Patrick McDonald

Film Review: Heroic, Visually Bold ‘How to Train Your Dragon 2’

CHICAGO – “How to Train Your Dragon 2” is spectacular in 3D, the filmmakers actually geared the film to enhance that much maligned vision. It also features a warm and heroic story about the coming-of-age for the character Hiccup, and his now fully trained dragon, Toothless.

Interview: Jenny Slate, Director Gillian Robespierre of ‘Obvious Child’

CHICAGO – An authentic voice in the film category of “romantic comedy” has emerged, and it is represented by lead actress Jenny Slate (“Saturday Night Live”) and writer/director Gillian Robespierre. One night stands, its consequences and yes, love is explored in the excellent new rom-com “Obvious Child.”

Film Review: Stellar Actors Put ‘Words and Pictures’ Together

Words and Pictures

CHICAGO – “Words and Pictures” is a bit twee. In the film’s central debate between which medium has more influence, there was a drunken writer, prep students straight out of “Dead Poet’s Society” and cutesy romance. But there was also Clive Owen and Juliette Binoche at the top of their performance games, and they uplifted all these regular story elements.

Blu-ray Review: John Wayne’s ‘McLintock!’ is Dated But Fun

McLintock!

CHICAGO – There is not quite any entertainment like a great John Wayne picture, and “McLintock!” certainly fulfills that expectation. But in adapting Shakepeare’s “Taming of the Shrew,” they forgot that the womenfolk had progressed a bit since the spankings that were liberally doled out against the wives and daughters.

Exclusive Portrait: Paul Stanley of Rock Band KISS Unmasked

Paul Stanley of KISS, photo by Joe Arce

CHICAGO – Fresh from his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (along with bandmates Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons and Peter Criss), Paul Stanley of the rock group KISS stopped by last month at Anderson’s Bookshop in Naperville, Ill. to sign his new book “Face the Music: A Life Exposed”.

Theater Review: ‘Carrie: The Musical’ is Surprisingly Serious

CHICAGO – Some people spend the rest of their lives trying to compensate for slights felt in high school – that social jungle is staged in “Carrie: The Musical.” Based on Stephen King’s novel, the story of Carrie White is presented as an adversarial tale by Bailiwick Chicago at Victory Gardens Theater.

Theater Review: ‘Hair’ Still Shines at American Theater Company

CHICAGO – At intermission, I remarked to a fellow theater patron that the musical “Hair,” presented by the American Theater Company (ATC) of Chicago, still has a solid impact. His logical reply, “it’s hard to mess this one up.” The ATC does the classic hippie musical proud, with a raucous rendition.

Blu-ray Review: Dated ‘Riot in Cell Block 11’ is Beautifully Filmed

Riot in Cell Block 11

CHICAGO – The Criterion Collection has added “Riot in Cell Block 11” (1954) to their stellar Blu-ray family, and the transfer is absolutely gorgeous, especially if you’re an admirer of the stark cinematography of the late black & white film era. Although dated, it still packs a gritty wallop.

Film News: Midwest Independent Film Festival to Present ‘Animals’ on June 3, 2014

Animals

CHICAGO – One of the best local independent films recently shot in Chicago is the story of two lost souls entitled “Animals.” The Midwest Independent Film Festival will present the film on their usual “first Tuesday” program on June 3rd, 2014, at the Landmark Century Centre Cinema in Chicago.

Slideshow: Adam Carolla’s New Book ‘President Me: The America That’s in My Head’

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Adam Carolla poses right before his appearance at North Central College.

CHICAGO – Adam Carolla has been making the rounds lately, to promote his new book, “President Me: The America That’s in My Head.” He came to Chicago on May 23rd, 2014, to North Central College in Naperville, Illinois and did a Q&A with Chicago Sun-Times Film Critic Richard Roeper, in addition to signing copies of the book for admirers. The event was presented by Anderson’s Bookshop in Naperville.

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TV, DVD, BLU-RAY & THEATER REVIEWS

  • Manhunt

    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+.

  • Topdog/Underdog, Invictus Theatre

    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.

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