The Naperville Sun :: Entertainment ::

'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?

Is coupon play really worth it?

Wed, 9 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

A shuffle through the Gaming mailbag:

Now Playing

Fri, 4 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Capsule reviews of films currently playing in local theaters, including "Hancock" and "Kit Kittredge."

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.

Museum is free to kids all summer

Fri, 4 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

The Museum of Science and Industry is celebrating its 75th anniversary by offering kids free general admission for the rest of the summer.

NCTV spotlight

Fri, 4 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Celebrate the history, government and traditions of Naperville and the United States with Naperville Community Television. This week Lindsey Theis will host a special patriotic edition of "Naperville Connection" that will bring you stories both new and old that honor our community and the great history of our nation.

Naper Settlement briefs

Fri, 4 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Sundays at the Settlement

Culture Calendar

Fri, 4 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

EXPOS

DUPAGE CHILDRENS MUSEUM

Fri, 4 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

301 N. Washington St., Naperville. Most classes require registration and the presence of a responsible caregiver. General admission is $7.50 per person for ages 1 through 59, $6.50 per person, ages 60 and older. Admission is never charged to shop the Explorer Store. Several types of memberships and gift memberships are available. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. Unless otherwise stated, programs are for all ages and free with museum admission. Except for certain holidays, the museum is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays. Call 630-637-8000.

'Biggest Loser' casting in Schaumburg

Fri, 4 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

NBC's "The Biggest Loser" is casting teams of two from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 13 at Woodfield Lexus, 350 E. Golf Road, Schaumburg.

Summer 'stars' are regular folks

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

NEW YORK -- The prime-time "stars" of this summer are regular folks willing to humiliate themselves on national television.

Night Life

Fri, 4 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

DANCING

Museums get smart about having fun

Thu, 3 Jul 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 nearby activities that are as fun as they are informative just waiting to be discovered at the many museums in and around the area.

Tacos take center stage at Los Comales

Thu, 3 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

At some Mexican restaurants, the humble taco almost seems like an afterthought. Taqueria Los Comales isn't one of those. Available with eight different meats, the freshly prepared tacos anchor the authentically Mexican menu at the east Aurora fast-food restaurant.

How does the music move you?

Thu, 3 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

The year was 1988. I was six and running around aimlessly on our big, wooden deck on a summer afternoon when I spotted my neighbor.

Family Calendar

Thu, 3 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

MUSEUMS

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.)

Haysbert on '24' presidency: You're welcome, Obama

BY SCOTT SONNER Associated Press — Wed, 2 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. ��If anything, my portrayal of David Palmer, I think, may have helped open the eyes of the American people,�� said the actor.

Five things to know

Wed, 2 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Ribfest: Naperville's event is held July 3 to 6 in Knoch Park, and features fireworks, food and live entertainment on two stages. Headliners include Ted Nugent, REO Speedwagon, Foghat, Big Head Todd & the Monsters and Trace Adkins. Visit www.ribfest.net.

Now Playing

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

Capsule reviews of films currently playing in local theaters, including "WALL-E" and "Wanted."

From futuristic junkyard, Pixar makes treasure

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. Thankfully, people aren't on the screen much - indeed, they're nowhere to be found for the first third of the film.

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.

Eyes to the Skies festival ready for 28th takeoff

By Eva McKendrick emckendrick@scn1.com — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

The 28th annual Lisle Eyes to the Skies Festival, running July 2 to 6, is more user-friendly this year. Festivalgoers can buy tickets online for admission and music.

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.

NCTV spotlight

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

In this week's edition of "Spotlight on Naperville," host Nancy Wiersum visits with the producers of the Summer Place Theatre as they talk about their three upcoming productions. The Summer Place Theatre continually delivers entertainment of the utmost quality suitable for all ages.

DUPAGE CHILDRENS MUSEUM

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

Fun and games on broadcast networks

By David Bauder The Associated Press — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

NEW YORK -- Broadcast networks are the place to be for prime-time competitions - if little else.

Culture Calendar

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

ART

Night Life

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

COMEDY

Food, folks & fun

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

Ribfest is one huge, hot, finger-lickin' festival of food and entertainment. With 17 vendors of barbecued meat, tons of different foods, major musical acts and a crowd as big as 250,000, Where do you begin? First, grab your camp chairs and picnic blankets to stake your claim on the lawn. Trust us - we've been there.

