HollywoodChicago.com: Film, theater, TV and DVD coverage from Adam Fendelman

Blu-Ray, DVD Round-Up, July 3, 2009: ‘Madea Goes to Jail,’ ‘Spaceballs’

adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 06:00:00 -0600

CHICAGO – The Round-Up is back to provide our loyal readers with synopsis and feature details on a few titles that may have slipped on to DVD or Blu-Ray under your radar but might make the right purchase choice this holiday weekend.

It’s not that these title are any “lesser” than some of the biggies out there (one nearly made $100 million domestically and another is a Mel Brooks classic), but we can’t get around to a full-length review of everything that comes into the HollywoodChicago.com office and we want to keep you as informed as possible.

“Tyler Perry’s Madea Goes to Jail” and “Spaceballs” were released on June 16th, 2009.

“The Education of Charlie Banks,” “Secret Diary of a Call Girl: Season Two,” and “White Sox Memories” were released on June 30th, 2009.

“The Education of Charlie Banks”

Photo credit: Anchor Bay

Synopsis: “Charlie Banks’ (Jesse Eisenberg) sheltered world at his Ivy League campus is shaken up when Mick (Jason Ritter), an old acquaintance with a violent past, unexpectedly shows up. Intrigued by Charlie’s privileged lifestyle, the charismatic Mick quickly wins over Charlie’s friends and his crush, Mary (Eva Amurri) as he seamlessly integrates himself into Charlie’s life. Unnerved, yet also in awe of Mick’s easy charm, Charlie’s unresolved feelings of jealousy, admiration and fear - as well as an unspoken secret between the two - threatens to come to a head with ruinous consequences. Marking Fred Durst’s directorial debut, this “evocative coming-of-age story” (Simi Horowitz, Back Stage), also stars Christopher Marquette and Sebastian Stan.”

“The Education of Charlie Banks” stars Jesse Eisenberg, Jason Ritter, Christopher Marquette, Eva Amurri, Sebastian Stan, and Gloria Votsis. It was written by Peter Elkoff and directed by Fred Durst. It is rated R. The film is presented in anamorphic widescreen with a 1.78:1 aspect ratio and accompanied by a Dolby Surround 5.1 track.

Special features include an audio commentary with Director Fred Durst and Actor Jason Ritter, and “Conversations Behind The Education of Charlie Banks”.

“Secret Diary of a Call Girl: Season Two”

Photo credit: Lionsgate

Synopsis: “It’s her business doing pleasure with you. The second season of “Secret Diary of a Call Girl,” Showtime’s hit original series based on the real-life adventures of a high-class escort, debuts on DVD from Lionsgate. This witty and provocative show follows the dangerously sexy exploits of “Belle” (real name Hannah Baxter), a 27-year-old graduate living in London, who has worked for the last few years as one of the city’s premiere escorts. She’s an independent, young woman who loves her job. And in season 2 its business as usual for Belle, until her personal life gets in the way. See what happens when a girl who loves for a living, starts living for love.”

“Secret Diary of a Call Girl” stars Billie Piper, Iddo Goldberg, Ashley Madekwe, and Callum Blue. It was created by Lucy Prebble. It is not rated. The show is presented in 16x9 anamorphic widescreen with a 1.78:1 aspect ratio and accompanied by an English 5.1 track.

Special features include “Billie on Billie” Interview With Billie Piper and Webisodes.

“Spaceballs” (Blu-Ray)

Photo credit: MGM

Synopsis: “The farce is with you in this “uproarious salute to science fiction” (The Hollywood Reporter) that teams comedy legend Mel Brooks with an all-star cast of cutups including John Candy (Splash), Rick Moranis (Ghostbusters) and Bill Pullman (Ruthless People)! When the evil Dark Helmet (Moranis) attempts to steal all the air from planet Druidia, a determined Druish Princess (Daphne Zuniga), a clueless rogue (Pullman) and a half-man/half-dog creature who’s his own best friend (Candy) set out to stop him! But with the forces of darkness closing in on them at ludicrous speed, they’ll need the help of a wise imp named Yogurt (Brooks) and the mystical power of “The Schwartz” to bring peaceand merchandising rightsto the entire galaxy!”

