Chicago – That’s a wrap! The 2021 Tribeca Film Festival – a hybrid mix of New York City in-person events and online access – has its last day on Sunday, June 20th. It’s also the last day for Tribeca At Home, click Tribeca2021.
The 2021 Tribeca Festival was presented by AT&T, bringing artists and diverse audiences together to celebrate storytelling in all its forms, including film, TV, VR, gaming, music, and online work. With strong roots in independent film, Tribeca is a platform for creative expression and immersive entertainment. This year’s celebration of storytelling can be enjoyed virtually through the “Tribeca At Home” program. Many of the most anticipated features and short films will be made available only as part of our Tribeca Online Premieres lineup … a diverse range of dramas, comedies and documentaries.
Bernstein’s Wall
Photo credit: TribecaFilm.com
Four Films Of Tribeca Fest: Capsule Reviews
Click the title for...
The 2021 Tribeca Festival was presented by AT&T, bringing artists and diverse audiences together to celebrate storytelling in all its forms, including film, TV, VR, gaming, music, and online work. With strong roots in independent film, Tribeca is a platform for creative expression and immersive entertainment. This year’s celebration of storytelling can be enjoyed virtually through the “Tribeca At Home” program. Many of the most anticipated features and short films will be made available only as part of our Tribeca Online Premieres lineup … a diverse range of dramas, comedies and documentaries.
Bernstein’s Wall
Photo credit: TribecaFilm.com
Four Films Of Tribeca Fest: Capsule Reviews
Click the title for...
- 6/21/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – It’s Pride Week, ya all, part of Pride Month, culminating in the upcoming Pride Weekend … the more the Pride the better. 2021 marks the 50th Anniversary of the first official Gay Pride Parade in Chicago – the first “march” took place a year earlier in 1970, honoring the first anniversary of the Stonewall Inn Uprising. 1971 was the first permit-applied-for official parade, and the guy behind it is here to tell all about it, Chicago LGBTQ+ Hall-of-Famer Gary G. Chichester.
Left: Chicago’s First Gay Pride Parade, June, 27, 1971. Right: Gary Chichester & the Chicago Pride Flag
Photo credit: Rich Pfieffer/Gary Chichester
As the march became a parade in 1971, activist Gary Chichester became involved by co-founding the Chicago Gay Alliance that same year, which created the first gay and lesbian community center in the Windy City. Gary also practiced activism through The Chicago Gay Health Project, the Gay Rights National Lobby, the Names Project,...
Left: Chicago’s First Gay Pride Parade, June, 27, 1971. Right: Gary Chichester & the Chicago Pride Flag
Photo credit: Rich Pfieffer/Gary Chichester
As the march became a parade in 1971, activist Gary Chichester became involved by co-founding the Chicago Gay Alliance that same year, which created the first gay and lesbian community center in the Windy City. Gary also practiced activism through The Chicago Gay Health Project, the Gay Rights National Lobby, the Names Project,...
- 6/21/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Going both ways … in-person screenings in New York City and virtual/online for at-home enjoyment proved a success for the 2021 Tribeca Film Festival. The 20th Fest announced their Jury Competition Award Winners on June 17th, with honorees that included Games and Podcasts for the first time.
The top prizes went to “The Novice,” directed by Lauren Hadaway (Best U.S. Narrative), “Brighton 4th,” directed by Levan Koguashivili (Best International Narrative) and “Ascension,” Directed by Jessica Kingdon (Best Documentary).
Best U.S. Narrative Feature for 2021 is ‘The Novice,’ directed by Lauren Hadaway
Photo credit: Tribeca Film Festival
Awards were distributed in the following feature film competition categories – U.S. Narrative, International Narrative, Documentary, New Narrative Director, and the Nora Ephron Prize, honoring a woman writer or director. Awards were also given in the short film categories – Narrative, Documentary, Student Visionary and Animation. New Directors were also honored with Narrative Awards,...
The top prizes went to “The Novice,” directed by Lauren Hadaway (Best U.S. Narrative), “Brighton 4th,” directed by Levan Koguashivili (Best International Narrative) and “Ascension,” Directed by Jessica Kingdon (Best Documentary).
Best U.S. Narrative Feature for 2021 is ‘The Novice,’ directed by Lauren Hadaway
Photo credit: Tribeca Film Festival
Awards were distributed in the following feature film competition categories – U.S. Narrative, International Narrative, Documentary, New Narrative Director, and the Nora Ephron Prize, honoring a woman writer or director. Awards were also given in the short film categories – Narrative, Documentary, Student Visionary and Animation. New Directors were also honored with Narrative Awards,...
- 6/20/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on The Eddie Volkman Show on Wssr-fm on June 18th, 2021, reviewing the new documentary “The Sparks Brothers,” opening in theaters on June 18th, 2021.
Rating: 5.0/5.0
The band called Sparks are two brothers, Russell and Ron Mael. Russell is the lead singer. Ron is the songwriter who played keyboards and looked like – for a period in the 1970s – Adolf Hitler. The film was made by comic director and über-fan Edgar Wright (Shaun Of The Dead), and he gets perspective fellow superfans, like Mike Myers, and the Sparks brothers themselves.
“The Sparks Brothers” opened in theaters on June 18th. See local listings for theaters and show times. Featuring the Sparks … Russell and Ron Mael. Directed by Edgar Wright. Rated “R”
Click here for Patrick McDonald’s full on-air review of “The Sparks Brothers”
The Sparks Brothers
Photo credit: Focus Features
Click here for Patrick McDonald’s...
Rating: 5.0/5.0
The band called Sparks are two brothers, Russell and Ron Mael. Russell is the lead singer. Ron is the songwriter who played keyboards and looked like – for a period in the 1970s – Adolf Hitler. The film was made by comic director and über-fan Edgar Wright (Shaun Of The Dead), and he gets perspective fellow superfans, like Mike Myers, and the Sparks brothers themselves.
“The Sparks Brothers” opened in theaters on June 18th. See local listings for theaters and show times. Featuring the Sparks … Russell and Ron Mael. Directed by Edgar Wright. Rated “R”
Click here for Patrick McDonald’s full on-air review of “The Sparks Brothers”
The Sparks Brothers
Photo credit: Focus Features
Click here for Patrick McDonald’s...
- 6/19/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on Wbgr-fm on June 17th, 2021, reviewing the new film “Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard,” in theaters beginning June 16th.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
In this sequel to the “Hitman’s Bodyguard” (2018), the Bodyguard Michael (Ryan Reynolds) has to protect Wife Sonia (Salma Hayek) of the Hitman Darius (Samuel L. Jackson). The film creates a universe where Michael actually cares about a Triple A rating for his services, while the Hitman and his Wife are trying to conceive a child. Basically they have to save the world from a Greek named Aristotle (Antonio Banderas) who wants to bring down the internet grid in Europe.
“Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard” opened in theaters June 16th. Featuring the voices of Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, Salma Hayek, Gary Oldman and Antonio Banderas. Written by Tom O’Connor. Directed by Patrick Hughes. Rated “R”
Click here for Patrick McDonald...
Rating: 3.5/5.0
In this sequel to the “Hitman’s Bodyguard” (2018), the Bodyguard Michael (Ryan Reynolds) has to protect Wife Sonia (Salma Hayek) of the Hitman Darius (Samuel L. Jackson). The film creates a universe where Michael actually cares about a Triple A rating for his services, while the Hitman and his Wife are trying to conceive a child. Basically they have to save the world from a Greek named Aristotle (Antonio Banderas) who wants to bring down the internet grid in Europe.
“Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard” opened in theaters June 16th. Featuring the voices of Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, Salma Hayek, Gary Oldman and Antonio Banderas. Written by Tom O’Connor. Directed by Patrick Hughes. Rated “R”
Click here for Patrick McDonald...
- 6/18/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago –The City of Chicago’s influence as a Film Town is one of its greatest strengths. Doc10, a ten documentary film fest mostly at the Northside’s Davis Theater, opens Thursday, June 17th, 2021. For information on the line-up and tickets, click here.
The opening film will be at the ChiTown drive-in, and will be the Sundance Festival sensation “The Summer of Soul” (capsule review below). Click on any title, either in the capsules or in this paragraph, for ticket and description information. The line up includes ”In the Same Breath”, ”Ailey”, ”My Name is Pauli Murray”, ”Pray Away”, ”Sabaya” and the Closing Night film, ”Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain”.
Summer of Soul
Photo credit: Doc10.org
The Doc10 Film Festival launched in 2016 to bring premieres of ten highly curated documentary films to Chicago in a neighborhood setting, as an extension of the work of Chicago Media Project (Cmp...
The opening film will be at the ChiTown drive-in, and will be the Sundance Festival sensation “The Summer of Soul” (capsule review below). Click on any title, either in the capsules or in this paragraph, for ticket and description information. The line up includes ”In the Same Breath”, ”Ailey”, ”My Name is Pauli Murray”, ”Pray Away”, ”Sabaya” and the Closing Night film, ”Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain”.
