HollywoodChicago.com Content

CHICAGO – True unforgettable scares in a horror film are few and far between, despite many attempts. The unsettling air of the new film “Talk to Me” is lingering, as created by two Australian brothers and YouTube sensations, Danny & Michael Philippou. Their channel RackaRacka gave them the opportunity to make their debut film.

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review for “Earth Mama,” written and directed in her feature film debut by Savannah Leaf, which premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival and is distributed by A24, known for their provocative film fare. In theaters since July 21st.

CHICAGO – With “Oppenheimer,” director Christopher Nolan reminds us of what a blockbuster can be. They need not all be brain dead exercises in grunting and effects. Instead he delivers a thoughtful film that manages to synthesize complex elements like quantum physics into a piece of cinematic entertainment that just might be his most profound film yet.

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review for “Barbie,” the highly anticipated film adaptation of America’s favorite toy doll, co-written and directed by Greta Gerwig, and featuring Margot Robbie as the title character. In theaters beginning July 21st.

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review for “Joke Man,” a documentary about Jackie Martling, the rapid-fire funny man who spent 18 years as a commentator and sidekick on the Howard Stern Show. Available on digital Video-On-Demand beginning July 18th.

CHICAGO – Sam Pollard has established himself as a top director of documentaries, to add to his stellar career as a film editor … including for Spike Lee. His latest doc is a deep dive into the 20th Century curiosity of the Negro League. With interviews, archival photos/footage and comprehensive storytelling, the doc is entitled “The League.”

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on July 13th, reviewing “Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One,” the seventh film of the Tom Cruise-led action series based on the 1960s TV show. In theaters since July 12th.

CHICAGO – The Physical Theater Festival in Chicago has one more weekend, and for two of those nights the fest showcases “Marrano A Tale from The Inquisition,” a joint international stage presentation from Israel and Spain. For tickets and info, click PHYSICAL FEST.

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on July 13th, reviewing “Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One,” the seventh film of the Tom Cruise-led action series based on the 1960s TV show. In theaters since July 12th.

CHICAGO – In a manifestation of his most famous catchphrase, filmmaker Alex Winter, also known as Bill of “Bill & Ted” fame, wants us to “be excellent to each other” when it comes to our interaction on a certain online video sharing website. He ponders all the implications in his new documentary “The YouTube Effect.”