J.B. Smoove

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on May 12th, reviewing “On the Count of Three,” the directorial debut of comedian Jerrod Carmichael, in select theaters and through Video On Demand beginning May 13th.

CHICAGO – Every year, the “season” gets earlier and earlier, and the first out of the gate for the holidays is the new film, “Almost Christmas.” This warm-hearted comedy involves a large African American family gathering at the Yuletide, and features Danny Glover, Gabrielle Union, Omar Epps, and introducing D.C. Young Fly.

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‘Barbershop: The Next Cut’ Red Carpet, March 14th, 2016.

CHICAGO – The Chicago premiere of “Barbershop: The Next Cut” took place in March of 2016, and what made it special is that the principle cast walked the Red Carpet and did a “tour” of the city to promote the film. HollywoodChicago.com photographer Jeff Doles was at that Chicago Red Carpet, which took place at the Showplace ICON Theatres, and captured these Exclusive Portraits.

CHICAGO – The Barbershop series of films have always prided themselves on following the “Seinfeld Rule” – they are essentially about nothing. But with this go-around – like the recent “Chi-Raq” – the gang at the shop takes on the Chicago neighborhood violence around them, in “Barbershop: The Next Cut.”

CHICAGO – Chris Rock wants you to take him seriously, so he has made a comedy with inconsistent laughs, and a nod towards the weird fishbowl lives that today’s celebrities endure. It’s a rare film where the last part is stronger than the first few acts, a mishmash that is “Top Five.”

CHICAGO – There hasn’t been a new episode of Larry David’s brilliant comedy, “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” in almost two years and the creator of the HBO program has yet to commit to ever doing a ninth season, saying recently to TV Guide to ask him again in six months.

CHICAGO – Jeff Garlin has created a good “character” in TV and films – a gruff but affable schlemiel that ambles through life as if distracted. He amplifies that role in his latest comedy, “Dealin’ with Idiots,’ but the loose improvisation style has too many unfunny stretches and an unpleasant spirit.

CHICAGO – Jeff Garlin is what he is. He wants to emphasize that characteristic over any in the formation and development of his many characters – most famously as Jeff Greene on “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and The Captain in the animated classic film “Wall-E.” Garlin also co-wrote and directed his latest film, “Dealin’ with Idiots.”

CHICAGO – In the latest HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film with our unique social giveaway technology, we have 40 admit-two movie passes up for grabs to the advance screening of the highly anticipated “R”-rated comedy “The Dictator” from the warped mind of Sacha Baron Cohen (“Borat,” “Brüno”)!

CHICAGO – Jonah Hill is EVERYWHERE. He was just on the Oscars for his nominated work in “Moneyball,” his work in “21 Jump Street” still stands high on the box office chart, and previews for “Neighborhood Watch” with Ben Stiller & Vince Vaughn have been lighting up theaters. And then there’s “The Sitter,” probably the least of these four films but a reasonable rental if you’re looking for a new comedy and a Blu-ray release that comes with some pretty funny deleted scenes and other bonus material.