“Spaceballs” stars Bill Pullman, Daphne Zuniga, Dick Van Patten, George Wyner, and Joan Rivers. The film was written by Mel Brooks & Thomas Meehan & Ronny Graham and directed by Brooks. It is rated PG. The film is presented in 1080p and accompanied by an English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track.

Special features on “Spaceballs” include Commentary by Mel Brooks, Additional Commentary Tracks: Mawgese & Dinkese, Spaceballs: The Documentary featurette, In Conversation: Mel Brooks & Thomas Meehan featurette, John Candy: Comic Spirit featurette, Watch the Movie in Ludicrous Speed featurette, Still Galleries, Trailers, Film Flubs, Storyboards-to-Film Comparison, and a DVD version of the film.

“Tyler Perry’s Madea Goes to Jail”

Photo credit: Lionsgate

Synopsis: “After a high-speed freeway chase puts Madea in front of the judge, her reprieve is short-lived as anger management issues get the best of her and land her in jail. A gleeful Joe couldn’t be happier at Madea’s misfortune. But Madea’s eccentric family members, the Browns, rally behind her, lending their special “country” brand of support. Meanwhile, Assistant District Attorney Joshua Hardaway is on the fast track to career success. He lands a case too personal to handle, defending young prostitute and former drug addict Candace Washington, and asks his fiancée and fellow Assistant District Attorney Linda Holmes to fill in on his behalf. When Candace ends up in jail, Madea befriends the young woman, protecting her in a “motherly” way as only Madea can.”

“Tyler Perry’s Madea Goes to Jail” stars Tyler Perry, Derek Luke, Keshia Knight Pulliam, Ion Overman, RonReaco Lee, Sofia Vergara, Vanessa Ferlito, and Viola Davis. The film was written and directed by Tyler Perry. It is rated PG-13. The film is presented in 16x9 anamorphic widescreen with a 1.78:1 aspect ratio and is accompanied by a Dolby Digital Audio 5.1 track.

Special features include “Madea is Back,” “Leroy Law Brown,” “Looking for the Big House,” “You Have the Right to Remain Silent!,” “Bringing in the Heavy Hitters,” and “Madea’s Crazy”.

“White Sox Memories: The Greatest Moments in Chicago White Sox History”

Photo credit: Shout Factory

Synopsis: “The south side of Chicago has hosted countless baseball stories and performances for more than a century. It has also been the home for many iconic Windy City ballplayers who ultimately landed in Cooperstown in the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Along the way, the team known as the White Sox has entertained its fans with a litany of memorable moments and ballplayers. In White Sox Memories: The Greatest Moments in Chicago White Sox History, the unforgettable and iconic mesh seamlessly to create the definitive story of what has made the White Sox franchise so magnetic.

From the very beginnings of the American League, pennant winners, Hall of Famers and indelible characters have made baseball on the South Side unforgettable. From the Hitless Wonders to the Go-Go Sox to the masterful collection of men who played Ozzie-ball and brought a World Series title back to Chicago in 2005, there have been numerous and incredible tales of triumph. In White Sox Memories: The Greatest Moments in Chicago White Sox History, these stories and the tales of the men who wrote them come alive once again.”

“White Sox Memories” is presented in 16:9 widescreen. Bonus footage includes “Postseason Clinchers,” “9th Inning of No-Hitters,” “Jim Thome Milestone,” “Frank Thomas Hometown Hero,” “Tom Paciorek Official MLB Handbook,” “Nancy Faust on TWIB,” and “2009 Sox Spring Training Wireless”.

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

DVD Review: HBO’s Hilarious ‘Eastbound and Down’ Gets Great Release

adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 06:00:00 -0600

CHICAGO – Danny McBride (“Pineapple Express,” “Land of the Lost”) gave one of the best TV performances of the last several years as the over-the-top anti-hero of HBO’s hysterical “Eastbound & Down,” a sitcom about a raging a-hole sports star brought back to Earth and forced to work as a gym teacher in the small town he grew up in, now available on DVD.

