CHICAGO – If you’ve never seen the farcical ensemble theater chestnut “Noises Off,” you will see no better version than on the Steppenwolf Theatre stage, now at their northside Chicago venue through November 3rd. For tickets and details for this riotous theater experience, click NOISES OFF.
Catholic
On-Air Film Review: ‘Here After’ Flies to the Astral Plane
Submitted by PatrickMcD on September 13, 2024 - 6:20pmCHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on September 12th, reviewing the new release “Here After,” a parapsychological thriller featuring Connie Britton. In theaters on September 13th. !—break—>
On-Air Film Review: ‘The Exorcist: Believer’ is the Devil You Say
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 5, 2023 - 2:26pmCHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on October 5th, 2023, reviewing “The Exorcist: Believer” a story continuation from the universe of the original film. In theaters on October 6th.
Podtalk: Nicole Bernardi-Reis on ‘With This Light,’ in Chicagoland on August 11th, 2023
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 8, 2023 - 7:06pmCHICAGO – Nicole Bernardi-Reis is a veteran local producer, yet found another calling within the film arts as co-director … with Laura Bermúdez … of “With This Light.” The documentary is the story of Sister Maria Rosa Leggoi, a Honduran nun who spent her life building and providing shelter for orphaned, poverty stricken and abused children. “With This Light,” makes its Chicagoland premiere on August 9th, 2023, and begins a one week run at the Wayfarer Theaters in Highland Park (Illinois) on August 11th. Click LIGHT for details.
Podtalk: Irish Actor/Director Tania Notaro on Her Film ‘Glitterbug’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 23, 2023 - 12:19pmCHICAGO – When the term “A Star is Born” is used, behind that moment is hours of toil and stick-to-it-tiveness that actors and creators must go through. In that process is the Irish actor/writer and director Tania Notaro, who recently brought her short film “Glitterbug” to the Chicago Irish Film Festival.
Audio Film Review: Mark His Redemption in ‘Father Stu’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on April 12, 2022 - 10:15pmCHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review on “Father Stu,” featuring Mark Wahlberg traveling down an unusual life path, portraying a character journey from unsuccessful boxer and actor to the priesthood. In theaters on Wednesday, April 13th, just in time for redemption on Easter weekend.
Via Zoom: Comedian Katie Hannigan’s ‘Feeling of Emptiness’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on April 10, 2022 - 10:20amCHICAGO – As performance ramps up again in 2022, one of the great comic voices on the stand-up comedy scene is Katie Hannigan. The veteran jokester has recently released a comedy album, the perfect-for-the-times title of “Feeling of Emptiness.” Ms. Hannigan riffs on herself essentially, with sharp observations on being a woman in these particular times.
Recovering Catholic Soul! On-Air Review of Netflix's ‘Midnight Mass’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 22, 2021 - 11:31amCHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on October 21st, 2021, reviewing the new miniseries “Midnight Mass,” currently streaming on Netflix.
Film Review: ‘Silence’ is an Overwrought View of Religious Faith
Submitted by PatrickMcD on January 11, 2017 - 11:25amCHICAGO – For gosh sakes, someone call the Vatican and make Marty Scorsese an honorary priest. He is overtly fascinated – in this work and his other films – with the notion of religious faith, particular within his Catholic roots. He approaches the subject again in the intense “Silence.”
Film Review: Reverent, Joyful & Inspirational Jesus in ‘Risen’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 20, 2016 - 9:05amCHICAGO – I am a recovering Catholic, which I’ll tell you a million times – or maybe shortly after I meet you – and I have to say I had a well of nostalgia while experiencing “Risen,” the story of Jesus’s Resurrection and aftermath. It is enjoyable, in a strange way, for Christians and film fans alike.
Film Review: Olivia Wilde Resurrects Horror in ‘The Lazarus Effect’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 27, 2015 - 11:34amCHICAGO – Psychological horror films are the best tweaks, because they remind us of our fears, and where are fears are rooted. The strange combination of science, religion and a blockbuster performance by Olivia Wilde creates an atmosphere of dread and weirdness in “The Lazarus Effect.”