Summer of Soul
Photo credit: Doc10.org
The Doc10 Film Festival launched in 2016 to bring premieres of ten highly curated documentary films to Chicago in a neighborhood setting, as an extension of the work of Chicago Media Project (Cmp...
- 6/17/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – It’s summer camp time, and what better destination for budding cinephiles then Film Camp! Facets cinema a variety of film classes both in-person. virtual/online and hybrids for children/teens from ages eight to 17. For more information and tuition fees, click here.
Classes offered include Editing 101, Digital Animation, Storytelling with Scratch Animation, Advanced Storytelling with Scratch Animation, Advanced Editing, Zoom Filmmaking, Fun with Foley: Sound Effects & Design, and Facets’ flagship camp, Film 101. Camps will take place online, as hybrids, and in-person, the latter at Facets, located at 1517 W. Fullerton Avenue in Chicago. For all the camps, space will be limited and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Facets Summer Film Camp, June 23rd through August 27th, 2021
Photo credit: Facets.org
Facets is dedicated to creating platforms for thought-provoking films, important conversations, and community-driven education A landmark destination for generations of cinephiles, Facets inspires audiences to actively engage with film,...
Classes offered include Editing 101, Digital Animation, Storytelling with Scratch Animation, Advanced Storytelling with Scratch Animation, Advanced Editing, Zoom Filmmaking, Fun with Foley: Sound Effects & Design, and Facets’ flagship camp, Film 101. Camps will take place online, as hybrids, and in-person, the latter at Facets, located at 1517 W. Fullerton Avenue in Chicago. For all the camps, space will be limited and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Facets Summer Film Camp, June 23rd through August 27th, 2021
Photo credit: Facets.org
Facets is dedicated to creating platforms for thought-provoking films, important conversations, and community-driven education A landmark destination for generations of cinephiles, Facets inspires audiences to actively engage with film,...
- 6/16/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – The 2021 Tribeca Film Festival continues as a hybrid mix of New York City in-person events and online access, which includes the finest documentaries of 2021. The festival takes place through June 20th. For information on joining in via passes or tickets, click TribecaFilm.com.
The 2021 Tribeca Festival, presented by AT&T, brings artists and diverse audiences together to celebrate storytelling in all its forms, including film, TV, VR, gaming, music, and online work. With strong roots in independent film, Tribeca is a platform for creative expression and immersive entertainment. This year’s celebration of storytelling can be enjoyed virtually through the “Tribeca At Home” program. Many of the most anticipated features and short films will be made available only as part of our Tribeca Online Premieres lineup … a diverse range of dramas, comedies and documentaries.
All These Sons
Photo credit: TribecaFilm.com
Documentaries Of Tribeca Fest: Capsule Reviews
Click the title...
The 2021 Tribeca Festival, presented by AT&T, brings artists and diverse audiences together to celebrate storytelling in all its forms, including film, TV, VR, gaming, music, and online work. With strong roots in independent film, Tribeca is a platform for creative expression and immersive entertainment. This year’s celebration of storytelling can be enjoyed virtually through the “Tribeca At Home” program. Many of the most anticipated features and short films will be made available only as part of our Tribeca Online Premieres lineup … a diverse range of dramas, comedies and documentaries.
All These Sons
Photo credit: TribecaFilm.com
Documentaries Of Tribeca Fest: Capsule Reviews
Click the title...
- 6/16/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – The 2021 Tribeca Film Festival had its first weekend, as the hybrid mix of in-person and online events unfolded throughout New York City and the rest of the country. The festival takes place through June 20th. For information on joining in via passes or tickets, click TribecaFilm.com
The 2021 Tribeca Festival, presented by AT&T, brings artists and diverse audiences together to celebrate storytelling in all its forms, including film, TV, VR, gaming, music, and online work. With strong roots in independent film, Tribeca is a platform for creative expression and immersive entertainment. This year’s celebration of storytelling can be enjoyed virtually through the “Tribeca At Home” program. Many of the most anticipated features and short films will be made available only as part of our Tribeca Online Premieres lineup … a diverse range of dramas, comedies and documentaries.
Mark, Mary & Some Other People
Photo credit: TribecaFilm.com
Films Of Tribeca...
The 2021 Tribeca Festival, presented by AT&T, brings artists and diverse audiences together to celebrate storytelling in all its forms, including film, TV, VR, gaming, music, and online work. With strong roots in independent film, Tribeca is a platform for creative expression and immersive entertainment. This year’s celebration of storytelling can be enjoyed virtually through the “Tribeca At Home” program. Many of the most anticipated features and short films will be made available only as part of our Tribeca Online Premieres lineup … a diverse range of dramas, comedies and documentaries.
Mark, Mary & Some Other People
Photo credit: TribecaFilm.com
Films Of Tribeca...
- 6/14/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Tig Notaro saved the day on Netflix and Zack Snyder’s “Army of the Dead” when the actress signed on to be digitally inserted in post-production to replace Chris D’Elia. The switch-up happened as D’Elia faced sexual misconduct accusations. Adding Notaro cost Netflix millions, according to director Snyder and producer Deborah Snyder (who spoke with IndieWire about the film’s future franchise plans), but it appears to have been worth the fuss, as the movie is already a hit on the streaming platform and in theaters.
But curiously, adding Notaro after the fact meant the comedian had to perform in a vacuum (specifically in front of a green screen) and without the company of her fellow actors. That remains a weird notion for one of the film’s most adored stars, Dave Bautista, who in the film technically shares scenes with Notaro, but as he explained to Vulture has alas never met his co-star.
But curiously, adding Notaro after the fact meant the comedian had to perform in a vacuum (specifically in front of a green screen) and without the company of her fellow actors. That remains a weird notion for one of the film’s most adored stars, Dave Bautista, who in the film technically shares scenes with Notaro, but as he explained to Vulture has alas never met his co-star.
- 5/22/2021
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Ben Thompson on Wbgr-fm on May 13th, 2021, reviewing the new film “Those Who Wish Me Dead” in theaters and HBO Max beginning May 14th.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
Angelina Jolie is Hannah, a hard drinking and reckless fire fighter in Montana, a ‘smoke jumper’ who parachutes into out-of-control forest fires. After a tragedy occurs on her watch, she is relegated to observation work in a high-rise fire tower. Meanwhile, an accountant with proof of crimes on a mob boss is on the run with his son Connor (Finn Little), being pursued by professional assassins (Aiden Gillen and Nicholas Hoult). The son manages to escape, and Hannah finds him wandering the woods, where it is now her responsibility to protect him.
“Those Who Wish Me Dead” is in theaters and streaming on HBO Max on May 14th. Featuring Angelina Jolie, Finn Little,...
Rating: 3.5/5.0
Angelina Jolie is Hannah, a hard drinking and reckless fire fighter in Montana, a ‘smoke jumper’ who parachutes into out-of-control forest fires. After a tragedy occurs on her watch, she is relegated to observation work in a high-rise fire tower. Meanwhile, an accountant with proof of crimes on a mob boss is on the run with his son Connor (Finn Little), being pursued by professional assassins (Aiden Gillen and Nicholas Hoult). The son manages to escape, and Hannah finds him wandering the woods, where it is now her responsibility to protect him.
“Those Who Wish Me Dead” is in theaters and streaming on HBO Max on May 14th. Featuring Angelina Jolie, Finn Little,...
- 5/14/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
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.”
The rock pair was involved in every step of the creative process for their debut – laying down, mixing and mastering the tracks, in addition to creating the artwork for the album. Besides the original songs, the brothers in sound cover a Tom Waits song, the notably titled “Heartattack and Vine.”
’Anhedonia,’ the Debut Album of Endo
Photo credit: Facebook @EndoBandOfficial
Jeff Doles, the music writer of HollywoodChicago.com, recently sat down with John and Chris of Endo, to talk about the new album and the future beyond the pandemic.
HollywoodChicago.com: Your music is raw and powerful. I hear a...
The rock pair was involved in every step of the creative process for their debut – laying down, mixing and mastering the tracks, in addition to creating the artwork for the album. Besides the original songs, the brothers in sound cover a Tom Waits song, the notably titled “Heartattack and Vine.”
’Anhedonia,’ the Debut Album of Endo
Photo credit: Facebook @EndoBandOfficial
Jeff Doles, the music writer of HollywoodChicago.com, recently sat down with John and Chris of Endo, to talk about the new album and the future beyond the pandemic.
HollywoodChicago.com: Your music is raw and powerful. I hear a...
- 5/13/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
A new report from Vulture breaks down the process of digitally inserting comedian Tig Notaro into Zack Snyder’s Netflix zombie heist movie “Army of the Dead.” The filmmaker cast Notaro to replace Chris D’Elia after production had been wrapped for months, meaning D’Elia had to be digitally removed from the movie and Notaro had to be swapped in. What this actor swap cost the production has not been disclosed, but Snyder did tell Vulture it was cheaper than the budget needed to create the film’s zombie tiger.
