“The Farewell” (PG) ★★★★ Radio Podcast

A Heartfelt Look at Culture and Family Traditions

“The Farewell is based on writer and director Lulu Wang’s profoundly personal experience. At the age of 6, she and her family left China & settled in … Read more

Mendocino Film Festival 2019: A Conversation with Claudia Puig—A Film Critic’s View as a Narrative Jury Member

Check out my Mendocino Film Festival 2019 Article on Rogerebert.com

Any successful Film Festival involves countless hours of planning, preparation, and networking; and I found the wide variety of films, special guests, panels, and events … Read more

Interview with Lulu Wang “The Farewell”

Lulu Wang screenwriter and director of “The Farewell” interview touches on her gratefulness to Roger and Chaz Ebert for being chosen for a Directing Fellowship, the qualities of a strong grandparent role model, and the Read more

Maiden ★★★★ (PG) Documentary (Radio Podcast)

First Female Crew to Sail Around the World–Courage at High Seas

“Maiden” is the true documentary story of Tracy Edwards, a skipper of the first ever all-female crew to enter the Whitbread Round the World … Read more

“Toy Story 4” (PG) ★★★★

Bo Peep Turns Action Hero and A Spork Toy is a New Best Friend

Pixar takes its time to get the message right, and in this case, waiting nine years between “Toy Story 3” is … Read more

Toni Morrison: The Pieces I AM (PG-13) ★★★★

Toni Morrison is an inspiring person, she’s also uplifting and practical

She worked as a published writer, editor, teacher all while being a single mother. Morrison is presented as a model of strength and resolve; … Read more

Dacre Montgomery and Cary Elwes “Stranger Things 3” Interview

Stranger Things Season 3, Dacre Montgomery and Cary Elwes, Talk 4th of July 🇺🇸, Mullet Hairstyle, Lifeguarding, Sleazy Politicians, Dark Themes and More!

The 4th of July is traditionally celebrated with apple pie, BBQ’s and … Read more

Tracy Edwards Interview, “Maiden”

Tracy Edwards on the Making of “Maiden”

Director Alex Holmes, tells the inspirational tale of adventure on the dangerous high seas and deliberate prejudice on dry land of Tracy Edwards, the star of his new … Read more

“Framing John DeLorean” ★★★★ Special Screening Followed by Q&A

The Man, the Myth, the Legend

“Framing John DeLorean” is an exceptional across-the-board film that shows how a risk-taking addiction can lead to losing everything. The DeLorean historian authors, co-engineers and former employees all bring … Read more

“Being Frank” (R)★★★

 

Jim Gaffigan Plays a Dramatic Role, Although He’s Still Very Funny!

Jim Gaffigan stars as Frank who is living a lie, he has two separate families, that each don’t know about the other…until his … Read more

Miranda Bailey Interview, Director “Being Frank”

Miranda Bailey, talks about her childhood parent’s separation, being a female in the filmmaking business, her role models and more.

My interview with Miranda Bailey occurred in the beautiful Peninsula Hotel in Chicago, on June … Read more

Jim Gaffigan Interview “Being Frank”

Jim Gaffigan gets candid about his role in “Being Frank,” his college football days, his family vacations, doing standup in our ‘politically correct’ culture world, and more.

Jim Gaffigan, (Frank) and Logan Miller, (Phillip) play … Read more

Interview with Pro Big Wave Surfer Nathan Fletcher Staring in “Heavy Water”

Nathan Fletcher grew up in a surfing legacy family on the beaches of southern California; he had a dream of jumping from a helicopter with his surfboard onto a relatively large wave and riding that … Read more

Rocketman (R) ★★★½ Radio Podcast

“Rocketman” is a musical fantasy, of Elton John’s breakthrough years. Taron Egerton plays Elton with flamboyant style and exuberance. He also uses his own singing voice to take us down memory lane. The film gives … Read more

Booksmart (R) ★★★½

High School Female Honor Students Break Some Rules

Olivia Wilde’s directing debut is actually ‘smart,’ and savvy, and silly—just the right ingredients for a sure-fire comedic hit. The best friend duo, Amy (Kaitlyn Dever) and … Read more

Aladdin (PG) ★★½

Sadly, Mistakes Ground “Aladdin” From Ever Taking Flight

Disney’s recycling of their animated classic films, is fine with me, especially if an updated script showcases noteworthy performances—sadly, for all the spot-on ethnic casting, and memorable … Read more

John Wick: Chapter 3-Parabellum (R) ★★★

Halle Berry’s Feisty Sofia Enhances Chapter 3

The opening scene of “Chapter 3” in New York City’s iconic Public library is pure fantasy and entertainment, as not only does super assassin John Wick kill a … Read more

Chicago Critics Film Festival Opening Night 2019 by Patty Babin

A Chicago Film Opens CCFF

Friday, May 17, 2019, was opening night for the Chicago Critics Film Festival and “Saint Frances,” played to a packed house at the Music Box Theater in Chicago and received … Read more

Pokémon Detective Pikachu (PG) ★★½

Solid Storytelling is Greatly Needed

The excitement is over as the first Pokémon feature that pairs the animated Japanese characters with live actors is finally here—although unfortunately to fully comprehend the film, one needs to … Read more

The Chicago Critics Film Festival 2019 Tickets On Sale Now!

The 2019 Chicago Critics Film Festival (CCFF) line-up is bringing some exciting talent to town, and festival films are sure to entertain.

The Chicago premiere of Danny Boyle’s “Yesterday” tops the program packed with this … Read more

Long Shot (R) ★★★★

Seth Rogen and Charlize Theron Make a Memorable Couple

Pairing Seth Rogen’s slouchy dresser, Fred Flarsky, an unapologetic, gonzo journalist with Charlize Theron’s glamorous, Charlotte Field, a driven successful Secretary of State who has her … Read more

Avengers: Endgame (PG-13) ★★★½

“Avengers Endgame” at its best—illustrates the qualities of being a true hero—all while Marvel’s greatest cinematic hits are warmly and entertainingly revisited! “Endgame” is a culmination of 22 Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) films debuting in … Read more

The Public (PG-13) ★★★½

Check Out “The Public” at a Theater Near You, Offering Over Due Enlightenment

My younger sister, Martha, a former librarian told me a few years ago that it’s common for homeless people to come into … Read more

Amazing Grace (G)★★★★

The Voice of an Angel Takes Us to Church

Be prepared to be lifted-up—quite possibly to the heavens—by merely viewing this euphoric musical performance by the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin. Never before seen footage … Read more