CHICAGO – The Steppenwolf Theatre of Chicago continues to provide different viewpoints on the American stage, and their latest “Little Bear Ridge Road” is no exception. Featuring ensemble member Laurie Metcalf, it’s the resonate story of a family at the crossroads. For tickets/details, click LITTLE BEAR.
October 2010
Blu-Ray Review: ‘Sex and the City 2’ Continues to Diminish Legacy of HBO Series
Submitted by BrianTT on October 31, 2010 - 3:24pmCHICAGO – Those of you longing for a film version of “The Sopranos,” “Friends,” or “24” (all of which have been rumored at some point or another), should look no further than “Sex and the City 2,” which was recently released on Blu-Ray and DVD, for a cautionary tale. HBO’s “Sex and the City” was a fantastic comedy but both films based on it have been disastrous. Their only value is for filmmakers to learn what not to do with a creative property.
HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 2 Prize Packs, Free DVDs For USA Network’s ‘Psych’
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on October 29, 2010 - 5:41pmCHICAGO – In our latest edition of HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: TV, we have two prize packs up for grabs for the return of USA Network’s “Psych” on Nov. 10, 2010!
TV Review: AMC’s ‘The Walking Dead’ Continues Network’s Pattern of Creative Success
Submitted by BrianTT on October 29, 2010 - 4:19pmCHICAGO – AMC has become a major player on the television scene thanks to the multiple awards won by “Mad Men” and “Breaking Bad.” As they expanded this year with “Rubicon” and this weekend’s “The Walking Dead,” the question was whether or not the pool would be diluted as it got bigger.
Blu-Ray Review: ‘Back to the Future: 25th Anniversary Trilogy’
Submitted by BrianTT on October 29, 2010 - 2:54pmCHICAGO – It’s rare to see a series of films and its fans treated as incredibly as Universal has with the 25th Anniversary edition of the “Back to the Future” trilogy. This is one of the most remarkable and impressive Blu-ray releases to date: A box set that not only features pristinely-restored versions of the three films but includes hours of spectacular special features. It’s a must-own and arguably the best release in a very good season for Blu-ray collectors.
Video Game Review: ‘God of War: Ghost of Sparta’ Destroys Sony PSP Action Competition
Submitted by BrianTT on October 29, 2010 - 11:17amCHICAGO – With the best-selling “God of War III” still resonating like an almighty thunderclap that hit gamers barely over half a year ago, is it too soon for another adventure of one of the last decade’s most influential and important characters? And with the continuous decline in the number of interesting properties available for the Sony PSP, will “God of War: Ghost of Sparta” feel like an afterthought or an essential property in the Kratos canon?
Film Review: ‘The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest’ Underlines Franchise Limitations
Submitted by mattmovieman on October 29, 2010 - 7:44amCHICAGO – Now that the third and final installment of Stieg Larsson’s posthumously published, phenomenally popular book series has been turned into a feature film, the questions emerges: ‘Was it worth it?’ To the worldwide box office and the creatively bankrupt Hollywood, of course it was. But were moviegoers truly satisfied by the experience?
James MacArthur, Danno on Original ‘Hawaii Five-0,’ is Dead at 72
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 29, 2010 - 7:22amCHICAGO – James MacArthur, a stage and screen actor best known for playing the booking agent Danno in the 1960s version of the TV show “Hawaii Five-0,” died on October 28th, 2010, of natural causes. He was 72. HollywoodChicago.com interviewed MacArthur last March at the Hollywood Celebrities and Memorabilia Show.
‘The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest’ Underlines Franchise Limitations
Submitted by mattmovieman on October 29, 2010 - 7:12amRating: 3.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Now that the third and final installment of Stieg Larsson’s posthumously published, phenomenally popular book series has been turned into a feature film, the questions emerges: ‘Was it worth it?’ To the worldwide box office and the creatively bankrupt Hollywood, of course it was. But were moviegoers truly satisfied by the experience?
Video Game Review: ‘Rock Band 3’ Delivers Music Thrills For Hardcore Fans of Hit Franchise
Submitted by BrianTT on October 28, 2010 - 8:32pmCHICAGO – The developers of “Rock Band 3” have surely heard the bell-ringers who claim that the music game genre is dead and have accepted the challenge presented to them. People have been proclaiming rock to be dead for decades only to be proven wrong by an amazing new release. Does “Rock Band 3” disprove the naysayers and reinvigorate the oversaturated genre?
HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 25 ‘Megamind’ Early Movie Passes Plus 5 Xbox 360, 5 Wii, 5 DS Video Games
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on October 28, 2010 - 4:55pmCHICAGO – Massive giveaway! In our latest edition of HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 25 admit-two advance-screening movie tickets up for grabs to the new film “Megamind” along with five Xbox 360, five Nintendo Wii and five Nintendo DS video games!
Blu-Ray Review: ‘Seven Samurai’ Lives Up to Legendary Reputation
Submitted by BrianTT on October 28, 2010 - 1:20pmCHICAGO – If one looks at the spine of a Criterion Collection release, he will see a number that indicates the order in which films have been inducted into the most important DVD/Blu-ray series in history. With over 500 films in the collection (this week’s “Paths of Glory” is #538), one might wonder where it all began. “Grand Illusion,” which Criterion no longer has rights to, is #1 but their second inductee has recently been transferred to Blu-ray and the two-disc release for “Seven Samurai” is a beauty.
Blu-Ray Review: Ultimate Editions of Third, Fourth ‘Harry Potter’ Films
Submitted by BrianTT on October 28, 2010 - 11:54amCHICAGO – Hardcore “Harry Potter” fans will have to clear some shelf space this holiday season for the gigantic “Ultimate Edition” releases of “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” and “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.” Timed to coincide with the upcoming release of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” in November, Warner Bros. has released the third and fourth film in their money-machine, complete with collectibles and new special features that could feel like overkill for most but will make for a happy holiday season for the Potter nut in your clan of Muggles.
Blu-Ray Review: ‘Predators’ Reboot Plays Better at Home, But Still Disappoints
Submitted by BrianTT on October 28, 2010 - 10:24amCHICAGO – Perhaps it’s because it is so clearly inspired by a retro style of action but Nimrod Antal’s “Predators,” now available on Blu-ray and DVD, plays better at home than it did at the disappointing theatrical screening in the middle of summer 2010. It’s still a bit of a disappointment, but it’s one of those films that’s nowhere near as bad as it could have been and features a few strong set pieces, especially in HD.
Blu-Ray Review: Baz Luhrmann’s ‘Moulin Rouge!,’ ‘Romeo + Juliet’ Made For HD
Submitted by BrianTT on October 28, 2010 - 9:45amCHICAGO – Baz Luhrmann has made two great films and one masterpiece in “Strictly Ballroom,” “William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet,” and “Moulin Rouge!” and the latter two are finally available on Blu-ray, the format for which they were made. In the only way we should expect from a perfectionist like Luhrmann, both films have been lovingly remastered in HD and accompanied by excellent special features. They’re a pair of great HD releases.
Film Feature: The 10 Scariest Scenes in Film History
Submitted by BrianTT on October 28, 2010 - 2:43amCHICAGO – A truly scary movie doesn’t release you from its grip when the end credits begin to roll. It doesn’t evaporate from your mind like a pleasurable yet disposable piece of escapist entertainment. It burrows itself within your subconscious and follows you like a malevolent shadow until night falls.
HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 2 Prize Packs For USA Network’s ‘Burn Notice’
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on October 28, 2010 - 1:22amCHICAGO – In our latest edition of HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: TV, we have two prize packs up for grabs for the return of USA Network’s “Burn Notice” on Nov. 11, 2010!
Film News: James Cameron to Helm ‘Avatar 2,’ ‘Avatar 3’
Submitted by mattmovieman on October 27, 2010 - 9:03pmCHICAGO – How does a filmmaker follow up the highest-grossing movie of all time? For writer and director James Cameron, the answer is simple: make the movie a trilogy.
Blu-Ray Review: ‘Mirrors 2’ is Even Worse Than You Imagine it Could Be
Submitted by BrianTT on October 27, 2010 - 7:38pmCHICAGO – Horror fans are a patient and resilient group. We have suffered through dozens of horrible straight-to-DVD sequels, often to films that barely worked in the first place, but we keep going back for another round of torture just in case one of them delivers (and, for the record, “Wrong Turn 2” is definitely better than the first film but the list ends shortly thereafter). The latest trip to the sequel funhouse is “Mirrors 2,” a pedestrian, predictable thriller that makes the first film look like “The Shining” by comparison. It’s horrible.
Blu-Ray Review: ‘Robocop Trilogy’ Features One Great Movie
Submitted by BrianTT on October 27, 2010 - 7:34pmCHICAGO – Movie collectors can be gluttons for punishment. We strive to have complete collections of certain filmmakers or film franchises, even if we know better when it comes to actual quality. Such is the case with those of us excited that the “Robocop Trilogy” is now available on Blu-ray, given the fact that the first movie is an absolute classic while the two sequels are perfect examples of what NOT to do with a franchise.
Film News: ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ is Christopher Nolan’s Third Batman Film; Villain Isn’t The Riddler
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on October 27, 2010 - 3:53pmCHICAGO – “The Dark Knight” and “Batman Begins” mastermind Christopher Nolan made big Batman news today with two items that can now be confirmed: “The Dark Knight Rises” is the name of his third Batman film and The Riddler won’t be his villain in it.
