CHICAGO – We all need some help. The stage play group Nothing Without a Company realizes that, and has collaborated with the organization “Cornerstone” to provide that assistance. Cornerstone is a seminar and a happening in downtown Chicago, facilitated by “experts” to generate your potential. The presentation has a Thursday-Sunday run at Michigan Avenue’s Artspace 8 through April 29th, 2018. Click here for more details, including ticket information.
April 2018
Film News: 'The Summit' on Closing Night of 34th Chicago Latino Film Festival, April 19, 2018
Submitted by PatrickMcD on April 17, 2018 - 11:57pm- 2018
- 34th
- AMC River East Theatre
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Chicago
- Chicago Latino Film Festival
- Chile
- Closing Night
- Columbia
- Columbia College
- Cuba
- France
- Gala
- Gloria Career Achievement Award
- HollywoodChicago.com Content
- International Latino Cultural Center
- Interview
- La Cordillera
- Opening Night
- Patrick McDonald
- Pepe Vargas
- Ricardo Darin
- Spain
- The Summit
- United States
- Venezuela
CHICAGO – It’s coming up on Closing Night for the 34th Chicago Latino Film Festival, and the two weeks of the fest was a celebration and gift to film in Chicago. The Closing Night Gala on April 19th, 2018, will feature the film “The Summit” (“La Cordillera”) from Argentina, Spain and France. Actor Ricardo Darín will also receive the Gloria Career Achievement Award as part of the festivities. The event is sold out, but click here for more information.
Film News: Cinema/Chicago Presents the 14th CineYouth Festival, April 20-22, 2018
Submitted by PatrickMcD on April 17, 2018 - 11:45pmCHICAGO – The 14th annual CineYouth Festival – presented by Cinema/Chicago – starts on Friday, April 20th, 2017, at the Music Box Theatre in Chicago, kicking off a three day festival run. The opening night film is Director Bing Liu’s “Minding the Gap,’ a critically acclaimed documentary by Chicago’s Kartemquin films. Tickets to all events are FREE and open to the public. For more information and a full weekend schedule, click here.
Interview: ‘Life is a Bitch,’ at the 34th Chicago Latino Film Festival on April 18, 2018
Submitted by PatrickMcD on April 17, 2018 - 10:34amCHICAGO – The 34th Chicago Latino Film Festival (CLFF) has been nearly two weeks of the best in Latin American, Mexican and Hispanic cinema. As the festival wraps up on April 19th, one of its best comedies – “Life is a Bitch” from Brazil – will screen on Wednesday, April 18th, 2018. For more information, click here.
Film News: 2018 Tribeca Film Festival Opens with ‘Love, Gilda’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on April 17, 2018 - 9:10amNEW YORK CITY – The 17th edition of the Tribeca Film Festival will open with a truly New York-centric celebration. Live from the Beacon Theatre on April 18th, 2018, will be “Love, Gilda.” This documentary on the life of “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) superstar Gilda Radner kicks off the two week festival, April 18th through April 29th.
Theater Review: Nothing Without a Company Builds a ‘Cornerstone’ in Downtown Chicago
Submitted by PatrickMcD on April 16, 2018 - 11:44amCHICAGO – We all need some help. The stage play group Nothing Without a Company realizes that, and has collaborated with the organization “Cornerstone” to provide that assistance. Cornerstone is a seminar and a happening in downtown Chicago, facilitated by “experts” to generate your potential. The presentation has a Thursday-Sunday run at Michigan Avenue’s Artspace 8 through April 29th, 2018. Click here for more details, including ticket information.
Photo Gallery: Echosmith at Metro Chicago on April 15, 2018
Submitted by JeffDoles on April 15, 2018 - 8:39pmCHICAGO – Echosmith performing at Metro Chicago on April 15th, 2018. HollywoodChicago.com photographer Jeff Doles brings you the photos! Click “Next” and “Previous” to scan through the slideshow or jump directly to individual photos with the captioned links below. All photos © Jeff Doles for HollywoodChicago.com.