DVD Rating: 4.0/5.0

Kenny Powers is a giant, raging, alcoholic catfish in a small pond. He used to have it all - endorsements, trophies, a million-dollar contract. As his steroid-enhanced skills declined, the fact that Kenny Powers was also a total a-hole came to the surface and he was run out of professional sports (MLB fans familiar with the true story of John Rocker will see some of that in this fictional take).

Eastbound and Down: The Complete First Season was released on DVD on June 30th, 2009.
Photo credit: HBO Home Video

After leaving baseball, Kenny returns home to live with his brother (John Hawkes) and sister-in-law (Jennifer Irwin) and teach at the North Carolina middle school that he once attended. He tries to work his way back into the life of his teen-years girlfriend (the underrated Katy Mixon), who also teaches at the school and happens to be engaged to the dorky principal (Andrew Daly).

Eastbound and Down: The Complete First Season was released on DVD on June 30th, 2009.
Photo credit: HBO Home Video

Powers also operates under the delusion that not only is he still famous but that he will one day pitch in the majors again. So, he tries to use his fame at events like one at a local car dealer (a fantastic Will Ferrell, appearing in two episodes) and takes steroids again in his pursuit to re-find his fastball. Drugs, cheap sex, unbelievable profanity, and general obnoxiousness are a way of life for a man who listens to his own audio book (“You’re F**kin’ Out, I’m F**kin’ In”) for inspiration.

Over six hysterical episodes, “Eastbound & Down” feels like nothing else on television. It’s more like a six-part, three-hour comedy feature film, a feeling enhanced by the superstar cast and great team behind the camera, including producers Ferrell and Adam McKay and directors Jody Hill (“Observe and Report”) and the great David Gordon Green (“Pineapple Express,” “Snow Angels”). One of the best American filmmakers of his generation directed a half-hour comedy earlier this year. Even if you’re not a TV fan, you should see it.

The DVD from HBO treats Kenny Powers like the star he is in his own mind. The episodes look better-than-average for standard DVD in 16x9 widescreen and the sound is more than adequate in English 5.1 Dolby Surround. HBO has long led the way in TV and produced some amazing DVD season sets, but they really should be offering every show, especially one as acclaimed as “Eastbound & Down,” on Blu-Ray. It’s disappointing that this is only available on standard, even if it’s a great standard release.

The special features are extensive and interesting, including several audio commentaries, some very funny outtakes and deleted scenes, “Making Eastbound & Down,” “Kenny Powers: Greatest Hits,” “Schaeffer Motors Commercials,” and “Steve’s Dark Secret”.

It’s unlikely, but if there’s any Emmy justice, “Eastbound & Down” will get a couple of nominations later this month (check out our feature about that) and season two has already been announced. Check out the great first season DVD and jump on the bandwagon before Kenny Powers really becomes a household name again.

‘Eastbound & Down: The Complete First Season’ was released by HBO Home Video and stars Danny McBride, Katy Mixon, John Hawkes, Andrew Daly, Ben Best, Jennifer Irwin, and Steve Little. It was created by Ben T. Best & Jody L. Hill & Danny R. McBride. The show was released on June 30th, 2009. It is rated TV-MA.

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

Johnny Depp’s ‘Public Enemies’ Delivers Bona Fide Chicago Powerhouse

adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:53:26 -0600

CHICAGO – Was John Dillinger an Adolf Hitler-level criminal mastermind or a modern-day Robin Hood superman? In the authentic reality portrayed by the god-like Johnny Depp in the Chicago-filmed “Public Enemies,” he’s a little bit of both for blockbuster filmmaker Michael Mann.

Unfortunately, Depp’s nemesis – special agent Melvin Purvis as played by “The Dark Knight” mainstay Christian Bale – falls flat. Bale rolls through the motions with a monotone and monotonous role that needed the tension of a World War conflict rather than a rubber band.

Rating: 4.0/5.0

The French actress Marion Cotillard, on the other hand, delivers yet another intoxicating performance as Billie Frechette this time in a supporting role. We’re reminded why she ever-so-definitely deserved her 2008 Oscar for so absolutely embodying Edith Piaf in 2007’s “La Vie en Rose”.