Elliotts' way

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

You don't end up at this sandwich shop by accident.

Family Calendar

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

MUSEUMS

Ribfest Schedule

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

Ribfest event schedule

Little to 'Love' about Myers' return

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

The one thing about being a comic genius - a label often attached to Mike Myers - is that you no longer have the humble perspective needed to recognize when you've laid an egg. "The Love Guru" is a gigantic egg, but no one looks more pleased with it than Myers. As Pitka, the world's number two guru after Deepak Chopra, Myers' eyes twinkle with delight in every scene.

Ribfest Schedule

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

Ribfest event schedule

Five things to do

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

Big Run Wolf Ranch: Family day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 28 will include food, drinks, clothing, jewelry, raffles, lectures, tours and music. Admission includes shuttle service from parking area. Located at 14857 Farrell Road, Lockport. Call 815-588-0044, visit www.bigrunwolfranch.org or e-mail bigrunwolf@aol.com.

Some good sources of gambling information

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

Just like any other topic under the sun nowadays, casino gambling is discussed endlessly on Internet message boards. Online, players gather to swap stories about wins, losses, restaurants, rooms and comps, report on their latest trips and trade strategy tips.

'American Girl' underestimates its audiences

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

"Kit Kittredge: An American Girl" 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. It's the story of a resourceful, overdressed little girl who wards off the unpleasantness of the Depression one act of kindness at a time.

George Carlin mourned as counterculture hero

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

A publicist for George Carlin says the legendary comedian has died of heart failure at a hospital in Santa Monica, Calif. Jeff Abraham says Mr. Carlin went into St. John's Health Center on Sunday afternoon, complaining of chest pain. He died at 7:55 p.m., Chicago time. He was 71.

A summer full of shows

By Jessi Virtusio The Southtown Star — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

Although some are wondering whether this summer at the First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre will be the Tinley Park venue's last, officials prefer to focus on a packed season of shows.

NCTV spotlight

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

Naperville Community Television, Channel 17, in partnership with The DuPage County Bar Association brings a new show, "Legal Action."

DUPAGE CHILDRENS MUSEUM

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

Culture Calendar

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

ART

ABC snaps a long Fox winning streak

By David Bauder The Associated Press — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

NEW YORK -- With an assist from Kobe Bryant and Paul Pierce, ABC snapped a Fox winning streak that had stretched back to January.

Night Life

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

COMEDY

More hands won doesn't necessarily mean more money

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

On a flight to Las Vegas, I was whiling away the time practicing 9-6 Double Double Bonus Poker on my laptop. That's not one of my favorite Vegas games, because with the 9-6 pay table, Double Double Bonus returns a mere 99.0 percent with expert play. You can do better than that in Las Vegas, with games including full-pay Deuces Wild (100.8) and 10-7-5 Double Bonus (100.2) returning more than 100 percent to experts.

Help us pick Pixar's unofficial mascot

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

There may be only one thing keeping Pixar Animation Studios - the outfit behind "Toy Story," "Ratatouille" and next week's "WALL*E" - from becoming the next Disney. The studio doesn't have an official mascot.

New: Heritage Fest brings back fun for 27th year

By Eva McKendrick, emckendrick@scn1.com — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

The Heritage Festival, featuring food vendors, seven stages of entertainment, a car show and beer garden, starts with preview events June 26 and runs through June 29 in Downers Grove.

At Sweet Tomatoes, the choice is a toss up

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

You won't find a carving board groaning under the load of a hefty beef roast on the lineup at Sweet Tomatoes. There won't be a bin full of whipped potatoes or a rainbow of gelatinous side dishes, either.

Weezer frontman song project shows good use of YouTube

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

"Here's the deal. I'm in my music studio and I'm trying to write song. And I need your help."

Family Calendar

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

MUSEUMS

Help us name the best sports movie ever

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

Why do sports movies have such a hold over American audiences? Whether they are based-on-fact melodramas, comedies or tear-jerkers designed to make grown men cry, the sports movie is one of the sturdiest genres Hollywood has come to rely upon.

