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+.
Catholic
On-Air Film Review: ‘The Exorcist: Believer’ is the Devil You Say
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 5, 2023 - 2:26pmCHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on October 5th, 2023, reviewing “The Exorcist: Believer” a story continuation from the universe of the original film. In theaters on October 6th.
Podtalk: Nicole Bernardi-Reis on ‘With This Light,’ in Chicagoland on August 11th, 2023
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 8, 2023 - 7:06pmCHICAGO – Nicole Bernardi-Reis is a veteran local producer, yet found another calling within the film arts as co-director … with Laura Bermúdez … of “With This Light.” The documentary is the story of Sister Maria Rosa Leggoi, a Honduran nun who spent her life building and providing shelter for orphaned, poverty stricken and abused children. “With This Light,” makes its Chicagoland premiere on August 9th, 2023, and begins a one week run at the Wayfarer Theaters in Highland Park (Illinois) on August 11th. Click LIGHT for details.
Podtalk: Irish Actor/Director Tania Notaro on Her Film ‘Glitterbug’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 23, 2023 - 12:19pmCHICAGO – When the term “A Star is Born” is used, behind that moment is hours of toil and stick-to-it-tiveness that actors and creators must go through. In that process is the Irish actor/writer and director Tania Notaro, who recently brought her short film “Glitterbug” to the Chicago Irish Film Festival.
Audio Film Review: Mark His Redemption in ‘Father Stu’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on April 12, 2022 - 10:15pmCHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review on “Father Stu,” featuring Mark Wahlberg traveling down an unusual life path, portraying a character journey from unsuccessful boxer and actor to the priesthood. In theaters on Wednesday, April 13th, just in time for redemption on Easter weekend.
Via Zoom: Comedian Katie Hannigan’s ‘Feeling of Emptiness’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on April 10, 2022 - 10:20amCHICAGO – As performance ramps up again in 2022, one of the great comic voices on the stand-up comedy scene is Katie Hannigan. The veteran jokester has recently released a comedy album, the perfect-for-the-times title of “Feeling of Emptiness.” Ms. Hannigan riffs on herself essentially, with sharp observations on being a woman in these particular times.
Recovering Catholic Soul! On-Air Review of Netflix's ‘Midnight Mass’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 22, 2021 - 11:31amCHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on October 21st, 2021, reviewing the new miniseries “Midnight Mass,” currently streaming on Netflix.
Film Review: ‘Silence’ is an Overwrought View of Religious Faith
Submitted by PatrickMcD on January 11, 2017 - 11:25amCHICAGO – For gosh sakes, someone call the Vatican and make Marty Scorsese an honorary priest. He is overtly fascinated – in this work and his other films – with the notion of religious faith, particular within his Catholic roots. He approaches the subject again in the intense “Silence.”
Film Review: Reverent, Joyful & Inspirational Jesus in ‘Risen’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 20, 2016 - 9:05amCHICAGO – I am a recovering Catholic, which I’ll tell you a million times – or maybe shortly after I meet you – and I have to say I had a well of nostalgia while experiencing “Risen,” the story of Jesus’s Resurrection and aftermath. It is enjoyable, in a strange way, for Christians and film fans alike.
Film Review: Olivia Wilde Resurrects Horror in ‘The Lazarus Effect’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 27, 2015 - 11:34amCHICAGO – Psychological horror films are the best tweaks, because they remind us of our fears, and where are fears are rooted. The strange combination of science, religion and a blockbuster performance by Olivia Wilde creates an atmosphere of dread and weirdness in “The Lazarus Effect.”
Film Review: Psychological, Religious Edge to ‘The Possession of Michael King’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 22, 2014 - 6:01pmCHICAGO – The problem with most horror films is that they don’t understand what really scares us, and substitute bloody messes or the jack-in-the-box “boo!” instead of what really gets under our skins. “The Possession of Michael King” is a rare and special exception, taking demonic possession to broad depths of psychological and religious symbolism.