Leelee Sobieski is thrown in toward the end as the downplayed character Polly Hamilton in a relatively wasted and unnecessary cameo. In addition, Matt Craven – who you’ve almost certainly never heard of, has no relation to Wes Craven and looks strikingly like Sean Penn – is merely being mentioned in this review for the three aforementioned points of comedy.

Read Adam Fendelman’s full review of “Public Enemies” in our reviews section.

Giovanni Ribisi from “My Name is Earl,” “Friends” and the underrated film “Heaven” (that too many people haven’t seen but should rent tomorrow) methodically portrays Alvin “Creepy” Karpis. While John Dillinger was public enemy No. 1 for the FBI, Karpis was the final public enemy to be nailed.

Karpis’ capture catapulted FBI director J. Edgar Hoover – portrayed with spot-on calculation by Billy Crudup of “Watchmen” and “Almost Famous” fame – and the FBI to national eminence. In the “Public Enemies” period piece, J. Edgar Hoover and his FBI both have a tall task: proving to the American government and people that they should exist and are competent crime stoppers.

“Public Enemies” from director Michael Mann stars Johnny Depp, Christain Bale, Marion Cotillard, Leelee Sobieski, Giovanni Ribisi, Billy Crudup, Channing Tatum, James Russo, Stephen Dorff, Stephen Graham, Bill Camp, Chandler Williams, Branka Katic, Jason Clarke, Christian Stolte and David Wenham. The film, which was released nationwide on July 1, 2009, is rated “R” for gangster violence and some language with a 140-minute running time.

Continuing reading for Adam Fendelman’s full “Public Enemies” review.

Christian Bale stars as special agent Melvin Purvis – the nemesis of the legendary Depression-era outlaw John Dillinger – in “Public Enemies” from filmmaker Michael Mann.
Photo credit: Universal Pictures

Continuing reading for Adam Fendelman’s full “Public Enemies” review.

Interview: Melina Kanakaredes at Chicago Gabby Awards on ‘CSI: NY’

adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:05:00 -0600

CHICAGO – The Greek actress with the hard-to-pronounce name (kan-uh-kuh-REE-deez), was a presenter in Chicago at the Gabby Awards, honoring Greek Americans, between seasons portraying a forensics expert on her hit TV show, “CSI: NY”.

Melina K. first made a splash as Dr. Sydney Hansen on the TV series, “Providence” and has supplemented her career with stage work, including a turn on Broadway as Sally Bowles in “Cabaret.”

Melina Kanakaredes at the Gabby Awards, Chicago, June 19, 2009
Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

HollywoodChicago.com caught up with wondrously upbeat Ms. K. after the Gabby awards, where she talked about a variety of subjects including life as an actress, and writing for CSI.

HollywoodChicago.com: You have now played the two most popular professions in television drama – the doctor and the cop. How fairly do you think these two professions are portrayed within the dramatic limits of television?

Melina Kanakaredes: I call it entertainment. Can a crime be solved in 43 minutes? Absolutely not. Can you stick your finger into a girl’s heart and she lives? I don’t think so.

That being said, when a woman plays the role of a forensic detective and that year the enrollment for young women in the sciences and forensics goes up over fifty percent, then I know I’ve done something really cool.

HC: You’ve taken on the iconic role of Sally Bowles in the stage version of Cabaret. How do you relate as a person to the struggles of that character?

MK: I think we all have the ability to lose track. But dreams are still important, because if you stop dreaming and stop trying to achieve something, then you lose. And I think Sally was the biggest dreamer ever.

And I loved the interpretation that came out in the latest staging of the play. It wasn’t the top hat style, it wasn’t all fabulous and nor was Sally’s life. Her desires, her struggles, her need to escape…all worked for me.

Melina K. Posing Appropriately Before a Greek–style Column at the Gabby Awards, Chicago, June 19, 2009
Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

HC: What are your three favorite monikers that show business professionals have tried to convince you to change your name to?

MK: My ultimate favorite was Lina Kane (laughs). Then there were the variations like Melina Lynne, which sounded like a country singer, and Melina Karedes, which still sounded Greek, but I still said no.

HC: Your pride in your Greek heritage is manifested in both your professional and philanthropic work. What does that heritage do for you to give strength and balance in your hectic life?

