The Joliet Herald News :: Entertainment ::

�X-Files� fails to revive sci-fi franchise

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

The strategy behind �The X-Files: I Want to Believe� isn�t bad � to create a feature-length, stand-alone episode rather than a big-screen spectacle tied to the television series� labyrinthine mythology.

Unfortunately, writes Sun critic Josh Larsen, the producers have managed an average episode, at best.

'Step Brothers' celebrates sibling revelry

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly have their own kind of onscreen chemistry. When these actors start trading scripted non sequiturs or improvised insults, the comic results can be sublime. "Step Brothers" isn't as inspired as the pair's previous collaboration with director Adam McKay, "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby." But "Step Brothers" has its own deranged sense of glee.

Good cop, Bat cop

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

A record-number of moviegoers have watched one of Joliet's finest helping Batman fight crime this week. Al Roechner plays a Gotham City police officer and detective in a couple of scenes in "The Dark Knight."

Rockers' ode to Obama to hit internet

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Bill Zwecker: Barack Obama's presidential campaign is about to get another boost from a group of his celebrity supporters. Four-time Grammy-winning singer and songwriter Dave Stewart on Monday shared a preview with the Sun-Times of a music video he is creating ''that should be out on the Internet in about 10 days.''

'At the Movies' names new hosts

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Over the years, TV's best-known movie review show has gone from hosts Siskel and Ebert to Ebert and Roeper to Roeper and guest critics. Now it's Lyons and Mankiewicz.

Estelle Getty of 'Golden Girls' dies

BY BOB THOMAS The Associated Press — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Estelle Getty, the diminutive actress who spent 40 years struggling for success before landing a role of a lifetime in 1985 as the sarcastic octogenarian Sophia on TV's "The Golden Girls," has died. She was 84.

Bale arrested and released; denies assault

BY ASSOCIATED PRESS — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Christian Bale on Tuesday denied allegations of assault made by his mother and sister, hours after the star of "The Dark Knight" was arrested, questioned by London police and released.

Ebert, Roeper leaving movie review show

The Associated Press — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Film critic Roger Ebert announced Monday that he is cutting ties with the nationally syndicated television program he and the late critic Gene Siskel made famous, a day after Sun-Times critic Richard Roeper said he was quitting.

Mellencamp trying to make the 'write' transition

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Although John Mellencamp was recently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the veteran doesn't consider himself a rocker -- at least not anymore. These days, Mellencamp uses the phrase "ex-rock star" to describe his place: "I am trying to make the transition from rock star to songwriter in public," he said.

'Desperate Housewives' creator says end in sight

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

The women of Wisteria Lane may have only a few more years to resolve their assorted problems. "Desperate Housewives" creator and executive producer Marc Cherry told a meeting of the Television Critics Association on Thursday that he plans to end the ABC series after seven seasons.

Author shows the dark side of modeling life

By Denise M. Baran-Unland Special to the Herald News — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

As a little girl, Michelle Niemiec loved to wear cute clothes and pose for pictures. She'd play "dress up" and host little fashion shows in her basement while dreaming of modeling and becoming rich and famous through it. What she got instead was her worse nightmare.

Concert on the Hill to offer music, dance

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

The free 6:30 p.m. July 24 Concert On The Hill will feature two polka bands, cloggers and a preview of an upcoming drama guild show.

Michelle Niemiec

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

About the author

Visionary 'Knight' is dark and stormy

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

It has become standard operating procedure to envision superheroes as tortured figures yet no superhero movie has been as doom-laden as "The Dark Knight." Oppressive but never overwrought, it's a comic-book adaptation in which there will be blood. The film employs staggering cinematic artistry.

Local punk band hosting EP release party

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Members of local pop punk group Go, Dog. Go! are holding a concert Saturday at Sonic Portrait Showcase in Morris to celebrate the release of their self-titled, six-song EP. The music, written by band members, was produced through Sonic Portrait Studio, owned and operated by Denis Raby.

Minooka Cruise Night coming back

from submitted reports — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Minooka Cruise Nights are back by popular demand. Two events will be held this summer with the first on July 26.

Local entertainment

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Concerts

Arts Notes

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Calmer House show

Dark and stormy 'Knight'

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

It has become standard operating procedure to envision superheroes as tortured figures -- even Will Smith's satirical Hancock came with emotional baggage -- yet no superhero movie has been as doom-laden as The Dark Knight. Oppressive but never overwrought, it's a comic-book adaptation in which there will be blood.

'The Dark Knight'

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Take a chance on 'Mamma Mia'? No

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

"Mamma Mia!" is perhaps the worst example of what is known as a "jukebox musical," in which the entire structure is designed around the work of one group or artist. With this as the foundation, character and story are an afterthought. "Mamma Mia!" has the warmth of a jukebox.

