March 2023

Slideshow: Celebrities at C2E2 2023 in Chicago, March 31-April 2

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Chris Evans, Captain America in the Marvel Cinema Universe.

CHICAGO – The 2023 Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2) opens tomorrow (March 31at). For three days, the best in the comic book, entertainment, TV and movie world will gather at the McCormick Place convention center on the near south side of Chicago, with epic cosplay on display.

Interview: Season 16 Asian Pop Up Cinema Presents ‘A Guilty Conscience’ on March 31, 2023

CHICAGO – Season 16 of the Asian Pop Up Cinema (APUC) continues with the Hong Kong Cinema Showcase, with ‘A Guilty Conscience’ featuring appearances by an actress and director.

Podtalk: Karen Cardarelli of FACETS Talks 2023 Plans & Beyond

CHICAGO – To indicate how the timeline is off during the pandemic period, Karen Cardarelli has been Executive Director of FACETS cinema since February of 2020, but impact began post pandemic. Besides reformulating FACETS, she also is spearheading the beginnings of the Chicago Alliance of Film Festivals.

SXSW2023: Spotlight Narrative ‘BlackBerry’ Tells a Story of Our Times

BlackBerry

AUSTIN, TX – Remember the term “CrackBerry”? It described the addicts of the earliest multi-function smartphone, the BlackBerry. In the days before the iPhone, it was the BlackBerry that held the mobile communication crown. The fascinating story of extreme success and monumental miscalculation is all encompassing.

Exclusive Family Portraits: Honoring Jamie Lee and Tony Curtis

CHICAGO – When the envelope was opened, containing the name of the Best Supporting Actress Oscar at the 95th Academy Awards earlier this month, it was veteran actor Jamie Lee Curtis who won the honor. She brought down the house with her memorable “we just won an Oscar” speech.

Audio Film Review: ‘Jacir’ Provides That We Are All Mortal

Jacir

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review for the newly released “Jacir,” a Syrian immigrants story set in Memphis, and featuring Lorraine Bracco (“The Sopranos”). Currently in theaters, since March 24th.

We Are All Mortal! Audio Film Review of ‘Jacir’

HollywoodChicago.com Oscarman rating: 3.5/5.0
Rating: 3.5/5.0

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review for the newly released “Jacir,” a Syrian immigrants story set in Memphis, and featuring Lorraine Bracco (“The Sopranos”). Currently in theaters, since March 24th.

Across the Pond! On-Air TV Review of ‘Ted Lasso’ Season 3

Ted Lasso Season 3

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on March 23rd, 2023, reviewing “Ted Lasso” Season 3, a continuation of the story of an American coach trying his methods out for a British soccer team, and other fish out of water situations. Currently streaming on Apple TV+.

Film Review: Wild Ride for Keanu Reeves in ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’

CHICAGO – The John Wick films have always contained body counts that reach well into triple digits. But in “John Wick: Chapter 4” the series indulges in some serious overkill. Everything you liked about the previous three films is on display, with about 20 percent more of the franchise’s growing mythology surrounding the High Table.

Wild Ride for Keanu Reeves in ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’

HollywoodChicago.com Oscarman rating: 3.5/5.0
Rating: 3.5/5.0

CHICAGO – The John Wick films have always contained body counts that reach well into triple digits. But in “John Wick: Chapter 4” the series indulges in some serious overkill. Everything you liked about the previous three films is on display, with about 20 percent more of the franchise’s growing mythology surrounding the High Table.

Audio Film Review: The Walls Come Closing in on the ‘Inside’

Inside

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review for the newly released “Inside,” an unusual tour de force for actor Willem Dafoe, put into a situation that confines his reality. Currently in theaters, since March 17th.

The Walls Come Closing In! Audio Film Review of ‘Inside’

HollywoodChicago.com Oscarman rating: 4.0/5.0
Rating: 4.0/5.0

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review for the newly released “Inside,” an unusual tour de force for actor Willem Dafoe, put into a situation that confines his reality. Currently in theaters, since March 17th.

SXSW2023: Spotlight Documentary ‘Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie’

Michael J. Fox SXSW

AUSTIN, TX – Michael J. Fox is an entertainment treasure, and given what has happened to him through his fight and advocacy for Parkinson’s Disease, he damn well could be qualified as an international treasure. Fox made an appearance at the SXSW Film & TV Festival on behalf of his new documentary “Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie.”

Podtalk: Irish Actor/Director Tania Notaro on Her Film ‘Glitterbug’

CHICAGO – When the term “A Star is Born” is used, behind that moment is hours of toil and stick-to-it-tiveness that actors and creators must go through. In that process is the Irish actor/writer and director Tania Notaro, who recently brought her short film “Glitterbug” to the Chicago Irish Film Festival.

SXSW2023: World Premiere of Documentary ‘Queendom’

Queendom SXSW

AUSTIN, TX – It’s ironic that the film “Queendom” played the SXSW Film & TV Festival right down the street from the Texas legislature, which is leading the charge in American for the dissolution of LGBTQ+ rights and specifically drag queens. This story is from Russia, which at one time was held up as the opposite to where American should be.

Audio Film Review: Murder (She Hopes) in Dark Comedy ‘Moving On’

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review for the newly released “Moving On,” a dark comedy featuring Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin of “Grace and Frankie.’ Currently in theaters, since March 17th.

