Show Me Chicago previews, reviews and expresses opinions on what’s happening in Chicago from Blockbuster Theater, to what’s new in dining, arts, and the neighborhoods.
Premise: All-star high school basketball player Jack Cunningham (Ben Affleck) is now a washed-up alcoholic, drinking beer in the shower and on the way home from his construction gig. But, when his alma mater offers him the head basketball coach position, he must face his personal demons in order to win on and off the court.
Behind-the-Scenes: Originally titled The Has-Been, you can understand why the studio (and Affleck himself) probably asked for a title change – the reviews almost write themselves. Affleck must personally relate to the material – he’s had several rehab stints for alcoholism over the years. His press tour for The Way Back has been largely confessional. Affleck previously teamed up with director Gavin O’Connor on 2014’s actioner The Accountant.
The Good: Ben Affleck. I don’t know if this is the greatest performance he’s ever given, but one could certainly make the case for it. Affleck is an underrated actor, and nobody hurts his career progression more than he does himself, but between this and Gone Girl, it’s hard to deny his talent in the right role. Jack Cunningham is almost too right a role. Affleck makes Cunningham a lived-in, wholly believable character in every scene, and carries the film on his broad shoulders. The script doesn’t play by the usual sports drama cliches, and seems much more interested in the alcoholism subplot.
The Bad: It’s low-key to a fault, with a repetitive, minimal score that just begs for you to feel something. Things get rough for Cunningham, but the movie never goes as dark as it probably could. By avoiding some of the sports cliches, it never really clicks when focusing on the sports element. And by spending so much time on basketball, it never fully does justice to its Leaving Las Vegas-type character study. Sort of occupies this movie purgatory, albeit a still respectable one, for most of its running time, and then it abruptly ends – leaving the audience wanting for more.
Should You See It?: Yes, but unless you’re a big Affleck fan, you can wait. I take no joy in saying that – I want studios like Warner Bros. to keep making old-school, mid-budget adult dramas like this, but nobody goes to see them in theaters. If viewing habits don’t change, before we know it, movies like The Way Back really could be a Has-Been.
Star Rating: *** out of 5 stars
Better Than: Glory Road, Coach Carter
Worse Than:Leaving Las Vegas, Flight
* * *
For more movie/TV commentary and other mischief, follow me on Twitter: @Hammervision and on Letterboxd: @Hammervision
Hammervision is movies. Hammervision is TV. Hammervision is the creative byproduct of a marriage built on a mutual love of all things popular culture. John and Julie Hammerle have been watching movies together since Face/Off was in the theaters. John is an attorney at a Chicago law firm. Julie is not. They have two kids and a dog named Indiana.
Show Me Chicago previews, reviews and expresses opinions on what’s happening in Chicago from Blockbuster Theater, to what’s new in dining, arts, and the neighborhoods.
Two teenage boys are in custody after allegedly firing shots at Chicago police Sunday in Austin on the West Side.
Officers responded to a call of a person with a gun about 7:15 p.m. in the 800 block of North Waller Avenue and found two teenage boys who ran into an alley, firing shots as they ran, according to Chicago police.
No one was struck, and the officers didn’t fire back, police said. Two weapons were recovered at the scene.
The rear camera mirror in the 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque gives a clearer and wider view out the rear window than you would get from just using a mirror. (Photo by Jill Ciminillo)
Anyone who has ever driven a vehicle with tall passengers or a cargo-laden trunk knows the frustration of not being able to see out your rearview mirror. It can be scary backing out of parking space — even with the back-up camera — and trying to see what’s behind you so you can change lanes is near impossible.
That’s why the rear camera mirror is one of those brilliant features I’d love to see on more vehicles. Quite simply, this feature allows you to flip a switch and turn your rearview mirror into a camera display that shows a clear view out the rear of the vehicle via a well-placed camera.
We first encountered prototypes of this feature way back in 2014, but we didn’t start seeing production versions of this feature until the last couple years. First in GM products and now scattering throughout other manufacturers.
The rear camera mirror is also helpful when a rear window might be narrow — such as in the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque — or if there is another visibility issue — such as the split rear window in the Toyota Prius.
We’ve seen this pop up a few times now in test vehicles, and while I don’t have a comprehensive list of vehicles with this feature, I have seen them on Cadillac, Chevrolet, Toyota and Land Rover vehicles. So, if this feature is important to you, start there.
