October 2020

Film Review: It’s Very Very Fine! On-Air Review of ‘His House’

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on The Eddie Volkman Show on WSSR-FM (Star 96.7 Joliet, Illinois) on October 16th, 2020, reviewing a new Netflix Halloween release, “Our House,” plus a preview of the produced-in-Chicago film “The Misadventures of Mistress Maneater.”

It’s Very Very Fine! On-Air Review of ‘His House’

HollywoodChicago.com Oscarman rating: 3.5/5.0
Rating: 3.5/5.0

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on The Eddie Volkman Show on WSSR-FM (Star 96.7 Joliet, Illinois) on October 16th, 2020, reviewing a new Netflix Halloween release, “Our House,” plus a preview of the produced-in-Chicago film “The Misadventures of Mistress Maneater.”

Theater News: Final Weekend for Possibilities Theatre Company’s “Free Space,” Oct. 29-31, 2020

Free Space

CHICAGO – Yes Virginia, there still is live theater. The Possibilities Theatre presents “Free Space,” a play by Tara Meddaugh, via Zoom and a special live performance (weather permitting) in its final weekend October 29th-31st, 2020. For more information, including tickets, click here.

Via Zoom: Lorrisa & C.J. Julianus for ‘The Misadventures of Mistress Maneater,’ on Oct. 30, 2020

Misadventures of Mistress Maneater, The

CHICAGO – The culmination of years in sweat and other equity on an independent feature film – slyly entitled “The Misadventures of Mistress Maneater” – has paid off for writer and lead actor Lorrisa Julianus and her husband/director Craig “C.J.” Julianus.

Via Zoom: Steve James and Zak Piper for ‘City So Real,’ Premiering on NatGeo Oct. 29, 2020

CHICAGO – The 2018-19 mayoral campaign in Chicago was a historic moment for the city, as the first woman of color (Lori Lightfoot) was elected. Director Steve James, of the legendary “Hoop Dreams,” takes on the events leading up to this history and beyond, in “City So Real.”

DAY 11 & 12: Closing Night Film of 56th Chicago International Film Festival is ‘Nomadland’

CHICAGO – In this challenging year the 56th Chicago International Film Festival provided a sense of normalcy, within the context of the “new normal.” Offering virtual, online and in-person drive-in screenings, it succeeded in doing what its 2020 slogan said, “Film Will Take You There.”

DAY TEN: Top Film at 56th Chicago International Film Festival is 'Sweat'

CHICAGO – The Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF) is competitive, and the 56th edition presented its awards on October 23rd, 2020, as a live virtual and online event on the CIFF YouTube page. The winner of the Gold Hugo as Best International Film was “Sweat” (France), directed by Magnus von Horn.

Film Review: He’s Back! On-Air Review of ‘Borat: Subsequent Moviefilm’

Borat 2

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on October 22nd, 2020, reviewing the new Sacha Baron Cohen redux of “Borat: Subsequent Moviefilm,” and the last weekend of the 56th Chicago International Film Festival.

He’s Back! On-Air Review of ‘Borat: Subsequent Moviefilm’

HollywoodChicago.com Oscarman rating: 4.5/5.0
Rating: 4.5/5.0

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on October 22nd, 2020, reviewing the new Sacha Baron Cohen redux of “Borat: Subsequent Moviefilm,” and the last weekend of the 56th Chicago International Film Festival.

DAY NINE: LIVE FROM CHICAGO! The 56th Chicago International Film Fest Awards, Oct. 23, 2020

CHICAGO – The Chicago International Film Festival was founded in 1965 by Michael Kutza, and is the longest running “competitive film festival” in North America. So with that in mind it’s time for the 56th festival to confer those awards.

DAY EIGHT: Gregory Monro via Zoom on ‘Kubrick by Kubrick’ at 56th Chicago International Film Fest

CHICAGO – The mercurial genius of filmmaker Stanley Kubrick is a cinephile’s dream, and his films continue to influence. A new documentary, “Kubrick by Kubrick,” directed by Gregory Monro, uses Kubrick’s actual words from past interviews.

Podtalk: Director Kerri Lyn Walsh at Midwest Film Fest Ad Community Shorts Night, Oct. 21, 2020

Midwest FF Ad Community

CHICAGO – The Midwest Film Festival continues their 2020 Fall Drive-In Programs on October 21st, 2020, with the presentation of “Ad Community Shorts Night.” Doors open at 5:30pm at the Chi-Town Movies Drive-In near the Pilsen neighborhood … click here for ticket purchasing information.

DAY SEVEN: Podtalk with Neal Sáles Griffin, for ‘City So Real’ at 56th Chicago International Film Fest

CHICAGO – One of the most influential documentary makers in film history is Chicagoan Steve James of Kartemquin Films. His lens has commented upon not only the seminal “Hoop Dreams” (1994), but “Stevie” (2002), “The Interrupters” (2011), the Roger Ebert bio doc “Life Itself” (2014) and the recent “America to Me.”

Flashback Interview: Jamie Redford, Filmmaker of ‘Resilence’ and Son of Robert, Dies at Age 58

James Redford

MARIN COUNTY, CALIF. – James “Jamie” Redford was on a righteous mission. The activist filmmaker created documentaries that spoke of the ills society is facing, including “Toxic Hot Seat” (chemicals in households), “Paper Tigers” (childhood psychology), “Resilence” (a deeper dive into Adverse Childhood Experience) and his recent “Happening: A Clean Energy Revolution.” Jamie Redford died of bile duct cancer on October 16th, 2020, at his home in Marin County, California. He was 58.