Interview: Betsy Russell Completes the Jigsaw Puzzle in ‘Saw 3D’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 27, 2010 - 1:18pmCHICAGO – Betsy Russell possibly made one of the greatest feature film debut moments in movie history. In the early VHS and cable days, no one can ever forget her epic horse ride in “Private School.” It’s great to have Betsy back, adding her legacy to the incredibly successful “Saw” horror franchise, this time in “Saw 3D.”
Interview: Tim Gunn on ‘Project Runway,’ New Book, Current Fashion
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 26, 2010 - 8:50pmCHICAGO – October 28th is the season finale of Lifetime Network’s popular “Project Runway,” As contestants Andy, Mondo and Gretchen take their final designs to New York’s Fashion Week, backstage will be the show’s mentor, the inimitable Tim Gunn. His new book is “Gunn’s Golden Rules: Life’s Little Lessons for Making It Work.”
Exclusive Portrait: Hilary Duff in Chicago For Her New Novel ‘Elixir’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 26, 2010 - 11:33amCHICAGO – Actress, Pop Singer, TV & Movie Star Hilary Duff can now add author to her resume, as her first young adult novel, “Elixir” is climbing up the best seller charts. Duff made a recent appearance greeting fans and signing her book at Anderson’s Bookshop in Naperville, Illinois, on October 16th, 2010.
Exclusive Portrait: Raquel Welch Honored By Women in Film Chicago
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 26, 2010 - 8:41amCHICAGO – Women in Film Chicago held their Focus Awards on October 14th, 2010, at the Chicago Mart Plaza, honoring three outstanding women in the media. Hollywood legend Raquel Welch, local Chicago TV icon Merri Dee and television producer Jamie Ceaser basked in the acclaim at the event.
TV Review: HBO’s ‘In Treatment’ With Gabriel Byrne Continues Display of Acting Excellence
Submitted by BrianTT on October 25, 2010 - 7:26amCHICAGO – There are not many better showcases for an actor or actress than HBO’s amazing “In Treatment,” one of the best dramas of the last several years, which returns tonight, October 25th, 2010, for another round of character-driven therapy.
Book Review: Elmore Leonard Takes His Crime-Writing Skills to ‘Djibouti’
Submitted by BrianTT on October 25, 2010 - 7:15amCHICAGO – Well into his eighties, the great Elmore Leonard continues to churn out accomplished crime novels at a pace and skill level that shames men one-quarter his age. Time has not slowed one of the best crime writers of the last fifty years in any way and while his latest, “Djibouti,” may not stand as one of his best, it certainly does nothing to sully his amazing reputation.
Video Game Review: Addictive, Hilarious ‘Super Scribblenauts’ For Nintendo DS
Submitted by BrianTT on October 25, 2010 - 7:10amCHICAGO – Puzzle games don’t get any more inventive or enjoyable than the ridiculously addictive “Super Scribblenauts,” a game that challenges the player to come up with the most creative way possible to solve a puzzle. Unlike many Nintendo DS puzzle game which require you to use the analytical part of your brain, this wonderful title demands that you think outside of the box. It’s one of the best games you could buy for your DS.
Slideshow: 13-Image Gallery For ‘Saw 3D’ Starring Cary Elwes, Betsy Russell
Submitted by BrianTT on October 25, 2010 - 7:04amCHICAGO – This 13-image slideshow contains all of the official press images for the highly-anticipated “Saw 3D,” starring Cary Elwes, Betsy Russell, Costas Mandylor, Tobin Bell, and Sean Patrick Flanery. The film was written by Patrick Melton & Marcus Dunston and directed by Kevin Greutart. It will be released on October 29th, 2010.
DVD Round-Up: ‘The Mentalist,’ ‘Dollhouse,’ ‘Lost Boys: The Thirst’
Submitted by BrianTT on October 25, 2010 - 6:57amCHICAGO – The DVD Round-Up is back to do some catch-up around the HollywoodChicago.com office of a few titles that either arrived a bit past their fresh-by date or we couldn’t find time to cover with full reviews. We still think you might want to know the details about these releases as you begin your holiday shopping, and so the DVD Round-Up returns. We hope you didn’t miss us too badly.
Interview: Director Chris Folkens on ‘Diversion’ Premiere at 2010 Hollywood Film Festival
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 23, 2010 - 6:37pmCHICAGO – The festival premiere of a new film is a great day for a director, and Chris Folkens is celebrating his new short film, “Diversion,” with an opening at the 2010 Hollywood Film Festival on October 23rd. Diversion is a taut thriller shot all in Chicago, as great a valentine to the city as a well-done paranoid narrative.