D’Elia was accused of various examples of sexual misconduct starting in March 2020, right at the beginning of the pandemic. After Snyder decided to remove the actor and replace him with Notaro, the pandemic prevented the entire cast from getting together to reshoot select scenes. As Vulture reports: “Notaro would have to film almost all of her scenes in front...
D’Elia was accused of various examples of sexual misconduct starting in March 2020, right at the beginning of the pandemic. After Snyder decided to remove the actor and replace him with Notaro, the pandemic prevented the entire cast from getting together to reshoot select scenes. As Vulture reports: “Notaro would have to film almost all of her scenes in front...
- 5/11/2021
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
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.
David Dastmalchian achieved blockbuster notoriety as the Russian Kurt, part of the “Antourage” in the Marvel Universe “Ant-Man” films. But he also has created two indie films, with his award winning “Animals” (2014) and “All Creatures Here Below” (2018), directed by his creative partner Collin Schiffli. On TV, he’s had memorable parts on the rebooted “Macgyver” as Murdoc, and the villain Abra Kadabra on DC’s “The Flash.” He also is in the Hulu series “Reprisal,” and has roles in two high-profile films in 2021, “Dune” and “The Suicide Squad.” David is one of the humblest,...
David Dastmalchian achieved blockbuster notoriety as the Russian Kurt, part of the “Antourage” in the Marvel Universe “Ant-Man” films. But he also has created two indie films, with his award winning “Animals” (2014) and “All Creatures Here Below” (2018), directed by his creative partner Collin Schiffli. On TV, he’s had memorable parts on the rebooted “Macgyver” as Murdoc, and the villain Abra Kadabra on DC’s “The Flash.” He also is in the Hulu series “Reprisal,” and has roles in two high-profile films in 2021, “Dune” and “The Suicide Squad.” David is one of the humblest,...
- 5/11/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Previous | Image 1 of 4 | NextHappy Birthday ... May 9th ... to Rosario Dawson!
Chicago – With a new film, “The Water Man,” released on Friday, May 7th, and a birthday Today on May 9th, what better time to showcase an unpublished Slideshow of Exclusive Photos of actor Rosario Dawson. With a career that began in 1995 with her feature debut “Kids,” Dawson has performed a variety of roles in all kinds of film genres including drama, comedy and action.
She was discovered for the cult film “Kids” by director Larry Clark and scriptwriter Harmony Korine sitting on her front porch. From there, she carved out a varied history of roles on TV and film, including “Josie and the Pussycats” (2001), “Men in Black II” (2002), “Sin City” (2005), “Grindhouse” (2007), “Top Five” (2014), “Sorry to Bother You” (2018) and “Jay and Silent Bob Reboot” (2019). She does voiceover work for DC films and was part of the Marvel Universe as Clare Temple in various TV shows.
Chicago – With a new film, “The Water Man,” released on Friday, May 7th, and a birthday Today on May 9th, what better time to showcase an unpublished Slideshow of Exclusive Photos of actor Rosario Dawson. With a career that began in 1995 with her feature debut “Kids,” Dawson has performed a variety of roles in all kinds of film genres including drama, comedy and action.
She was discovered for the cult film “Kids” by director Larry Clark and scriptwriter Harmony Korine sitting on her front porch. From there, she carved out a varied history of roles on TV and film, including “Josie and the Pussycats” (2001), “Men in Black II” (2002), “Sin City” (2005), “Grindhouse” (2007), “Top Five” (2014), “Sorry to Bother You” (2018) and “Jay and Silent Bob Reboot” (2019). She does voiceover work for DC films and was part of the Marvel Universe as Clare Temple in various TV shows.
- 5/9/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on The Eddie Volkman Show on Wssr-fm on May 7th, 2021, reviewing the new release “Wrath of Man,” opening in theaters on May 7th, 2021.
Rating: 3.0/5.0
Jason Statham is back with director Guy Ritchie for the fourth time, as they adapt a French film called “Cash Truck.” Statham is Patrick Hill, a mysterious stranger nicknamed “H,” who starts to work for a Los Angeles armored truck company, which picks up and moves a lot of cash.They also get robbed a lot, and when they’re targeted by an ex-military heist gang, the fireworks start to fly.
“Wrath of Man” opens in theaters on May 7th. See local listings for theaters and show times. Featuring Jason Statham, Josh Hartnett, Jeffrey Donovan, Scott Eastwood and Andy Garcia. Screenplay by Guy Ritchie, Marn Davies and Ivan Atkinson. Directed by Guy Ritchie. Rated “R”
Click here for Patrick...
Rating: 3.0/5.0
Jason Statham is back with director Guy Ritchie for the fourth time, as they adapt a French film called “Cash Truck.” Statham is Patrick Hill, a mysterious stranger nicknamed “H,” who starts to work for a Los Angeles armored truck company, which picks up and moves a lot of cash.They also get robbed a lot, and when they’re targeted by an ex-military heist gang, the fireworks start to fly.
“Wrath of Man” opens in theaters on May 7th. See local listings for theaters and show times. Featuring Jason Statham, Josh Hartnett, Jeffrey Donovan, Scott Eastwood and Andy Garcia. Screenplay by Guy Ritchie, Marn Davies and Ivan Atkinson. Directed by Guy Ritchie. Rated “R”
Click here for Patrick...
- 5/8/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
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).
Jer Sklar wrote, directed, provided the soundtrack and edited the film, in addition to portraying Tom from age 32-104. The story is about the birth of the boy that ages four years every hour (portrayed by different actors up to age 32), and a nurse named Jess (Baize Busan) who recognizes Tom’s fate and kidnaps him from the hospital to provide a semblance of a life cycle in one day. The events of this time period – like life – are not very well planned,...
Jer Sklar wrote, directed, provided the soundtrack and edited the film, in addition to portraying Tom from age 32-104. The story is about the birth of the boy that ages four years every hour (portrayed by different actors up to age 32), and a nurse named Jess (Baize Busan) who recognizes Tom’s fate and kidnaps him from the hospital to provide a semblance of a life cycle in one day. The events of this time period – like life – are not very well planned,...
- 5/7/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on Wbgr-fm on May 6th, 2021, reviewing the new film “Here Today” in theaters (check local listings) beginning May 7th.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
Billy Crystal is Charlie Berns, a notable comedy writer of films and stage plays, who is now a producer on a Saturday Night Live-type show. He has been diagnosed with dementia, and is keeping it from his son and daughter (Penn Bagdley and Laura Benanti). Enter Emma (Tiffany Haddish), who has won a free lunch with Charlie through an ex-boyfriend, but has no idea who he is. They become friends and then much more, and Emma begins encouraging Charlie to finish his memoir through his spotty memories, including the events that made him a widower.
“Here Today” is in theaters beginning May 7th. Featuring Billy Crystal, Tiffany Haddish, Penn Bagdley, Laura Benanti, Louisa Krause, Anna Deavere Smith and Sharon Stone.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
Billy Crystal is Charlie Berns, a notable comedy writer of films and stage plays, who is now a producer on a Saturday Night Live-type show. He has been diagnosed with dementia, and is keeping it from his son and daughter (Penn Bagdley and Laura Benanti). Enter Emma (Tiffany Haddish), who has won a free lunch with Charlie through an ex-boyfriend, but has no idea who he is. They become friends and then much more, and Emma begins encouraging Charlie to finish his memoir through his spotty memories, including the events that made him a widower.
“Here Today” is in theaters beginning May 7th. Featuring Billy Crystal, Tiffany Haddish, Penn Bagdley, Laura Benanti, Louisa Krause, Anna Deavere Smith and Sharon Stone.
- 5/6/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on Wbgr-fm, reviewing the new film “My Octopus Teacher.” The film just won Best Documentary feature at the 2021 Oscars, and is currently streaming on Netflix.
Rating: 4.0/5.0
The story is essentially about filmmaker Craig Foster, at the point of burnout, returning to his native roots in South Africa near Cape Town to rejuvenate. He begins snorkeling in the Atlantic Ocean, within the cold water kelp forests near the coastline. An extraordinary incident occurs when he encounters an Octopus, and then develops a quasi-friendship with her. Because Octupi only live for one year, the friendship is experienced through that time period, in her environment, expertly put together by directors Pippa Ehrlich and James Reed.
“My Octopus Teacher” is currently streaming on Netflix. Featuring Craig Foster. Written and directed by Pippa Ehrlich and James Reed. Rated “G”
Click here...
Rating: 4.0/5.0
The story is essentially about filmmaker Craig Foster, at the point of burnout, returning to his native roots in South Africa near Cape Town to rejuvenate. He begins snorkeling in the Atlantic Ocean, within the cold water kelp forests near the coastline. An extraordinary incident occurs when he encounters an Octopus, and then develops a quasi-friendship with her. Because Octupi only live for one year, the friendship is experienced through that time period, in her environment, expertly put together by directors Pippa Ehrlich and James Reed.
