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.
May 2010
Slideshow: 24-Image Gallery of ‘The Karate Kid’ Chicago Premiere Event
Submitted by PatrickMcD on May 30, 2010 - 6:43pmCHICAGO – May 26th marked a special Chicago Premiere of “The Karate Kid,” the remake of the 1984 classic, this time around starring Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan. Smith and Chan participated in the Street Festival Event while greeting admirers. Executive Producer Will Smith even made a quick appearance.
Gary Coleman, Dead at 42, Led a Life of ‘Diff’rent Strokes’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on May 29, 2010 - 5:26pmCHICAGO – Television fans from the early 1980s lost a bit of their era yesterday as Gary Coleman, Arnold Jackson from the NBC sitcom “Diff’rent Strokes,” died of a brain hemorrhage at the age of 42. Coleman is the second of the three siblings on the show to pass away, as Dana Plato, who played his sister Kimberley, took her own life in 1999.
Easy-Riding Screen Legend Dennis Hopper Dies at Age 74
Submitted by mattmovieman on May 29, 2010 - 2:54pmCHICAGO – Beloved actor and legendary easy rider Dennis Hopper lost his long battle with prostate cancer this morning at age 74. With a career spanning over the last half-century, Hopper is best known for directing, co-writing and co-starring in 1969’s counterculture classic “Easy Rider”.
Slideshow: 18-Image Gallery From ‘Splice’ With Adrien Brody, Sarah Polley
Submitted by BrianTT on May 29, 2010 - 12:20pmCHICAGO – This 18-image slideshow features the official press images for Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Splice” starring Adrien Brody, Sarah Polley, and Delphine Chaneac. It was directed by Vincenzo Natali and will open on June 4th, 2010.
TV Review: Michael Sheen, Dennis Quaid Shine in HBO’s ‘The Special Relationship’
Submitted by BrianTT on May 29, 2010 - 12:14pmCHICAGO – Writer Peter Morgan and actor Michael Sheen have collaborated once again to tell another chapter of the political life of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. In “The Special Relationship,” the award-winning writer focuses on the dynamic between the leader and another of the most notable figures of the last century, President Bill Clinton (Dennis Quaid). Great performances elevate what is a relatively minor piece when compared to “The Queen”.
‘Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time’ is Perfect Background Noise For Making Out
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on May 29, 2010 - 11:49amCHICAGO – Historically, video game adaptations are recipes for disaster when translated into film. While “Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time” with Jake Gyllenhaal and Gemma Arterton has a blockbuster opportunity to buck the decades-old trend, we’re just subjected to more of the same soul-deadening time drain.
‘Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time’ is Perfect Background Noise For Making Out
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on May 29, 2010 - 11:06amRating: 2.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Historically, video game adaptations are recipes for disaster when translated into film. While “Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time” with Jake Gyllenhaal and Gemma Arterton has a blockbuster opportunity to buck the decades-old trend, we’re just subjected to more of the same soul-deadening time drain.
Interview: Willie Garson as Stanford Blatch Toasts ‘Sex and the City 2’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on May 28, 2010 - 6:01pmCHICAGO – Willie Garson is one busy actor this week. When you portray Stanford Blatch, Carrie Bradshaw’s gay best friend, then the “Sex and the City 2” release will undoubtedly fill up the schedule, including his introduction of the film May 28-30th at the Hollywood Palms Cinema in Naperville, Illinois.
Theater Review: Summer’s ‘Fuerza Bruta’ Parties On
Submitted by Alissa Norby on May 28, 2010 - 5:03pmCHICAGO – During the climactic sequence in the new amp-infused, celebrity-verified production “Fuerza Bruta”, hundreds of expectant hands reach toward the transparent Mylar pool descending upon them. Four bathing coryphees, exploring the tank as a child would a slip-n-slide, peer through the translucent water with the same anticipation as their onlookers. In the moments that proceed, hands reach body, giving rise to manifest excitement. The audience has not only viewed the art, it has experienced it.
Interview: Sundance, Midwest Independent Film Festival Headliner Jordan Vogt-Roberts
Submitted by PatrickMcD on May 28, 2010 - 10:05amCHICAGO – “Successful Alcoholics,” a new short comedy film by Chicagoan Jordan Vogt-Roberts, has been making the major film festival rounds, including the Sundance Film Festival, and will be the featured film at the Midwest Independent Film Festival in Chicago on their Comedic Shorts Night, Tuesday, June 1st.
