Eugene Levy

CHICAGO – It was 25 years ago today – March 4th, 1994 – that comic actor John Candy died on the set of the film “Wagons East.” It was his 45th feature film, that extended back 21 years. One of his co-stars was John C. McGinley, best known as the irascible Perry Cox on the sitcom “Scrubs.” In a HollywoodChicago.com exclusive soundbite below, McGinley describes the atmosphere on the fateful day the cast was told of Candy’s passing.

CHICAGO – Pixar’s sequel to its underwater animated tearjerker “Finding Nemo” isn’t quite in the same league, but “Finding Dory” is satisfying all the same. This time the story focuses on Marlin and Nemo’s forgetful friend Dory, as she searches for the family she can’t quite remember.

CHICAGO – Few comedies from the ’80s are as beloved and rewatchable as “National Lampoon’s Vacation,” a surprise hit that produced multiple sequels and legions of fans. It’s probably playing somewhere on cable right now and will be for another three decades. However, in those cable airings, you won’t get to see the feature-length documentary, “Inside Story,” about the making of the film featuring new interviews with nearly all of the major players from Chevy Chase to Harold Ramis to Jane Krakowski. If you’re a comedy fan, the Blu-ray is worth picking up just for that special feature alone.

CHICAGO – The more one is familiar with the art of improv, the more one is bound to fall head over heels in love with the mockumentaries of Christopher Guest. Working from a mere scene outline, Guest and his ensemble of top-drawer comedians bring a colorful assortment of richly eccentric oddballs to life. Their ad-libbed dialogue is infinitely funnier than scripted punchlines since it emerges organically from their character’s own warped worldview.

CHICAGO – In the latest HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Combo Pack with our unique social giveaway technology, we have 5 free Blu-ray and DVD combo packs up for grabs to the unrated version of “American Reunion” starring Jason Biggs and Tara Reid!

CHICAGO – In the latest HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film with our unique social giveaway technology, we have 25 admit-two movie passes up for grabs to the advance screening of the new ice hockey comedy “Goon” starring Sean William Scott!

CHICAGO – For a brief shining moment, it looked like the cast of 1999’s “American Pie” would be the break-out stars of the new millenium. Sadly, 13 years have passed and most of them haven’t fulfilled on their potential with a few never topping that first film, which is still a sweet, raunchy, comedy classic. Therefore, I’m sure most of the “Pie” kids were ecstatic that a fourth film, “American Reunion,” finally got off the ground, to be released on April 2nd, 2012. Before you catch up with them in a theater, catch up at home with the release of the first three films — the great “American Pie,” the decent “American Pie 2,” and the pretty-bad “American Wedding.”

CHICAGO – We’ve gone from apple pie to PB-and-J. No, I’m not kidding. The opening scene of “American Pie Presents: The Book of Love” features a character turning away from internet porn so he can bang his lunch. When his dog ‘joins in,’ he doesn’t stop him. Laughing yet? If you thought this straight-to-DVD franchise had hit the bottom of the barrel before, it turns out they’ve found another barrel below the false floor and it’s filled to the brim with horrible comedy.

CHICAGO – Ang Lee’s take on the landmark music festival isn’t a film so much as a filmed idea. It aims to capture the atmosphere of the concert without ever showing the actual music. Of course, the real show was the crowd itself.

CHICAGO – The cartoon universe is replete with superheroes, none more distinct than the title character in the new animated film “Astro Boy.” Based on a Japanese comic book from 1951, Astro Boy has new life in 3-D cartoon form.