MK: I think a foundation of family is what is most important. I was born in a family that came from Greece and the history is so amazingly rich. And although we all take credit for that history and it’s been thousands and thousands of years, it is an inspiring thing no matter what you do in life. Not only are your parents there for you, but your cousins, brothers, sisters, neighbors that become aunts and uncles…it’s insane the support.

You can go off and do anything you desire, and you can fall, but there is always twenty hands to catch you. In my life, there is also twenty legs to kick me in the butt if I become all high and mighty (laughs). It’s a grounding force of love.

HC: How do the production team, writing staff and actors strive to keep the ‘CSI: NY’ franchise fresh?

MK: Well, for example, giving an actor the opportunity to write an episode is pretty amazing and I got that opportunity last season. It was the 24th show of the 5th season and for me it provided a fresh perspective.

Although I’ve been doing the show as an actor and have directed before, writing was an incredibly new experience. And it gave me the chance to put in a little Greek flair, I put in a weapon buried in Alexander the Great’s hidden tomb.

The freshness is when all the talent in the room thinks outside the box and I was a beneficiary of the executive producer doing so.

HC: What type of film character would be a dream role for you? What type of characterization have you not been considered for that you would like to try?

MK: My dream role right now is a comedy. I am the biggest klutz known to man. I think I’m funny, and I love comedy – I was a musical theater girl, musical comedy and have done physical comedy. I would love to do something in that arena.

The sixth season of ‘CSI: NY’ starring Melina Kanakaredes, Gary Sinise, Carmine Giovinazzo, Hill Harper and Eddie Cahill will premiere in Fall, 2009.

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

Gen Art Film Festival: Chicago Red Carpet With Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Marc Webb, Scott Caan

adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:01:18 -0600

CHICAGO – The Gen Art Film Festival here had red carpet events last week for two movie premieres, “(500) Days of Summer” with star Joseph Gordon-Levitt and director Marc Webb, plus “Mercy” with star and writer Scott Caan.

HollywoodChicago.com was there for both events and scored some Q&A with the principle architects of both films.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Lead Actor, “(500) Days of Summer”

The child actor favorite of “Third Rock from the Sun” is all grown up and is making a splash in the independent and now mainstream film world. Following stellar performances in “Brick” (2005) and “The Lookout” (2007), Gordon-Levitt is excellent in his latest, a relationship comedy directed by Marc Webb. Look also for G-L in this summer’s “G.I. Joe: The Rise of the Cobra”.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt at the Gen Art Film Fest, Chicago, June 23, 2009.
Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

HollywoodChicago.com: How did your actor’s work on a sitcom and in television in general train you for the next phase of movie acting?

Joseph Gordon-Levitt: I was really lucky that on ‘Third Rock from the Sun’ I was working with phenomenal actors. I learned a great deal from John [Lithgow], Jane [Curtin], Kristen [Johnston] and French [Stewart]. I use what I learned from them all the time.

HC: Rian Johnson and you created a substantial mind blast with 2005’s ‘Brick’. Do you anticipate working with him again, are there any projects floating about?

JG-L: I would hope so. Rian and I are really close and I think he’s going to be making movies for the rest of his life and hopefully I’m doing the same so there is bound to be an intersection at some point.

HC: Your first mainstream summer action movie is about to be released. What is the atmosphere on that type of movie set as opposed to your usual more sedate independent drama?

JG-L: The G.I. Joe set was nothing but fun. It was like getting together with your buddies when you were a kid and playing with toys. Even with all the special effects work, all it is was a fun bunch of toys.

HC: Growing up on screen has claimed its share of child actor victims. What has kept you not only balanced, but constantly evolving in the type and manner of screen roles?

JG-L: I guess I’ve been lucky enough to be around other cool people.

Marc Webb, Director, “(500) Days of Summer”

Webb is making his feature film debut with this beautifully crafted modern day love story.

Marc Webb at the Gen Art Film Fest, Chicago, June 23, 2009.
Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

HC: This is your first feature film. What was it about this particular script and theme that drew you into consideration to direct it?

Marc Webb: It was gut reaction, really. After I read it and put it down, something about it touched me. It felt very relatable, even though it was described as a romantic comedy. I hate romantic comedies.