“My Octopus Teacher” is currently streaming on Netflix. Featuring Craig Foster. Written and directed by Pippa Ehrlich and James Reed. Rated “G”
Click here...
- 5/4/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on Wbgr-fm on April 29th, 2021, reviewing the new film “Four Good Days” in theaters (check local listings) beginning April 30th.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
Mila Kunis is Molly, a heroin addict who has used up all her family’s goodwill. When she appears on the doorstep of her mother Deb (Glenn Close), she is not let inside, but Deb agrees to take her to rehab the next day. Afterward, there is a treatment that Molly can get, but only if she can stay clean for four good days staying with her mother. Featuring Stephen Root as Deb’s husband Chris.
“Four Good Days” has a limited release in theaters on April 30th and a Video-On-Demand release on May 21st. Featuring Glenn Close, Mina Kunis and Stephen Root. Written by Rodrigo Garcia and Eli Saslow. Directed by Rodrigo Garcia. Rated...
Rating: 3.5/5.0
Mila Kunis is Molly, a heroin addict who has used up all her family’s goodwill. When she appears on the doorstep of her mother Deb (Glenn Close), she is not let inside, but Deb agrees to take her to rehab the next day. Afterward, there is a treatment that Molly can get, but only if she can stay clean for four good days staying with her mother. Featuring Stephen Root as Deb’s husband Chris.
“Four Good Days” has a limited release in theaters on April 30th and a Video-On-Demand release on May 21st. Featuring Glenn Close, Mina Kunis and Stephen Root. Written by Rodrigo Garcia and Eli Saslow. Directed by Rodrigo Garcia. Rated...
- 5/1/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
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. But it was also this same season that the Academy Awards recognized Yuh-Jung Youn and director Chloé Zhao (“Nomadland”). The Founder and Executive Director of Apuc is Sophia Wong Boccio. For Closing Night ticketing information, click here.
Closing Night Apuc Season 12: ’Ready O/r Knot’ (Hong Kong)
Photo credit: AsianPopUpCinema.org
This dark comedy/romance by first time director Anselm Chan finds the couple Guy and Heidi at a crossroads in their relationship. After five years, they are still very much in love, but the idea of getting married continues to be avoided. Heidi is ready to settle down,...
Closing Night Apuc Season 12: ’Ready O/r Knot’ (Hong Kong)
Photo credit: AsianPopUpCinema.org
This dark comedy/romance by first time director Anselm Chan finds the couple Guy and Heidi at a crossroads in their relationship. After five years, they are still very much in love, but the idea of getting married continues to be avoided. Heidi is ready to settle down,...
- 4/30/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on Wbgr-fm on April 29th, 2021, reviewing the new film “The Mitchells vs. The Machines” streaming on Netflix beginning April 30th.
Rating: 4.5/5.0
Katie (voice of Abbi Jacobson) is an oddball teenage filmmaker headed to her dream college across the country in California. She and her father (Danny McBride) are not getting along, and have completely opposite interests. To bond, her family decides to drive her to school, and on the way a Machine Apocalypse occurs, because a tech genius (Eric André) has replaced his phone pal app (voice of Olivia Coleman) with real robots, and they immediately go rogue. It’s up to the Mitchell family, including Mom (Maya Rudolph) to save the world.
“The Mitchells vs. The Machines” is streaming on Netflix beginning April 30th, 2021. Featuring the voices of Abbi Jacobson, Danny McBride, Maya Rudolph, Eric André,...
Rating: 4.5/5.0
Katie (voice of Abbi Jacobson) is an oddball teenage filmmaker headed to her dream college across the country in California. She and her father (Danny McBride) are not getting along, and have completely opposite interests. To bond, her family decides to drive her to school, and on the way a Machine Apocalypse occurs, because a tech genius (Eric André) has replaced his phone pal app (voice of Olivia Coleman) with real robots, and they immediately go rogue. It’s up to the Mitchell family, including Mom (Maya Rudolph) to save the world.
“The Mitchells vs. The Machines” is streaming on Netflix beginning April 30th, 2021. Featuring the voices of Abbi Jacobson, Danny McBride, Maya Rudolph, Eric André,...
- 4/30/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – A couple weeks ago, Netflix released for streaming the new animated film “Arlo the Alligator Boy” and immediately it went to 100% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes (including a 4.5/5 on this forum). This fresh, delightful and full-of heart “2D” cartoon musical is the product of creator and director Ryan Crego.
Although this is Ryan Crego’s debut animated film, he is a veteran in the industry. He tells the story of his origins in the business on the interview, but his first big break came with Dreamwork’s “Shrek Forever After.” From there he worked on notable film and TV projects such as “Puss in Boots,” “Kung Fu Panther 2.” “Peabody & Sherman,” “Sanjay and Craig,” in addition to voice work on “Rise of the Guardians” and “Turbo.” The characters of Arlo and his friends will break out into their own Netflix series, with a release date yet to come.
‘Arlo the Alligator Boy,...
Although this is Ryan Crego’s debut animated film, he is a veteran in the industry. He tells the story of his origins in the business on the interview, but his first big break came with Dreamwork’s “Shrek Forever After.” From there he worked on notable film and TV projects such as “Puss in Boots,” “Kung Fu Panther 2.” “Peabody & Sherman,” “Sanjay and Craig,” in addition to voice work on “Rise of the Guardians” and “Turbo.” The characters of Arlo and his friends will break out into their own Netflix series, with a release date yet to come.
‘Arlo the Alligator Boy,...
- 4/27/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – In a low key and later-in-the-awards season ceremony due to the pandemic, the 93rd Academy Awards took place on Sunday, April 25th, 2021. ‘Nomadland,’ the story of on-the-road drifters in the U.S., scored Best Picture, Best Director (for Chloé Zhao) and Best Actress (Frances McDormand).
The Oscar ceremony seemed to reflect the overall downturn due to the 2020 pandemic year – most movie theaters were closed – and the film industry did major adjustments in screening availabilities for their nominated movies. Netflix, for example, won seven overall Oscars as a result. The evening was also a win for women in film, as Zhao became the second female Best Director in Oscar history, and the first woman of color to score the prize.
Chloé Zhao of ‘Nomadland’ Accepts Best Director Oscar
Photo credit: ABC-tv
The major acting Oscars yielded many surprises. Although earlier award season pointed toward ‘Nomadland’ and Chloé Zhao for their honors,...
The Oscar ceremony seemed to reflect the overall downturn due to the 2020 pandemic year – most movie theaters were closed – and the film industry did major adjustments in screening availabilities for their nominated movies. Netflix, for example, won seven overall Oscars as a result. The evening was also a win for women in film, as Zhao became the second female Best Director in Oscar history, and the first woman of color to score the prize.
Chloé Zhao of ‘Nomadland’ Accepts Best Director Oscar
Photo credit: ABC-tv
The major acting Oscars yielded many surprises. Although earlier award season pointed toward ‘Nomadland’ and Chloé Zhao for their honors,...
- 4/26/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
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).
“Mank” follows Herman through the decade of the 1930s, when he hung out with William Randolph Hearst, the inspiration for Charles Foster Kane. His journey with Hearst and his crew, including the mogul’s mistress and notable actress Marion Davies, was the information gathering point for his contributions to the Kane script, whose main authorship is debated to this day. It’s a grand opera performance, with Mank being both a comic and tragic figure.
2021 Oscar Nominee Gary Oldman in the Spotlight for ‘Mank’
Photo credit: Netflix
Gary Oldman was born in London, studied acting...
“Mank” follows Herman through the decade of the 1930s, when he hung out with William Randolph Hearst, the inspiration for Charles Foster Kane. His journey with Hearst and his crew, including the mogul’s mistress and notable actress Marion Davies, was the information gathering point for his contributions to the Kane script, whose main authorship is debated to this day. It’s a grand opera performance, with Mank being both a comic and tragic figure.
2021 Oscar Nominee Gary Oldman in the Spotlight for ‘Mank’
Photo credit: Netflix
Gary Oldman was born in London, studied acting...
- 4/25/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Previous | Image 1 of 7 | Next Glenn Close (“Hillbilly Elegy”) in Chicago, 1998.
Chicago – Roll out the red carpet on Oscar Day 2021! Throughout the years, Photographer Joe Arce of HollywoodChicago has had close encounters with many of this year’s nominees and had captured them with his intrepid camera eye. Presenting a slideshow of the 93rd Academy Awards Best Acting nominations.
And for the first time since 1998, Joe Arce publishes his photo of Glenn Close – 2021 nominee for “Hillbilly Elegy.” Also, there are two photos of Viola Davis (“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”) from the Chicago International Film Festival Red Carpets in 2018 and 2012.
