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+.
Roger Ebert
Film News: Newly Renovated Gene Siskel Film Center in Chicago Reopens on Jan 5, 2018
Submitted by PatrickMcD on January 3, 2018 - 11:43amCHICAGO – The lights of State Street will be a bit brighter on Friday, Jan. 5, 2018 as the Gene Siskel Film Center reopens after five weeks of renovations. New seating, carpeting and wiring was put into place, capping the first major upgrade since the legendary theater opened 17 years ago.
Slideshow: Ebert Foundation Announces Grant Recipients
Submitted by PatrickMcD on April 5, 2017 - 8:38pmCHICAGO – April 4th will always be a bittersweet day for the film world, as it is the day in 2013 when film critic and Chicago icon Roger Ebert passed away. But his legacy lives on through his wife Chaz Ebert and their Ebert Foundation. To uplift the anniversary, the Foundation announced 21 new recipients of $1000 grants, for their organizational contributions to arts and improving the lives of Chicagoans. Included in that recipient group was the Chicago Film Critics Association, in which Roger Ebert was a member.
Interview: Gordon Quinn of Kartemquin Films on Life After 50
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 23, 2016 - 10:00amCHICAGO – In the final chapter of a three-part interview, Gordon Quinn of Kartemquin Films desires to evolve forward, soon after the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the iconic Chicago documentary house have past.
Interview: Gordon Quinn on 50th Anniversary of Kartemquin Films
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 21, 2016 - 12:16pmCHICAGO – Two months ago, producer/director/cinematographer/editor Gordon Quinn received the Baadasssss Award from the 2016 CIMM Fest, for his longtime contributions to the cinema scene in Chicago through Kartemquin Films. The famous production house, known for their documentaries, is celebrating their 50th anniversary.
Film News: 5 Perks of Chicago Critics Film Festival, With Closing Night on May 26, 2016
Submitted by PatrickMcD on May 20, 2016 - 11:18amCHICAGO – One of the greatest film festivals of the year is curated by the Chicago cinema critics you know and love…so the films themselves are spectacular. The 4th Annual Chicago Critics Film Festival (CCFF) is ongoing at the historic Music Box Theatre in Chicago through May 26th, 2016. The closing night film is “Operator.”
Theater Review: Uplifting Celebration in Black Ensemble Theater’s ‘The Black White Love Play’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 26, 2015 - 11:54amCHICAGO – The love story of a prominent Chicago celebrity couple becomes the basis for a metaphoric and tuneful celebration about courage and coming together. “The Black White Love Play: The Story of Chaz & Roger Ebert” – written and directed by Black Ensemble Theater’s Jackie Taylor – portrays the film critic and the civil rights lawyer in their time, but also creates an atmosphere of emotion through song, sorrow and jubilation.
Interview: Kevin Pollack on His Portrayal of Roger Ebert in ‘The Black/White Love Play’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 7, 2015 - 12:03pmCHICAGO – Roger Ebert is an icon, in both film criticism lore and his inspirational life. Two years after his passing, the Black Ensemble Theater of Chicago is honoring his legacy by focusing on a love story, the passionate relationship with his wife Chaz Ebert. Actor Kevin Pollack portrays Roger in “The Black/White Love Play.”
Red-Carpet Interview: Mark Ruffalo Honored by Gene Siskel Film Center
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 8, 2015 - 5:56pmCHICAGO – He is one of the hottest movie actors on the market right now, but Mark Ruffalo will tell you he’s not an overnight success. Building his resume with a series of character roles, Ruffalo struck gold as Dr. Bruce Banner/the Hulk in “The Avengers” film series. On June 6th, 2015, the Gene Siskel Film Center in Chicago honored his career.
Film News: Chicago Filmmaker Prashant Bhargava of ‘Patang’ Dies at 42
Submitted by PatrickMcD on May 18, 2015 - 5:07pmNEW YORK – He was a Chicago-born director who explored his culture with a delicacy and poignancy that set his debut feature film “Patang” apart from any other experience, and within that art he sought to understand the world beyond his American birthplace. Prashant Bhargava passed away suddenly in New York City on May 16th, 2015, of undisclosed causes. He was 42 years old.
Interviews: Joan Cusack, Richard Roeper Make Appearances at 2015 Chicago Critics Film Festival
Submitted by PatrickMcD on May 11, 2015 - 12:54pmCHICAGO – The recently completed 2015 Chicago Critics Festival was heavy on celebrity and filmmaker appearances. One of those special appearances was Oscar nominated actress Joan Cusack, who represented the film “The End of the Tour” on May 6th, and her Q&A was moderated by film critic Richard Roeper.