Four Stars: A Chicago Film Podcast

Jeremy and Paco are joined by Elizabeth Arnott, programmer of Sapphopalooza, to discuss the seminal Go Fish (1994), directed by Rose Troche. You can catch the 4k restoration of Go Fish at the Music Box on May 30, featuring a post-film Q&A with writer/actor Guinevere Turner. And buy tickets to all the other Sapphopalooza films!Art by⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lily Bacon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ newest_latest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Suggestions, comments, complaints, hate mail, and all other correspondence can be sent to [email protected]'re recommending stuff at the end of the podcast now!Paco’s recommendation:Madame de Mauves and Daisy Miller | Henry JamesJeremy’s recommendation:Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle (2004) dir. Danny LeinerSources and further reading:Spike, Mike, Slackers & Dykes: A Guided Tour across a Decade of American Independent Cinema | John PiersonThe Art of Angling: The Making of Rose Troche’s Classic Microbudget Lesbian Love Story, Go Fish | Holly Willis, Filmmaker MagazineGo Fish at 30 | Kyle Logan, Chicago ReaderMore Sex, Less Tragedy: Rose Troche on ‘Go Fish’ at 30 | Jim Hemphill, IndieWireCHICAGO DIRECTOR AMONG FIRST TO FEEL GLOW OF SUNDANCE | J. Seigel, Chicago Tribune`GO FISH' CELEBRATES ITS TARGET MARKET | Achy Obejas, Chicago TribuneNEW QUEER CINEMA AND LESBIAN FILMS | Anat Pick in New Queer Cinema: A Critical ReaderNew Queer Cinema: The Director’s Cut | B. Ruby Rich$750,000 Raised For Rosty Defense | Chuck Neubauer M Brown, Chicago Sun-Times Congressman Dan Rostenkowski Is Indicted in House Post Office Scandal | Paul M Klenowski, EBSCO

Jeremy and Paco are joined by film critic Isaac Feldberg to discuss Michael Mann’s Public Enemies (2009). Check out Isaac’s writing at Letterboxd Journal and RogerEbert.com.This is the fifth episode in our miniseries, One Last Score, where we're going through different heist and bank robbing movies set in Chicago. The next episode in our miniseries will be about Ca$h (2010). Art by⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lily Bacon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ newest_latest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Suggestions, comments, complaints, hate mail, and all other correspondence can be sent to [email protected]'re recommending stuff at the end of the podcast now!Paco’s recommendation:Coin Locker Babies | Ryu MurakamiJeremy’s recommendations:Decorado (2025) dir. Alberto VázquezCharade (1963) dir. Stanley DonenSources and further reading:Biograph Theater Preliminary Summary of Information submitted to the Commission on Chicago LandmarksMichael Mann: A Contemporary Retrospective⁠ | Jean-Baptiste ThoretPublic Enemies | Bryan BurroughMichael Mann chats with Capone about crime, punishment and PUBLIC ENEMIES!!! | Capone, Ain’t It Cool NewsDillinger Captured by Dogged Filmmaker! | Mark Harris, New York TimesOn the set of "Public Enemies" with Michael Mann and Johnny Depp in Oshkosh | Rod Mellotte, The IsthmusPublic Enemies director Michael Mann shares his favorite Chicago memories | Time OutFilms produce profits for illinois: Filming of movies, TV series yields $141 million in '08 | Bergen, K, Chicago TribuneAccent on experience for cotillard as dillinger's girl | Michael Phillips, Chicago TribuneChicago the epicenter of another film credit | C. Mastony, Chicago TribuneWhose relatives got clouted into U. of I.?: Cases of questionable acceptances show pull of elected officials, Blagojevich contributors | Clair, S. S., & Cohen, J. S., Chicago Tribune

Jeremy and Paco get together a crew consisting of the Trivia Girls (Alex, Carmel, and Kimberly) and Ocean's expert Richa Parikh, to discuss Steven Soderbergh's Ocean's Eleven (2001), Ocean's Twelve (2004), and Ocean's Thirteen (2007). Then we head off on our own to talk about Scott Prestin's 8 of Diamonds (2006). Music Box Movie Trivia⁠ is one Sunday a month from 4pm to 6pm in the Music Box Lounge. Reservations are strongly encouraged, but not required. The next trivia date is Sunday, May 17. The Trivia Girls also host trivia at the Davis Theater. The next date is May 10. Check out Alex's last episode with us, where we talked about Primal Fear (1996). This is the fourth episode in our miniseries, One Last Score, where we're going through different heist and bank robbing movies set in Chicago. On our next episode, we'll be returning to Chicago director Michael Mann to discuss 2009's Public Enemies. Art by⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lily Bacon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ newest_latest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Suggestions, comments, complaints, hate mail, and all other correspondence can be sent to [email protected].

Jeremy and Paco interview Jared Isaac, director and writer of An Autumn Summer. An Autumn Summer is having its Chicago premiere on April 23rd at the Music Box, featuring a post-film Q&A with Jared moderated by Joe Swanberg. Buy your tickets here. It was also have a limited theatrical release starting May 1. Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lily Bacon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ newest_latest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Suggestions, comments, complaints, hate mail, and all other correspondence can be sent to [email protected].

