Chicago – In 1963, Judy Garland had a CBS-TV variety series, and in December there was a Christmas episode featuring her kids … including Liza Minnelli. Playwright Desiree Burcum and the comedy troupe Famous In The Future have created (click link) ”A Judy Christmas” as a stage play.
The show, presented by Famous In The Future productions, will have three performances the week before Christmas, December 15th, 16th and 17th, at the Den Theatre in Chicago.
Desiree Burcum (front of line) as Judy Garland in ‘A Judy Christmas’
Photo credit: FamousInTheFuture.com
On Friday December 6th, 1963, a mere 11 days after the assassination and funeral of John F. Kennedy – Judy Garland was a friend of his – the singer and her children, with guest stars Jack Jones and Mel Tormé, gathered to film the Christmas special. It was part of the Judy Garland Show, which ran from 1963-64. With the heavy mourning of a nation over the proceedings,...
The show, presented by Famous In The Future productions, will have three performances the week before Christmas, December 15th, 16th and 17th, at the Den Theatre in Chicago.
Desiree Burcum (front of line) as Judy Garland in ‘A Judy Christmas’
Photo credit: FamousInTheFuture.com
On Friday December 6th, 1963, a mere 11 days after the assassination and funeral of John F. Kennedy – Judy Garland was a friend of his – the singer and her children, with guest stars Jack Jones and Mel Tormé, gathered to film the Christmas special. It was part of the Judy Garland Show, which ran from 1963-64. With the heavy mourning of a nation over the proceedings,...
- 12/10/2023
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on Ian Simmons Vodcast, Kicking The Seat, talking the 1973 first JFK conspiracy film “Executive Action” … it’s 50th Anniversary. Why was this particular anniversary film chosen? Because today … November 22nd, 2023, is the 60th Anniversary of the John F. Kennedy assassination.
At a gathering in June 1963, shadowy industrial, political and U.S. intelligence figures discuss their growing dissatisfaction with the Kennedy administration. The most powerful, a geopolitical oil mogul, is Ferguson (Will Geer). The rest of these figureheads include Foster (Robert Ryan) and Farrington (Burt Lancaster), a black ops expert. When the green light is lit on the operation, Farrington recruits a team of shooters and a fall guy named Lee Harvey Oswald. Their destination? Dallas, Texas, on November 22nd, 1963, and the presidential motorcade of destiny.
‘Executive Action’ on Kicking the Seat, Hosted by Ian Simmons
Photo credit: Patrick McDonald
Kicking The Seat is...
At a gathering in June 1963, shadowy industrial, political and U.S. intelligence figures discuss their growing dissatisfaction with the Kennedy administration. The most powerful, a geopolitical oil mogul, is Ferguson (Will Geer). The rest of these figureheads include Foster (Robert Ryan) and Farrington (Burt Lancaster), a black ops expert. When the green light is lit on the operation, Farrington recruits a team of shooters and a fall guy named Lee Harvey Oswald. Their destination? Dallas, Texas, on November 22nd, 1963, and the presidential motorcade of destiny.
‘Executive Action’ on Kicking the Seat, Hosted by Ian Simmons
Photo credit: Patrick McDonald
Kicking The Seat is...
- 11/23/2023
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on Ian Simmons’ Vodcast, Kicking The Seat, talking the 1973 Cop Drama classic, “Serpico” … it’s 50th Anniversary. Why was this particular anniversary film chosen? Because it was once parodied in Mad Magazine as “Serpicool.”
Frank Serpico (Al Pacino) is a New York City cop in the 1960s/70s. Unlike all his colleagues, he refuses a share of the money that the cops routinely extort from local criminals. As he goes undercover, nobody wants to work with Serpico, and he’s in constant danger of being placed in life threatening positions by his “partners.” Nothing seems to get done even when he goes to the highest of authorities, but he still hopes that one day the truth will be known.
‘Serpico’ on Kicking The Seat
Photo credit: Patrick McDonald for HollywoodChicago.com
Kicking The Seat is an Ian Simmons’ Joint covering the spectrum of film,...
Frank Serpico (Al Pacino) is a New York City cop in the 1960s/70s. Unlike all his colleagues, he refuses a share of the money that the cops routinely extort from local criminals. As he goes undercover, nobody wants to work with Serpico, and he’s in constant danger of being placed in life threatening positions by his “partners.” Nothing seems to get done even when he goes to the highest of authorities, but he still hopes that one day the truth will be known.
