Beacon News :: Entertainment ::

Sandwich Fair resumes today after heavy rain

Beacon News Staff — Fri, 5 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

SANDWICH -- The animals and crafts and country music should be back in action today at the Sandwich Fair.

Alone in the Dark: 'Bangkok Dangerous'

Fri, 5 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

"Bangkok Dangerous" is excessively shadowy and laughably plotted, writes Sun critic Josh Larsen. It will be as forgettable as other Nicolas Cage career hiccups such as "Next" and "The Wicker Man."

121st annual Sandwich Fair gets started

By KAREN GOVEIA Special to The Beacon News — Thu, 4 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

For many, the Sandwich Fair is a place to visit for some old-fashioned fun. For lifelong Sandwich residents Everett Hyatt and Richard Mall, it was the perfect place to reconnect with friends of more than a half century. Sitting in the grandstand bleachers Wednesday, the two men eagerly glanced around the crowd that gathered to see the fair's opening day Harness Races.

Reading is Golden

special to the Beacon News — Thu, 4 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

A new exhibit opening next week at the Aurora Public Arts Commission is designed to take visitors back in time.

Out spokin' Pedals in play

Thu, 4 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Olga and Ed Ziherl were really hoping to catch Wicked when they made their summer trip to Chicago to visit Ed's sister, Veronica Nagel of Shorewood. When it turned out no decent seats were available for the popular Broadway show on the dates they needed, Nagel had another suggestion.

A View from Joy

By Randall G. Mielke special to the beacon news — Thu, 4 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Joy Behar, best known as one of the co-hosts of ABC TV's The View, has been described as a tell-it-like-it-is comedian. Behar brings her no-nonsense approach to comedy to the Paramount Theatre on Sept. 20.

Arts Briefs

Thu, 4 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Noble Fool Academy offers fall singing, performance classes

'Disaster Movie,' as advertised

Thu, 4 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

DISASTER MOVIE: An attractive cast (Matt Lanter, Vanessa Minnillo, Kim Kardashian, Carmen Electra and G. Thang) dodges asteroids, tornadoes and earthquakes as they lampoon calamity films. Voted the worst movie in theaters by moviegoers, proving again that there are standards for which parody movies must be measured. Half of those we polled gave "DM" two stars or less, indicating it doesn't live up to even the sub-standards. Very few laugh-worthy absurdities in this buffoonery. Viewers sugar coated it this way: "Horrible, very bad" ... "Stupidest movie ever" ... "Only some funny scenes but the rest are lame" and "The movie is a disaster."

Datebook

Thu, 4 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Museums/Galleries

Celebrating pure joy of painting

Thu, 4 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

A free art exhibit featuring the work of Tyler Hennings, Monmouth College assistant professor of art, will be presented at Aurora University's Dunham Gallery, Dunham Hall, 1400 Marseillaise Place, from Sept. 9 through Nov. 6. Hennings chooses banal subjects that have a sense of humor and warmth, and paints them on a large scale. "not for the season" is a show that indulges in the pure joy of painting.

Batavia House Walk set Saturday

Special to the Beacon News — Thu, 4 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

BATAVIA -- Tickets are available for the 2008 Batavia House Walk. The walk is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and features five homes and a tea at the Batavia Depot Museum.

Chicago's Finest

Thu, 4 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Featured This Week

Trash documentary tops Geneva film fest

beacon news staff — Thu, 4 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

GENEVA -- How much garbage does an average family generate in three months?

Fair souvenirs on sale: vases, shirts, hat pins

Thu, 4 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Souvenirs are on sale at the Gazebo at the DeKalb County (Sandwich) Fair.

Now Playing

Tue, 2 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Capsule reviews of films currently playing in local theaters, including "Traitor" and "Tropic Thunder."

Alone in the Dark: 'Babylon A.D.'

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

I can�t decide what is most confusing about �Babylon A.D.,� writes Sun critic Josh Larsen: the nonsensical, science-fiction plot, the participation of classy Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh or the fact that Vin Diesel�s voice has somehow dropped another register.

'Shield' opens final season

By FRAZIER MOORE The Associated Press — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

"The Shield" jump the shark? Not in its first six seasons! This FX cop drama has always been too smart, fast-paced and full of surprises for any shark to make the scene.

