Weekly Wilson - Blog of Author Connie C. Wilson - Welcome to WeeklyWilson.com, where author/film critic Connie (Corcoran) Wilson avoids totally losing her marbles in semi-retirement by writing about film (see the Chicago Film Festival reviews and SXSW), politics and books----her own books and those of other people. You'll also find her diverging frequently to share humorous (or not-so-humorous) anecdotes and concerns. Try it! You'll like it!

“Prime” Midnight Short at Sundance on January 25, 2026

On January 26, 2026

In Movies, Pop Culture, Reviews, Scary stories

“Prime” midnight short at Sundance on January 25th. (Photo courtesy of Sundance Film Institute.)

The midnight short “Prime,” written and directed by Meagan Coyle, has some gorgeous images shot on McEnroe Organic Farm. According to Coyle, the entire film started out as a comedy, but morphed into a meditation on the director’s guilt over eating meat. As the press notes say, “The director still eats meat, and she still feels guilt about it.”

PLOT

The plot features an accident survivor who joins a commune group on an organic farm after she has survived a horrible car crash that incinerated her mother. Claire Whitfield (Katie Mumford) joins the group in an upstate New York farm that looks idyllic. In fact, the images in this 16 minute short are outstanding. [If only the acting were as good.]

There is much mumbo-jumbo about “Life’s greatest accomplishment is to maintain the infinite cycle of life.” Exactly what that means is not clear from the outset, but this is a midnight short, so use your imagination.

CAST

Katie Mumford in the Sundance Midnight Short “Prime” on January 25, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Sundance Film Institute).

Actress Katie Mumford plays Claire Whitfield. The cult leader is an older woman named Rhea, portrayed by Anita Durst. Durst, who founded this farm collective IRL, has a very Zen vibe. Durst’s real-life background lends itself to her fictional role, as noted in information below.

The various scenes of nature and McEnroe farm are impressive.

The acting is not.

THE GENESIS OF “PRIME”

Writer/Director Meagan Coyle is a graduate of Boston College who has been doing make-up on the New York indie scene since 2017. The lead actress, Katie Mumford, appeared previously in “The Ring of Light” (2022). Anita Durst plays cult leader Rhea. Durst’s career is described as “eclectic.” Here is what that means in more concrete terms.

CHASHAMA

Photo courtesy of “Prime” Midnight Short at Sundance 2026. (Photo courtesy of Sundance Film Institute).

Durst is the founder of Chashama, which is said to mean “to have vision” in Persian. That translation is disputed and some say Chashama is a made-up word entirely. Because Durst is the daughter of a New York real estate mogul, she had the connections to envision support for the arts utilizing locations in the New York City area that were otherwise not being utilized, a project she has been pursuing since 1995.

ChaShaMa has transformed 70 locations throughout the city and launched the careers of over 12,000 artists by giving them access to subsidized space, which supported approximately 10,000 public presentations for over 500,000 viewers. Chashama helps create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive world by partnering with property owners to transform unused real estate. These spaces are then used for artists, small businesses, and for free community-centric art classes.

ABOUT ANITA DURST

McEnroe Organic Farm, the location for “Prime,” the Midnight Short written and directed by Meagan Coyle that screened at Sundance at 11:55 a.m. on January 25, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Sundance Film Institute).

Anita Durst (daughter of developer Douglas Durst, who is the 81-year-old younger brother of convicted murderer Robert Durst of “The Jinx” fame; Durst died in prison in 202,) Anita has been a star, a muse, and a patron of the avant-garde performing arts and emerging arts scene in New York City, since she was 18.

Following the death of her mentor and artistic professor Reza Abdoh from AIDS in 1995, Durst was driven to create a place for artists free of financial and subjective constraints. Anita has worked for over 20 years to secure over one million square feet of space in New York City for artists. Born in New York City, she has lived in New Foundland Canada, Ibiza Spain, and the New York City suburbs, Anita resisted conventional schooling and eventually ended up caring for her grandfather.

Chashama, as an entity:

Awards 11 million worth of real estate to artists
Subsidizes 300 artist work spaces
Provides over 215 free art classes
Gives 200 artists free space to present
Supports over 75 businesses with free space

“PRIME” IMAGES

One of many gorgeous images from the Sundance Midnight Short “Prime,” which screened at Sundance 2026 on January 25, 2026, (Photo courtesy of Sundance Film Institute).

The images in the short “Prime” are what makes this short noteworthy. They are gorgeous and memorable. Cinematography was by Joshua Echevaria. Editing of the many beautiful images was by Mike O’Brien. Ben Chesnau was responsible for sound design and Yan Pavelchuk was the composer.

Onscreen, portraying the leader of the collective farm, Rhea, Durst gives off a very Jim Jones-ian/David Koresh vibe, well-suited to what passes for the plot of this 16-minute visual treat. Enjoy the images and applaud Durst’s tireless work for artists and art, which come to light in this Sundance short,

“Crisis Actor” Screens at Sundance on Sunday, January 25, 2026

By Connie Wilson

On January 25, 2026

In Movies, Pop Culture, Reviews

“Crisis Actor, , Sundance short from Writer/Director Lily Platt screened on Sunday, January 25, 2026.

“Crisis Actor,” written and directed by Lily Platt, highlights Sarah Steele, an actress whose face is instantly recognizable. Although the 13 minute Sundance short relates a message that there are people who thrive on drama, Steele carries the film on talented shoulders. She is ably supported by Philip Ettinger, who has 56 roles to his credit, himself.

Writer/Director Lily Platt of “Crisis Actor.”

Over 20 years ago Steele won honors playing Bernice in the Adam Sandler vehicle “Spanglish,” which was a good Adam Sandler role long before his “Jay Kelly” or “Uncut Gems” praise. Steele’s performance in “Spanglish was voted the BestPerformance by a Youth in a Leading or Supporting Role (2005). In 2010 she won a Dorian Award as Rising Star of the Year. “Please Give” in 2011 earned her the 2011 Robert Altman Award and the cast won a Gotham award for Best Ensemble.

THE GOOD FIGHT

Sarah Steele (IMDB photo)

The role for which much of America recognizes Steele is Marissa Gold on “The Good Fight.” Steele won an award as Best American Actress (Septimius Award) playing Marissa Gold, the daughter of Alan Cumming’s Eli Gold, for 58 episodes between 2017 and 2022.

Her character Celine in “Crisis Actor” has just lost her day job. She lost the job partially because of her own high-strung histrionics. As she is leaving, Celine shares a cigarette on the street with a fellow Al-Anon member (Philip Ettinger, “First Reformed”) before accompanying him to the meeting and then on to his apartment. Philip’s character shares that he just kicked his sister out of his apartment, because of her over-the-top drama/drug habit. He physically demonstrates, to Celine, that being around his sister is like being constantly jolted.

Philip Ettinger (IMDB photo).

His high-drama sister arrives in person and interrupts a conversation the two are having about spontaneity, fighting, and crisis relationships. We also learn, early on, that Celine broke up with boyfriend Henry six months before, but she has been holding Henry’s belongings hostage.

CONCLUSION

It’s all in character and in keeping with the aptly titled short “Crisis Actor.” The original score by Luca-Scoppett Stern is good, especially the song “Hit & Run,” written by Anna Schwab and Alexandra Lily Cohen and performed by Sadie.

Why do I get the feeling that Lily Platt, daughter of Oliver Platt, has firsthand experience with high-strung crisis actor types? Not a lot more happening in this one, but Sarah Steele moves through its brief paces with the confidence and expertise of a true pro.

*******************

Post Script: On 1.28/2026

The Short Film Jury Award: U.S. Fiction was awarded to: Lily Platt for Crisis Actor / U.S.A. (Director, Screenwriter, and Producer: Lily Platt, Producers: Sophie Seyd, Alex Bendo, Lexi Preiser) — Fired from her day job, an impulsive actress crashes a support group and spirals into a chaotic night that forces her to face her addiction to drama. Cast: Sarah Steele, Philip Ettinger. World Premiere. Available online for public.

Jury citation: This short is uniquely brilliant in its ability to balance laugh-out-loud levity with the emotional pain of honest self-reflection. This film is a succinct display of craft in writing, directing, acting, and a deeply insightful depiction of the distorted state of American values today. The Short Film Jury Award for U.S. Fiction goes to Crisis Actor.

“Together, Forever” at Sundance on Saturday, January 24, 2026.

By Connie Wilson

On January 24, 2026

In Uncategorized

“Together, Forever:” World Premiere
at Sundance 2026 on January 24, 2026.(Photo Courtesy of Sundance Film Institute).

“Together Forever” is a 14-minute film that deals with a young Mormon couple on their wedding night. It focuses on all of the awkward “first time” sexual shenanigans. It would have helped me to have been raised Mormon, as the very concept of “roping” was foreign to me. To be brutally honest, it is still fairly incomprehensible to me, but I was raised Roman Catholic.

Writer/Director Gregory Barnes characterizes it as a “Mormon loophole” for having sex without benefit of marriage and—without the requisite Mormon upbringing and background—I’m taking his word for it. Director Barnes described the film as having been worked on by a crew that was largely ex-Mormon. I wondered if the crew gave the audience too much credit for being savvy as to what “roping” meant and aware of this “Mormon loophole”? I was also not surprised that most of those responsible for this Neon project are now EX-Mormons.

WRITER/DIRECTOR

Writer/Director Gregory Barnes of “Together, Forever” at Sundance on Saturday, January 24, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Sundance Film Institute).

Written and directed by Gregory Barnes (who grew up a devout Mormon in Oak Park, Illinois), this is a film from a queer director dealing with what seems like an anachronism in the highly sexualized world of 2026. I’m not Mormon (neither is Barnes any more) but I was raised with good old Catholic guilt regarding premarital sex in the dim dark pre-pill days.

I came of age in the sixties and fought hard for a woman’s right to choose whether or not to give birth, via access to the birth control pill—a modern miracle new on the scene when I came of age. I fought hard for abortion rights and reproductive rights for women all through the seventies. Look how well that is going for young women today (she said sarcastically.)

I come to the topic of marriage as an institution with 6 decades of marital bliss under my belt ( yes, I did use that phrase on purpose) and a daughter in her thirties who got engaged January 15^th.

Therefore, I thoroughly enjoyed and related to this well-done short.

A few observations about the topic, in general. This should not be construed as criticism of the writing, directing, acting, cinematography (Fidel Ruiz-Healy), music (Jack Sobo) or editing (Jordan Michael Blake), all of which are good. The topic is well-executed and demonstrates why Writer/Director Gregory Barnes won the Jury Prize for U.S. Fiction Short at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival for “The Touch of the Master’s Hand,” Samuel Sylvester’s debut acting performance.

THE CAST

Lindsey Normington (“Anora) as Sydney in “Together, Forever” at Sundance, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Sundance Film Institute).

The two principal actors did a fine job. The enthusiastic Mormon bride, Sydney, is played by Lindsey Normington, who portrayed Diamond in 2024’s “Anora.” She also organized the first unionized strip club in Los Angeles. Bravo, Lindsey! You will continue to sparkle, (whether your character name is ever Diamond again or not.) You were great!

Likewise, Samuel Sylvester, who plays the possibly gay groom Caleb, is good in his part. This was his second acting role. He is currently pursuing his PhD at the University of Texas in Austin. [Did you know that, according to the Austin American-Statesman, the UT powers-that-be just made a philosophy instructor at UT who taught Plato remove some of Plato’s thoughts on sexuality?]

MORMON PRESIDENT’S WORDS ON MARRIAGE (c. 2004)

The short opens with the words of Mormon President Gordon B. Hinckley (2004) entitled “The Women in our Lives.” The setting is the Mormon wedding of Caleb and Sydney. The speech goes like this: “In the grand design, when God first created man, He created a duality of the sexes. The ennobling expression of that duality is found in marriage.”

