HollywoodChicago.com Content

Blu-Ray Review: Beloved Kevin Smith Films Released in High Definition

BrianTT — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:38:26 -0700

CHICAGO – Very few filmmakers provoke the same kind of passionate adoration as the sometimes-great Kevin Smith, a man who has such a following that he can sell out large theaters filled with people who merely want to ask him questions for hours. Smith is a charismatic, interesting, clever filmmaker and his best work reflect his gregarious personality. Three of his best are captured in “The Kevin Smith Collection,” including two films with all-new Blu-Ray material.

Blu-Ray Rating: 4.0/5.0

If you were designing the Kevin Smith set and could only pick three films, what would you choose? The man has directed eight full-length feature films and we can probably cut “Jersey Girl” from consideration from the beginning, leaving seven to choose from. Personally, I would go with three different periods of his work and choose “Clerks,” “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back,” and “Zack and Miri Make a Porno,” but then that would leave out his best film, “Chasing Amy”. As if they were on the same page, the producers of “Kevin Smith 3-Movie Collection” swapped out “Zack” for “Amy” and have selected three of Kevin’s best, all must-owns for fans of the filmmaker.

The Kevin Smith Collection featuring Clerks, Chasing Amy, and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back was released on Blu-Ray and DVD on November 17th, 2009.
Photo credit: Buena Vista Home Video

Smith’s first film, “Clerks,” is not only his most influential but one of the most influential that anyone made in the ’90s. It’s been copied ad nauseam (some would argue by the filmmaker himself) and still stands as a great testament to the power of independent filmmaking. I wonder if “Clerks” looks the same to a new generation raised on films with the same kind of pop-culture sensibility as it does to those of us who first saw it in theaters. It may look dated now, but it was ahead of its time when it came out.

The Kevin Smith Collection featuring Clerks, Chasing Amy, and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back was released on Blu-Ray and DVD on November 17th, 2009.
Photo credit: Buena Vista Home Video

“Clerks” is presented in 1080p High Definition with its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. There’s something about the guerilla style of filmmaking that made “Clerks” being presented in High Definition that seems a little off - it’s an expensive way to watch a cheap movie. The audio track is a perfect English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio mix.

Special features on this 15th Anniversary Edition of “Clerks” include a new introduction by Kevin Smith and “Oh, What a Lovely Tea Party: The Making of Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back,” an 87-minute documentary included on “Clerks” and not the relatively-devoid-of-special-features “Jay and Silent Bob” basically because they’ve run out of bonus material for this film and Smith didn’t want to rip fans off after they bought the three-disc Special Edition DVD.

All of the special features from that release have been imported including the theatrical and first versions of the film, a classic commentary circa ‘95, a trivia track, a first cut commentary track, a 2004 Kevin Smith intro, “Clerks: The Lost Scene” animated short, “The Flying Car,” MTV spots with Jay & Silent Bob, theatrical trailer, Soul Asylum “Can’t Even Tell” music video, “Clerks” restoration, original “Clerks” auditions, “Snowball Effect: The Story of Clerks,” “Mae Day: The Crumbling of a Documentary” with intro by Kevin Smith and Scott Mosier,” outtakes from “Snowball Effect,” and a 10th anniversary Q&A.

Smith’s best film, “Chasing Amy,” is the second in the set and the film has held up remarkably well over the years, still standing as Smith’s best blend of raunchy humor and honest emotion to date.

“Chasing Amy” is presented in 1080p High Definition with its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio and has been accompanied by a Dolby English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track.

Special features include the new & exclusive to Blu-Ray commentary with writer/director/actor Kevin Smith and producer Scott Mosier, “Tracing Amy: The Chasing Amy Doc,” “Was It Something I Said? A Conversation with Kevin & Joey,” and “10 Years Later Q & A - With Kevin Smith and the Cast”. Imported features include deleted scenes, outtakes and the film’s trailer.

Finally, the underrated and fun “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back,” which reportedly ended Smith’s time with these characters (at least until “Clerks II” came out) comes relatively bells-and-whistles free with just a commentary track. Jay and Silent Bob get no love. The film is presented in 1080p High Definition with a 2.35:1 aspect ratio and accompanied by an English 5.1 Uncompressed English track.

Ultimately, with a hefty $60-plus price tag, only very diehard fans will make the upgrade and at least two of the Blu-Rays include enough new bonus material to make the jump a little less painful.

