CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio review for the streaming series “Emily in Paris” the adventures of Emily Cooper and her fanciful/fashionable Paris friends and lovers, now in its fourth season. Episodes 1-5 currently on Netflix.
June 2023
On-Air Film Review: Knights of the Animated Realm in ‘Nimona’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 30, 2023 - 4:42pmCHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on June 29th, reviewing “Nimona,” a new Netflix animated film featuring the voices of Grace Chloe Moretz and Riz Ahmed. Streaming beginning June 30th. !—break—>
Knights of Animated Realm! On-Air Review of ‘Nimona’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 30, 2023 - 4:39pm![]() Rating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on June 29th, reviewing “Nimona,” a new Netflix animated film featuring the voices of Grace Chloe Moretz and Riz Ahmed. Streaming beginning June 30th.
Film Review: Indy the Fifth! ‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 28, 2023 - 3:50pmCHICAGO – By all accounts the Indiana Jones series had nowhere to go but up after the woebegone “Crystal Skull.” But “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” manages to clear that admittedly low bar to add a sense of adventure back to the tales of the graying archeologist. That said there’s a certain pointlessness to the whole endeavor. !—break—>
Indy the Fifth in ‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 28, 2023 - 3:41pm![]() Rating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – By all accounts the Indiana Jones series had nowhere to go but up after the woebegone “Crystal Skull.” But “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” manages to clear that admittedly low bar to add a sense of adventure back to the tales of the graying archeologist. That said there’s a certain pointlessness to the whole endeavor.
Theater Review: Chicago Feels the Passionate Power of ‘Tommy’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 27, 2023 - 11:19amCHICAGO – The Opening Night ovation certainly acknowledged that the audience “Saw, Felt, was Touched and Healed” by the passionate and celebratory performance of “The Who’s Tommy.” Adapted from the iconic rock opera created by The Who in 1969, the Goodman Theater revival … with 1990s origins … was written by Pete Townsend and Des McAnuff (also director).
Film News: Analog Night with Cinema-Luz Collective at Midwest Film Festival, June 26, 2023
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 24, 2023 - 2:04pmCHICAGO – The Midwest Film Festival (MFF), in collaboration with Cinema-Luz Collective, presents Analog Night on Monday, June 26, 2023, showcasing the beauty and craftsmanship of this distinct medium at the Gene Siskel Film Center. As a form of art that is both nostalgic and demanding, analog filmmaking is experiencing a media-wide resurgence. Click ANALOG for tickets and more information.
Film Review: ‘No Hard Feelings’ Exposes a Hard-R Jennifer Lawrence
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 24, 2023 - 1:29pmCHICAGO – Jennifer Lawrence doesn’t hold back and gives it her all in the “Hard R” rated sex comedy “No Hard Feelings.” But despite her herculean efforts, the film only manages the occasional tee-hee when it should be scoring guffaws. You’ve got to hand it to Lawrence for going all in, I just wish the script rewarded her efforts. !—break—>
‘No Hard Feelings’ is Hard-R Exposure for Jennifer Lawrence
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 24, 2023 - 1:25pm![]() Rating: 2.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Jennifer Lawrence doesn’t hold back and gives it her all in the “Hard R” rated sex comedy “No Hard Feelings.” But despite her herculean efforts, the film only manages the occasional tee-hee when it should be scoring guffaws. You’ve got to hand it to Lawrence for going all in, I just wish the script rewarded her efforts.
On-Air Film Review: Meet Me Tonight in Wes Anderson’s ‘Asteroid City’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 22, 2023 - 2:26pmCHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on June 22nd, reviewing “Asteroid City,” the latest film directed by America’s auteur, Wes Anderson. In theaters on June 23rd.!—break—>
Meet Me Tonight! On-Air Review of Wes Anderson's ‘Asteroid City’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 22, 2023 - 2:23pm![]() Rating: 5.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on June 22nd, reviewing “Asteroid City,” the latest film directed by America’s auteur, Wes Anderson. In theaters on June 23rd.
Tribeca2023: Three More Films From the 22nd Tribeca Festval
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 21, 2023 - 9:52pmNEW YORK, NY – The 2023 Tribeca Festival may be over, but TRIBECA AT HOME continues through July 2nd, click link below. HollywoodChicago.com reviewed 12 films total from the fest, and the last three capsule reviews are below. The 23rd edition of the Tribeca Festival will take place in 2024.