Objection! Generations of closeted gay men and lesbian women date all the way back to Greek days. Ron Reagan, Jr.—the world’s most famous atheist—would disagree with the rest of the paragraph, but let’s move on to hear Mormon President Gordon Hinckley out: “For when all is said and done, there is no association richer than the companionship of husband and wife in the sacred name of Jesus Christ. Amen.”

Any person of a faith other than Christianity may want to debate Mr. Hinckley. From the vantage point of 58 years of marriage, with a son who celebrates 25 years of wedded bliss in November and a daughter about to embark on her own marital journey, it does not seem sporting to marry someone without fully disclosing the possible homosexual tendencies that Caleb seems to have.

Even the World’s Best Athlete of the time (Bruce Jenner) leveled with his then-wife about some of his desires (and you all know what happened next.) Sometimes, realizations about gender issues come after the knot is tied. That did not seem to be the case in “Together Forever.” [Shame on you, Caleb, for not being honest about your sexuality before marrying Sydney!]

And good luck with your sexual frustration, Sydney! The line, “I just thought our first time would be in garments” made me initially wonder what Sydney was talking about. I thought perhaps I had missed an important alternative definition or misheard her. Again, not a Mormon and not “up” on roping. [From Iowa, Illinois and Texas: only familiar with “roping” in the context of animal husbandry.]

Samuel Sylvester as Caleb in Writer/Director Gregory Barnes’ short “Together, Forever” at Sundance on Saturday, January 24, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Sundance Film Institute).

Returning to Gordon Hinckley’s thoughts on marriage: Although it is true that in the last five decades, two-thirds of all women were married or in a union, marriage is far from what it once was. Of women born in 1940, more than 90% married by the age of 30 (and 83% of men) but, in 1990, only 29% of women were married by the age of 30 and only 20% of men. It was the norm to “look for a husband” when you set off for college in the sixties, but that is no longer the overriding purpose of sending your single daughter off to college.

Nowadays, that daughter is a working woman and she isn’t getting married until her late twenties or thirties, whereas she married in her early or mid twenties in my day (married at 22; a mother at 23). My mother (born in 1907) was a very notable exception to this pattern, working and supporting herself as a teacher until her marriage at age 30 in 1927. (You go, Mom!)

Here’s another interesting talking point to think about in relation to “Together Forever.” In England and Wales, around 90% of those married in 2022 cohabited first. Those kinds of real-life statistics make the focal point of this film seem quaint or anachronistic. Since the middle of the twentieth century, marriage has become less common, couples are marrying later, more couples live together first

Lindsey Normington as Sydney in “Together, Forever” at Sundance, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Sundance Film Institute).

and there is a decoupling of marriage and parenthood.

All of the facts above are courtesy of “Our World Data” (Bastian Herre, Veronika Sambaska, Esteban Ortiz-Ospina, Max Baker), revised in February of 2025.

For me, the idea of this focus on sexuality not being permissible until after marriage seemed quaint. Since couples are living together more frequently (and without benefit of marriage) and participation in most religions in the civilized world has declined, is this aspect of the Mormon faith really a Hot Topic in 2026—even in Mormon circles? I’m not disputing it; I’m just asking.

CONCLUSION:

“Together Forever” had its World Premiere at Sundance’s Yarrow Theatre on Saturday, January 24^th. It will screen again at Sundance on Wednesday, January 28, 3:00 PM, Public Screening 2 (Broadway Centre Cinemas 3) Thursday, January 29, 10:20 AM, Public Screening 3 (Redstone 3) Friday, January 30, 10:00 AM, Public Screening 4 (Holiday Village Cinema 2).

If you’re reading this while at Sundance, I enjoyed “Together, Forever.” I think you would, too

“28 Years Later: The Bone Temple:” Never Boring, But Very Bloody

By Connie Wilson

On January 19, 2026

In Movies, Pop Culture, Reviews

(The voice-over on the trailer is Arthur C. Clarke from a BBC Horizon program, September 21, 1964.)

“28 Days Later: The Bone Temple” is directed by Nia DeCosta, who was the first Black woman (and also the youngest) to direct a Marvel Studios film. Also known for this year’s “Hedda,” 2021’s “Candyman,” and 2018’s “Little Woods,” DaCosta is in hot demand. She was the recipient of a Black Perspective Achievement Award at the 61^st Chicago International Film Festival (October19, 2025).

DaCosta said, “My big pitch when I was talking to the producers, including Danny and screenwriter Alex Garland, before I came on was, ‘I’m going to make this my own. I’m not going to try to make a Danny Boyle movie. That’s impossible to make. He’s so special. And it didn’t really interest me.'” Apparently DaCosta’s vision means blood and lots of it. Be warned.

The film was originally announced as part of a planned trilogy, with Alex Garland (“Civil War”) serving as screenwriter for all three. In January 2025, Danny Boyle confirmed that he would direct the final film in the trilogy. Cillian Murphy, from the original film, makes an uncredited appearance in a tacked-on ending that is obviously a Trump era warning, utilizing references to the Weimar Republic.

A quote is used in a scene between Jim (Cillian Murphy) and his daughter Sam, whom he is instructing in history. The quote “Those who do not remember the past are doomed to repeat it” is attributed to Winston Churchill in 1948. Investigation makes it unclear whether it is really original to Churchill or, instead, to George Santayana and/or Edmund Burke. Maybe that’s what happens when you are forced to teach history to your daughter (Sam) in a country over-run by infected humans. (Home schooling does better with more resources—like the Internet.)

CAST & PLOT

The story of humans infected by a virus that turns them into bloodthirsty zombies with superior physical powers first came out in 2002, directed by Danny Boyle (“Trainspotting,” “Shallow Grave”). It was entitled “28 Days Later.” Its plot was described this way: “Four weeks after a mysterious incurable virus spreads throughout the United Kingdom, a handful of survivors try to find sanctuary.”

In 2005 in “28 Years Later” the story introduced us to Spike and his family, well-played by young Alfie Williams. Alfie is a sweet boy and a brave one. At the end of that film, which was shot back-to-back with this new film, Spike is orphaned and falls into the clutches of Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal (Jack O’Connell), who lost his vicar father to the infection at age 8 and now rules as the totally evil son of Satan. Or so he tells his apostles, the Fingers, claiming to be the son of Old Nick, his term for Satan.

