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.
February 2024
Audio Theater Review: Invictus Theatre’s ‘Topdog/Underdog'
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 29, 2024 - 4:13pmCHICAGO – When two brothers confront the sins of each other and it expands into a psychology of an entire race, it’s at a stage play found in Chicago’s Invictus Theatre Company production of “Topdog/Underdog,” now at their new home at the Windy City Playhouse through March 31st, 2024. Click TD/UD for tickets/info.
Podtalk: Exec Director Jude Blackburn of Chicago Irish Film Festival, Feb. 29-Mar. 10, 2024
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 28, 2024 - 4:11pmCHICAGO – The 2024 Chicago Irish Film Festival celebrates it’s 25th Anniversary and the Opening Night is February 29th, with the drama “Verdigris.” The in-person fest is through March 3rd, and the online fest is March 4th-10th. Click IRISH FEST for tickets and details.
Podtalk: Director Michael Glover Smith & Cast on ‘Handle With Care’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 25, 2024 - 10:44amCHICAGO – Writer/Director Michael Glover Smith has established himself as a preeminent filmmaker of unique emotional passages. His latest short film, “Handle With Care,” featuring Mickey O’Sullivan and Alyssa Thordarson, will have its World Premiere on Opening Night (Feb. 29, 2024) at the George Lindsey Film Festival in Alabama. For more info, click HANDLE.
On Air Review: Dior & Chanel Design ‘The New Look’ on Apple TV+
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 24, 2024 - 10:20amCHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Ben Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on February 22th, 2024, reviewing the Apple TV+ series “The New Look,” which profiles the real people and their WW2-era decisions, behind fashion’s greatest names and brands. Currently streaming on the Apple TV+ platform.
On-Air Film Review: Accelerate with Ethan Coen’s ‘Drive-Away Dolls’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 23, 2024 - 10:55amCHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Ben Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on February 22th, 2024, reviewing “Drive-Away Dolls,” a new film from absurdist master Ethan Coen. In theaters beginning February 23rd .!—break—>
Acceleration! On-Air Film Review of Ethan Coen’s ‘Drive-Away Dolls’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 23, 2024 - 10:51amRating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Ben Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on February 22th, 2024, reviewing “Drive-Away Dolls,” a new film from absurdist master Ethan Coen. In theaters beginning February 23rd.
Audio Theater Review: Future is Ours in ‘brother sister cyborg space’ at Raven Theatre Chicago
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 22, 2024 - 7:07pmCHICAGO – As we’re well into the 21st Century, we seem to have more challenges than solutions. The latest stage play from Chicago’s Raven Theatre performs this in “brother sister cyborg space,” now playing through March 17th, 2024. Click SPACE for tickets/info.!—break—>
Audio TV Feature: For Black History Month, PBS & Henry Louis Gates Jr. Present “Gospel”
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 21, 2024 - 5:19pmCHICAGO – The roots of freedom and redemption for Black Americans in their history in this country is within the Black church and its joyful noise. PBS and Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr. (“Finding Your Roots”) presents a special overview for Black History Month 2024 of the influential music not only in the Black culture but all popular music culture in the new docuseries entitled “Gospel”
Podtalk: John Mossman on ‘Good Guy with a Gun,’ Available for Digital Download on Feb. 20, 2024
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 19, 2024 - 4:05pmCHICAGO – The controversial phrase “Good Guy with a Gun” is now a title for the latest feature film from John Mossman, who wrote and directed the story of a mother and son trying to rebuild their lives after losing their husband/father to gun violence. The twist is they’re rebuilding in a small town with an entrenched gun culture.
Podtalk: Exec Director Terell Johnson of Chicago Philharmonic on ‘Philms’ Series, Auditorium Theatre
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 15, 2024 - 11:17pmCHICAGO – The popularity of symphonic orchestras providing live soundtracks to classic films is about to get the series treatment in the Windy City. The Chicago Philharmonic and the Auditorium Theatre presents the Auditorium Philms Concert Series, taking place at the Auditorium Theatre. The first film in the series will be “Blade Runner” on Saturday, February 17th, 2024.
Via Zoom: David Duchovny is a Father Figure in ‘Adam the First’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 15, 2024 - 8:33pmCHICAGO – The truth is out there for David Duchovny, and he is definitely a seeker. The actor, best known for the TV series “The X Files” and “Californication,” has a new film in theaters opening February 14th, in which he portrays a father figure to the title character in “Adam the First.”
