CHICAGO – Excelsior! Comic book legend Stan Lee’s famous exclamation puts a fine point on the third and final play of Mark Pracht’s FOUR COLOR TRILOGY, “The House of Ideas,” presented by and staged at City Lit Theater in Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood. For tickets/details, click HOUSE OF IDEAS.
January 2018
Exclusive Photos: Neil Patrick Harris for ‘The Magic Misfits!’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on January 30, 2018 - 11:23am- A Series of Unfortunate Events
- Academy Awards
- Anderson’s Bookshop
- Barney
- Bobak’s Signature Events
- Choose Your Own Autobiography
- Count Olaf
- Doogie Howser M.D.
- Emmy
- Exclusive Photo
- Harold & Kumar
- HollywoodChicago.com Content
- How I Met Your Mother
- Illinois
- Joe Arce
- Naperville
- Neil Patrick Harris
- Oscar
- Patrick McDonald
- Starship Troopers
- The Magic Misfits!
- Tony
CHICAGO – Neil Patrick Harris, just at the age of 44, is already a multi-generation entertainer. He began as a teenager on TV’s “Doogie Howser, M.D., generated laughs on “How I Met Your Mother,” and for awhile was a go-to awards show host. Now he’s an author, as he debuts his Middle Grade Series “The Magic Misfits!”
Film Review: ‘Maze Runner: The Death Cure’ Has Run Out of Life
Submitted by PatrickMcD on January 26, 2018 - 12:35pmCHICAGO – The third part of the “Maze Runner” trilogy is called “The Death Cure,” and that cure best describes the faint pulse of this run-out-of-steam dystopia aimed at “young adults.” It is mostly warring and not much more, except for a stab (literally) at misplaced emotion.
‘Maze Runner: The Death Cure’ Has Run Out of Life
Submitted by PatrickMcD on January 26, 2018 - 12:31pm![]() Rating: 2.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – The third part of the “Maze Runner” trilogy is called “The Death Cure,” and that cure best describes the faint pulse of this run-out-of-steam dystopia aimed at “young adults.” It is mostly warring and not much more, except for a stab (literally) at misplaced emotion.
Film Review: Inflammatory ‘In the Fade’ is the State of Our Now
Submitted by PatrickMcD on January 25, 2018 - 10:09amCHICAGO – In one of the more truthful and contemporary films of 2017, “In the Fade” is a German/French production about the fallout due to a terrorist act. What it also emphasizes is the generated hatred, frustration and waste of such acts, and its textual story is stunning and distressing.
Inflammatory ‘In the Fade’ is the State of Our Now
Submitted by PatrickMcD on January 25, 2018 - 10:05am![]() Rating: 5.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – In one of the more truthful and contemporary films of 2017, “In the Fade” is a German/French production about the fallout due to a terrorist act. What it also emphasizes is the generated hatred, frustration and waste of such acts, and its textual story is stunning and distressing.
Podtalk: Michael Galinsky’s ‘All the Rage’ at Gene Siskel Film Center on Jan. 26 & 27, 2018
Submitted by PatrickMcD on January 24, 2018 - 10:32pmCHICAGO – Dealing with pain has become almost an obsession with Americans. Between over the counter sales of pain relievers, doctor visits and the prescription abuse of painkillers, a crisis has come about. Why are we hurting? Director Michael Galinsky, with co-directors Suki Hawley and David Beilinson, explore an alternative means of pain treatment in “All the Rage” The film returns to Chicago at the Gene Siskel Film Center on January 26th & 27th, 2018, and Galinsky will appear with Dr. John Strack, a local physician who practices the mind/body healing of the film’s subject.
Podtalk: Megan Marie Connolly on ‘Straight 8 Says Hello Chicago!’ on Jan. 26, 2018
Submitted by PatrickMcD on January 24, 2018 - 6:22pmCHICAGO – A very unique film event will take place on Friday, January 26th, 2018. The “Straight 8 Says Hello Chicago!” presentation is designed to introduce Chicago filmmakers and other interested participants to the Straight 8 film competition. The program will be an exhibition of films from that global contest, including one (“Bedhead”) from Chicagoan Megan Marie Connolly, who went to London as a finalist. Connolly is producing “Straight 8 Says Hello Chicago!” with Eliaz Rodriguez, in association with Straight 8 and IFP Chicago.