“28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” is a return to the screen of the character Dr. Ian Kelson (Ralph Fiennes), a doctor who has survived for 28 years alone in the wilderness of Northumbria and Newcastle, creating what he dubs a memento mori, a memorial to the dead, made of the bones of victims of this viral plague. Ralph Fiennes holds the film together. He is always reliably good. The scenes with Jimmy Crystal in conversation with Dr. Kelson are excellent.

Chi Lewis-Parry does an impressive job as Samson and makes Jason Momoa look like he needs to hit the gym.

Jimmy Crystal (Jack O’Connell) isn’t just evil; he seems to be totally without human compassion. In appearance, he is modeled on Jimmy Savile (1926-2011), a British pedophile who was Emcee of the “Top of the Pops” music show on the BBC, a program I remember from my days as a UK People-to-People exchange student. Savile, late in his career, was found to have molested more young people than perhaps any other pedophile in British history.

Shortly after being rescued by the Fingers gang, Spike is initiated into the group by being forced to fight to the death against one of the Jimmies, Jimmy Shite (Connor Newall). The opening scene is brutal, bloody and absolutely horrifying. Spike wins, but you know from this opening scene that this is going to be a stomach-churning horror film.

Sir Jimmy renames Spike “Jimmy,” in keeping with his practice of giving all Fingers variations of that name. There is Jimmy Ink, well-played by Erin Kellyman, who shows a tiny bit of compassion to the young Spike. In addition, there are Jimmy Jones (Maura Bird), Jimmy Snake (Ghazi Al Ruffai), Jimmy Jimmy (Robert Rhodes), Jimmy Fox (Sam Locke) and the sadistic Jimmima (Emma Laird.)

As the plot progresses, Dr. Kelson has success in befriending Samson and develops a theory about a cure that seems promising. Dr. Kelson’s ability to befriend Samson is a result of morphine, among other drugs of choice. The plot developments that follow Ralph Fiennes’ dance as the devil provide a unique “surprise” ending and plot twist.

SETS

The sets for the bone temple are incredibly intricate. Production designers Carson McColl and Gareth Pugh used 5,500 skulls and 100,000 bones to construct 1,000 upright columns. Bravo! There is an aerial shot that shows the bone temple amidst the forested lands. It is but one of many breathtakingly beautiful bits of cinematography from Sean Bobbitt. There is also the intricate underground lair where Dr. Kelson retreats to be safe. Wonderful attention to detail is shown in designing both spaces and the forests and sunsets of the area are breathtakingly beautiful, but to be afoot in the area is to risk one’s life. One character (Jonno, played by Gordon Alexander) finds this out the hard way.

MUSIC

When Jimmy and the Fingers stumble upon Dr. Kelson, who is red from the iodine he uses to protect against the infection, Jimmy talks Dr. Kelson into impersonating the devil. That gives us a truly great scene with Fiennes performing to Iron Maiden’s “The Number of the Beast.” The music, throughout, is unique, with Hildur Gudnadottir (“Joker,” “Sicario: Day of the Soldado”) composing and features a song over the credits entitled “In the House in a Heartbeat.” The song was originally written for “28 Days Later.”

DIFFERENCE OF OPINION

The critic for Roger Ebert, Robert Daniels, did not like Alex Garland’s script very much and said, “The hardest part to stomach about “28 Years: The Bone Temple” is its meaninglessness.” That review also said the film was “The second part of a planned trilogy, or I guess the fourth film of a quintet.” [Not helpful.]

I disagree with the ‘hardest part to stomach” remark.

The hardest part to stomach is the unremittingly bloody gore.

It’s well-done, well-acted, with good cinematography and music (although using adjusted camera angles to give the infected humans erratic motion I could have lived without.) For me, the script was fine. The plot made its point, although the gore moved into overkill. But the music, cinematography, acting, production design and overall impact have yielded $15 million at the box office since the film’s release on January 16th. It will be interesting to see if the extreme gore attracts viewers or repels them. (“Different strokes for different folks.”)

ROB REINER REMEMBERED

By Connie Wilson

On December 15, 2025

In Essays on Politics: Best Political Essays & Ideology, Movies, News, Of Local (Quad Cities') Interest, Politics

Rob Reiner, as he appeared on “All In the Family.”

The senseless murder of actor/director Rob Reiner, apparently by his son Nick, is some of the worst news of the year.

I met Rob Reiner on two occasions.

The first time I met him was when I was a “Deaniac” during the run for President of Dr. Howard Dean, back in the “sleepless summer” of 2004. Dean was an unsuccessful candidate for the Democratic nomination in the 2004 presidential election. Later, Howard Dean’s implementation of the fifty-state strategy as head of the DNC is credited with the Democratic victories in the 2006 and 2008 elections. Afterward, he became a political commentator and consultant to McKenna Long & Aldridge, a law and lobbying firm.

Because I paid for a large ad in our local newspaper (the Quad City Times), advertising Howard Dean’s upcoming appearance at Davenport’s West High School (ad approved by the Des Moines Dean headquarters), I was introduced to Rob Reiner, who was also pulling for Howard Dean and was present at a rally in the capital city of Des Moines. Reiner gave me a warm hug. We shook hands and exchanged a few pleasantries. He was warm and gregarious, like a large teddy bear. A “huggy” kind of person, as you might expect from his television appearances as Michael ‘Meathead” Stivic in “All In the Family.”

Rob Reiner

Michael ‘Meathead’ Stivic…

• 1971–1979

FILM PROMOTION

Later, in Chicago in 2014, Rob Reiner showed up to promote “And So It Goes.” I was part of the Press at the showing of “And So It Goes.” He was just as warm and friendly and gregarious when I met him on the Red Carpet for that film. I mentioned our previous meeting in connection with the Howard Dean campaign, then 10 years prior, so obviously not someone he would remember (Ha!)

