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.
Hank Azaria
Film Review: Notoriety Triggers the Breaking Point in ‘Lovelace’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 9, 2013 - 9:19amCHICAGO – It was one of the strangest star-is-born stories in show business history. One porn film – “Deep Throat” – permeates the American consciousness at precisely the right time. The “lead” actress in the film becomes a household name – and then becomes a victim of it – in ‘Lovelace.’
Blu-ray Review: Goofy ‘Hop’ Wants Your Easter Bunny Money
Submitted by BrianTT on April 2, 2012 - 3:27pmCHICAGO – They don’t make too many Easter movies. There are tons of Christmas movies. Halloween has a genre. Even “Independence Day.” But Easter is under-served. Based on “Hop,” there’s a reason for that. The film isn’t as torturous as I was expecting, but it definitely misses its mark for all but the littlest ones. If you have a toddler looking for something new to watch this Easter, it might get the job done. Everyone else, wait for another holiday.
Blu-ray Review: ‘Happy Feet Two’ Stands in Shadow of Superior Original
Submitted by BrianTT on March 26, 2012 - 5:29pmCHICAGO – Pick your pun — “Happy Feet Two” stumbles, trips, and has two left feet when compared to the Academy Award-winning original. Cluttered with characters, poorly paced, and tonally inconsistent, George Miller’s follow-up to his massive hit barely registered in theaters, but comes home with a pretty strong Blu-ray release from Warner Bros.
HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 5 ‘Hop’ Blu-rays With Russell Brand From ‘Despicable Me’ Makers
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on March 12, 2012 - 7:20pmCHICAGO – In our latest animated comedy/family edition of HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Blu-ray, we have 5 Blu-rays up for grabs for the highly anticipated home entertainment release of “Hop” starring Russell Brand and Chelsea Handler from the makers of “Despicable Me”!
Blu-ray Review: ‘The Smurfs’ Inspires Feelings of Intense Unhappiness
Submitted by mattmovieman on December 20, 2011 - 8:24amCHICAGO – Here is an alleged family film made with all the heart and invention of a cynical business deal. Not a single person involved in the production appears to have any concept of what constitutes quality family entertainment. It’s essentially 103 minutes of product placement, with the biggest product being the Smurfs. There’s also room for Rock Band, Google, M&Ms, the Blue Man Group and every single business located on Times Square.
HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 10 Blu-Ray, DVD Holiday Sets to ‘The Smurfs’; Plus Live Appearance
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on December 7, 2011 - 11:33pmCHICAGO – In our latest holiday set edition of the HollywoodChicago.com Hookup, we have 10 Blu-ray and DVD holiday sets up for grabs for the home release of “The Smurfs”!
Film Review: Fate Doesn’t Fail Them Now in ‘Happy Feet Two’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 18, 2011 - 11:11amCHICAGO – Dancing animated penguins, a tradition dating back to Disney’s “Mary Poppins” and brought to further life in the first “Happy Feet” movie, finds more stepping pep in “Happy Feet Two.” Robin Williams and Elijah Wood return to lend their vocal talents in this enjoyable sequel.
TV News: NBC Cancels Failed Comedy ‘Free Agents’
Submitted by BrianTT on October 6, 2011 - 2:54pmCHICAGO – NBC continues to be a network in ratings freefall (pretty much since “The Jay Leno Show” debacle) as they can now lay claim to not only the first show canceled in the Fall 2011 season (after axing “The Playboy Club” earlier this week) but the second as well. It was reported this afternoon that after last night’s anemic numbers for the third episode of “Free Agents,” a fourth episode won’t see the air.
TV Review: Neurotic, Annoying Characters Sink ‘Free Agents’
Submitted by BrianTT on September 14, 2011 - 12:13pmCHICAGO – Sitcoms need likable characters. We have to want to spend time with people to laugh at their insights or behavior (a lesson that the writers of “Entourage” forgot somewhere along the way) and comedies with people that are more annoying than humorous never last. Look no further than tonight’s debut of the awful “Free Agents,” a new NBC comedy with excellent actors given nothing entertaining to do.
Film Review: Only the Kiddies Will Connect to ‘The Smurfs’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on July 29, 2011 - 6:48pmCHICAGO – There is nothing wrong with “The Smurfs” that a thousand volts of electricity couldn’t cure. It is well made, looks good in the optional 3-D and has a competent cast trying their hardest. What it lacks is a spark, either of nostalgia or a fresh update, as it meanders with the seen-it-all-before template.