David Wain

CHICAGO – Just like every year before it, there were no perfect films in 2014. I do not see this as a negative thing - reaching for greatness is far more electrifying than the plateau of achieving it, as presented in a hustler’s opus like ‘Whiplash,” which specifically eschews applause after a drum solo that just may have been perfection.

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Director David Wain of ‘They Came Together,’ the Opening Night Film.

CHICAGO – The second-annual Chicago Critics Film Festival, which took place from May 9 to May 15, 2014 at the Music Box Theatre from the Chicago Film Critics Association, has been one of the best film events of 2014 in Chicago. Over seven days, films from such diverse representatives as David Wain, Martin Starr, Dick Miller and Bobcat Goldthwait were unreeled for Chicago film aficionados.

CHICAGO – If there is any genre of film that needs a good blasting, it is the romantic comedy. These silly fantasies practically seem like satires anyway, so when the comic genius of writer/director David Wain ponders them, and casts Paul Rudd and Amy Poehler as the “couple,” the funny will fly.

CHICAGO – Now in its second year, the Chicago Film Critics Festival opens tonight, May 9th, 2014, with the Chicago Premiere of “They Came Together,” starring Paul Rudd, Amy Poelher, Ellie Kemper, Bill Hader and Ed Helms, and directed by David Wain. Wain makes an appearance after the 7pm screening at the Music Box Theatre in Chicago. Click here for details and the complete schedule for the week long festival.

CHICAGO – David Wain’s “Wanderlust” got screwed by Universal. There’s no reason that a movie this generally funny, smart, and enjoyable should only make just over $20 million worldwide. It’s the kind of solid comedy that is guaranteed a wider audience on Blu-ray and DVD. And the Universal Blu-ray is a strong enough one to help deserved word-of-mouth grow.

CHICAGO – Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim, most known for subversive, random, and often times down right disgusting television programming such as “Children’s Hospital,” “Tim & Eric’s Awesome Show,” “Aqua Teen Hunger Force,” and “Robot Chicken,” has announced a whole slate of new programming after coming off it’s highest ratings in the block’s 11-year history.

CHICAGO – In our latest comedy edition of HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 50 admit-two movie passes up for grabs to the advance screening of the raucous new comedy “Wanderlust” starring Paul Rudd and Jennifer Aniston!

Blu-Ray Rating: 4.0/5.0

CHICAGO – David Wain’s “Role Models” is far from a perfect comedy, but the Universal Blu-Ray release of it is one of the best of the year so far. The release of “Role Models” includes a great video transfer, entertaining series of special features, and a comedy that holds up pretty well on repeat viewing. What more do you want?