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.

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.

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.