And So It Goes is a 2014 American comedy drama film directed by Rob Reiner and written by Mark Andrus. The film, which stars Michael Douglas, Diane Keaton and Sterling Jerins, was released on July 25, 2014. It received mostly negative reviews from critics, and performed modestly at the box office. The film was the second collaboration between Reiner and Douglas, after The American President (1995). This film was also Frances Sternhagen‘s final feature film role before her death on November 27, 2023.^[4]

MY IMPRESSIONS

Reiner was like a sweet, cuddly, out-going teddy bear. The idea of Rob Reiner and his wife being stabbed to death by their own son is heinous and tragic. What is even more tragic is the response from Donald J. Trump, who had to make it all about him and said (among other totally inexcusable things), “I wasn’t a fan of his at all. He was a deranged person.” Rep. Don Bacon (R, Nebraska) commented that this remark about the tragic death of Rob Reiner was “something you’d expect from a drunk guy at a bar. Can the president be presidential?”

The answer is, “No. DJT cannot be presidential. He needs to BEE GONE, as soon as possible.

Paul McCartney at the United Center (Chicago) on Nov. 24, 2025

By Connie Wilson

On November 26, 2025

In Music, News, Of Local (Quad Cities') Interest, Pop Culture, travel

Paul McCartney at the United Center on Monday, Nov. 24, 2025.

I just returned to Austin from Chicago. I traveled to the Windy City to see Paul McCartney in concert at the United Center on Monday, November 24, 2025. Chicago was the last stop on McCartney’s “Got Back” tour.

The place was packed and nobody left early. Paul came onstage about 8:20 p.m. and sang until 11:10 p.m. At no time during his performance did he leave the stage and turn it over to a sidekick, so that he could go offstage and take a break. He was on his feet and climbing the stairs to his piano (which malfunctioned at one point) and seemed very “with it.” He did not sit down while playing (like B.B. King did in his final years) and his endurance was just as impressive as Mick Jagger’s.

During the evening, he pointed out a gentleman who has seen him 142 times and came with a sign that said so. There was another guy with a sign that said “124.” Many signs proclaimed the crowd’s love for Paul and he seemed to return that warm sentiment.

I’ve now seen Paul McCartney five times. I’d love to post video of a few songs from the show, but I’m not sure how that can be accomplished without repercussions for me, so I am posting only a few still photos.

PAUL McCARTNEY & THE BEATLES, Aug. 31, 1965

First time was in 1965 at the San Francisco Cow Palace (afternoon concert). Security was one guy and waist-high chicken wire. (Ineffectual). It was my very first concert. Girl from Iowa climbs on back of a Czechoslovokian motorcycle driven by Philadelphia boyfriend Colgate (William Hopkins), cuts class at Berkeley in the summer of 1965 (Aug. 31), and says, “Let’s go up and see if we can get tickets.” And we could. They cost $7. It is my belief that they had been saved for the Beatles, themselves, to use for friends and family, but now it was showtime. We were in the 7th row on the aisle with folding chairs. There was one guy guarding the stage, which had waist-high chicken-wire. Someone ran onstage and took Ringo’s drumsticks and John’s hat, when they finally showed up, late. I thought we were all gonna’ die during the exiting part, when I was moving but my feet were not touching the floor. People stood on the folding chairs, causing them to go down like dominoes. It was pandemonium, with teenagers passing out left and right.

At the time, the film “Hard Day’s Night” had just been released. Shirley Bassey sang the theme from “Goldfinger” and Cannibal and the Headhunters did their thing (making a train dance on the floor.) The National Anthem was played by King Curtiss. The Astronauts from California were supposed to be part of the lead-in, but they did not show up. The tickets cost $7 apiece, I repeat, because to go from $7 to $800 is quite a big increase, as you will agree.

PAUL McCARTNEY, 2025

The tickets for us in section 302 way up high in the United Center on Nov, 24, 2025 (12 rows from the top) cost $800 apiece ($1600 total) on Monday night. People on the floor had paid $3,000. (Talk about inflation!)

The show began with Paul singing “Help” this night and the lyrics were so perfect for anyone aged 83. At no time did his demeanor, voice, or ability to move about show his age, which was wonderful for me, someone only slightly younger than he is. I did notice that many members of the audience were brandishing canes, but, thankfully, Paul was not, nor was I. I was also grateful that almost everybody stayed seated until the finale, so we could all see. A teenager on the end of the aisle in front of me kept standing up to dance, which pretty much totally obscured the video screens that allowed the far-away fans to see the faces of the band clearly.

Paul McCartney, Nov. 24, 2025.

I took so many videos of his many hits that my phone died, which turned out to be a real problem when both my daughter (who had flown in from Nashville for the show) and I used up all of our phone charge and had to try to call an Uber or Lyft to get home. We had taken a Lyft to get there, which cost $14. There is now a building–run by Uber apparently—that you go to and make these calls for Uber or Lyft drivers. Cabs are like land lines and impossible to find. That building was not there in 2015.

We finally had to go outside and we found a “pirate” Uber driver who quoted us a price of $50 to drive us back to Indiana Avenue’s South Loop. The daughter had already called and been given a $47 price and a 20 minute wait from the normal Uber network. We had no idea what the building name was and there was talk of going to your driver’s “lane.” I last went to a show at the United Center in 2015 (Queen with Adam Lambert). I have been to the United Center to try to see Caitlin Clark play, for my July 23rd birthday, but I have not ventured out for a musical performance there, although I did see the Eagles with Steely Dan in Austin and John Mulaney here on Nov. 14, 2025. There was also a night back in the Quad Cities with the Tennessee comic Nick Bugazzi (sp?) at the Mark of the Quad Cities. But, with Elton John, Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, et. al. fading into retirement, there are few musical groups I would spend the time or money to see (although I’d make an exception for Benson Boone or Adele or Bruno Mars.) And I did go see the Dave Matthews Band on June 27th of this year at Northerly Isle Pavilion, so now I see concerts in both states. (Not as many United Center runs.)