Elvis impersonator wows 'em on NBC show

BY LINDA GIRARDI Special to the Beacon News — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Sometimes getting bumped off of a cruise ship is a blessing in disguise. Aurora native Joseph Hall, 24, is a world-acclaimed Elvis Presley impersonator. He's advanced to the final 30 contestants poised to win $1 million in NBC's third season of America's Got Talent. Hall will perform during Tuesday's show, airing from 7 to 9 p.m.

A fall TV season with questions in the air

By FRAZIER MOORE The Associated Press — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

NEW YORK -- With fall in sight, ABC is inviting viewers to stay home and watch ABC as an energy-saving measure.

If you like fun, then you'll like Last Fling

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

As if the blinking carnival lights and blaring music stages at Last Fling weren't sensory overload enough, this year's event caters more than ever to those with the shortest attention spans: Little kids.

Donna Summer shuns oldies act to stay fresh

BY KERRI MASON — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

It took disco diva Donna Summer 17 years to release a follow-up to 1991's ''Mistaken Identity.'' Not that she was taking it easy. The 59-year-old is mother to three daughters (two of whom are ''in the business''), wife of 27 years and grandma, not to mention painter, amateur interior designer and consistent touring artist. She's at Ravinia on Saturday night.

Behold the power of cheese

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

On Tuesday, the most important and momentous album of the year will hit stores.

Alone in the Dark: 'College'

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

"College" desperately wants to be the next "Superbad." Only it's just super bad. Three high school friends - one sensitive guy, one portly jerk and one nerd - try to turn their disappointing social lives around at a party. As in "Superbad," the friends score with girls, get in a fight and make up before the credits roll.

Alone in the Dark: 'Disaster Movie'

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Another in a series of movies that puts pop culture in a blender and comes up with just over an hour of, er, filmed content, "Disaster Movie" does in fact feature a disaster. It's "The Day after Tomorrow" meets "Cloverfield" meets "Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull," but that's not all.

A stand-up guy

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

It's a beautiful Tuesday afternoon in Los Angeles, and D.L. Hughley is calling from the golf course. Every few moments, he pauses to talk to his caddy, or greet a friend.

Folkfest set in Geneva

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

The 32nd Annual Fox Valley Folk Music and Storytelling Festival will present more than 100 hours of folk music, dance and storytelling on eight stages featuring more than 36 of the finest Midwest and national folk music and storytelling acts on Sunday and Monday at Island Park in Geneva.

City pulls together for Hometown Days

SPECIAL TO THE BEACON NEWS — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

YORKVILLE -- The United City of Yorkville's 16th annual Hometown Days Festival kicks off Friday at Beecher Community Park, 908 Game Farm Rd. The entire community is pitching in, in more ways than one.

Yorkville to celebrate Hometown Days fest

By LINDA GIRARDI Special to The Beacon News — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Just when you thought summer fun was over, Yorkville's Hometown Days Festival runs Friday through Sunday in this weekend at Beecher Community Park.

New summer festival to debut this Saturday at Blackberry Farm

Special to the Beacon News — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

AURORA -- A celebration of food, entertainment and family fun will come to life Saturday with the first annual Celetastity at Blackberry Farm.

Festival schedule

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Friday, Aug. 29

Local vendors add hometown flair to annual festival

Special to the Beacon News — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Yorkville's 16th annual Hometown Days Festival kicks off Friday.

5K Fun Run/Walk set for Saturday in Yorkville

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

The Yorkville Hometown Days Festival 2008 5K Fun Run/Walk will be held at 7:30 a.m. Saturday at the Beecher Community Park, parking lot, 908 Game Farm Road, Yorkville.

Turn off the radio, go to the folk fest

BY JUDY BUCHENOT Special to the Beacon News — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

My husband Pat likes music and by music, I mean all kinds of music.

Few were rocked by Rainn Wilson's jam

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

THE ROCKER: Fish's (Rainn Wilson) destiny changed when he was bounced as the drummer in a legendary hard-rock band. His lost opportunity left him an embittered loser until his nephew's teen band provided a second chance at rock stardom. The band (Teddy Geiger, Emma Stone and Josh Gad) hires Uncle Fish to drum and lead them to success. Fish avoids day jobs, woos a fellow band member's mom (Christina Applegate) and hits the road again. Predictable, but some hilarious lessons are learned about bad behavior, hard work and growing up. Comments included: "Great to see Wilson outside of The Office" ... "Enjoyable, but not great" ... and "Lots of laughs and a great soundtrack."

