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.
Gene Wilder
Feature: Pure Imagination for Gene Wilder and Timothée Chalamet in Wonka vs. Wonka
Submitted by PatrickMcD on January 6, 2024 - 1:36pmCHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on January 4th, 2024, comparing “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971) with “Wonka” (2023), which is currently in theaters.
Film Review: Charming Timothée Chalomet Brings the Willy to ‘Wonka’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on December 15, 2023 - 9:06amCHICAGO – “Wonka” is a sweet, perhaps too sweet, musical origin story of the world famous cantankerous candy man. Timothée Chalomet has got a song in his heart and sweets up his sleeve in a movie that threatens to give old fashioned “family films” a good name once again.
Film News: Gene Wilder of ‘Willy Wonka’ Fame Dies at 83
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 29, 2016 - 6:00pm- Blazing Saddles
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LOS ANGELES – The genius comedy of Gene Wilder was often in the subtlety. With a slow burn or a raised eyebrow, Wilder was able to draw big laughs. The star of “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” and “Young Frankenstein” died in Stamford, Connecticut, according to his nephew in Los Angeles. He was 83.
Blu-ray Review: Film Doesn’t Get Much Funnier Than ‘The Producers’
Submitted by BrianTT on July 17, 2013 - 11:59amCHICAGO – Mel Brooks’ “The Producers,” recently released in a perfect collector’s edition with both SD and HD versions accompanied by spectacular special features by Shout Factory, may be a perfect comedy. It has that perfect balance of incredibly smart humor and physical antics that would define a lot of Brooks’ best work. It won the Oscar for Best Screenplay and, unlike a lot of films from the ’60s, would win it again today were it released tomorrow.
TV Review: ‘Mel Brooks: Make a Noise’ Captures Comedy Genius
Submitted by BrianTT on May 20, 2013 - 9:47amCHICAGO – I’m a huge Mel Brooks fan, one of those critics who bows at the altar of arguably the two best comedies of all time, “Blazing Saddles” & “Young Frankenstein.” I’ve seen them both a dozen times and can’t wait to watch them again.
DVD Review: ‘The Incredible Mel Brooks’ Offers Timeless Comedy
Submitted by BrianTT on November 23, 2012 - 12:18pmCHICAGO – Mel Brooks is an indisputable genius and his comic mastery gets a perfect tribute in the 5-DVD-and-1-CD set from Shout Factory, “The Incredible Mel Brooks,” a treasure trove of rare clips, old TV shows, appearances, and recollections from one of comedy’s greatest writers. This is a fantastic set, a perfect gift for the comedy fan in your family.
Interview: ‘Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory’ Star Peter Ostrum as Charlie
Submitted by PatrickMcD on December 26, 2011 - 4:43pmCHICAGO – One of the great children’s films is “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory,” released in 1971. As the movie celebrates its 40th Anniversary with a lavish new Blu-ray package, the main child star of film, Peter Ostrum (Charlie Bucket), made an appearance at the 2011 Chicago Wizard World Comic Con.
Blu-Ray Review: Limited Edition Gift Set For ‘Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory’
Submitted by BrianTT on October 26, 2011 - 1:38pmCHICAGO – Warner Bros. is unmatched when it comes to repackaging their beloved films for holiday season Blu-ray gift sets. Every season brings a handful of new limited edition gift sets with physical collectibles, HD transfers, and fan-centric packaging. Past releases include “A Christmas Story,” “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” and “Elf.”
Blu-Ray Review: ‘Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory’ in HD
Submitted by BrianTT on October 20, 2009 - 12:26amCHICAGO – You can keep Tim Burton’s remake of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” with Johnny Depp. I’ll be watching the classic “Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory,” recently released on Blu-Ray, for years to come. It’s not a must-own family film release like the recent “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” or “Wizard of Oz” packages, but the film remains remarkably timeless.