PAUL McCARTNEY & WINGS

The second time I saw Paul, my name was driven first in the state of Iowa for tickets at the Ames Hilton Colisseum football stadium in Ames, Iowa. Channel 6 anchor Paula Sands asked me if I could get her tickets for the July 31st show at the Ames Hilton Colisseum football field. I did, as I was allowed to purchase up to 8 tickets. That concert was Paul with wife Linda and Wings. Our tickets were in the 7th row from the front. I took my son and my college roommate and her daughter. July 18, 1990, is when Wikipedia says he played Ames, setting an Iowa record for concert attendance at the time. I’m not sure that is right, because that means that daughter Stacey was born, but only 3 years old. She attended with me on Monday night and she is now 38.

When I saw him at Wrigley Field on July 31, 2011, he was far away. It was his “On the Run” tour. The fourth time was at the Civic Center in Moline (the Mark of the Quad Cities,) on June 11, 2019. I know it was then called the Taxslayer Center, but it will always be known as the Mark of the Quad Cities to me. That entire concert was ruined by a drunk girl who insisted on trying to claim a seat in our row when her ticket was far, far away. I missed the entire fire-filled finale of “Live and Let Die,” so I was glad that it was incorporated into this show again (but not as the finale.) At the Monday show there were 6 encores, which were much appreciated by the assembled fans.

ME, @ THE MARSHALL FIELDS WALNUT ROOM PRIOR TO THE SHOW

It was truly a great show. Maybe not as historical as that day I suggested we cut class and drive up from Berkeley via motorcycle in 1965 to see the Beatles, but close. I don’t know if I can post any of the videos. If anyone has any advice there, the only way I know how to do it is to upload it to YouTube, which has become very finicky about a 30 second clip being the intellectual property of the group and, therefore, not to be posted. They actually threatened me over a 30 second snippet of Bryan Adam’s Candle in the Wind tour or whatever it was called. (“Summer of ’69”). Definitely dimmed my Bryan Adams fan-ship.

I haven’t posted since, but that particular song (“Summer of ’69”) was available elsewhere on the web and I used one of him in much younger days.

Paul was soooooooooooooooooo much better!

HollyShorts Concludes Second UK Edition

By Connie Wilson

On November 18, 2025

In Editorial, Pop Culture, Reviews

HollyShorts brought a dose of Hollywood to London this week as its second U.K. edition wrapped with a sold-out awards ceremony at Vue Cinemas West End, where Franz Böhm’s Rock, Paper, Scissors and Sam Davis’ The Singers emerged as the night’s top winners.

The Oscar-qualifying short film festival, now growing a sizable satellite presence in Europe, the Middle East, and North America, drew filmmakers from across three continents as it continues positioning itself as one of the world’s leading incubators for short-form talent.

The awards were hosted by Karen Bryson MBE who recently starred in The Rainmaker and is also loved for The Teacher.

Böhm & Davis Lead the 2025 Winners List

Böhm’s Rock, Paper, Scissors scored the Best Short Film Grand Prize, earning a £20,000 Panavision lens package and a prize package from Essex Bouqcakes. The film also claimed Best Student Film, cementing Böhm as one of the event’s breakout names.

Davis’ The Singers delivered a parallel sweep, taking Best Director, presented by Cotrini Skin Care with a £5,000 post-production package from The Farm, and Best International Film.

2025 HollyShorts UK Award Winners

Best Short Film Grand Prize
Rock, Paper, Scissors, Franz Böhm
Prize: £20,000 Panavision lens package, Essex Bouqcakes prize package

Best Director, Presented by Cotrini Skincare with £5,000 Post Production Package from The Farm
The Singers, Sam Davis

Best Student Film
Rock, Paper, Scissors, Franz Böhm

Best Animation
Two Black Boys in Paradise, Baz Sells

Best Comedy
Chasers, Erin Brown Thomas

Best Drama, Presented by Le Kool Champagne
A Friend of Dorothy, Lee Knight

Best Thriller
ADO, Sam Henderson

Best International, Presented by Sushi Samba
The Singers, Sam Davis

Best Music Video
Bile Bile, Rango Musau

Best Music Documentary
Hugel – The Entourage, Ludovic Genco, Hugo Lucas Pompier

Best Sports Documentary
Fighting Demons, Simon Stock

Best Shot on Film, Presented by Kodak Motion Pictures
A Death in the Family, Yasmin Hafesji

Best Cinematography, Prize Package Presented by ShotDeck
Stomach Bug, Andri Haraldsson

HollyShorts Expands Into 2026

The festival also announced its largest global expansion to date. HollyShorts UK will return for its third edition November 12–15, 2026, with submissions for the 2026 cycle opening tomorrow. HollyShorts Dubai is set to run December 12–14, 2025, extending the brand’s reach in the Middle East.

The year will conclude with the 22nd edition of the flagship HollyShorts Film Festival in Hollywood, scheduled for August 13–23, 2026.

Founded in 2005, HollyShorts remains a key discovery platform for emerging filmmakers, with Academy Awards-qualifying and BAFTA qualifying categories and deep partnerships across production, post, and distribution sectors. Sponsors for the 2026 London event include Cotrini Skincare, IMGN, Miller Insurance, LeKool Champagne, Panavision, Alta Global, Dumont Luxury Real Estate, Essex Boucakes, Sushi Samba, The Farm, Kodak, and others.

On the Internet Nobody Knows Who You Are: HollyShorts 2025

By Connie Wilson

On November 16, 2025

In Humor and Weird Wilson-isms, Movies, Pop Culture, Reviews, Texas, travel

Dave Freeman in ‘Dave Nation” Episode #894 as portrayed by Jesse Einstein.

HollyShorts 2025 has many shorts in competition this past three days (most of which I spent on the road to Texas). Last year, the count was 427. The short that caught my eye was “On the Internet Nobody Knows Who You Are,” a 23 minute, 26 second offering from J.M. Logan that starred Jesse Einstein as Dave Freeman.

Jesse films himself for a feed called “Dave Nation” (GoPro?), and the Episode of Dave Nation we open on is #894. He explains that his father took him camping in his youth to a lovely forested area at the top of a mountain Dad referred to as Magic Mountain. Now that his father has been dead three years, Dave wants to take his father’s ashes to the top of Magic Mountain and scatter them there. (It’s a scene reminiscent of a similar undertaking in “The Big Lebowski.”)

