CHICAGO – Theatrical satires of the Star Wars Universe are like the number of TV series the universe has wrought … too many to figure out if anything is worthwhile. But “Trade Federation” (subtitled “Or Let’s Explore Globalization Through the Star Wars Prequels”), presented by Otherworld Theatre in Wrigleyville Chicago, gets it right on.
Under the Skin
Exclusive Portraits: Scarlett Johansson Receives Gene Siskel Film Center Renaissance Award
Submitted by PatrickMcD on July 9, 2016 - 11:26pmCHICAGO – She’s conquered the box office as the top grossing female star of all time, and she’s had a series of big superhero and prestige films. The Gene Siskel Film Center honored Scarlett Johansson with their Renaissance Award, at the Ritz Carlton in Chicago on June 20th, 2016.
Film Feature: The 10 Best Films of 2014, By Patrick McDonald
Submitted by PatrickMcD on December 22, 2014 - 4:07pmCHICAGO – It’s that time of year to figure it out, as 2014 leaks away, and the film year follows suit. Whittling down a list to ten films, after hours of entertainment and provoking of thought, is a fool’s challenge at best. Then who better to do it than Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com.
Film News: Chicago Film Critics Association Names ‘Boyhood’ as 2014’s Best Picture
Submitted by PatrickMcD on December 16, 2014 - 9:25amCHICAGO – ‘Boyhood,’ director Richard Linklater’s story of a boy maturing from age 6 to age 18 – using the same actor over 12 years – was designated Best Picture by the Chicago Film Critics Association (CFCA) at a ceremony on December 15th, 2014.
Film News: ‘Birdman’ Tops Chicago Film Critics Association 2014 Best Film Nominees
Submitted by PatrickMcD on December 13, 2014 - 8:15amCHICAGO – The best movies of 2014 were on display as the Chicago Film Critics Association (CFCA) announced their nominees in several categories of film excellence. Leading the pack was director Alejandro G. Inarritu’s “Birdman,” Wes Anderson’s “The Grand Budapest Hotel” and newcomer Damien Chazelle’s “Whiplash.” The best in each category will be announced on Monday, December 15th.
Film Review: Thought Illuminating, Mind Blowing ‘Under the Skin’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on April 11, 2014 - 10:10amCHICAGO – Imagine a stranger taking a journey around the landscape of their destiny, and that only begins to describe the audacity and power of director Jonathan Glazer’s “Under the Skin.” Scarlett Johansson creates a character of undeniable mystery and truth, a stranger in a strange land.
Interview: Director Jonathan Glazer Gets ‘Under the Skin’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on April 10, 2014 - 12:48pmCHICAGO – The buzz for the new film, “Under the Skin,” is tremendous, both for Scarlett Johansson’s performance and the amount of symbolic and real exposure for the actress. Director Jonathan Glazer (“Sexy Beast,” “Birth”) has fashioned a metaphoric gem based on a novel by Michel Faber, about an alien visitor.
