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.
September 2021
On-Air Film Review: Teen Age! Review of ‘The Many Saints of Newark’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on September 30, 2021 - 4:51pm- Alessandro Nivola
- Corey Stoll
- Got Yourself a Gun
- HBO Max
- HollywoodChicago.com Content
- John Margaro
- Leslie Odom Jr.
- Livia
- Michael Gandofini
- Monroe
- Movie Review
- Pat Über TV
- Patrick McDonald
- Ray Liotta
- Scott Thompson
- Silvio
- The Many Saints of Newark
- The Morning Mess
- The Sopranos
- Tony Soprano
- Uncle Junior
- Vera Farmiga
- Warner Bros.
- WBGR-FM
- Wisconsin
CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on September 30th, 2021, reviewing the new film “The Many Saints of Newark” in theaters and streaming on HBO Max beginning October 1st.
Teen Age Tone! On-Air Review of ‘The Many Saints of Newark’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on September 30, 2021 - 4:47pm- Alessandro Nivola
- Corey Stoll
- Got Yourself a Gun
- HBO MAX
- HollywoodChicago.com Content
- John Margaro
- Leslie Odom Jr.
- Livia
- Michael Gandofini
- Monroe
- Movie Review
- Pat Über TV
- Patrick McDonald
- Ray Liotta
- Scott Thompson
- Silvio
- The Many Saints of Newark
- The Morning Mess
- The Sopranos
- Tony Soprano
- Uncle Junior
- Vera Farmiga
- Warner Bros.
- WBGR-FM
- Wisconsin
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 September 30th, 2021, reviewing the new film “The Many Saints of Newark” in theaters and streaming on HBO Max beginning October 1st.
Via Zoom: Sarah Burns on ‘The Central Park Five,’ ‘Jackie Robinson’ & “Muhammad Ali’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on September 29, 2021 - 2:22pmCHICAGO – Say the name “Ken Burns” and immediately images are evoked regarding the best of American documentaries. For three films – “The Central Park Five,” “Jackie Robinson” and the latest PBS documentary series, “Muhammad Ali” – Ken’s daughter Sarah Burns co-directed with him. Sarah talked to Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com on the three landmark films.
Via Zoom: T.J. Parsell of ‘Invisible’ at REELING39 Film Fest, Sep. 29, 2021
Submitted by PatrickMcD on September 28, 2021 - 8:55amCHICAGO – The ongoing REELING39 Festival … Chicago’s International LBGTQ+ showcase … will screen “Invisible,” a new documentary by T.J. Parsell. The original subtitle of the film was “Gay Women in Southern Music,” but the shortened title points out the nature of this industry subset to hide certain elements of their talent. For more info and tickets, click REELING39.
Podtalk: Frank Carr on Virtual/Online YippieFest 2021 on Sep. 26
Submitted by PatrickMcD on September 25, 2021 - 10:50amCHICAGO – One more time, virtual and online. YippieFest 2021 will air on Twitch TV and through their website on Sunday, September 26th (7pm start). The freewheeling festival is usually a live theater and music event every August, but with the pandemic still lingering the show must go on, virtual and online. For more info, click YippieFest.com.
Via Zoom: Director Angelo Madsen Minax of ‘North by Current,’ at REELING39 on Sep. 25, 2021
Submitted by PatrickMcD on September 24, 2021 - 9:45pmCHICAGO – REELING39 continues with its Documentary Centerpiece on Saturday, September 25th, 2021 – the searing family portrait of “North by Current,” created and directed by Angelo Madsen Minax. For tickets and more information, as part of the the 39th edition of Chicago’s REELING film festival, an International LGBTQ+ showcase, click REELING39.
On-Air Film Review: Deliver a Letter! Review of ‘Dear Evan Hansen’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on September 24, 2021 - 10:10amCHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on September 23rd, 2021, reviewing the new movie musical “Dear Evan Hansen” – featuring Ben Platt in the title role – in theaters beginning September 24th.
