Chicago Film Critics Association 2015- Film Awards

The CFCA bestowed their annual awards last night after members socialized and dined at Zia’s restaurant in Chicago. The big winner of the evening was Mad Max: Fury Road, a sci-fi action film that … Read more

Ted Roach Interview ‘120 Days’ ★★★★ Documentary Napa Valley Film Festival

The documentary 120 Days is a riveting “eye-opener” that presents the U.S. immigration debate through the lives of one undocumented family—Miguel Cortes, his wife, and his teenage daughters. The Cortes family settled in Raleigh, North … Read more

Kent Jones Interview ‘Hitchcock/Truffaut’ Documentary Film 51st CIFF

Hitchcock’s Lesson’s in Filmmaking Brought to Life in a New Documentary

Hitchcock/Truffaut is a documentary film for all movie buffs that have ever considered magnifying their knowledge of the components in filmmaking. The film was … Read more

Chicago International Film Festival 2015-It’s a Wrap by Patty Babin

At a Glance−The 2015 Chicago International Film Festival

The energy was magnetic at the 2015 CIFF. The AMC River East was filled with press, actors, directors, producers, photographers, film lovers, volunteers, and last but not … Read more

Patrick Underwood Interview Director of ‘The Middle Distance’ 51st CIFF

In an attempt to recapture a feeling of nostalgia along with those warm feelings one has in childhood, Patrick Underwood has created a beautiful film that delves into those areas, and deals with self-actualization, loss, … Read more

The 51st Chicago International Film Festival Preview by Sarah Adamson

Background, Action, Rolling…the 51st Chicago International Film Festival Oct 15-29, 2015 Offers a Wide Array of Films

There’s a crisp coolness in the air, leaves are turning burnt orange and scarlet red—the sure signs of … Read more

Adriana Trigiani Interview ‘Big Stone Gap’

Adriana Trigiani, director and screenplay writer of the film, Big Stone Gap, was in Chicago to promote the film. I interviewed her by phone and found her to be passionate about her work and her … Read more

Che “Rhymefest” Smith Red Carpet Interview-‘In My Father’s House’ by Patty Babin

The Journey of Family, Truth and Forgiveness

Here’s a rap tribute is to a man who inspires with not only his film but also his grace, humanity, and dignity. Che “Rhymefest” Smith is a hip-hop … Read more

Shaun the Sheep (PG) ★★★½

The movie is fantastic! We’re talking no dialogue, creative script and two catchy songs! All ages will enjoy this creative romp in the city and on the farm.

Click Here to listen to Sarah Knight Read more

Thomas Haden Church – Stars in “Max” Interview

Thomas Haden Church, as an actor, has a unique persona—ruggedly handsome, square-jawed—a mystique cowboy, and let’s not forget that undeniable Texas drawl. He’s exactly as I imagined him to be in person; let’s just say … Read more

Jurassic World (PG-13) ★★★ By Kathrine LeBlanc

“When something chases you RUN!.” A true blockbuster, Jurassic World takes the audience on a thrilling, visually captivating, and fun adventure. While at times Jurassic World is cheesy and predictable – take the main character, … Read more

Love and Mercy (PG-13) ★★★★

“Love and Mercy” is a compassionate, gripping and touching tale of the Beach Boys rise to fame and the man (Brian Wilson) behind their distinctive sound. The film’s a refreshingly unconventional biopic directed by Bill … Read more

Brian Wilson and John Cusack Interview

A California Girl Meets a Beach Boy

Finally, Brian Wilson’s own true story will be brought into the daylight via a new biopic film Love and Mercy. The Beach Boys were America’s band just … Read more

87th Academy Awards Telecast to Benefit Variety of Illinois Children’s Charity Celebrates 10 Years

The 10th Annual Variety of Illinois Oscar Charity Event orchestrated by Angelique Barthel, Executive Director of Variety of Illinois was a colossal success. The Red Carpet was rolled out February 22 for the live telecast … Read more

CIMMfest 2015: A Window to the World & A Love Letter to the 808

The 2015 edition of the Chicago International Movies & Music Festival (CIMMfest), which ran April 16 – 19, wrapped up this past Sunday and was an interesting mix of slick productions with sweeping shots and … Read more

CIMMfest 2015 Preview

In the spirit of an election year here in Chicago, it’s time to bring out your inner film critic and vote for your favorites at the 2015 Chicago International Movies & Music Festival (CIMMfest) running … Read more

Bikes vs Cars ★★★½ By Kathrine LeBlanc

Bikes vs. Cars: Breaking the Cycle of Traffic Jams, Pollution, and Corporate Interests

In the documentary film, Bikes vs. Cars (2015), director Fredrik Gertten takes a deep look at a problem all highly-populated cities … Read more

Fredrick Gertten Interview (SXSW) Film Festival 2015 ‘Bikes vs Cars’ By Kathrine LeBlanc

Bikes vs Cars is an impressive documentary from Swedish director, Fredrik Gertten. We caught up with him while he was in the US for the film’s North American debut at the SXSW Film Festival in … Read more

Simon Curtis Interview – Director ‘Woman in Gold’

Simon Curtis turns his focus from Marilyn Monroe to another woman in history: Maria Altmann. In My Week with Marilyn, he showed the world that Monroe really was a good actress – one who … Read more

Dan Fogelman Interview-Writer and Director of ‘Danny Collins’

Al Pacino Rocks his New Role as Rock Star “Danny Collins”

Dan Fogelman is known primarily for his writing skills in Hollywood. The notches in his belt are impressive: Cars (2006), Fred Claus (2007), BoltRead more

The 10th Annual Oscar Charity Event Shines it’s Spotlight on Children

Lights, Camera, Action! The Oscar Charity Soiree was ‘The’ Place to be on Oscar Night!

The 10th Annual Variety of Illinois Oscar Charity Event orchestrated by Angelique Barthel, Executive Director of Variety of Illinois, was … Read more

Colm Feore Interview – Stars in ‘King Lear’

“It’s Good to be King”

Colm Feore is no stranger to playing kings in Shakespearean plays, and now he’s portraying the king of all kings—King Lear. He stars in the film King Lear that opens … Read more

Top 20 Movies of 2014

 

What a great year for movies, these are my favorites in order according to my most favorite as #1.

1. Life Itself-Documentary, Based on the life and book of film critic Roger Ebert … Read more