CHICAGO – When two brothers confront the sins of each other and it expands into a psychology of an entire race, it’s at a stage play found in Chicago’s Invictus Theatre Company production of “Topdog/Underdog,” now at their new home at the Windy City Playhouse through March 31st, 2024. Click TD/UD for tickets/info.
June 2015
Film Review: Nichely Entertaining ‘Magic Mike XXL’ a Substanceless Soft Porn
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on June 30, 2015 - 11:10pm- Adam Fendelman
- Adam Rodriguez
- Amber Heard
- Andie MacDowell
- Channing Tatum
- Donald Glover
- Elizabeth Banks
- Gregory Jacobs
- HollywoodChicago.com Content
- Jada Pinkett Smith
- Joe Manganiello
- Kevin Nash
- Magic Mike
- Magic Mike XXL
- Matt Bomer
- Michael Strahan
- Movie Review
- Reid Carolin
- Stephen Boss
- Steven Soderbergh
- Warner Bros.
CHICAGO – You know those amateur porns with no-name actors that use cheesy dialogue in between the sex scenes those viewers simply want? You never expect a real story or actually developed characters because it’s a collection of sex scenes. It’s not a real, you know, movie.
Nichely Entertaining ‘Magic Mike XXL’ a Substanceless Soft Porn
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on June 30, 2015 - 10:36pm- Adam Fendelman
- Adam Rodriguez
- Amber Heard
- Andie MacDowell
- Channing Tatum
- donald glover
- Elizabeth Banks
- Gregory Jacobs
- HollywoodChicago.com Content
- Jada Pinkett Smith
- Joe Manganiello
- Kevin Nash
- Magic Mike
- Magic Mike XXL
- Matt Bomer
- Michael Strahan
- Movie Review
- Reid Carolin
- Stephen Boss
- Steven Soderbergh
- Warner Bros.
Rating: 2.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – You know those amateur porns with no-name actors that use cheesy dialogue in between the sex scenes those viewers simply want? You never expect a real story or actually developed characters because it’s a collection of sex scenes. It’s not a real, you know, movie.
Interview: Jada Pinkett Smith Plays Host in ‘Magic Mike XXL’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 30, 2015 - 10:23amCHICAGO – Jada Pinkett Smith was doing it her way long before she became half of one of Hollywood’s biggest power couples. From modest beginnings, she worked her way up through the entertainment ranks on television, movies and in a metal band (more on that below). She portrays Rome in the sequel “Magic Mike XXL.”
Interview: Adam Scott Wants Everyone There For ‘The Overnight’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 29, 2015 - 10:20amCHICAGO – Adam Scott has become familiar to audiences through his five year run as Ben Wyatt on TV’s “Parks and Recreation,” but he is also creating a presence on the big screen, with various supporting roles in big films (“The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”) and his latest comedy, “The Overnight.”
Film Review: ‘Max’ is a Step Beyond the Heroic Dog Movie Genre
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 27, 2015 - 8:08amCHICAGO – From Rin-Tin-Tin to Lassie to Benji, American movie goers have loved the heroic dog. As the film “Max” throws its leash into the ring, the expectation was a dull family drama just about Max the dog himself. What a surprise to learn it was also a poignant meditation on people.
‘Max’ is a Step Beyond the Heroic Dog Movie Genre
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 27, 2015 - 8:03amRating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – From Rin-Tin-Tin to Lassie to Benji, American movie goers have loved the heroic dog. As the film “Max” throws its leash into the ring, the expectation was a dull family drama just about Max the dog himself. What a surprise to learn it was also a poignant meditation on people.
HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 75 Pairs of Front-of-the-Line IMAX Passes to ‘Terminator Genisys’
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on June 25, 2015 - 10:18pmCHICAGO – It gives us tremendous pride to offer you this Hookup, but not just because it’s a killer giveaway. It’s not just because we’ve arranged for 75 pairs of you to hopscotch to the front of the line for the advance screening of one of the summer’s most-anticipated blockbuster films. It’s not just because our winners will be seeing “Terminator Genisys” in IMAX.