‘Kevin Smith: 3-Movie Collection’ includes “Clerks,” “Chasing Amy,” and “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back” and is released by Buena Vista Home Video. “Clerks” stars Brian O’Halloran, Jeff Anderson, Marilyn Ghigliotti, Jason Mewes, and Lisa Spoonaur. “Chasing Amy” stars Ben Affleck, Joey Lauren Adams, Jason Lee, Dwight Ewell, and Jason Mewes. “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back” stars Ben Affleck, Eliza Dushku, Shannon Elizabeth, Will Ferrell, Ali Larter, Jason lee, Jason Mewes, and Chris Rock. All three films were written and directed by Kevin Smith. The films were released on Blu-Ray on November 17th, 2009.

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

Video Game Review: ‘Ratchet and Clank Future: A Crack in Time’

BrianTT — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:18:42 -0700

CHICAGO – There have been several highly-touted, well-marketed video game releases this season including “Uncharted 2,” “Assassin’s Creed II,” “Left For Dead 2,” and “COD: Modern Warfare 2,” but one of my most personally anticipated titles of the year has gone somewhat unnoticed. The lack of press made me wonder if perhaps I would be let down by “Ratchet and Clank Future: A Crack in Time”. Wonder no more - this is easily one of the best games of the year and a worthy entry (and reported finale) in this beloved franchise.

Video Game Rating: 5.0/5.0

As intensely addictive as anything released this year (or the last several), fans of the “Ratchet and Clank” series will have nothing to complain about and this title is entertaining enough that I believe even players who couldn’t tell the two characters apart would have a tough time putting down the controller. Continuously inventive, masterfully paced, and downright brilliant in the way it builds on what the series has produced to date, this is easily one of the most enjoyable experiences you’ll have with a controller this season or any other in recent memory.

Ratchet and Clank Future: A Crack in Time
Photo credit: Sony Computer Entertainment

“A Crack in Time” picks up right where the last game (the great “Tools of Destruction”) left off: with our two heroes divided. The robot Clank has been taken away by the mysterious, floating beings who helped him in the last game - the Zoni. Ratchet is stuck with the moronic Captain Qwark, trying to rescue his friend and stop the evil Dr. Nefarious from destroying the universe. It turns out that the Zoni have brought Clank to Nefarious and locked him the Great Clock, a universe-controlling device.

Ratchet and Clank Future: A Crack in Time
Photo credit: Sony Computer Entertainment

With the team separated, the game is naturally, at first, split between more action-oriented levels designed for Ratchet and his growing arsenal of weapons, and more puzzle-oriented levels for Clank. The lovable metallic dude has long-been the “brains of the operation,” but this game truly makes his levels into actual puzzles, introducing a system where Clank can play with time and different versions of himself to move from point A to point B. The balance between “Ratchet

Meanwhile, Ratchet progresses through the galaxy, collecting Zoni, bolts, and, of course, new-and-improved weapons. The ingenuity behind the weapons and the way in which to choose the best one for each encounter helps keep the game stay continuously fresh. Pick your favorite and kick some alien ass. (My advice would be to get to know your Buzz Blades. They rule.)

Some of Ratchet’s classic weapons like the Groovitron Glove, which forces your enemies to pause their attack and get their disco on, have been joined by new weapons like the awesome power of the Rift Inducer 5000, which opens a tear in space above your enemy for a creature to attack for you. Sweet. Some work better than others (I don’t think I ever killed anything with the impossible-to-use Dynamo of Doom) but most are clever and fun ways to make many, many enemies go boom.

The weapons are even more upgradeable and customizable than usual. The more a weapon is used, the more advanced it will become, and you can even find components for customization throughout the game. For example, you can take the Constructo Bomb and make it explode on impact, proximity, or with a shockwave. Just the weapon variety alone is ingenious and it’s only a small part of the “Ratchet and Clank” experience.

Ratchet and Clank Future: A Crack in Time
Photo credit: Sony Computer Entertainment

The universe of “A Crack in Time” includes several moons that can be viewed as “side missions,” wonderfully-designed distractions for Ratchet in between story missions. On various moons, Ratchet will find Zoni, which allows for upgrades to his spaceship, bolts, or even constructo weapon mods. The moon levels are all brief, five-to-ten minutes puzzles of their own and a wonderful break in the action of constant alien destruction.

Visually, “Ratchet and Clank” is simply flawless. The cartoon style of the game has been so masterfully perfected that it is almost overlooked when people talk about games with landmark graphics and design. The animation is simply beautiful when you step back from playing with your weapons to look at it. And the voice acting and sound are top notch as well.

As for length, “A Crack in Time” runs a little under ten hours (with most, but not all, of the moon missions completed). If this truly is the final game in the “Future” storyline, as has been widely reported, they couldn’t have gone out with a better title. I was upset at hearing that the “Ratchet and Clank Future” line would be ending, but couldn’t ask for a more accomplished final chapter.

‘Ratchet and Clank Future: A Crack in Time’ was released by Sony Computer Entertainment and developed by Insomniac Games. It is rated E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older). The game is exclusive for the PS3. It was released on October 27th, 2009.