'Traitor' plays like a policy paper

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Faced with the daunting task of tying a narrative bow on something as messy as contemporary global politics, pictures such as "Lions for Lambs" and now "Traitor" unfold less as stories than as carefully studied policy papers. The characters don't talk like people; they talk like graduate students.

Last Fling expands with Family Fun Land

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

As if the blinking carnival lights and blaring music stages at Last Fling weren't sensory overload enough, this year's event caters more than ever to those with the shortest attention spans:

Geneva theater group gets early OK

BY CHARLOTTE NORGAARD Special to the Beacon News — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Plans for a community theater in downtown Geneva cleared another hurdle as the City Council gave its preliminary approval this week.

'Z Rock' almost reality

By Frazier Moore AP Television Writer — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

A comedy called "Z Rock" is the latest series to occupy that overcrowded TV limbo between reality and freely scripted fiction. (Should we maybe term this genre "freeality"?)

Extreme competition expands to 'America's Toughest Jobs'

BY ASSOCIATED PRESS — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

From the producer of Deadliest Catch and Ice Road Truckers, TV's booming tough-guy-and-gal genre adds a game-show twist with America's Toughest Jobs.

Jewel 'Perfectly Clear' about place in country

BY BOB MEHR — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

'I've been writing country songs my whole life,'' says singer-songwriter Jewel. Though she's perhaps best known for her '90s alterna-folk hits, the 34-year-old Jewel Kilcher's latest CD, ''Perfectly Clear,'' finds her fully realizing her country aspirations. ''I have probably 500 songs in my catalog and a lot of them have been country. So this is a logical place for me to be,'' Jewel says.

Screeching Weasel back, more intense than ever

Sat, 23 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Jim DeRogatis: On the list of underground legends of Chicago rock, few bands rank higher than Screeching Weasel. Formed in the mid-'80s in suburban Prospect Heights by childhood friends Ben Foster, better known as Ben Weasel and the group's vocalist and primary songwriter, and John Pierson, aka Jughead, punk guitarist extraordinaire and sometimes co-songwriter, Screeching Weasel was the punk band that made it cool again to embrace bubblegum melodies -- the missing link between the Ramones and the Buzzcocks and pop-punk's modern-day platinum-selling heroes Green Day, Blink-182 and Fall Out Boy.

Saying goodbye to a sax master

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

So I had a completely different column written and handed in, and then I heard that LeRoi Moore died. I first heard the Dave Matthews Band in 1994, a couple of weeks after Under the Table and Dreaming, their breakthrough album, came out. I was browsing in my local record store, when my ears perked up.

Oswego fest showcases artwork

BY LINDA GIRARDI Special to the Beacon News — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Oswego's fifth annual Fine Arts Fair is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. The two-day outdoor event is as much of a cultural experience, as it is an opportunity for art aficionados to acquire different pieces of art or begin a new collection from their favorite artists and have an enjoyable time with family and friends.

Fall season swings into session

BY BEACON NEWS STAFF — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

The fall season at the area's big venues gets in full swing this weekend as Foreigner comes to the Paramount Theatre in Aurora for a show at 8 p.m. Sunday.

Faris fails to make 'Bunny' funny

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

In "The House Bunny," Anna Faris plays Shelley Darlington, a Playboy model who has been kicked out of that sorority and tries to make a home with another one - namely, a campus collection of misfits and nerds who are in danger of losing their home if that can't increase their popularity and attract new pledges.

Beyond the Blockbusters: 'Hamlet 2'

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

There is some really dark stuff going on underneath all the outrageous goofiness in "Hamlet 2," so much so that you wonder if the entire project was designed as a cathartic experience for the filmmakers. For the audience, it's mostly uncomfortable.

Bayless to talk cooking

SPECIAL TO THE BEACON NEWS — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

AURORA - Award-winning Chicago chef, restaurateur, cookbook author and television personality Rick Bayless will appear at Aurora's Paramount Theatre on Sept. 13 for a cooking demonstration, tasting and book signing.

