Yet, here’s Max Walker-Silverman, following up the well-received A Love Song, with a drama that emphasizes true familial roots before anything else. When done right, those basics are bigger than any flashy extras. Instead of only “home is where your heart is,” Rebuilding asserts that home is where you are welcome, and, even after everything, Dusty says it like it is: “I don’t like anywhere better.”
Read MoreVenturing into this version of the admittedly terrifying and therapeutic unknown, Is This Thing On? asks incredible and intelligent questions that actually get chewed on with civility and dignity, ignoring the urge to shout hot drops of dialogue to the rhetorical rafters solely meant to let an actor show off. The intimate immediacy of these stellar conversations lets loose stern answers and bold examinations about relationships.
Read MoreHamnet postulates that the epic tragedy of Hamlet was William’s deeply personal response to the death of his son. Now, that crescendo of catharsis is merely the final third of Farrell’s novel and Chloe Zhao’s masterful film. A reaction-inducing climax and conclusion like that could only come from an equally important effort to establish the beautiful and challenging humanity of the people going through their ordeal.
Read MoreMake a movie or show about a real-life serial killer with an actual body count of documented victims that used to live among us, and you’re frosting spines, locking your doors, and doom-scrolling the true story. Make a sly, stylish, spooky, or quirky movie of imaginary people getting slain in grandiose fashion, and you’re popping extra popcorn, smiling with delight, and relaxing anxiety-free on your couch. What a funny and fascinating development that is!
Read MoreTo fully accept the societal and emotional terrains of Hikari’s outstanding dramedy Rental Family, one is required not so much to make an enormous leap into a lurid scenario, but rather, let’s say, a long step. You will need a stretched lunge forward that closes the typical arm’s length of observational distance from something you don’t entirely know or accept. That gingerly-taken step merges you into a different comfort zone than your own
Read MoreJay Kelly muses on the celebrity lifestyle without preening as a glorified vanity project solely existing to shower bouquets on George Clooney and give him a fun co-star he can shoot hoops with in between trailers on a lavish European shoot. Because of its striking amplification of the titular legend’s insecurities and the people affected by them, Baumbach’s film finds refreshing drama amid all the comedic frolic of watching a famous person navigate a little bit of the public wild to better define a work-life balance.
Read MoreWhat strengthens this viewing experience is the unyielding performance from Rose Byrne. Her expressive interpretation of both physical and mental fatigue is beyond anything she’s ever done and is one of the best acting displays of 2025. Her fully-formed comedic timing as a seasoned actress of that genre stirs the dark and uncomfortable humor that bubbles within If I Had Legs I’d Kick You.
Read MoreRichard Linklater, through thick and thin over the years, has never sunk as low as where Lorenz Hart finished his life and career, partially because he, too, has the same inextinguishable zest to challenge and create, and puts it on screen every chance he gets. Keep going, Richard. We’re here for it.
Read MoreCelebrating its 11th year gracing the Chicagoland area with delightful film selections with Irish flair, the annual Irish American Movie Hooley, presented by Hibernian Media, proudly returns to the historic Wilmette Theatre in Wilmette, Illinois. The event spans three films across three nights from September 26th to September 28th. It’s the only Irish American film festival in the world, and this year, the festival organizers are so excited to present three extraordinary films.
Read MoreThe Oak Park Illinois Film Festival enjoyed its inaugural year in 2024. Created as a celebration of cinema connected to the titular affluent western suburb of Chicago, the OPILFF brought together audiences and filmmakers at a gala opening at the Classic Cinemas Lake Theatre and a full-day program of over 15 films. The distinctive and valuable festival returns for its second year in 2025 with another excellent kick-off event and a two-day schedule of feature-length and short film selections
Read MoreThe elements of the classic “film noir” genre have found success and inspired other movies for almost a century. Cracking with style, crime, and tension, they are the epitome of the expression “They don’t make them like they used to.” Here in September, fans of noir movies have an oasis arriving nearby with the Music Box Theatre’s annual Noir City: Chicago program.
Read MoreTrue to a play’s performative spine, Eric LaRue rises to become an actor’s showcase building towards two important summits: the aforementioned collection of mothers and the first visit to Eric in prison. Each seated clash places Judy Greer in the unenviable position as the target of ire and the recipient of painful reactions, where no amount of contrition will be enough and immediate peace is impossible.
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