Jeremy and Paco are joined by film writer Daniel Gorman to discuss Normal Life (1996), directed by John McNaughton. Check out Daniel’s writing at In Review Online.This is the third episode in our miniseries, One Last Score, where we're going through different heist and bank robbing movies set in Chicago. Our next episode will be about a series of films with at least a scene or two in Chicago – the Ocean’s Trilogy (2001-2007) – and the nearly unknown Eric Roberts vehicle, 8 of Diamonds (2006).  Art by⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lily Bacon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ newest_latest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Suggestions, comments, complaints, hate mail, and all other correspondence can be sent to [email protected]'re recommending stuff at the end of the podcast now!Paco’s recommendation:J’accuse (1919), dir. Abel GanceJeremy’s recommendations:⁠⁠⁠The End of Baseball | Peter Schilling Jr. Sources and further reading:John McNaughton Interview | The Flashback FilesFrom `normal' to notorious once they were an ordinary suburban couple; now she is dead, and he stands charged of eight bank robberies | Nina Burleigh, Chicago TribuneThey Robbed Banks | Chicago TribuneHoffman Estates, 60195 | Chicago Tribune The ‘Normal Life’ of Maverick Filmmaker John McNaughton | Jim Hemphill, IndieWireCap’n Crunch and the Serial Killer: John McNaughton on His Career | Erik Luers, Filmmaker MagazineDALEY LEFT IN THE DUST IN CITY SCOFFLAW DERBY MAYOR LOSING GAME OF CATCH-UP ON OWN FIELD | Jacquelyn Heard, Chicago TribuneCity owed millions from its own employees, who aren’t being forced to pay up | Tim Novak, Sophie Sherry, Alden Loury, Chicago Sun-Times

Jeremy and Paco are joined by culture writer and Hand Me The Mike host Daniella Mazzio to discuss Michael Mann’s Thief (1981). Check out Daniella’s website for her latest writing, and please listen to her excellent Michael Shannon podcast, Hand Me the Mike. This is the second episode in our miniseries, One Last Score, where we're going through different heist and bank robbing movies set in Chicago. Our next episode will be a film from another Chicago director – John McNaughton’s Normal Life (1996).Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lily Bacon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ newest_latest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Suggestions, comments, complaints, hate mail, and all other correspondence can be sent to [email protected]'re recommending stuff at the end of the podcast now!Paco’s recommendation:⁠Clout City: The Rise and Fall of the Chicago Political Machine | Dominic A. PacygaJeremy’s recommendations:⁠The animated films of Wolfgang Reitherman, especially One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961)Sources and further reading:Wool Over Our Eyes: The Enduring Relevance of Michael Mann’s The Insider | Daniella Mazzio, In Review OnlineWho Will Remember You?: “The Secret Agent” and the Humanities as Resistance | Daniella Mazzio, RogerEbert.comMy Money Is Still In Your Pocket: The Death of the American Dream in Michael Mann’s Thief | Sarah Welch-Larson, Bright Wall/Dark RoomMichael Mann: A Contemporary Retrospective | Jean-Baptiste ThoretThe Home Invaders Confessions Of A Cat Burglar | Frank HohimerMichael Mann Looks Back on His Career, Talks Innovation, Dialogue, and Diversity | Bilge Ebiri, VultureMichael Mann’s Thief: James Caan and James Belushi Return to Chicago 40 Years Later | Adam Carston, Andrew Buss, and Michael Roffman, Consequence of SoundThe Art of the Steal | Alan Siegel, The RingerMove by Chicago Mayor Is Preceded by Evictions | New York TimesCabrini Green | Ben Austen, Chicago Magazine

Jeremy and Paco talk about The Bride!, directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal. First Impressions is an episode format where we talk about recently released Chicago movies. Let us know if there are any that are coming up! You can catch The Bride! in theaters now, but we recommend you watch James Whale's Bride of Frankenstein (1935) instead. Suggestions, comments, complaints, hate mail, and all other correspondence can be sent to [email protected] by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lily Bacon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ newest_latest⁠⁠⁠

Jeremy and Paco are joined by film writer Peter Raleigh to discuss the conman classic The Sting (1973), directed by George Roy Hill. Check out Peter's great newsletter Long Library.This is the first episode in our first miniseries, One Last Score, where we'll go through different heist and bank robbing movies set in Chicago. For those clamoring for more heists, you can get ahead on your homework by watching Michael Mann's Thief (1981) before the next episode in our series.Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lily Bacon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ newest_latest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Featuring several tracks by Scott Joplin, including Solace, the Ragtime Dance, Pineapple Rag, and The Entertainer. Suggestions, comments, complaints, hate mail, and all other correspondence can be sent to [email protected]'re recommending stuff at the end of the podcast now! Paco’s recommendation:No Beast So Fierce by Edward BunkerJeremy’s recommendations:Les créatures (1966) dir. Agnès VardaRemain by Nicholas Sparks and M. Night ShyamalanSources and further reading:The Sting review | Roger Ebert, rogerebert.comPaul Newman’s greatest trick: how The Sting took Hollywood for a ride | Martin Chilton, The Telegraph Why Robert Redford Was “Chronically Late” to ‘The Sting’ Set | Seth Abramovitch, Hollywood ReporterThe Big Con: The Story of the Confidence Man | David MaurerThe Films of George Roy Hill | Andrew HortonProbers: Cain sought to lure gamblers away | T. Powers, Chicago TribunePerspective: Cain was on move with big schemes | B. Wiedrich, Chicago TribuneThe Nation: The Momo and Cain Connection | TIME MagazineRichard Cain | Spartacus Educational