Interview: Larry Ziegelman's Chicago Web Series ‘Geek Lounge,’ Screening April 17, 2018
Submitted by PatrickMcD on April 15, 2018 - 3:09pmCHICAGO – Getting to the next step of any new creative project is the goal, and creator/director Larry Ziegelman has done it. One year after premiering his new web series, “Geek Lounge,” he has completed an entire season, and is ready for the festivals. The idea behind Geek Lounge was to combine the nerd culture of “Silicon Valley” with the back-and-forth bar banter of “Cheers.” He will screen the entire series on Tuesday, April 17th, 2018, at the Den Theatre in Chicago, FREE and open to the public. Click here for details and ticket information.
Film Review: Stylish, Well Performed ‘You Were Never Really Here’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on April 15, 2018 - 8:44amCHICAGO – Actor Joaquin Phoenix almost solely specializes in portraying broken souls, but he also does it with such intensity that he adds necessary depth to those characters, to allow for their redemption. As a hit man for hire in the new film “You Were Never Really Here,” he again reaches beyond the darkness.
Stylish, Well Performed ‘You Were Never Really Here’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on April 15, 2018 - 8:38am![]() Rating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Actor Joaquin Phoenix almost solely specializes in portraying broken souls, but he also does it with such intensity that he adds necessary depth to those characters, to allow for their redemption. As a hit man for hire in the new film “You Were Never Really Here,” he again reaches beyond the darkness.
Interview: Director Huaug Hsin-yao on ‘The Great Buddha +’ at Chicago’s Asian Pop-Up Cinema
Submitted by PatrickMcD on April 14, 2018 - 11:20amCHICAGO – Season Six is one of the most successful for Chicago’s Asian Pop-Up Cinema (APUC), as they present gems from the Asian film world that provide mind and cultural expansion. Recently, as part of their Taiwan Cinema Days, APUC brought in director Huang Hsin-yao of “The Great Buddha +,” a meditation on class, religion and the ever present eye-in-the-sky video of the current era.
Podtalk: Brian Zahm on ‘Tea Party’ at Chicago’s Sound of Silent Film Fest on April 14, 2018
Submitted by PatrickMcD on April 13, 2018 - 11:54amCHICAGO – Chicago has a wealth of film festivals this spring, and one of the coolest ones will take place on Saturday, April 14th, 2018, at the historic Davis Theater. The 13th Sound of Silent Film Festival combines cutting edge filmmakers – like Brian Zahm of “Tea Party” – and pairs their short works with Chicago-area musicians in all styles, who will provide live in-theater accompaniment. There are two shows, 7pm and 9:30pm, and to purchase tickets to one or both click here.
Film Review: There Are Just Enough Reasons to Go Ape Over ‘Rampage’
Submitted by JonHC on April 12, 2018 - 12:44pmCHICAGO - As a whole, we have a fascination with watching destruction in front of us. It provides a catharsis from our heavily stressed lives, especially in the Trump era. It provides a necessary release of aggression, the same way video games do for people. “Rampage” scratches that itch, but only if you aren’t also looking to be intellectually stimulated or care about plot coherence.
There Are Just Enough Reasons to Go Ape Over ‘Rampage’
Submitted by JonHC on April 12, 2018 - 12:37pm![]() Rating: 2.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO - As a whole, we have a fascination with watching destruction in front of us. It provides a catharsis from our heavily stressed lives, especially in the Trump era. It provides a necessary release of aggression, the same way video games do for people. “Rampage” scratches that itch, but only if you aren’t also looking to be intellectually stimulated or care about plot coherence.
Podtalk: Malin Akerman of ‘Rampage’ on Michigan Avenue Cover
Submitted by PatrickMcD on April 11, 2018 - 5:14pmCHICAGO – The restaurant Katana, in the River North neighborhood of Chicago, was the setting for the unveiling of Michigan Avenue Magazine’s latest cover on April 3rd… their 2018 Spring Style issue. Actress Malin Akerman (“Billions,” “The Heartbreak Kid”), whose latest film is “Rampage,” graced the front of the issue.
Interview: ‘Silvia’ at the 34th Chicago Latino Film Festival on April 11, 2018
Submitted by PatrickMcD on April 11, 2018 - 10:30amCHICAGO – Discovering new filmmaking talent often starts with the short film, and the 34th Chicago Latino Film Festival is showcasing shorts before many of their feature films during the fest. Local Chicago director Diego Bolivar has submitted “Silvia,” a dreamy thesis on the decisions that many immigrants have to make while residing in America. The film will be shown with the feature film Translucid/Translúcudo on April 11th, 2018. Click here for more details.
