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”

CHICAGO – There is an undeniable amount of skill and talent that goes into cheerleading. I happen to be rhythmically challenged so I am in awe of…… Read more “New Review from Jon Espino of Hollywood Chicago: Film Review: ‘Poms’ Stumbles and Fumbles Through a Stale Routine”

CHICAGO – Hearing the details of tragic stories, we often find it hard to understand how they got into that situation in the first place, especially since…… Read more “New Review from Jon Espino of Hollywood Chicago: Film Review: ‘Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile’ Unfortunately Lives Up to Its Name”

CHICAGO – For most of us, music literally becomes the soundtrack to our lives. They become a reflection of our mood, innermost thoughts, and even our fears.…… Read more “New Review from Jon Espino of Hollywood Chicago: Film Review: Vivacity and Simplicity Come Together to Perform in ‘Teen Spirit’”

CHICAGO – After a typical late night, deep dive of the internet, I found something terrifying. Around the 60’s, creating dinners in Jello were popular for some…… Read more “New Review from Jon Espino of Hollywood Chicago: Film Review: ‘Little’ Squanders Its Comedic and Social Potential in an Attempt to Play It Safe”