Deliver a Letter! On-Air Review of ‘Dear Evan Hansen’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on September 24, 2021 - 10:07amRating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on September 23rd, 2021, reviewing the new movie musical “Dear Evan Hansen” – featuring Ben Platt in the title role – in theaters beginning September 24th.
Via Zoom: Mike Houlihan for Irish Movie Hooley, Sep. 24-26, 2021
Submitted by PatrickMcD on September 24, 2021 - 12:25amCHICAGO – It twill be a touch of the Irish in Chicago’s Loop this weekend, as the Gene Siskel Film Center on State Street screens the Irish American Movie Hooley, produced by Hibernian Media Chairman Mike Houlihan. The three day fest … September 24th-26th, 2021 … welcomes three Irish based and influenced films.
Film Fest Preview: Chicago’s LGBTQ+ Reeling39, Sep. 23-Oct. 3, 2021
Submitted by PatrickMcD on September 23, 2021 - 3:51pmCHICAGO – The 39th edition of the REELING International LBGTQ+ Film Festival kicks off on September 23rd, 2021, offering 33 feature films and nine short film programs. The Opening Night film is “Firebird,” and will screen at the historic Music Box Theatre beginning at 7pm. For more info and tickets, click REELING39.
Red-Carpet Interviews: ‘Black as Night’ Director Maritte Lee Go, Writer Sherman Payne & Fabrizio Guido
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on September 22, 2021 - 4:58pm- Adam Fendelman
- Amazon Prime Video
- Axelle Carolyn
- Bingo Hell
- Black as Night
- Craig Tate
- Fabrizio Guido
- Gigi Saul Guerrero
- HollywoodChicago.com Content
- Jason Blum
- Jeff Doles
- Jordan Peele
- Madres
- Maritte Lee Go
- Mason Beauchamp
- Music Box Theatre
- Ryan Zaragoza
- Sherman Payne
- The Manor
- Welcome to the Blumhouse
CHICAGO – At the red-carpet premiere of “Black as Night” on Sept. 21, 2021 at Chicago’s Music Box Theatre, HollywoodChicago.com interviews director Maritte Lee Go (who admits she’s a Jason Blum fangirl) and writer Sherman Payne (who discusses “cultural specificity,” describes this as a “black vampire movie” that pre-dated Jordan Peele and says vampires are a metaphor for humanity).
Via Zoom: REELING39 LGBTQ+ Fest Opener is ‘Firebird’ with Tom Prior
Submitted by PatrickMcD on September 22, 2021 - 11:19amCHICAGO – Opening Night is near – Thursday, September 23rd, 2021 – for the 39th edition of Chicago’s REELING film festival, an International LGBTQ+ showcase. The Opening film is “Firebird,” a based-on-truth gay love story set in Cold War Russia. It features actor Tom Prior, who co-wrote the film with director Peeter Rebane. For more info and tickets, click REELING39.
Via Zoom: Creators & Voice Talent of Hilarious ‘Chicago Party Aunt’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on September 21, 2021 - 11:33amCHICAGO – The funny meter of Netflix went off the scale last week, as the animated series “Chicago Party Aunt” made its debut on September 17th. What began as a Twitter account by comic actor Chris Witaske (who also provides his voice talent) has morphed into the cartoon adventures of Aunt Diane Dumbowski, her nephew Daniel, and an array of familiar Chicago-isms and characters.!—break—>
Via Zoom: Co-Director Sarah Burns on PBS Doc Series ‘Muhammad Ali’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on September 18, 2021 - 9:49amCHICAGO – Say the name “Ken Burns” and immediately images are evoked regarding the best of American documentaries. For three films – “The Central Park Five,” “Jackie Robinson” and the latest PBS documentary series, “Muhammad Ali” – Ken’s daughter Sarah Burns co-directed with him. Sarah talked to Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com on the latest film about “The Greatest.”