Blu-Ray Review: Second Season of HBO’s Addictive ‘True Blood’
Submitted by BrianTT on May 27, 2010 - 3:26pmCHICAGO – The second season of HBO’s wildly addictive “True Blood” may not have been quite as stellar as the first but Alan Ball’s often-mesmerizing creation still stands as one of the best shows on television. There’s nothing quite like it on the air and HBO pulls out all the stops with their best Blu-ray season release to date.
One Sequel Too Many For Sarah Jessica Parker, ‘Sex and the City 2’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on May 27, 2010 - 7:37amCHICAGO – “Sex in the City 2” has very little sex and even less city. That is the least of its sins. This bloated, directionless semi-narrative take the familiar foursome – Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Cynthia Nixon and Kristin Davis – into unfamiliar geographic territory, but with no dramatic arc there is simply nothing there.
One Sequel Too Many For Sarah Jessica Parker, ‘Sex and the City 2’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on May 27, 2010 - 7:31amRating: 2.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – “Sex in the City 2” has very little sex and even less city. That is the least of its sins. This bloated, directionless semi-narrative take the familiar foursome – Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Cynthia Nixon and Kristin Davis – into unfamiliar geographic territory, but with no dramatic arc there is simply nothing there.
Slideshow: Red-Carpet Premiere of ‘The Karate Kid’ With Jackie Chan, Jaden Smith
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on May 27, 2010 - 2:24amCHICAGO – HollywoodChicago.com was on location for the May 26, 2010 red-carpet premiere of “The Karate Kid” in downtown Chicago. The red carpet and street festival featured stars Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith. Father Will Smith appeared briefly as a surprise guest.
Footless ‘Body Awareness’ Asks the Tough Questions
Submitted by Alissa Norby on May 26, 2010 - 10:57pmCHICAGO – It is a quandary that has plagued the minds of the nations foremost feminists, and even those who would better prefer the perspired mirrors of strippercize classes to the contents of “The Feminine Mystique”. Yet from Betty Friedan to Hillary Clinton, Susan B. Anthony to Katy Perry, the question regarding the often thinly drawn crease between sexual empowerment and objectification still wants for absolution..
Slideshow: 22-Image Gallery From ‘Prince of Persia’ With Jake Gyllenhaal
Submitted by BrianTT on May 26, 2010 - 9:41pmCHICAGO – This 22-image slideshow features a selection of the official press images for Walt Disney Pictures’ “Prince of Persia” starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Gemma Arterton, Ben Kingsley, and Alfred Molina. It will open on May 28th, 2010.
Video Game Review: Entertaining, Adrenalin-Pumping ‘Split/Second’
Submitted by BrianTT on May 26, 2010 - 9:10pmCHICAGO – Have you ever wondered what it would be like to play an over-the-top car chase like the centerpiece of a Jerry Bruckheimer production like “Bad Boys II”? Dodging explosions, other vehicles, and your own tendency to swerve left when you should swerve right? Welcome to the world of “Split/Second,” a variation on the “Death Race” concept in that it’s often the last man standing named the winner.
‘The Karate Kid’ Interview: Jackie Chan Aspires to Be an ‘Asian Robert De Niro’
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on May 26, 2010 - 8:04pmCHICAGO – When you think of Jackie Chan, you think of comedy blended with marital arts. Not any more, thanks to Will Smith and his new film “The Karate Kid,” which stars Jaden Smith.
Interview: Dana Delany, Dara Torres at More Magazine ‘Reinvention’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on May 26, 2010 - 12:19amCHICAGO – One of the recent stellar events in Chicago was the More Magazine “Reinvention Convention,” a gathering of the magazine’s readers to meet and hear speakers. The featured speaker was actor Dana Delany [“Desperate Housewives”]. Signing her book at the event was Olympic Swimmer Dara Torres.
Blu-Ray Review: BBC Earth’s ‘Life’ Miniseries Proves Impossible to Resist
Submitted by mattmovieman on May 25, 2010 - 10:52pmCHICAGO – No network or film company has ever come close to equaling the nature documentaries produced by BBC’s Natural History Unit. From 1979’s “Life on Earth” to 2001’s “The Blue Planet” and 2006’s “Planet Earth,” the BBC has electrified viewers worldwide with its stunning and often humbling images of life on our planet. This is the type of programming that Blu-Ray players were made for.