Five things to do

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

Lockport Canal Days: Live entertainment will be featured on two stages in downtown Lockport and carnival in the Commerce Street parking lot through June 22. Events include a State Street parade June 20, Battle of the Bands June 21, as well as baby contest, petting zoo, crafts, historic tours and more. Visit www.lockportcanaldays.com.

Now Playing

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

Capsule reviews of films currently playing in local theaters, including "The Incredible Hulk" and "The Happening."

'Hulk' movie can't do much with limited character

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

The Hulk is hardly a stroke of superhero genius. He's big, strong, angry and green. And that's about it. Missing are the essential ingredients of any good superhero saga. This is evident in "The Incredible Hulk," star Edward Norton and director Louis Leterrier's attempt to succeed where director Ang Lee's "The Hulk" failed only five years ago.

Emmylou Harris finds a perch at arboretum

BY DAVE HOEKSTRA dhoekstra@suntimes.com — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

Country music legend Emmylou Harris launches a groundbreaking "Twilight Concert" music series Saturday at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle. In addition to fans of Harris, and folks who visit the arboretum throughout the year, the concerts are a way to bring patrons to the arboretum who might not otherwise visit the site, to learn of its 85-year-old mission to keep the planet green through breeding of heartier trees.

Lyrics, lawsuits are signs 'not guilty' isn't 'innocent'

Sun, 15 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

Jim DeRogatis: As any criminal-defense attorney will attest, "not guilty" does not mean "innocent." During the six-year wait for R. Kelly to have his day in court, the multitalented singer, songwriter and producer often sang of asking God to forgive him for unnamed sins.

Adler premieres 'Cosmic Collisions'

By Oriano Pagnucci Special to The Sun — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

A comet is approaching Earth. The comet misses, but bits of rock from the comet's tail, called meteoroids, burn up spectacularly and harmlessly in the Earth's atmosphere. So starts "Cosmic Collisions," the new space show at Adler Planetarium.

NBC's Russert dead of heart attack

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

Tim Russert, who pointedly but politely questioned hundreds of the powerful and influential as moderator of NBC's "Meet the Press," died Friday of an apparent heart attack.

Movie Times

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

NCTV spotlight

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

For the business savvy, something to celebrate!

Celtics-Lakers matchup helps ABC in ratings

By David Bauder The Associated Press — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

NEW YORK -- The first two games of the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers series on ABC were more popular than any National Basketball Association finals since 2004, a boon to a network otherwise off to a tough start to the summer season.

Culture calendar

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

ART

nightlife

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

DANCING

Lots of fun to be had at Naper Days

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

Naper Days will have a decidedly broad focus when the annual celebration brings an air of festivity to the normally placid landscape of Naper Settlement for three days this weekend.

Dining Capsules

Sun staff — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

Here are some places recently featured in Dining Out.

Five things to do

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

Froggin' Under the Stars: Identify local frogs by their calls while learning about seasonal stars and constellations. The program is from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. June 14 at James "Pate" Phillip State Park in Bartlett. Ages 5 and up with an adult. Call 630-850-8110.

Fish focus defines Oakbrook Center eatery

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

If you ask Mychael Bonner, he'll tell you the restaurant he helps run is both down to earth and out to sea. The chef and partner at Reel Club in Oakbrook Center says the sophisticated eatery relies on no gimmickry, leaning instead on finned fish for the menu's backbone.

Just like Mama's

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

Salvatore Perry and his wife, Roseanne, set the tone years ago. In 1990, they merged their names and their energies to launch RoSal's Italian Kitchen on Taylor Street in Chicago. Their spirit continues to echo their presence, even though they aren't there every day anymore.

A craps novice takes a chance

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

Readers have inundated my e-mail box with stories of their first casino trips, and what it was that kept them coming back. Last week, I shared a few of those tales. Let's go back to e-mail for a story from George in Pennsylvania, whose drive to Atlantic City with his wife, brother and sister-in-law was the sister-in-law's first craps experience.

Family Calendar

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

MUSEUMS

'Bill' and 'Boys' enough to make me shut off TV

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

The other day I came to the conclusion that I may just be funny enough to get a show on the network that advertises its sitcoms are "very funny."