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.
October 2023
Film News: 2023 ‘Best of the Midwest’ Awards on Thursday, Nov. 2
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 31, 2023 - 9:12pmCHICAGO – The first awards show of the season takes off on Thursday, November 2nd, as the BEST OF THE MIDWEST Awards will be presented by the Midwest Film Festival at CineCity Studios in Chicago. Tickets are rapidly selling out, so click on BEST OF THE MIDWEST for the levels of tickets that are available.
Podtalk: Exec Director Nat Dykeman of 13th Lake County Film Festival
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 30, 2023 - 6:32pmCHICAGO – When one man wanted to screen independent films beyond Chicago, he founded the Lake County Film Festival (LCFF). That Founder and now Executive Director is Nat Dykeman, and the 13th LCFF will take place over the next two weekends, with Opening Night on Halloween. For details and tickets, click 13th LCFF.
CIFF23 Podtalk: Director Olmo Schnabel’s Debut ‘Pet Shop Days’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 28, 2023 - 12:03pmCHICAGO – The director debut is the flourishing element of any film festival, and the Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF) has always been a nurturing place for the latest cinema talent. “Pet Shop Days” is the debut of director and co-writer Olmo Schnabel, and screened at the 59th CIFF.
Film Review: ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’ is Five Nights Too Many
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 27, 2023 - 12:21pmCHICAGO – For the uninitiated, “Five Nights At Freddy’s” is based on a popular series of video games with a simple premise … you play a security guard trapped inside a Chuck E Cheese-type pizzeria where the animatronics come to life and keep trying to kill you. Yet the biggest threat facing audiences with the film is that they just might die… of boredom.
Boring ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’ is Five Nights Too Many
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 27, 2023 - 12:15pmRating: 1.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – For the uninitiated, “Five Nights At Freddy’s” is based on a popular series of video games with a simple premise … you play a security guard trapped inside a Chuck E Cheese-type pizzeria where the animatronics come to life and keep trying to kill you. Yet the biggest threat facing audiences with the film is that they just might die… of boredom.
Devil Be Strolling! On-Air Review of ‘When Evil Lurks’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 27, 2023 - 10:36amRating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on October 26th, 2023, reviewing “When Evil Lurks,” an Argentinian horror film that’s just in time for the Halloween weekend. In theaters now and streaming on Shudder October 27th, 2023.
On-Air Film Review: Devil Takes a Stroll in ‘When Evil Lurks’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 27, 2023 - 10:32amCHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on October 26th, 2023, reviewing “When Evil Lurks,” an Argentinian horror film that’s just in time for the Halloween weekend. In theaters now and streaming on Shudder October 27th, 2023.!—break—>
Podtalk: David Zucker for ‘Airplane!’ Book at Chicago Humanities Fest
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 26, 2023 - 11:06pmCHICAGO – Use the word “surely” in any conversation, such as “Surely …” and inevitably you’ll get the answer, “Blah Blah, and don’t call me Shirley.” One of a trio that came up with that famous riposte, David Zucker, was at the Chicago Humanities Festival as co-author of “Surely you Can’t be Serious: The True Story of Airplane!”
CIFF23: Matthew Modine Pedals for ‘Hard Miles’ at 59th CIFF
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 24, 2023 - 2:34pmCHICAGO – The stature and talent of actor Matthew Modine has loomed large for nearly two generations. He began his career in his early twenties, and continues to make an impact as he takes on new roles … for instance, that of a social worker in “Hard Miles,” which screened at the 59th Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF).!—break—>
CIFF23: Peter Sarsgaard Plus Closing Night at 59th CIFF, 'The Bikeriders'
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 22, 2023 - 1:31pmCHICAGO – That’s a wrap! The 59th Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF) Closing Night is October 22nd, 2023, with “The Bikeriders,” which is set in Chicago and directed by Jeff Nichols (“Mud,” “Take Shelter”), who will make an appearance on behalf of the film. Click CLOSING for info and tickets.