Film Review: ‘Beirut’ is a Superbly Tense Geopolitical Thriller
Submitted by PatrickMcD on April 11, 2018 - 9:17amCHICAGO – The psychological desperation of life-or-death decisions are in play within “Beirut,” the new geopolitical thriller featuring Jon Hamm (“Mad Men”). The various mazes within the story, set during the Lebanon civil war of the 1980s, is comparative to “Casablanca,” especially through the world-weary expression of Hamm’s character.
‘Beirut’ is a Superbly Tense Geopolitical Thriller
Submitted by PatrickMcD on April 11, 2018 - 9:11am![]() Rating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – The psychological desperation of life-or-death decisions are in play within “Beirut,” the new geopolitical thriller featuring Jon Hamm (“Mad Men”). The various mazes within the story, set during the Lebanon civil war of the 1980s, is comparative to “Casablanca,” especially through the world-weary expression of Hamm’s character.
Interview: ‘Perfect Revolution' at Chicago’s Asian Pop-Up Cinema on April 11, 2018
Submitted by PatrickMcD on April 10, 2018 - 11:29pmCHICAGO – Japan is up for this week’s feature in Chicago’s Asian Pop-Up Cinema (APUC) series… and what a great film it is. “Perfect Revolution,’ directed by Junpei Matsumoto, is about handicaps… both physical and mental. The film features Japanese actors Lily Franky and Nana Seino, in a odd coupling that’s a relationship experience. The film will be presented on Wednesday, April 11th, at the AMC River East 21 in Chicago, with director Matumoto San appearing at the screening. For more details, click here.
HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 50 Pairs of Passes to ‘Blumhouse’s Truth or Dare’ From ‘Get Out’ Producer
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on April 8, 2018 - 8:37pmCHICAGO – In the latest HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 50 pairs of advance-screening movie passes up for grabs to the new horror film “Blumhouse’s Truth or Dare” from the producer of “Get Out”!
Film News: Chicago’s DOC 10 Closing Night with Elvis in ‘THE KING’ on April 8, 2018
Submitted by PatrickMcD on April 8, 2018 - 11:59amCHICAGO – Elvis is everywhere and the new documentary “THE KING” proves it. There can’t be a better Closing Night film at Chicago’s DOC 10 Film Festival – April 8th, 2018, at the Davis Theater in the Lincoln Square neighborhood – then this amazing document of Elvis and the American Dream, which was directed by Eugene Jarecki (“Why We Fight”). It’s a must see. For more information, ticket info, click here.
Interview: Daphne Maxwell Reid from MLK Jr. to the Fresh Prince
Submitted by PatrickMcD on April 8, 2018 - 9:33am- 1968
- African America
- Alfonso Ribeiro
- Aunt Vivian
- Bursar
- Carlton
- Daphne Maxwell Reid
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
- HollywoodChicago.com Content
- Interview
- James Avery
- Jazzy Jeff
- Malcolm X
- MLK
- Northwestern University
- Patrick McDonald
- Robert Conrad
- Sit-In
- The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
- Tim Reid
- Tom Dressen
- Will Smith
CHICAGO – This week marks the 50th Anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination and funeral, but locally it was one month later – May 3rd, 1968 – that a “sit-in” took place at Northwestern University near Chicago, as protesting African American students sought change. Future actor Daphne Maxwell Reid was a participant.
Podtalk: J. Wilder Konschak & Stirling McLaughlin on Digital Release of ‘Cold War’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on April 7, 2018 - 10:57am- Amazon
- Antoine McKay
- Cold War
- Couples
- FandangoNow
- Gail Rastorfer
- Google Play
- HollywoodChicago.com Content
- Interview
- iTunes
- J. Wilder Konschak
- Madeline Walker
- Michael Blaiklock
- Patrick McDonald
- Podcast
- Podtalk
- Relationships
- Scarlett Harper
- Spaceship Town Productions
- Stirling McLaughlin
- Vudu
- Theater, TV, DVD & Blu-Ray
CHICAGO – Local filmmaking is thriving, thanks to the many creators who choose to make independent movies in Chicago. Co-directors Stirling McLaughlin and J. Wilder Konschak (also writer) brought their cast and crew to the Windy City to make their comedy, “Cold War.” The film made its digital debut on April 6th, 2018, and will be available on iTunes, Google Play, FandangoNow, Amazon, Vudu and more.