Click “Next” and “Previous” to scan through the slideshow or jump directly to individual photos with the captioned links below. In parenthesis are the films the actors are nominated for. All photos © Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com.
OSCAR01: Glenn Close (“Hillbilly Elegy”) in Chicago, 1998. OSCAR02: Viola Davis...
Chicago – Roll out the red carpet on Oscar Day 2021! Throughout the years, Photographer Joe Arce of HollywoodChicago has had close encounters with many of this year’s nominees and had captured them with his intrepid camera eye. Presenting a slideshow of the 93rd Academy Awards Best Acting nominations.
And for the first time since 1998, Joe Arce publishes his photo of Glenn Close – 2021 nominee for “Hillbilly Elegy.” Also, there are two photos of Viola Davis (“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”) from the Chicago International Film Festival Red Carpets in 2018 and 2012.
Click “Next” and “Previous” to scan through the slideshow or jump directly to individual photos with the captioned links below. In parenthesis are the films the actors are nominated for. All photos © Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com.
OSCAR01: Glenn Close (“Hillbilly Elegy”) in Chicago, 1998. OSCAR02: Viola Davis...
- 4/25/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
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.
Through the last five weeks on the Morning Mess, Wbgr-fm on the Scott Thompson Show, McDonald put the Swami on for the top categories at Sunday’s ceremony … Best Supporting Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Picture (with a bonus Best Director prediction).
7pm Central Time
Photo credit: ABC-tv
Before the big 2021 prediction video below how about some appropriate quotes about the Academy Awards …
“Nothing can take the sting off the world’s economic problems like watching millionaires present each other golden statues.” ~ Billy Crystal
The best thing that winning those Academy Awards...
Through the last five weeks on the Morning Mess, Wbgr-fm on the Scott Thompson Show, McDonald put the Swami on for the top categories at Sunday’s ceremony … Best Supporting Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Picture (with a bonus Best Director prediction).
7pm Central Time
Photo credit: ABC-tv
Before the big 2021 prediction video below how about some appropriate quotes about the Academy Awards …
“Nothing can take the sting off the world’s economic problems like watching millionaires present each other golden statues.” ~ Billy Crystal
The best thing that winning those Academy Awards...
- 4/24/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
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.”
Mulligan is Cassandra in “Promising Young Woman,” a former high-level medical student who has mysterious dropped out, lives with her parents, and passes her time going to bars and clubs. While there, she fakes being extremely drunk, and allows men to pick her up to experience what they want to do with her. If they put on extreme sexual moves, she busts them, and dutifully marks each incident in a diary. This behavior becomes obsessive and based on a situation in her past. So when she truly starts to like a guy in her former med class, the atmosphere becomes more mysterious.
Mulligan is Cassandra in “Promising Young Woman,” a former high-level medical student who has mysterious dropped out, lives with her parents, and passes her time going to bars and clubs. While there, she fakes being extremely drunk, and allows men to pick her up to experience what they want to do with her. If they put on extreme sexual moves, she busts them, and dutifully marks each incident in a diary. This behavior becomes obsessive and based on a situation in her past. So when she truly starts to like a guy in her former med class, the atmosphere becomes more mysterious.
- 4/24/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review, a review of the rebooted film franchise “Mortal Kombat,” a new action series based on the popular video game. In theaters and on HBO Max beginning April 23rd, 2021.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
Lewis Tan is Cole Young, a mixed marital arts fighter with a golly-gee-whiz family, who encounters a man named Jax (Mehcad Brooks) who is a recruiter for a heroic group of ninja fighters named Shirai Ryu, born with a dragon tattoo … which Cole possesses. They are challenged by the Lin Kuel assassins of The Outworld – introduced by a Mr. Freeze type called Sub Zero – looking for another “mortal kombat” tournament, to defeat Shirai Ryu and the Earthstream (the version of our world). Cole has to go through training with a motley crew, including the volatile Kano (Josh Lawson), to find his super power to defeat their enemies.
“Mortal Kombat” is in theaters...
Rating: 3.5/5.0
Lewis Tan is Cole Young, a mixed marital arts fighter with a golly-gee-whiz family, who encounters a man named Jax (Mehcad Brooks) who is a recruiter for a heroic group of ninja fighters named Shirai Ryu, born with a dragon tattoo … which Cole possesses. They are challenged by the Lin Kuel assassins of The Outworld – introduced by a Mr. Freeze type called Sub Zero – looking for another “mortal kombat” tournament, to defeat Shirai Ryu and the Earthstream (the version of our world). Cole has to go through training with a motley crew, including the volatile Kano (Josh Lawson), to find his super power to defeat their enemies.
“Mortal Kombat” is in theaters...
- 4/24/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Building a career role by role, Viola Davis has emerged at the top of her profession as an actress, with four Oscar nominations in her journey – and one win for “Fences” (2016) – including this 2021’s nod for her shape shifting performance as a real-life 1920s Blues Singer in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.”
Davis portrays the title character, recording a new record on the Southside of Chicago during the era. Her Ma Rainey lives in a segregated society, and in this adaptation of the August Wilson stageplay the singer is exploited by white record producers, and is lost, angry and burnt out. Davis is able to convey all of those emotions is a remarkable portrayal, embodying both the physical form and spirit of an old-timey entertainer who had to contend with both business humiliations and societal dismissal.
Viola Davis in Chicago, circa 2018
Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.
Davis portrays the title character, recording a new record on the Southside of Chicago during the era. Her Ma Rainey lives in a segregated society, and in this adaptation of the August Wilson stageplay the singer is exploited by white record producers, and is lost, angry and burnt out. Davis is able to convey all of those emotions is a remarkable portrayal, embodying both the physical form and spirit of an old-timey entertainer who had to contend with both business humiliations and societal dismissal.
Viola Davis in Chicago, circa 2018
Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.
- 4/22/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – In one of the crueler events during the cruel year of 2020, the actor Chadwick Boseman died from cancer at age 43. But he left us two prominent roles in 2020, as a pivotal character in Spike Lee’s “Da Five Bloods” and in his 2021 Oscar nominated performance as Levee in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.”
Boseman broke out in a sympathetic and courageous performance as Jackie Robinson in “42” (2013), which landed him other biographical roles as singer James Brown in “Get On Up” (2014) and Supreme Court justice Thurgood Marshall in “Marshall” (2017). But it was his unforgettable Marvel Universe turn as T’Challa/Black Panther (2018 in “Black Panther”) that uplifted Boseman to iconic status as an actor.
Chadwick Boseman in Chicago, circa 2017
Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com
As Levee in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” Boseman was in the spotlight as a “modern” black man who plays horn...
Boseman broke out in a sympathetic and courageous performance as Jackie Robinson in “42” (2013), which landed him other biographical roles as singer James Brown in “Get On Up” (2014) and Supreme Court justice Thurgood Marshall in “Marshall” (2017). But it was his unforgettable Marvel Universe turn as T’Challa/Black Panther (2018 in “Black Panther”) that uplifted Boseman to iconic status as an actor.
Chadwick Boseman in Chicago, circa 2017
Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com
As Levee in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” Boseman was in the spotlight as a “modern” black man who plays horn...
- 4/21/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – My portrait of Liza Minnelli is one of my favorites not just for what appears in frame, but equally for the story of what happened after the shutter was clicked. This was back in 1992, when my focus was on Rock and Roll photojournalism, and I had been granted access to Liza through Tower Records in Chicago. She was promoting her “Live From Radio City Music Hall” release.
I somehow had imagined working with Liza Minnelli would be a major pain in the ass and that the Oscar winning actress would be nothing short of a headache-inducing pampered Diva. I couldn’t have been more mistaken. She greeted me with a warm handshake and her only request was that I photograph her either directly straight on or from her better left side. I assured her she wasn’t in possession of a bad side.
Snow Dancing: Oscar Winner Liza Minnelli in Chicago,...
I somehow had imagined working with Liza Minnelli would be a major pain in the ass and that the Oscar winning actress would be nothing short of a headache-inducing pampered Diva. I couldn’t have been more mistaken. She greeted me with a warm handshake and her only request was that I photograph her either directly straight on or from her better left side. I assured her she wasn’t in possession of a bad side.
Snow Dancing: Oscar Winner Liza Minnelli in Chicago,...
- 4/20/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on Wbgr-fm on April 15th, 2021, reviewing the new film “Arlo the Alligator Boy,” streaming on Netflix beginning April 16th.
Rating: 4.5/5.0
Arlo (voice of Michael J. Woodard), is an alligator boy who drifts from the New York City sewers to the near New Orleans, and grows up in the swamp with his adopted Mom Edmee (Annie Potts). When he discovers his true origins when he’s a teen, he sets out for NYC to find his father. Along the way he gathers an odd group of fellow travelers, and a couple enemies who want to exploit him. The journey is the thing, as Arlo is encamped with other oddballs, including a tiny Tony (Tony Hale), a Tiger Girl, a gay fur ball, a fish with legs and Big Bertie (Mary Lambert).