‘Serpico’ on Kicking The Seat
Photo credit: Patrick McDonald for HollywoodChicago.com
Kicking The Seat is an Ian Simmons’ Joint covering the spectrum of film,...
- 9/30/2023
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – This year was the 100th anniversary for the birth of the classic movie star/singer/performer Judy Garland. In 1963, as part of her regular CBS-TV variety series, she presented a Christmas episode, featuring her family … including Liza Minnelli. Playwright Desiree Burcum has created a musical comedy about this historic moment in television, appropriately titled “A Judy Christmas.” The show, presented by Famous In The Future productions, will have three performances the week before Christmas, December 15th, 16th and 17th, at the Den Theatre in Chicago. For tickets and more information, A Judy Christmas.
A Judy Christmas
Photo credit: FamousInTheFuture.com
On Friday December 6th, 1963, a mere 11 days after the assassination and funeral of John F. Kennedy – Judy Garland was a friend of his – the singer and her children, with guest stars Jack Jones and Mel Tormé, gathered to film the Christmas special. It was part of the Judy Garland Show,...
A Judy Christmas
Photo credit: FamousInTheFuture.com
On Friday December 6th, 1963, a mere 11 days after the assassination and funeral of John F. Kennedy – Judy Garland was a friend of his – the singer and her children, with guest stars Jack Jones and Mel Tormé, gathered to film the Christmas special. It was part of the Judy Garland Show,...
- 12/10/2022
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago, Il – Asian Pop-Up Cinema: Season 15 concludes with an exclusive world premiere and first-ever programming partnerships with emerging short film platform Sorry Not Sorry (Sns) and Facets. The in-person festival runs through
November 6 with two closing night films, awards presentations, and Screenings with the Stars: Season 15 Finale, an inaugural reception benefitting the expansion of Asian Pop-Up Cinema. Tickets are on sale now at: www.asianpopupcinema.org/s15-finale
Making its world premiere, Deliverance tells a story of a fractured family of four brothers and one sister confronting haunting memories of their mother’s passing. Lead actress Summer Chan will receive the third Bright Star Award of this season and will be honored in person at the October 29, 4:30 pm screening at AMC Newcity 14. Director Kelvin Shum, screenwriter Kyle Shum, and producer Charlie Wong are also scheduled to appear for the introduction and post-film Q&A moderated by Hollywood Chicago’s Pat McDonald.
November 6 with two closing night films, awards presentations, and Screenings with the Stars: Season 15 Finale, an inaugural reception benefitting the expansion of Asian Pop-Up Cinema. Tickets are on sale now at: www.asianpopupcinema.org/s15-finale
Making its world premiere, Deliverance tells a story of a fractured family of four brothers and one sister confronting haunting memories of their mother’s passing. Lead actress Summer Chan will receive the third Bright Star Award of this season and will be honored in person at the October 29, 4:30 pm screening at AMC Newcity 14. Director Kelvin Shum, screenwriter Kyle Shum, and producer Charlie Wong are also scheduled to appear for the introduction and post-film Q&A moderated by Hollywood Chicago’s Pat McDonald.
- 9/29/2022
- by Adam Symchuk
- AsianMoviePulse
Singer Lance Bass, Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak and “The Masked Singer” executive producer Craig Plestis are among the names behind “Unicorn Hunters,” a crowd-financing competition series now being shopped for domestic distribution.
The series centers on finding so-called “unicorn” companies — startups that reach $1 billion valuation, by attracting investors from around the world. The show’s pitch: “No one has the ability to predict which companies will ultimately become unicorns, but ‘Unicorn Hunters’ offers you a front-row seat to hear the pitch from businesses that have what it takes to become one. With ‘Unicorn Hunters,’ you ‘discover’ private startups at the same time as our panel of experts, and you get an equal shot at investing in these very promising companies before they go big.”
Four episodes of “Unicorn Hunters” were filmed and ran online earlier this year; now, the show’s producers and talent are aiming to transition the series from the web to television,...
The series centers on finding so-called “unicorn” companies — startups that reach $1 billion valuation, by attracting investors from around the world. The show’s pitch: “No one has the ability to predict which companies will ultimately become unicorns, but ‘Unicorn Hunters’ offers you a front-row seat to hear the pitch from businesses that have what it takes to become one. With ‘Unicorn Hunters,’ you ‘discover’ private startups at the same time as our panel of experts, and you get an equal shot at investing in these very promising companies before they go big.”
