Keegan-Michael Key

CHICAGO – When comedian/writer/director Mike Birbiglia is in his element, as during the interviews he conducted at The iO Theater in Chicago, he is relaxed and ardently philosophical. He has written and directed a new film, “Don’t Think Twice,” which is about a improvisation comedy troupe, but it’s also about life.

CHICAGO – For the younger set unable to experience the mystique of Dracula, Wolfman and Frankenstein in their original creations, “Hotel Transylvania 2” may prove to be an introduction to the legendary bloodsucker and his band of movie monsters – and for that Adam Sandler deserves a stake through his heart.

CHICAGO – Retreads from classics are often as weary as having to write that they are almost never as good as the original. And here we go again with the Ed Helms-led “Vacation,” which fails to capitalize on the beloved Chevy Chase film “National Lampoon’s Vacation” from 1983.

CHICAGO – For a movie all about the awesome power of inspiration, innovation and wonder, “Tomorrowland” has precious little of its own. “Tomorrowland” the title promises a kind of retro futuristic world where anything is possible, but “Tomorrowland” the movie rarely delivers anything approximating joy.

CHICAGO – In the latest HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 50 pairs of advance-screening movie passes up for grabs to the new mystery “Tomorrowland” starring George Clooney!

CHICAGO – “Pitch Perfect 2” wasn’t bad. There was the same off-kilter weirdness and funny lines of the first film, but in this sequel there were also stretches of boring, seemingly made-up stuff to slog through. I guess repeating a premise about college singing groups doesn’t offer much more to say.

CHICAGO – In the latest HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 40 pairs of advance-screening movie passes up for grabs to the new comedy “Let’s Be Cops” starring Damon Wayans Jr. and Jake Johnson from the director of “The Girl Next Door”!

CHICAGO – More people need to watch “Key & Peele,” one of the more consistently funny programs on TV right now. As with all sketch comedy, it’s not without its duds, but the batting average here is so much higher than the average comedy that the misses are easier to take. Stars Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele are talented and smart enough that their show often approaches the genius of the best in sketch comedy like “Chappelle’s Show” and “Mr. Show.” Yes, it’s that good.

CHICAGO – Fans of the new sketch comedy show “Key & Peele” will be happy to hear that Comedy Central has renewed the show for a second season. The news came this morning from Kent Alterman, Head of Original Programming and Production at Comedy Central, who announced the news with a little joke of his own.