Slideshow: 30-Image Gallery of ‘Sex and the City 2’ Chicago Fashion Show
Submitted by PatrickMcD on May 25, 2010 - 10:33pmCHICAGO – On a summer-like night in Chicago on May 25th, a celebration of the release of “Sex in the City 2” – starring Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Cynthia Nixon and Kristin Davis – took place on the terrace at the Conrad Hotel. Libations, light appetizers and a fashion show entertained fans of the film, opening Thursday, May 27th.
DVD Review: Hilarious ‘Mystery Team’ With ‘Community’ Star Donald Glover
Submitted by BrianTT on May 25, 2010 - 3:14pmCHICAGO – Featuring starring or cameo roles from an actor from all four shows on NBC Thursday nights, “Mystery Team” is one of the funniest movies to hit DVD in the last few months, a great comedy that deserved a bigger audience in theaters but should make for a shockingly enjoyable rental for viewers lucky enough to happen upon it on the new releases shelf.
Blu-Ray Review: Honest, Human Drama of Excellent ‘The Messenger’
Submitted by BrianTT on May 25, 2010 - 12:08pmCHICAGO – Just before the Oscar nominations for 2009 were to be announced, a few pundits went out on a limb and predicted that not only would Oren Moverman’s “The Messenger” be nominated for Best Supporting Actor (Woody Harrelson) and Best Original Screenplay but that it would also find its way into several more categories, including even Best Picture.
HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 25 Chicago Passes to ‘Just Wright’ With Queen Latifah, Common
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on May 25, 2010 - 12:22amCHICAGO – In our latest romantic sports comedy edition of HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 25 admit-two run-of-engagement movie passes up for grabs to the new film “Just Wright” with Queen Latifah and Common!
Slideshow: 39-Image Gallery From ‘Sex and the City 2’ With Sarah Jessica Parker
Submitted by BrianTT on May 24, 2010 - 5:38pmCHICAGO – This 39-image slideshow features all the official press images for Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Sex and the City 2” starring Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Catrall, Cynthia Nixon, Kristin Davis, Willie Garson, John Corbett, Chris Noth, Evan Handler, Jason Lewis, and Mario Cantone. It was written and directed by Michael Patrick King. It will open on May 27th, 2010.
Blu-Ray Review: Horrors of Fatherhood Examined in ‘The New Daughter’
Submitted by BrianTT on May 24, 2010 - 3:53pmCHICAGO – From “The Exorcist” to “Orphan,” the horror genre has a long history of films about a young lady becoming something truly dangerous. The latest, “The New Daughter,” comes courtesy of the man who wrote the great “[REC]” and stars Kevin Costner and Ivana Baquero (“Pan’s Labryinth”). Sadly, after a strong set-up and with gorgeous cinematography throughout, “The New Daughter” flounders in cliches and ends up too dull to be terrifying.
Blu-Ray Review: Romantic Comedy Fans Deserve Better Than ‘Valentine’s Day’
Submitted by BrianTT on May 24, 2010 - 3:13pmCHICAGO – Clearly conceived as something like an American version of “Love Actually,” Garry Marshall’s “Valentine’s Day” is an unqualified disaster, a film that’s only interesting in that it may hold the record for the most household names sucked into one horrible film.
Blu-Ray Review: Fritz Lang’s ‘M’ Has Lost None of Its Power
Submitted by BrianTT on May 24, 2010 - 11:50amCHICAGO – When does a great film become less powerful? We’ve all seen movies that worked wonderfully for us at one point in our lives and had less impact when we saw them again a decade or two later. The movies that not only remain powerful but, in some ways, improve upon repeat viewing are rare. They’re the true classics. Fritz Lang’s “M,” recently released on Criterion Blu-ray, is one such movie.
Video Game Review: Atmospheric, Entertaining ‘Alan Wake’ Must Be Played
Submitted by BrianTT on May 24, 2010 - 11:08amCHICAGO – With echoes of the literature of Stephen King, “The Twilight Zone,” “Twin Peaks,” and “Lost,” the Xbox-exclusive “Alan Wake” is a daring, ambitious title that demands your attention. Why? Because while it’s an imperfect title on a gameplay level and I wish I could have tweaked the storytelling a bit, games that try to break the mold and present something this unique deserve an audience.
TV News: ‘Glee’ Lands Third Season Pickup
Submitted by BrianTT on May 24, 2010 - 9:08amCHICAGO – Before the first season has even concluded, FOX announced that they have renewed their massive hit show “Glee” for a third season, clearly confident in the long-term potential of this award-winning series. Peter Rice, Chairman, Entertainment, Fox Networks Group; and Kevin Reilly, President, Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company made the announcement today via press release.