Show Me Chicago previews, reviews and expresses opinions on what’s happening in Chicago from Blockbuster Theater, to what’s new in dining, arts, and the neighborhoods.
Nothing to worry about, unless you are Julius Ceasar. Otherwise, just go enjoy some live music.
Tuesday, March 10.
Chancy Brothers in an attendable event on Folk Festival with Lilli Kuzma. 7 PM in the performance living room, and 8 PM. on the air. Email Lilli at [email protected] to attend. 90.9 FM, or www.wdcb.org.
Wednesday, March 11.
Trillium at the Barrington Public Library, 505 N. Northwest Hwy, Barrington. 2 PM. Too bad if you have, like, a job.
Friday, March 13.
Blind Hills at Two Way Street Coffee House, 1047 Curtiss St, Downers Grove. 8:15 PM, $10.
Jonathan Shivery at Highland Avenue Coffee House, 783 W. Highland Ave, Elgin. 7 PM. Free will donation (includes popcorn).
Robin Bienemann, Rachel Drew, and Rebecca Jasso at Friendly Tap, 6733 W. Roosevelt Rd, Berwyn. 8 PM.
Saturday, March 14.
Garnet Rogers at Acoustic Renaissance, 11 W. Maple St, Hinsdale. 8 PM. $20.
Mark Dvorak at St. Tim’s Coffee House, 9000 N. Kildare, Skokie. 7 PM. $20.
Moonshine Band at the Christ Community Mennonite Church, 888 S. Roselle Rd, Schaumburg. 7:30 PM. $10 – $15.
Ides of March at Club 210, 210 Green Bay Rd, Highwood. 8 PM. $30.
Trillium at Southbank Original BBQ, 129 E. Hydrolic St, Yorkville. Noon.
Chris Vallillo at Acorn Coffee House, 216 N. Main St, Wheaton. 7:30 PM. $10.
Ian Maksin at Ethical Humanist Society, 7574 N. Lincoln Ave, Skokie. 8 PM. $10 – $20.
Sunday, March 15.
Jan and Jim, plus Marcia Kreiger, at Lake cOunty Folk Club, in the Grayslake Heritage Center, 164 Hawley, Grayslake. 7 PM, $8.
Mulligan Stew at Fox’s Pub, 9655 W. 143rd St, Orland Park.
Trillium at Warrenville Public Library, 28W751 Stafford Pl, Warrenville. 2 PM.
With March Madness looming in the future, this is your last chance to devote 100% of your attention to live music. Use it wisely (starting with sharing on Facebook, of course).
Gary Tuber became interested in folk music back in the 60-‘s, when his older brother introduced him to the Limeliters, Gibson and Camp, Phil Ochs, Tom Paxton, etc, etc. Tuber produced the popular “Second Sunday” concert series in Chicago in 2007, and wrote a column on folk music in Chicago on examiner.com for six years. Tuber is delighted to bring his blog to Chicagonow.
Show Me Chicago previews, reviews and expresses opinions on what’s happening in Chicago from Blockbuster Theater, to what’s new in dining, arts, and the neighborhoods.
Guess who’s back? Healy, aka, “e.” That amazing singer/rapper/doctor returns with a slow burner called “Nike’s On.”
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Man, this is going to be a huge month for releases, folks! Strap in, cause it’s gonna be one fun ride!
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March will bring new albums from The Districts, Morrissey, Paul Heaton, and Phantogram, amongst many other treasures that could make it the biggest music month of the year? By the way, The Districts single, “Cheap Regrets,” has totally hooked me!
Local H is back with the third single from LIFERS, due out April 10th.
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The National make an appearance in RR this week with a cover of INXS’s big hit “Never Tear Us Apart.” It’s a new sound for singer Matt Berninger, and a cool take on something that is no longer old, but new again. It’s all for a great cause, Songs for Australia is a compilation that will donate all proceeds to help Australia rebuild after the awful bushfire crisis.
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Finally, finally, finally The Housemartin’s Paul Heaton makes his long-awaited return with his not-so-solo project that continues to include Jacqui Abbott. She has become a staple on the last four solo projects of Paul’s and makes for an extremely sexy duo. The 16 song opus is on Spotify now, get involved.
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“Dear God” see Phantogram on a new, soulful vibe, giving their sound a much-needed update.
This is a super-strong, creative return. Possibly their best record to date?