Cinderella meets 'Dancing with the Stars'

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

The Oswego Playhouse Theatre presents Cindy , an original 'Dancing with the Stars' version of Cinderella written by Jill Off and directed by Daina Giesler. The show will feature all the characters from the classic story and include additional fairy tale princesses, mice and a talking cat. Cast includes Kelly Cash as Cindy; Barb Alexander as the Stepmother; Dominene Hernandez as Anastasia; Morgan Long as Prunella; Regis Snyder as the King; Justin Hernandez as the Prince; Sharon McCamey as Pixie; Katie Bancroft as Trixie; Shawn McCamey as Puss; Jacquie Weirich as Fairy Godmother; Morgan Roberts as Beauty; Erin Gautille as Sleeping Beauty; Kelsey Burlington as Snow White; and Paul Bancroft as Coachman. Directed by Daina Giesler

Arts Briefs

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Acappellago opens auditions for 7th season

War spoof fails to bring 'Thunder'

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

TROPIC THUNDER: Self-absorbed action star Tugg Speedman (Ben Stiller) leads an "A"-list cast in a Vietnam War film that accidentally sets the characters off into real drug-war action, transforming them into genuine soldiers. Five-time Oscar-winner Kirk Lazarus (Robert Downey Jr.) has undergone skin pigmentation to make him appear black. Comic Jeff Portnoy (Jack Black), whose stardom has been forged by flatulence jokes, is suffering withdrawal from his heroin addiction, mood swings that are suited perfectly for Black's acting style. Supported by several surprising cameos, the film ignites many rounds of audience laughter, but then suffers through a number of overly long and unfunny stretches. Viewers said: "Funny movie. It started great but as it went on it got pretty stupid towards the end" (many) ... "Tom Cruise was really funny" (many) ... "Robert Downey Jr. stole the movie" (many) ... and "The funniest movie I've seen this summer."

Here and Now

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Medley

Chicago's Finest

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Featured This Week

Geneva film fest takes a look at 'Garbage'

BY BEACON NEWS STAFF — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

GENEVA -- How much garbage does an average family generate in three months? What is the effect on the environment? As a prelude to the Geneva Film Festival, fest organizers and the Geneva Green Market are sponsoring a documentary looking at those issues.

A complete listing of events going on in your area

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Family Fun

Artist Listing

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Acrylic:

Arts Schedule

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Saturday, Aug. 23

AU sets 2008-09 Celebrating Arts and Ideas Series

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

AURORA -- Art, theatre, music, film, and lectures highlight Aurora University's Celebrating Arts and Ideas series for 2008-2009.

Summer finale: Last Fling concert tickets now on sale

SPECIAL TO THE BEACON NEWS — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

NAPERVILLE -- Affordable musical entertainment is one of the many highlights of the Naperville Jaycees' Last Fling. This year is no exception, as the Jaycees expect a harmonic summer celebration throughout Labor Day weekend.

'Death Race' is a grim, gruesome affair

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Foul language. Cruel violence. Adolescent sexism. These are tried-and-true elements of your average exploitation picture - "Death Race" is based on the 1975 Roger Corman cheapie "Death Race 2000" - yet this update is too brutal and boorish to be a guilty pleasure. It's just guilty.

Young actress makes 'Longshots' a sure thing

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Keke Palmer has single-handedly saved another feel-good drama from drowning in sap. The 14-year-old actress from Harvey, Ill., has a grounded, unaffected seriousness that previously rooted "Akeelah and the Bee" and now anchors "The Longshots," which is based on the first female football player in a Pop Warner league.

Wilson can't make it on his own in 'Rocker'

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

It can be hard to explain what makes a star, writes Sun critic Josh Larsen, but it's fairly easy to identify a performer who doesn't have that mysterious star stuff. Rainn Wilson doesn't have it.

Playhouse for Geneva gets initial approval

BY CHARLOTTE NORGAARD Special to the Beacon News — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

The Geneva Plan Commission has given plans for a proposed community theater the green light. The issue now goes on to the full City Council.

Trademark voice of The Spinners dies

the associated press — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

DETROIT -- Pervis Jackson, the man behind the deep, rolling bass voice in a string of 1970s R&B hits by The Spinners, has died. He was 70.

TV's finest moments? You decide

The Associated Press — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

LOS ANGELES -- The most memorable moments in television history will be revealed during the 60th Primetime Emmy Awards next month, and it's up to voters to decide which bits should take top honors.

NPR commentator Leroy Sievers dies

the associated press — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

WASHINGTON -- Leroy Sievers, a National Public Radio commentator who turned his battle with cancer into a popular radio and online series, died Friday of the disease. He was 53.

