CHICAGO – Excelsior! Comic book legend Stan Lee’s famous exclamation puts a fine point on the third and final play of Mark Pracht’s FOUR COLOR TRILOGY, “The House of Ideas,” presented by and staged at City Lit Theater in Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood. For tickets/details, click HOUSE OF IDEAS.
June 2014
HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 40 Pairs of Passes to ‘Think Like a Man Too’ With Kevin Hart
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on June 15, 2014 - 11:49am- Adam Brody
- Adam Fendelman
- David A. Newman
- Dennis Haysbert
- Gabrielle Union
- HollywoodChicago.com Content
- HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film
- Jenifer Lewis
- Jerry Ferrara
- Keith Merryman
- Kevin Hart
- Meagan Good
- Michael Ealy
- Regina Hall
- Romany Malco
- Screen Gems
- Steve Harvey
- Taraji P. Henson
- Terrence Jenkins
- Think Like a Man
- Think Like a Man Too
- Tim Story
- Wendi McLendon-Covey
CHICAGO – In the latest HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 40 pairs of advance-screening movie passes up for grabs to the “Think Like a Man” sequel “Think Like a Man Too” starring Kevin Hart and Taraji P. Henson!
HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 50 Pairs of Passes to Clint Eastwood’s ‘Jersey Boys’
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on June 14, 2014 - 2:05pmCHICAGO – In the latest HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 50 pairs of advance-screening movie passes up for grabs to the highly anticipated musical “Jersey Boys” from director Clint Eastwood starring John Lloyd Young as Frankie Valli!
Film Review: ‘Obvious Child’ is a More Authentic Romantic Comedy
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 14, 2014 - 10:47amCHICAGO – Real life is not a romantic comedy, unless you’re willing to understand the levels of clownish tragedy that sometimes accompanies it. The new film “Obvious Child” comprehends all that, and has an unforgettable performance from Jenny Slate in delivering the goods.
‘Obvious Child’ is a More Authentic Romantic Comedy
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 14, 2014 - 10:43amRating: 4.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Real life is not a romantic comedy, unless you’re willing to understand the levels of clownish tragedy that sometimes accompanies it. The new film “Obvious Child” comprehends all that, and has an unforgettable performance from Jenny Slate in delivering the goods.
Film Review: Heroic, Visually Bold ‘How to Train Your Dragon 2’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 13, 2014 - 4:50pmCHICAGO – “How to Train Your Dragon 2” is spectacular in 3D, the filmmakers actually geared the film to enhance that much maligned vision. It also features a warm and heroic story about the coming-of-age for the character Hiccup, and his now fully trained dragon, Toothless.
Heroic, Visually Bold ‘How to Train Your Dragon 2’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 13, 2014 - 4:46pmRating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – “How to Train Your Dragon 2” is spectacular in 3D, the filmmakers actually geared the film to enhance that much maligned vision. It also features a warm and heroic story about the coming-of-age for the character Hiccup, and his now fully trained dragon, Toothless.
Film Review: ‘22 Jump Street’ is a Proud Bargain Bin Blockbuster
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 13, 2014 - 8:01amCHICAGO – “22 Jump Street” is a big budget Hollywood sequel that actively comments on the diminishing returns of sequels. Directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller know that for every “Lethal Weapon 2,” that manages to surpass the original, there are a dozen “Another 48 Hours”.
‘22 Jump Street’ is a Proud Bargain Bin Blockbuster
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 13, 2014 - 7:58amRating: 3.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – “22 Jump Street” is a big budget Hollywood sequel that actively comments on the diminishing returns of sequels. Directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller know that for every “Lethal Weapon 2,” that manages to surpass the original, there are a dozen “Another 48 Hours” that try and fail to give audiences an approximation of what they enjoyed before.
Interview: Jenny Slate, Director Gillian Robespierre of ‘Obvious Child’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 11, 2014 - 11:38amCHICAGO – An authentic voice in the film category of “romantic comedy” has emerged, and it is represented by lead actress Jenny Slate (“Saturday Night Live”) and writer/director Gillian Robespierre. One night stands, its consequences and yes, love is explored in the excellent new rom-com “Obvious Child.”
