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Podtalk: Laura Ann Parry on Her Solo Show ‘Half Naked: Life Lessons in Lingerie’ on Aug 8, 2026

adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman) — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 13:48:32 +0000

CHICAGO – Veteran actor Laura Ann Parry took some good advice when she talked about a monologue she had developed for a class … expand it into a one-woman solo show. That advice has evolved to reality as Chicago Dramatists (CD) and Parry presents HALF NAKED: LIFE LESSONS IN LINGERIE at CD’s Russ Tutterow Theatre in Chicago on August 8th, 2026. Click LIFE LESSONS for tickets and information.

The story is of a Shoppe Keeper and a customer as they examine and muse about the various undergarments and lingerie apparel that we wear closest to our skin. Through these intimate moments with intimate apparel the customer goes on a quest to understand herself, love and life.

Laura Ann Parry for Chicago Dramatists ‘Summer Solo’
Photo credit: ChicagoDramatists.org

Laura Ann Parry is a fourth-generation Chicagoan. As a SAG-AFTRA and stage performer, her roles span comedy, drama, thriller, horror and absurdism. She made her film debut in YOU DON’T SAY (2016), and her other films include MIND OVER MINDY, FALSELY ACCUSED and A DEMON WITHIN (also featuring her daughter Anna Rose Klevatt).

In a Podtalk with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, Laura Ann Parry reflects on the development, background and themes of HALF NAKED: LIFE LESSONS IN LINGERIE …

Laura gives a pitch for the show …

HALF NAKED: LIFE LESSONS IN LINGERIE, written and presented by Laura Ann Parry, will take place at the Chicago Dramatists, 798 North Aberdeen in the city, on August 8th, 2026 (2pm). For more information about the Chicago Dramatists, click here.

By PATRICK McDONALD
Editor and Film Critic/Writer
HollywoodChicago.com
pat@hollywoodchicago.com

Podtalk: Broken Lizard Comedy Team Creates ‘Super Troopers 3’

adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman) — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 01:24:10 +0000

CHICAGO – The men of Broken Lizard are back at it, with the comedy team bringing back their most successful movie franchise with SUPER TROOPERS 3, in theaters on August 7th, Jay Chandrasekhar, Kevin Hefferman, Steve Lemme, Paul Soter and Erik Stolhanske talked to Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com.

The third SUPER TROOPER iteration is a sequel to the second, with the Vermont highway patrolmen continuing to crack wise and prank on each other. Jay Chandrasekhar is Thorny Ramathorn, who has no love for his colleague Rod Farva (Kevin Hefferman). In a bizarre set of circumstances Farva falls for and gets engaged to Sarita (Hannah Simone), who happens to be Thorny’s sister. This enrages his rival, and now Thorny has to break up the marriage, with help from his fellow officers (Broken Lizards Steve Lemme, Paul Soter and Erik Stolhanske), while convincing his parents (Iqbal Theba and Sakina Jaffrey) that Farva is a lout. Will he break them up in time?

Jay Chandrasekhar, Kevin Hefferman, Steve Lemme, Paul Soter & Erik Stolhanske in SUPER TROOPERS 3
Photo credit: Searchlight Pictures

The Broken Lizard comedy team began their journey in 1989 at Colgate University, under the name Charred Goosebeak. Moving to the New York City club scene in the 1990s, they became Broken Lizard, and soon were filming sketches for Comedy Central’s IS THIS ON?. Their feature film debut was PUDDLE CRUISER (1996), which played at Sundance. The first SUPER TROOPERS (2002) was next, and the cult status of the film snowballed afterward. Besides SUPER TROOPER 2 (2018), the team’s other notable films are BEERFEST, THE SLAMMIN’ SALMON and BABYMAKERS. SUPER TROOPER 3 was directed by Jay Chandrasekhar.