Music News: HollywoodChicago.com to Cover Riot Fest in Chicago, Sept. 16-19, 2021
Submitted by PatrickMcD on September 17, 2021 - 8:28pmCHICAGO – One of the top music festivals in the country comes back to Chicago as the 2021 Riot Fest opens Thursday, Sept. 16 and continues through Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021. HollywoodChicago.com founder Adam Fendelman and photographer Jeff “Doc” Doles will be covering the stages with their lens, and will be publishing throughout the upcoming weekend and week. For more information and tickets, head to RiotFest.org.
Film Review: Clint Eastwood Moseys Into the Sunset in ‘Cry Macho’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on September 17, 2021 - 3:59pmCHICAGO – Clint Eastwood’s return to the western is an amiable-but-relativiely-minor mosey south of the border. The 91-year-old doesn’t embarrass himself, but this small stakes story is far from Clint’s finest hour. In “Cry Macho” Eastwood is a former rodeo cowboy and horse trainer named Mike who has run into hard times after a devastating heartbreak. !—break—>
Clint Eastwood Moseys Into the Sunset in ‘Cry Macho’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on September 17, 2021 - 3:56pmRating: 3.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Clint Eastwood’s return to the western is an amiable-but-relativiely-minor mosey south of the border. The 91-year-old doesn’t embarrass himself, but this small stakes story is far from Clint’s finest hour. In “Cry Macho” Eastwood is a former rodeo cowboy and horse trainer named Mike who has run into hard times after a devastating heartbreak.
Film News: Chicago’s FACETS Reopens on Sep. 17, 2021, with ‘Anne at 13,000 Feet’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on September 17, 2021 - 1:18pmCHICAGO – Another Chicago cinema gem is reopening after 18 long months in pandemic shutdown. FACETS is a multimedia gem co-founded by legendary film influencer Milos Stehlik, which has resided on Fullerton Avenue west of the DePaul neighborhood for nearly 50 years.
Author as True Man! On-Air Review of ‘The Capote Tapes’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on September 17, 2021 - 9:36am- Answered Prayers
- Black and White Ball
- Breakfast at Tiffany’s
- George Plimpton
- Greenwich Entertainment
- HollywoodChicago.com Content
- In Cold Blood
- Jack Dunphy
- Lauren Bacall
- Monroe
- Movie Review
- New York City
- Other Voices Other Rooms
- Pat Über TV
- Patrick McDonald
- Scott Thompson
- The Capote Tapes
- The Morning Mess
- Truman Capote
- WBGR-FM
- Wisconsin
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 September 16th, 2021, reviewing the new documentary “The Capote Tapes” – regarding the author Truman Capote – in select theaters beginning September 17th.
On-Air Film Review: Author as True Man! Review of ‘The Capote Tapes’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on September 17, 2021 - 9:32am- Answered Prayers
- Black and White Ball
- Breakfast at Tiffany’s
- George Plimpton
- Greenwich Entertainment
- HollywoodChicago.com Content
- In Cold Blood
- Jack Dunphy
- Lauren Bacall
- Monroe
- Movie Review
- New York City
- Other Voices Other Rooms
- Pat Über TV
- Patrick McDonald
- Scott Thompson
- The Capote Tapes
- The Morning Mess
- Truman Capote
- WBGR-FM
- Wisconsin
CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on September 16th, 2021, reviewing the new documentary “The Capote Tapes” – regarding the author Truman Capote – in select theaters beginning September 17th.
Film News: Chicago's Asian Pop-Up Cinema Opening Night, Sep. 15, 2021
Submitted by PatrickMcD on September 14, 2021 - 8:17pmCHICAGO – Season 13 of Chicago’s Asian Pop Up Cinema (APUC) is about to launch on Wednesday, September 15th, 2021, at the AMC River East in Chicago. The Opening Night film is “Ascension” – directed by Jessica Kingdon – an artistically cinematic documentary on the new Chinese Dream. For ticket information, click here.