Things do not go exactly as planned.

For one thing, even when he was young, Dave wasn’t keen on hiking and camping. “I was 12 years old. The last thing I wanted to do was to be alone with m dad in the woods.”

Dave Freeman (Jesse Einstein) of “On the Internet Nobody Knows Who You Are.”

But Dave sets off, despite the information that the next day is going to require a 6 mile hike. He has many small setbacks, but the bear attack in the night leaves him saying, “I have no gear, no tent, no food, no socks, and I don’t really remember how to use a compass.”

Who knew,” he asks, “that bears ate socks?”

Things get real very fast when Dave thinks he is hopelessly lost.

I love short films like this one that are more about being “real” and less about teen-age eternal love or Grandma (that would be me) becoming friends with a youthful soccer player from Nigeria or Timbuktu. (I won’t name names, because the acting in that one was great, but the originality of the piece was not.)

This one reminded me of the award-winning 7 minute short “Retirement Plan” that Irish Director John Kelly has just posted on YouTube, which is hilarious. (Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Mqa4zfJdx4)

Atop Magic Mountain in “On the Internet Nobody Knows Who You Are.”

“Retirement Plan” was the best thing I saw last spring at SXSW, with the possible exception of “The Studio.” This one reminds me of it, except that it was 3 times as long. The cinematography and sound are great and Jesse Einstein—who looks exactly like a real-life friend of mine named Jimmy Mack—did a fine job. The original score by Antoni M. March, used atop Magic Mountain, was suitable in that spot.

Apologies to the HollyShorts people for my belated and unimpressive output this year. I was driving from Illinois to Texas during most of the (short) festival run. Things did not go exactly as planned. Unexpected things happen when two fossils set out to drive 1,000 miles. They generally happen in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. Then, you have to twist tie your car together and drive 6 hours in that condition, which is even worse than Dave Freeman having to hike the last 6 miles to the top of Magic Mountain. Pulling over every so often to remove pieces of your ruined vehicle and keep them from flying off and causing catastrophes for other vehicles on the road: one tactic. Telling your spouse “act invisible” when GPS tells you there is a speed trap ahead: another less useful tactic.

Is “On the Internet Nobody Knows Who You Are” any good?

Does a bear in the woods eat socks?

Buffalo in Kansas? From Snow to Eighties

By Connie Wilson

On November 13, 2025

In News, Texas, travel

The pictures above were taken in Kansas. It was incredibly cold (said it felt like 28 because of the wind, but was technically in the thirties). The “buffalo” are not real.

Until Kansas the first snow of the winter season was pummeling Indiana and Chicago and parts north. The Northern Lights were even visible in Geneseo (Illinois), but, then, on November 12th some saw them in Florida!

The weather in Texas is incredibly warm and nice. It feels like spring or summer. It is going to be in the eighties all week.

Today, I played bridge, which I have not played since we were in town last. The “Chicago” scoring method I had (almost) figured out on a bus trip to Houston, but I do not remember what I had (sort of) learned back in April. After 12 hours spent driving or searching for a motel (ended up in West, Texas) I felt like I needed a nap, but without me the bridge club had only seven players. At one point I tried to trump with a club. Unfortunately, I had made hearts trump and—somehow—simply forgot that mid-game, which I will continue to blame on fatigue. Also in my defense, I was not low for the day, but my score was definitely somewhere in the middle of the pack, even though, on my one good hand, my partner and I took all but one trick, as I was dealt 7 spades with all of the main honors.

The big news today was all about the Epstein files. The e-mails released today show that Trump was well aware of the trafficking in underage girls and, in fact, spent time with Virginia Giuffre, whose book “Nobody’s Girl” was recently released posthumously. Her death by suicide is as mysterious and inexplicable as that of Epstein himself in his prison cell.

“Deliver Me from Nowhere:” Jeremy Allen White As Bruce Springsteen

By Connie Wilson

On November 4, 2025

In Movies, Music, Of Local (Quad Cities') Interest, Pop Culture, Reviews

The Jeremys have triumphed in “Deliver Me from Nowhere,” even if the movie isn’t burning up the charts. (So much for “I’m on Fire” and the frequent script references to burning the house down.) This October was the worst October for theaters in 30 years. When “Deliver Me from Nowhere” begins streaming it should do well. Not really fair to compare the 2024 Bob Dylan bio-pic “A Complete Unknown” (or 2019’s”Rocketman” or 2018’s”Bohemian Rhapsody”) to this one. Consumers worrying about their next paycheck during a historic government shutdown are hunkered down waiting for the movie to hit their home TV sets. MAGA faithful may be avoiding it out of deluded DJT allegiance. Who really knows?

Scott Cooper (“Crazy Heart”) wrote and directed, based on the book by Warren Zanes. Unlike other biographical films about rock stars, this one focuses on a specific time period, Springsteen’s work on the 1982 album “Nebraska,” which he recorded in his bedroom on a Pioneer recording machine 43 years ago. It was a particularly dicey time in The Boss’ ascent to stardom. He was 33 years old and just establishing himself as a worldwide star, having earned stardom at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park, New Jersey, his home base. He would break out with “Born in the USA” shortly after the “Nebraska” album.

White, who plays the younger Boss with convincing head-tossing sweaty fervor, is 34. The casting throughout the film is great. Kudos to casting director Francine Maisler.

CAST

Jeremy Allen White.

In addition to Jeremy Allen White as The Boss and Jeremy Strong as manager Jon Landau, there are strong supporting performances from Paul Walter Hauser (“Richard Jewell”) as Mike Batlan, and Stephen Graham (“Adolescence”) as Douglas Springsteen, Bruce’s emotionally distant father. Odessa Young portrays romantic interest Faye Romano.

It’s interesting to see Gaby Hoffmann playing Bruce’s mother Adele, since she was the 7-year-old Karin Kinsella in “Field of Dreams.” Marc Maron is Chuck Plotkin, recording engineer. Jimmy Iovine plays Jimmy Iovine (no stretch there). Meryl Streep’s daughter Grace Gummer has a small role as Barbara Landau. There is also a good performance from Matthew Anthony Pellicano, as young Bruce, photographed in black-and-white inserts that take us back to the days when 8-year-old Bruce was coping with a father who was probably paranoid schizophrenic, bi-polar and alcoholic.