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

Blu-Ray Review: ‘The Ugly Truth’ is Neither Funny Nor Romantic

BrianTT — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:02:00 -0700

CHICAGO – Here’s an alleged romantic comedy as clueless about romance as it is about comedy. It has a premise designed to illustrate how women think with their minds, while men think with their nether regions. Yet the male and female leads of “The Ugly Truth” are practically indistinguishable from each other. They’re both overly judgmental, profoundly self-absorbed, and thoroughly reprehensible. Neither of them would dream of dating a member of the opposite sex that didn’t meet their rigid list of superficial expectations based on physical features. These two people are clearly made for each other.

Blu-Ray Rating: 1.5/5.0

Too bad they’re played by Katherine Heigl and Gerard Butler, two of the most energetic and generally appealing stars in Hollywood. Their inherent likability directly conflicts with their unlikable characters. Heigl plays a TV producer who has all the warmth of Kate Gosselin, while Butler plays a local cable call-in host who has all the sexual wisdom of Frank T.J. Mackey. Heigl’s network improbably hires Butler as a correspondent in an effort to boost ratings, thus setting up a “His Girl Friday”-style battle of the sexes with four-letter words. But that quickly changes when Heigl meets her sexy neighbor, and desperately seeks dating advice from Cyrano de Butlerac. An excess of forced slapstick ensues, including a scene involving vibrating panties that tries to top the restaurant scene from “When Harry Met Sally,” and fails spectacularly.

The Ugly Truth was released on Blu-Ray and DVD on November 10th, 2009.
Photo credit: Sony Pictures Home Video

What is Heigl doing in this picture? Does she consider her uptight, prissy character to be an upgrade from the uptight, prissy character she considered “sexist” in the flawed but truly funny “Knocked Up”? She complained that Apatow’s guys got to have all the fun, while the women were depicted as shrews. In “The Ugly Truth,” Heigl’s gal pal playfully gyrates behind her boyfriend, a movement directly reminiscent of the male buddies gyrating to one of Heigl’s phone calls in “Knocked Up.” This moment apparently is meant to illustrate that girls can have as much raunchy fun as boys. That’s a valid point, but it also helps to illustrate the film’s major flaw: Heigl’s character is no different than Butler’s. She responds to men purely on the basis of looks, and is willing to drop her convictions in order to bed the GQ model next door, who wouldn’t put up with her tiresome shenanigans if she wasn’t so smokin’ hot.

The Ugly Truth was released on Blu-Ray and DVD on November 10th, 2009.
Photo credit: Sony Pictures Home Video

Everything about the film reeks of phoniness. Russell Carpenter’s cinematography doesn’t even bother to obscure the exaggerated lighting and obvious green screen effects that make the entire film look as if it was shot on a soundstage. The screenplay, credited to three women, is constructed out of the most ancient cliches, and resorts to having a cat literally move the plot not once, but twice! The film is routinely laughable at all the wrong moments, particularly when Butler finds himself cross-examined (and on the verge of showing tangible emotion) during an interview with…Craig Ferguson?! Apparently Conan O’Brien wasn’t considered incisive enough.

In the spirit of the film’s rampant artificiality, I’d like to out another phony: Jesse D. Goins, who plays one of the Heigl’s co-workers. Goins is not only a veteran of film and TV, but also one of the most overused commercial actors in America. In just the last few years, Goins has confessed to having erectile dysfunction, revealed his love of working at Wal-Mart, and plugged various products for Cingular and Verizon, all the while never bothering to change his appearance.

“The Ugly Truth” is presented in 1080p High Definition (with a 2.40:1 aspect ratio), is accompanied by English, Spanish, French and Portuguese audio tracks, and comes with a digital copy. The BD-Live-enabled disc includes a gag reel, two alternate endings, deleted scenes, and select scene commentary from Luketic and producer Gary Lucchesi. Two pompous featurettes attempt to convince viewers that the filmmakers know a great deal about “the art of comedy” and modern relationships. Clearly, the film proves otherwise.

‘The Ugly Truth’ is released by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment and stars Katherine Heigl and Gerard Butler. It was written by Nicole Eastman & Karen McCullah Lutz & Kirsten Smith and directed by Robert Luketic. It was released on November 10th, 2009. It is rated R.

By MATT FAGERHOLM
Staff Writer
HollywoodChicago.com

Exclusive Portraits: Ashley Greene, Kellan Lutz of ‘The Twilight Saga: New Moon’ in Chicago

HollywoodChicago.com — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:33:04 -0700

CHICAGO – This five-image slideshow contains our exclusive Chicago photography of Ashley Greene (who stars as Alice Cullen) and Kellan Lutz (who stars as Emmett Cullen) in the highly buzzed “Twilight” sequel “The Twilight Saga: New Moon,” which hit theaters on Nov. 20, 2009.