Jeremy and Paco welcome back writer Cortlyn Kelly to discuss the 1997 romance drama Love Jones, directed by Theodore Witcher. Cortlyn previously joined us to discuss the City & State shorts during the Chicago International Film Festival. Check out Cortlyn's Substack ⁠The Art Idiot⁠, as well as her podcast ⁠Kaveh and CK's Screening Room⁠. Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lily Bacon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ newest_latest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Suggestions, comments, complaints, hate mail, and all other correspondence can be sent to [email protected]'re recommending stuff at the end of the podcast now! Paco's recommendation:Camp de Thiaroye (1988) dir. Ousmane SembèneJeremy's recommendations:The Secret Agent (2025) dir. Kleber Mendonça FilhoMouchette (1967) dir. Robert BressonSources and further reading:love jones: Sweet Home Chicago| Danielle Amir Jackson, Criterion CurrentCreative Expression: Theodore Witcher on the Legacy of Love Jones | Robert Daniels, RogerEbert.com With ‘Love Jones,’ black love took center stage: An oral history | Tre’vell Anderson, LA TimesFrom the Archives: ‘Love Jones’ director Theodore Witcher hopes his departure film of the black experience opens Hollywood’s eyes | Cheo Hodari Coker, LA TImesFrom Love to Melancholy: The Evolution of the Black Bohemian Identity in Black Indie Love Films From Gen-X to Gen-Y | Reniqua Allen, Journal of Black StudiesFrom Gangsta Scripts to Poetry's Romance | Jamie Diamond, New York TimesSteppin' out of Whiteness | Black Hawk Hancock, EthnographyGroup rejects cop spying | Strausberg, C, Chicago DefenderDissolution of "Red Squad" Consent Decree does not negate need to protect First Amendment Rights in Chicago | ACLU IllinoisHow Chicago Red Squad Sabotaged 60's Dissidents; Details of Activities Emerge Abolition of Red Squad 'Very Little Basis in Fact' Injunction Against Police | Nathaniel Sheppard Jr., New York Times

Jeremy and Paco are joined by film critic Kyle Logan to discuss 2008's Wanted, directed by the great Timur Bekmambetov. You can read Kyle Logan's work at Screen Anarchy and the Chicago Reader. Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lily Bacon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ newest_latest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Suggestions, comments, complaints, hate mail, and all other correspondence can be sent to [email protected] and further reading:After a busy 2007, next year looks thin for moviemaking | T. Armour, Chicago TribuneChicago to become a hollywood hotbed this summer | T. Armour, Chicago TribuneChris Pratt Has a 'Very Different Confidence' Since Making Wanted 17 Years Ago, Says Director (Exclusive) | Jack Smart and Kimberlee Speakman, PeopleTimur Bekmambetov on ‘Wanted’ | Jeff Sneider, VarietyExclusive Profile: DIRECTOR TIMUR BEKMAMBETOV COMES INTO THE LIGHT WITH NIGHT WATCH - PART 2 | Carl Cortez, iFMagazineWhy Angelina Jolie, Common 'Wanted' To Work With Red-Hot Russian Director | Larry Carroll, MTV.comMARK MILLAR ON THE ‘WANTED’ MOVIE | Justin Aclin, Wizard MagazineWanted: James McAvoy Interview | Patrick Kolan, IGNSecrets of Wanted‘s Insane Onscreen Action | Hugh Hart, WiredDaley vows to fight for chicago's gun ban: High court throws out D.C. law. | Oliphant, J., & Coen, J., Chicago Tribune On Otis McDonald and his lawsuit challenging Chicago's 1982 handgun ban | Jennifer Tanaka, Chicago Magazine

Jeremy and Paco flip on their TVs to talk about the first season of medical drama ER. Featuring some thoughts from ER superfans Meara Brady and Caitlyn Johnson about what makes the show so special. We also have a cameo from Dr. David Marder, who did part of his residency at a Chicago emergency room. Meara Brady (30:00 - 41:00)Caitlyn Johnson (1:01:00 - 1:07:00)Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lily Bacon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ newest_latest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Suggestions, comments, complaints, hate mail, and all other correspondence can be sent to [email protected] and further reading:Behind the Scenes at ER | Janine PourroyThe ER Companion: An Unauthorized Guide | Stephen J. SpignesiMurder in Miniature | Nancy Gibbs, Time Magazine HE'S MADE FRIENDS BY THE DOZENS MONEY IS CHICKEN FEED, BUT EGGS STILL HOME-DELIVERED | Darlene Gavron Stevens, Chicago Tribune'The real world' now a real hit | Sid Smith, Chicago Tribune

Ahead of this Sunday's NFL playoff game between the Chicago Bears and the LA Rams, Jeremy and Paco talk about the legendary song, "The Super Bowl Shuffle," by the 1985 Chicago Bears, as well as The Shuffle (2025), a documentary about the making of the song and music video. Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lily Bacon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ newest_latest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Suggestions, comments, complaints, hate mail, and all other correspondence can be sent to [email protected]