From the first page I thought it was actually quite funny and by end of it I really related to it. It was a moment of total clarity. It made sense to me and I thought I could do it.

HC: Orson Welles once called filmmaking the “biggest electric train set a boy ever had”, what element of the ‘train set’ in directing do you enjoy most and how do you try to use it to its fullest potential?

MW: What Welles said is completely friggin’ true (laughs). I did a split screen sequence that was just a blast. It was a challenge technically but it really paid off.

Then we did a dance sequence that on-set was just sheer joy for everyone involved. It was just fun. And I feel if you’re not having fun shooting, you shouldn’t be shooting.

There are so many people on a film production working together to execute the vision, it’s magical. It’s actually oddly moving, I say that without irony.

Scott Caan, Writer and Lead Actor, “Mercy”

Caan, a veteran actor probably best known for his role as Turk Malloy in the “Ocean’s 11” franchise, is also a superlative screenwriter and director with three scripts to his credit. He breaks out with the poignant “Mercy”, a bittersweet love story that also features a prominent role for his actor father, James Caan.

Scott Caan (left), Director Patrick Hoelck and Lead Actress Wendy Glenn of ‘Mercy’ in Chicago, June 25, 2009.
Photo credit: Patrick McDonald for HollywoodChicago.com

HC: As a veteran screenwriter, how was it writing a film about a writer? Did you get inspiration just sitting there plying the craft of writing?

Scott Caan: I think all writers at some point write a movie about a writer. I wouldn’t know how to write a story about an architect (laughs). Usually when I write something, there is always the character of “the writer”.

HC: Do you think you’ve had as much opportunity as your Dad to play different types of roles at a similar age? Or did the era he worked in give him the advantage?

SC: That’s a loaded question, and a longer discussion. He was a pretty big movie star and had the choice to do whatever he wanted. I’m not in that same position. I have to act when they will pay me to act, I don’t get to pick and choose as much. There just aren’t as many roles offered.

HC: Are you a student of any particular school of acting?

SC: I studied the [Stanford] Meisner technique for a long time. I like the moment-to-moment reality taught in the method. I like a type of training where nothing is planned, with more of a spontaneous approach to acting, it feels more artistic.

’(500) Days of Summer’ has a limited release July 17, 2009, and features Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Zooey Deschanel, directed by Marc Webb. ‘Mercy’ features Scott Caan, Wendy Glenn, directed by Patrick Hoelck.

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

DVD Review: Criterion Collection Invites You to ‘My Dinner With Andre’

adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 06:00:00 -0600

CHICAGO – I have to admit to having more respect for “My Dinner With Andre” than getting actual enjoyment from the talkative film itself. I understand the praise and awards that the film won and can see how it would have sent a ripple through the art movie world in 1981 when it was released, but I’ve never been a fan of Wallace Shawn, Andre Gregory, and Louis Malle’s film that brings new meaning to the phrase “dialogue-based”.

DVD Rating: 4.0/5.0

The great Malle’s deeply philosophical film is pretty succinctly described in its title. Actor and playwright Wallace Shawn (known to many modern audiences for his role in “The Princess Bride”) sits down for dinner with friend and theater director Andre Gregory. The movie consists almost entirely of their conversation and even though they have claimed that they were not playing themselves (and told Roger Ebert that they’d love to remake it and switch roles), they clearly played off their real lives and known personalities.

My Dinner With Andre was released on DVD on June 23rd, 2009.
Photo credit: Courtesy of the Criterion Collection

The conversation that makes up “My Dinner With Andre” goes all over the map and covers death, love, money, and life in New York City in the ’70s. “Andre” is a deeply intellectual film and I find it ironic that The Criterion Collection is releasing it on DVD the day before its cinematic opposite - “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” - hits theaters. Whatever you want to say about Bay’s CGI extravaganza, you would be hard pressed to find a more disparate film experience than comparing it to “My Dinner With Andre”.

Watching “My Dinner with Andre” many years down the road since I first saw it, it’s interesting to view it now as a snapshot of NYC life and culture in the late ’70s and early ’80s.

