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.
HollywoodChicago.com Arts & Entertainment News
Film Review: Nothing to Turn the Frown Upside Down in ‘Smile 2’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 17, 2024 - 8:26pmCHICAGO – The sequel to the surprise horror hit “Smile” won’t give you anything to turn your frown upside down. It’s longer and gorier than the original, but it yields precious few surprises and is an ultimately pointless exercise in commerce and drudgery.
Podtalk: CIFF24 Film Programmer Raul Benitez of After Dark Series
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 15, 2024 - 7:22pmCHICAGO – The After Dark series at the 60th 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.
CIFF24: 60th Chicago International Film Festival Opens with ‘The Piano Lesson,’ Oct. 16, 2024
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 14, 2024 - 5:44pmCHICAGO – She’s celebrating her 60th but is ready to go. Opening Night of the 60th Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF) will be at Chicago’s Music Box Theatre on October 16th, 2024, and will feature the Malcolm Washington film “The Piano Lesson.”
Theater Review: ‘Inherit the Wind’ Speaks to Today at the Goodman Theatre
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 12, 2024 - 3:24pmCHICAGO – There is no better time to take in a stage play that is based in U.S. history, depicting the battle between fact and religion. The old theater chestnut – first mounted in 1955 – is “Inherit the Wind,” now at the Goodman Theatre, completing it’s short run through October 20th. For tickets and more information, click INHERIT.
On-Air Film Review: Origin of The Donald in ‘The Apprentice’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 12, 2024 - 11:26amCHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on October 10th, reviewing the film “The Apprentice,” a biography of Donald Trump, the “early years.” In theaters on October 11th.
On-Air Film Review: Pharrell Legos His Ego in ‘Piece by Piece’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 12, 2024 - 10:42amCHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on October 10th, reviewing the film “Piece by Piece,” the Pharrell Williams story, told in the animation style of Legos. In theaters on October 11th.
Podtalk: Sarah Douglas (Ursa) on ‘Superman II’ at Emagine Batavia
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 10, 2024 - 7:54amCHICAGO – One of the greatest superhero movies of all time is about to get the “Super EMX” treatment. “Superman II” will be presented on the largest screen in Illinois, at the Emagine Batavia on October 11th, 2024, and will feature a two day event with Sarah Douglas, who portrayed Phantom Zone villain Ursa. For tickets and details, click SUPERMAN.
Exclusive Portraits: Connie Chung at 2024 Chicago Humanities Fest
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 8, 2024 - 10:11amCHICAGO – One of the most anticipated cultural events in the Windy City has kicked off in October’s first weekend. The 2024 Chicago Humanities Festival, a showcase of American influencers, welcomed Connie Chung talking about her new book, “Connie: A Memoir.” For a complete guide to upcoming events, CHICAGO HUMANITIES.
Audio Film Review: Seeing Feeling Touching the Earth in ‘Blink’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 7, 2024 - 2:40pmCHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review for “Blink” a new release National Geographic documentary about a Canadian family who goes on a trip around the world because of a specific incident involving three of their four children. In theaters since October 3rd. See local listings.
Film News: Haroula Rose at Chicago’s Music Box for Her ‘All Happy Families'
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 5, 2024 - 3:55pmCHICAGO – Filmmaker Haroula Rose will have a Chicagoland homecoming with her recently released film “All Happy Families” as she appears at a special screening at Chicago’s historic Music Box Theatre on October 7th, 2024 (6:30p). The 4.5/5 film (review below) was filmed all in Chicago, and was directed and co-written (with Coburn Goss, who will also appear) by Rose. For tickets and more information, click ALL HAPPY FAM.
Film Review: Crazy & Live from New York it’s ‘Saturday Night’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 3, 2024 - 8:12pm- Chevy Chase
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CHICAGO – Kinetic. Frenetic. Chaotic. Live! Those are just some words to describe the Saturday Night Live origin story “Saturday Night.” Director Jason Reitman has infused this nearly real time tale of the struggle to get the first episode of SNL with an energy that grabs your attention and never lets go. That takes some doing when we all know the ending. SNL would not only make it onto American airwaves, but it would become an improbable television institution and comedy touchstone, now celebrating its 50th season.
On-Air Film Review: ‘Joker: Foie á Deux’ is the Madness of Two
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 3, 2024 - 2:35pmCHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on October 3rd, reviewing the film “Joker: Foie á Deux,” the sequel to the 2019 mega hit and featuring Lady Gaga. In theaters on October 4th.
Podtalk: Director & Producer of 'Nurse Unseen' on Asian Pop-Up Cinema Screening, Oct. 8, 2024
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 3, 2024 - 1:14pmCHICAGO – One of the functions of cinema and especially documentary films is to unearth little known facts of life and make them known to participating audiences. “Nurse Unseen” is such a film, as it profiles the influence of Filipino nurses in American healthcare. The Asian Pop-Up Cinema (APUC) will present a screening of the film, in honor of Filipino American History Month, with appearances by Director Michele Josue and Producer Carlo Velayo, at AMC Oakbrook (Illinois) on October 8th. For ticket availability and info, click NURSE UNSEEN.