Pride Week! Three Audio Film Reviews for a Happier Pride
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 21, 2023 - 5:19pm- 1968
- 2020
- A24
- Best Picture
- Boris Karloff
- Carla Bruni
- Eddie Volkman
- Elsa Lanchester
- Everything Everywhere All at Once
- Hannah B
- HollywoodChicago.com Content
- James Whale
- Jon Lennon Espino
- Matt Crowley
- Michelle Yeoh
- Movie Review
- Netflix
- New York City
- Pat Über TV
- Patrick McDonald
- The Boys in the Band
- The Bride of Frankenstein
- The Daniels
- Universal Pictures
- WGBR-FM
- WSSR-FM
CHICAGO – Happy Pride! One of the best ways to celebrate Pride Week in Chicago is to take in some LGBTQ+ themed films, and HollywoodChicago.com presents three choices, reviewed by Patrick McDonald, contributor Jon Lennon Espino and guest reviewer, Chicago Preservationist Carla Bruni.!—break—>
Pride Week: Activist Gary G. Chichester on Keeping the Pride Alive
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 20, 2023 - 8:54pmCHICAGO – In a fulfillment of his destiny, gay activist Gary G. Chichester was Grand Marshall of the Chicago Pride Parade in 2022, to celebrate his consistent contribution to LGBTQ+ causes, including organizing and participating in the first Gay Liberation March in Chicago on June 27th, 1970. One year later in 1971, he helped put together the first Pride Parade.
Audio Film Reviews: ‘Stan Lee’ and ‘Yogi Berra It Ain’t Over’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 20, 2023 - 7:10pm- All Star
- Black Panther
- Black Widow
- Catcher
- Disney+
- Eddie Volkman
- Fantastic Four
- Hannah B
- HollywoodChicago.com Content
- Hulk
- Iron Man
- Marvel Universe
- Movie Review
- New York Yankees
- Pat Über TV
- Patrick McDonald
- Scott Thompson
- Sony Pictures Classics
- Spider-Man
- Stan Lee
- Thor
- WGBR-FM
- WSSR-FM
- Yogi Berra It Ain’t Over
CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film reviews for the new biography documentaries “Stan Lee,” an overview of the Marvel Universe creator (on Disney+ since June 16th) and baseballer “Yogi Berra It Ain’t Over” (currently in select theaters and available for digital download).!—break—>
Bio Docs! Audio Reviews of ‘Stan Lee’ & ‘Yogi Berra It Ain’t Over’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 20, 2023 - 7:04pm- All Star
- Black Panther
- Black Widow
- Catcher
- Disney+
- Eddie Volkman
- Fantastic Four
- Hannah B
- HollywoodChicago.com Content
- Hulk
- Iron Man
- Marvel Universe
- Movie Review
- New York Yankees
- Pat Über TV
- Patrick McDonald
- Scott Thompson
- Sony Pictures Classics
- Spider-Man
- Stan Lee
- Thor
- WGBR-FM
- WSSR-FM
- Yogi Berra It Ain’t Over
![]() Rating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film reviews for the new biography documentaries “Stan Lee,” an overview of the Marvel Universe creator (on Disney+ since June 16th) and baseballer “Yogi Berra It Ain’t Over” (currently in select theaters and available for digital download).
Audio Film Reviews: ‘The Blackening’ and 'Maggie Moores(s)'
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 19, 2023 - 11:43amCHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film reviews for the new releases “The Blackening,” a tart horror/comedy directed by Tim Story and the mystery comedy/romance “Maggie Moores(s), directed by John Slattery. Both In theaters since June 16th.
In Theaters! Audio Reviews of ‘The Blackening’ & ‘Maggie Moore(s)’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 19, 2023 - 11:32am![]() Rating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film reviews for the new releases “The Blackening,” a tart horror/comedy directed by Tim Story and the mystery comedy/romance “Maggie Moores(s), directed by John Slattery. Both In theaters since June 16th.
Tribeca2023: Reviewing the Tribeca Festival Award Winners
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 18, 2023 - 7:55pmNEW YORK, NY – June 18th is the final day of the in-person Tribeca Festival, wrapping up 11 days of top festival film picks and other storytelling forms, including TV, VR, gaming, music and audio online. Beginning June 19th, the Tribeca at Home screenings begin, with an opportunity to experience what the festival has to offer. Tribeca prides itself on being a platform for creative expression and immersive entertainment.
Pride Week: Photographer Jerry Pritikin, ‘When Then Was … NOW!’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 18, 2023 - 3:32pmCHICAGO – Locally, Jerry Pritikin was known as the Chicago Cubs “Bleacher Preacher.” But Jerry had a more important role in his life … as a photographer who captured 1970s gay liberation in San Francisco, including gay activist icon Harvey Milk. His new exhibit is “When Then Was … NOW!” For more info, click Jerry Pritikin.