Film Review: ‘Ted 2’ is a Funnier Film Than it Deserves to Be
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 25, 2015 - 7:52pm- Amanda Seyfried
- Dennis Haysbert
- Giovanni Ribisi
- HollywoodChicago.com Content
- Jay Leno
- Jessica Barth
- John Carroll Lynch
- John Slattery
- Liam Neeson
- Mark Wahlberg
- Michael Dorn
- Morgan Freeman
- Movie Review
- Patrick Stewart
- Patrick Warburton
- Sam J. Jones
- Seth MacFarlane
- Spike Walters
- Ted
- Ted 2
- Tom Brady
- Universal Pictures
CHICAGO – While it’s cruder and it can’t quite match the original “Ted,” “Ted 2” is still funnier than it has any right to be. It is unmistakably a Seth MacFarlane production, and there are a million reasons why this movie shouldn’t work, chief among them a plot that attempts to plop a foul mouthed talking teddy bear into a moralistic legal parable about civil rights. But I can’t deny I laughed throughout, almost despite myself.
‘Ted 2’ is a Funnier Film Than it Deserves to Be
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 25, 2015 - 7:49pm- Amanda Seyfried
- Dennis Haysbert
- Giovanni Ribisi
- HollywoodChicago.com Content
- Jay Leno
- Jessica Barth
- John Carroll Lynch
- John Slattery
- Liam Neeson
- Mark Wahlberg
- Michael Dorn
- Morgan Freeman
- Movie Review
- Patrick Stewart
- Patrick Warburton
- Sam J. Jones
- Seth MacFarlane
- Spike Walters
- Ted
- Ted 2
- Tom Brady
- Universal Pictures
Rating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – While it’s cruder and it can’t quite match the original “Ted,” “Ted 2” is still funnier than it has any right to be. It is unmistakably a Seth MacFarlane production, and there are a million reasons why this movie shouldn’t work, chief among them a plot that attempts to plop a foul mouthed talking teddy bear into a moralistic legal parable about civil rights. But I can’t deny I laughed throughout, almost despite myself.
Interview: Félix de Givry, Sven Hansen-Løve Take the Journey to ‘Eden’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 25, 2015 - 3:15pmCHICAGO – When it comes to how dance music evolved in the last thirty years, there was a ground zero that was launched right here in Chicago. House music, or Garage House, were inspired beats that were mixed from a DJ source in front of the dancers, creating a brand new club scene. The late DJ Frankie Knuckles was one of the pioneers, and his legacy eventually reached Paris, where it was discovered and re-invented in fresh and different forms. A new film called “Eden” explores that phenomenon, and it features Félix de Givry as a Paris DJ in the 1990s and 2000s, based on the life of the co-writer of the film, Sven Hansen-Løve.
Slideshow: ‘Day of the Dead’ Horror Convention Brings Out the Stars
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 25, 2015 - 12:03pmCHICAGO – The “Day of the Dead” Horror Convention is a must-attend for the admirers of the scare genre, with appearances by fright movie favorites, autograph opportunities, special events and after show parties. The next Day of the Dead gathering is this upcoming weekend in Indianapolis, Friday through Sunday, June 26th-28th, 2015.
Interview: Actor Thomas Haden Church is Character Driven in ‘Max’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 25, 2015 - 11:02amCHICAGO – Thomas Haden Church has the recognizable name, and a long career of character roles in comedy and drama. His laid-back persona gets a bit more intense as a conflicted father in the new film “Max,” about a military dog who comes home to an uncertain future with a grieving family.
Film News: Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com to Host ‘The Thieves’ in Chicago on June 24, 2015
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 24, 2015 - 10:43amCHICAGO – The International Screenings Program – co-presented by the City of Chicago, the Chicago International Film Festival (Cinema/Chicago) and the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs – continues on Wednesday, June 24. 2015, with the film “The Thieves” (“Dodookdeul”) from South Korea.
HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 100 Seats to ‘Magic Mike XXL’ For a Girls’ Night Out
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on June 23, 2015 - 5:49pm- Adam Fendelman
- Adam Rodriguez
- Amber Heard
- Andie MacDowell
- Channing Tatum
- Donald Glover
- Elizabeth Banks
- Gregory Jacobs
- HollywoodChicago.com Content
- HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film
- Jada Pinkett Smith
- Joe Manganiello
- Kevin Nash
- Magic Mike
- Magic Mike XXL
- Matt Bomer
- Michael Strahan
- Reid Carolin
- Stephen Boss
- Warner Bros
CHICAGO – Girls’ night out! You’re welcome, ladies. In the latest HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 100 advance-screening movie seats up for grabs to the highly anticipated sequel “Magic Mike XXL” starring Channing Tatum for a girls’ night out!
Indiegogo Launch: All-New HollywoodChicago.com Web Site, Podcasts & More!
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on June 21, 2015 - 7:41pmCHICAGO – HollywoodChicago.com is evolving! Our biggest leap forward in years, we’re transforming into a next-gen everything entertainment publication with a new Web site built from the ground up, new podcasts and more!
HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 40 Pairs of Passes to ‘Ted 2’ With Mark Wahlberg
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on June 21, 2015 - 6:02pmCHICAGO – In the latest HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 40 pairs of advance-screening movie passes up for grabs to the highly anticipated comedy sequel “Ted 2” starring Mark Wahlberg, Seth MacFarlane and Amanda Seyfried!
Red-Carpet Video Interviews: Gloria Estefan’s Broadway Musical ‘On Your Feet!’
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on June 21, 2015 - 1:38pm- 238 Studios
- Adam Fendelman
- Alexander Dinelaris
- Ana Villafañe
- Birdman
- Broadway
- Emilion Estefan
- Gloria Estefan
- Hairspray
- HollywoodChicago.com Content
- Interview
- Jeff Doles
- Jerry Mitchell
- Jersey Boys
- Josh Segarra
- Kinky Boots
- Lauren Wolf
- Marquis Theatre
- Memphis
- On Your Feet!
- Oriental Theatre
- Sergio Trujillo
- Theater
- Video
CHICAGO – HollywoodChicago.com presents our video coverage of the pre-Broadway premiere of the new musical “On Your Feet!” from Gloria Estefan and Emilio Estefan on June 17, 2015 at the Oriental Theatre in Chicago.
HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 100 Seats to Veteran Military Service Dog Movie ‘Max’
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on June 20, 2015 - 10:38pmCHICAGO – In the latest HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 100 advance-screening movie seats up for grabs to the new family adventure “Max” about a veteran military service dog!
Interview: Lori Petty on a New Team in ‘Orange is the New Black’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 20, 2015 - 10:47amCHICAGO – Lori Petty will never be predictable, nor put into some show business box. The free-wheelin’ Ms. P applies her expansive performance skills to the role of Lolly – a guest spot that turned into a recurring character – on Netflix’s hot series “Orange is the New Black,” which released its third season on June 12th, 2015.
Film Review: Alternate American Dream Played Out in ‘Dope’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 19, 2015 - 12:35pmCHICAGO – If you’re lucky enough, you’ll never know what it’s like to grow up in a poor American neighborhood. But what if the notions of such societies are flipped on its ear, and what if the message draws attention to our current perceptions of race? This is what the new film “Dope” conveys.
Alternate American Dream Played Out in ‘Dope’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 19, 2015 - 12:33pmRating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – If you’re lucky enough, you’ll never know what it’s like to grow up in a poor American neighborhood. But what if the notions of such societies are flipped on its ear, and what if the message draws attention to our current perceptions of race? This is what the new film “Dope” conveys.
HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 30 Pairs of Passes to ‘A Little Chaos’ With Alan Rickman, Kate Winslet
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on June 19, 2015 - 12:24am- A Little Chaos
- Adam Fendelman
- Alan Rickman
- Alison Deegan
- BBC Films
- Danny Webb
- Focus Features
- Helen McCrory
- Henry Garrett
- HollywoodChicago.com Content
- HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film
- Jennifer Ehle
- Jeremy Brock
- Kate Winslet
- Matthias Schoenaerts
- Morgan Watkins
- Rupert Penry-Jones
- Stanley Tucci
- Steven Waddington
CHICAGO – In the latest HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 30 pairs of advance-screening movie passes up for grabs to the new romantic dramedy “A Little Chaos” starring Kate Winslet from director Alan Rickman!