Four episodes of “Unicorn Hunters” were filmed and ran online earlier this year; now, the show’s producers and talent are aiming to transition the series from the web to television,...
- 7/30/2021
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Chicago, Il – – With one of its most diverse lineups, Asian Pop-Up Cinema: Season 12 continues with a drive-in film festival, April 15 – May 2 at The Drive-In at Lincoln Yards, operated by local landmark cinema, Davis Theater.
This season highlights the best of Asian filmmaking, with a lineup of features from Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, China, South Korea, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Mongolia. In addition to many international and U.S. premieres, the festival will screen five official selections submitted for 2021 Academy Awards consideration.
Oscar-nominated Minari will have a special screening on April 29 and May 1 at the Drive -In. Lee Isaac Chung’s acclaimed film, nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress and Best Original Score, tells the story of a Korean family pursuing the American dream on an Arkansas farm. Sponsored by the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Chicago, the screening will...
This season highlights the best of Asian filmmaking, with a lineup of features from Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, China, South Korea, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Mongolia. In addition to many international and U.S. premieres, the festival will screen five official selections submitted for 2021 Academy Awards consideration.
Oscar-nominated Minari will have a special screening on April 29 and May 1 at the Drive -In. Lee Isaac Chung’s acclaimed film, nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress and Best Original Score, tells the story of a Korean family pursuing the American dream on an Arkansas farm. Sponsored by the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Chicago, the screening will...
- 4/7/2021
- by Adam Symchuk
- AsianMoviePulse
Chicago, Il – – In their longest run yet, Asian Pop-Up Cinema: Season 12 will screen more than 33 films and one of its most diverse lineups. The joint virtual and drive-in film festival opens March 15 and runs through May 1, 2021.
Presented in three parts, the festival will include its official selection at its new virtual cinema, powered by eventive for the USA (March 15-31), Academy Award contenders for Best International Feature Film (April 1-15) via its screening partner Smart Cinema USA; and one-night-only screenings at the Lincoln Yards Drive-In operated by the Davis Theater (April 15 – May 1).
In addition to 8 North American and 12 U.S. premieres, the festival will offer three Hidden Gem Encores and selected films from Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, China, South Korea, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Mongolia. For the first time in Asian Pop-Up Cinema’s history, the lineup will also feature four co-productions directed by non-Asian filmmakers from France/China, France/Cambodia,...
Presented in three parts, the festival will include its official selection at its new virtual cinema, powered by eventive for the USA (March 15-31), Academy Award contenders for Best International Feature Film (April 1-15) via its screening partner Smart Cinema USA; and one-night-only screenings at the Lincoln Yards Drive-In operated by the Davis Theater (April 15 – May 1).
In addition to 8 North American and 12 U.S. premieres, the festival will offer three Hidden Gem Encores and selected films from Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, China, South Korea, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Mongolia. For the first time in Asian Pop-Up Cinema’s history, the lineup will also feature four co-productions directed by non-Asian filmmakers from France/China, France/Cambodia,...
- 3/2/2021
- by Adam Symchuk
- AsianMoviePulse
An Oscar winner, a major Oscar nominee, two more pieces of Oscar bait, and a few movies that never got anywhere near Oscar. Welcome to What to Watch. We don’t play favorites. Oh, wait, yes we do. You should definitely rent or buy the titles on this first page. The second page is more optional.
Frozen
Photo credit: Disney
“Frozen”
The best Disney movie since “The Lion King” (Disney, not Pixar), “Frozen” gets the lavish Mouse House treatment. There’s no better studio for family releases and they’re not about to slack on one of the biggest moneymakers of their existence. We are Just getting started with “Frozen”. You know how “Beauty & The Beast” and “The Lion King” became industries unto themselves? Spawning Broadway musicals, theme park rides, new shows, straight-to-dvd sequels, etc.? “Frozen” will end up the same way. If you have a kid, you won’t...
Frozen
Photo credit: Disney
“Frozen”
The best Disney movie since “The Lion King” (Disney, not Pixar), “Frozen” gets the lavish Mouse House treatment. There’s no better studio for family releases and they’re not about to slack on one of the biggest moneymakers of their existence. We are Just getting started with “Frozen”. You know how “Beauty & The Beast” and “The Lion King” became industries unto themselves? Spawning Broadway musicals, theme park rides, new shows, straight-to-dvd sequels, etc.? “Frozen” will end up the same way. If you have a kid, you won’t...