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Your slice of jazz comes from female vocalist Bebel Gilberto. She’s touring behind a new album this summer, do not miss her live, or you will never forgive yourself.
Show Me Chicago previews, reviews and expresses opinions on what’s happening in Chicago from Blockbuster Theater, to what’s new in dining, arts, and the neighborhoods.
When Excelle McFly and King Art appear on City of Wind, it usually happens when they are working together. These two have a degree of musical synchronicity that few can match and they constantly bring out the best in each other. On their new single, “Ice Cold,” that trend continues.
King Art’s production is ferocious and teeming with urgency. The piano loop creates an uneasy vibe and the trap instrumentation kicks the pace into overdrive. This is definitely one of King Art’s meaner instrumentals.
If the production wasn’t frenetic enough, Excelle McFly brings a whole new level of tenacity. With a staccato flow that strikes like lightning, McFly addresses gun violence and the harsh realities he faced growing up in the inner-city with stunning focus. The passion exuded in his voice is every bit as urgent as the issues he covers. His wordplay has gotten sharper as well.
Excelle McFly and King Art have dropped their fair share of gems in the past. However, with “Ice Cold,” they have reached a whole new level. With King Art sounding harder than ever behind the boards and and Excelle McFly stepping up his pen game in a major way, “Ice Cold” sees these dudes not only continuing to bring out the best in each other, but bring out the best of themselves as well.
Show Me Chicago previews, reviews and expresses opinions on what’s happening in Chicago from Blockbuster Theater, to what’s new in dining, arts, and the neighborhoods.
Doc Films screens a 35mm print of CANDYMAN (1992) on Monday, March 9th, as part of their “Lost Chicago” film series.
Image Source: IMDb.com
“Don’t walk to the theater–RUN!”
MOVIES:
CANDYMAN [35mm] – (March 9th at 7pm) One of the few films that brilliantly nails down the notion of beauty in horror. Director Bernard Rose created a perfect execution of marrying horror with romance in Candyman. Based on Clive Barker’s short story, “The Forbidden,” the 1992 film follows a grad student (Virginia Madsen) working on her thesis studying urban legends. She finds herself investigating stories about “Candyman” (played by Tony Todd, whose performance quickly cemented himself into legendary horror icon status) appearing in the notoriously dangerous (now demolished) Cabrini-Green housing projects in Chicago. Screening as part of their “Lost Chicago” series, which previously screened Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer, The Blues Brothers, Thief, and more. Doc Films, Max Palevsky Cinema, Ida Noyes Hall, University of Chicago, 1212 E. 59th St., Chicago, IL 60637.
2001: A Space Odyssey [70mm] – (March 6th-8th; 10th, & 12th) The annual 70mm Film Festival returns to the Music Box, running March 5th-19th. Be sure to catch space horror LIFEFORCE March 12th, 14th, & 16th! The March 14th screening event will be presented by Metal Movie Nights. Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Avenue, Chicago, IL 60613.
DARK RED – (March 6th & 7th at Midnight) Psychological horror thriller about a young woman (admitted to a psychiatric hospital) who insists her baby was kidnapped by a secret society called The Dark Red. She believes this ancient cult wants to harvest the infant’s blood for the special powers it contains. Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Avenue, Chicago, IL 60613.
Chicago European Union Film Festival – (March 6th-April 2nd) It’s time for the 23rd Annual Chicago European Union Film Festival, a month-long celebration of Chicago premieres of films from 28 EU member nations. Read all about the films HERE! Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State St., Chicago 60601.
THE INVISIBLE MAN – (through March 11th) An unstable scientist uses his invention to become invisible against his ex, stalking her to the point of madness. Without much help from others, she fights back on her own. Parasite also continues running through March 11th. ArcLight Cinema, 1500 N. Clybourn, Chicago, IL 60610.
PARASITE – (through March 12th) Director Bong Joon-ho (The Host, Memories of Murder, Snowpiercer) is a master at his craft and it’s worth seeking out his entire body of work. Don’t miss this film that won multiple Academy Awards, including Best Picture! Times vary. Landmark Century Cinema, 2828 N. Clark, Chicago, IL 60657.
THE INVISIBLE MAN – (through March 12th) A woman’s disturbed ex (a scientist) experiments with his invisibility potions by stalking her after staging his death. Without much help from the disbelieving police, she takes matters into her own hands to try and stop him. Also, PARASITE continues through March 11th. Logan Theatre, 2646 N. Milwaukee, Chicago, IL 60647.
