CHICAGO – The late playwright August Wilson left a gift to the world in the form of his “American Century Cycle,” a series of plays each individually set in a decade of the 20th Century, focusing on the black experience. Chicago’s Goodman Theatre presents Wilson’s “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone,” now through May 19th, 2024 (click here).
HollywoodChicago.com Arts & Entertainment News
Video Game Review: ‘From Dust’ Approaches Arcade Gaming From New Angle
Submitted by BrianTT on August 11, 2011 - 7:17pmCHICAGO – “From Dust” is such a unique, unusual experience that it’s tempting to recommend it based purely on its originality. It stands out from the crowd and, for that fact alone, deserves a look for those of you with credit to burn and in need of something refreshing. Ambition needs to be matched by execution though and there are frustrating elements of “From Dust” that can’t be ignored.
Blu-Ray Review: HD Amplifies Strengths of Hit Family Film ‘Rio’
Submitted by BrianTT on August 11, 2011 - 6:55pmCHICAGO – Blue Sky Studios’ “Rio” feels nearly designed for Blu-ray as the film’s strengths are amplified by the world of HD video and sound. With bright colors and Brazilian music, it’s easier to get sucked into the world of this so-so family flick, and a large number of special features makes it easier to overlook the unsatisfactory nature of the actual movie. The important thing is that the little ones in your family will be captivated by the talking, dancing birds with the colorful plumage, especially in 1080p.
HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 50 Pairs of Chicago Passes to 2011 Sundance Winner ‘Senna’ on Formula One Racing
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on August 11, 2011 - 4:12pmCHICAGO – In our latest documentary edition of HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 50 admit-two passes up for grabs to the advance Chicago screening of “Senna” about Brazilian Formula One race car champion Ayrton Senna!
Film Review: ‘Final Destination 5’ Plays Like 3D Cartoon For Horror Fans
Submitted by BrianTT on August 11, 2011 - 2:11pmCHICAGO – The “Final Destination” movies have become an increasingly-excessive orgy of gore with a twisted sense of humor – the Grim Reaper isn’t just coming for you, he’s going to have some fun before you go.
TV News: HBO’s ‘True Blood’ Renewed For Fifth Season
Submitted by BrianTT on August 11, 2011 - 1:16pmCHICAGO – The trend of vampire culture in movies and television seems to be continuing strong in the entertainment and pop culture world. The HBO hit series “True Blood,” which is currently on the air in its fourth season, has been renewed for a fifth season set to begin production later this year. The fifth season is scheduled to debut in the summer of 2012.
Film News: ‘Twilight’ Star Kiowa Jordan Released From Jail
Submitted by BrianTT on August 11, 2011 - 12:08pmCHICAGO – While the next “Twilight” film is set to be released this coming November, one cast member is happy his release was much sooner. Wolfpack member and, presumably, loyal ‘Team Jacob’ supporter Kiowa Gordon, who plays the character of Embry Call, was released from jail Wednesday after being arrested earlier this week.
Film Review: French ‘Point Blank’ is Streamlined, Effective Thriller
Submitted by BrianTT on August 11, 2011 - 9:47am Rating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Fred Cavaye follows his international hit “Anything For Her” (remade here as the Russell Crowe vehicle “The Next Three Days”) with another sure-to-be-remade action thriller yet again about an unlucky man going to whatever ends required to save the love of his life. With crackerjack pacing and a driven, no-frills script that brings the whole thing to a lean close in under 80 minutes (sans credits), “Point Blank” is an adrenalin-driven shot to the arthouse scene. It may be ultimately too inconsequential and a bit too manipulative to be considered great, but it’s still pretty damn enjoyable.
Film News: Third ‘Noir City: Chicago’ Festival Opens at Music Box Theatre
Submitted by mattmovieman on August 11, 2011 - 9:25amCHICAGO – Diabolical twins, obsessed journalists and jail-breaking thugs are heading their way to the Music Box Theatre. The Film Noir Foundation’s third installment of “Noir City: Chicago” features no less than sixteen restored 35mm prints of must-see cinematic rarities.
HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 40 Pairs of Chicago Passes to ‘Conan the Barbarian’ in 3D
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on August 10, 2011 - 7:06pmCHICAGO – In our latest 3D action/adventure edition of HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 40 admit-two passes up for grabs to the advance Chicago screening of “Conan the Barbarian” in 3D with Jason Momoa!
TV, Film News: Remakes Planned For ‘Bewitched,’ ‘Dirty Dancing’
Submitted by BrianTT on August 10, 2011 - 2:31pmCHICAGO – Fans of the 1987 film “Dirty Dancing” may need to dust off their dancing shoes and get ready to have the time of their life again. Kenny Ortega, the choreographer of the original “Dirty Dancing” as well as the director of the “High School Musical” films and the Michael Jackson documentary “This Is It,” has been in contact with Lionsgate about directing a remake of the Patrick Swayze/Jennifer Grey original.
TV News: TBS Cancels Talk Show ‘Lopez Tonight’ With George Lopez
Submitted by BrianTT on August 10, 2011 - 2:26pmCHICAGO – Big news in from TBS. After almost two years on the air, “Lopez Tonight” has been given the boot. The late night talk show that premiered November 9, 2009 isn’t just coming to a close; it’s more like a crashing halt.
Video Game Review: Fun ‘Phineas and Ferb: Across the Second Dimension’
Submitted by BrianTT on August 10, 2011 - 11:16amCHICAGO – Disney’s “Phineas and Ferb” is one of the most clever cartoons on the air right now, but that didn’t mean I wasn’t completely dreading the newest video game tie-in, “Phineas and Ferb: Across the Second Dimension,” now available for PS3, Xbox 360, and Nintendo Wii, and timed to tie-in with the hit movie that premiered this week on the Disney Channel.
Blu-Ray Review: ‘Your Highness’ is One of 2011’s Most Disappointing Comedies
Submitted by BrianTT on August 10, 2011 - 10:25amCHICAGO – David Gordon Green’s “Your Highness” still makes me sad. Not only am I giant fan of nearly everyone involved but the concept of a pot-fueled riff on the fantasy-adventure films more popular in the ’80s is a great one. And yet, even watching it again on Blu-ray and DVD, “Your Highness” just sinks, deflating my like a leaky balloon. I’m gonna go cry now.
