As a cinema enthusiast, critic, and an advocate for arts, culture, and theatricals throughout the Chicagoland area, I was lucky enough to have the privilege to do coverage on The Renaissance Award virtual event. The event took place at the Gene SiskelFilm Center on Saturday June 25th. The winner of the Renaissance award was Matt Damon and Robert Downey Jr. ledthe discussion. Matt was the winner because of all his accomplishments through the years including many successful films. The program was virtual, and it was one of the most mesmerizing and in-depth conversations I have ever attended. Also, seeing Matt and Robert discuss Matt’s catalog of work, I felt there was a generous amount of mutual respect between the two actors which extended to the audience in attendance. It was a special night of appreciation and honor.

As Robert and Matt entered the livestream in front of the virtualaudience, one could feel the positive impact of the event. Thedeeper meaning of Matt’s accomplishments was explored through highlighting the roles throughout Matt’s career. The program included clips from Matt’s performances, especially ones that have always stuck with him. These moments felt deep and invigorating because I love all the films they discussed. Clips were shown from films ranging from Good Will Hunting (1997) to Syriana (2005) to The Departed (2006), and many more. Hearing Matt’s responses to why many of the key moments of his life happened during his films was very inspiring. Matt’s insights made me realize that there is a feeling of empowerment from doing interesting projects. Robert’s insights and upbeat sense of humor also added to the positive vibes of the event.

The Renaissance Award at the Gene Siskel Film Centerdemonstrated that following your passion can lead to bigger accomplishments. The conversation between Robert and Matt was wonderful. Another special element of the event was a pre-recorded congratulations to Matt from many celebrities including Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, and more. The night was full of amazing, unexpected surprises and was pure cinema appreciation at its finest.

I have always loved animated films, but Marcel the Shell with Shoes On is unique.  The film is blended with an animated figure and real people. Combining the two makes the film one of the best this year with a message to be remembered. Marcel the Shell with Shoes On’s Director Dean Fleischer-Camp gives his audience a movie experience filled with joy, love, and positivity. These are just a few of the many great things to say about Marcel the Shell with Shoes On.

The concept of the film is vibrant and audacious. Fleischer-Camp has a creative mind and his tools and directing skills are exhibited in a puzzle of excitement. While the film is slightly sad at times, it is overall upbeat. I loved Marcel the Shell with Shoes On because of how it relates to social media and the world we live in. I’m so excited for this film to find its audience so the story can be shared.

Jenny Slate plays Marcel who is an animated shell that speaks. The grandmother of Marcel is Connie played by Isabella Rossellini. There is also their pet lint, Alan. They were all part of a community of shells that were adventurous. Sadly, the community has vanished, and Marcel is the sole survivor. Despite the sadness of the backstory, Marcel is approached by a documentary filmmaker. This begins to make Marcel’s life invigorating and exciting. While the concept may seem silly, it comes across as genuine and wonderful. A shell having a fan base is portrayed in a simple believable manner. Authenticity is important for films and makes this one especially brilliant. 

The directing and narrative make the film appear to be in real-time. The audience who watched the film with me in the screening room also felt the realism and positive vibes. Marcel the Shell with Shoes On will make viewers laugh until they cry. It is simply one-of-a-kind.

Marcel the Shell with Shoes on is one that will appeal to people of all ages due to its important message. What spoke to me the most was the virtual concept of the film. Especially after the COVID lockdown and relying on technology to pass the time. The animation in this movie reminded me that there are many amazing virtual elements. I appreciate this film, and I know many others will as well. Three and a half stars.

Films with kidnapping and horror are my jam when it comes to suspense films, because there’s always the question whether the kidnap victim can survive. The Black Phone had me asking that question multiple times.

The Black Phone is a new level of horror and terror with a unique setup. The film contains a generous amount of back story and frequent twists. Ethan Hawke plays a character known as “The Grabber”, and he is the one who drives the terror. Hawke still has that nice guy personality in this role, but here it’s blended with a healthy dose of evil.

The Black Phone is set in a small town where children have been going missing. There is a boy named Finney, played by Mason Thames, who is fascinated with horror flicks on TV. His world changes when he is abducted by The Grabber, who puts him into a soundproof basement. A creepy feature of The Grabber is that he always wears a ghoulish mask. Finney’s options are limited until he comes across a phone that is broken, but can mysteriously be used to talk to The Grabber’s previous victims. These victims help Finney try to find a way to escape the basement.

The Black Phone is a film with many dark corners that can be very anxiety-provoking. It is also one of the best horrors flicks I have seen in a while. It manages to come off as authentic, and Hawke is truly magnificent as the stylish masked enemy. He delivers his performance in his mellow-toned, but here very menacing, demeanor.

For fans of the horror genre The Black Phone is going to be a wild ride. Again, this film takes scary to new heights. The realism grows the horror and there are many mind-boggling moments as Finney tries to fight back and The Grabber enjoys tormenting Finney. Do not miss this original horror blockbuster. Three and a half stars for The Black Phone.