KNIVES OUT – (through March 12th) Smartly written whodunit. Wilmette Theatre, 1122 Central Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.
THE INVISIBLE MAN – (through March 11th) Leigh Whannell’s 2020 reimagining starring Elisabeth Moss (The Handmaid’s Tale) as a woman fighting back against an ex, whose scientific discovery of invisibility has brought stalking one’s ex to a whole new level of terror. Hollywood Palms Cinema, 352 South Route 59, Naperville, IL 60540.
ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW – (Saturdays at 11:55pm) Full cast performance each Saturday at midnight. Hollywood Boulevard Cinema, 1001 W. 75th St., Woodridge, IL 60517.
Movie Trivia Night – (Tuesdays at 8pm) Every Tuesday in their swanky lounge! Team limit 5 people. Winning team members receive a Logan Theatre gift card! Logan Theatre, 2646 N. Milwaukee, Chicago, IL 60647.
THE THING – (March 12th at 7pm) Ghoulish Mortals hosts free movie nights each Thursday at 7pm. 228 W. Main Street, St. Charles, IL 60174.
Sinema Obscura TV Party – (Feb. 19th-July 15th) Sinema Obscura and Trust This Ghost present monthly independent entertainment in the lounge each Wednesday. Logan Theatre, 2646 N. Milwaukee, Chicago, IL 60647.
KING KONG – (March 15th) TCM Big Screen Classics presents limited theatrical screenings via Fathom Events, with exclusive insights from Turner Classic Movies. Check your local listings!
REEFER MADNESS – (March 19th at 8pm) Live organ accompaniment by Jay Warren! Davis Theater, 4614 N. Lincoln, Chicago, IL 60625.
SCI-FI SPECTACULAR Film Festival – (Mar. 21st – 14 hours!) The annual sci-fi/horror fest is back, with special guest, director Douglas Trumbull (Brainstorm, Silent Running), who is also known for his FX work in films such as Blade Runner, 2001: A Space Odyssey, and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. The festival includes screenings of: SILENT RUNNING, TREMORS, THE THING FROM ANOTHER WORLD, THE ’BURBS, and more! All ages. Films begin at noon. Special perks: FREE refills on ANY size of popcorn and soda. Davis Theater, 4614 N. Lincoln, Chicago, IL 60625.
STAGE:
BUG -(Jan. 23rd-March 15th) The intense tale of a mismatched pair in Oklahoma whose relationship goes terribly, terribly wrong. When paranoia, bugs, and government conspiracies destroy any semblance of sanity! Written by Tracy Letts (The Sinner, Homeland, Lady Bird) and directed by David Cromer (The Newsroom). Starring Carrie Coon (The Leftovers, The Sinner, Fargo TV series), Namir Smallwood (Chicago Fire), Gary Cole (Office Space), and Randall Arney (Chain Reaction). Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted, Chicago, IL.
THE PILLOWMAN – (through March 29th) A writer who loves composing gruesome stories lives with his brother during the time of an authoritarian regime. One day, he finds himself under intense investigation after a series of ghastly child murders closely resembles those in his written tales. The Gift Theatre, 4802 N. Milwaukee, Chicago, IL 60630.
POISON – (Feb. 20th – March 14th) The plight of poison-makers among rich society in 17th century Paris. Presented by The Plagiarists (Previews Feb. 14th, 15th, 19th) Berger Park Coach House, 6205 N. Sheridan, Chicago, IL.
Comic Book Launch Party – (March 7th from 4pm-7pm) Launch party for two comics, NUNS IN SPACE FIGHTING CRIME and JESUS AND THOR. Meet the artists, Corinne Halbert and Shane Swinnea, and writer Mark Peters. Play some pinball! (21+) Logan Arcade, 2410 W. Fullerton, Chicago, IL 60647.
Troll Hunt! – (through June 2020) Search across 1700 acres of The Morton Arboretum for troll sculptures ranging from 15ft. to 30ft. tall! Tips: Check the site for info, maps, and locations so you do not get lost and please do not go without wearing some form of strong bug spray. Extra tips HERE. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, IL 60532. Troll Cheat Sheet!
Space Golf – (Daily) Alien-themed outer space fun with blacklight mini golf, 3D golfing, holograms, a Sci-Fi Cafe, and more. 15611 S. 94th Ave., Orland Park, IL 60462.