Audio Film Review: Let’s Get Together for ‘Bob Marley One Love’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 14, 2024 - 8:22pmCHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review for “Bob Marley One Love,” the music biopic of the famous Jamaican reggae legend during his most fertile international fame period in the 1970s up until his early demise from cancer in 1981. In theaters on February 14th.!—break—>
Let’s Get Together! Audio Film Review of ‘Bob Marley One Love’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 14, 2024 - 8:17pmRating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review for “Bob Marley One Love,” the music biopic of the famous Jamaican reggae legend during his most fertile international fame period in the 1970s up until his early demise from cancer in 1981. In theaters on February 14th.
Audio Film Review: Tangled Weave for Marvel’s ‘Madame Web’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 14, 2024 - 4:29pmCHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review for “Madame Web,” a spin-off (grin) of Spider-Man, who first appeared in Marvel Comics back in 1980. This origin story also features a three-woman team (teenagers in the film) that also eventually spin their webs. In theaters on February 14th.
Tangled Weave! Audio Film Review of Marvel’s ‘Madame Web’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 14, 2024 - 4:26pmRating: 2.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review for “Madame Web,” a spin-off (grin) of Spider-Man, who first appeared in Marvel Comics back in 1980. This origin story also features a three-woman team (teenagers in the film) that also eventually spin their webs. In theaters on February 14th.
Exclusive Portraits: Bill Murray Back in Chicago for ‘Groundhog Day’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 12, 2024 - 10:35amCHICAGO – Bill Murray is a son of Chicagoland, born and raised in the area and beginning his career at The Second City. To honor his friend and collaborator Harold Ramis, Murray made an appearance on February 2nd, 2024, on Chicago’s Navy Pier on behalf of Harold Ramis Day and of course his classic film “Groundhog Day.”!—break—>
Slideshow: Chicago Celebrates the Classic Film ‘Groundhog Day’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 12, 2024 - 10:24amCHICAGO – It was a special February 2nd, 2024, in Chicago. Not only was it the quasi-midwinter holiday Groundhog Day, but cast members of the 1993 classic film “Groundhog Day” – including Bill Murray, his brother Brian Doyle Murray and others – made appearances on the famous Navy Pier to honor the late director of the film, Harold Ramis. From this year forward, February 2nd will be Harold Ramis Day in Chicago.
Exclusive Photos: Super Bowl Sunday with Comedian Maria Bamford
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 10, 2024 - 8:05pm- 2023
- AFTER MIDNIGHT
- Chicago Humanities Festival
- Exclusive Photo
- Fall Season
- HollywoodChicago.com Content
- Interview
- I’ll Join Your Cult: A Memoir of Mental Illness and the Quest to Belong Anywhere
- Joe Arce
- Late Night with Steven Colbert
- Maria Bamford
- Mental Health
- Patrick McDonald
- Podcast
- Podtalk
- Taylor Tomlinson
CHICAGO – Maria Bamford has been a top comic force since her breakthrough in the first decade of the millennium. She will be appearing on the Super Bowl Sunday edition of CBS-TV’s @FTER MIDNIGHT, the new show hosted by Taylor Tomlinson after “Late Night with Stephen Colbert.” Appearing alongside her will be A-listers Wayne Brady and Kevin Smith.
Entertainment News: Black History Month on Comcast NBCUniversal
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 10, 2024 - 11:36amCHICAGO – As Black History Month continues, Comcast NBCUniversal has made a commitment to programming access that is relevant to this vital celebration, amplifying the voices of Black entrepreneurs, entertainers, civic leaders, and advocates who strive to create a better, more equitable tomorrow. Black History is American history.!—break—>
Audio Film Review: Mob Mentality Drives ‘The Bastard Sons'
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 9, 2024 - 9:27pmCHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review for “Anselm,” a new documentary by director Wim Wenders highlighting the career of artist Anselm Kiefer … now showing in the latest Digital 3-D tech at Chicago’s Music Box Theatre beginning February 2nd. For additional screenings, see local listings.
Mob Mentality! Audio Film Review of ‘The Bastard Sons’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 9, 2024 - 9:24pmRating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review for “The Bastard Sons,” currently available for digital download (see providers), regarding an unusual mixed family of New Jersey mobsters. While in the midst of one more big score, the family has to deal with a leader obsessed with revenge … to the detriment of all.