Film Review: ‘Inside Out’ is a Loving Masterwork of Pixar Animation
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 18, 2015 - 2:10pmCHICAGO – It starts with the imagination, and the story that comes from that lightning inner creativity. Nobody, it seems, does it better than Pixar Animation, and they are taking it all to a new level. For your consideration, and in a perfect world a candidate for Best Picture, “Inside Out.”
‘Inside Out’ is a Loving Masterwork of Pixar Animation
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 18, 2015 - 2:05pmRating: 5.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – It starts with the imagination, and the story that comes from that lightning inner creativity. Nobody, it seems, does it better than Pixar Animation, and they are taking it all to a new level. For your consideration, and in a perfect world a candidate for Best Picture, “Inside Out.”
Film Review: Love, Truth & Dignity in Emotional ‘The Farewell Party’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 16, 2015 - 11:53amCHICAGO – As the last cells in our carbon based forms decide to perish, how can our consciousness bear the stigma of that demise? This question is the theme of “The Farewell Party,” a Israeli/German production that combines the mix of feelings that come with old age.
Love, Truth & Dignity in Emotional ‘The Farewell Party’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 16, 2015 - 11:48amRating: 5.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – As the last cells in our carbon based forms decide to perish, how can our consciousness bear the stigma of that demise? This question is the theme of “The Farewell Party,” a Israeli/German production that combines the mix of feelings that come with old age, and the sorrowful truth that there are more goodbyes than anything else, with a burden that is brought to bear when a person is dying around family, friends and spouses.
Film Review: SNL Rightly Touts Its Influence in ‘Live From New York!’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 15, 2015 - 11:38am- 1975
- Abramorama
- Alec Baldwin
- Andy Samberg
- Chevy Chase
- Dana Carvey
- Garrett Morris
- George Carlin
- HollywoodChicago.com Content
- Jane Curtin
- Julia Louis-Dreyfuss
- Laraine Newman
- Live From New York!
- Lorne Michaels
- Movie Review
- New York City
- Patrick McDonald
- Rudy Giuliani
- Saturday Night Live
- September 11th
- SNL
- Steve Martin
- Tina Fey
CHICAGO – Love, hate or maintain indifference to it, the TV dinosaur “Saturday Night Live” has and will continue to influence American culture as long as it may reign. To celebrate its 40th Anniversary, filmmaker Bao Nguyen takes a fresh look at the iconic television show in “Live From New York!”
SNL Rightly Touts Its Influence in ‘Live From New York!’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 15, 2015 - 11:32am- 1975
- Abramorama
- Alec Baldwin
- Andy Samberg
- Chevy Chase
- Dana Carvey
- Garrett Morris
- George Carlin
- HollywoodChicago.com Content
- Jane Curtin
- Julia Louis-Dreyfuss
- Laraine Newman
- Live From New York!
- Lorne Michaels
- Movie Review
- New York City
- Patrick McDonald
- Rudy Giuliani
- Saturday Night Live
- September 11th
- SNL
- Steve Martin
- Tina Fey
Rating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Love, hate or maintain indifference to it, the TV dinosaur “Saturday Night Live” has and will continue to influence American culture as long as it may reign. To celebrate its 40th Anniversary, filmmaker Bao Nguyen takes a fresh look at the iconic television show in “Live From New York!”
Film Review: More Than a Popcorn Flick, ‘Jurassic World’ Makes a Climactic Comeback Worth Making
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on June 14, 2015 - 5:33pmCHICAGO – Blockbuster films are obsessed with bigger, louder and faster. They often think they need to spend more money to outdo what they’ve done before – especially when coming from a beloved original like “Jurassic Park”.
More Than a Popcorn Flick, ‘Jurassic World’ Makes a Climactic Comeback Worth Making
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on June 14, 2015 - 4:39pmRating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Blockbuster films are obsessed with bigger, louder and faster. They often think they need to spend more money to outdo what they’ve done before – especially when coming from a beloved original like “Jurassic Park”.