HollywoodChicago.com Arts & Entertainment News

CHICAGO – The last year in television will be remembered as a very funny one as hit new comedies like “Glee,” “Modern Family,” and “Community” joined seasoned veterans like “30 Rock,” “The Office,” and “How I Met Your Mother” on lists of the best laugh-fests on the tube. Arguably the best of them all was also the oldest — the amazing seventh season of HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” now available on DVD and simply spectacular.

Video Game Rating: 5.0/5.0

CHICAGO – Rarely has a game lived up to the advance hype as completely as “Red Dead Redemption,” the very unique title that will be influential in so many ways that they’re almost hard to count. There have been titles that pushed the gaming world forward in terms of single-player campaigns or multi-player experiences or gameplay or graphics, but “Red Dead Redemption” is a masterpiece on every discernable level. It’s doubtful you’ll play anything better all year.

CHICAGO – The great television creator Shawn Ryan (“The Shield”) has taken over “Lie to Me” and turned what was a pretty generic mystery-of-the-week show into something that’s deserving of your attention. Taking the great Tim Roth and making him much more than just a cog in the serial machine, the two new episodes of “Lie to Me” that air tonight and next week make for intense, excellent television.

CHICAGO – Coming from the punishing fires has never been wackier in the new animated TV series from TBS, “Neighbors From Hell.” Featuring the voice talent of Patton Oswalt, Molly Shannon and Kurtwood Smith, Neighbors reminds us that our current paradise is closer to actual hell than ever before.

CHICAGO – A great Blu-ray can come from the most unexpected places. Who would have guessed that the relatively disappointing “The Wolfman” with Benicio Del Toro, Emily Blunt, and Anthony Hopkins would result in one of the best Blu-ray releases of the year to date? With a superior version of the film, perfect HD, and amazing special features, this is a spectacular release.

CHICAGO – With the passing of Rue McClanahan last week, the era of “The Golden Girls” is fast fading (has Betty White had the weirdest year ever?). HollywoodChicago.com salutes Blanche Devereaux and the long career of Rue McClanahan with an exclusive portrait by our ace photographer Joe Arce.