CHICAGO – Excelsior! Comic book legend Stan Lee’s famous exclamation puts a fine point on the third and final play of Mark Pracht’s FOUR COLOR TRILOGY, “The House of Ideas,” presented by and staged at City Lit Theater in Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood. For tickets/details, click HOUSE OF IDEAS.
Horror
Audio Film Review: Witchy! Review of ‘We Need to Do Something’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on September 2, 2021 - 4:37pmCHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review on the new psychological horror film “We Need to Do Something” – featuring Pat Healy of Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theater Company – in select theaters, beginning on September 3rd, 2021.
Exclusive Photos: C.M. Punk in 'Girl on the Third Floor’ at the 55th Chicago International Film Fest
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 23, 2019 - 9:51amCHICAGO – The film ‘Girl on the Third Floor’ caused a sensation at the 55th Chicago International Film Festival in the “After Dark” series screenings, selling out two show on October 18th, 2019. Beforehand at the Red Carpet, cast members Phil Brooks (also known as C.M.
DAY TWO Podtalk: ‘Girl on the Third Floor’ at the 55th Chicago International Film Festival
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 17, 2019 - 3:42pmCHICAGO – One of the more popular series at the 55th Chicago International Film Festival is their “After Dark” screenings, with the most notorious of 2019 horror unspooling throughout the late night hours. One of the best is “Girl on the Third Floor, which is directed by Travis Stevens, and features Phil Brooks (also known as C.M.
Podtalk: Director Gigi Saul Guerrero Debuts ‘Culture Shock,’ Streaming on Hulu, July 4, 2019
Submitted by PatrickMcD on July 2, 2019 - 10:00amCHICAGO – She calls her style of grindhouse and gore films “Tex Mex,” and you won’t find a better femme fatale producing a better debut film in that genre. Director Gigi Saul Guerrero makes her feature film debut with “Culture Shock,” which will premiere for the Hulu streaming service on July 4th, 2019, part of their “Into the Dark” series of horror films through Blumhouse Television.
Film Review: Jordan Peele’s ‘Us’ Gets Bogged Down in Conventionality
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 20, 2019 - 7:13pmCHICAGO – Like his first film, “Get Out,” writer/director Jordan Peele creates a horror/thriller filled with symbolism and laughs. Unlike “Get Out,” “Us” is awash in overly concentrated plot points, a reliance on lesser references and an ending that can be seen from outer space. It’s not sophomore “jinx,” but more like the sophomore “over think.”
Film News: Cinepocalypse Closing Night with ‘Killer Klowns from Outer Space’ on June 28, 2018
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 28, 2018 - 11:54amCHICAGO – The end is near for the 2nd Annual Cinepocalypse Film Fest at the historic Music Box Theatre in Chicago, as they present “Killer Klowns from Outer Space” for their Closing Night Film on Thursday, June 28th (8:30p), with cult writer/directors (and brothers) Stephen and Charles Chiodo making an appearance on behalf of the film. For ticket information, click here.
Film News: Lana Wachowski to Present ‘Bound’ at 2018 Cinepocalypse on June 27
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 26, 2018 - 9:40amCHICAGO – The roots of the Chicago-born Wachowski Siblings (“The Matrix,” “Cloud Atlas”) is in the 1990s, with their unforgettable directorial debut “Bound” (1996). To celebrate that landmark, the Cinepocalypse Film Fest invited Lana Wachowski to present the film at the historic Music Box Theatre on Wednesday, June 27th, 2018 (7pm). To purchase tickets, click here.
Film News: Special Guests for ‘Cinepocalypse’ at Chicago’s Music Box, June 21-28, 2018
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 21, 2018 - 9:31amCHICAGO – It’s the 2nd Annual “Cinepocalypse,” unspooling at Chicago’s historic Music Box Theatre on Thursday, June 21st, 2018, for a week of weirdness, horror and cinema carnage. Throughout the week, there will be special appearances, freaky revivals and Lifetime Achievements. The following is a guide to all the special guests and events for this special film festival.
Film Review: Toni Collette Discovers that Horror is ‘Hereditary’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 8, 2018 - 6:26pmCHICAGO – The classic horror/psychological films continue to chill our souls long after the experience of them. “Hereditary” uses a masterful performance by Toni Collette, and layers it with symbolic commentary and freaky scares to accomplish that lingering discomfort. After viewing it, the cluck of the tongue will never be the same.
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.