The Broken Lizards of SUPER TROOPER 3 … Jay Chandrasekhar, Kevin Hefferman, Steve Lemme, Paul Soter and Erik Stolhanske … participate in a Podtalk with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com …

Trailer, SUPER TROOPERS 3 …

SUPER TROOPERS 3 is in theaters on August 7th. Featuring Jay Chandrasekhar, Kevin Hefferman, Steve Lemme, Paul Soter, Erik Stolhanske, Brian Cox, Nate Faxon, Andrew Dismukes, Hannah Simone, Iqbal Theba and Aking Jaffrey. Written by Broken Lizard. Directed by Jay Chandrasekhar. Rated “R”

By PATRICK McDONALD
Editor and Film Critic/Writer
HollywoodChicago.com
pat@hollywoodchicago.com

Podtalk: Daniel Shar's ‘Near Sex For Work,’ in Chicago Aug. 7, 2026

adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman) — Sun, 02 Aug 2026 15:58:30 +0000

CHICAGO – The working actor is always looking for work, and many times between performance gigs that means the oddest of odd jobs. Comic performer Daniel Shar has collected his experiences in the self explanatory title NEAR SEX FOR WORK, at the Den Theatre in Chicago on August 7th, 2026. Click NEAR SEX for tickets and information.

NEAR SEX FOR WORK consists of the funniest and most unbelievable stories and (censored) pieces of media from Daniel Shar’s ongoing decade as a sex-adjacent worker – from his time as a virginal dildo salesman to his stint as an OnlyFans ghostsexter to his current advocation as one of the adult industry’s top in demand and only always-clothed side character actors.

Daniel Shar at Chicago’s Den Theatre
Photo credit: TheDenTheatre.com

Daniel Shar a Los Angeles-based comedy writer/performer who has some roots in the Windy City, performing improv and sketch for six years in Chicago, and sold out The Lincoln Lodge with the same solo show last year.

In a Podtalk Daniel Shar gives background on NEAR SEX FOR WORK to Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com …

Daniel has a video pitch for the show …

NEAR SEX FOR WORK, written and presented by Daniel Shar, will be at the Den Theatre, 1331 North Milwaukee Avenue, on August 7th, 2026 (7pm). For more information about the Den Theatre, click here.

By PATRICK McDONALD
Editor and Film Critic/Writer
HollywoodChicago.com
pat@hollywoodchicago.com

On-Air Film Review: John Travolta is Staying Alive in ‘The Gentleman Thief’

adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman) — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 15:10:49 +0000

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson for WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on July 30th, 2026, reviewing the new film THE GENTLEMAN THIEF, with John Travolta in his third film as Mason Goddard. In theaters July 31st, digital download now.

Travolta returns as the title character, who after the events of the last film has retired by buying a golf course, as one does. His annoying brother Shawn (Lukas Haas) stops by to offer one more heist … this time in the art world … in a set up at an auction in Miami Beach. The event is partially managed by Mason’s old flame Odessa (Rebecca De Mornay), the mark is an escaped master criminal named Abel (Danny Pardo) and the plan is a complex switch between a forgery and the real painting. Can Mason remain a gentleman?

THE GENTLEMAN THIEF is in select theaters on July 31st and digital download now, see local listings and providers. Featuring John Travolta, Lukas Haas, Rebecca De Mornay, Sam Asghari, Danny Pardo, Quavo and DJ Khaled. Written by Chris Sivertson. Directed by Ives. Not Rated.

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of THE GENTLEMAN THIEF

THE GENTLEMAN THIEF
Photo credit: Vertical Entertainment

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of THE GENTLEMAN THIEF

On-Air Film Review: Get That Feeling with ‘I Want Your Sex’

adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman) — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 22:40:53 +0000

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson for WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on July 30th, 2026, reviewing the provocative new release I WANT YOUR SEX, featuring Olivia Wilde and Cooper Hoffman. In theaters July 31st.

Wilde is Erika Tracy, an artist who has an artworks factory like Warhol, focusing on sexual energy, and hires Elliot (Hoffman) as her latest assistant. After about a week, it becomes clear why she took a shine to the schlubby 23-year-old … she wants him as both a sex partner and a muse for her art. Throughout their 9-1/2 week affair Eliot plunges into an experience he has yet to have in his young life, and becomes somewhat addicted to Erika’s charms. When a big art show approaches, Erika becomes more distant, until suggesting a menage a trois with Eliot’s roommate Apple (Chase Sui Wonders). This begins a spiral that becomes a bit desperate and it seems that Eliot has bit off – so to speak – more than he can chew.

