding audience, resources and expertise. The website association with CAFF just launched last month, for a full report click CHICAGO SCREENS.

Upcoming at FACETS are (click links) ANIME CLUB PRESENTS, BIG TEETH SMALL SHORTS FEST, SPEAKEASY CINEMA and the opportunity as always to BECOME A MEMBER.

In a Podtalk with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, FACETS Executive Director Karen Cadarelli talks what’s happening now …

For more information regarding FACETS, click Facets.org. For information regarding the Chicago Alliance of Film Festivals, click CAFF. For a direct link to CAFF’s Chicago Screens website, click ChicagoScreens.org.

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

© 2024 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com