Blu-ray Review: ‘Non-Stop’ Has Formulaic Script But Fresh Thrills
Submitted by NickHC on June 10, 2014 - 4:54pmCHICAGO – “Non-Stop” gave audiences more than just “‘Taken’ on a plane” when it opened last February, and showed that the inflight experience is efficiently vulnerable action thriller territory. With audiences having taken a break from commercial airline chaos after 9/11, “Non-Stop” brought viewers back into the peril of an unsafe flight, but with a leading hero by Liam Neeson at the helm. Nevertheless, even when knowing how the flight ends, “Non-Stop” is a refined thriller that still has a grip on one’s attention in a second viewing as well.
Blu-ray Review: Kevin Costner Actioner ‘3 Days to Kill’ is Slick, Forgettable
Submitted by NickHC on June 9, 2014 - 1:47pmCHICAGO – “3 Days to Kill” is a bit like “Taken,” in that it was co-created by French action maestro Luc Besson, but directed by somebody else. However, it is indeed not like “Taken” in that this movie never roars out of the gate, which is also about a multi-tasking American dad abroad looking for answers as a clock ticks.
Film Review: Stellar Actors Put ‘Words and Pictures’ Together
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 7, 2014 - 10:01amCHICAGO – “Words and Pictures” is a bit twee. In the film’s central debate between which medium has more influence, there was a drunken writer, prep students straight out of “Dead Poet’s Society” and cutesy romance. But there was also Clive Owen and Juliette Binoche at the top of their performance games, and they uplifted all these regular story elements.
Stellar Actors Put ‘Words and Pictures’ Together
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 7, 2014 - 9:57amRating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – “Words and Pictures” is a bit twee. In the film’s central debate between which medium has more influence, there was a drunken writer, prep students straight out of “Dead Poet’s Society” and cutesy romance. But there was also Clive Owen and Juliette Binoche at the top of their performance games, and they uplifted all these regular story elements.
Film Review: Tearjerking ‘The Fault in Our Stars’ is ‘The Notebook’ of This Decade
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on June 6, 2014 - 9:52amCHICAGO – Sure, I’ll admit it. With so many new films to screen and review, I’ll choose the sci-fi action/thriller from the man behind the Bourne flicks over a movie that’s being called “the greatest romance story of this decade”.
Tearjerking ‘The Fault in Our Stars’ is ‘The Notebook’ of This Decade
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on June 6, 2014 - 9:52amRating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Sure, I’ll admit it. With so many new films to screen and review, I’ll choose the sci-fi action/thriller from the man behind the Bourne flicks over a movie that’s being called “the greatest romance story of this decade”.
Film Review: ‘Edge of Tomorrow’ is a Fleet-Footed Popcorn Movie
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 6, 2014 - 8:47amCHICAGO – “Edge Of Tomorrow” is a high concept, fast of foot popcorn movie that knows how to deliver the goods. While this futuristic sci-fi take on “Groundhog Day” doesn’t break any new ground, it does see that intriguing concept through to a fulfilling and crowd pleasing conclusion.
‘Edge of Tomorrow’ is a Fleet-Footed Popcorn Movie
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 6, 2014 - 8:44amRating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – “Edge Of Tomorrow” is a high concept, fast of foot popcorn movie that knows how to deliver the goods. While this futuristic sci-fi take on “Groundhog Day” doesn’t break any new ground, it does see that intriguing concept through to a fulfilling and crowd pleasing conclusion.
HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 50 Pairs of Passes to ‘The Signal’ With Brenton Thwaites
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on June 5, 2014 - 10:03pmCHICAGO – In the latest HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 50 pairs of advance-screening movie passes up for grabs to the new sci-fi/thriller “The Signal” starring Brenton Thwaites (“Maleficent”)!
Blu-ray Review: New Criterion Releases For May 2014
Submitted by BrianTT on June 5, 2014 - 10:51amThe Criterion Collection continues to impress through the remarkable range of what it offers cineastes on a monthly basis. Look at the highlights of their May 2014 Blu-ray offerings, all currently available in stores and for online order. What on Earth do “Overlord,” “Like Someone in Love,” and “Red River” have in common?
Blu-ray Review: John Wayne’s ‘McLintock!’ is Dated But Fun
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 5, 2014 - 10:49amCHICAGO – There is not quite any entertainment like a great John Wayne picture, and “McLintock!” certainly fulfills that expectation. But in adapting Shakepeare’s “Taming of the Shrew,” they forgot that the womenfolk had progressed a bit since the spankings that were liberally doled out against the wives and daughters.