I WANT YOUR SEX is in theaters on July 31st. Featuring Olivia Wilde, Cooper Hoffman, Mason Gooding, Chase Sui Wonders and Daveed Diggs. Written by Gregg Araki and Karley Sciortino. Directed by Gregg Araki. Rated “R”

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of I WANT YOUR SEX

I WANT YOUR SEX
Photo credit: Magnolia Pictures

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of I WANT YOUR SEX

Audio Film Review: Can You Feel ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’

adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman) — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 02:20:28 +0000

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review for the new Marvel Studio superhero epic SPIDER-MAN: BRAND NEW DAY, the third Spidey movie featuring Tom Holland, Zendaya and Jacob Batalon as the hero and his crew. In theaters on July 31st.

Holland is back as Peter Parker/Spider-Man as he re-establishes himself after the world has forgotten who he is, in addition to mourning the death of his beloved guardian Aunt May (Marisa Tomei). His New York City protection is aided by his police contact Detective DeWolff (Liza Colón-Zayas from THE BEAR) and the vigilante The Punisher aka Frank Castle (Jon Bernthal). Strange things begin simultaneously as Parker’s adult-age DNA strain is being overtaken by his spider side, while a villainous force named Jean Grey (Sadie Sink) is taking over people’s minds.

Spidey has to consult with the new Black Widow (Florence Pugh), Dr. Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) and Bill Metzger (Tramel Tillman) – the head of the Department of Damage Control – to figure out how he can limit the DNA takeover and win the race against a mind controller. At the same time, will the love of his life M.J.(Zendaya) and best friend Ned (Jacob Batalon) ever remember him again?

SPIDER-MAN: BRAND NEW DAY opens everywhere on July 31st. Featuring Tom Holland, Zendaya, Jon Bernthal, Jacob Batalon, Mark Ruffalo, Marisa Tomei and Florence Pugh. Written by Chris McKenna and Erik Summers. Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton. Rated “PG-13”

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s Audio Film Review of SPIDER-MAN: BRAND NEW DAY

SPIDER-MAN: BRAND NEW DAY
Photo credit: Marvel Studios/Columbia Pictures

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s Audio Film Review of SPIDER-MAN: BRAND NEW DAY

Slideshow: 2026 Windy City Smokeout Brought the Country Music Stars to Chicago PART TWO

adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman) — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 15:32:57 +0000

Russell Dickerson 1 (JeffD)

CHICAGO – Country music, cold drinks, smoky barbecue and thousands of fans took over Chicago as the Windy City Smokeout returned for its biggest celebration yet … it extended in its 13th year to July 8th-12th. HollywoodChicago.com photographers Jeff and Jimmy Doles were in the middle of the action, capturing the artists, fans, food, drinks and nonstop energy that make the Smokeout one of Chicago’s hottest summer events, and their slideshow PART TWO is below.

The Smokeout transformed the area outside Chicago’s United Center – home of the Bulls and the Blackhawks – into a massive country music and barbecue destination. Curated by Lettuce Entertain You and ACM Award-winning promoter Ed Warm, the festival brought together more than 20 of the nation’s top barbecue pitmasters, ice-cold craft beer and a powerhouse lineup of country music stars.

Featured photographs capture performances by Braxton Keith, Treaty Oak Revival, Lainey Wilson, Jordan Davis, Hudson Westbrook, Russell Dickerson and Vincent Mason, along with the fans and festival atmosphere that kept the party going all through the event. From the stage to the smoke pits and everywhere in between, check out the 2026 Windy City Smokeout through the following Slideshow of HollywoodChicago.com father-and-son photographers Jeff and Jimmy Doles.

Click “Next” and “Previous” to scan through the Windy City Smokeout slideshow PART TWO, or jump directly to individual photos with the captioned links below. Photographer is indicated by (JimmyD) or (JeffD). All photos © 2026 Jeff and Jimmy Doles for HollywoodChicago.com. For PART ONE of the Slideshow, CLICK HERE.