Interview: Director Jack C. Newell Weighs in on ‘42 Grams’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on January 23, 2018 - 10:02pmCHICAGO – At this point in our civilization, the food culture is at its peak. “Foodies” devote themselves to TV networks, celebrity chefs and the latest taste sensations. Director Jack C. Newell explores a portion of this culture in his new documentary profile of Chef Jake Bickelhaupt, as he attempts to build the Chicago eatery ’42 Grams.’
Exclusive Photo: Legendary Broadcast Journalist Dan Rather
Submitted by PatrickMcD on January 22, 2018 - 6:12pm- 60 Minutes
- Anchorman
- Anderson’s Bookshop
- CBS
- Dallas
- Dan Rather
- Evening News
- Exclusive Photo
- HollywoodChicago.com Content
- Illinois
- Joe Arce
- John F. Kennedy
- Naperville
- News
- North Central College
- Patrick McDonald
- Richard Nixon
- Texas
- Walter Cronkite
- What Unites Us
- What Unites Us: Reflections on Patriotism
- What’s the Frequency Kenneth
CHICAGO – From the JFK assassination, through Vietnam, Watergate and his days of anchoring the CBS Evening News, Dan Rather has influenced the media for six decades. He appeared in Naperville (Ill.) last November for his new book, “What Unites Us: Reflections on Patriotism,” sponsored by Anderson’s Bookshop.
Photo Gallery: Wayland with WAH30 & Stone Senate at RocHaus
Submitted by JeffDoles on January 20, 2018 - 3:24pmWEST DUNDEE, Ill. – Wayland with WAU30 and Stone Senate performed at RocHaus on Jan. 19, 2018. HollywoodChicago.com photographer Jeff Doles brings you the photos!
Film Review: ‘12 Strong’ Wins the Battle as it Loses the War
Submitted by PatrickMcD on January 19, 2018 - 9:11amCHICAGO – In the 16 years of the U.S. and Afghanistan war, which began a month after Sept. 11, 2001, the U.S. has spent trillions of dollars and lost 2,400 soldiers. The story of that war’s first battle, “12 Strong,” would probably be more revelatory if we weren’t still there.
‘12 Strong’ Wins the Battle as it Loses the War
Submitted by PatrickMcD on January 19, 2018 - 9:08am![]() Rating: 2.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – In the 16 years of the U.S. and Afghanistan war, which began a month after Sept. 11, 2001, the U.S. has spent trillions of dollars and lost 2,400 soldiers. The story of that war’s first battle, “12 Strong,” would probably be more revelatory if we weren’t still there.
Interview: Alexandra Dean of ‘Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on January 17, 2018 - 9:36amCHICAGO – Hedy Lamarr was tagged as “the world’s most beautiful woman” in movies during her brief run as matinee idol during the 1940s. While taking that on, she was also co-inventing a wireless guidance system during World War II. Director Alexandra Dean contrasts that double life in “Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story.”
Film Review: ‘Phantom Thread’ is Both Beautiful and Muddled
Submitted by PatrickMcD on January 15, 2018 - 9:56pmCHICAGO – There is a certain beauty in human creation, and the fashion industry allows that we can be individual in the sense of our clothing choices. The perfection that those creators attend to is nicely defined in “Phantom Thread,” but as an exploration of their personal life, it is frustrating.
‘Phantom Thread’ is Both Beautiful and Muddled
Submitted by PatrickMcD on January 15, 2018 - 9:50pm![]() Rating: 3.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – There is a certain beauty in human creation, and the fashion industry allows that we can be individual in the sense of our clothing choices. The perfection that those creators attend to is nicely defined in “Phantom Thread,” but as an exploration of their personal life, it is frustrating.
Film Review: Annette Bening Proves ‘Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on January 12, 2018 - 12:31pm- Academy Award
- Annette Bening
- Britain
- England
- Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool
- Frances Barber
- Gloria Grahame
- HollywoodChicago.com Content
- It’s a Wonderful Life
- Jamie Bell
- Julie Walters
- Kenneth Cranham
- Movie Review
- Oscar
- Patrick McDonald
- Sony Pictures Classics
- The Bad and the Beautiful
- Vanessa Redgrave
CHICAGO – GEORGE BAILEY: “Hey, you look good. That’s some dress you got on there.” VIOLET: “This old thing? I only wear it when I don’t care how I look.” That is how actress Gloria Grahame (as Violet Bick) was introduced in the classic “It’s a Wonderful Life”. Now she is portrayed by Annette Bening in “Film Stars Don’t Die In Liverpool”.