APUC17: Interview with South Korean Actor Lee Sun Kyun of ‘Parasite’ and ‘Killing Romance’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 22, 2023 - 12:16pmCHICAGO – Season 17 of Chicago’s Asian Pop-Up Cinema’s (APUC17) had their Closing Night on October 7th, 2023, with a special screening of “Killing Romance” … part of their South Korean Film Showcase … which included an appearance by SK movie star Lee Sun Kyun, who also had a prominent role in the Oscar Best Picture “Parasite.” !—break—>
CIFF23: Gold Hugo as Best Film is ‘Explanation for Everything’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 21, 2023 - 10:51amCHICAGO – The 59th Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF) announced its competitive award winners on October 20th 2023, and the recipient of The Gold Hugo in the International Feature Film Competition – the festival’s top honor – is ‘Explanation for Everything” (directed by Gábor Reisz), a coming-of age story.
CIFF23: Writer/Director Emerald Fennell Applies the ‘Saltburn’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 20, 2023 - 5:36pm- 2023
- 59th
- AMC New CIty
- Barry Keoghan
- British
- Carey Mulligan
- Chicago International Film Festival
- Estate
- Exclusive Portrait
- Film News
- HollywoodChicago.com Content
- Jacob Elordi
- Joe Arce
- Patrick McDonald
- Phoebe Waller-Bridge
- Podcast
- Podtalk
- Promising Young Woman
- Richard E. Grant
- Rosamund Pike
- Saltburn
- The Crown
CHICAGO – Writer, Director and Actor Emerald Fennell is leading a new revolution of commentary in her feature films. She began with “Promising Young Woman” in 2020 – for which she won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay – and her follow-up is “Saltburn,” which screened at the 59th Chicago International Film Festival on October 19th.
On-Air Film Review: ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ is Manifest Infamy
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 19, 2023 - 11:55pmCHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on October 19th, 2023, reviewing “Killers of the Flower Moon,” the 26th feature film directed by Martin Scorsese and featuring Leonardo DiCaprio. In theaters on October 20th, 2023.!—break—>
Manifest Infamy! On-Air Review of ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 19, 2023 - 11:52pmRating: 4.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on October 19th, 2023, reviewing “Killers of the Flower Moon,” the 26th feature film directed by Martin Scorsese and featuring Leonardo DiCaprio. In theaters on October 20th, 2023.
Podtalk: Comedian Liz Miele at Chicago’s Den Theatre, Oct. 22, 2023
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 18, 2023 - 2:07pmCHICAGO – Stand-up comic Liz Miele is a true comedy veteran, even in her current youth. She began her career at age 16 and has kept up with the evolution of both comedy and reaching an audience, as evidenced by her YouTube specials garnering millions of views. She brings her act to Chicago on October 22nd, 2023 (7:15pm), at the Den Theatre on Milwaukee Avenue. For tickets and info, click LIZ MIELE.
Podtalk: Filmmaker Lihn Tran is ‘Waiting for the Light to Change’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 18, 2023 - 12:50pmCHICAGO – The title is the perfect statement on this debut feature film from writer/director Lihn Tran. “Waiting for the Light to Change” is about a group of post collegiate friends who are wondering what is next for their lives during a vacation together. The film release – through Video On Demand and DVD – is October 20th, 2023.
CIFF23: Actor David Dastmalchian for ‘Late Night with the Devil’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 17, 2023 - 3:57pmCHICAGO – David Dastmalchian’s star is rising rapidly. The actor, who studied locally at DePaul University, brought his new role on film – “Late Night with the Devil” – to the 59th Chicago International Film Festival. A reprise screening will take place on October 19th, 2023. Click LATE NIGHT for info and tickets.
On-Air Film Review: ‘The Burial’ is a Sustained Objection
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 17, 2023 - 2:15pmCHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on October 12th, 2023, reviewing “The Burial,” a courtroom drama featuring Jamie Foxx and Tommy Lee Jone. Streaming on Prime Video since October 13th.
OBJECTION! Sustained! On-Air Review of ‘The Burial’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 17, 2023 - 2:13pmRating: 2.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on October 12th, 2023, reviewing “The Burial,” a courtroom drama featuring Jamie Foxx and Tommy Lee Jone. Streaming on Prime Video since October 13th.