Jeremy and Paco head to the suburbs to talk about two holiday classics, Home Alone directed by Chris Columbus, and Home Alone 3 directed by Raja Gosnell. Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lily Bacon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ newest_latest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Suggestions, comments, complaints, hate mail, and all other correspondence can be sent to [email protected] Further reading and sourcesRoger Ebert Home Alone Review Roger Ebert Home Alone 3 reviewDecades later, ‘Home Alone’ fans are still casing the iconic house | Leigh Giangreco, Washington PostThe iconic ‘Home Alone' house is being renovated by its new owner. What they plan to do | NBC 5 ChicagoHoly Cow, Home Alone Is 25! | James Hughes, Chicago MagazineHome Alone Breaks Away | Elizabeth L. Bland, Time MagazineHollywood's Mr. Nice Guy | Paul Galloway, Chicago Sun-TimesHome Alone' a New Visit to Hughesland | Dave Kehr, Chicago Tribune1997 ALL FAR FROM QUIET ON CHICAGO SETS | Judy Hevrdejs and Mike Conklin, Chicago Tribune "U.S. indicts Ald. HenryCharges of extortion, ghost payrollers included in 29 counts." | Rosalind Rossi, Chicago Sun-Times Henry eulogized as man of the people | Michael Kates, Chicago TribuneTHIS ALDERMAN SELLS HIS 'SOUL' | Ann Marie Lipinski and Dean Baquet William Gaines and Ray Gibson, Chicago Tribune16 white aldermen withdraw OK for Fred Hampton Day | Fran Spielman and Ray HananiaFRIAS BALKED AT PAYOFFS, COURT TOLD FEDERAL AGENT ADMITS WEEKLY BRIBES WERE REJECTED | Stephanie Banchero, Chicago TribuneJury sets frias free: U.S. won't back down, plans new shovel action | Matt O'Connor, Chicago Tribune

Jeremy and Paco are joined by Music Box PR Manager Steve Prokopy (AKA Capone) to discuss Brian De Palma's The Untouchables (1987). They also discuss the original The Untouchables TV show, The Unmentionables, the 1993 reboot series, and the legendary The Untouchables of Eliott Mouse. Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lily Bacon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ newest_latest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Suggestions, comments, complaints, hate mail, and all other correspondence can be sent to [email protected] Further reading and sources- PEANUTS' PANCZKO LINKED TO SUBURB PROSTITUTE RING | William B. Crawford,Jr., Chicago Tribune- Chicago's Polish Robin Hoods - The Panczko Brothers | Ron Grossman, Chicago Tribune- Behind The Untouchables: The Making of the Memoir That Reclaimed a Prohibition-Era Legend | Matthew Pearl, Vanity Fair- The Untouchables | Eliot Ness with Oscar Fraley- Eliot Ness: The Rise and Fall of an American Hero | Douglas Perry - TV GOLDEN OLDIES HEAD FOR SILVER SCREEN | Aljean Harmetz, New York Times- Writer David Mamet fills roles with Chicago actors | Glenna Syse, Chicago Sun-Times- A day in the life of an `extra': sore feet and monotony | Gloria Charnes, Chicago Sun-Times- Chicago, the celluloid city - 7 film crews make their temporary home here | Chicago Sun-Times- Return of `The Untouchables' - TV's gangster classic inspires the latest film by Brian De Palma | Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times- UNTOUCHABLES' DE NIRO, DE PALMA, MAMET ORGANIZE CRIME WITH A DIFFERENCE | Gene Siskel, Chicago Tribune- COOL HEAD, HOT IMAGES | Bruce Weber, New York Times- The Untouchables: A Search for Period Flavor | Al Harrell, American Cinematographer

Jeremy and Paco are joined by noir author Jake Hinkson to discuss City That Never Sleeps (1953), directed by John H. Auer. You can buy Jake's newest book, You Will Never See Me (set in Chicago!!), here. Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lily Bacon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ newest_latest⁠⁠⁠⁠Suggestions, comments, complaints, hate mail, and all other correspondence can be sent to [email protected] Further reading and sourcesFilm noir : an encyclopedic reference to the American style | Alain Silver “Inside Man” | Dave Kehr, Film Comment"Lost Chicago, found on Film: Movie Gems Provide a Fascinating Time Capsule of the City; Remember the Loop's Magikist Red-Lips Sign, Or Cooley High?" | Patrick T. Reardon, Chicago TribuneKIDNAP REP. CLEM GRAVER!: WIFE, FRIEND SEE STRUGGLE WITH CAPTORS Seized in Garage Near Home | Chicago Tribune"DIES IN RAID ON CHICAGO LOVE NEST(2): PREGNANT WIFE SLAYS HUSBAND WITH HIS GUN." | The Chicago Defender Clem Graver files grow, get dusty — but still no Clem | Chicago TribuneGangland Chicago: Criminality and Lawlessness in the Windy City | Richard C Lindberg

Jeremy and Paco are joined by Cullen Atchley and Emilio Diaz of Cannes I Kick It to talk about the Chicago International Film Festival. We also announce the winners of the coveted Four Stars Golden Beef and Silver Bean prizes recognizing the best of the festival. Several writers, critics and film lovers from Chicago called-in and gave us their thoughts on some underrated movies from the festival:- Isaac Feldberg, film critic (22:45)- Kyle Logan, film critic for the Chicago Reader (26:20)- Daniella Mazzio, writer and Hand Me the Mike host (41:50)- Brennan McMahon, Gene Siskel Film Center assistant technical coordinator (46:55)- Shaun Huhn, writer (1:24:49)- Zachary Lee, journalist (1:29:45)- Steve Prokopy, film critic and Music Box Public Relations (1:32:30) Films we talked about:Is This Thing On? (again) (dir. Bradley Cooper)Kontinental ‘25 (dir. Radu Jude)What does that nature say to you? (dir. Hong Sang-Soo)Miroirs no 3 (dir. Christian Petzold)Jay Kelly (dir. Noah Baumbach)The Mastermind (dir. Kelly Reichardt) Sentimental Value (dir. Joachim Trier)Bouchra (dir. Orian Barki, Meriem Bennani)Animation ShortsParadaïz (dir. Matea Radic)This is not your Garden (dir. Carlos Velandia, Angélica Restrepo)Retirement Plan (dir. John Kelly)Dollhouse Elephant (dir. Jenny Jokela)Dog Alone (dir. Marta Reis Andrade)dipolar bipolar (dir. Li Quankai)Autokar (dir. Sylwia Szkiłądź)Ordinary Life (dir. Yoriko Mizushiri)Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lily Bacon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ newest_latest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Suggestions, comments, complaints, hate mail, and all other correspondence can be sent to [email protected]