Bad Axe Throwing – (Days/times vary) Group rates apply or do a walk-in for $20 for one hour. Bad Axe Chicago, 2828 N. Clark (Atrium Level), Chicago, IL. (888) 435-0001.
Fox in a Box Escape Room– Visit their newest room, Zodiac, which is themed on the successor to the Zodiac Killer. The room was scenically designed by a designer from the Field Museum. 47 W. Polk, Suite L5, Chicago, IL 60605. (Recently ranked #1 escape room in the USA and #2 in the world for the month of March 2019.)
Chicago Rage Room – Got rage? Get rid of it pronto with the sweetest release (without hurting anyone!). Pay for items to break or bring your own! Room prices begin at $15. (Reservations required.) 153 W. Ohio, Chicago, IL 60654.
Chicago Ghost Tours App – A free app for enjoying audio and photo tours of Chicago’s Haunted Archer Avenue is available, courtesy of Edward Shanahan, a fellow ChicagoNOW blogger (check out his blog, Chicago Paranormal & Spiritual). He is also a psychic and paranormal host who has worked on making his app a great addition to fans of Haunted Archer. The app includes 16 locations and 6 cemeteries. Free download! Shanahan also has a free online magazine.
Mind Trap Escape Rooms – Solve the clues to get out within 60 minutes! 299 Montgomery Rd., Montgomery, IL 60538. (630) 216-9609.
Chicago Hauntings Bus Tours – One of the longest-running ghost tours in Chicago, each 2.5 hour tour is led by founder, paranormal investigator, and author Ursula Bielski and her partner, author David Cowan. Routine stops include locations of the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, Death Alley, gangland sites, murder sites, and more. Departs at the Congress Hotel. For schedules, all tours, and background information, please see ChicagoHauntings.com.
Please check websites for updates, cancellations, and ticket pricing information before attending.
Please join The Chicago Creepout for current updates on Facebook HERE!
Horror movie fanatic. Sculptor of oddities. Owner of Chicago Creepster Yahoo!, festival volunteer, writer, artist, social media freelance. Officially a biomechanical Frankenlady. Doing what I can to support our spooky community.
Show Me Chicago previews, reviews and expresses opinions on what’s happening in Chicago from Blockbuster Theater, to what’s new in dining, arts, and the neighborhoods.
Here are a few upcoming author visits worth checking out:
Madeline Levine, March 10: If you’re looking for a little parenting advice, Levine is a renowned psychologist and author of one of my favorite “How do I do this?” books, “The Price of Privilege.” She’ll be in Winnetka on March 10 to talk about “the skills that children need to succeed in a tumultuous future: adaptability, mental agility, curiosity, collaboration, tolerance for failure, resilience, and optimism. Most important, Levine offers day-to-day solutions parents can use to raise kids who are prepared, enthusiastic, and ready to face an unknown future with confidence and optimism.”
Jeff Fleischer, March 12: Anyone interested in a better understanding of elections? Fleischer will be on hand this Thursday at the Book Cellar in Lincoln Square to talk “About Votes of Confidence: A Young Person’s Guide to American Elections: Votes of Confidence: A Young Person’s Guide to American Elections gives an in-depth introduction to the electoral college, the history of debates, political parties, how to get involved even if you’re not old enough to vote, and more in conversational, engaging prose. The revised edition includes information on the 2016 and 2018 elections, and Kirkus called it “a solid and timely foundation.” This is a must-read for any teen who wants to be an engaged and informed citizen.”
Rebecca Serle, March 14: Appearing at the Highland Park Library, Serle is on tour for her latest novel, “In Five Years.” Great read for anyone looking for an unexpected love story.
Looking for a book suggestion? I just finished up “Weather” by Jenny Offill. You can check it out here.
Kelly Konrad, aka “LitzyDitz,” is a content editor by day and freelance writer by night. A graduate of Michigan State University and a Cubs fan, she’s become accustomed to rooting for the underdog. She lives in Glenview with the hubs and three kids and can often be found lurking the stacks at the library, cursing under her breath when someone else beats her to a new release.
Show Me Chicago previews, reviews and expresses opinions on what’s happening in Chicago from Blockbuster Theater, to what’s new in dining, arts, and the neighborhoods.
![This Week in Sci-Fi and Horror: Candyman [35mm], 70mm Film Fest, Dark Red](http://www.chicagonow.com/chicago-creepout/files/2020/03/candyman.jpg)
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