Criterion has long been in love with Louis Malle, releasing “3 Films By Louis Malle,” “Au Revoir Les Enfants,” “Lacombe, Lucien,” “Murmur of the Heart,” “The Fire Within,” “The Lovers,” “Elevator to the Gallows,” and “The Documentaries of Louis Malle” before they got to “My Dinner With Andre”.

I wouldn’t start appreciating Malle with “Andre” (and Criterion clearly wouldn’t either) but if you’re already a fan, this is an excellent edition to add to your collection. The transfer is flawless and the special features are typically fantastic.

“My Dinner With Andre” features a new, restored high-definition digital transfer, new video interviews with actors Andre Gregory and Wallace Shawn by filmmaker and friend Noah Baumbach, “My Dinner With Louis,” an episode from the BBC program Arena, in which Shawn interviews director Louis Malle, plus a booklet featuring an essay by critic Amy Taubin and the prefaces written by Gregory and Shawn for the published screenplay.

‘My Dinner With Andre’ was released by The Criterion Collection and stars Wallace Shawn and Andre Gregory. It was written by Shawn & Gregory and directed by Louis Malle. The film was released on June 23rd, 2009. It is not rated.

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

Video: HD Teaser Trailer For ‘The Last Airbender’ From M. Night Shyamalan

adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:01:53 -0600

CHICAGO – Paramount Pictures has just released the HD teaser trailer for the new M. Night Shyamalan film “The Last Airbender,” which stars Jackson Rathbone, Nicola Peltz, Cliff Curtis, Dev Patel (from the Oscar-winning film “Slumdog Millionaire”), Noah Ringer, Jessica Andres, Seychelle Gabriel, Shaun Toub, Aasif Mandvi and Keong Sim.

“The Last Airbender” is slated to hit theaters on July 2, 2010. In addition to “The Last Airbender,” M. Night Shyamalan has also directed “The Happening,” “Lady in the Water,” “The Village,” “Signs,” “Unbreakable” and “The Sixth Sense”. Watch the new HD trailer for “The Last Airbender” below!

Here is “The Last Airbender” plot description:

Air. Water. Earth. Fire. Four nations are tied by destiny when the Fire Nation launches a brutal war against the others. A century has passed with no hope in sight to change the path of this destruction.

Caught between combat and courage, Aang (Noah Ringer) discovers he is the lone Avatar with the power to manipulate all four elements. Aang teams with Katara (Nicola Peltz), and her brother, Sokka (Jackson Rathbone), to restore balance to their war-torn world.

Based on the hugely successful Nickelodeon animated TV series, the live-action feature film “The Last Airbender” is the opening chapter in Aang’s struggle to survive.

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

Interview: Nia Vardalos on Her Life as Greek Goddess, Gabby Awards

adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:23:26 -0600

CHICAGO – In making a Chicago appearance at the Gabby Awards, which honored prominent Greek Americans, actress Nia Vardalos justifiably follows through on the heritage displayed in her hit “My Big Fat Greek Wedding.”

HollywoodChicago.com was on the Red Carpet at the event, and got to briefly interact with vivacious Ms. V, who also was promoting her current film, “My Life in Ruins” with her co-star Alexis Georgoulis.

Nia Vardalos at the Gabby Awards, Chicago, June 19, 2009.
Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

HollywoodChicago.com: You are one of the notable graduates from Chicago’s Second City troupe. What lesson or lessons from those years has sustained you in your career?

Nia Vardalos: There is no crying in comedy (laughs). You’ve got to be tough, and the Windy City sure teaches you that when that wind takes you, push back.

Nia Vardalos on the Red Carpet at the Gabby Awards, Chicago, June 19, 2009.
Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

HC: One of the legends of “Greek Wedding” is that you pioneered a type of hyper-local marketing, literally building an audience town by town, screening by screening. Do you think that type of promotion is less possible now or can it still work?

NV: I think it is less possible now because the theater owners gave us a long time to hold ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding’ and now you have less of a chance to do that. We now have to urge people to go to a film early in the run, but when you’re up against goliath films it’s a little more difficult.

But at the same time you can’t stop making little movies. We do what we can. We put them out there, if people find them, great, if not there is always the DVD release.

