CHICAGO – When two brothers confront the sins of each other and it expands into a psychology of an entire race, it’s at a stage play found in Chicago’s Invictus Theatre Company production of “Topdog/Underdog,” now at their new home at the Windy City Playhouse through March 31st, 2024. Click TD/UD for tickets/info.
Demetri Martin
Interview, Audio: Comedian Demetri Martin on His Film ‘Dean’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 1, 2017 - 10:36amCHICAGO – The dry, hangdog demeanor of comedian Demetri Martin is familiar to fans who have watched his Comedy Central show, “Important Things,” experienced his notable stand up routines and read his best-selling books. It seemed a natural to leap into film, so Martin has written, directed and portrays the title character in the new release, “Dean.”
Exclusive Portrait: Important Things with Demetri Martin
Submitted by PatrickMcD on January 9, 2014 - 8:28pmCHICAGO – 2013 was another great year for Demetri Martin. The dry comedian released a new book, “Point Your Face at This” and co-starred in a well received independent film, “In a World…” Martin made an appearance in Chicago at the Barnes & Noble DePaul Center Loop store in April, and HollywoodChicago.com got the Exclusive Portrait.
Film Review: ‘In a World...’ Reveals a Voiceover of Heart, Hilarity
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 16, 2013 - 7:26pmCHICAGO – One the most familiar movie clichés is the sonorous voice that intones “In a world…” to begin a movie trailer, and then extols the virtues of that upcoming feature. Lake Bell, who wrote, directed and stars in the new movie, “In a World…,’ creates a delightful and gentle satire of voiceover artists and their journeys.
Interview: Actress Lake Bell Writes, Directs ‘In a World...’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 14, 2013 - 5:44pmCHICAGO – Lake Bell is a recognizable and successful character actress, having prominence in television (“Boston Legal”) and films (“It’s Complicated”). For her latest film, she wrote, directed and starred in a gentle parody of the voiceover profession, especially the intoned voices that narrate movie trailers, “In a World…”
Blu-Ray Review: ‘Take Me Home Tonight’ Features String of Bad Decisions
Submitted by BrianTT on July 27, 2011 - 5:14pmCHICAGO – Most comedies feature a few key decisions or even just a few moments where you, the viewer, know someone made the wrong choice. Whether it’s something as small as thinking that a punchline works when it doesn’t or something major like the wrong casting decision, modern movie goers are smart enough to tell when they’re watching something dumb. “Take Me Home Tonight,” recently released on Blu-ray and DVD is very, VERY dumb.
Preview: 2011 TBS ‘Just for Laughs Chicago’ Kicks Off June 15
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 15, 2011 - 9:29amCHICAGO – Hilarity is back in the Windy City as the annual “Just for Laughs” festival comes to town to kick off summer. Over the next five days, Chicago venues will be rocking with comedy legends like Steve Martin, and the smaller clubs around town will also be featuring up-and-coming acts.
Film Review: Topher Grace Goes to 1980s in ‘Take Me Home Tonight’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 4, 2011 - 8:30amCHICAGO – Nostalgia films need a couple of elements to make them work. First, instant recognition with the era, and second, a reason to go there. “Take Me Home Tonight” lacks both characteristics, and lead actor Topher Grace can’t seem to light a fire under the rest of it.
TV Review: ‘Important Things With Demetri Martin,’ ‘The Sarah Silverman Program’
Submitted by BrianTT on February 4, 2010 - 11:31amCHICAGO – Demetri Martin and Sarah Silverman are now back-to-back on Thursday nights on Comedy Central with “Important Things With Demetri Martin” and “The Sarah Silverman Program” and the two incredibly talented comedians make for a perfect fit as both shows have similar strengths and weaknesses.
Blu-Ray Review: ‘Taking Woodstock’ Has Plentiful Atmosphere, Little Depth
Submitted by mattmovieman on December 16, 2009 - 12:05pmCHICAGO – 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.
DVD Review: The Insignificance of ‘Important Things With Demetri Martin’
Submitted by BrianTT on September 21, 2009 - 10:12amCHICAGO – The inaugural sketch in the first season of Comedy Central’s “Important Things With Demetri Martin” takes place on a movie set where an actor knows his lines but can’t summon the proper emotions to make them believable. The character calls his unfaithful girlfriend some nasty names in what is supposed to be a fit of fury, but the words coming out of his mouth are said in a nonchalant, nearly cheery tone.