CIFF23: Actor Michael Shannon Makes Director Debut for ‘Eric Larue’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 16, 2023 - 12:20amCHICAGO – Michael Shannon is also a film director. The distinctive actor, who has wowed cinema fans with his performances over the years, showcased his directorial debut at the 59th Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF) with “Eric Larue.” Shannon did a master class on directing, walked the Red Carpet and appeared at the film screening.
On-Air Film Review: ‘Dicks: The Musical’ is a Sing-a-Ding-Along
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 14, 2023 - 8:50amCHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on October 12th, 2023, reviewing “Dicks: The Musical” a raucous new romp featuring Nathan Lane and Megan Thee Stallion. In select theaters on October 13th, wider release on October 20th.!—break—>
Sing-a-Ding-Along! On-Air Review of ‘Dicks: The Musical’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 14, 2023 - 8:46amRating: 4.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on October 12th, 2023, reviewing “Dicks: The Musical” a raucous new romp featuring Nathan Lane and Megan Thee Stallion. In select theaters on October 13th, wider release on October 20th.
CIFF23: Opening Night Red Carpet, Weekend Industry Days
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 13, 2023 - 8:53amCHICAGO – It’s officially launched! The 59th Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF) began on October 11th, 2023, with a Block Party near the historic Music Box Theatre and continues through October 22th. HollywoodChicago.com caught up with the director of the Opening Night film, “We Grown Now,” and offers a preview to this weekend’s Industry Days.!—break—>
CIFF23: Programmer Raul Benitez of AFTER DARK Series
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 12, 2023 - 9:06amCHICAGO – The After Dark series at the 59th Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF) encompasses the “genre” category of films … horror, sci-fi, fantasy and the just plain bizarre. And the programmer behind it is film veteran Raul Benitez. For more info and After Dark line-ups, click AFTER DARK.
CIFF23: Haroula Rose & Coby Goss on ‘All Happy Families’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 11, 2023 - 10:58amCHICAGO – The City of Neighborhoods is Chicago, and director/co-writer Haroula Rose (with co-writer Coby Goss) has constructed a modern issue “dramedy” set there entitled “All Happy Families,” which has its World Premiere at the 59th Chicago International Film Festival on October 12th, 2023. For tickets and info, click FAMILIES.
CIFF23: Director Clare Cooney for Opening Night ‘Departing Seniors’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 9, 2023 - 8:16pmCHICAGO – Actor/filmmaker Clare Cooney began her career in Chicago, and is returning to represent her debut as feature film director for “Departing Seniors,” a North American Premiere on Opening Night (October 11th, 2023) at the 59th Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF). For tickets and info, click SENIORS.
CIFF23: 59th Chicago International Film Festival Opens with Block Party on Weds., Oct. 11, 2023
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 8, 2023 - 8:07pm- 2023
- 59th
- After Dark
- Black Perspectives
- Block Party
- Chicago International Film Festival
- Cinemas of the Americas
- City & State
- Departing Seniors
- Documentary
- Film News
- HollywoodChicago.com Content
- Industry Days
- LGBTQ+
- Music Box Theatre
- New Directors
- Outlook
- Patrick McDonald
- Short Films
- Spotlight
- We Grown Now
- Women in Cinema
CHICAGO – The greatest annual 11 days of Chicago cinema is about to commence … the 59th Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF)… and like last year will kick off with a block party in the vicinity of the historic Music Box Theatre on Southport Avenue.
On-Air Film Review: ‘She Came to Me’ is Refined Intervention
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 6, 2023 - 8:04amCHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on October 5th, 2023, reviewing “She Came to Me” a film about the power of love and New York City tugboats. In theaters on October 6th.
Refined Intervention! On-Air Review of ‘She Came to Me’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 6, 2023 - 8:00amRating: 4.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on October 5th, 2023, reviewing “She Came to Me” a film about the power of love and New York City tugboats. In theaters on October 6th.