WCSMOKE1: Russell Dickerson 1 (JeffD)
WCSMOKE2: Russell Dickerson 2 (JeffD)
WCSMOKE3: Russell Dickerson 3 (JimmyD)
WCSMOKE4: Russell Dickerson 4 (JimmyD)
WCSMOKE5: Russell Dickerson 5 (JimmyD)
WCSMOKE6: Russell Dickerson 6 (JimmyD)
WCSMOKE7: Treaty Oak 1 (JimmyD)
WCSMOKE8: Treaty Oak 2 (JimmyD)
WCSMOKE9: Treaty Oak 3 (JimmyD)
WCSMOKE10: Treaty Oak 4 JimmyD)
WCSMOKE11: Treaty Oak 5 (JimmyD)
WCSMOKE12: Treaty Oak 6 (JimmyD)
WCSMOKE13: Treaty Oak 7 (JimmyD)
WCSMOKE14: Treaty Oak 8 (JimmyD)
WCSMOKE15: Treaty Oak 9 (JimmyD)
WCSMOKE16: Treaty Oak 10 (JimmyD)
WCSMOKE17: Tyler Hubbard 1 (JeffD)
WCSMOKE18: Tyler Hubbard 2 (JeffD)
WCSMOKE19: Vincent Mason 1 (JeffD)
WCSMOKE20: Vincent Mason 2 (JeffD)
WCSMOKE21: Vincent Mason 3 (JeffD)
WCSMOKE22: Windy City Smokeout (WCS) Fans 1 (JimmyD)
WCSMOKE23: WCS Fans 2 (JeffD)
WCSMOKE24: WCS Fans 3 (JeffD)
WCSMOKE25: WCS Fans 4 (JeffD)

The Windy City Smokeout will take place in 2027 from July 8th-11th. For all information regarding the event, click WindyCitySmokeout.com. For more photos and coverage by HollywoodChicago.com music editor Jeff “Doc” Doles, click Jeff Doles, Music Editor.

Photography and Article by: Jeff Doles, Music Editor
Published by: Patrick McDonald, Site Editor, HollywoodChicago.com

Slideshow: Red Carpet Exclusive Portraits & Interviews from 2026 Cinema Soirée in Chicago

adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman) — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 13:06:29 +0000

Ben Foster, Tour De Force Award

CHICAGO – The spotlight was on the Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF) at the 2026 Cinema Soirée gala, presented by the facilitator of the festival, Cinema/Chicago. The event recognized four individuals from the world of film with the Tour De Force Award, Artistic Achievement Award, and Vanguard Award. The gala was hosted by THE TODAY SHOW’s Al Roker.

Receiving the Tour De Force Award for his bold screen presence was actor Ben Foster. A familiar character actor, his filmography includes LIBERTY HEIGHTS, X-MEN: THE LAST STAND, 3:10 TO YUMA, THE MESSENGER, KILL YOUR DARLINGS, HELL OR HIGH WATER, THE SURVIVOR and the upcoming MOTOR CITY. The Artistic Achievement Award was given to author and filmmaker Gillian Flynn (GONE GIRL). The Vanguard Award, for creative leaders in cutting edge cinema, went to filmmakers Alex Thompson and Kelly O’Sullivan for their collaborations, including films ST. FRANCES, GHOSTLIGHT and the upcoming MOUSE.

Also walking the Red Carpet were playwright and actor Regina Taylor and actor Rainn Wilson (THE OFFICE). Presenters included filmmakers Yanely “Nelly” Castellanos (CINEYOUTH FESTIVAL) and Shiloh Tumo Washington (CIX LAB FILMMAKER).

Red Carpet Interviews with Tour De Force Award recipient Ben Foster and the Master of Ceremonies Al Roker …

Gillian Flynn (GONE GIRL) of The Artistic Achievement Award and Vanguard Award Recipients Alex Thompson and Kelly O’Sullivan …

Actor and playwright Regina King, filmmakers Shiloh Tumo Washington and Yanely “Nelly” Castellanos …

Click “Next” and “Previous” to scan through the 2026 Cinema Soirée Slideshow, or jump directly to individual photos with the captioned links below. All photos © Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

CINESOIREE1: Ben Foster, Tour De Force Award
CINESOIREE2: Ben Foster on the Cinema Soirée Red Carpet
CINESOIREE3: Event Master of Ceremony Al Roker
CINESOIREE4: Actor & Attendee Rainn Wilson (THE OFFICE)
CINESOIREE5: Gillian Flynn (GONE GIRL), The Artistic Achievement Award
CINESOIREE6: Actor & Playwright Regina Taylor
CINESOIREE7: Alex Thompson, Vanguard Award
CINESOIREE8: Kelly O’Sullivan, Vanguard Award
CINESOIREE9: Shiloh Tumo Washington (CIX LAB FILMMAKER)
CINESOIREE10: Yanely “Nelly” Castellanos, Filmmaker at CINEYOUTH FEST

Cinema/Chicago is the facilitator and presenter of the 62nd Chicago International Film Festival, upcoming on October 14th-25th, 2026. For more information about the Festival, click ChicagoFilmFestival.com.