Tribeca2023: Best U.S. Narrative Film at Tribeca Festival is ‘Cypher’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 17, 2023 - 8:38pmNEW YORK, NY – The 22nd Tribeca Film Festival announced their Jury Prizes for 2023 on June 15th. Best U.S. Narrative was rewarded to “Cypher,” directed by Chris Moukarel, a narrative of rapper Tierra Whack. Best International Narrative goes to A Strange Path” and Best Documentary is “Between the Rains.”
On-Air Film Review: ‘Elemental’ is the Star-Crossed Stuff of Life
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 17, 2023 - 8:45amCHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on June 15th, reviewing “Elemental,” the latest animated film from Pixar Animation and Walt Disney Studios. In theaters on June 16th.!—break—>
Star-Crossed Stuff of Life! On-Air Review of ‘Elemental’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 17, 2023 - 8:42am![]() Rating: 3.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on June 15th, reviewing “Elemental,” the latest animated film from Pixar Animation and Walt Disney Studios. In theaters on June 16th.
Film Review: ‘The Flash’ Makes a Splash with a Literal Dash
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 16, 2023 - 12:28amCHICAGO – It amazes me to say it but with “The Flash” the DC cinematic universe has managed to actually make a movie that’s fun, for at least a little while. Even previously heralded DC movies like “Wonder Woman” left me cold with their incessant insistence on bludgeoning the audience with digital destruction. !—break—>
‘The Flash’ Makes a Splash with a Literal Dash
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 16, 2023 - 12:25am![]() Rating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – It amazes me to say it but with “The Flash” the DC cinematic universe has managed to actually make a movie that’s fun, for at least a little while. Even previously heralded DC movies like “Wonder Woman” left me cold with their incessant insistence on bludgeoning the audience with digital destruction.
Podtalk: May Pang to Appear at Art Post Gallery for Her John Lennon Photos, June 16-18, 2023
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 16, 2023 - 12:00amNORTHBROOK, Ill. – May Pang is an essential part of John Lennon’s history, having been his lover from 1973 to 1975. While with John, she clicked a number of candid photos, collected in the exhibit “The Lost Weekend – The Photography of May Pang” at the Art Post Gallery in Northbrook (Illinois) from June 16th through the 18th, 2023. Pang will appear at the exhibit for all three days, and all of the photos will be available for purchase. For more information, click May Pang.
Tribeca2023: Tribeca Festival Highlighting Upcoming Film Releases
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 13, 2023 - 10:36pmNEW YORK, NY – With five days to go, the 22nd Tribeca Festival is in the middle of the festival, with a wild ride of screenings and events. On June 12th, Tribeca hosted the world premiere of “Maggie Moore(s),” a new film featuring Jon Hamm and Tina Fey, and directed by Hamm’s old “Mad Men” co-star John Slattery. !—break—>
Podtalk: Wendi McLendon-Covey, Voice of Gale in ‘Elemental’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 13, 2023 - 3:58pmCHICAGO – What does an actor do after a successful run of a TV series? If you are Wendi McLendon-Covey, late of “The Goldbergs,” it’s an animation voiceover gig for Pixar Animation and Walt Disney Studios latest release, “Elemental.” McLendon-Covey is the voice of Gale Cumulus, a city official in a wondrous mix of elements.
Slideshow: Blaze of Glory Highlights of the Milwaukee Metal Fest
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 13, 2023 - 11:28amMILWAUKEE – The long-awaited return of Milwaukee Metal Fest brought forth a fierce and unrelenting three-day extravaganza from May 26th to 28th, 2023. Nestled within the ominous and grand architecture of The Rave/Eagles Club, this venue proved to be the perfect setting for the metal genre.
Podtalk: Dewayne Perkins, Co-Writer and Actor in ‘The Blackening’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 12, 2023 - 10:55amCHICAGO – The poster says, “We Can’t All Die First,” referring of course to the killer/slasher film that regularly murders the black member of friend group first. The film is “The Blackening” and it came from the mind of co-writer and featured actor Dewayne Perkins, who conceived of the idea initially as a sketch.!—break—>
Tribeca2023: Three for the Reel as Tribeca Festival Opens
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 11, 2023 - 10:31pmNEW YORK, NY – The 22nd edition of the Tribeca Festival opened with its usual combination of exalted cinema, star power glitz and the power of New York City, baby. “Kiss the Future,” produced by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, screened on Wednesday, June 7th at the BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center.!—break—>