Tropic Thunder

CHICAGO – Celebrities rarely are as multi-faceted as Maria Menounos. The Greek American ex-beauty queen is the current co-host – with Mario Lopez – of “Extra,” the popular entertainment news program. This is after correspondent duties on “Access Hollywood,” appearing on the “Today” show and acting in TV’s “Without a Trace” and “One Tree Hill.”

CHICAGO – Proving that what Judd Apatow has brought to the comedy genre in the last decade is much harder than it looks, “She’s Out of My League” has an extremely likable cast but writers and a director who mistake gross-out humor for genuine laughs. It’s one of those disappointing comedies for people who can’t say the word ejaculation without laughing like Beavis.

CHICAGO – Justin Theroux has a long resume as both a cult actor (”Muholland Dr.”) and screenwriter (”Tropic Thunder”). Through a key connection and his own point-of-view, he was hired to write “Iron Man 2,” the sequel to one of the biggest blockbusters ever.

CHICAGO – For audiences increasingly accustomed to watching movies at home instead of at the multiplex, it was an interesting year for DVDs and Blu-rays.

CHICAGO – In the inaugural HollywoodChicago.com podcast, our staffers debate 2008’s summer blockbuster films.