CHICAGO – Just in time for Pride Month, Strawdog Theatre Co. presents an updated staging of the Oscar Wilde classic, “The Importance of Being Earnest.” Strawdog policy … the tickets are FREE (donations encouraged), but you must put in a reservation by clicking EARNEST.
HollywoodChicago.com Arts & Entertainment News
Film Review: ‘Inside Out 2’ is Sophisticated & Thoughful Movie Magic
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 14, 2024 - 7:42amCHICAGO –Pixar Studios rediscovers some of its movie magic with the thoughtful and sophisticated “Inside Out 2.” It’s the sequel that doesn’t feel like a retread of what came before but instead is a natural progression of the story we’re already invested in … as early adolescence and puberty arrive to crash the kid party.
Podtalk: Vivian Kerr is the Writer, Director and Lead Actor of ‘Scrap’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 13, 2024 - 3:12pmCHICAGO – “Scrap” is a scrappy new film that is building anticipation through the film festival circuit. The writer, director and lead actor of “Scrap” is Vivian Kerr, and it also features familiar character actors Anthony Rapp and Lana Parrilla. The release date for this set-in-Los Angeles family drama is to be determined.
Tribeca2024: Gyllenhaal, Johnson & Cohen are Not a Law Firm
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 13, 2024 - 9:00amNEW YORK – They’re celebrities, silly, and they were on the Red Carpet at the 2024 Tribeca Festival. Jake Gyllenhaal was representing his new miniseries on Apple TV+ called “Presumed Innocent.” It was Dakota Johnson talking about her highly anticipated film “Daddio.” And finally, Andy Cohen talking about talking with Anderson Cooper.
Tribeca2024: Films at Tribeca Fest Contain Themes of Transitions
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 12, 2024 - 9:00amNEW YORK – It’s the middle of the 23rd Tribeca Film Festival and the narrative feature films … with an emphasis on the independent … are in competition. Themes of transition are strong in this year’s line-up, as story tellers have emerged from the pandemic years, and the reflections thereafter.
Podtalk: Alex Thompson & Kelly O’Sullivan on Their Film ‘Ghostlight’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 11, 2024 - 10:14amCHICAGO – Two of the finest filmmakers who have roots in Chicago (college) are Alex Thompson and Kelly O’Sullivan. After Kelly wrote the acclaimed “Saint Frances” with Alex directing, their second film is a co-directing effort that is a brilliant meditation on finding one’s self after loss, and doing it through … acting.
Tribeca2024: First Weekend Tribeca Film Fest is Star Studded
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 10, 2024 - 10:48amNEW YORK – The first weekend of the 23rd Tribeca Film Festival made all the right Red Carpet moves with the Opening Night featuring Diane Furstenberg, the “Brat Pack” doc director Andrew McCarthy on Friday, and legendary rocker Steven Van Zandt on Saturday. For all information, CLICK TRIBECA 2024.
Theater Review: Raven Theatre’s ‘The Prodigal Daughter’ is HerStory
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 9, 2024 - 10:41amCHICAGO – One of the open secrets of Chicago is its horrible racist past, which remains like an echo. Playwright Joshua Allen has been exploring this theme in his Grand Boulevard Trilogy – the last chapter talking place during the infamous 1919 race riots – in Raven Theatre’s “The Prodigal Daughter.” For tickets and info, click TPD.
Exclusive Portrait: Al Roker at 60th Chicago Intl Film Festival Gala
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 8, 2024 - 10:02amCHICAGO – I have a new appreciation for Al Roker. Already acknowledged as a famous weatherman and TV host, the “Today Show” staple can add raucous comedian to his resume, as indicated by his hosting duties at the 60th Chicago International Film Festival’s Summer Gala on June 1st, 2024. He killed, as they say.
Exclusive Portraits: John C. Reilly at 60th Chicago Intl Film Festival Gala
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 7, 2024 - 1:16pm- 60th
- A Streetcar Named Desire
- Boogie Nights
- Chicago
- Chicago International Film Festival
- CIFF
- Exclusive Photo
- Guardians of the Galaxy
- HollywoodChicago.com Content
- Joe Arce
- John C. Reilly
- Kong: Skull Island
- Marty
- Mr. Cellophane
- Patrick McDonald
- Stanley Kowalski
- Summer Gala
- Tim & Eric’s Billion Dollar Movie
- Wreck-It Ralph
CHICAGO – You’ll never hear a better speech about the actor’s gratitude for his hometown than John C. Reilly’s proclamation at the 60th Chicago International Film Festival’s Summer Gala on June 1st, 2024. He brought the house down with emotional and passionate words about his journey that began in the Windy City.
On-Air Film Review: The Hits Keep Coming for Netflix’s ‘Hit Man’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 7, 2024 - 11:02amCHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on June 6th, reviewing “Hit Man,” featuring Glen Powell (also co-writer) and directed by Richard Linklater (“School of Rock”). Streaming on Netflix beginning June 7th.
Pride2024: Jerry Nunn, Co-Sponsor of 1st LGBTQ+ Critic’s Choice Celebration, June 7, 2024
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 6, 2024 - 12:14pmCHICAGO – When one of Chicago’s own critic/entertainment reporters is instrumental in achieving a LGBTQ+ celebration during Pride Month, it’s a cause for OUR PRIDE. Jerry Nunn is that achiever, and he will oversee … as Co-Sponsor and Programmer … the Inaugural Critic’s Choice Celebration of LGBTQ+ Cinema & Television on June 7th, 2024, at the Los Angeles Fairmont Hotel. Besides the creme of presenters and honorees scheduled for the event, it is Jerry who spearheaded the effort to make this celebration happen.
Film Review: ‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’ on the Road to Nowhere
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 6, 2024 - 9:15amCHICAGO –“Bad Boys: Ride Or Die,” the fourth in this series, is a big budget clunker that’s clearing coasting on fumes. A wheezy Martin Lawrence, and a post-slap Will Smith, are trying to recapture some of their former box office glory by trying to milk their still considerable chemistry for all its worth. The best that can be said is that it’s less of an interminable slog than I thought it would be.
Podtalk & Review: Streaming Release for Andy Vallentine's ‘The Mattachine Family’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 5, 2024 - 5:52pmCHICAGO – Happy Pride Month 2024! One of the most beautiful and spirited LGBTQ+ films on the festival circuit last year was “The Mattachine Family,” written by Danny Vallentine and directed by his husband Andy Vallentine. Andy Vallentine talked to HollywoodChicago.com about his film that was partially autobiographical.