“Arlo the Alligator Boy” is streaming on Netflix beginning April 16th,...
Rating: 4.5/5.0
Arlo (voice of Michael J. Woodard), is an alligator boy who drifts from the New York City sewers to the near New Orleans, and grows up in the swamp with his adopted Mom Edmee (Annie Potts). When he discovers his true origins when he’s a teen, he sets out for NYC to find his father. Along the way he gathers an odd group of fellow travelers, and a couple enemies who want to exploit him. The journey is the thing, as Arlo is encamped with other oddballs, including a tiny Tony (Tony Hale), a Tiger Girl, a gay fur ball, a fish with legs and Big Bertie (Mary Lambert).
“Arlo the Alligator Boy” is streaming on Netflix beginning April 16th,...
- 4/17/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on The Eddie Volkman Show on Wssr-fm on March 12th, 2021, reviewing the new documentary “Kid 90,” streaming on Hulu beginning on Friday, March 12th.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
Remember Soleil Moon Frye? She was the child actor who brought the character “Punky Brewster” to life in that late 1980s sitcom. After the series ended, and through her teenage years in the 1990s (thus “Kid 90”), she had an ever-present camcorder that chronicled her life in that decade … and the lives of her fellow kid actors like Stephen Dorff, Heather McComb, David Arquette, Leonardo DiCaprio and Mark-Paul Gosselaer. The documentary is a look back at the footage, and the up/down lives associated with it.
“Kid 90” is available to stream on Hulu beginning March 12th. Featuring Soleil Moon Frye, Stephen Dorff, Heather McComb, David Arquette, Leonardo DiCaprio and Mark-Paul Gosselaer. Rated “TV-ma”
Click here for Patrick...
Rating: 3.5/5.0
Remember Soleil Moon Frye? She was the child actor who brought the character “Punky Brewster” to life in that late 1980s sitcom. After the series ended, and through her teenage years in the 1990s (thus “Kid 90”), she had an ever-present camcorder that chronicled her life in that decade … and the lives of her fellow kid actors like Stephen Dorff, Heather McComb, David Arquette, Leonardo DiCaprio and Mark-Paul Gosselaer. The documentary is a look back at the footage, and the up/down lives associated with it.
“Kid 90” is available to stream on Hulu beginning March 12th. Featuring Soleil Moon Frye, Stephen Dorff, Heather McComb, David Arquette, Leonardo DiCaprio and Mark-Paul Gosselaer. Rated “TV-ma”
Click here for Patrick...
- 3/13/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on The Eddie Volkman Show on Wssr-fm on February 26th, 2021, reviewing the new release “Cherry,” streaming on Apple TV+ beginning on March 12th, 2021.
Rating: 4.0/5.0
Tom Holland (Spider-Man in the Marvel Universe) portrays “Cherry,” a young drifter in life who finds purpose with Emily (Clara Bravo) and as an Army medic in Afghanistan. Before he ships out, he marries Emily, but suffers severe Ptsd after-effects while in combat. When he comes home, a taste for the Oxy Contin drug leads to a harder addiction of heroin, and Emily joins in the indulgence. To fund their now intense addictions, Cherry takes up robbing banks.
“Cherry” is available to stream on Apple TV+ beginning March 12th. Featuring Tom Holland, Clara Bravo, Jack Reynor, Michael Rispoli and Jeff Wahlberg. Screenplay adapted by Angela Russo-Otstot and Jessica Goldberg. Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo. Rated “R”
Click here...
Rating: 4.0/5.0
Tom Holland (Spider-Man in the Marvel Universe) portrays “Cherry,” a young drifter in life who finds purpose with Emily (Clara Bravo) and as an Army medic in Afghanistan. Before he ships out, he marries Emily, but suffers severe Ptsd after-effects while in combat. When he comes home, a taste for the Oxy Contin drug leads to a harder addiction of heroin, and Emily joins in the indulgence. To fund their now intense addictions, Cherry takes up robbing banks.
“Cherry” is available to stream on Apple TV+ beginning March 12th. Featuring Tom Holland, Clara Bravo, Jack Reynor, Michael Rispoli and Jeff Wahlberg. Screenplay adapted by Angela Russo-Otstot and Jessica Goldberg. Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo. Rated “R”
Click here...
- 3/12/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on Wbgr-fm on March 11th, 2021, reviewing the new film “The Father,” in theaters on March 12th and available through Video-On-Demand March 26th.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
Sir Anthony Hopkins is the title character of “The Father,” as he portrays Anthony, an old man who definitely needs some care giving from his daughter Anne (Olivia Coleman) because he is having trouble grasping his surroundings. As his condition worsens, the elements regarding his care becomes more difficult, both in his cooperation and interaction with his caregivers.
“The Father” opens in theaters March 12th, and through Video-On-Demand March 26th. Featuring Anthony Hopkins, Olivia Coleman, Mark Gatiss, Olivia Williams and Imogen Poots. Screenplay adapted by Florian Zeller and Christopher Hampton. Directed by Florian Zeller. Rated “PG-13”
Click here for Patrick McDonald’s full on-air review of “The Father.”
The Father
Photo credit: Sony Pictures Classics...
Rating: 3.5/5.0
Sir Anthony Hopkins is the title character of “The Father,” as he portrays Anthony, an old man who definitely needs some care giving from his daughter Anne (Olivia Coleman) because he is having trouble grasping his surroundings. As his condition worsens, the elements regarding his care becomes more difficult, both in his cooperation and interaction with his caregivers.
“The Father” opens in theaters March 12th, and through Video-On-Demand March 26th. Featuring Anthony Hopkins, Olivia Coleman, Mark Gatiss, Olivia Williams and Imogen Poots. Screenplay adapted by Florian Zeller and Christopher Hampton. Directed by Florian Zeller. Rated “PG-13”
Click here for Patrick McDonald’s full on-air review of “The Father.”
The Father
Photo credit: Sony Pictures Classics...
- 3/12/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review, a perspective on “My Salinger Year,” a new release adaptation of the memoir of the same name by Joanna Rakoff. The Salinger is of course J.D. Salinger, the legendary author and recluse. In theaters and through VOD beginning March 5th, 2021.
Rating: 4.5/5.0
“My Salinger Year” is set in the 1995. The poet/writer Joanna Rakoff, portrayed by up-and comer Margaret Whalley, takes a chance and leaves her California life and boyfriend behind in a move to New York City, and finds admin work at an older and once prestigious literary agency. The office is run by a tough-but-benign head honcho (Sigourney Weaver), and one of agency’s main clients is none other than a 76-year-old J.D.“Jerry” Salinger, legendary author of “Catcher in the Rye.” Joanna’s adventures and misadventures through that literary filter changes her life profoundly.
“My Salinger Year” is...
Rating: 4.5/5.0
“My Salinger Year” is set in the 1995. The poet/writer Joanna Rakoff, portrayed by up-and comer Margaret Whalley, takes a chance and leaves her California life and boyfriend behind in a move to New York City, and finds admin work at an older and once prestigious literary agency. The office is run by a tough-but-benign head honcho (Sigourney Weaver), and one of agency’s main clients is none other than a 76-year-old J.D.“Jerry” Salinger, legendary author of “Catcher in the Rye.” Joanna’s adventures and misadventures through that literary filter changes her life profoundly.
“My Salinger Year” is...
- 3/10/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – The resilient Asian Pop-Up Cinema (Apuc) series of Chicago will begin Season 12 on March 15th, 2021, and will offer a unique three-part hybrid presentation culminating on May 1st. It opens with virtual/online films, then presents an “Oscar Contenders” event and concludes with films at the Lincoln Yards Drive-In.
In addition to eight North American and 12 U.S. premieres, Apuc will offer selected films from Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, China, South Korea, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Mongolia. For the first time in Apuc’s history, the lineup will also feature four co-productions directed by non-Asian filmmakers from France/China, France/Cambodia, Canada/Vietnam, and the USA/Philippines. The festival is curated by Founder & Executive Director Sophia Wong Boccio.
Apuc, Season 12
Photo credit: AsianPopUpCinema.org
The Virtual and Online streaming begins March 15th with “The Town of Headcounts” . The Oscar Contenders begin April 1st, and includes the shortlisted “Better Days”. The...
In addition to eight North American and 12 U.S. premieres, Apuc will offer selected films from Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, China, South Korea, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Mongolia. For the first time in Apuc’s history, the lineup will also feature four co-productions directed by non-Asian filmmakers from France/China, France/Cambodia, Canada/Vietnam, and the USA/Philippines. The festival is curated by Founder & Executive Director Sophia Wong Boccio.
Apuc, Season 12
Photo credit: AsianPopUpCinema.org
The Virtual and Online streaming begins March 15th with “The Town of Headcounts” . The Oscar Contenders begin April 1st, and includes the shortlisted “Better Days”. The...