By PATRICK McDONALD
Editor and Film Critic/Writer
HollywoodChicago.com
pat@hollywoodchicago.com

Slideshow: 2026 Windy City Smokeout Brought the Country Music Stars to Chicago PART ONE

adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman) — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 21:02:47 +0000

Braxton Keith 1 (JimmyD)

Click “Next” and “Previous” to scan through the Windy City Smokeout slideshow PART ONE, or jump directly to individual photos with the captioned links below. Photographer is indicated by (JimmyD) or (JeffD). All photos © 2026 Jeff and Jimmy Doles for HollywoodChicago.com.

WCSMOKE1: Braxton Keith 1 (JimmyD)
WCSMOKE2: Braxton Keith 2 (JimmyD)
WCSMOKE3: Hudson Westbrook 1 (JimmyD)
WCSMOKE4: Hudson Westbrook 2 (JeffD)
WCSMOKE5: Jordan Davis 1 (JimmyD)
WCSMOKE6: Jordan Davis 2 (JimmyD)
WCSMOKE7: Jordan Davis 3 (JimmyD)
WCSMOKE8: Jordan Davis 4 (JimmyD)
WCSMOKE9: Jordan Davis 5 (JimmyD)
WCSMOKE10: Jordan Davis 6 (JeffD)
WCSMOKE11: Jordan Davis 7 (JimmyD)
WCSMOKE12: Lainey Wilson 1 (JimmyD)
WCSMOKE13: Lainey Wilson 2 (JimmyD)
WCSMOKE14: Lainey Wilson 3 (JimmyD)
WCSMOKE15: Lainey Wilson 4 (JeffD)
WCSMOKE16: Lainey Wilson 5 (JimmyD)
WCSMOKE17: Lainey Wilson 6 (JeffD)
WCSMOKE18: Lainey Wilson 7 (JeffD)
WCSMOKE19: Lainey Wilson 8 (JeffD)
WCSMOKE20: Windy City Smokeout (WCS) Fans 1 (JimmyD)
WCSMOKE21: WCS Fans 2 (JimmyD)
WCSMOKE22: WCS Fans 3 (JimmyD)
WCSMOKE23: WCS Fans 4 (JimmyD)
WCSMOKE24: WCS Fans 5 (JimmyD)

Photography and Article by: Jeff Doles, Music Editor
Published by: Patrick McDonald, Site Editor, HollywoodChicago.com

Audio Film Review: Hirokazu Koreeda’s Latest is ‘Sheep in the Box’

adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman) — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 16:11:33 +0000

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review for the new film release SHEEP IN THE BOX, the latest Japanese film by Hirokazu Koreeda (SHOPLIFTERS), with a nod towards our impending modern life. In select theaters on July 24th, see local listings.

Haruka Ayase is Otone, an architect working on a house project. Her husband is Kensuke (Daigo Yamamoto). Tragically the two had lost their son in an accident, and their grief is still palpable. With Otone’s connections they plug into an AI corporation who are able to make humanoid replicants, and they decide to take in a reproduction of their son Kakeru (Rimu Kuwaiti). The perfect duplicate opens up new truths in both their souls, as each has a reasoning for wanting a reminder of their lost child. When mysterious things start to happen to the humanoid Kakeru, the series of events challenge the relationship between all three of them.

SHEEP IN THE BOX is in select theaters on July 24th, including Chicago’s (click) MUSIC BOX THEATRE on July 31st, otherwise see local listings. Featuring Haruka Ayase, Daigo Yamamoto and Rimu Kuwaiti,. Written and directed by Hirokazu Koreeda. Rated “PG”

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s Audio Film Review of SHEEP IN THE BOX

SHEEP IN THE BOX
Photo credit: NEON

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s Audio Film Review of SHEEP IN THE BOX