Murder (She Hopes)! Audio Film Review of ‘Moving On’

HollywoodChicago.com Oscarman rating: 3.5/5.0
Rating: 3.5/5.0

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review for the newly released “Moving On,” a dark comedy featuring Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin of “Grace and Frankie.’ Currently in theaters, since March 17th.

Slideshow, Interview: Michigan Rattlers at Thalia Hall Chicago

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Michigan Rattlers Rock Thalia Hall in Chicago.

CHICAGO – The Michigan Rattlers are a group of uncompromising folk-rock musicians who have captured the hearts of audiences everywhere with their timeless sound, rich, deep vocals, and memorable nostalgic performances. The band is composed of lifelong friends and deep-north natives Graham Young (guitar), Adam Reed (bass), Christian Wilder (piano), and Tony Audia (drums).

Podtalk: Sophia Wong Boccio on Asian Pop-Up Cinema SEASON 16

CHICAGO – The Asian Pop Up Cinema (APUC), a Chicago cultural institution, launched Season 16 this past week with a sensational pre-season event featuring Hong Kong superstar Aaron Kwok and the Japan Cinema Showcase. Wrapping up the showcase is “Unami,” CLICK HERE for details.

On-Air Film Review: ‘Boston Strangler’ Has a Chokehold on Crime

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on March 16th, 2023, reviewing “Boston Strangler,” another film version of one of the most notorious crimes of the 1960s. Streaming on HULU beginning March 17th.

Choke Hold! On-Air Film Review of ‘Boston Strangler’

HollywoodChicago.com Oscarman rating: 3.5/5.0
Rating: 3.5/5.0

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on March 16th, 2023, reviewing “Boston Strangler,” another film version of one of the most notorious crimes of the 1960s. Streaming on HULU beginning March 17th.

SXSW2023: World Premiere of Documentary Feature ‘Satan Wants You’

Satan Wants You SXSW

AUSTIN, TX – Finding a way to my first film at the 2023 SXSW Film/TV Fest is a specific challenge, but after being shuttled to the famed Alamo Drafthouse, I found myself at the World Premiere of “Satan Wants You,” an amazing documentary about the “Satanic Panic” of the 1980s and ‘90s, directed by Sean Horlor and Steve J. Adams.

SXSW2023: ‘Raging Grace’ is Top Film at SXSW TV & Film Fest

AUSTIN, TX – The SXSW Conference and Festivals wrapped on March 19th, after 10 days of magic and Austin wackiness, showcasing film, TV, interactive, conferences, interviews and music. The Film & TV Fest named “Raging Grace” as the top Narrative Feature and “Grown” as top TV Pilot.

Slideshow: Season 16 Asian Pop Up Cinema Opens with Aaron Kwok & Japan Cinema Showcase

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Aaron Kwok on the APUC Red Carpet, March 14, 2023.

CHICAGO – Excitement was in the air in the first week of Season 16 for the Asian Pop Up Cinema (APUC).

Slideshow: Rockers Larkin Poe at Chicago's Thalia Hall, Mar. 16, 2023

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Larkin Poe performing at Thalia Hall 01

CHICAGO – Larkin Poe is an acclaimed roots rock sister duo – fronted by Rebecca and Megan Lovell – and are originally from Georgia and now hail from Nashville, with two highly successful albums under their belt … “Venom & Faith” and “Self Made Man,” and their latest, “Blood Harmony.” Photographer Jeff “Doc” Doles of HollywoodChicago.com was at Chicago’s Thalia Hall on March 16th, 2023, and captured the following images.

Film News: 95th Oscars is ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once'

HOLLYWOOD – In an emotional and sweeping night at the 95th Oscars, “Everything Everywhere All at Once” was everything and everywhere. The film won Best Picture, Best Actress (Michelle Yeoh), Best Supporting Actor/Actress (Ke Huy Quan and Jamie Lee Curtis) and Best Directors and Original Screenplay for Dan Kwan and Daniel Scheinert (The Daniels).

Oscar Week: HollywoodChicago.com 2023 Academy Award Predictions

CHICAGO – We have arrived. Welcome to the annual Oscar Predictions on HollywoodChicago.com for 2023 (the 95th Academy Awards). The film/entertainment contributors of HC – Patrick McDonald and Spike Walters – are joined by filmmaker treasure Michael Glover Smith (“Relative”) and film critic Jeffrey L. York of “The Establishing Shot.”

Oscar Week: Interview with Dan Kwan & Daniel Scheinert of ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’

Daniels, The

CHICAGO – It’s Oscar Week, as the 95th Academy Awards will be broadcast on Sunday, March 12th, 2023, on ABC-TV. Nominated for Best Directors are affectionally called the “Daniels” … Dan Kwan & Daniel Scheiner … for the awards sweeping film “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” They talked to HollywoodChicago.com in March of 2022.

On-Air Film Review: Shout-out to Ghostface Again in 'Scream VI'

Scream VI

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker in for Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on March 9th, 2023, reviewing “Scream VI,” the continuing story of Ghostface and his victims. In theaters beginning March 10th.

Shout-out to Ghostface! On-Air Film Review of ‘Scream VI’

HollywoodChicago.com Oscarman rating: 3.5/5.0
Rating: 3.5/5.0

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker in for Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on March 9th, 2023, reviewing “Scream VI,” the continuing story of Ghostface and his victims. In theaters beginning March 10th.

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