DAY SIX: Podtalk, Heather Ross of ‘For Madmen Only’ at 56th Chicago International Film Fest

CHICAGO – One of the prime Chicago-centric documentaries at the 56th Chicago International Film Festival is “For Madmen Only: Stories of Del Close.” Del Close was a legendary instructor in the Chicago comedy improv scene, and director Heather Ross created this multi-layered doc of his comic force.

Film Review: Taken in by Liam! On-Air Review of ‘Honest Thief’

Honest Thief

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on The Eddie Volkman Show on WSSR-FM (Star 96.7 Joliet, Illinois) on October 16th, 2020, reviewing the new Liam Neeson action movie, ‘Honest Thief, also featuring Robert Patrick of “Terminator 2.”

Taken in by Liam! On-Air Review of ‘Honest Thief’

HollywoodChicago.com Oscarman rating: 3.0/5.0
Rating: 3.0/5.0

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on The Eddie Volkman Show on WSSR-FM (Star 96.7 Joliet, Illinois) on October 16th, 2020, reviewing the new Liam Neeson action movie, ‘Honest Thief, also featuring Robert Patrick of “Terminator 2.”

DAYs THREE-FIVE: Industry Days Wraps Up at the 56th Chicago International Film Festival

CHICAGO – The 56th Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF) is virtual and online RIGHT NOW, so go download some movies! This is your last chance for INDUSTRY DAYS (through October 18th), where you can rub virtual elbows with some of the movers and shakers in the film industry here in Chicago.

DAY TWO: Appearances and Film Q&As Announced for the 56th Chicago International Film Fest

I'm Your Woman

CHICAGO – Just because the majority of the 56th Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF) will be virtual and online, doesn’t mean that there won’t be filmmaker and talent appearances. Highlights for appearances for the 56th CIFF include “The Marvelous Mrs.

Film Review: In the Cradle! On-Air Review of Harry Chapin Rock Doc

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on October 15th, 2020, reviewing the new rock documentary “Harry Chapin: When in Doubt, Do Something,” and a preview of the 56th Chicago International Film Festival.

In the Cradle! On-Air Review of Harry Chapin Rock Doc

HollywoodChicago.com Oscarman rating: 4.0/5.0
Rating: 4.0/5.0

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on October 15th, 2020, reviewing the new rock documentary “Harry Chapin: When in Doubt, Do Something,” and a preview of the 56th Chicago International Film Festival.

Interview: R.J. Cutler on ‘Belushi,’ Opening Film for 56th Chicago International Fest, Oct. 14, 2020

CHICAGO – The 56th Chicago International Film Festival will honor a prime comic force on its Opening Night on Wednesday, October 14th, 2020. The premiere of the Showtime documentary “Belushi” is a chronicle of John Belushi, directed by R.J. Cutler.

Flashback Interview: Judy Belushi on John, Before Chicago International Fest Premiere of ‘Belushi’

Judy and John Belushi

CHICAGO – The 56th Chicago International Film Festival will honor the town and one of its favorite sons on its Opening Night on Wednesday, October 14th, 2020. The premiere of the Showtime documentary “Belushi” is a chronicle of John Belushi, directed by R.J. Cutler.

Film Review: Senior Moment! On-Air Review of ‘The War with Grandpa’

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on October 8th, 2020, reviewing the new live action film “The War with Grandpa,” featuring Robert De Niro.

Senior Moment! On-Air Review of ‘The War with Grandpa’

HollywoodChicago.com Oscarman rating: 3.5/5.0
Rating: 3.5/5.0

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on October 8th, 2020, reviewing the new live action film “The War with Grandpa,” featuring Robert De Niro.

Podtalk: Jenaeth Markaj of 8th Annual Shortcut 100 International Film Fest, Oct. 9-16, 2020

Shortcut 100, 2020

CHICAGO – One of the great and now traditional Fall cinema events in Chicago is the Shortcut 100 International Film Festival, and this year there will be a hybrid of in-person and virtual/online events associated with the 8th annual short film celebration.

Film Feature: Guide to the 56th Chicago International Film Festival, Oct. 14-25, 2020

2020 CIFF Logo

CHICAGO – It’s one week to go until the Opening Night of the 56th Chicago International Film Festival, as this year’s fest goes virtual and online. But also as a “hybrid,” the fest mixes in special events, eight drive-in screenings and opportunities/programming in a wide range of special offerings. Although the structure of the Festival may be different, the scope of their film selection for cinema fans is still in place.

Podtalk: Ashton Swinford, Creator of ‘Miss Information,’ a Web Series Premiering Oct. 7, 2020

Miss Information

CHICAGO – Fact or fiction is a current debate in news programming, especially as people naturally digest “the news” that makes them comfortable. A new five-episode web series created by filmmaker Ashton Swinford, “Miss Information,” is a satire-oriented show that seeks to entertain and educate viewers on the bias, fake news and bot infiltration that litters social media.

Interview: The Illuminating Evolution of the Band ‘Each Day’

WEST CHICAGO, ILL. – The WC Social Club hosted emerging Indie Rock performers Each Day for a much needed night of live music and liquid refreshments. The talented and versatile band consists of Taylor Oechsel (lead vocals, rhythm guitar, main songwriter), Christopher Marszalek (drums, producer) Nick Stubblefield (lead guitar) and Mia Stubblefield (vocals).

Podtalk: Lydia Dean Pilcher, Director of ‘A Call To Spy’

CHICAGO – When a prominent and influential producer made the transition into solo directing, she sought stories that matched her intuitive and natural passions. Lydia Dean Pilcher chose “A Call to Spy,” a World War II-era drama that focuses on three women who defied their obstacles and became early war heroes.

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