Interview

CHICAGO – The evolution of the “local filmmaker” always seems to be defined through where that person is. Jack C. Newell appears to not be measured by time and place, but as a filmmaker of artistic vision with a basis in love. His latest film, “Monuments,” opens June 4th, 2021, through the Gene Siskel Film Center virtual cinema.

CHICAGO – In this new golden age of animation, the ability to create mood and setting is more accessible than ever. For creator and writer Ron Falzone (with director Julian Grant), a notable death in the 1920s and the movie business associated with it is in their film “Coriander and a Penny’s Worth of Lonesome.”

LAS VEGAS – Endo, the up-and-coming powerhouse band from Sin City, recently announced their debut album, “Anhedonia,” which will release on Friday, May 14th, 2021. It’s two-person rock, with John Badwolf on vocals/guitar and Saint Christopher on drums. Their (click links) 13 track debut includes the single “In Love With You.”

CHICAGO – David Dastmalchian is always looking up … both at his soaring career and how he can spread his particular brand of positive vibes. The actor will appear in two huge 2021 films, “The Suicide Squad” (Aug 6th)) and “Dune” (Oct 1st). And don’t forget his co-created comic “Count Crowley” and his appearance at Mid May Massacre, May 15-16, 2021.

CHICAGO – Jer Sklar has created a one-of-a-kind feature film debut – “Tom of His Life” – the story of a boy who ages four years every hour, living his entire life in one day. The film has a week-long run at Chicago’s Music Box Theatre, with Sklar making an appearance on May 8th, 2021, with a Q&A moderated by Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com (click here for tickets).

CHICAGO – I will never forget meeting Olympia Dukakis. It was in Chicago in 2009, and among all the pomp and sequins of a Greek American awards night. it was Dukakis who was, by her natural presence, the movie star. Oh yeah, and she was slightly tipsy. Ms. Dukakis passed away in New York City on May 1st, 2021, age 89.

CHICAGO – Within the successful Season 12 for the Asian Pop-Up Cinema (APUC) series of Chicago – the Closing Night film is Hong Kong’s “Ready O/r Knot” at the Davis Theater (relocated from the Lincoln Yards Drive-In) on May 7th, 2021 (rescheduled from May 1st/2nd) – were the usual variety of adventurous Asian films.

CHICAGO – The great Gary Oldman is a veteran actor who has created so many memorable roles that he’s his own Hall of Fame. His surprising turn as Herman Mankiewicz, the co-screenwriter with Orson Welles on “Citizen Kane” in “Mank,” is being honored by yet another Best Actor nomination in 2021 (his third with one win).

CHICAGO – Predicting the Oscars is like going on a blind date. You really don’t know what’s going to happen, and often you’re humiliated to boot. But here goes Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, along with one million other online prognosticators. The 93rd Academy Awards are Sunday, April 25th, 2021, in Hollywood.

CHICAGO – Making an impact has pretty much defined the career of Carey Mulligan. Her film characters have had a depth and energy to them that only she can deliver. 11 years after her first Best Actress Oscar nomination (“An Education”), Mulligan is nominated in 2021 for her searing portrayal in “Promising Young Woman.”