Naperville rocks with Last Fling lineup

BY BEACON NEWS STAFF — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

The Naperville Jaycees have finalized the bands that will perform at the Last Fling festival over Labor Day weekend.

David Carradine in his element for 'King Fu Killer'

BY FRAIZIER MOORE Associated Press — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

"The hardest brick is the easiest to break," says martial arts master White Crane as he places a tomato on a stack of bricks, then presses downward and shatters the bricks while leaving the tomato intact.

Thousands pay respects to comedian Bernie Mac

BY ASSOCIATED PRESS — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Fans, friends and fellow celebrities descended on the House of Hope megachurch to bid their farewells Saturday to a man who never forgot his humble Chicago roots. Hundreds of mourners had never even met Bernie Mac -- or had met him only long enough to shake his hand, get an autograph or thank him for representing his neighborhood.

Alone in the Dark: �Mirrors�

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

At the goofiest point in �Mirrors,� a pane of glass actually bites Kiefer Sutherland, who plays a night watchman patrolling a derelict department store in New York City. Sutherland yells at them � he does a lot of barking at his own reflection in �Mirrors� � but the mirrors don�t listen.

Local filmmaker's movie screening in Batavia

Beacon News Staff — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Local filmmaker Stacie Hawkins will screen her first feature, "The Rise and Fall of Miss Thang," at the Randall 15 Theater in Batavia next week.

Sensual cast enlivens Allen's 'Barcelona'

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Though "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" is nowhere near as steamy as the commercials suggest, the cast gives it a surprisingly physical sexuality for a Woody Allen picture, writes Sun critic Josh Larsen. Sex is usually an intellectual endeavor for the filmmaker, but this foursome forces him - and us - to get out of our heads.

From 'Shaft' to Chef, goodbye to a classic

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

So before we start this week, a quick goodbye to Isaac Hayes.

No stranger to the road

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

A band touring on the road spends many hours on a bus or in line at airport terminals. The travel can take its toll on musicians, making them tired, even somewhat disoriented. But in a strange way, that helps them focus on the task ahead: performing in front of an audience night after night. Foreigner will perform at 8 p.m. Aug. 24, at the Paramount Theatre, the venue's season opener.
� Click on Paramount Theatre for more information about the Foreigner performance.

Stars to shine at Air & Water show

Special to The Beacon News — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

The largest free air and water show exhibition in the United States runs Friday through Sunday at Chicago's North Avenue Beach. The 50th annual Chicago Air and Water Show has added a special Friday show featuring Chicagoans Bill Murray and Gary Sinise. The Chicago Air and Water Show takes place along Chicago's lakefront with the focal point at North Avenue Beach and is presented by Shell Oil Products U.S. and the city of Chicago.
� Online: Chicago Air and Water Show

Elburn shop offers Southwest art and NASCAR racing collectibles

By PAUL SULLIVAN Special to The Beacon News — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

At first glance, a store that sells NASCAR racing collectibles and Southwest art and jewelry would seem an anomaly, but under the husband and wife team of owners Brian and Katie Morris, the two shops in a shared space are fun.

Buy Foreigner CDs, help Mooseheart

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Portions of the CD sales at the performance of the 1970s rock band Foreigner on Sunday, Aug. 24, at the Paramount Theatre will be donated to Mooseheart Child City & School.

Cantigny to host grand opening celebration

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Cantigny Park will host a French Connection day to celebrate the grand opening of one of Cantigny's restaurants and gourmet coffee shop from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at the park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Cantigny will provide a host of French-themed programs such as an open-air market, street performers and wine tasting.

Here and Now

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Medley

Date Book

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

'Clone Wars' exhausts this fan's patience

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

All battle and no myth, the computer-animated "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" is a dispiriting experience for those few of us who haven't yet written off the series. I've defended all three prequels, writes Sun critic Josh Larsen, but there is no need for this.

Lauper, Hammer at fashion flashback

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Paige Wiser: Break out the leg warmers -- irony is optional. Macy's Glamorama 2008 will make fashion flashbacks fun with this year's '80s theme: "Pop Candy Arcade." The awesomeness begins at 8 p.m. Aug. 22 at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State. Headliners Cyndi Lauper and MC Hammer will provide the bitchin' beat as models bop along the runway.

