CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio review for the doc series “Charlie Hustle & the Matter of Pete Rose,” about the rise and bitter fall of the major league legend, the MLB’s all-time hits leader, only to be banned from the sport because of gambling. Streaming on MAX and on HBO since July 24th.!—break—>
HollywoodChicago.com Arts & Entertainment News
SXSW2024: Reviews of ‘Arcadian,’ ‘The Gutter,’ Cheech & Chong
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 14, 2024 - 10:38amAUSTIN, TX – The depth and number of films at the SXSW Film & TV Festival portion of the week is nirvana for a film geek’s adventure. Here are three of the films I caught at SXSW … all led by familiar names and have high interest. “Arcadian,” “Gutter” and “Cheech and Chong’s Last Movie” … look for them in 2024.
SXSW2024: Susan Sarandon, Cheech & Chong and Nicolas Cage
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 13, 2024 - 7:03pmAUSTIN, TX – One thing that SXSW attracts are movie stars. With the big premieres headquartered at the famous art deco Paramount Theatre in Austin, audiences were treated to appearances by the legendary Susan Sarandon (“Gutter”), a reunited Cheech & Chong, and for the creme de la creme we were in the “Cage.” The great Nicolas Cage appeared on behalf of “Arcadian.”
SXSW2024: Independent TV Pilot Program & Picture of the Day
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 11, 2024 - 10:01amAUSTIN – My first full day at the 2024 SXSW fest was slow to get going, only because my flight came in late Saturday night and I decided to go downtown and partake of a late get together event (it’s about the networking). So after registering on Sunday morning I went through the creativity expo, checked the VR exhibit, and went to my first screening, the Independent TV Pilot Program.!—break—>
Film News: Best Picture at 96th Academy Awards is ‘Oppenheimer’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 11, 2024 - 1:48amCHICAGO – In a breezy and memorable 96th Oscars … which took place on March 10th, 2024 … the Best Picture was “Oppenheimer,” with Cillian Murphy taking Best Actor and Robert Downey, Jr. for Best Supporting Actor from the same film. Emma Stone was the surprising Best Actress for “Poor Things” and Da’Vine Joy Randolph was Best Supporting Actress for “The Holdovers.”!—break—>
Audio Film Review: 96th Oscar Best Documentary Nominee ‘Bobi Wine: The People’s President’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 10, 2024 - 10:40amCHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review for “Bobi Wine: The People’s President,” a nominee for Best Documentary at the 96th Academy Awards on March 10th, 2024. The story of a Ugandan pop singer-turned-activist is directed by Moses Bwayo and Christopher Sharp. Currently streaming on HULU and Disney+.!—break—>
Podtalk: Writer/Director Brittani Ward on World Debut of ‘Single Car Crashes,’ Mar. 15, 2024
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 9, 2024 - 11:27am- Angie Gaffney
- Billy Dec
- Billy Zane
- Brittani Ward
- California
- Charín Alvarez
- Chris Lee
- Cinequest Film Festival
- Cruz Gonzalez-Cadel
- film two one films
- HollywoodChicago.com Content
- Interview
- Lindsey Morgan
- Patrick McDonald
- Paulina Olszynski
- Podcast
- Podtalk
- San Jose
- Single Car Crashes
- Trevor Morgan
- World Premiere
CHICAGO – The World Premiere of a debut feature film is one of the most important days for the production company and in this case Brittani Ward, the writer and director. ‘Single Car Crashes,” a made-in-Chicagoland film, will have its World Premiere at the Cinequest Film Festival in San Jose, California, on March 15th, 2024.
Oscar Week! HollywoodChicago.com 2024 Predictions
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 8, 2024 - 3:03pmCHICAGO – Here we go again. Welcome to the annual Oscar Predictions on HollywoodChicago.com, for 2024 (the 96th Academy Awards). The film/entertainment contributors of HC – Patrick McDonald and Spike Walters – are joined by filmmaker treasure Michael Glover Smith (“Relative”) and film critic Jeffrey L. York of “The Establishing Shot.”
On-Air Film Review: Tilda Swinton in a New Odd Couple For ‘Problemista’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 7, 2024 - 12:50amCHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on February 29th, 2024, reviewing “Problemista,” the debut film of writer/director/lead actor Julio Torres. In select theater now, in Chicago March 8th.
Oscar Week! Nominee Costumer Holly Waddington of ‘Poor Things’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 6, 2024 - 11:44amCHICAGO – One of the great perks of entertainment reporting is the encounter with a movie pro earlier in the year who eventually gets nominated for an Oscar. Last year it was “The Daniels” (eventual Best Director winners) and this year it’s the odds-on favorite for Best Costume Designer, Holly Waddington of “Poor Things.”
Chicago@SXSW: Improv Duo TJ & Dave on TV Pilot ‘Bettendorf Talks’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 5, 2024 - 2:00pmCHICAGO – The names “TJ & Dave” are legion in the Chicago entertainment scene. The improvisation duo – T.J. Jagodowski and David Pasquesi – are improv performers who heighten the status of the city as a comedic destination. Now they’re featured in a indie TV pilot that will premiere at SXSW 2024 entitled “Bettendorf Talks.”!—break—>
Oscar Week! Photographer Dale Robinette Envisions ‘Barbie’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 5, 2024 - 10:06amCHICAGO – During Oscar week, all eyes turn to Unit Photographer Dale Robinette, who got the assignment on the Oscar nominated “Barbie.” The following on-set pictures were snapped during the production’s time in Los Angeles, which including the iconic cowpoke wardrobe of Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling.
Chicago@SXSW: Curtis Matzke on His ‘Residencies & Retreats’ Panel
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 4, 2024 - 4:16pmCHICAGO – The Windy City will be represented at the upcoming SXSW Festival in Austin (March 8th-16th, 2024), and throughout the week there will be a series of articles previewing their interaction. The series begins with Curtis Matzke of Unfinished Films, sitting on the panel he created, “Understanding Artist Residencies & Retreats for Filmmakers” on March 10th.
Oscar Week! Audio Review of 2024 Oscar Nominated Short Films
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 4, 2024 - 9:07amCHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review for the 2023 Oscar Nominated Short Films in separate programs featuring Live Action, Animation and Documentary Shorts. Presented by Shorts TV/Magnolia Films and currently in select theaters, see local listings.