CHICAGO – It began with a boy and his dream (nightmare?). John LaFlamboy, to be exact, as he took an idea he had in college and made it his life’s work. He owns and operates the HellsGate Haunted House in Lockport (Illinois), which was designed, built and put together by Haunted House experts expressly for the spookiest month of the year. For info on how to purchase tickets, click HellsGate.
Film Review: Firth and Tucci Deliver Stellar Performances in 'Supernova'



CHICAGO – Stars are a concept that I don’t think I will ever understand. Giant celestial bodies of gas and fire that burn and shine with an unimaginable intensity. Their spherical appearance masks a double-edge that can both bring and sustain life, or out-right end it. Love is much the same way, simultaneously nurturing us up until the moment it isn’t. Although Supernova doesn’t take us on the incredible interstellar adventure its title suggests, the grounded, emotional journey is still otherworldly.
![]() Rating: 4.0/5.0 |
When I say that there is a journey to be had, I don’t mean that in the purely figurative sense. There are 2 men, 1 dog, an old RV, and the open road driving us through emotional exposition. The road that we find ourselves on feels familiar but comfortable. There is nothing remarkable about the themes explored, on even the narrative vehicle (not to be confused with the RV) taken to get there, but there is a muted brilliance that shines so bright, it envelopes you in warmth as if you were laying in the sun.
This humble story revolves around a farewell tour of sorts as two men take a road trip that will forever change their lives. Sam (Colin Firth) and Tusker (Stanley Tucci), decades-long partners, travel the English countryside re-visiting some of their greatest hits as they reminisce about their youth and the high points of their relationship. The destination? A concert where acclaimed pianist Sam will perform after a long hiatus. There are several picturesque stops along the way, including a surprise birthday party, but we soon find out that what should be a joyous occasion is filled with somber realizations and philosophical introspective about mortality.


Photo credit: Bleeker Street