Ashley Greene also appeared as Alice Cullen in the 2008 box-office sensation “Twilight”. In addition, she will play the same character for the third film in the franchise, “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse,” which is slated to open on June 30, 2010.

Kellan Lutz also appeared as Emmett Cullen in “Twilight”. In addition, he will play the same character for “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse”. Kellan Lutz was also in Chicago to film “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” which is scheduled for its theatrical release on April 30, 2010.

“The Twilight Saga: New Moon” stars Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner, Dakota Fanning, Michael Sheen, Ashley Greene, Peter Facinelli, Elizabeth Reaser, Kellan Lutz, Nikki Reed and Bronson Pelletier from director Chris Weitz. The synopsis for “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” follows.

In “The Twilight Saga: New Moon,” Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) is devastated by the abrupt departure of her vampire love, Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson). But her spirit is rekindled by her growing friendship with the irresistible Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner). Suddenly she finds herself drawn into the world of the werewolves (ancestral enemies of the vampires) and finds her loyalties tested.

You can click “Next” and “Previous” to scan through this slideshow or jump directly to individual photos with the captioned links below. All photos are credited to Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto and HollywoodChicago.com. All rights reserved. All rights reserved.

ashleygreene1: Who says vampires can’t be photographed? “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” star Ashley Greene casts her striking reflection for the HollywoodChicago.com lens before meeting fans at the Hollywood Palms Cinema in Naperville, Ill. and the Hollywood Blvd. Cinema in Woodridge, Ill. to celebrate the weekend opening of the film.
ashleygreene2: Ashley Greene of “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” in Chicago in Nov. 2009.
ashleygreene3: Ashley Greene of “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” in Chicago in Nov. 2009.
ashleygreene4: Ashley Greene of “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” in Chicago in Nov. 2009.
kellanlutz: Kellan Lutz, who plays Emmett Cullen in “Twilight,” “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” and “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse,” in Chicago in Nov. 2009 with Ashley Greene.

By ADAM FENDELMAN
Editor-in-Chief/Publisher
HollywoodChicago.com
adam@hollywoodchicago.com

Interview: Debbie Reynolds Dishes on Her Lucky Star Career

PatrickMcD — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:04:46 -0700

CHICAGO – Debbie Reynolds, who began her movie star journey as a teenager during another show biz era, made her big splash in 1952’s “Singin’ in the Rain.” What followed was a long and varied career as a singer, dancer and respected film actress.

Born Mary Frances Reynolds in El Paso, Texas, she lucked into her career by winning a beauty contest, which included a contract with Warner Brothers. Making her debut in “June Bride,” she also scored a charted hit with the song “Aba Daba Honeymoon.”

Following her big break in Singin’ in the Rain, she worked steadily for the next several decades in film, stage and Las Vegas revue. Notable films include “Tammy,” The Tender Trap,” “The Catered Affair,” “How the West was Won,” “The Unsinkable Molly Brown,” “Charlotte’s Web” and “Mother.”

Besides her long run in the movies, Reynolds is prominent as the mother of “Star Wars” Princess Leia – Carrie Fisher – through her first marriage with singer Eddie Fisher. She has also helped preserve Hollywood history with one of the largest private film memorabilia collections in the world.

She is Our Lucky Star: Debbie Reynolds in Chicago, November 6th, 2009
Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

HollywoodChicago caught up with the legendary star as she made an appearance at the Hollywood Palms in Naperville, Illinois, introducing Singin’ in the Rain and The Unsinkable Molly Brown. She spoke candidly about the films, the husbands and the litany of family secrets through the filter of daughter Carrie Fisher.

HollywoodChicago.com: You were thrust into the spotlight at a very early age. Was that a natural place for you to be or did it take awhile for you to catch up with it?

Debbie Reynolds: Goodness, it took me awhile to catch up with it, because I began as a true beginner, not knowing how to dance or perform. I just entered a local contest in town as a joke, because if you entered you got a free blouse and scarf. We were rather poor back then so those things were great to get if I just entered, I never expected to win. I did, thank God, make a very big mistake and did win. And that started me on a new path and into show business.

HC: You were literally a teenager when you joined the storm front of Gene Kelly and Singin’ in the Rain. Looking at it today, which scenes in the film do you make Gene Kelly look better?

DR: (Laughs) I don’t think anything I could ever do could make Gene Kelly look better than he was. Gene Kelly was a great dancer and I was lucky to be in Singin’ in the Rain. He was my teacher when I was 17 years old, when he was a man of 37. He taught me everything.