Via Zoom: Director Michelle Bossy of ‘klutz.,’ Premiere at the 24th Dances With Films Festival
Submitted by PatrickMcD on September 14, 2021 - 11:51amCHICAGO – Director Michelle Bossy has just put her first feature film into festivals – “Under the Lantern Lit Sky.” But she also submitted her latest short film – the aptly entitled ‘klutz.,” in this case at the recent 24th Dances With Films Festival in Los Angeles. Michelle Bossy is a innovative and sensitive up-and-comer, and in “klutz.” she takes on the delicate subject of mourning.
On-Air Film Review: Coming Together! Review of ‘Come From Away’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on September 10, 2021 - 11:47pmCHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on September 9th, 2021, reviewing the new film “Come From Away” – a staged version of the Broadway musical hit – streaming on AppleTV+ beginning September 10th, 2021.!—break—>
Coming Together! On-Air Review of ‘Come From Away’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on September 10, 2021 - 11:44pmRating: 4.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on September 9th, 2021, reviewing the new film “Come From Away” – a staged version of the Broadway musical hit – streaming on AppleTV+ beginning September 10th, 2021.
Podtalk: Lead Actors, Director of ‘Everybody’s Talking About Jamie’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on September 7, 2021 - 1:19pmCHICAGO – Coming out as one’s true self is a benefit of our evolving social order. In “Everybody’s Talking About Jamie,” which will stream on Amazon Prime Video on September 17th, the title character is an intuitive teenage drag queen, and fights the last vestiges of prejudice against his destiny. Oh yes, and it’s a musical.
Via Zoom: Lead Actors of ‘Ma Belle, My Beauty,’ at Gene Siskel Film Center Thru Sept. 8, 2021
Submitted by PatrickMcD on September 5, 2021 - 11:56pmCHICAGO – If you ever wondered how a polyamorous relationship might play out – in this case He-She-She – then writer/director Marion Hill has created “Ma Belle, My Beauty” as one such delving into the territory. The Gene Siskel Film Center presents the Sundance Film Festival Award Winner through September 8th, 2021.
Film Review: 'Shang-Chi' Proves to be a Master of Multiple Genres
Submitted by JonHC on September 4, 2021 - 4:41pm- Awkwafina
- Ben Kingsley
- Benedict Wong
- Destin Daniel Cretton
- Disney
- Fala Chen
- Film Review
- Florian Munteanu
- HollywoodChicago.com
- HollywoodChicago.com Content
- Jon Espino
- Kim's Convenience
- Marvel Studios
- Meng'er Zhang
- Michelle Yeoh
- Movie Review
- Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
- Simu Liu
- Tony Leung
- Wah Yuen
CHICAGO – There is an undeniable pleasure in watching films that don’t take themselves too seriously. Nothing against the Nolans and Snyders of the comic book universe because they provide an essential service to the film community with their more grounded, dramatic approach.
'Shang-Chi' Proves to be a Master of Multiple Genres
Submitted by JonHC on September 4, 2021 - 4:36pm- Awkwafina
- Ben Kingsley
- Benedict Wong
- Destin Daniel Cretton
- Disney
- Fala Chen
- Film Review
- Florian Munteanu
- HollywoodChicago.com
- HollywoodChicago.com Content
- Jon Espino
- Kim's Convenience
- Marvel Studios
- Meng'er Zhang
- Michelle Yeoh
- Movie Review
- Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
- Simu Liu
- Tony Leung
- Wah Yuen
Rating: 4.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – There is an undeniable pleasure in watching films that don’t take themselves too seriously. Nothing against the Nolans and Snyders of the comic book universe because they provide an essential service to the film community with their more grounded, dramatic approach.
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.
Witchy! Audio Review of ‘We Need to Do Something’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on September 2, 2021 - 4:35pmRating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – 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.