Annette Bening Proves ‘Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on January 12, 2018 - 12:27pm- Academy Award
- Annette Bening
- Britain
- England
- Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool
- Frances Barber
- Gloria Grahame
- HollywoodChicago.com Content
- It’s a Wonderful Life
- Jamie Bell
- Julie Walters
- Kenneth Cranham
- Movie Review
- Oscar
- Patrick McDonald
- Sony Pictures Classics
- The Bad and the Beautiful
- Vanessa Redgrave
![]() Rating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – GEORGE BAILEY: “Hey, you look good. That’s some dress you got on there.” VIOLET: “This old thing? I only wear it when I don’t care how I look.” That is how actress Gloria Grahame (as Violet Bick) was introduced in the classic “It’s a Wonderful Life”. Now she is portrayed by Annette Bening in “Film Stars Don’t Die In Liverpool”.
Film Review: ‘The Commuter’ is a Fun, Butt-Kicking Good Time
Submitted by PatrickMcD on January 12, 2018 - 10:25amCHICAGO – Sometimes you’re just in the mood for a good old Liam Neeson ass-kicker… and “The Commuter” fits that bill. It asks, damn near requires, you to leave your brain safely at the station, but it moves too fast that you don’t have much time to think about it. It’s ludicrous, dumb and fun entertainment for January.
‘The Commuter’ is a Fun, Butt-Kicking Good Time
Submitted by PatrickMcD on January 12, 2018 - 10:21am![]() Rating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Sometimes you’re just in the mood for a good old Liam Neeson ass-kicker… and “The Commuter” fits that bill. It asks, damn near requires, you to leave your brain safely at the station, but it moves too fast that you don’t have much time to think about it. It’s ludicrous, dumb and fun entertainment for January.
Feature: Top 25 Celebrity Portraits of 2017, Captured by Joe Arce
Submitted by PatrickMcD on January 10, 2018 - 9:23pm- 10
- 2017
- 25
- Alfre Woodard
- Anthony Hopkins
- Best
- Bob Odenkirk
- Caitlyn Jenner
- Chadwick Boseman
- Danny Trejo
- Denis Leary
- Ed Asner
- Entertainment News
- Eric Roberts
- Gabourey Sidibe
- Gabrielle Union
- Helen Mirren
- Hillary Clinton
- HollywoodChicago.com Content
- Jane Fonda
- Joe Arce
- Kevin Spacey
- Lisa Marie
- List
- Loni Anderson
- Maggie Ziegler
- Mark Wahlberg
- Neal Patrick Harris
- Patrick McDonald
- Patrick Stewart
- Photography
- Photos
- Pictures
- Portraits
- Stefanie Powers
- Ten
- Top 25 2017
- Valerie Bertinelli
- Vanessa Redgrave
CHICAGO – My year in capturing 2017 celebrity portraits is best summed up with a bit of poetry: My subjects skewed older and politically bolder/In a year that demanded change/My list is longer with work hopefully stronger/In capturing these faces not strange.
Digital Review: Comeback Kid Rita Moreno in ‘Remember Me’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on January 10, 2018 - 2:05pmCHICAGO – Academy Award winner (in 1962!) Rita Moreno is in the midst of a big media comeback. The 86 year-old actress, who famously portrayed Anita in that Oscar-winning role in “West Side Story,” is in her second season of the “One Day at a Time” reboot on Netflix, and is featured in the indie film “Remember Me,” available now for download and Video On Demand.
Feature: HollywoodChicago.com’s Overrated & Worst Films of 2017
Submitted by PatrickMcD on January 9, 2018 - 12:55pmCHICAGO – Opinions are like certain orifices, everybody has one. The contributors to HollywoodChicago.com – Patrick McDonald, Jon Lennon Espino and Spike Walters – are no strangers to opinions on the film scene, so why not offer judgement on the most overrated and worst films of the year 2017.
HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 40 Pairs of Passes to ‘Phantom Thread’ With Daniel Day-Lewis
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on January 8, 2018 - 11:50amCHICAGO – In the latest HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 40 pairs of advance-screening movie passes up for grabs to the highly anticipated new Paul Thomas Anderson film “Phantom Thread” starring Daniel Day-Lewis!