- 3/18/2014
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Austin, Texas (AP) — Heavy rain showers and thunderstorms with some flash flooding have canceled the final day of Austin City Limits Music Festival. Organizers posted on the festival's website Sunday that a third of ticket price will be refunded based on original price paid. Festival promoter spokeswoman Shelby Meade said in the post that the safety of fans, staff and artists "always comes first." National Weather Service meteorologist Pat McDonald said areas near downtown Austin received 10.6 inches of rain in 12 hours. More than 40 acts were to perform Sunday, including headliners Lionel Richie and Atoms for Peace, the...
- 10/14/2013
- by AP Staff
- Hitfix
Chicago – We’re back with the new releases on Blu-ray, DVD, and streaming services from the last week that we think are the most interesting. Our fearless leader, Adam Fendelman, will have a lot to say about “Mr. Nobody,” now On Demand, in coming weeks and we’ll include that in next week’s What to Watch, but these are the four new Blu-ray/DVD releases that are most likely to grab your attention.
Room 237
Photo credit: IFC Films
“Room 237”
“Room 237” is a brilliant documentary because it’s not just about people who obsessively dissect film but actually recreates that feeling of going down the rabbit hole with them into their mindsets. “The Shining” is one of the most beloved horror movies ever made and any genre film with that kind of following is bound to engender detailed analysis. How detailed? You have No idea. A great...
Room 237
Photo credit: IFC Films
“Room 237”
“Room 237” is a brilliant documentary because it’s not just about people who obsessively dissect film but actually recreates that feeling of going down the rabbit hole with them into their mindsets. “The Shining” is one of the most beloved horror movies ever made and any genre film with that kind of following is bound to engender detailed analysis. How detailed? You have No idea. A great...
- 9/30/2013
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Hollywood Chicago staff writer Matt Fagerholm’s independent film blog, Indie Outlook, published an exclusive review of Neil Berkeley’s charming documentary, “Beauty is Embarrassing,” which opened Friday, December 14th, at the Gene Siskel Film Center. The film explores the life and career of eccentric artist Wayne White, best known for his Emmy-winning set design on “Pee-Wee’s Playhouse.”
Also featured on the Indie Outlook site is a podcast focusing on the work of Woody Allen. Fagerholm is joined by his fellow Hollywood Chicago colleague and Allen super-fan Pat McDonald for an in-depth discussion on the prolific auteur’s weakest work to date. Both critics rank their respective lists of Allen’s Top 5 Worst Films, while still managing to savor their momentary flashes of brilliance. The next podcast scheduled for publication is a lively interview with Windy City Times critic Richard Knight, Jr., who recently co-directed “Scrooge & Marley,” a...
Also featured on the Indie Outlook site is a podcast focusing on the work of Woody Allen. Fagerholm is joined by his fellow Hollywood Chicago colleague and Allen super-fan Pat McDonald for an in-depth discussion on the prolific auteur’s weakest work to date. Both critics rank their respective lists of Allen’s Top 5 Worst Films, while still managing to savor their momentary flashes of brilliance. The next podcast scheduled for publication is a lively interview with Windy City Times critic Richard Knight, Jr., who recently co-directed “Scrooge & Marley,” a...
- 12/14/2012
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Actor Corey Feldman, the star of iconic films such as “The Goonies,” “Stand by Me” and “The Lost Boys,” took part in an exclusive interview with Indie Outlook, the independent film blog launched by Hollywood Chicago staff writer Matt Fagerholm. Feldman discussed his new role in Joe Raffa’s supernatural thriller, “6 Degrees of Hell,” which is now available on DVD.
Fagerholm will return to Vocalo 89.5Fm on Friday, November 30th, for the third installment of its Indie Outlook series highlighting the hottest cinematic tickets in town. Hollywood Chicago’s own Pat McDonald appeared on the most recent Indie Outlook podcast for an in-depth dissection of two new biopics offering a backstage glimpse of the undisputed Master of Suspense, Alfred Hitchcock. Sacha Gervasi’s theatrically released trifle, “Hitchcock,” serves up a witty yet watered down version of Hitch (played with droll glee by Anthony Hopkins), while Julian Jarrold’s “The Girl...