On our final dispatch out of the 61st Chicago International Film Festival, we talked about:Anything that Moves (dir. Alex Philips)Before the Call (dir. James Choi, World Premiere)Only Heaven Knows  (dir. Nurzhamal Karamoldoeva, World Premiere)New Group (dir. Yûta Shimotsu)Young Mothers (dir. Luc and Jean-Pierre Dardennes)Palestine 36 (dir. Annemarie Jacir – U.S. Premiere)Is This Thing On? (dir. Bradley Cooper)After Dark Shorts:Blue Violet (dir. Josie Charles)Coyotes (dir. Said Zagha)Dummy! (dir. Francesca Pazniokas)Earworm (dir. Patrik Eklund)Pinpoint (dir. Michael Merlino)Hotel Acropole (dir. Sarah Lasry)Family Friendly Animation Shorts: Tsuna the empty can – Meatball and Spaghetti (dir. Iku Ogawa)Pow! (dir. Joey Clift)On the Mat Outside my Door (dir. Antje Heyn)Yore Gramps and the Whale (dir. Mariana Elisabetsky)Snow Bear (dir. Aaron Blaise)Are We There Yet? (dir. Sven Kristlbauer, Raul Bison, Marion Zeder)Lily (dir. Kate Siegel)Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lily Bacon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ newest_latest⁠⁠⁠⁠Suggestions, comments, complaints, hate mail, and all other correspondence can be sent to [email protected]

On the second dispatch out of the Chicago International Film Festival, Jeremy and Paco are joined by film writer Cortlyn Kelly to discuss the City & State Shorts program, as well as other films she's seen during the festival. Check out Cortlyn's Substack The Art Idiot, as well as her podcast Kaveh and CK's Screening Room. On this episode we talked about:- The City & State Shorts program, featuring short films by Shiloh Tumo Washington, Missy Hernandez, Alex Heller, Fernando Saldivia Yáñez, Jessie Komitor, Josh Brainin, Camille Bacon, Youssef Boucetta, and Texas Smith.Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lily Bacon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ newest_latest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Suggestions, comments, complaints, hate mail, and all other correspondence can be sent to [email protected].

Jeremy interviews Kevin Shaw, director of One Golden Summer, which had its world premiere at the Chicago International Film Festival and opened the festival. You can catch the movie on Sunday, October 26 at the Logan Center for the Arts. "In 2014, Chicago’s Jackie Robinson West Little League became the first all-Black team to win the Little League U.S. Baseball Championship. Along the way, 13 twelve-year-old athletes from the South Side turned into media superstars—their faces were splashed across magazine covers and major TV networks, garnering them millions of fans around the country. They were even invited to the White House to meet President and Mrs. Obama. But it all came crashing down after a rival coach accused the team of breaking residential boundary rules.Award-winning filmmaker Kevin Shaw (Let the Little Light Shine, America to Me) deftly investigates the story behind the headlines, shattering stereotypes and reframing the narrative. Through conversations with the charismatic young athletes, now adults, as well as reporters, coaches, and parents, One Golden Summer shines a vivid spotlight on the complex issues of race, power, and money all too prevalent in youth sports. Above all, Shaw’s sensitive film is a universal story about personal resilience, the strength of family, and what it means to be a true champion."Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lily Bacon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ newest_latest⁠⁠⁠⁠Suggestions, comments, complaints, hate mail, and all other correspondence can be sent to [email protected]

Jeremy interviews Curtis Miller, the director of A Brief History of Chasing Storms, which is screening as a part of the Chicago International Film Festival. "A Brief History of Chasing Storms presents a history of the tornado as both a destructive weather event and an American icon. Local monuments to past tornadoes intertwine with mythologies of settlement and displacement. An amateur storm chaser questions his own agency and fate. The CEO of a Wizard of Oz-themed storm shelter company describes a growing market in a world of increasing weather uncertainty. Unfolding episodically, questions of memory, inequality, colonization, climate change, and disaster capitalism arise as the film examines legacies of weather within the region colloquially known as “tornado alley.”You can catch A Brief History of Chasing Storms on Saturday, October 25 at 12pm at the Gene Siskel Film Center. Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lily Bacon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ newest_latest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Suggestions, comments, complaints, hate mail, and all other correspondence can be sent to [email protected].

