Live at Mr. Kelly’s | Film Review | Podcast

Live at Mr. Kelly’s | Film Review | Podcast

Beginning in the 1950s and ending in the 1970s Mr. Kelly’s on Rush Street was the premiere Chicago nightclub featuring some of the most popular entertainers of the period. The Newberry Library at 60 West Walton Street, Chicago is launching a new exhibit on March 

Flyover Chicago – Podcast Announcement

Flyover Chicago – Podcast Announcement

Flyover Chicago is a multisensory, multimedia event that includes all of the thrills and excitement of an amusement park ride. The attraction will be taking over the former IMAX Theater location near the entrance to Navy Pier opened on March 1, 2024. Before you head 

Maxwell Street | Film Review and Recollections

Maxwell Street | Film Review and Recollections

In this podcast episode I present my film review as well as share some personal recollections of the Maxwell Street and Halsted shopping district where the music known as Chicago Blues sprang to life. If you want a glimpse at a piece of the not 

Chicago International Film Festival Opening Night Celebration

Chicago International Film Festival Opening Night Celebration

The management of the 58th Annual Chicago International Film Festival tried something new with a full blown outside Opening Night Block Party and Red Carpet Event. Luckily the weather cooperated providing neighbors and film patrons a glitzy and glamorous outside spectacular with trivia games, improv 

“Hala” a Chicago story on Apple TV | Film Review

“Hala” a Chicago story on Apple TV | Film Review

“Hala” is an indie film shot in Chicago that, if you’re like me, you might have missed. Sadly it was on my list for the Chicago International Film Festival but got scratched due to some scheduling conflicts.  I finally got to see it and at 

“Searching for Mr. Rugoff” Film Review

“Searching for Mr. Rugoff” Film Review

Chicago native produces documentary, “Searching for Mr. Rugoff” If you are a fan of indie films, an aspiring filmmaker, or a movie industry insider you might have a particular interest in “Searching for Mr. Rugoff” a documentary film about the man whose professional business decisions 

“Belfast” Film Review with Comments by Branaugh

“Belfast” Film Review with Comments by Branaugh

I got a sneak preview of “Belfast” which was one of the highlights of the 57th Chicago International Film Festival. This podcast includes my review followed by some pre-movie comments from the writer/director Sir Kenneth Branaugh who was present to introduce his semi-autobiographical film and 

Red Carpet Coverage of Rebecca Hall at CIFF 2021

Red Carpet Coverage of Rebecca Hall at CIFF 2021

Connie Wilson talks about the film “Passing” and chats with director Rebecca Hall (Christine, Vicky Cristina Barcelona) on the red carpet at The 57th Chicago International Film Festival. Update: I finally got around to actually seeing the film “Passing” on Netflix over the 2022 New 

“Oscar Micheaux” Documentary Film Review & Historical Commentary

“Oscar Micheaux” Documentary Film Review & Historical Commentary

“Oscar Micheaux -The Superhero of Black Film Making” is a useful contribution to the library of Black History subjects placing Micheaux into the pantheon of individuals who contributed to the rise of twentieth century African American culture and ultimately, in a more “woke” sense, to 

Mayor Harold and Mayor Pete | 2 Documentary Film Reviews

Mayor Harold and Mayor Pete | 2 Documentary Film Reviews

The 57th Annual Chicago Film Festival brought together two interestingly similar subjects, Mayor Harold Washington who became Chicago’s first African American mayor and Mayor Pete Buttigieg who was the mayor of nearby South Bend, Indiana who went on to become the first openly gay candidate 

For the Left Hand | Documentary Film Review

For the Left Hand | Documentary Film Review

This film hits all the right notes. Physically debilitated due to a childhood injury inflicted by his mentally impaired father, an aspiring pianist is virtually paralyzed on one side of his body and unable to use his right hand. In spite of his challenges, Norman 

Chicago International Film Festival 2021 Pre-Opening Reviews

Chicago International Film Festival 2021 Pre-Opening Reviews

Pre-opening preview review of “Broadcast Signal Intrusion” with Harry Shum.Jr. (Crazy Rich Asians) inspired by a true Chicago mystery. Also capsule reviews of SHORTS 1, a collection of 8 short subjects produced by filmmakers with ties to the Chicago area. Featuring works Winning in America, Close