Joel Wicklund
Chicagoist
Chicago, IL, United States
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Past articles by Joel:
10 Reasons You Should See 'They Look Like People' This Weekend
We love this DIY horror movie so goldarn much! → Read More
Michael Moore's Anti-Hero Act Gets Old In 'Where To Invade Next'
But Michael Moore, who returns to his role of documentary provocateur with "Where to Invade Next," seems increasingly like an irrelevant messenger, even when the message he carries is vital. → Read More
'Bridgend' Film Portrays Mystery Wave Of Suicides With Stylish Detachment
It's a tall order for any filmmaker to capture a psychological enigma like mass self-annihilation, and it's clear from that Jeppe Rønde wanted to treat the wave of suicides by the Welsh town of Bridgend with sensitivity. → Read More
Horror Film 'Southbound' Is A Demonic Detour Worth Taking
A good dose of macabre humor and some truly eerie moments make the movie a pleasurable road trip to terror. → Read More
In 'Pride And Prejudice And Zombies,' The Undead Feel Like An Afterthought
Overall, it's a totally fine movie with a serviceable joke about carrion flies. → Read More
Where To See All The Oscar-Nominated Shorts On The Big Screen
A theatrical showcase for short films is always welcome and this year's slate of Oscars nominees will show at multiple area theaters. → Read More
Hyde Park's Doc Films Has A Hell Of A Schedule Next Week
Movie lovers may want to set up a tent on the University of Chicago campus next week. → Read More
'All Mistakes Buried' Is A Thrilling, Drugged-Out Noir
In this pulpy noir starring Sam Trammel of "True Blood," an ill-advised call to an escort service changes everything. → Read More
'A Perfect Day' Shows Us The Absurdities Of War (And Utility Of Rope)
This darkly funny film, which stars Benicio del Toro on a quest for a simple piece of rope, opens Friday at the Gene Siskel Film Center. → Read More
Schlock Alert! B-Fest Film Festival Returns Next Week
Eat candy and shout at the screen during Northwestern's 24-hour marathon of B-movies. → Read More
Catch 10 Hard-To-Find Films On The Northwest Side
The Northwest Chicago Film Society continues to show hard-to-find films, many of which were never released on DVD. → Read More
Our 10 Favorite Films Of 2015: Beyond The Blockbusters
Familiarity may have dominated 2015's box office, but new directors with fresh visions top our list this year. → Read More
Mope Your Way Into The Holidays With 'Christmas, Again'
This movie barely has a plot, and underplays what plot it has. Happy holidays! → Read More
It's Not Too Late To Go All Out For Star Wars: The Force Awakens:
Finally, the long wait for loyal fans is almost over. → Read More
'The Danish Girl' Takes A Superficial Look At A Transgender Trailblazer
'The Danish Girl' could have been an honest, complicated portrayal of one of the first transgender women—but instead, it's a Hollywood fairytale. → Read More
In The Heart Of The Sea Is An All-Too Ordinary Epic:
'In the Heart of the Sea' is a seafaring adventure that passes the time well enough. → Read More
Gun Control Finds An Unlikely Ally In The Armor Of Light:
With just days separating the senseless mass shootings in Colorado Springs and San Bernardino, 'The Armor of Light' could not be timelier. → Read More
Catch These Holiday Movies On The Big Screen Around Town This Month
Local theaters are offering several yuletide favorites (and a few oddities) on the big screen. → Read More
Newcity Pushes Its Indie Cred Into Filmmaking
Although Newcity announced plans to produce an independent movie back in early 2014, until recently it looked more like an exploration than a production. That all changed very quickly this fall. → Read More
Review: 'Chi-Raq' Is A Disastrous Mix Of Satire And Tragedy
The plague of gun violence in Chicago is indeed a dire emergency. It’s just too bad Lee arrives on the scene with the movie equivalent of a circus wagon instead of an ambulance. → Read More