Because of the focus on one specific album, we don’t get to see Bruce coping with the rise and fall of his first marriage to model/actress Julianne Phillips (married 1985; divorced in 1989). When they divorced, Bruce placed the blame on himself, suggesting they were basically incompatible because they did not really know one another that well to begin with and were not close in age. He had issues with commitment, as we see in the film, and neuroses from his relationship with his father, which is highlighted in “Deliver Me from Nowhere.”

Springsteen was also falling for bandmate Patty Scialfa, to whom he has been married since 1991. Patty Scialfa’s former art teacher at Asbury Park High, Curtis K. Smith said, “Patti’s been in love with Bruce for as long as I can remember.” So, a lesson in how it’s a good idea to really know the person you select as a life partner and probably a good idea if you have common interests. As for the close in age thing, make your own call, but there was an 11-year difference in age for the couple.

THE JEREMYs

The Jeremys in question are Jeremy Allen White, portraying Bruce Springsteen, and Jeremy Strong (“Succession”) as Jon Landau, his long-suffering manager and sometimes quasi-therapist. There is also Jeremiah Fraites, the composer for the film. I could easily see a Best Supporting nod for Strong’s calm, always-under-control portrait of a manager who realizes “I’m out of my depth on this one” and suggests therapy for the troubled rock icon.

GENESIS

The film is based on the book by Warren Zanes and has, so far, recouped about half of its $55 million budget in worldwide sales. “Deliver Me from Nowhere” started playing (in theaters only) on October 24th. The buzz regarding an Oscar nomination for Jeremy Allen White, star of “The Bear” and former cast member on “Shameless” began, based on his numerous awards including 3 consecutive Golden Globe Awards, 3 SAG awards, 2 Critics’ Choice awards and 2 Primetime Emmys. His 134 episodes as Lip Gallagher on television’s “Shameless” catapulted him to the brink of stardom. This lead performance has enough oomph to potentially earn him an Oscar nomination. The 2-hour film can drag a bit unless you’re a die-hard Springsteen fan. (*Of course, I panned “The Bear” back in the day, so judge his performance for yourself.)

3 KEY SCENES

There are 3 memorable scenes that White nails in “Deliver Me from Nowhere.” They are the kind of showcase moments that you can imagine being thrown up on the big screen at the Oscars. The three make-it-or-break-it scenes are White’s re-enactment of the recording of “Born to Run” in the studio, his breakdown scene in his therapist’s office, and the finale with his father (when his dad suggests that the 32-year-old now-famous singer sit on his lap).

Other than those scenes, we have the star posing, captured for the camera by cinematographer Masanobu Takanagi. Bruce on a deck, Bruce by the water, Bruce in close-up, Bruce on a carousel, Bruce setting up his primitive Pioneer 4-track recorder with Paul Walter Hauser’s help, Bruce with his on-again/off-again girlfriend of the moment. Jeremy White is a major star in the making. No wonder Calvin Klein is using him in underwear ads. [The Calvin Klein Men’s Underwear Spring 2024 advertisement generated $12.7 million in media impact value in less than 48 hours.]

Those three scenes ought to do it. Not sure if the rest of the film (sound?) will garner more Oscar accolades.

CAREER

It appears that the young Jeremy Allen White, like Springsteen himself, has everything it takes to mesmerize audiences. He’s been proving it since 2006, when he had his first role at the age of 15. Now 34, it’s hard to believe that this is his first feature film lead. (He had a smaller role in “The Iron Claw” as Kerry Von Erich in 2023). White even admitted to a period after “Shameless” ended after 11 years when he had a similar crisis of confidence.

NOTABLE SCRIPTED LINES

Cooper, who is closely associated with veteran actor/producer Robert Duvall and got married on Duvall’s ranch, has scripted some good lines for the then-troubled star-to-be. Here are a few:

(From a car salesman): “I do know who you are,”

JAW: “Well, that makes one of us.”

JAS: “It’s a hard thing, realizing people aren’t what you want them to be.”

JAW: “I’m trying to find some real in all the noise.”

JAW: “When I’m deep in my work, I’m just not much use for anything else.”

JAS: “He’s channeling something deeply personal and dark.”

Odessa Young as Faye Romano: “Sometimes you miss the things that are right in front of you.”

JAS: “Success is complicated for Bruce. He feels guilty leaving behind the world he knows.”

Odessa Young: “You’re running away from everything you’re afraid of. What about actually dealing with your shit…Face yourself.”

JAS: “Where you came from is gone In yourself, right now, is the only place you got.”

JAW: “I just want my life to make sense again…I’m slipping away.’ (therapist scene)

Finale scene: “I’m finding my way.” To his father, “You had your own battles to fight.”

CONCLUSION

The performances are uniformly strong. The fact that Jeremy Allen White taught himself to play guitar and harmonica and sings his own songs is remarkable. He certainly has the toss-of-the-head down. The film deals sensitively with his romance with the young mother of a small daughter.

I couldn’t help but remember his first short-lived marriage and think about how a true tell-all could have utilized that long-ago romance (Phillips is now 65 and Springsteen is 76.) Not fair to say that Springsteen just wasn’t that interesting. Not his fault we are in free-fall as a country and perhaps focused more on losing our jobs, or not having enough TSA agents to fly safely (Nashville had only 4 of 16 yesterday. 80% are out in NYC.), or not having enough food.

I’ve read that The Rock’s film was also pulverized and nothing out right now in the theaters this past weekend really did well. I was in the theater from 3:30 until 7:00 p.m.. The place was deserted. That, my friends, is because some of you didn’t pay enough attention last presidential election. Now, we are all paying the price, even at our local Cineplex.

While I can play “Born in the USA” and remember the good old days, getting back to a reasonable facsimile of the good old days is proving to be much more difficult.

And So It Goes
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	Rob Reiner