On our first dispatch out of the 61st Chicago International Film Festival, we talked about:- the world premiere of One Golden Summer (dir. Kevin Shaw)- A Useful Ghost (dir. Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke) - Arco (dir. Ugo Bienvenue)- Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc (dir. Tatsuya Yoshihara)- The Helsinki Effect (dir. Arthur Franck) (North American premiere)- Train Dreams (dir. Clint Bentley)- The Secret Agent (dir. Kleber Mendonça Filho)Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lily Bacon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ newest_latest⁠⁠⁠Suggestions, comments, complaints, hate mail, and all other correspondence can be sent to [email protected]

Jeremy and Paco will be covering the 61st Chicago International Film Festival! Our next few episodes will be dispatches from the festival, including mini-reviews, interviews, and catchups with film critics. If you have any suggestions of movies we have to see, you can reach us at [email protected]. Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lily Bacon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ newest_latest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Jeremy and Paco are joined by the Modern Yentas, Natalie Jacobson and Naomi Borowsky, to talk about 2002's My Big Fat Greek Wedding. The Modern Yentas are a personalized match-making service based in Chicago. You can join their pool of people looking for love here. Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Lily Bacon⁠⁠⁠⁠Music by⁠⁠⁠⁠ newest_latest⁠⁠⁠Suggestions, comments, complaints, hate mail, and all other correspondence can be sent to [email protected] Further reading and sources20 Years Married: How ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding’ Became a Smash Hit | Alison Herman, The RingerGreek girl meets boy in realistic romance | Roger Ebert, The Chicago Sun-TimesToronto's just a poser in movies 'set' here. | Richard Roeper, The Chicago Sun-TimesChicago: Greeks of the ‘Second City’ | Alexander Billinis, Neo KosmosCruel Irony: TV, Movie Versions of Chicago Supplant the Real Place | Mike Dorning and Terry Armour, Chicago TribuneNia Vardalos' `Big Fat' Movie Hits the Screen | Terry Armour, Chicago TribuneChicago Hit Hard by Movie Exodus | Terry Armour, Chicago TribuneGreek Odyssey ; how Nia Vardalos Turned a One-Woman Stage show into a Big, Fat $216 Million Gold Mine | Robert K. Elder, Chicago TribuneChicago' made in . . . Canada | Chicago TribuneMOB LURKS ON CITY'S FILM SCENE INSIDERS TELL TALES OF STRONG-ARM TACTICS | Peter Kendall and John O'Brien, Chicago TribuneBlagojevich's secret weapon - Downstate congressman Costello made the difference in primary | Steve Neal, Chicago Sun-TimesCandlemaking a Way of Faith, Life for Family ; Greektown Shop Changes with Times and its Neighbors | Shia Kapos, Chicago Tribune

Jeremy and Paco interview film programmer Will Morris. Will is part of the team that programs the Music Box of Horrors series throughout the month of October, as well as the 24 hour horror movie marathon. Will talks about how he got his start in film programming, the process the Music Box of Horrors team goes through to program the series, and gives us a preview of some of the movies to watch out for. The 24 hour Music Box of Horrors marathon will be on October 18. Buy your tickets today!Get tickets to some of the movies we talked about:- In My Skin on October 1st- Alice on October 2nd- Tales From the Crypt: Demon Knight on October 3rd- Wake in Fright on October 5th- Marley's Revenge: The Monster Movie on October 8th- Last House on Dead End Street on October 10th- Mr. K on October 22nd- Anyab on October 23rd- Cure on October 31stArt by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lily Bacon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ newest_latest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Suggestions, comments, complaints, hate mail, and all other correspondence can be sent to [email protected].

Jeremy and Paco talk about Fixed, directed by Genndy Tartakovsky. First Impressions is an episode format where we talk about recently released Chicago movies. Let us know any that are coming up! You can watch Fixed on Netflix but we would suggest skipping it.Suggestions, comments, complaints, hate mail, and all other correspondence can be sent to [email protected] by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Lily Bacon⁠⁠⁠⁠Music by⁠⁠⁠⁠ newest_latest⁠⁠⁠Further reading and sources:Lane Tech grad behind ‘Fixed’ from Netflix drew inspiration from high school pals | Mitch Dudek An ideal day in Chicago with Genndy Tartakovsky | Monica EngHotel Transylvania - Genndy Blur Shot Build

Jeremy and Paco discuss 1991's Backdraft, directed by Ron Howard. We also talk to Music Box Assistant Technical Director and Repertory Programmer Rebecca Lyon about 70mm film and the Music Box's 70mm Festival. Backdraft will be screening at the Music Box on 70mm on August 17 at 2:30pm and August 18 at 7:30. Buy your tickets here. Jeremy will be introducing the movie on the August 17 screening. Art by ⁠⁠⁠Lily Bacon⁠⁠⁠Music by⁠⁠⁠ newest_latest⁠⁠Suggestions, comments, complaints, hate mail, and all other correspondence can be sent to [email protected] Further reading and sourcesChicago Gets Hot as a Site for Film Making | Isabel Wilkerson, The New York TimesKurt Russell is fired up about Backdraft | Lawrence Grobel, Entertainment WeeklyChicago Goes for the Burn | William E. Schmidt, The New York Times‘Backdraft’ at 30: Ron Howard Reflects on Harrowing Special Effects and the Dangers of Filming With Fire | Steve Chagollan, Hollywood ReporterN.Y. Labor Disputes Drive Filmmakers to Chicago | Mark Caro, Chicago TribuneCicero's Own `gulf War Battle' Investigated | Andrew Fegelman and John O'Brien, Chicago Tribune 37 sanitation employees are swept out of `2-hour' jobs | Fran Spielman, Chicago Sun-TimesPark-ride system - for CTA brass only | Michael Brown and Mark Gillis, Chicago Sun-Times

Jeremy and Paco interview actor Joe Farina, the son of legendary Chicago actor Dennis Farina. Joe talks about growing up in Chicago, his memories of visiting his father on set, and his father's legacy in the city. Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lily Bacon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ newest_latest⁠⁠⁠⁠Suggestions, comments, complaints, hate mail, and all other correspondence can be sent to [email protected]. You can watch Crime Story on Xumo Play.

