HollywoodChicago.com Arts & Entertainment News

Podtalk: Alice Da Cunha of Physical Theater Festival Chicago

CHICAGO – One of the more unique theater festivals in Chicago invites us to “get physical.” The 10th Physical Theater Festival Chicago will take place from July 8th-16th, 2023. For the complete show line-up, including ticket links, click PHYSICAL FEST.

In Memoriam Portrait: Oscar Winning Actor Alan Arkin Dies at 89

Alan Arkin, photo by Joe Arce 2012

SAN MARCOS, Calif – There was an Alan Arkin for every generation. Post World War Two adults may have seen him at Chicago’s “The Second City.” Baby Boomers remember his films “Wait Until Dark” and “The Russians Are Coming, The Russians are Coming” and Gen X saw him in “The In-Laws” (“Serpentine, Shel”), “Glengarry Glen Ross” and his Oscar winning turn in “Little Miss Sunshine.” He even did a Netflix series, “The Kominsky Method.” For every generation, for every form of acting, there was Alan Arkin. He passed away on June 29th, 2023, at the age of 89.

Podtalk: Director Leo Milano for His Debut Feature ‘The Crusades,' Releasing July 7, 2023

CHICAGO – It’s rare to see a director debut that is nuanced, anarchistic and different, but the high school coming-of-age comedy “The Crusades” – by first-timer Leo Milano – scores with its solid comedic script, unique characters and passionate homage to Chicagoland’s Northwest Burbs, as well as featuring hot actor Rudy Pankow (Netflix’s “Outer Banks”).

On-Air Film Review: Knights of the Animated Realm in ‘Nimona’

Nimona

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’

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’


CHICAGO – 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

Analog Night, Midwest FF 2023

CHICAGO – 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

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’

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.

Pride Week! Three Audio Film Reviews for a Happier Pride

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.

Pride Week: Activist Gary G. Chichester on Keeping the Pride Alive

CHICAGO – 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’

Stan Lee & Yogi Berra

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)'

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.

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