'Tropic Thunder' spoofs Hollywood hubris

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Ben Stiller has made a lot of Hollywood junk over the past few years, and "Tropic Thunder" feels like an attempt to cleanse these projects from his system. For starters, it proves Stiller can still be funny.

Dinosaur: A sense of time of the giants

By Marie Wilson mwilson@scn1.com — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

The United Center is traveling back in time and is being taken over not by basketball or hockey players, but by dinosaurs. Fifteen of them will roam the floor through Aug. 17 in the theatrical show "Walking with Dinosaurs - The Live Experience."

'Dark Knight' kicks off Oscar season early

Thu, 7 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Remember last Oscar season when all the talk was about how no one had heard of the Best Picture nominees and the Academy Awards had lost touch with popular taste in general? Well, "The Dark Knight" could change all of that.

Made-for-MTV movie premieres in suburbs

Sun, 10 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

The stars of MTV's The American Mall arrived at the movie's premiere in a black sport utility vehicle greeted by about 2,500 squealing, mostly preteen fans. They walked the red carpet, posed for photographers, waved to fans, then headed inside.
� Online: Click on MTV for a sneak peek at American Mall.

'Star Trek Online' is ready to beam up

The Associated Press — Sat, 9 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

"Star Trek Online" is finally going warp speed ahead. After years in development limbo, the "Trek"-themed massively multiplayer online game will engage, according to game developer Cryptic Studios Inc.

'American Pie' actor to jam at pub crawl

Fri, 8 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Being called "Kevin" doesn't bother Thomas Ian Nicholas. "People can get a little upset when they yell 'Kevin' and I don't turn around," said the actor, laughing. Nicholas portrayed the character Kevin Myers in the American Pie films. Acting is just one facet of the 28-year-old's career. Another passion is music.

A cure for brain drain

Thu, 7 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Summertime doesn't mean kids have to close the book on their education. Nor do their parents have to travel great distances to show the family a good time. There are any number of fun and informative activities just waiting to be discovered in the area's many museums.

What to do

Thu, 7 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Air Classics Museum: At the Aurora Municipal Airport, 43W776 Route 30, Sugar Grove. General admission by appointment only. Tours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays, by appointment only. Admission $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $3 for children ages 6 to 18 and free for children younger than 6. Call 630-466-0888 or visit www.air classicsmuseum.org.

Village block party

Thu, 7 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Sharing summer fun with family and friends, live musical entertainment and food is what makes Montgomery Fest a summer favorite.

Aurora University puts on show for opera fans

By Jim Edwards Special to The Beacon News — Thu, 7 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

In late July, gay, old and depraved Vienna was only 53 miles away in Williams Bay, Wis. How could this be? It could be, and was, due to the magnificent efforts of Aurora University in establishing a summer haven for great music at their George Williams College on Lake Geneva.

Variety of entertainment at Montgomery Fest

By Nicole Nicolas Special to the Beacon News — Thu, 7 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

The Village of Montgomery brings acts for all ages to the Montgomery Fest, which will be held Saturday and Sunday. New to the Montgomery Fest is PowerCorps Strongman Team, Unbelievable Alex and Sweet Pea Dog Act, Chris Fascione, a story teller, Jesse White Tumblers and bands One Foot in the Groove and August.

Museum Madness is on again

SPECIAL TO THE BEACON NEWS — Thu, 7 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Forty-one Chicago area museums have come together for the ChicagoKids.com seventh annual Museum Madness summer program. Families are encouraged to visit participating museums during the summer months, and every visit means a chance to win great prizes, including a weekend at the Ritz, passes to Six Flags Great America, museum passes and more.

Schedule

Thu, 7 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Saturday, Aug. 9

Brewery menu celebrates bounty of foam

Thu, 7 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Even though it makes for an appealing rhyme, a pub doesn't have to serve grub, with its somewhat unappealing connotations.

Arts Briefs

Thu, 7 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

DuPage Chamber Singers to conduct auditions

'Mummy 3' should have stayed buried

Thu, 7 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

THE MUMMY: TOMB OF THE DRAGON EMPEROR: The "Man of Gauze" has been featured in more than 60 films over the years, this installment being the third in the Brendan Fraser-led CGI extravaganza.

Here and Now

Thu, 7 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Music

Datebook

Thu, 7 Aug 2008 04:00 CST