On-Air Film Review: ‘Suncoast’ Explores the Fate of Consciousness
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 9, 2024 - 11:05amCHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on February 8th, 2024, reviewing “Suncoast,” a re-exploration of the Terri Schiavo case through a fictional nearby family. Streaming on HULU beginning February 9th.
Fate of Consciousness! On-Air Film Review of ‘Suncoast’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 9, 2024 - 11:01amRating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on February 8th, 2024, reviewing “Suncoast,” a re-exploration of the Terri Schiavo case through a fictional nearby family. Streaming on HULU beginning February 9th.
On-Air Film Review: ‘Lisa Frankenstein’ is Totally Electrifying
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 9, 2024 - 12:53amCHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on February 8th, 2024, reviewing “Lisa Frankenstein,” an adaptation of the famous Monster story, from a 1980s point of view. In theaters on February 9th.
Electrifying! On-Air Film Review of ‘Lisa Frankenstein’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 9, 2024 - 12:44amRating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on February 8th, 2024, reviewing “Lisa Frankenstein,” an adaptation of the famous Monster story, from a 1980s point of view. In theaters on February 9th..
Audio Theater Review: Dana Delany in Goodman’s ‘Highway Patrol’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 8, 2024 - 1:23pmCHICAGO – The internet has invented news ways to harass people, and the category of celebrity has taken the brunt force of it all. Dana Delany is one such A-lister, who began an online communication with a anonymous teen, and tells about it live in “Highway Patrol,” at Chicago’s Goodman Theatre through February 18th. For information and tickets, click HIGHWAY.
Podtalk: Writer/Director Alex Haughey of ‘Under the Influencer
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 7, 2024 - 1:45pmCHICAGO – One of the sauciest new jobs that has arisen from the digital era is that of “Influencer.” Gathering followers, showing off new products and using your personality is the job description in this age of clicks. Writer/director Alex Haughey explores this phenomenon in his new film “Under the Influencer,” which is currently available for download and streaming.
Podtalk: Director Sav Rodgers Finds Salvation by ‘Chasing Chasing Amy’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 3, 2024 - 10:34amCHICAGO – In 1997. Filmmaker Kevin Smith released his third film (after “Clerks” and “Mallrats”) entitled “Chasing Amy.” The story, featuring Joey Lauren Adams, is about a lesbian whose fluidly also includes a romantic relationship with a man. Watching this film was a young female born person who was questioning their own identity, and used the film as a touch point for these feelings. Years later, that person is director Sav Rodgers, and he made a documentary about his experiences with the film in coming to self and its complicated history in “Chasing Chasing Amy.”
On-Air Film Review: We Are the World in ‘The Greatest Night in Pop’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 2, 2024 - 4:18pm- Billy Joel
- Bob Dylan
- Bruce Springsteen
- Diana Ross
- Harry Belafont
- Lionel Ritchie
- Michael Jackson
- Monroe
- Movie Review
- Netflix
- Pat Über TV
- Patrick McDonald
- Paul Simon
- Ray Charles
- Scott Thompson
- Stevie Wonder
- The Greatest Night in Pop HollywoodChicago.com Content
- Tina Turner
- WBGR-FM
- We Are the World
- Willie Nelson
- Wisconsin
CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on February 1st, 2024, reviewing “The Greatest Night in Pop,” a documentary about the one-night-only gathering of pop heavyweights to record “We Are the World.” Streaming on Netflix since January 29th.
We Are the World! On-Air Film Review of ‘The Greatest Night in Pop’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 2, 2024 - 4:16pm- Billy Joel
- Bob Dylan
- Bruce Springsteen
- Diana Ross
- Harry Belafont
- Lionel Ritchie
- Michael Jackson
- Monroe
- Movie Review
- Netflix
- Pat Über TV
- Patrick McDonald
- Paul Simon
- Ray Charles
- Scott Thompson
- Stevie Wonder
- The Greatest Night in Pop HollywoodChicago.com Content
- Tina Turner
- WBGR-FM
- We Are the World
- Willie Nelson
- Wisconsin
Rating: 4.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on February 1st, 2024, reviewing “The Greatest Night in Pop,” a documentary about the one-night-only gathering of pop heavyweights to record “We Are the World.” Streaming on Netflix since January 29th.