Jeremy and Paco return to Wicker Park to discuss 2004's Wicker Park, directed by Paul McGuigan.Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Lily Bacon⁠⁠⁠⁠Music by⁠⁠⁠⁠ newest_latest⁠⁠⁠Suggestions, comments, complaints, hate mail, and all other correspondence can be sent to [email protected] Further reading and sources⁠ Reluctant Heartthrob ; Hartnett Downplays His Pretty-Boy Sex Appeal | Miki Turner, RedEyeWicker Park Sellout? ; Upscale Replaces Grunge but Fringe Factor Remains | Alison Neumer, RedEyeWill the real Wicker Park please take a bow?. | Mike Thomas, Chicago Sun-TimesWhat the #$*! is going on in ‘Wicker Park’? | Roger Ebert, RogerEbert.comFigure in Alleged Bribery Case Dies ; Firm Paid City Officials, Son Says | Gary Washburn, Chicago TribuneFugitive in Silver Shovel Captured ; 1st to be Charged in 1990s Probe Held in Mexico | Matt O'Connor and Ray Gibson, Chicago TribuneFormer Fugitive Gets 7 Years for Old Drug Case: Ex-City Contractor Part of Corruption Case in 1990s. | Cynthia Dizikes, Chicago TribuneGov rips Keyes' slap at gays: 'Got his feet in 13th century' // Brother-in-law of lesbian says remark will bolster Obama. | Chris Fusco, Chicago Sun-TimesThe History of Bucktown | Bucktown Community OrganizationChipotle commercial featuring Willie Nelson covering Coldplay's "The Scientist"

Jeremy and Paco are joined by film critic Keith Phipps to talk about High Fidelity (2000), directed by Stephen Frears. Keith Phipps is a Chicago-based writer focusing on film. His primary outlet is The Reveal, a newsletter he co-writes with his longtime collaborator Scott Tobias. Keith also contributes to Vulture, The Ringer, TV Guide and other outlets and previously served as an editor at The A.V. Club and The Dissolve. He co-hosts The Next Picture Show, a biweekly podcast connecting classic and contemporary films. He’s also the author of Age of Cage, a book about Nicolas Cage movies.Art by ⁠⁠⁠Lily Bacon⁠⁠⁠Music by⁠⁠⁠ newest_latest⁠⁠Suggestions, comments, complaints, hate mail, and all other correspondence can be sent to [email protected] Further reading and sourcesHigh Fidelity Turns 20, and the Chicago It Imagined Is Gone⁠ | Keith Phipps, Chicago magazineAnother Windy City, Not My Own | Keith Phipps, The RevealTop Five: How ‘High Fidelity’ Found Its Rhythm and Became a Cult Movie Classic | Andrew BussEdgy In Chicago | Margy Rochlin, New York TimesBaby Got Going: Longing and Leaving in High Fidelity | Erin Langner, Bright Wall/Dark RoomReview of High Fidelity | Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago ReaderThe Complexities of Cultural Change: An Interview with Stephen Frears | Cynthia Lucia, Cineaste JAILED ALDERMAN CHARGES BIAS IN JURY SELECTION | Virginia Groark, Chicago Tribune Just Their Luck | Cate Plys, Chicago ReaderThe Ex Files | Graham Meyer, Chicago magazineTenacious D in Chicago, 6-13-99 House Of Blues [check out 1:00:00]

Jeremy and Paco are joined by Alex Gomez, one of the hosts of Music Box Movie Trivia, ⁠to talk about 1996’s Primal Fear, directed by Gregory Hoblit. Music Box Movie Trivia is every Sunday from 4pm to 6pm in the Music Box Lounge. Reservations are strongly encouraged, but not required. Walk-ins welcome once the lounge opens at 3pm, but we cannot guarantee your team a table. Follow this link to make a reservation: CLICK HEREArt by ⁠⁠Lily Bacon⁠⁠Music by⁠⁠ newest_latest⁠Suggestions, comments, complaints, hate mail, and all other correspondence can be sent to [email protected] Further reading and sourcesPrimal Fear | William DiehlThe Shaky Future of the CTA | Chicago TribuneFBI SAYS BOMB PARTS FOUND UNABOMBER SUSPECT CHARGED AS AGENTS FIND CHEMICALS | Wes Smith, Charles M. Madigan, Chicago TribuneA MOST UNLIKELY HOMETOWN FOR A RADICAL: EVERGREEN PARK WAS TRADITIONAL IN THE '50S AND REMAINS SO TODAY | Bob Secter, Dionne Searcey, Chicago TribuneWHO IS EDWARD NORTON? | Michael Wilmington, Chicago TribuneMaxwell Street cop HQ closing | Ernest Tucker, Chicago Sun-TimesMAKING MOVIES | Bill Zwecker, Chicago Sun-Times`Primal Fear' Guilty Of Being Offensive | Richard Roeper, Chicago Sun-TimesThe many faces of Edward Norton | Cindy Pearlman, Chicago Sun-TimesUIC campus gets its closeups on TV, in films | UIC BlogGetting Out of My Head: An Interview with Edward Norton | Graham Fuller, Cinéaste