Exclusive Portrait: Paul Stanley of Rock Band KISS Unmasked
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 5, 2014 - 8:31amCHICAGO – Fresh from his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (along with bandmates Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons and Peter Criss), Paul Stanley of the rock group KISS stopped by last month at Anderson’s Bookshop in Naperville, Ill. to sign his new book “Face the Music: A Life Exposed”.
Theater Review: ‘Carrie: The Musical’ is Surprisingly Serious
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 5, 2014 - 7:01amCHICAGO – Some people spend the rest of their lives trying to compensate for slights felt in high school – that social jungle is staged in “Carrie: The Musical.” Based on Stephen King’s novel, the story of Carrie White is presented as an adversarial tale by Bailiwick Chicago at Victory Gardens Theater.
Blu-ray Review: Visceral Soldier Story ‘Lone Survivor’
Submitted by NickHC on June 4, 2014 - 7:32pmCHICAGO – The story goes that when deciding on the project, director Peter Berg read a copy of Marcus Luttrell’s book “Lone Survivor” in one sitting. Whether this tale includes a bathroom break, or even a few days in-between but with usage of the same chair, for a director like Berg this story will always ring possible.
HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 40 Pairs of Passes to SXSW Hit ‘Obvious Child’ With Jenny Slate
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on June 4, 2014 - 4:18pm- A24
- Adam Fendelman
- Chicago Critics Film Festival
- Cindy Cheung
- David Cross
- Gabe Liedman
- Gaby Hoffmann
- Gillian Robespierre
- HollywoodChicago.com Content
- HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film
- Jake Lacy
- Jenny Slate
- Karen Maine
- Obvious Child
- Paul Briganti
- Polly Draper
- Richard Kind
- Stephen Singer
- Sundance Film Festival
- SXSW
CHICAGO – In the latest HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 40 pairs of advance-screening movie passes up for grabs to the new SXSW, Sundance Film Festival and Chicago Critics Film Festival hit “Obvious Child” featuring a star-making performance from Jenny Slate!
Blu-ray Review: Steven Spielberg’s Progressive Slave Drama ‘Amistad’
Submitted by NickHC on June 4, 2014 - 11:18amCHICAGO – Before Hollywood grappled with the unforgiving intensity of “12 Years a Slave,” they championed Steven Spielberg’s powerful film “Amistad,” years earlier, now available for the first time on Blu-ray. Densely comparing the movies is a difficult task considering their different perspectives, but they do stand as interesting bookends with how Hollywood has dealt with the American atrocity of slavery in their films.
DVD Review: Celebrate Father’s Day with The Duke
Submitted by BrianTT on June 3, 2014 - 3:40pmThere is no studio that times their releases more perfectly than Warner Bros. Around the end-of-year holidays there will be gift sets for films like “Elf” and “Willy Wonka.” Near Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day, you can expect gift-appropriate releases.
HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 75 Pairs of Passes to ‘The Grand Seduction’ With Taylor Kitsch
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on June 3, 2014 - 2:58pmCHICAGO – In the latest HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 75 pairs of advance-screening movie passes up for grabs to the new comedy “The Grand Seduction” starring Taylor Kitsch and Brendan Gleeson!
Theater Review: ‘Hair’ Still Shines at American Theater Company
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 3, 2014 - 11:09amCHICAGO – At intermission, I remarked to a fellow theater patron that the musical “Hair,” presented by the American Theater Company (ATC) of Chicago, still has a solid impact. His logical reply, “it’s hard to mess this one up.” The ATC does the classic hippie musical proud, with a raucous rendition.
Blu-ray Review: Dated ‘Riot in Cell Block 11’ is Beautifully Filmed
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 2, 2014 - 3:13pmCHICAGO – The Criterion Collection has added “Riot in Cell Block 11” (1954) to their stellar Blu-ray family, and the transfer is absolutely gorgeous, especially if you’re an admirer of the stark cinematography of the late black & white film era. Although dated, it still packs a gritty wallop.
Film News: Midwest Independent Film Festival to Present ‘Animals’ on June 3, 2014
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 2, 2014 - 11:57amCHICAGO – One of the best local independent films recently shot in Chicago is the story of two lost souls entitled “Animals.” The Midwest Independent Film Festival will present the film on their usual “first Tuesday” program on June 3rd, 2014, at the Landmark Century Centre Cinema in Chicago.