Episode 241: Michael Ritchie (feat. Peter Sobczynski)
Dealt with the worst virus/head cold the past week but I made time to record another delightful episode featuring a long overdue return stint from a great Chicago film critic.
All-Things Jim
Jim Laczkowski is a Chicago-based librarian, writer, film critic, musician, photographer and podcaster with a dedication to the arts. He is the founder of the Now Playing Network and the host of the long-running podcast Director’s Club, which has focused on film, filmmakers, and pop culture since 2011.
An active member of the Chicago Film Critics Association, Jim helps maintain the Chicago Critics Film Festival website and programs music and film-related events for the Chicago Public Library. His work has been featured on WGN radio, various pop culture podcasts, and numerous publications over the past 20 years. Currently, he is in production on a documentary exploring mental health and the healing power of the arts. This newsletter and website is now a central hub for all content - music, movies, podcasts, photos, writing.
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Podcasts + Reviews
B-Side Me Episode #2: Belle & Sebastian
A brand-new music spin-off version of Director's Club, only this time, it's all about music co-hosted with my intelligent, talented fiancée Sharon.
Bonus Episode: Jim & Patrick Watch The Entire Nightmare In Elm Street Series In One Day!
Happy Halloween! Sorry this showed up late, but hey, it did turn up at 6:06 which is close enough to 666. Stay to the end to hear a special guest cameo you won't want to miss!
New Reviews & Mental Filmness Wrap-Up!
Catching up with titles I've been meaning to sit down and write about including a couple of documentaries and reviews of Mental Filmness titles as it begins to wrap-up for 2025.
Episode 240: Mike Flanagan (feat. Chloe Waryan)
A filmmaker whose work I mostly enjoy overall and today's guest kinda agrees (with reservations). The great Chloe Waryan (Not Scared Pod) returns for her yearly October visit to talk horror, yay!
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) (dir. Tobe Hooper)
The portrayal of a true American nightmare as well as my favorite horror film of all time.
2025 Mental Filmness Film Festival Coverage Part One
Reviews of titles that have played/currently playing the Mental Filmness film festival - one of my favorite festivals on the planet!
