CHICAGO – The late playwright August Wilson left a gift to the world in the form of his “American Century Cycle,” a series of plays each individually set in a decade of the 20th Century, focusing on the black experience. Chicago’s Goodman Theatre presents Wilson’s “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone,” now through May 19th, 2024 (click here).
August 2010
Blu-Ray Review: Disappointing Release For ‘James and the Giant Peach’
Submitted by BrianTT on August 9, 2010 - 4:48pmCHICAGO – While we may quibble over a bit of grain or some undefined line detail, the dirty secret of most Blu-ray reviewers is that a wide majority of audiences cannot discern the difference between most HD releases. The fact is that almost all of them look pretty damn good. Sadly, there are exceptions to the rule and Disney’s release for “James and the Giant Peach” is one such exception.
Video Game Review: ‘Madden NFL 11’ Wins Championship Again
Submitted by BrianTT on August 9, 2010 - 4:17pmCHICAGO – It must have taken a lot of guts to suggest radically altering one of the most successful video gaming franchises of all time. The “Madden NFL” series of video games are as influential and wildly popular as any on the market. With loyal fans lining up at midnight tonight to buy their new copy, the developers at EA Tiburon merely had to update the rosters and spit out last year’s edition before they counted their money.
Blu-Ray Review: Roman Polanski’s Brilliant Thriller ‘The Ghost Writer’
Submitted by BrianTT on August 9, 2010 - 1:13pmCHICAGO – Roman Polanski’s name has drawn a lot of media attention in 2010 due to his continued international legal problems but the controversy regarding his real life has overshadowed the fact that he recently made one of the best films of his career, the tragically underrated and straight-up brilliant “The Ghost Writer,” a must-see now that it’s on Blu-ray and DVD.
HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 20 Chicago Passes to ‘Scott Pilgrim vs. the World’ With Michael Cera
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on August 7, 2010 - 4:06pmCHICAGO – In our latest action/comedy edition of HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 20 admit-two passes up for grabs to the advance Chicago screening of the new film “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” starring Michael Cera!
Film Review: Robert Duvall, Sissy Spacek Elevate Drama ‘Get Low’
Submitted by BrianTT on August 6, 2010 - 5:33pmCHICAGO – What could possibly drive a man into such a deep pit of despair that he would choose to break from society and take on the life of a hermit?
Robert Duvall, Sissy Spacek Elevate Drama ‘Get Low’
Submitted by BrianTT on August 6, 2010 - 5:30pm Rating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – What could possibly drive a man into such a deep pit of despair that he would choose to break from society and take on the life of a hermit? The mystery of such a decision is the driving force behind Aaron Schneider’s “Get Low,” a based-on-a-true-story drama that has already earned Oscar buzz for star Rubert Duvall and praise for co-stars Bill Murray, Sissy Spacek, Lucas Black, and Bill Cobbs.
Film Review: ‘Life During Wartime’ Provides Haunting Coda to ‘Happiness’
Submitted by BrianTT on August 6, 2010 - 2:22pm Rating: 3.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Todd Solondz’s 1998 masterpiece, “Happiness,” is the darkest American comedy ever made. It’s so brutal and uncompromising that it calls into question the very definition of comedy. When one character explains to her sister that she isn’t laughing at her, but with her, the sister responds, “But I’m not laughing.” Solondz isn’t laughing either.
‘Life During Wartime’ Provides Haunting Coda to ‘Happiness’
Submitted by BrianTT on August 6, 2010 - 2:16pmRating: 3.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Todd Solondz’s 1998 masterpiece, “Happiness,” is the darkest American comedy ever made. It’s so brutal and uncompromising that it calls into question the very definition of comedy. When one character explains to her sister that she isn’t laughing at her, but with her, the sister responds, “But I’m not laughing.” Solondz isn’t laughing either.
Film Review: Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg Partner in Cop Farce ‘The Other Guys’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 6, 2010 - 6:42amCHICAGO – While a cop film take-off is filed under the fish-in-a-barrel category, writer/director Adam McKay manages to spin some absurd gold threads into the thin blue cloth. In other words, Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg are damn funny in this all-in cop farce, with enough familiar co-star support to prop up the whole enchilada.
Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg Partner in Cop Farce ‘The Other Guys’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 6, 2010 - 6:29amRating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – While a cop film take-off is filed under the fish-in-a-barrel category, writer/director Adam McKay manages to spin some absurd gold threads into the thin blue cloth. In other words, Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg are damn funny in this all-in cop farce, with enough familiar co-star support to prop up the whole enchilada.
Blu-Ray Review: Stylish Release For USA’s ‘White Collar’
Submitted by BrianTT on August 5, 2010 - 10:13pmCHICAGO – It makes sense that a show as stylish and well-dressed as USA’s “White Collar” would have a beautiful HD transfer for its first-season release but sense and Blu-ray production don’t always go hand in hand. Luckily, fans of this excellent show will be happy to know that this is one of the most expertly-remastered sets of the year to date.
Interview: Todd Solondz Examines How to Survive ‘Life During Wartime’
Submitted by BrianTT on August 5, 2010 - 6:48pmCHICAGO – With his unique and sometimes divisive career, writer/director Todd Solondz is something of a controversial figure in the world of independent cinema. Some people love him, others hate him, and very few fall in the middle. His new film, “Life During Wartime,” is unlikely to change his polarizing reputation.
Slideshow: 21-Image Gallery For ‘Step Up 3D’ Starring Sharni Vinson
Submitted by BrianTT on August 4, 2010 - 10:57pmCHICAGO – This 21-image slideshow contains a selection of the official press images for the highly anticipated Step Up 3D, starring Adam G. Sevani, Alyson Stoner, Rick Malambri, Sharni Vinson, Stephen “tWitch” Boss, Keith Stallworth, Kendra Andrews, Martin Lombard, Facundo Lombard, and Oren “Flearock” Michaeli. The film was written by Amy Andelson & Emily Meyer and directed by Jon M. Chu. It will be released on August 6th, 2010.
Video Game Review: Unusual Rhythm of ‘Castlevania: Harmony of Despair’
Submitted by BrianTT on August 4, 2010 - 8:50pm Video Game Rating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – “Castlevania: Harmony of Despair” (or “Castlevania HD” for those who like to be overly clever) is not unlike a remixed version of your favorite CD. The creators have taken already-existing elements including graphics, levels, and characters and increased the beats per minute to ridiculous levels in an attempt to turn something you loved before into something you’ll love again.
Exclusive Portrait: Terry O’Quinn of ‘Lost’ at Chicago Benefit
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 4, 2010 - 3:31pmCHICAGO – Terry O’Quinn, the strange and mysterious John Locke on the recently concluded TV series, “Lost,” was found in this exclusive portrait by HollywoodChicago.com’s ace photographer Joe Arce. O’Quinn was appearing at the Park West in Chicago for his brother Thomas’s new film “Using.”
HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: VIP Prize Pack For ‘Project Runway’ on Lifetime With Heidi Klum
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on August 4, 2010 - 12:12pmCHICAGO – In this edition of HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: TV, we have one VIP prize pack up for grabs to Lifetime’s “Project Runway” with supermodel and fashion maven Heidi Klum!
Blu-Ray Review: ‘The Secret of the Grain’ Frames Life in Close-Up
Submitted by mattmovieman on August 4, 2010 - 10:25amCHICAGO – Not to be confused with “The Secret in Their Eyes,” “The Secret of Kells,” or “The Secret,” this French family drama is saddled with a most unfortunate title for its American release. Though the picture’s original title, “The Grain and the Mullet,” may not sound like an upgrade, it offered an intriguing metaphor for the film’s unlikely union of two unforgettable characters.
Interview: Aaron Schneider Directs Robert Duvall, Bill Murray in ‘Get Low’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 4, 2010 - 1:44amCHICAGO – The legend of a 1930s country hermit – part folk tale, part exaggeration and some truth – comes to life through director Aaron Schneider and the great Robert Duvall in the new film “Get Low.” Also featuring Bill Murray and Sissy Spacek, this character driven drama is a pastiche of secrets, regrets and redemption.
HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 40 Movie Passes to ‘Middle Men’ With Luke Wilson, 10 Soundtracks
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on August 3, 2010 - 4:07pmCHICAGO – In this edition of the HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 40 admit-two passes and 10 soundtracks up for grabs to the new film “Middle Men”!
Slideshow: 15-Image Gallery For ‘The Other Guys’ Starring Will Ferrell
Submitted by BrianTT on August 3, 2010 - 10:34am
Mark Wahlberg, left, and Will Ferrell in Columbia Pictures comedy The Other Guys.CHICAGO – This 15-image slideshow contains all of the official press images for the highly anticipated The Other Guys, starring Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, Eva Mendes, Michael Keaton, Steve Coogan, Ray Stevenson, with Samuel L. Jackson and Dwayne Johnson. The film was written by Adam McKay & Chris Henchy and directed by McKay. It will be released on August 6th, 2010.
TV Review: Tricia Helfer Brings Color to TNT Cop Drama ‘Dark Blue’
Submitted by BrianTT on August 3, 2010 - 9:56amCHICAGO – TNT’s hit-and-miss cop drama “Dark Blue” returns tomorrow night, August 4th, 2010 with a great pair of episodes featuring the addition of the always-excellent Tricia Helfer of “Battlestar Galactica,” but the improvements aren’t merely in the supporting cast, as the first two hours of season two hint at the opposite of a sophomore slump.
HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Prize Pack For USA Network’s ‘Covert Affairs’ With Piper Perabo
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on August 2, 2010 - 7:02pmCHICAGO – In our latest edition of HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: TV, we have one prize pack up for grabs for USA Network’s “Covert Affairs” with Piper Perabo from the producer of “The Bourne Identity,” “The Bourne Supremacy” and “The Bourne Ultimatum”!
DVD Review: ‘After.Life’ Notable Only For Being So Awful
Submitted by BrianTT on August 2, 2010 - 3:33pmCHICAGO – Loyal readers will know that I am often forgiving of bad horror films merely due to my love for the genre but there’s nothing that can save “After.Life” from the company of the worst movies of 2010. The copious nudity from Christina Ricci and the admittedly interesting premise may draw those who haven’t seen it to this monumentally stupid film but prepare to lose a few brain cells in the process.
Slideshow: 31-Image Gallery For ‘Middle Men’ Starring Luke Wilson
Submitted by BrianTT on August 2, 2010 - 2:53pmCHICAGO – This 31-image slideshow contains all of the official press images for the highly anticipated “Middle Men,” starring Luke Wilson, Giovanni Ribisi, Gabriel Macht, Jacinda Barrett, Laura Ramsey, Terry Crews, Rade Sherbedgia, with Kevin Pollak and James Caan. The film was written by George Gallo & Andy Weiss and directed by Gallo. It will be released on August 6th, 2010.
Blu-Ray Review: Spectacular Release For Matthew Vaughn’s ‘Kick-Ass’
Submitted by BrianTT on August 2, 2010 - 10:40amCHICAGO – Matthew Vaughn’s “Kick-Ass” didn’t take off in theaters like it deserved to do but a simply spectacular Blu-ray release from Lionsgate is sure to please both fans of this excellent slice of post-modern entertainment and help it find the wider audience that I’m sure it will on the home market.
Blu-Ray Review: Third Season of ‘Battlestar: Galactica’ Now in HD
Submitted by BrianTT on August 2, 2010 - 10:08amCHICAGO – How many “Battlestar Galactica” fans don’t already have the excellent third season in some form? The release pattern of “BSG” on Blu-ray continues to surprise this critic as it feels like the niche market who doesn’t own the complete HD series or hasn’t already bought the standard DVD is very small, meaning that the question for most is going to be whether or not to upgrade.
HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 25 Admit-Two Chicago Passes to ‘Caught in the Crossfire’ With 50 Cent
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on August 1, 2010 - 4:31pmCHICAGO – In our latest crime edition of HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 25 admit-two passes up for grabs to the advance Chicago screening of the new film “Caught in the Crossfire” starring 50 Cent!
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