Entertainment News: Awards Season Begins with 2018 Golden Globes
Submitted by PatrickMcD on January 8, 2018 - 10:41amCHICAGO – It was basic black at the 75th Golden Globe Awards on January 7th, 2018, as attendees chose a fashion statement to define the year that Hollywood faced the realities of sexual harassment. Hosted by Seth Meyers of NBC-TV’s “Late Night,” the Globes celebrated the best of TV and film in 2017.
Film Feature: The 10 Best Films of 2017, By Patrick McDonald
Submitted by PatrickMcD on January 6, 2018 - 10:21amCHICAGO – It’s time to choose the TEN SCARIEST Donald Trump Tweets, excuse me, The 10 Best films of 2017 (got a lot on my mind). Selected by HollywoodChicago.com’s Patrick McDonald, the “Über Critic,” it is a list that celebrates redemptive spirit, love of the love and just all-out fun at the flickers.
Interview, Audio: Illeana Douglas on Directors & Female Spirit
Submitted by PatrickMcD on January 5, 2018 - 10:06am- Allison Anders
- Audio
- Entourage
- Ghost World
- GoodFellas
- Grace of My Heart
- HBO
- Helen Gahagan
- HollywoodChicago.com Content
- I Blame Dennis Hopper: And Other Stories from a Life Lived in and Out of the Movies
- Illeana Douglas
- Interview
- Martin Scorsese
- Melvyn Douglas
- Patrick McDonald
- Podcast
- Seinfeld
- Six Feet Under
- TCM
- The Last Temptation of Christ
- To Die For
- Trailblazing Women
- Turner Classic Movies
CHICAGO – The acting career of Illeana Douglas began with director Martin Scorsese and flourished in her first lead role for “Grace of My Heart” (1996). She is best known today for hosting the “Trailblazing Women” series on Turner Classic Movies, and in Part Three of a three part interview with HollywoodChicago.com, she talks about feminism, the essence of directors she has worked for, plus her grandmother Helen Gahagan, the third female Congress representative in U.S. history.
Film Review: ‘Hostiles’ with Christian Bale is a Big Bad Bore
Submitted by PatrickMcD on January 5, 2018 - 9:54amCHICAGO – “Hostiles” is an exercise in prestige western boredom. It’s competently made, but its as lifeless as a scalped corpse on the prairie. It’s long on pretty western locales and impressive facial hair, but short on story, characters, or much of anything else to help keep your eyelids from closing.
‘Hostiles’ with Christian Bale is a Big Bad Bore
Submitted by PatrickMcD on January 5, 2018 - 9:49am![]() Rating: 2.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – “Hostiles” is an exercise in prestige western boredom. It’s competently made, but its as lifeless as a scalped corpse on the prairie. It’s long on pretty western locales and impressive facial hair, but short on story, characters, or much of anything else to help keep your eyelids from closing.
Interview, Audio: Illeana Douglas on Acting & the Film ‘Grace of My Heart’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on January 4, 2018 - 3:25pm- Allison Anders
- Audio
- Entourage
- Ghost World
- GoodFellas
- Grace of My Heart
- HBO
- HollywoodChicago.com Content
- I Blame Dennis Hopper: And Other Stories from a Life Lived in and Out of the Movies
- Illeana Douglas
- Interview
- Martin Scorsese
- Melvyn Douglas
- Patrick McDonald
- Podcast
- Seinfeld
- Six Feet Under
- TCM
- The Last Temptation of Christ
- To Die For
- Trailblazing Women
- Turner Classic Movies
CHICAGO – The acting career of Illeana Douglas began with director Martin Scorsese and flourished in her first lead role for “Grace of My Heart” (1996). She is best known today for hosting the “Trailblazing Women” series on Turner Classic Movies, and in Part Two of a three part interview with HollywoodChicago.com, she talks about her approach as an actor and how early influences defined that style.
Film Review: ‘The Post’ Illuminates the Skills of Meryl Streep
Submitted by PatrickMcD on January 4, 2018 - 11:48amCHICAGO – For all the films Meryl Streep is privileged to make – which is remarkable considering the industry’s attitude toward older actresses – she has even admitted that the audience may be tired of seeing her. But as publisher Katherine Graham in ‘The Post’, she nails yet another great performance.