- 3/7/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review, going back to a 1972 anti-Vietnam War documentary with Jane Fonda and Donald Sutherland, as they entertain the troops in “F.T.A.,” available through on-demand in Virtual Cinemas right now, for more info click KinoLorber.com.
Rating: 4.0/5.0
The rediscovered 1972 documentary – directed by Francine Parker, a pioneering female filmmaker – is an acronym for “Free the Army” and other variations of the phrase. Jane Fonda and Donald Sutherland – right after they did the film Klute in 1971 – organized an anti-war “entertain the troops” show for army bases in Hawaii, the Philippines, Okinawa and Japan … the very places being used to conduct the Vietnam War. The idea was to gather performers, including Fonda and Sutherland, to help mobilize the anti-Vietnam War effort.
“F.T.A.” is available through On-Demand Virtual Cinema, locally through Facets Chicago or KinoLorber.com. Featuring Jane Fonda and Donald Sutherland. Directed by Francine Parker.
Rating: 4.0/5.0
The rediscovered 1972 documentary – directed by Francine Parker, a pioneering female filmmaker – is an acronym for “Free the Army” and other variations of the phrase. Jane Fonda and Donald Sutherland – right after they did the film Klute in 1971 – organized an anti-war “entertain the troops” show for army bases in Hawaii, the Philippines, Okinawa and Japan … the very places being used to conduct the Vietnam War. The idea was to gather performers, including Fonda and Sutherland, to help mobilize the anti-Vietnam War effort.
“F.T.A.” is available through On-Demand Virtual Cinema, locally through Facets Chicago or KinoLorber.com. Featuring Jane Fonda and Donald Sutherland. Directed by Francine Parker.
- 3/5/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on Wbgr-fm on March 4th, reviewing the new film “Raya and the Last Dragon,” in theaters and available through Disney+ (Premier Access) on March 5th, 2021.
Rating: 4.5/5.0
Raya (voice of Kelly Marie Tran) opens the film on a search to save the land of Kumandra, and in flashback we learn an enemy named Druun had caused a division in the land and turned people plus ancient dragons into stone, except one. Raya finds the last dragon named Sisu (Awkwafina) and together they are on a quest to reunite the kingdoms, with the help of an unlikely gang of misfits.
“Raya and The Last Dragon” is in theaters and available through Disney+ (Premier Access) on March 5th. Featuring the voices of Kelly Marie Tran, Awkwafina, Gemma Chan, Sandra Oh and Alan Tudyk. Written by Qui Nguyyen and Adele Lim.
Rating: 4.5/5.0
Raya (voice of Kelly Marie Tran) opens the film on a search to save the land of Kumandra, and in flashback we learn an enemy named Druun had caused a division in the land and turned people plus ancient dragons into stone, except one. Raya finds the last dragon named Sisu (Awkwafina) and together they are on a quest to reunite the kingdoms, with the help of an unlikely gang of misfits.
“Raya and The Last Dragon” is in theaters and available through Disney+ (Premier Access) on March 5th. Featuring the voices of Kelly Marie Tran, Awkwafina, Gemma Chan, Sandra Oh and Alan Tudyk. Written by Qui Nguyyen and Adele Lim.
- 3/5/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on Wbgr-fm on March 4th, 2021, reviewing the new film “Coming 2 America,” streaming on Amazon Prime Video beginning March 5th, 2021.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
He’s back! African Prince Akeem of Zamunda (Eddie Murphy) is about to be king, and worries that he doesn’t have a son … Zamunda requires a male heir, and he has three daughters. But when he finds out he actually has a son (Jermaine Fowler) back in America, after having had a brief fling with Mary (Leslie Jones) back in 1988, he goes back with sidekick Semmi (Arsenio Hall) to retrieve his son, to train him to be King.
“Coming 2 America” will stream on Amazon Prime Video beginning March 5th. Featuring Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, James Earl Jones, Jermaine Fowler, Leslie Jones and Tracy Morgan. Screenplay by Kenya Barris, Barry W. Blaustein and David Sheffield.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
He’s back! African Prince Akeem of Zamunda (Eddie Murphy) is about to be king, and worries that he doesn’t have a son … Zamunda requires a male heir, and he has three daughters. But when he finds out he actually has a son (Jermaine Fowler) back in America, after having had a brief fling with Mary (Leslie Jones) back in 1988, he goes back with sidekick Semmi (Arsenio Hall) to retrieve his son, to train him to be King.
“Coming 2 America” will stream on Amazon Prime Video beginning March 5th. Featuring Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, James Earl Jones, Jermaine Fowler, Leslie Jones and Tracy Morgan. Screenplay by Kenya Barris, Barry W. Blaustein and David Sheffield.
- 3/5/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – There’s not a better way to kick off March and St. Patrick’s Day month than the 22nd edition of the Chicago Irish Film Festival, presented this year in a virtual and online format. With five feature films, five feature documentaries, U.S. premieres in both those genres and more, it’s a ticket to exciting cinema and Irish heritage. Start the journey by clicking here.
22nd Chicago Irish Film Festival
Photo credit: ChicagoIrishFilmFestival.com
Among the U.S. premieres that Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com previewed includes Sam Uhlemann’s family drama “The Edge of Darkness” (“ … the film rightly points out that until the dirty laundry is thrown into the wash the stains just keep spreading”), Phil Sheerin’s psychological triller and directorial debut “The Winter Lake” (“… has shades of Alfred Hitchcock … ”), and the docu-drama “Violet Gibson - The Irish Woman Who Shot Mussolini”, directed by Barrie Dowdall...
22nd Chicago Irish Film Festival
Photo credit: ChicagoIrishFilmFestival.com
Among the U.S. premieres that Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com previewed includes Sam Uhlemann’s family drama “The Edge of Darkness” (“ … the film rightly points out that until the dirty laundry is thrown into the wash the stains just keep spreading”), Phil Sheerin’s psychological triller and directorial debut “The Winter Lake” (“… has shades of Alfred Hitchcock … ”), and the docu-drama “Violet Gibson - The Irish Woman Who Shot Mussolini”, directed by Barrie Dowdall...
- 3/3/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Los Angeles – Tatum Lynn is an accomplished musical force to be reckoned with – Pop Music’s new Indie Princess – and has accomplished more industry milestones in her 21 years than some artists achieve in a lifetime. Beginning at age 10, Tatum’s dedication, drive and originality has allowed her to stand out from her peers.
Her hard work and effort came to fruition at age 19, as “Later Baby Xo” broke into the Billboard Top 40 and has garnered over one million YouTube views. Since that initial brush with fame, Tatum’s star continues to grow and shine brightly. Her first full length album “Let Down Your Hair” is being released on March 5th, 2021, and features 14 tracks … order in advance by Clicking Here.
The New Album by Tatum Lynn is ‘Let Down Your Hair’
Photo credit: TatumLynn.com
Tatum has released two album cuts including ”Closer” along with a special live studio performance and the lyric video.
Her hard work and effort came to fruition at age 19, as “Later Baby Xo” broke into the Billboard Top 40 and has garnered over one million YouTube views. Since that initial brush with fame, Tatum’s star continues to grow and shine brightly. Her first full length album “Let Down Your Hair” is being released on March 5th, 2021, and features 14 tracks … order in advance by Clicking Here.
The New Album by Tatum Lynn is ‘Let Down Your Hair’
Photo credit: TatumLynn.com
Tatum has released two album cuts including ”Closer” along with a special live studio performance and the lyric video.
- 3/1/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on The Eddie Volkman Show on Wssr-fm on February 26th, 2021, reviewing the new release “Tom & Jerry,” premiering on HBO Max and in theaters on February 26th, 2021.
Rating: 3.0/5.0
“Tom & Jerry” involves the legendary animated cat and mouse duo being involved in a fancy royal wedding (SNL’s Colin Jost is the groom) at a posh New York City hotel, in a combination of cartoon-style animation and live action.The wedding coordinator (Grace Chlöe Moretz) becomes their handlers, against some pushback from the hotel manager (Rob Delaney) and event coordinator (Michael Peña). Also features classic T&j characters like Spike the Dog, Butch the Cat and Tom-love-interest Toodles Galore.
“Tom & Jerry” is available to stream on HBO Max and in theaters beginning February 26th. Featuring Grace Chlöe Moretz, Michael Peña, Rob Delany and Colin Jost. Written by Kevin Costello. Directed by Tim Story.
Rating: 3.0/5.0
“Tom & Jerry” involves the legendary animated cat and mouse duo being involved in a fancy royal wedding (SNL’s Colin Jost is the groom) at a posh New York City hotel, in a combination of cartoon-style animation and live action.The wedding coordinator (Grace Chlöe Moretz) becomes their handlers, against some pushback from the hotel manager (Rob Delaney) and event coordinator (Michael Peña). Also features classic T&j characters like Spike the Dog, Butch the Cat and Tom-love-interest Toodles Galore.
