Chicago

CHICAGO – The world was rocked on December 27th, 2023, when the report came through that South Korean (SK) actor Lee Sun-kyun – who had a prominent role in the 2019 Oscar Best Picture “Parasite’ – had died from an apparent suicide in Seoul (SK), months after his appearance during Closing Night at Chicago’s Asian Pop-Up Cinema (APUC), where he represented his outrageous new comedy, “Killing Romance

CHICAGO – DVD editions from Paramount Home Entertainment’s most popular films are on tap for holiday and general gift giving, and several are in the latest 4K ULTRA HD format … providing high definition pixel imagery that is PERFECT for backyard or any projected film nights.

CHICAGO – In 1963, Judy Garland had a CBS-TV variety series, and in December there was a Christmas episode featuring her kids … including Liza Minnelli. Playwright Desiree Burcum and the comedy troupe FAMOUS IN THE FUTURE have created (click link) ”A Judy Christmas” as a stage play.

CHICAGO – It was another city in another time when Andrew Davis directed his first film “Stony Island” in 1970s Chicago. The film was released in 1978 to acclaim, but faded into the mist of cinema. Andrew Davis is back in his hometown to introduce “Stony Island” at the Gene Siskel Film Center on Friday, November 17th, 2023. For tickets and info, click STONY ISLAND.

CHICAGO – When a locally filmed romantic Christmas movie was released last week on HULU, the audience comfort and joy for this genre was proven once again by its TOP TEN trending status on the streaming service. The merry elf director behind “Reporting for Christmas” is Chicago-based Jack C. Newell.

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com Audio Theater Review of “Spank Bank Time Machine,” an uproarious journey created by monologist John Michael, opening November 2nd, 2023, at the Neo-Futurist Theater in Chicago. For info and tickets, click SPANK BANK.

CHICAGO – Season 17 of Chicago’s Asian Pop-Up Cinema’s (APUC17) had their Closing Night on October 7th, 2023, with a special screening of “Killing Romance” … part of their South Korean Film Showcase … which included an appearance by SK movie star Lee Sun Kyun, who also had a prominent role in the Oscar Best Picture “Parasite.”

CHICAGO – Stand-up comic Liz Miele is a true comedy veteran, even in her current youth. She began her career at age 16 and has kept up with the evolution of both comedy and reaching an audience, as evidenced by her YouTube specials garnering millions of views. She brings her act to Chicago on October 22nd, 2023 (7:15pm), at the Den Theatre on Milwaukee Avenue. For tickets and info, click LIZ MIELE.

CHICAGO – The City of Neighborhoods is Chicago, and director/co-writer Haroula Rose (with co-writer Coby Goss) has constructed a modern issue “dramedy” set there entitled “All Happy Families,” which has its World Premiere at the 59th Chicago International Film Festival on October 12th, 2023. For tickets and info, click FAMILIES.

CHICAGO – Season 17 of Chicago’s Asian Pop-Up Cinema’s (APUC17) wraps up with a South Korean Cinema Showcase on October 6th-7th, 2023, featuring a special in-person appearance by actor Lee Sun-Kyun of the Oscar Best Picture “Parasite,” representing his new film “Killing Romance.” For appearance details and ticket info, click