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.
Harry Potter
Film Review: Law-Abiding ‘Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on April 14, 2022 - 11:31amCHICAGO – The elements of the Fantastic Beasts franchise that work at all are the ones most closely connected to the larger world of Harry Potter that enchanted the hearts and minds of millions in the first place. In “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore,” it’s ostensible main character Newt Scamander demoted to supporting character while Dumbledore is now front and center.
Film Review: ‘Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald’ Goes Deeper into Harry Potter World
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 16, 2018 - 1:48pmCHICAGO – “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” is like the “Joey” of film franchises, a spinoff which only exists because of its tangential connections to a better (and more beloved) property. But since this is our only current filmed connection to the “wizarding world of Harry Potter,” it’ll have to do.
Film News: Alan Rickman, Snape in Harry Potter, Dies at 69
Submitted by PatrickMcD on January 14, 2016 - 9:55amLONDON – He lived in a show age when a classically trained British actor could also portray a German villain, an indecisive husband and one of the most memorable characters in the Harry Potter series. Alan Rickman was all of these, and he did it with a signature style. Rickman died in London at age 69 on January 14, 2016.
Interview: John Michael Performs the One-Man ‘Order of the Penix’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on December 3, 2015 - 11:03pmCHICAGO – Occasionally we can be surprised through true wonder and serendipity. In August of 2015, John Michael – a Texas native and one-man-show artist – crushed out the funny at the Abbie Hoffman Died for Our Sins theater festival, by making his Chicago debut with “John Michael & the Order of the Penix.” For two consecutive upcoming Saturdays – Dec. 5th and 12th – he returns to the scene of his debut, the Mary-Arrchie Theater at Angel Island in Chicago, to perform the show once again.
HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 20 Family 4-Packs to ‘Paddington’ Based on Beloved Novels
Submitted by HollywoodChicago.com on January 6, 2015 - 5:57pmCHICAGO – Family 4-packs! In the latest HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 20 family 4-packs (80 seats in total) up for grabs to the family comedy “Paddington” from “Harry Potter” producer David Heyman based on the beloved novels by Michael Bond!
Film Review: An Unnatural Approach to Romance in ‘What If’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 8, 2014 - 6:05pmCHICAGO – “What If” is a really bad title, but that is the least of the film’s concerns, apparently, as the old can-man-and-women-be-friends canard rears its indecisive but predictable head (snicker). This time it’s interpreted through Harry Potter and Elia Kazan’s granddaughter, if this is to be believed.
Blu-ray Review: Amazing Gift Set For ‘Harry Potter Wizard’s Collection’
Submitted by BrianTT on September 27, 2012 - 5:20pmCHICAGO – Do you have a diehard “Harry Potter” fan in your family? No, I don’t mean someone who likes Harry Potter. I’m talking someone who is DEVOTED to the world created by J.K. Rowling. Because it takes some serious devotion to commit to the “Harry Potter Wizard’s Collection,” a new Blu-ray box set from Warner Bros. that includes a stunning THIRTY-ONE DISCS along with numerous physical collectibles, new special features, and a marvelous case. It’s incredibly expensive but also incredibly cool.
Film News: ‘The Hunger Games’ Grosses $19.7 Million at Midnight
Submitted by TimBMartens on March 23, 2012 - 12:30pmCHICAGO – If you weren’t sure “The Hunger Games” was going to be as big as predicted, the news this morning may change your mind. Midnight showing totals for the new film are estimated to be $19.7 million. This record breaking number lands just above “The Dark Knight” at number seven in all-time midnight showing totals, and sits behind six other films with the words “Harry Potter” or “Twilight” in their titles.
Blu-ray Review: Stellar Release For ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows -- Part 2’
Submitted by BrianTT on November 15, 2011 - 4:22pmCHICAGO – The Blu-ray release for “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 2” is one of those wonderful circumstances in which this critic finds the home release more remarkable than the theatrical. I had some issues with the final film, although would still certainly recommend it, especially if you’ve made it this far, but that doesn’t mean I can’t recognize that the Blu-ray is among the best of the year.
Film News: ‘Harry Potter’ Actor Charged With Possession of Homemade Bomb
Submitted by TimBMartens on October 12, 2011 - 12:46pmCHICAGO – “Harry Potter” actor Jamie Waylett, who played Draco Malfoy’s good friend Vincent Crabbe for six of the Potter films, is facing a number of charges for his involvement in this past summer’s London riots; charges that include possession of a homemade bomb.