Podtalk: ‘Murder in the Woods,’ at the 34th Chicago Latino Film Festival on April 9, 2018
Submitted by PatrickMcD on April 7, 2018 - 9:23amCHICAGO – The 34th Chicago Latino Film Festival (CLFF) is underway, after a successful Opening Night on April 5th, 2018. One of the showcase films will have its Midwest Premiere on Saturday, April 7th, the horror tale “Murder in the Woods.” Directed by Luis Iga and written by Yelyna De Leon, the film features “Machete” star Danny Trejo and young Latino actors portraying teens that are being killed in mysterious circumstances during a cabin getaway. For information about the Red Carpet and premiere, click here.
Film Review: Bottom Line is ‘Blockers’ Has Some Decent Laughs
Submitted by PatrickMcD on April 6, 2018 - 6:05amCHICAGO – Comedy is purely subjective, and the new film ‘Blockers’ sets out to prove it, by expectorating joke after joke in all categories of sophistication. Physical pratfalls, witty asides, gross-out, sex, nudity, drugs, surrealism and more are all on the humor buffet, so pick, choose and laugh, as they pile it on.
Bottom Line is ‘Blockers’ Has Some Decent Laughs
Submitted by PatrickMcD on April 6, 2018 - 6:00am![]() Rating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Comedy is purely subjective, and the new film ‘Blockers’ sets out to prove it, by expectorating joke after joke in all categories of sophistication. Physical pratfalls, witty asides, gross-out, sex, nudity, drugs, surrealism and more are all on the humor buffet, so pick, choose and laugh, as they pile it on.
Film Review: ‘A Quiet Place’ Will Make You Wish You Had a Quiet Place to Hide
Submitted by JonHC on April 5, 2018 - 9:13pmCHICAGO – Terror and fear take several forms. Sometimes it’s something as simple as spiders or snakes or even an incompetent president. Other times it can take the form of natural states, like darkness. Horror films channel our fears, but the great ones give us something new to fear. “A Quiet Place” lures us in with the safety of silence, only to reveal the monsters hiding within.
‘A Quiet Place’ Will Make You Wish You Had a Quiet Place to Hide
Submitted by JonHC on April 5, 2018 - 9:07pm![]() Rating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO - Terror and fear take several forms. Sometimes it’s something as simple as spiders or snakes or even an incompetent president. Other times it can take the form of natural states, like darkness. Horror films channel our fears, but the great ones give us something new to fear. “A Quiet Place” lures us in with the safety of silence, only to reveal the monsters hiding within.
Film News: Chicago’s DOC 10 opens with ‘Won’t You Be My Neighbor’ on April 5, 2018
Submitted by PatrickMcD on April 5, 2018 - 9:30amCHICAGO – Documentaries are often the most compelling filmmaking, because truth is always stranger. The Chicago Media Project presents its third annual DOC 10, a weekend festival of 11 (10+1!) prominent documentaries that often end up either making a national statement or getting nominated for awards. It all takes place at the Davis Theatre in the Lincoln Square neighborhood from April 5th-8th, 2018. For more information, including schedule and tickets, click here.
Interview: Founder/Director Pepe Vargas of 34th Chicago Latino Film Fest, April 5-19, 2018
Submitted by PatrickMcD on April 4, 2018 - 4:10pmCHICAGO – One of the great cinema festivals of the Windy City is run by Pepe Vargas, the Founder and Executive Director of the Chicago Latino Film Festival. The 2018 edition will be the 34th annual, and Vargas has shepherded the film celebration since its beginnings. Opening Night is on Thursday, April 5th, at the AMC River East Theatre in Chicago, with a Puerto Rican themed night, with the films “From Now On” (short) and the feature film “Broche De Oro: Beginnings.” For more details, click here.
Podtalk: 50 Years Later, Jesse Jackson on Martin Luther King Jr.
Submitted by PatrickMcD on April 4, 2018 - 7:44amCHICAGO – On April 4th, 1968, Reverend Jesse Jackson was already, at age 26, a civil rights leader. He joined Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Memphis, Tennessee, on that April night to help with a sanitation workers strike. He was in the parking lot of the Lorraine Motel when the shots rang out that killed Dr. King on the balcony.