WHAT A ... : Comedian, Joliet native arrested

The Associated Press — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Andy Dick was arrested early Wednesday for investigation of drug use and sexual battery after the comedian allegedly pulled down a teenager's top, police said. The 1985 graduate of Joliet West High School and former co-star of the TV sitcom "NewsRadio" was released from a detention center after posting $5,000 bail.

3-D 'Journey' leaps out in all the wrong ways

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

"Journey to the Center of the Earth" certainly captures the kitschy, schlocky feel of a 1950s science-fiction extravaganza, right down to the 3-D effects. But for all the added visual depth in this movie, none of its sequences are as immersive as some of the 2-D wonders we've already seen on movie screens this summer, like "Wanted" or "WALL-E."

'Meet Dave' actually worth encountering

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

"Meet Dave" is hardly a return to form for Eddie Murphy, yet the movie reminds you of how funny the unfortunate star of recent disasters such as "Norbit" and "The Haunted Mansion" can be.

Kyra is close to ideal

BY CINDY PEARLMAN — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Cindy Pearlman: Kyra Sedgwick cannot get closure. It's not that she's having problems with her TNT hit "The Closer," which returns at 8 p.m. Monday for a new season. This is personal. "My son Trevor just went off to college," says a wistful Mrs. Kevin Bacon. "It's so tough when they go away, but it's also part of life. I set Trevor up in his room last year when he went to college for the first time, and it was heartbreaking when I said goodbye. All I wanted to do was break down into hysterical tears.

Feed your need... for speed

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Oh what a night! If you're still recovering from Wednesday night's race fan rally, don't give up. The first-ever NASCAR races under the lights at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet kick off this weekend!

Local festivals

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

July 17-20

Artists 'lift up name of Jesus'

By Denise M. Baran-Unland Special to the Herald News — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

In December, when Sheila White of Joliet attended a free concert in Joliet featuring former members of the award-winning Christian rock band Petra, her thoughts as well as her soul took flight.

Creatures feature prominently in 'Hellboy II'

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

"Hellboy II: The Golden Army" isn't much of a story, yet as a vehicle for the monstrosity-minded imagination of writer-director Guillermo del Toro it offers an endless array of bizarre visual riches. Theough the character Hellboy gets top billing, the movie impresses with a cast of magically insidious creatures.

A hit from The Baseball Project

By CHRIS TALBOTT The Associated Press — Wed, 9 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Football fans take six months off and basketball fans ignore their sport until the playoffs. True baseball fans, however, suffer a year-round obsession. That's why The Baseball Project's "Vol. 1: Frozen Ropes and Dying Quails" is like a drive to the gap with the bases loaded.

Wonder talks about tour, inspirations, Obama

Mon, 7 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Now on a nationwide tour, all Stevie Wonder needs to do is open his mouth and start singing some of his classic hits -- "Superstitious," "I Wish," "As," "My Cherie Amour" -- and he gets a crowd into a frenzy. Actually, the 58-year-old's appearance on stage is usually enough: His icon status is enough to leave an audience in awe.

McConaughey, girlfriend welcome first child

Tue, 8 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Matthew McConaughey's longtime model girlfriend, Camila Alves, has given birth to the couple's first child, a 7-pound, 4-ounce boy.

Keep up with Gina

Sun staff — Fri, 4 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

"American Idol" finalist and Naperville native Gina Glocksen has a new Web site so fans can keep track of her career since she made the top 12 finalists of the popular Fox reality show in 2007.

Army kids speak out on 'Coming Home'

Sun, 6 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

"Coming Home: When Parents Return From the Front," the latest in the line of consistently worthy "Nick News With Linda Ellerbee" programs, premieres 8 p.m. Sunday.

After 'Dark Knight,' Bale tackles the 'Terminator'

BY CINDY PEARLMAN — Wed, 2 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Cindy Pearlman: Ah-nuld said he would be back. But he won�t � because it's Batman himself, Christian Bale, who is reinventing �The Terminator� in the upcoming installment in the movie franchise, �Terminator Salvation.� �I'm playing John Connor,� Bale says. "With Batman, we told the origins story while separating ourselves from the previous movies." Same here, he claims. The film will be directed by McG and will also star Chicago rapper Common.

'High School Muscial' coming to Rialto

Fri, 4 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

The Rialto Square Theatre and Emerald City Theatre present Disney's "High School Musical" onstage at the Rialto Square Theatre at 1 and 4 p.m. July 20.

Bands, pianist slated at Concert on the Hill

Fri, 4 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

The July 10 Concert On The Hill will feature the Bicentennial Pops Band, pianist Richard Deal and the Velvet Touch of Luci D'Mari and the Gentlemen. The free concert starts at 6:30 p.m. at Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park.

Arts Notes

Fri, 4 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Exposing fashion industry

THEATER

Fri, 4 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Re-envisioned 'Oklahoma!'

Local concerts

Fri, 4 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Did '24' president help pave way for Obama?