Donald O’Connor was in the film also, and he was only 27 years old. So we were closer in age and had more fun together on the set. Gene was more my teacher and mentor.

HC: I’ve read that Frank Sinatra was infamous for only wanting to do one take. Did you experience any of that method during the filming of ‘The Tender Trap?’

DR: Yes, one take, so you better be ready and you better be good. One take and that was it. It was something that was spontaneous. Sid Caesar and Jackie Gleason was like that as well.

HC: Did you have a good relationship with Frank Sinatra?

DR: Very much so, I love Frank, he was wonderful. Just don’t get on his bad side (laughs). I wouldn’t have wanted to marry him. But I probably should have since I married idiots anyway (laughs).

HC: You co-starrred with the legendary Bob Fosse the 1953 film ‘The Affairs of Dobie Gillis.’ What did you think of his later and more notorious success, including his style of choreography and the way he directed film?

DR: Well, Bobby was very difficult to work with, he wanted to be a big star at MGM, but it was the end of making musical movies then. So the heads of the studios, like Louis B. Mayer, were not of the mind to create another star.

So Bobby left and went to New York City to be a choreographer and created brilliant work. But he was a temperamental fellow, it was his way or the highway. I always found that kind of hard, and even though Gene Kelly was also a taskmaster, Bobby was tougher.

HC: How difficult a challenge as an actor was it to do the Cinerama film ‘How the West was Won?’ Were the technical aspects of camera placement and movement hard to get used to?

DR: Yes, very hard, because it was a three cameras technique, meaning three cameras wide. Therefore you’re not speaking to your fellow performer, you are speaking to a camera, or a line next to the camera. It was difficult to do, because its not real acting. You had to pretend that you were ‘seeing’ Agnes Moorhead or Jimmy Stewart or Carroll Baker. You were not, you were seeing a line.

It took me personally two years to make the film, because my character starts at age 16 and I end up being 92 years old in the film. By the end of that production, I was ready for bed (laughs).

HC: You’ve had some experience on the Broadway stage. What do you appreciate about the live stage and how does doing live performance differ from screen acting?

DR: Live is exciting, live is real, the people are there. It is very rewarding to walk out on stage and feel love and reception. I still perform live primarily. I just keep traveling and doing live shows.

The main difference in film, you know in your mind that you are doing it for posterity, you are doing for the eventual audience and it will be around forever. But when I was around doing theater in the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s you weren’t allowed to film any of the plays that you did, it was against union rules. It was a stupid law, because so much is lost. We now have no recollection of these famous plays, it was very narrow-minded thinking.

HC: When you were appearing in Las Vegas in the early 1960s, besides the smaller size of the town itself what was different about the experience and atmosphere of Vegas in those days?

DR: Thrilling, exciting, it was very Parisian. For example, years ago nudity was not done in the United States. But during that late 1950s era in Vegas it began at the Tropicana, and spread to the other venues. Now the showgirls are going away again and Cirque du Soleil, the magic acts and the beasty acts reign in Vegas. But I don’t think you’ll completely lose the boobie shows (laughs). I think men like the boobie shows. Vegas will always be Vegas.

HC: You are a consummate collector of Hollywood memorabilia.. What was your personal favorite piece and why? Did you save anything from ‘Singin’ in the Rain?’

DR: I have the largest private collection in the world. I have over 5000 costumes, and the furniture and memorabilia that goes with them. Singin’ in the Rain I bought most of the costumes – the ‘Fit as a Fiddle’ costumes and the ‘Make Them Laugh’ Donald O’Connor outfits and the ‘Good Morning, Good Morning’ clothes we danced in.

My favorite is the white dress Marilyn Monroe wore in the subway breeze scene in “The Seven Year Itch.” But I also have a pair of ruby red slippers from the “Wizard of Oz’ and Dorothy’s gingham dress…and on and on.

I saved as much as I could and still do, because people are interested in it.

The Unsinkable Debbie Reynolds with Patrick McDonald in Chicago, November 6th, 2009
Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

HC: Did you have a relationship with Marilyn Monroe? Was she as difficult as she has been made out to be?

DR: You only know what you read. You didn’t know her. The people who talk about her didn’t know her either. She was a very sweet girl, she was a very innocent girl. She was taken advantage of by most of the men that knew her, including Frank Sinatra and Joe DiMaggio, whom I also knew very well. DiMaggio was quite mean to her when they were married. But after she died, he did tend to her grave, which made up for it.

But Marilyn was really mistreated. Near the end, she was badly treated by Fox Studios, during the ‘Let’s Make Love’ film shoot in 1960, they threw her off the set because she had a cold. She was a bit temperamental, a little diva-like, but she didn’t deserve what she got.

