The Chicago Traveler

July 25th, 2008

Friday Film: Save the Last Dance

Many films that appeal to the young-adult audience are full of clichés and what I call “after-school-special” romanticisms. While Save the Last Dance is not an incredible film, it does present characters that are a little closer to reality than the stereotypes too many movies rely upon.

Save the Last Dance (2001)

Directed by:
Thomas Carter

Produced by:
Robert W. […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

July 23rd, 2008

Songza Is Your Own Personal Jukebox

“Yesterday, while we were at the club, that new popular song came on…”“What song?”“You know… the one by that singer that everyone likes now.”“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”“Sure you do. You’d know it if you heard it.”“Okay, so let’s hear it.”“Uh…”
Whether you’re satisfying a random Cat Power craving or wanting to reminisce […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

June 20th, 2008

Friday Film: Roll Bounce

One of the things that I never quite got the hang of was skating, in any form. One of my first experiences was actually at a roller rink not too far from where I live now. Some of you locals may remember the Rainbo, which had a long history in entertainment. (It’s since been torn […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

May 30th, 2008

Friday Film: High Fidelity

Earlier today, I mentioned that Hollywood has come to Chicago to film a new movie near the Biograph. This historic theatre, along with several other Chicago landmarks, also appears in the 2000 film High Fidelity.

High Fidelity (2000)

Directed by:
Stephen Frears

Produced by:
Tim Bevan
Rudd Simmons

Starring:
John Cusack
Iben Hjejle
Todd Louiso
Jack Black
Lisa Bonet
Catherine Zeta-Jones
Joan Cusack
Tim Robbins

Distributed by:
Touchstone Pictures

All Movie Guide
IMDb
Amazon.com

The movie, […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

April 2nd, 2008

Spike Press

When I was in college, like most students I decorated my dorm room walls with just about everything I could find: flags, newspaper clippings, magazine advertisements, posters from the drama department’s productions, etc. Now we’re all older and in real apartments and houses, and we can afford some nicer things for the walls.
How about the […]

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

December 31st, 2007

The Best of The Chicago Traveler 2007

It’s time to say good-bye to 2007. The year has treated me very well. I moved to a new apartment, did some traveling, and, best of all, began writing The Chicago Traveler! Many thanks to Mary Jo and everyone at b5media who has been so welcoming and helpful.
Even though The Chicago Traveler is only a […]

By Matt B -- 2 comments

December 29th, 2007

Ivy League Celebrates NYE

So you’ve decided that the best way to celebrate New Year’s Eve is inside the comfort of your own home (or a friend’s home). Tune your television to MTV, and ring in the New Year with Tila Tequila’s New Year’s Eve Masquerade 2008. There’ll be plenty of performers and special guests, including DJ Travis, Mary […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

December 13th, 2007

Don’t Forget the Lyrics!

Do you like to sing in the shower? Or in the car on the way to work? Maybe you croon a few tunes while cleaning the house. But how well do you know those songs that you’re singing?
For years I was convinced The Bangles were telling me to Walk Like a Magician. But if you’re […]

By Matt B -- 3 comments

November 1st, 2007

Weekend Events

• Following a 500-year-old German tradition, Oakbrook Center hosts Christkindlmarket, featuring artisans selling items like hand-carved nutcrackers, beer steins, toys, lace table linens, glass-blown ornaments, European chocolates, jewelry, and a wide variety of German novelties. Visitors can also experience traditional delicacies including bratwurst, sauerkraut, pretzels, leberkase, and more. (Oct 26 – Nov 11)
• Kelly Clarkson […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments