Political doc 'Madigan' a compelling hit-piece

A Texas media company produced "Madigan: Power. Privilege. Politics.," a one-hour documentary about Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan, because no Illinois production house would touch the project, fearing political and economic retribution from the powerful politician.

This is according to Ruth Ratney's report in Friday's Reel Chicago. (Read it at http://bit.ly/2f9Lnu8.)

"Madigan," directed by Ohio-born, Texas-educated Scott Rice, rules as the handsomest, best photographed doc I've ever seen about Chicago. (Kudos to Texan Ricardo Diaz, armed with an M.A. in cinematography from the American Film Institute Conservatory.)

But, rather than tackle a worthier and more useful examination of the opposing Springfield forces gumming up state operations, "Madigan" opts for a compelling, straight-up hit piece on the Illinois Democratic House Speaker, painting him as even more powerful and politically slick than Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley in his prime.

In between firing salvos at Illinois' District 22 representative for being a nefarious political puppet master, "Madigan" provides, inadvertently perhaps, fascinating glimpses and insights into the political process in the Land of Lincoln.

This doc should be considered mandatory viewing for politics junkies (and propaganda students), especially because it's been backed by Illinois Policy Action, a lobby serving the conservative Illinois Policy Institute that Gov. Bruce Rauner gave $600,000 to shortly before running for governor.

"Madigan" can be seen at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26, at the York Theater, 150 N. York St., Elmhurst, and the Elk Grove Theatre, 1050 Arlington Heights Road, Elk Grove Village.

It will also play at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27, at the Ogden 6 Theatre, 1227 E. Ogden Ave., Naperville, and at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3, at the Wilmette Theatre, 1122 Central Ave., Wilmette.

Go to www.michaelmadigan.com/ for details.

<h3 class="briefHead">Enough of 'games'</h3>

Two times in the new horror film "Unspoken," star Jodelle Ferland recycles one of Hollywood's most overused dialogue crutches: the "games" metaphor.

"Whatever stupid game you're playing," she shouts, "I want no part of it!" Later, she screeches, "We don't have time for games!"

Slumming screenwriters seem to employ the "game" metaphor almost as much as they rely on the exclamations "Trust me!" and "Awesome!"

"You want to play this game?" - Owen Wilson in "The Internship"

"This is not a game!" - Liam Neeson in "Taken 2."

"You think this is a game?" - John Goodman in "The Hangover III"

"Is this some game to you?" - Matt Damon in "Promised Land"

"I'm not going to play this game!" - Morgan Freeman in "Now You See Me"

I've got at least 50 more, but I don't think you're game to read them all.

<h3 class="briefHead">'I bid you velcome ...'</h3>

Just in time for Halloween, Classic Cinemas presents special screenings of the PG-rated, animated comedy "Hotel Transylvania 2" at the following theaters. Get more information at classiccinemas.com.

• York Theatre, 150 N. York St., Elmhurst - 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29. Free admission; costumes encouraged.

• Fox Lake Theatre, 115 Towne Centre Lane, Fox Lake - 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29. Free admission; costumes encouraged.

• Woodstock Theatre, 209 Main St., Woodstock - 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29. Wear a Halloween costume and get free admission, or pay $1.

• Elk Grove Theatre, 1050 Elk Grove Town Center, Elk Grove Village - 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29. Free admission; costumes encouraged.

• Charlestowne 18 Theatre, 3740 E. Main St., St. Charles - Noon Sunday, Oct. 30. Wear a Halloween costume and get free admission, otherwise pay $1. (As added incentive, Branch of the upcoming movie "Trolls" will appear for photos 11:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.)

<h3 class="briefHead">Horrific, but not horror</h3>

"Alvin & the Chipmunks: The Road Chip" will be presented at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, at the Tivoli Theatre, 5021 Highland Ave., Downers Grove. It's part of Baird & Warner's "Halloween Happening XXIV," a costume contest for children 12 and younger. Contest starts at 9 a.m. Free popcorn and free admission at the movie. classiccinemas.com.

<h3 class="briefHead">Pop Arts</h3>

Oakton Community College presents the Pop-Up Film Festival, Tuesday, Nov. 1, through Friday, Nov. 4, at the college's Footlik Theater, 1600 E. Golf Road, Des Plaines. On the docket: four independent films and Q&As with three of the directors. Free admission.

The films are:

• "Thao's Library," 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1. Q&A with director Elizabeth Van Meter. An American battling depression travels to Vietnam to forge an unlikely bond.

• "Bloomin Mud Shuffle," 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2. Q&A with director Frank V. Ross. A bittersweet comedy about working-class suburban Chicago adults.

• "A (expletive) of Scotch Tape," 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3. Q&A with director Julian Grant. A crime film-inspired musical drama based on writer Jed Ayres' work.

• "Buzzard," 12:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4. A black comedy focused on a caustic, small-time con artist.

Go to http://bit.ly/2eLjO7g for details and directions.

<h3 class="briefHead">Local Joe hosts Q&As </h3>

Naperville Central High School graduate and critically acclaimed local indie filmmaker Joe Swanberg will moderate two Q&As with actress Molly Plunk at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. after the showing of their drama "Little Sister" on Friday, Oct. 28, at The Music Box Theatre in Chicago. musicboxtheatre.com.

<h3 class="briefHead">Kids film fest fires up</h3>

The 33rd Annual Chicago International Children's Film Festival brings movies from all over the globe for kids from Friday, Oct. 28, through Sunday, Nov. 6, at six Chicago venues, including Facets Multimedia, the Music Box Theatre and the Illinois Institute of Art.

Tickets range from $6 for kids to $45 for a family pass for the entire festival. Go to facets.org for tickets and directions.