CHICAGO – In anticipation of the scariest week of the year, HollywoodChicago.com launches its 2024 Movie Gifts series, which will suggest DVDs and collections for holiday giving.
November 2019
Theater Review: Gold Standard of Dickensian Joy is Goodman Theatre’s ‘A Christmas Carol’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 28, 2019 - 7:06pmCHICAGO – With a Chicago tradition that goes back four decades, the Goodman Theatre presents their holiday chestnut ‘A Christmas Carol’ for 2019, and it is simply stellar.
Podtalk: Director Rian Johnson Sharpens the Tools in ‘Knives Out’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 27, 2019 - 12:33amCHICAGO – Let’s get this over with … Rian Johnson directed “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” in 2017. Let’s let that fanboy quiver die down and note the talented filmmaker has produced a Thanksgiving treat, his new film “Knives Out.” The old fashioned “whodunit” flicker with an all-star cast was put together in the spirit of fun at the movies.
Digital Review: Amazon Prime for Chicago-Based Christmas Film ‘Solstice’ on Nov. 27, 2019
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 26, 2019 - 11:47amCHICAGO – It’s that time of year, and many gatherings use the spare time on Thanksgiving weekend to start the holiday movie tradition of the season. Although not many people know it, Chicago was the location used for the first Lifetime Christmas movie in the 1990s. “Solstice” was written and directed by Jerry Vasilatos, and premiered on Lifetime in 1994.
Podtalk: Executive Producers Rachel Shane & Adrian Alperovich on the Making of ’21 Bridges’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 26, 2019 - 9:11amCHICAGO – How does a movie company put together a major release like “21 Bridges”? The behind-the-scenes mechanics are handled through various companies, and one of them is MWM Studios. Two Executive Producers from MWM and the film are Rachel Shane and Adrian Alperovich, and they talked to HollywoodChicago.com about the business of show business and their backgrounds in film and TV.
Podtalk: Cassidy Russell on ‘It’s Christmas, Goddamnit!’ at Chicago’s Annoyance Theatre
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 22, 2019 - 7:54pmCHICAGO – With a goal to put some poignancy and “fun” in a dysfunctional family holiday story, Cassidy Russell directs the annual “It’s Christmas, Goddamnit!” at Chicago’s Annoyance Theatre, Saturdays from November 23rd through December 28th, 2019. Click here for more details and tickets.
Theater Review: Firebrand Theatre’s ‘Always… Patsy Cline’ is Crazy Good in Chicago
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 22, 2019 - 6:07pmCHICAGO – In Ken Burns recent PBS documentary “Country Music,” there was a considerable segment of Episode Four dedicated to singer Patsy Cline. The voice that made the song “Crazy” one of the most played jukebox hits in history is the subject of a current musical revival by Chicago’s Firebrand Theatre.
Podtalk: Director Trey Edward Shults and Cast on Making ‘Waves’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 21, 2019 - 9:42amCHICAGO – One of the best and more emotional films of 2019 is “Waves,” the third film of director Trey Edward Shults (“It Comes at Night”). The eclectic filmmaker explores the viability of family when a crisis occurs, especially through the young actors portraying brother and sister, Kelvin Harrison Jr. and Taylor Russell.
Podtalk: Director Lauren Greenfield Crowns ‘The Kingmaker’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 19, 2019 - 3:33pmCHICAGO – It has almost become a sure fact of life that film documentaries have become a focused way to receive vital news/information. Documentarian Lauren Greenfield (“Generation Wealth”) exposes a revelation in “The Kingmaker” … that the Marcos family, once part of a dictatorship, is coming back to power in the Philippines.
Podtalk: Filmmaker Christian Taylor for ‘The Girl Who Wore Freedom,’ Screening on Nov. 17, 2019
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 16, 2019 - 6:04pmCHICAGO – Sunday, November 17th, 2019, will mark a special movie event, which includes a screening of “The Girl Who Wore Freedom,” a documentary by filmmaker Christian Taylor. The event will take place at the Mainstage Theater at Pheasant Run Resort, starting at 1:30pm with a VIP reception.
Podtalk: Actor David Dastmalchian Creates Comic Book 'Count Crowley'
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 13, 2019 - 10:31amCHICAGO – Back in 2007, actor David Dastmalchian got the call that he has secured a role in “The Dark Knight,” as one of the Joker’s henchmen. He was living in Chicago at the time, and from then on his world broke open. Today, David is a vital part of the Marvel (“Ant-Man”) AND DC universes (“Suicide Squad”), and has created his own comic, “Count Crowley.”
Podtalk: April Wright Tells ‘The Definitive Story of Movie Palaces’ in Chicago on Nov. 12, 2019
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 12, 2019 - 6:19amCHICAGO – The term “Movie Palaces” might seem foreign to most people, as our movie viewing has evolved to the current super centers of multiple theaters under one roof or the big screen TV at home. But there was a brief period in the early days of movies, pre-television, when theater builders wanted to give the audience a luxurious palace to view their favorite films.
Film News: Film Girl Film Festival Exemplifies Diversity and Inclusion
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Podtalk: Ed Skrein & Luke Kleintank Relive WW2 in ‘Midway’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 6, 2019 - 7:37amCHICAGO – “Midway” is an epic film that combines the best of what you love about a World War II film … the relationships of human beings during a global crisis with sensational and acrobatic battle sequences. It also looks at WW2 in modern hindsight, respecting both opponents in the Pacific theater. Actors Ed Skrein & Luke Kleintank are featured, as real-life participants.
Exclusive Photo: ‘The World According to Jeff Goldblum’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 4, 2019 - 9:33pmCHICAGO – To paraphrase what used to be said of Frank Sinatra, “It’s Jeff Goldblum’s world, we only live in it.” The wacky, quirky veteran actor is experiencing a major career renaissance, which includes “The World According to Jeff Goldblum” on the new streaming service, Disney+, available beginning on the first day of its launch, November 12th, 2019.
Film News: Ad Community Shorts Night at Midwest Independent Film Festival, Nov. 5, 2019
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 4, 2019 - 8:05amCHICAGO – The Midwest Advertising Community will show off their short film talent at the Midwest Independent Film Festival on Tuesday, November 5th, 2019. Ten films will screen at the Landmark Century Centre Cinema, with the event beginning at 6pm. For the short film line-up, more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