Fagerholm will return to Vocalo 89.5Fm on Friday, November 30th, for the third installment of its Indie Outlook series highlighting the hottest cinematic tickets in town. Hollywood Chicago’s own Pat McDonald appeared on the most recent Indie Outlook podcast for an in-depth dissection of two new biopics offering a backstage glimpse of the undisputed Master of Suspense, Alfred Hitchcock. Sacha Gervasi’s theatrically released trifle, “Hitchcock,” serves up a witty yet watered down version of Hitch (played with droll glee by Anthony Hopkins), while Julian Jarrold’s “The Girl...
- 11/27/2012
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
A musical theater student from Ithaca College, Jeremy Jordan has risen from a lead understudy in a Broadway production of “Rock of Ages” to a supporting actor in his first film, the gospel musical Joyful Noise. Directed by Todd Graff, who may be known to many musical theater students for his cult favorite Camp, the film features Dolly Parton and Queen Latifah as competitive gospel choir members. Jordan plays the grandson of Parton’s character, who falls for Latifah’s daughter (played by Akeelah and the Bee’s Keke Palmer).
I sat down with Jeremy Jordan in a roundtable interview (with my friend, Pat McDonald from Hollywood Chicago) to discuss how the Broadway actor found his way onto a set with Dolly and The Queen, the unique manner in which the film presents race, and more.
Joyful Noise is now playing in theaters.
Tell me your singing background, and how...
I sat down with Jeremy Jordan in a roundtable interview (with my friend, Pat McDonald from Hollywood Chicago) to discuss how the Broadway actor found his way onto a set with Dolly and The Queen, the unique manner in which the film presents race, and more.
Joyful Noise is now playing in theaters.
Tell me your singing background, and how...
- 1/19/2012
- by Nick Allen
- The Scorecard Review
Chicago – A movie that comes closer to the lyrical and meditative style of Michelangelo Antonioni than any other in years, Anton Corbijn’s “The American,” now on Blu-ray and DVD, is a nearly-brilliant drama that found a respectable audience in theaters even if it wasn’t quite the right one.
Blu-Ray Rating: 4.5/5.0
Universal/Focus sold the film as an action-packed thriller, a variation on the Jason Bourne trilogy, and ended up with over $35 million, a number that would have been impossible if the movie has been presented as the philosophical art house gem that it truly is. Audiences in the multiplex may have been pissed that the film has more bare breasts than gun shots but the tragedy is that discerning movie goers may have written it off as escapist fare. It’s not. It’s complex, daring stuff with one of George Clooney’s best performances. Do yourself a...
Blu-Ray Rating: 4.5/5.0
Universal/Focus sold the film as an action-packed thriller, a variation on the Jason Bourne trilogy, and ended up with over $35 million, a number that would have been impossible if the movie has been presented as the philosophical art house gem that it truly is. Audiences in the multiplex may have been pissed that the film has more bare breasts than gun shots but the tragedy is that discerning movie goers may have written it off as escapist fare. It’s not. It’s complex, daring stuff with one of George Clooney’s best performances. Do yourself a...
- 1/3/2011
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – The Chicago Film Critics Association, of which HollywoodChicago.com writers Brian Tallerico, Adam Fendelman, and Pat McDonald are all voting members, announced their nominees for the best of 2009 this morning. “Up in the Air” and “Where the Wild Things Are” led the way with six nominations each, closely followed by “The Hurt Locker” and “Inglourious Basterds,” each with five.
“Up in the Air” and “Where the Wild Things Are” each scored nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay. “The Hurt Locker” and “Inglourious Basterds” scored a similar trifecta of Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay. The fifth Best Picture slot went to the latest work by Joel & Ethan Coen, “A Serious Man,” a pair who were also nominated for Best Director. The Coen’s “Fargo” and “No Country For Old Men” are previous Best Picture winners of the Cfca. “A Serious Man” also landed...
“Up in the Air” and “Where the Wild Things Are” each scored nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay. “The Hurt Locker” and “Inglourious Basterds” scored a similar trifecta of Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay. The fifth Best Picture slot went to the latest work by Joel & Ethan Coen, “A Serious Man,” a pair who were also nominated for Best Director. The Coen’s “Fargo” and “No Country For Old Men” are previous Best Picture winners of the Cfca. “A Serious Man” also landed...
- 12/16/2009
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
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