The Chicago Traveler

April 18th, 2008

Friday Film: Wicker Park

There are hundreds of named neighborhoods in the city of Chicago. (PDF map) Due to gentrification, immigration, and even personal opinion, their borders often aren’t clear. Neighborhoods are rarely specifically-defined areas but rather are general areas. One of those neighborhoods was the namesake for a 2004 film, Wicker Park.

Wicker Park (2004)

Directed by:
Paul McGuigan

Produced by:
Andre Lamal
Gary […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

April 10th, 2008

Weekend Quickies

• Jerry Seinfeld will be performing his stand-up routine at The Chicago Theatre. (Apr 11-12)
• At the Ibeji African Market Days, you can browse through handmade baskets, handbags, silk scarves, silver jewelry, and more on the ground floor of the James R. Thompson State of Illinois Center. Profits benefit orphans and women with HIV/AIDS in […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

February 1st, 2008

Friday Film: The Company

I enjoy dancing and seeing dance performances, but I’ll admit I’m usually at a loss when it comes to ballet. However, there are some incredibly beautiful pieces in The Company, a 2003 musical drama about the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago. However, the film also makes sure to point out the pain behind the beauty, as […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

January 25th, 2008

Friday Film: Pretty in Pink

The ‘80s blessed us with so many wonderful things: huge shoulder pads, the DeLorean, and Molly Ringwald. Recently ranked #1 on VH1’s 100 Greatest Teen Stars, she and her Brat Pack crew embodied ‘80s adolescence in the U.S. in a number of teen-oriented films, including Pretty in Pink.

Pretty in Pink (1986)

Directed by:
Howard Deutch

Produced by:
Lauren Shuler

Starring:
Molly […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

January 11th, 2008

Friday Film: The Grudge 2

I’ll come right out and say it: I don’t watch a lot of horror films. It’s not because I don’t enjoy being spooked on occasion. I watch a lot of television about supposed paranormal activity, and I’ve read plenty of books by Stephen King, Clive Barker, etc. But, in my opinion, many horror films take […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

January 4th, 2008

Friday Film: When Harry Met Sally…

Written by Nora Ephron and directed by Rob Reiner, When Harry Met Sally… is a 1989 romantic comedy that follows Harry Burns (Billy Crystal) and Sally Albright (Meg Ryan) as they meet, depart, meet, depart, and meet again in New York City. This classic humorously examines the dynamics between men and women, and it is […]

By Matt B -- 2 comments

January 3rd, 2008

Weekend Events

• Every First Friday of the month, relax with a cash bar and free Wolfgang Puck appetizers at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Enjoy live music from local DJs along with the work of an up-and-coming Chicago artist. This month’s theme: Fallen Stars. (Jan 4)
• There’s not much you can get for $10 on Michigan […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

December 28th, 2007

Friday Film: Brannigan

Most of us are familiar with John Wayne, the film actor and American icon who epitomized rugged masculinity. He was closely associated with Westerns and war movies, but he stepped away from those standards in 1975 with Brannigan.

Brannigan (1975)

Directed by:
Douglas Hickox

Produced by:
Arthur Garnder
Jules Levy

Starring:
John Wayne
Richard Attenborough
Judy Geeson
Mel Ferrer
John Vernon
Ralph Meeker
Daniel Pilon

Distributed by:
United Artists

All Movie Guide
IMDb
Amazon.com

John […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

December 20th, 2007

Weekend Quickies

• 2007 has been one crazy year. Alberto Gonzalez, Blackwater, Michael Vick, Miss Teen South Carolina, and look! It’s OJ again! “Uh-Oh”7: The Year in Revue at Donny’s Skybox Theatre takes a satirical look at the names and events that made this year unique. (Dec 21, 28)
• Friday is National Burger Day! Join the folks […]

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December 14th, 2007

Friday Film: BarberShop

Released in 2002, BarberShop revolves around the customers and employees of a barbershop on the south side of Chicago. This old-fashioned business is much more than a place where men get their hair cut though; it is a staple of the neighborhood and a place where people meet and share ideas, no matter how serious […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments