CHICAGO – If you’ve never seen the farcical ensemble theater chestnut “Noises Off,” you will see no better version than on the Steppenwolf Theatre stage, now at their northside Chicago venue through November 3rd. For tickets and details for this riotous theater experience, click NOISES OFF.
JIM Reviews Film "MY LIFE IN RUINS" -- Less Ruins = More LIVING!
“MY LIFE IN RUINS” – Less Ruins = More LIVING!
Rating: 7 of 10 stars (per an advance screening) =
In 2003, NIA VARDALOS surprised the world (& possibly herself) by starring in a fabulously successful ‘small’ film called ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding’. This is a sort of belated “follow-up” to that success. This time, she plays a tour guide in Greece who grows increasingly discouraged at how the tourists don’t have an appreciation for the HISTORY (& its ruins) that she loves. The smorgasbord of travelers from various countries (including a kleptomaniac and a cellphone-dependent businessman) seem to prefer kitschy souvenirs to learning about the Hellenic culture as they travel around the country. Humor-loving widower Irv (RICHARD DREYFUSS) keeps urging her to try to ‘lighten-up’ & ENJOY life (including their bus-driver Poupi, played by ALEXIS GEORGOULIS). Little by little, she gets closer to her tourists, fights sabotage by a rival tour guide, and learns that, the more she relaxes and tries to interact with her charges, the happier and more open-minded EVERYONE becomes. It’s a simple light-hearted story, but well-acted (especially by the 2 main leads + many of the supporting players), and thus I think you’ll find the film charming and enjoyable.