The Associated Press — Fri, 4 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Dennis Haysbert likes to believe his portrayal as the first African-American U.S. president on Fox�s ��24�� may have helped pave the way for Barack Obama.

Music and Ribs take double billing in Naperville

Thu, 3 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Ribfest is one huge, hot, finger-lickin' festival of food and entertainment. Seventeen vendors from around the country will sell barbecue ribs, pulled pork, chicken and sauce -- and compete for bragging rights. Not into barbecued meat? There's more food from non-ribbers, including root beer floats, kettle corn, ice cream, frozen bananas, veggies, blooming onions, homemade potato chips and curly fries.

Smith's charm can't save 'Hancock'

Wed, 2 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

"Hancock," about a wayward superhero who hires an image consultant, could use an image consultant of its own. How did a major summer release, which must have gone through countless story meetings, test screenings and marketing strategy sessions, end up being so confused? (Maybe I just answered my own question.)

'American Girl' belittles young audiences

Wed, 2 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

The story of a resourceful, overdressed little girl who wards off the unpleasantness of the Depression one act of kindness at a time, "Kit Kittredge" would be the perfect movie for history-minded 6- to 9-year-olds if it wasn't aimed at the intellectual level of a toddler. Sun critic Josh Larsen asks, Why do so many family films think their young audiences are imbecilic?

Minooka man, c'mon down to 'Price is Right'

By Kris Stadalsky Special to the Herald News — Tue, 1 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Perhaps it was his unbridled enthusiasm. Maybe it was the Bradley University baseball T-shirt he wore. Whatever the reason, Adam Kimble, of Minooka, was one of the lucky ones chosen to appear on "The Price is Right" game show hosted by Drew Carey.

LeBron James helping kids save planet

BY TOM WITHERS The Associated Press — Tue, 1 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

SpongeBob SquarePants won't help LeBron James win any NBA titles, but the Cavaliers' superstar has paired up with Nickelodeon, the home of SpongeBob and his ocean-dwelling cartoon chums, to raise awareness about the environment.

Communities hosting Independence Day events

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

Communities throughout Will and Grundy counties will be celebrating the Fourth of July holiday with a variety of events, including picnics, parades and, of course, firework displays.

Hollywood bombast by way of Russia in 'Wanted'

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

"Wanted" is rough, relentless and self-consciously R (certain words are used with more regularity than flair). Yet it's also the first film since "The Matrix" to truly capture that picture's warped, screen-bending, action-movie ethos. Like the "Matrix" pictures, "Wanted" slows down time, so that we can follow the curve of a bullet and the split-second decisions the characters make before the bullets hit.

Razzle dazzle abounds in 'Kooza'

Sat, 28 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

The term "death-defying" has likely been part of circus lingo for as long as circuses have existed, and for as long as seemingly ordinary mortals have attempted to perform feats that put most people in a state of sheer terror or giddy disbelief.

Walk with dinosaurs at United Center

Sun staff — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

Dinosaurs once again roam the earth in a spectacular theatrical arena show, "Walking with Dinosaurs - The Live Experience," based on the award-winning BBC television series.

Kids get free time all summer at MSI

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

Summer has never been better for children who love learning, as kids get in free at the Museum of Science and Industry through Sept. 1.

Jo Dee Messina still running strong

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

Having been in the country music industry for more than a decade, Jo Dee Messina has seen a lot of changes, but she's still making music. She'll bring her talent to Joliet Stadium for a 7:30 p.m. show Sunday, capping off the Taste of Joliet festival.

Summer festival season heats up

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

June 27

Arts Notes

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

Wind chime competition

Artworks

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

About the artist

JJC's Spencer keeps choirs on the move

By Denise M. Baran-Unland Special to the Herald News — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

Although he works with students, Joliet Junior College professor of music Philip Spencer refuses to keep music in the classroom. During Memorial Day weekend, Spencer took 20 members from the school's two choirs to sing at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.

TASTE TREAT: Messina keeps on pluggin'

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

Country superstar Jo Dee Messina will bring her music to Joliet Stadium for a 7:30 p.m. show Sunday, capping off the Taste of Joliet festival.

'WALL-E' proves to be real charmer for Pixar

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

How far has Pixar Animation Studios come in terms of humanizing technology? "WALL-E," Pixar's science-fiction romance, is more charming when the robots - not the humans - are on the screen.

Fireworks celebrations to mark the Fourth

Staff reports — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

Bolingbrook

Choice seating selected for new Rialto season

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

Sally Bagley walked through the promenade, an elegant hallway with a new carpet of black, gold and light burgundy. She crossed the threshold and entered a realm of lighted starscapes. Bagley, a Shorewood resident, was viewing the auditorium of the Rialto Square Theatre for the first time. "I think it is magnificent," she said. She was participating in the theater's Select-A-Seat event.