CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on March 21st, 2024, reviewing the new streaming series “Manhunt” – based on the bestseller by James L. Swanson – currently streaming on Apple TV+.
Horror
DAY TWO Podtalk: ‘Girl on the Third Floor’ at the 55th Chicago International Film Festival
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 17, 2019 - 3:42pmCHICAGO – One of the more popular series at the 55th Chicago International Film Festival is their “After Dark” screenings, with the most notorious of 2019 horror unspooling throughout the late night hours. One of the best is “Girl on the Third Floor, which is directed by Travis Stevens, and features Phil Brooks (also known as C.M.
Podtalk: Director Gigi Saul Guerrero Debuts ‘Culture Shock,’ Streaming on Hulu, July 4, 2019
Submitted by PatrickMcD on July 2, 2019 - 10:00amCHICAGO – She calls her style of grindhouse and gore films “Tex Mex,” and you won’t find a better femme fatale producing a better debut film in that genre. Director Gigi Saul Guerrero makes her feature film debut with “Culture Shock,” which will premiere for the Hulu streaming service on July 4th, 2019, part of their “Into the Dark” series of horror films through Blumhouse Television.
Film Review: Jordan Peele’s ‘Us’ Gets Bogged Down in Conventionality
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 20, 2019 - 7:13pmCHICAGO – Like his first film, “Get Out,” writer/director Jordan Peele creates a horror/thriller filled with symbolism and laughs. Unlike “Get Out,” “Us” is awash in overly concentrated plot points, a reliance on lesser references and an ending that can be seen from outer space. It’s not sophomore “jinx,” but more like the sophomore “over think.”
Film News: Cinepocalypse Closing Night with ‘Killer Klowns from Outer Space’ on June 28, 2018
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 28, 2018 - 11:54amCHICAGO – The end is near for the 2nd Annual Cinepocalypse Film Fest at the historic Music Box Theatre in Chicago, as they present “Killer Klowns from Outer Space” for their Closing Night Film on Thursday, June 28th (8:30p), with cult writer/directors (and brothers) Stephen and Charles Chiodo making an appearance on behalf of the film. For ticket information, click here.
Film News: Lana Wachowski to Present ‘Bound’ at 2018 Cinepocalypse on June 27
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 26, 2018 - 9:40amCHICAGO – The roots of the Chicago-born Wachowski Siblings (“The Matrix,” “Cloud Atlas”) is in the 1990s, with their unforgettable directorial debut “Bound” (1996). To celebrate that landmark, the Cinepocalypse Film Fest invited Lana Wachowski to present the film at the historic Music Box Theatre on Wednesday, June 27th, 2018 (7pm). To purchase tickets, click here.
Film News: Special Guests for ‘Cinepocalypse’ at Chicago’s Music Box, June 21-28, 2018
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 21, 2018 - 9:31amCHICAGO – It’s the 2nd Annual “Cinepocalypse,” unspooling at Chicago’s historic Music Box Theatre on Thursday, June 21st, 2018, for a week of weirdness, horror and cinema carnage. Throughout the week, there will be special appearances, freaky revivals and Lifetime Achievements. The following is a guide to all the special guests and events for this special film festival.
Film Review: Toni Collette Discovers that Horror is ‘Hereditary’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 8, 2018 - 6:26pmCHICAGO – The classic horror/psychological films continue to chill our souls long after the experience of them. “Hereditary” uses a masterful performance by Toni Collette, and layers it with symbolic commentary and freaky scares to accomplish that lingering discomfort. After viewing it, the cluck of the tongue will never be the same.
Podtalk: ‘Murder in the Woods,’ at the 34th Chicago Latino Film Festival on April 9, 2018
Submitted by PatrickMcD on April 7, 2018 - 9:23amCHICAGO – The 34th Chicago Latino Film Festival (CLFF) is underway, after a successful Opening Night on April 5th, 2018. One of the showcase films will have its Midwest Premiere on Saturday, April 7th, the horror tale “Murder in the Woods.” Directed by Luis Iga and written by Yelyna De Leon, the film features “Machete” star Danny Trejo and young Latino actors portraying teens that are being killed in mysterious circumstances during a cabin getaway. For information about the Red Carpet and premiere, click here.
Film Review: No New Frights in Store for ‘Happy Death Day’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 13, 2017 - 7:25pmCHICAGO – “Happy Death Day” has a “Groundhog Day” gimmick, but that’s about it, offering essentially an ‘80’s style slasher flick with the hope that with a little cosmetic window dressing will help it appeal to an audience in 2017… Live, Die, Repeat. That’s all this film offers with precious few improvements to justify its existence.
Interview, Audio: Trey Edward Shults Directs ‘It Comes at Night’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 7, 2017 - 12:44pmCHICAGO – In 2016, a new filmmaker voice made its way into the scene, and it was significant. Trey Edward Shults released his debut film “Krisha,” a shattering story of addiction and its effect on family. The film got him a deal with the distributor/producer A24, and his sophomore effort – the horror/thriller “It Comes at Night” – will be released on June 9th, 2017.