CHICAGO – We all have those family stories that seem just so uniquely ours that it is hard to believe anyone could actually relate to them. Stories…… Read more “New Review from Jon Espino of Hollywood Chicago: Film Review: ‘The Farewell’ Greets Us With Cultural and Emotional Exploration”

CHICAGO – There is such an unnerving quality to older dolls, which is why they lend themselves so perfectly to horror stories. There’s just an unsettling feeling…… Read more “New Review from Jon Espino of Hollywood Chicago: Film Review: This Horror Homecoming is Worth a Visit in ‘Annabelle Comes Home’”

CHICAGO – There are some fears in this world that seem irrational to us. Like a fear of clowns or the fear of using an elevator. Horror…… Read more “New Review from Jon Espino of Hollywood Chicago: Film Review: Less Black Magic, More Black Mirror Succeeds in ‘Child’s Play’”

CHICAGO – Before Jordan Peele, before Mike Flanagan, before James Wan, and especially before all of Blumhouse, there were other masters of horror who paved the way…… Read more “New Review from Jon Espino of Hollywood Chicago: Film Review: ‘The Dead Don’t Die’ Offers Full-On Horror Homage But Little Else”

CHICAGO – As a pet owner, I know firsthand that I want an exciting life for my guinea pigs. When I’m off at work, I’d like to…… Read more “New Review from Jon Espino of Hollywood Chicago: Film Review: ‘The Secret Life of Pets 2’ Feels More Like a Cat Nap Than Catnip”

CHICAGO – The opening to the 1950s “Adventures of Superman” TV series includes the words “strange visitor from another planet.” But because Supes had used his subsequent…… Read more “New Review from Jon Espino of Hollywood Chicago: Film Review: Exploring an Inverse Superman Makes ‘Brightburn’ Shine”

CHICAGO – Tonight what heights we’ll hit. The 7th Chicago Critics Film Festival (CCFF) begins on Friday, May 17th, 2019, and offers a week of 2019 film…… Read more “New Review from Jon Espino of Hollywood Chicago: Film News: Preview of 7th Chicago Critics Film Festival”