Jeremy and Paco talk about 2011's Source Code, directed by Duncan Jones. Featuring a clip from the first unreleased iteration of this podcast in 2021, where filmmaker Caitlyn Johnson joined us to talk about the movie.Art by ⁠⁠⁠Lily Bacon⁠⁠⁠Music by⁠⁠⁠ newest_latest⁠Suggestions, comments, complaints, hate mail, and all other correspondence can be sent to [email protected] can watch Tony Scott's Deja Vu (2006) on Starz, or rent it on Apple or Amazon. Further reading and sources:Gyllenhaal says the 'Bean' could be metaphor for 'Source Code' |Dean Richards, Chicago TribuneLike Something Out Of A Movie: Alleged Shakedown On Metra Film Location |CBS News and Better Government AssociationBean sculptor reflects pride on Chicagoans |Neil Steinberg, Chicago Sun-TimesWith Chicago fans, everything just Jake |Cindy Pearlman, Chicago Sun-TimesMetra Train Stars in Movie “Source Code” with Jake Gyllenhaal ⁠ |Better MagazineSecret of her success: Michelle Monaghan's Midwestern roots help versatile actress stay grounded |Michael Phillips, Chicago TribuneHow Jake Gyllenhaal Wooed Duncan Jones to Direct ‘Source Code’, |Lindsay Powers, Kim Messina, Hollywood ReporterTemporality and Surveillance I: Terrorism Narratives and the Melancholic Security State| From Surveillance Cinema by Catherine ZimmerSpeculative Finance and Network Temporality in Duncan Jones's Moon and Source Code, | David P. Pierson, CR: The New Centennial Review

Jeremy and Paco talk about A Working Man (2025), directed by David Ayer. First Impressions is a new episode format where we talk about recently released Chicago movies. Let us know any that are coming up! Suggestions, comments, complaints, hate mail, and all other correspondence can be sent to [email protected] by ⁠⁠⁠Lily Bacon⁠⁠⁠Music by⁠⁠⁠ newest_latest⁠⁠Further reading and sources:⁠‘I’ll Do What I Have to Do to Survive’: David Ayer faced a “dark night of the soul” after the controversy of Suicide Squad. It changed his career.⁠ | Bilge Ebiri, Vulture"A Working Man" review⁠ | Robert Daniels, RogerEbert.com⁠Harsh Times, Ayer's first film, is available on Tubi

Jeremy and Paco are joined by author Noah Gittell to talk about Eight Men Out (1988), directed by John Sayles. Art by ⁠⁠Lily Bacon⁠⁠Music by⁠⁠ newest_latest⁠Eight Men Out is screening at the Music Box on 35mm on March 23, introduced by Noah! You can buy your tickets here. Further reading and sources:Baseball: The Movie | Noah GittellEight Men Out | Eliot AsinofThe Betrayal | Charles Fountain“It Ain’t So, Kid, It Just Ain’t So:” History’s Apology to “Shoeless” Joe Jackson, Charles Comiskey and Chicago’s Black Sox | Daniel J. Voelker and Paul A. Duffy, originally in Chicago Lawyer magazine`Eight Men Out' - Film gets a fix on the real story behind the 1919 Black Sox scandal | Dave Hoekstra, Sun-Times, November 29, 1987Decency and Muck: The Visions of John Sayles and Oliver Stone “Sports Films, History, and Identity.” | Aaron Baker, Journal of Sport History 25, no. 2 (1998): 217–33.“Trades Sink Sox to Lowest Payroll.” | Dave Van Dyck, Chicago Sun-Times, September 2, 1988"A Conversation Between Eric Foner and John Sayles,” from Past Imperfect: History according to the movies | Edited by Ted Mico, John Miller₋Monzon, and David Rubel

Jeremy and Paco are joined by journalist Siri Chilukuri to talk about 1997’s My Best Friend’s Wedding, directed by P.J. Hogan.  Art by ⁠Lily Bacon⁠Music by⁠ newest_latestFurther reading and sources: What Exactly Is Michael’s Job in ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’? | Rodger Sherman, The Ringer Ron Bass, Screenwriting Machine | Elaine Dutka, L.A. Times Novelist Bolu Babalola Explains 'My Best Friend's Wedding' | Kerensa Cadenas, The Thrillist ‘She Was Committed to the Dark Side’ How My Best Friend’s: Wedding messed with Julia Roberts’s image and changed rom-coms for good | Scott Meslow, Vulture  ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’ Is a Rom-Com You Can Still Talk About for Hours | Jake Kring-Schreifels, The Ringer White Sox engineered infamous 'White Flag trade' 20 years ago | Paul Sullivan, The Chicago Tribune Romance Labor: on Sean Baker’s Anora | Marla Cruz, Angel Food magazine Convicts on the payroll | Editorial, Chicago Sun-Times via Chicago Public Library archives Coyote menace on rise in area | David Southwell, Chicago Sun-Times via Chicago Public Library archives Parents face fines, car impoundment - Curfew crackdown | Fran Spielman, Chicago Sun-Times via Chicago Public Library archives

Jeremy and Paco are joined by film critic Matt Cipolla to talk about the 1988 classic, Child’s Play, directed by Tom Holland, and the Chucky series more generally.  Art by Lily Bacon Music by newest_latest Further reading and sources: “She Just Had an Accident”: “Seed of Chucky” at 20 | Matt Cipolla Howard Medley’s Bad Move | Ben Joravsky Reign of Chucky: The True Hollywood Story of a Not So Good Guy | Dustin McNeill and Travis Mullins  Suggestions, questions, feedback, and hate mail can be sent to [email protected]