Nia Vardalos and Patrick McDonald, Chicago, June 19, 2009.
Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

HC: You are a notable columnist for ‘The Huffington Post’. What do you find most different in blogging versus doing screenplay or stage writing?

NV: You know what I love about blogging? It’s actually less difficult because nobody edits you on The Huffington Post and on Anderson Cooper, no editing. I wrote a piece for Arianna [Huffington] titled ‘The List’ and a second piece for Anderson Cooper called ‘What’s the Big Fat Deal’. They are not like a studio, that’s for sure. It was like my first screenplay, nobody edited it.

HC: You are probably one of the most representative members of the Greek heritage. How has it informed through your career and your philosophy?

NV: Not to compare myself, but like Robert DeNiro and Martin Scorsese, I like to explore my heritage. My next movie, ‘I Hate Valentine’s Day’ has nothing to do with a Greek holiday, but I figure since I’ve got this nose (laughs), I want to tell Greek stories.

Nia Vardalos current film is ‘My Life in Ruins’. Check local theaters for showtimes. Read the HollywoodChicago.com interview with “My Life in Ruins” co-star Alexis Georgoulis.

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

DVD Review: Chuck Jones’ Masterful ‘Tom and Jerry’ Shorts Finally Available

adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 06:00:00 -0600

CHICAGO – Like a lot of people, “Tom and Jerry” was a major part of my childhood. When I was younger, there weren’t nearly as many choices for children’s entertainment and I wonder if kids nowadays even know who Tom and Jerry are. We may not have had 500 channels, but when you have Tom, Jerry, the Looney Tunes gang, and the Muppets, you don’t need them.

DVD Rating: 4.5/5.0

Hanna-Barbera created Tom and Jerry in the ’40s and the rambunctious rivalry between a cat (Tom) and a mouse (Jerry) won seven Academy Awards and starred in over a hundred cartoons.

Tom and Jerry: The Chuck Jones Collection was released on DVD on June 23rd, 2009.
Photo credit: WB

The series went dark for a few years in the late ’50s and early ’60s until the legendary Chuck Jones took control in the mid-’60s and produced dozens of shorts. The characters would be in and out of the public spotlight for decades to come but the Chuck Jones’ era of “Tom and Jerry” was undeniably unique and are now available on DVD for the first time in a great collection for fans of classic animation.

If you don’t know the name Chuck Jones, you don’t know classic animation. He was an influential legend and he brought his unique style to the adventures of cat and mouse. All 34 shorts that he created with Les Goldman are now available on a two-disc collection from Warner Brothers.

Under Chuck Jones, “Tom and Jerry” underwent some serious changes that offended some purists of the Oscar-winning stars. Tom got furrier cheeks and thicker eyebrows. Jerry got larger eyes and ears and a more sweet-natured expression.

The same aesthetic that Jones brought to Looney Tunes is clear in the Jones’ cartoons. They often feel inspired by Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner cartoons with a heavy dose of Jones’ unusual sense of humor.

These great shorts have been remastered in widescreen and is available for the first time the way they were originally shown in theaters decades ago.

The great special features include a new featurette called “Tom and Jerry…and Chuck” and a new documentary called “Chuck Jones: Memories of a Childhood”.

Being a huge fan of classic animation automatically makes you a huge fan of Chuck Jones, but even if you’re not already in love with the man’s work or these characters, “Tom and Jerry: The Chuck Jones Collection” is worth a look.

‘Tom and Jerry: The Chuck Jones Collection’ was released by Warner Brothers. The shorts were released on June 23rd, 2009. It is not rated.

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

Chicago Pride Day Video: Overview of 4 Gay-Themed Films

adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman) — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 08:26:30 -0600

CHICAGO – Happy Chicago Pride Day from HollywoodChicago.com! Attached are two videos featuring HollywoodChicago.com staff writer Patrick McDonald with overviews on four gay-themed films: “Parting Glances” (1986), “Cruising” (1980), “Desert Hearts” (1985) and “Stonewall” (1995).

June 28, 2009 is also the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Inn Riots, which is the symbolic beginning of the gay pride movement.

Reel Pride, Part One

Reel Pride, Part Two

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