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.
March 2020
Entertainment News: Comcast Announces COVID-19 Response & Free Preview Options
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 31, 2020 - 9:19amCHICAGO – In keeping with the current status of distancing and remote at-home schooling and work during the COVID-19 pandemic, Comcast has announced a two-tiered plan for both internet access and entertainment options, including opening their nationwide Xfinity WiFI network for free.
Feature: The Episode of '30 Rock’ That Predicted the Future
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 28, 2020 - 4:19pmCHICAGO – Like many of you, I have been perusing the digital platforms, looking for the appropriate binge shows that will provide a temporary bit of sanity. Amazon Prime, for example, offers the entire series of “30 Rock” (2006-13), the seminal NBC-TV series created by and featuring Tina Fey.
Now On VOD: 'Birds of Prey' Soars High Above Our Expectations
Submitted by JonHC on March 26, 2020 - 6:47pmCHICAGO – Comic book fatigue is real, and not just because there is an embarrassment of riches in screened content but because more than a few of them take the predictable approach. That’s what sank films like “Justice League” and “Suicide Squad”, and used to threaten the future of the DC cinematic universe, but no longer. I’m happy to report that “Birds of Prey” is no lame duck.
Now On VOD: 'Birds of Prey' Is No Lame Duck and Soars Beyond Expectations
Submitted by JonHC on March 26, 2020 - 6:41pm Rating: 4.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Comic book fatigue is real, and not just because there is an embarrassment of riches in screened content available, but because more than a few of them take the same predictable approach. That’s what sank films like “Justice League” and “Suicide Squad”, and used to threaten the future of the DC cinematic universe, but no longer. I’m happy to report that “Birds of Prey” is no lame duck.
Film News: Chicago’s Music Box Theatre and Gene Siskel Film Center Offer At-Home Screenings
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 26, 2020 - 2:36pmCHICAGO – While the days tick away during this shut-in period, both the Music Box Theatre and the Gene Siskel Film Center recently announced that they will offer online at-home screenings of current and past art films to enjoy.
Feature: In Praise of Margo Martindale in ‘Blow the Man Down’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 21, 2020 - 11:59amCHICAGO – One of the best character actors in the film and TV world is Margo Martindale. And, in a sense, she takes the spotlight this weekend in the new film, “Blow the Man Down,” available through Amazon Prime. Her role as bordello owner Enid Nora Devlin is a tour de force of duplicity, power and sheer originality.
Film News: Chicago Film Cancellations & Postponements
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 16, 2020 - 8:19amCHICAGO – In this most unprecedented of times, the film community of Chicago has been affected profoundly by the coronavirus pandemic. The spring film festivals were just getting into gear, and obviously as gatherings have been discouraged the cancellations and postponements have started to come in. Here are the updates …
Interview: Kathy Wu & Director Wong Hing Fan of ‘I’m Livin’ It’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 14, 2020 - 3:43pmCHICAGO – How do you communicate Hong Kong’s homeless situation in a fresh and relatable way? Wong Hing Fan’s new film “I’m Livin’ It” takes on not only poverty, but the shortage of housing for professional and working class people. The main setting is a 24 hour burger restaurant – with the sly marketing slogan of “I’m Livin’ It!”
Podtalk: Rujanee Mahakanjana Reworks Nebula Creatives Into a Film Incubator
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 14, 2020 - 9:34amCHICAGO – The Windy City is on the move, as new creative energy in the film development arena has emerged to expand the network of possibilities.
Podtalk: Filmmaker Rus Blemker on New Short ‘Book of Faces”
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 12, 2020 - 9:30pmCHICAGO – Chicago writer/director Rus Blemker has created a short film that resides within an emerging cinematic form. The “screen life” genre presents a story through the viewpoint of a computer screen, phone or pad – like 2018’s independent success ”Searching.” Rus Blemker’s contribution is entitled “Book of Faces.”
Interview: Fung Chih Chiang for ‘A Witness Out of the Blue’ at Chicago’s Asian Pop-Up Cinema
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 10, 2020 - 3:43pmCHICAGO – Hong Kong writer/director Fung Chih Chiang makes his second appearance at Chicago’s Asian Pop-Up Cinema (APUC) as Season Ten continues on March 11th, 2020.
Podtalk: Chicago’s Music Box Theatre 70MM Film Festival Preview, Thru March 19, 2020
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 8, 2020 - 9:37pmCHICAGO – Occasionally our reality needs a super sizing, and what better media than the movies to deliver that expansion. The historic Music Box Theatre of Chicago presents its annual 70MM Film Festival – now through March 19th, 2020 – celebrating movies that were rendered, historically and now, in the large format screen size.
Podtalk: Sophia Wong Boccio on Asian Pop-Up Cinema Season Ten, Starting March 10th, 2020
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 8, 2020 - 9:18pmCHICAGO – Season Ten for Chicago’s Asian Pop-Up Cinema will kick off on March 10th, 2020, with (click on title for tickets and info) ”I’m Livin’ It,” which begins a week highlighting Hong Kong films. ”A Witness Out of the Blue” is on March 11th.
Podtalk: Director Benh Zeitlin Finds Neverland in ‘Wendy’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 4, 2020 - 4:36pmCHICAGO – The Peter Pan mythos is as well known as any legend, ever since J.M. Barrie invented the character in 1904. Through nearly a hundred versions in virtually all media, the theme remains the same … what happens if we never grow up. Benh Zeitlin adds his spin in “Wendy,” the follow-up to his Oscar nominated “Beasts of the Southern Wild” (2012).
Feature: Ten Memories from Sophia Wong Boccio Celebrates Season Ten of Asian Pop-Up Cinema
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 2, 2020 - 4:00pmCHICAGO – Season Ten for Chicago’s Asian Pop-Up Cinema (APUC) will kick off on March 10th, 2020, and this cultural gift to the city has grown with each new Opening Night. The success of APUC is due to its founder – veteran film curator Sophia Wong Boccio – who coordinates her board of directors, vendors, Chicago communities and volunteers to present the screenings and events.