And certainly not at the time of her death, because I’m a big believer that she was killed. My belief also is that she actually passed away long before she should have left us. She was a great talent who didn’t deserve what she ultimately got.

HC: Tell me about playing the title role in Albert Brook’s ‘Mother.’ Were you modeling the character after someone you knew or through Brook’s interpretation of his story and life?

DR: I think it was Albert’s mother and everyone else’s mother, including myself as a mother. I’m not a cook and I always stick everything in the freezer and then I leave things out, saying ‘if it’s good today it will be good tomorrow.’ (laughs)

Albert wrote the script and Albert interpreted everything about it. I hope I did well by the role. I loved doing the part.

HC: Your daughter Carrie Fisher is currently in a one woman show talking about herself in relationship to your family. Is her type of honesty the best policy for sharing family history?

DR: Well, you don’t tell Carrie a secret, because it will in a script or a book. So if you have a secret, keep it to yourself. But she is a great writer and very funny, and she takes things that are funny and makes them funnier.

Every secret gets known to the world. The show she is doing now, ‘Wishful Drinking’ is very funny and a huge success on Broadway. It’s very sophisticated show, it’s about family and Hollywood, about Hollywood ‘royalty’ like Elizabeth Taylor, Eddie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds, all that nonsense. And all the other gossip.

It’s a kick of a show, great fun and highly entertaining.

The Hollywood Palms in Naperville has upcoming programs with Tony Curtis, introducing “Some Like it Hot” on December 5th and 6th. Also Karolyn Grimes, who played “ZuZu” in “It’s a Wonderful LIfe,” will introduce that film on December 18th and 19th. Click here for information and details.

By PATRICK McDONALD
Senior Staff Writer
HollywoodChicago.com
pat@hollywoodchicago.com

Blu-Ray Review: After ‘New Moon’ Sets, Pick Up ‘Near Dark’

BrianTT — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:32:08 -0700

CHICAGO – It’s funny the way that the Blu-Ray market has developed in that success of a new title can often bring an old one to the HD format more quickly than it otherwise would get there. In the case of the great “Near Dark,” it’s the success of two films, one that shares a theme (“The Twilight Saga: New Moon”) and one that shares director Kathryn Bigelow (“The Hurt Locker”). Whatever the reason, don’t fail to include arguably the best vampire movie ever made in your collection.

Blu-Ray Rating: 3.5/5.0

I’d like to think that the success of one of the best movies of the year in Kathryn Bigelow’s “The Hurt Locker” is why we’re seeing one of her earlier films on Blu-Ray but the cheesy, re-done cover that makes the thing practically look like a “Twilight” sequel leads me to believe that it’s more of the resurgence of “vampire as love story” genre in things like “New Moon” or “True Blood” that brings “Near Dark” to new release shelves once again.

Whatever the business motivation, “Near Dark” is a genre classic, a great blend of mystery and suspense that perfectly balances the threat of the vampire with the allure of living an immortal life as a bad-ass bloodsucker. Very few films in the history of the sub-genre have so stylishly captured the fact that the life of a vampire can be just as enticing as it is terrifying. We’ve seen a lot more of that kind of story - the vamp as “cool guy” - in the 20+ years since “Near Dark,” but I often think that this film doesn’t get the trend-setting credit it deserves.

Near Dark was released on Blu-Ray and DVD on November 10th, 2009.
Photo credit: Lionsgate Home Video

Adrian Pasdar (“Heroes) plays Caleb Colton, an average, lonely, bored guy who becomes prey for the mysterious and beautiful Mae (Jenny Wright). Mae is a part of an outlaw band of vampires and, as any “New Moon” junkie will tell you, love between a human and immortal is no walk in the park.

Who hasn’t thought about being sucked into a more exciting world than their own? Face it. Being a vampire would be pretty cool. Hanging with “Dark” co-stars Bill Paxton and Lance Henriksen all night at biker bars? Sign me up. “Near Dark” is a Western/horror/romance/biker movie hybrid that feels like nothing else in the subgenre of vampire flick. It stands alone. It is weird, unusual, riveting, action-packed, romantic, old-fashioned, gory, clever, and exceptional. “Near Dark” rules.

The movie rules but the Blu-Ray is clearly an afterthought timed for financial gain more than anything artistic. Where’s the retrospective documentary? Where is the new footage? Commentary on the influence of the film? All you’ll find is a commentary by Bigelow, “Living in Darkness,” and one deleted scene - all previously available. Not even all of the galleries - stills, storyboards, etc. - from the 2002 Anchor Bay edition have been imported. Why give a movie a technical upgrade but downgrade the special features?

Even the 1080p picture and 5.1 DTS-HD audio seem a bit lackluster. Maybe by the time they get to “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn,” someone will give “Near Dark” the treatment it truly deserves.

