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+.
1970s
Film Review: Searing ‘Last Days in Vietnam’ Documents Vital History
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 3, 2014 - 8:31amCHICAGO – It has been nearly 40 years since the Vietnam War truly ended, with the desperate events during the Fall of Saigon. “Last Days in Vietnam” is a brilliant new documentary that puts it all in perspective, the final surreal folly of America’s nightmarish involvement in the Vietnam War. Director Rory Kennedy – the youngest daughter of Robert F. Kennedy – generates a precise and gripping document that lingers long after it has been experienced.
Film Review: Director Ron Howard Delivers a Meticulous ‘Rush’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on September 27, 2013 - 2:53pmCHICAGO – Defining the glory days of any sport is often centered on personal rivalries. The 1970s – notable for stand-offs like John McEnroe and Björn Borg – had a similarly contentious rivalry between Formula One car racers James Hunt and Niki Lauda, portrayed in Ron Howard’s “Rush.”
Film Review: Effective ‘The Conjuring’ Captures the Sum of All Fears
Submitted by PatrickMcD on July 19, 2013 - 8:02amCHICAGO – True scary movies have a couple of things going for them – the source of the scare and the psychology of the scare. The source provides the “boo,” the audience provides the interactive psychology. “The Conjuring” is a true scary movie.
Film Review: ‘The Source Family’ Reveals a Communal Past
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 16, 2013 - 11:52pmCHICAGO – What did you do during the 1970s, Daddy? After this Father’s Day, many adult kids might be asking that question after seeing “The Source Family.” This documentary is about a commune that began in California (naturally) in the 1970s, even after the infamous Manson Family.
Interviews: Those 1970s Celebrities at ‘The Hollywood Show’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on September 5, 2012 - 6:33pmCHICAGO – When “That ’70’s Show” was merely a twinkle in the eye of Ashton Kutcher’s pappy, there were real TV, film and music celebrities actually working in that disco decade. Denny Laine (of Paul McCartney and “Wings”), Eric Shea (“The Poseidon Adventure”) and Richard Anderson (“The Six Million Dollar Man”) helped to define that freak show era.
Interviews: Here’s the Story of ‘The Brady Bunch’ in the Present Day
Submitted by PatrickMcD on September 3, 2012 - 7:04pmCHICAGO – In 1969, amid the turbulent decade of the 1960s, a landmark TV sitcom made its debut with the simple phrase, “Here’s the story…” “The Brady Bunch” has endured in entertainment culture ever since, and four of the actors who comprised the Bunch – Barry Williams (Greg), Christopher Knight (Peter), Mike Lookinland (Bobby) and Susan Olsen (Cindy) have evolved to adulthood with varied interests and pursuits.
Film Review: Truth Trumps Fiction Again in ‘Searching for Sugar Man’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 10, 2012 - 8:46amCHICAGO – The old axiom “truth is stranger than fiction” is proved again in the unique story of a pop troubadour from the 1970s named Rodriguez, who produced two searing albums and then disappeared into oblivion. Unknown to the artist, he became huge in South Africa. The odd hope of Rodriguez is chronicled in “Searching for Sugar Man.”
Interviews: It’s 1970s Again With Walton Sisters, Pamela Sue Martin
Submitted by PatrickMcD on December 31, 2011 - 6:28pmCHICAGO – This year marked the 40th anniversary of the premiere of “The Waltons,” one of the most beloved TV series of the 1970s. Two actresses who portrayed Mary Ellen and Erin Walton, Mary McDonough and Judy Norton, appeared at the “Hollywood Celebrities & Memorabilia Show,” along with Pamela Sue Martin of TV’s “The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries’ (1977).
Film Review: Halle Berry Expresses All Roles in ‘Frankie and Alice’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 4, 2011 - 9:23amCHICAGO – The stunning looks of Halle Berry is always the lead whenever the entertainment media considers her. But in “Frankie and Alice,” she reminds us of why her career continues to flourish and why she is a Best Actress Oscar winner.
Interview: Actor Adrian Holmes Expands Range in ‘Frankie and Alice’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 3, 2011 - 8:58amCHICAGO – Breaking through to the next level of name recognition in the acting field is the goal of all performers. Adrian Holmes, currently featured in the Halle Berry film, “Frankie and Alice,” is currently making his breakout move.