On with the Cho
Had it not already been associated with the 1950s series, Margaret Cho would’ve dubbed her latest one-woman show, “Leave it to Beaver.”
Year: 2003
Food Network cooks up fun mating show
Sandy Dvorak is living every woman’s dream. While she sits behind a screen getting her hair and makeup done, two men she has never met before are sweating over stoves trying to create a dinner she’ll love. These men aren’t chefs, but rather Chicago singles hoping to win over her heart via her stomach.
“Step Into Liquid”: Surfing doc never catches the right wave
Dana Brown’s surfing documentary “Step Into Liquid” features lush locations, magnificent waves and rocking surfer bodies. So why does the film feel so much longer than its 88-minute running time? I liken it to a spa treatment, where the anticipation of soaking in a mud bath or taking a long, hot steam sounds wonderful but, in reality, proves to get old fast. There’s only so much relaxation you can take before you’re antsy to leave.
IMAX film has an eye for the ‘Tiger’
By Jae-Ha Kim Chicago Sun-Times August 15, 2003 Ghandi once said, “A society can be judged by the way it treats its animals.” But what if the animal is a danger to society–then how is […]
Who wins in ‘Freddy vs. Jason’? Not the audience
Don’t bother asking who the ultimate winner is in the battle between “Freddy vs. Jason.” We’re not supposed to tell you. But suffice it to say you don’t have to be clairvoyant to realize this franchise isn’t going to die, even if one of the lead characters supposedly does.
Speaking with … Joe Jackson
Twenty-five years after Joe Jackson, Gary Sanford, Graham Maby and Dave Houghton began recording “Look Sharp,” which was released in 1979, the musicians have reunited for “Volume 4” (Restless) and a tour that brings them to Chicago this weekend. Phoning from New York, quirky singer-songwriter Jackson talked about the strains of touring, his favorite books and how he’d fare as a new artist in today’s looks-obsessed market.
Madden NFL 2004: Chicago’s hottest videogame
Cool graphics, easy-to-follow directions and John Madden’s colorful commentary all make this franchise the best football game on the market. The attention to detail–from the players to the stadiums–is amazing. Speaking of which, Soldier Field has never looked so good.
Beautiful people and cool couture make for fab evening
The models were gorgeous at Glamorama–the fashion extravaganza held Friday night at the Chicago Theatre. The clothes were delightful. And the atmosphere was festive.
Korean festival a cultural celebration
Kimchee, anyone? For those hankering for some authentic Korean food in a casual environment, the eighth annual Korean Street Festival is the perfect place to get a taste of Korea. The organizers hope to better last year’s turnout of 30,000 attendees, especially since 2003 marks the centennial of the first Korean immigrants in the United States.
Ever felt like a misfit teen? Go to ‘Camp’
At Camp Ovation, sports is a four-letter word. A gym teacher is as out of place there as a dance instructor would be at basketball camp. So when shy Ellen is dateless for her school dance, or Michael gets beat up for wearing a dress and heels to his prom, they cling to the thought that they’ll be at a better place–Camp Ovation–in just a few days. Based on his own experiences attending a summer musical workshop, “Camp” is screenwriter Todd Graff’s directorial debut.
Speaking with … Aimee Mann
Aimee Mann creates perfect mood music. “Voices Carry” set that tone in the 1980s when she fronted the band ‘Til Tuesday. Her Grammy and Oscar nod for her solo songs in “Magnolia” clinched it. Touring in support of her latest album, “Lost in Space,” released on her own SuperEgo label, Mann will perform tonight at Navy Pier’s Skyline Stage.
Five questions with Bond
The name is Bond. Just Bond. The comely, classically trained lookers in Bond are the musical headliners at Friday’s Glamorama. While it’s tempting to dub the Aussie quartet the Spice Girls of the string set, there’s no doubt these women can actually play.
“8-Track, The Sounds of the ’70s”
There are some of us who lived through the 1970s who not only loved the soundtrack of that era, but also have fond memories of that decade’s music–even schmaltzy numbers such as “You Light Up My Life,” “I’m Not in Love” and, yes, “I Write the Songs.” So it’s not surprising that Rick Seeber came up with “8-Track, the Sounds of the ’70s.” What is unfortunate, however, is that the director either had too little time to craft an innovative stage production or just didn’t care enough about the music to attempt doing it justice.
Speaking with … Aaron Carter
When we last spoke with Aaron Carter, he said he coveted his famous brother’s height. He’s almost there. The younger brother of Backstreet Boy Nick Carter stands at 6-foot-1. The 15-year-old Aaron will be in Chicago on Tuesday for an autograph session at Marshall Field’s State Street store followed by an all-ages concert at the House of Blues.
Justin sheds a band; Christina sheds inhibitions
Bye, bye, bye ‘N Sync. Hello Justin Timberlake. With his debut solo album “Justified,” Timberlake has set the ball in motion for a promising career sans J.C., Joey, Lance and Chris. With his current tour, which also features fellow former Mouseketeer Christina Aguilera, Timberlake is showing a more grownup side.
Spike Lee knows the score
Shelton Lee always had a bit of an edge. When his schoolteacher mother began calling him Spike, even he realized the nickname fit him to a T. “I was always a little different,” Lee says, laughing. “I don’t think I knew it as a kid, but it wasn’t a bad thing. I grew up in a wonderful environment filled with love, knowledge and lots of jazz.”
Blue Man Group at the Rosemont Theatre
If there was anything lacking at the Blue Man Group’s “Complex Rock Tour” Saturday night at the Rosemont Theatre, I didn’t notice. PVC pipes, Judy Jetson dresses and an odd little trio of bald, blue men. …What more could you ask for in a rock ‘n’ roll concert?
SPEAKING WITH…Fergie
The Black Eyed Peas are enjoying the success of their new album, “Elephunk” (Interscope). Currently on tour with Christina Aguilera and Justin Timberlake–who sings with them on the oh-so-cool “Where Is the Love”–while also playing their own gigs, the Peas’ sole woman, Fergie (no, not that one), woke up early to call us at noon, yawning every now and again.
Boot up and play ball!
The All-Star game hits Comiskey, um, US Cellular Field on Tuesday. For those who can’t get enough baseball, we’ve got some of this season’s big hitters and strikeouts … in videogames, we mean. As for the popcorn and peanuts, you’re on your own.
Time to ‘move on’ for Spike
The lawsuit between Viacom and director Spike Lee may be settled, but that doesn’t mean the filmmaker is happy. He told GLARE Tuesday, “I think that when people settle, no one’s happy because it’s a compromise. But we’ll all move on. I would like to state that I have no affiliation whatsoever with Spike TV–never did and never will.”