‘Near Dark’ is released by Lionsgate Home Video and stars Adrian Pasdar, Jenny Wright, Lance Henriksen, and Bill Paxton. It was written by Eric Red & Kathryn Bigelow and directed by Bigelow. It was released on Blu-Ray and DVD on November 10th, 2009.

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 25 ‘Transylmania’ Chicago Passes to ‘Twilight’ Meets ‘Scary Movie’ Film

HollywoodChicago.com — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 01:20:49 -0700

CHICAGO – In our latest comedy/horror spoof edition of HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 25 admit-two passes up for grabs to the advance Chicago screening of “Transylmania,” which is like “Twilight” meets “Scary Movie”!

“Transylmania” stars Patrick Cavanaugh, James DeBello, Tony Denman, Paul H. Kim, Jennifer Lyons, Oren Skoog, David Steinberg, Musetta Vander, Irena A. Hoffman, Natalie Garza and Nicole Garza. The film opens on Dec. 4, 2009.

To win your free pass to the advance Chicago screening of “Transylmania” courtesy of HollywoodChicago.com, all you need to do is answer our question below. That’s it! This screening will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2009 at 8 p.m. in downtown Chicago. Directions to enter this Hookup and immediately win can be found beneath the graphic below.

“Transylmania” stars Patrick Cavanaugh.
Image credit: Full Circle Releasing

Here is the “Transylmania” plot description:

A group of American college students travel to Romania on an international studies program only to find that the bizarre legends surrounding this strange land are all too real. Oren Skoog and Patrick Cavanaugh headline this sexy horror spoof, which skewers every monster movie cliché imaginable.

The “Transylmania” trailer can be watched now below.

To secure your free tickets now, make sure you’re logged into your HollywoodChicago.com account. If you don’t yet have one, you can quickly register here. Having an account with a valid e-mail address is required. Then, simply add a new comment in the form below. In your comment, include an answer to this question:

What’s your favorite monster movie cliché?

Like all Hookups here, this HollywoodChicago.com Hookup is simple: Just submit your comment below and we will award 25 people randomly via e-mail for our “Transylmania” Hookup. Winners need to arrive early as seats are consumed on a first-come, first-served basis. Good luck!

By ADAM FENDELMAN
Editor-in-Chief/Publisher
HollywoodChicago.com
adam@hollywoodchicago.com

Melodrama, Weak Performances Hold Back ‘The Twilight Saga: New Moon’

BrianTT — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:57:36 -0700

CHICAGO – The amazing adoration for “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” is based on one of two things: a crush on one of the cast members or goodwill spawned by a love of Stephenie Meyer’s books. Without people’s passion for Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner, or the source material, the “Twilight” have little merit on their own. “New Moon” is a slight improvement on the last film, but fans still deserve better.

Rating: 2.0/5.0

If you have a poster of Robert Pattinson on your wall and have followed every casting announcement for “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” like Chicago Cubs fans follow their favorite team, then there’s little point in trying to dissuade you from your affection for the franchise. I understand the desire to desperately want to love on the big screen what meant so much to you on the page. It’s much the same motivation that allows people to look past the flaws of those they love. But the flaws are there and director Chris Weitz, most of the cast, writer Melissa Rosenberg, and the producers of “New Moon” could have done significantly more to hide them.

Read Brian Tallerico’s full review of “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” in our reviews section.

The film opens on the 18th birthday of our mopey heroine Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart). Bella’s increasing age has led her to concern about the fact that her bloodsucking boyfriend Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) happens to be nearly a century older than her. How will his immortality impact their relationship?

The issue becomes more prominent when the Cullens decide to move out of town before too many locals realize that the patriarch of the clan hasn’t aged in the ten years since they’ve been in town. Using the classic technique of trying to break a girl’s heart so she won’t miss you as much when you’re gone, Edward pushed Bella away, sending her into possibly the most melodramatic depression ever seen on film. You’d think the poor girl was trying to kick heroin.

Continuing reading for Brian Tallerico’s full “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” review.

‘The Twilight Saga: New Moon’ stars Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Billy Burke, Ashley Greene, Kellan Lutz, Anna Kendrick, Michael Sheen, and Dakota Fanning. It was written by Melissa Rosenberg and directed by Chris Weitz. It opens on November 20th, 2009. It is rated PG-13.

(Left to right) Robert Pattinson stars as Edward Cullen, Kristen Stewart stars as Bella Swan, and Taylor Lautner stars as Jacob Black in The Twilight Saga: New Moon.
Photo credit: Kimberley French and Summit

Sandra Bullock, Strong Script Bring Clarity to ‘The Blind Side’

PatrickMcD — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:20:50 -0700

CHICAGO – “Based on a True Story” films are difficult to pull off, especially those that are the improbable story of a white Memphis family adopting an African American football prodigy. Sandra Bullock is the mother, through it all, in “The Blind Side.”

Rating: 3.5/5.0

The football-themed title refers to protecting the quarterback’s blind side, the area where he can’t see a defensive linebacker coming. Symbolically, it also describes the life of Michael Ohr (an exceptional Quinton Aaron), a Memphis teenager who is discovered to be homeless by the Tuohy family, and is taken in by the firecracker Mom, Leigh Anne (Sandra Bullock).

Michael’s blind side is his past, a difficult road of negative parentage and squalid conditions. The shelter that the wealthy Tuohy family gives him is almost too much for him, much as the private school a previous mentor managed to get him into.

”The Blind Side” opens everywhere November 20th. Featuring Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, Quinton Aaron, Kathy Bates, Ray McKinnon and several real college coaches, and is directed by John Lee Hancock. Rated “PG-13”

Continue reading for Patrick McDonald’s full review of “The Blind Side”

Stranger in a Strange Land: Quinton Aaron as Michael Ohr in ‘The Blind Side’
Photo credit: Ralph Nelson for Warner Bros. Pictures

Continue reading for Patrick McDonald’s full review of “The Blind Side”

Video Game Review: ‘Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier’ Missed Opportunity

BrianTT — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:09:48 -0700

CHICAGO – It would be polite to say that “Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier” is merely an unessential entry in one of the most beloved franchises of the ’00s. It would be more accurate to say that it’s a disappointment, a missed opportunity to create a true sequel to one of the most essential PSP games in the history of the handheld platform, “Daxter”.

Video Game Rating: 2.5/5.0

First, a little history - “Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy” was released for the PS2 in 2001 and followed by the very popular “Jak II” and “Jak 3” on the same platform. “Jak X: Combat Racing” was the last game released exclusively for the PS2 in 2005 and followed by arguably the best game in the line, “Daxter” for the PSP in 2006.

Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier
Photo credit: Sony

Three years later, the heroes have yet to make their debut on the PS3 and the plot has gone back to pick-up after the events of “Jak 3”. It’s not the only element of the game that feels like it’s going in reverse. With the newest installment of Sony’s “Uncharted” franchise being promoted like a “Twilight” sequel, one has to wonder why an entry in such a hit franchise has been so under-marketed. One doesn’t wonder after playing the game for a few hours.

Part of the problem is that the developers that made this franchise a hit have moved on to more vital properties. Naughty Dog has moved on to “Uncharted” and Ready at Dawn made arguably the best PSP game ever, “God of War: Chains of Olympus”. High Impact Games has taken over and released a pretty standard platforming title with some nice visuals but clunky camera work and a general lack of creative spark.

Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier
Photo credit: Sony

The plot picks up after “Jak 3” with our title characters and Keira searching for Eco. The world supply is dwindling and the triumphant trio needs to figure out why by flying to different planets, upgrading new weapons, and learning kick-ass abilities. The new skills to pay Jak’s bills come from idols that he encounters throughout the game, giving him a variety of powers including slowing time, constructing platforms, or teleportation. Learning what skill to use in what situation is the main key to puzzle-solving your way through the game.

Of course, as with most PSP platformers, the other key is jumping. A LOT of jumping. Jak jumps on platforms, swings on poles, and generally bounces around the universe. The problem is that to make such a jumping-centric game interesting, there better be some solid camera work and well-developed puzzles. Both arenas are disappointing with the static angle causing a lot of missed jumps and most of the “what skill to use” rooms coming off predictable and underdeveloped.

Surprisingly, the scenes without the personalities of Jak and Daxter work the best. At times, the duo gets behind the wheel of their plane and there are a few dogfighting levels that are pretty well designed. There’s also a solid customization to this section of the game, allowing for upgrades to your plane that including machine guns, missiles, speed upgrades, etc.

As for how it looks, “The Lost Frontier” is pretty effective for the PSP but the environments are woefully underdeveloped. Flying has a nice three-dimensionality but the other denizens of the world the heroes visit just don’t feel solid. The graphics can be wildly inconsistent with Jak and Daxter themselves looking great, as do a few villains, but the backgrounds hint at a title that, overall, wasn’t well-conceived.

When you play a great game like “Uncharted 2,” you can feel the dedication and love for the product in every element of it. With “Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier,” that love only comes through every once in awhile with too much of the game feeling like something someone created as a part of a job and not a passion.

‘Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier’ was released by Sony Computer Entertainment and developed by High Impact Games. It is rated E10+ (Everyone Ten and Older). The version reviewed was for the PSP, but the title is also available for the PS2. It was released on November 2nd, 2009.

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com