“Tom & Jerry” is available to stream on HBO Max and in theaters beginning February 26th. Featuring Grace Chlöe Moretz, Michael Peña, Rob Delany and Colin Jost. Written by Kevin Costello. Directed by Tim Story.
- 2/26/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – It was one week of 73 feature films and 50 shorts, and it was shared with a virtual and online audience. The 2021 Sundance Film Festival will be remembered as within the pandemic sphere, but it also was notable for the depth and breadth of their film offerings, and how it reached a larger cinema universe.
The Sundance Film Festival is an annual event organized by the Sundance Institute – an organization founded by actor Robert Redford in 1980 – and dedicated to the growth of independent artists. It usually takes place each January in Park City, Utah, and other locations, and is the largest independent film festival in the United States. It includes competitive categories in documentary and dramatic films, both feature length and short works, as well as out-of-competition categories for showcasing new films.
That’s a Wrap!
Photo credit: Sundance Film Festival
Sundance: Five Films That Stood Out
Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.
The Sundance Film Festival is an annual event organized by the Sundance Institute – an organization founded by actor Robert Redford in 1980 – and dedicated to the growth of independent artists. It usually takes place each January in Park City, Utah, and other locations, and is the largest independent film festival in the United States. It includes competitive categories in documentary and dramatic films, both feature length and short works, as well as out-of-competition categories for showcasing new films.
That’s a Wrap!
Photo credit: Sundance Film Festival
Sundance: Five Films That Stood Out
Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.
- 2/4/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – The 2021 Sundance Film Festival will be long remembered as the “virtual” version due to the pandemic, but there are always the real films, and the festival announced their competition honorees on February 2nd, in a virtual ceremony hosted by comedian Patton Oswalt.
After six days, 73 feature films and 50 Short Films, the Grand Jury Prizes were awarded to “Coda” (U.S. Dramatic) … Coda is an acronym for Child of Deaf Adults, and highlights the character of Ruby. “Summer of Soul” (U.S. Documentary) … the “Black Woodstock” of Harlem in the same Summer of 1969. “Flee” (World Cinema Documentary) … a child immigrant grows up to be a respected academic, but still harbors a secret. And “Hive” (World Cinema Dramatic) … a woman has a husband missing in action during the Kosovo war – should she continue to support herself or wait?
The list of all award winners are below.
Grand Jury Prize
Coda
Photo credit: Sundance Film Festival
U.
After six days, 73 feature films and 50 Short Films, the Grand Jury Prizes were awarded to “Coda” (U.S. Dramatic) … Coda is an acronym for Child of Deaf Adults, and highlights the character of Ruby. “Summer of Soul” (U.S. Documentary) … the “Black Woodstock” of Harlem in the same Summer of 1969. “Flee” (World Cinema Documentary) … a child immigrant grows up to be a respected academic, but still harbors a secret. And “Hive” (World Cinema Dramatic) … a woman has a husband missing in action during the Kosovo war – should she continue to support herself or wait?
The list of all award winners are below.
Grand Jury Prize
Coda
Photo credit: Sundance Film Festival
U.
- 2/3/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – A man called Screech is gone. Dustin Diamond, who portrayed the Screech character for many years on the series “Saved by the Bell” and its various iterations, passed away on February 1st, 2021, in a Florida hospital after a bout with cancer. He was 44.
The character Diamond is best known for, Samuel “Screech” Powers, began on the Disney Channel in 1988 in “Good Morning Miss Bliss.” NBC-tv had the rights to the show’s premise, and re-tooled it into “Saved by the Bell” in 1989, and it became a touchstone show for that teenage generation through its four seasons and spinoffs. After leaving the franchise in 2000 (“Saved by the Bell: The New Class”) Diamond began life’s roller coaster ride that many child actors endure.
Dustin Diamond in Chicago, circa 2012
Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com
He reinvented himself as a stand-up comedian, but also made himself available...
The character Diamond is best known for, Samuel “Screech” Powers, began on the Disney Channel in 1988 in “Good Morning Miss Bliss.” NBC-tv had the rights to the show’s premise, and re-tooled it into “Saved by the Bell” in 1989, and it became a touchstone show for that teenage generation through its four seasons and spinoffs. After leaving the franchise in 2000 (“Saved by the Bell: The New Class”) Diamond began life’s roller coaster ride that many child actors endure.
Dustin Diamond in Chicago, circa 2012
Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com
He reinvented himself as a stand-up comedian, but also made himself available...
- 2/2/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Eric Pertilla is joining Endeavor Content to become its vice president of television development and production.
He was most recently director of original content at CBS All Access for the past two years, where he oversaw Richard Linklater series “That Animal Rescue Show” and led development of “The Twilight Zone,” “Star Trek: Discovery,” “The Good Fight,” and “Texas 6.”
“Endeavor Content presents a tremendous opportunity to work with one of the industry’s most artist-driven and forward-thinking companies, under the exceptional leadership of Joe, Chris, and Graham,” said Pertilla. “I’m grateful for the opportunity I had to work with Julie McNamara and the incredibly talented executives and talent across ViacomCBS, and look forward to helping Endeavor Content continue its ascent as one of the industry’s most exciting and disruptive content studios.”
Prior to his time at All Access, Pertilla was a talent manager at Mosaic and a motion picture literary agent at Paradigm.
He was most recently director of original content at CBS All Access for the past two years, where he oversaw Richard Linklater series “That Animal Rescue Show” and led development of “The Twilight Zone,” “Star Trek: Discovery,” “The Good Fight,” and “Texas 6.”
“Endeavor Content presents a tremendous opportunity to work with one of the industry’s most artist-driven and forward-thinking companies, under the exceptional leadership of Joe, Chris, and Graham,” said Pertilla. “I’m grateful for the opportunity I had to work with Julie McNamara and the incredibly talented executives and talent across ViacomCBS, and look forward to helping Endeavor Content continue its ascent as one of the industry’s most exciting and disruptive content studios.”
Prior to his time at All Access, Pertilla was a talent manager at Mosaic and a motion picture literary agent at Paradigm.
- 2/2/2021
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
Eric Pertilla will join Endeavor Content as its new Vice President, Television Development and Production.
The industry vet and former Mosaic and Paradigm agent joins Endeavor form CBS All Access, where he served as Director, Original Content for two years and oversaw the development of series including The Twilight Zone, Star Trek: Discovery, The Good Fight, and Texas 6.
“Eric’s background working as both a network executive and directly with talent uniquely suit him to our team in the ever-evolving television landscape,” Said Joe Hipps, EVP, Television Development and Production. “His exceptional taste and fierce work ethic will ensure that our television business continues to be ahead of the curve as we continue producing programming for discerning viewers across the world.”
In addition to bringing Pertilla on board, Endeavor Content has announced promotions and new hires across its television division. Todd Sharp will now be EVP, Physical Production and Current...
The industry vet and former Mosaic and Paradigm agent joins Endeavor form CBS All Access, where he served as Director, Original Content for two years and oversaw the development of series including The Twilight Zone, Star Trek: Discovery, The Good Fight, and Texas 6.
“Eric’s background working as both a network executive and directly with talent uniquely suit him to our team in the ever-evolving television landscape,” Said Joe Hipps, EVP, Television Development and Production. “His exceptional taste and fierce work ethic will ensure that our television business continues to be ahead of the curve as we continue producing programming for discerning viewers across the world.”
In addition to bringing Pertilla on board, Endeavor Content has announced promotions and new hires across its television division. Todd Sharp will now be EVP, Physical Production and Current...
- 2/2/2021
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
Chicago – The compact 2021 Sundance Film Festival is on the sixth day of seven, but the offerings are still coming. This year’s festival is virtual and online, meaning anyone with a ticket or a pass can indulge in the film offerings throughout the festival, which runs until Wednesday, February 3rd.
For the premieres of 2021, the cutting edge potential influencer films and all the ancillary new voice filmmakers, the Sundance Film Festival is the one that begins every film year with the movies that ultimately become the talk of the town and the gatherer of year end awards. Your ticket to the festival is your chance to see these films and filmmakers before the general public.
Jockey
Photo credit: Sundance Film Festival
The Sundance Film Festival is an annual event organized by the Sundance Institute – an organization founded by actor Robert Redford in 1980 – and dedicated to the growth of independent artists.
For the premieres of 2021, the cutting edge potential influencer films and all the ancillary new voice filmmakers, the Sundance Film Festival is the one that begins every film year with the movies that ultimately become the talk of the town and the gatherer of year end awards. Your ticket to the festival is your chance to see these films and filmmakers before the general public.
Jockey
Photo credit: Sundance Film Festival
The Sundance Film Festival is an annual event organized by the Sundance Institute – an organization founded by actor Robert Redford in 1980 – and dedicated to the growth of independent artists.
- 2/2/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
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