Post-Tribune

Review: ‘Hangover’ trilogy ends on a dark note

Thu, 23 May 2013 02:19:08 -0500

★★★ “Daring” isn’t a word you’d use very much to describe 2011’s “The Hangover Part II,” the disappointingly lazy, beat-for-beat rehash of the wild and wildly successful original “Hangover” from 2009. Yet, here we are with “The Hangover Part III,” which runs a different sort of risk by going to darker and more dangerous places than its predecessors, both artistically and emotionally. The third film dares to alienate the very audience that made “The Hangover” the highest-grossing R-rated comedy of all time because, well, it isn’t exactly a comedy. Sure, there are some outrageous lines and sight gags, mostly courtesy …

A hard-hitting ‘A View from the Bridge’

Fri, 24 May 2013 02:09:20 -0500

The Chicago Street Theatre’s production of Arthur Miller’s play “A View from the Bridge” will open May 24 and runs to June 8 in Valparaiso. Set in New York City’s Brooklyn borough in the 1950s, the play revolves around a longshoreman whose wife’s Italian cousins arrive in America and move into his home. As the story develops, one of the immigrants falls in love with the man’s niece and he becomes violently opposed to the relationship, setting the stage for an intense and tragic drama. “It’s a truly American story based on an actual life occurrence,” co-director Karl Berner said. …

‘Fast & Furious 6’ best yet in the franchise

Fri, 24 May 2013 02:10:08 -0500

RICHARD ROEPER: Against all odds, the “Fast & Furious” franchise is actually picking up momentum, with “FF6” clocking in as the fastest, funniest and most outlandish chapter yet. Whether we’re seeing stunt work or special effects or a combo platter, director Justin Lin keeps raising the bar, going for intentional laughs and thrilling moments as cars pull off impossible maneuvers and humans keep flying in the air and landing with thuds. “Furious 6” couldn’t be any less plausible if it were animated, but that’s sort of the point.

Local Buzz for May 24, 2013

Fri, 24 May 2013 02:09:56 -0500

Here is a look at music events. Suggestions include Passionate Colors.

The Staves eager to build U.S. fan base

Fri, 24 May 2013 02:09:45 -0500

Making their first visit to Chicago, up-and-coming folk trio the Staves aren’t asking for much. Deliver the three gorgeous girls some Chicago-style pizza and show them where they can find the best vintage dress shops in the city, and they should feel quite at home — even though that home is 3,943 miles away. “We love coming to the States,” said Camilla Staveley-Taylor, the youngest member of the Staves, who will perform at Schubas May 28. “Sandwiched somewhere between traveling and performing, we love to see the sights in each city. I especially love meeting all of the different musicians …

Things To Do for May 24, 2013

Fri, 24 May 2013 02:10:19 -0500

Here’s a look at things to do. Suggestions include Memorial Day events.

McGraw pumped for Two Lanes of Freedom Tour

Fri, 24 May 2013 02:20:14 -0500

NASHVILLE, TENN. — It’s no coincidence that Tim McGraw’s latest album opens and closes with highway songs. “There’s a sense of acceleration on this record, a sense of freedom,” the country singer said of “Two Lanes of Freedom.” “I feel energized, like I’m at the cusp of my career.” Even though McGraw, 46, released his first album 20 years ago, “Two Lanes of Freedom” marks a new start. It’s McGraw’s first album for Big Machine Records, recorded and released after years of disputes and legal wrangling with his previous label, Curb Records. For once, the different parts of the singer’s …

Microsoft reveals Xbox One, next-generation gaming

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:53:14 -0500

Microsoft thinks it has the one. The company revealed the Xbox One, its next-generation entertainment console Tuesday. The console was demonstrated using voice control to switch among watching live TV, listening to music and browsing the Internet, as well as simultaneously running apps.

Michael Douglas, Matt Damon shine in captivating Liberace movie

Wed, 22 May 2013 09:09:41 -0500

LORI RACKL: At first lighthearted and campy, HBO's “Behind the Candelabra” turns dark as it tells of the piano virtuoso's romance with the far younger Scott Thorson.

‘Star Trek Into Darkness’ turns out to be quite the Enterprise

Fri, 17 May 2013 02:10:14 -0500

RICHARD ROEPER: Director J.J. Abrams is a true talent, and he’s also a pop-culture savant who has great respect for the legacy of this franchise as well as a keen understanding of the mega-importance of box-office figures. There’s no better choice to make the best, the purest AND the most accessible big-budget “Star Trek” movie possible. Yet with all the futuristic splendor and the fine performances, “Into Darkness” only occasionally soars, mostly settling for being a solid but unspectacular effort that sets the stage for the next chapter(s).

Chicago Street Theatre’s summer programs for all ages

Fri, 17 May 2013 02:09:55 -0500

Valparaiso’s Chicago Street Theatre is now accepting registrations for its summer camp programs. Camps are available for kindergartners to seniors in high school and cover theater games and character development to a playwright program and a William Shakespeare workshop. Several new camps will be offered including Introducing Stage Craft, Camp Improv and a clowning workshop. An apprentice program is being reinstated along with Booth Camp and Be Backstage, all of which allow children and teens to learn about the technical aspects of theater. Director of education Lisa Formosa-Parmigiano said popularity has grown exponentially since camps were first offered in 2009. …

Local Buzz for May 17, 2013

Fri, 17 May 2013 02:10:04 -0500

Here is a look at music events. Suggestions include Majestic Star Casino’s Lakeshore Lounge.

Donley’s Wild West Town a return to yesteryear

Fri, 17 May 2013 02:10:27 -0500

Go West, young Chicagoans. Go West. Direct your parents to load up the family car and head on Interstate 90 past Barrington, past Elgin, and through Hampshire. Go west to Union, Ill., the small-town (population: 579) home of Donley’s Wild West Town, a museum and low-key amusement park geared for ages 3-11. The attraction opens for the season on May 18. “Real small kids get swallowed up in big theme parks,” said Randy Donley, one of the four-member Donley family running the park. “They come here dressed as cowboys and cowgirls.” Donley’s Wild West Town is an easy day trip, …

Things To Do for May 17, 2013

Fri, 17 May 2013 02:10:37 -0500

Here’s a look at things to do. Suggestions include Hobart’s trash or treasure neighborhood garage sale.

Star power — Adler tech revolutionizes sky show

Fri, 17 May 2013 02:11:04 -0500

As a pulsing nebula races toward the watchful audience, a hand shoots up to touch it. More hands follow suit, straining skywards. For the kids taking in the Adler’s newest show, “Cosmic Wonder,” outer space is just out of reach. It’s an illusion created by the latest technology: The Crab Nebula or stars in Orion seem to graze heads, when in fact they’re projected on a dome nearly 40 feet above the audience. As the image gets larger, it appears closer and flatter — “or like the objects are dropping on top of you,” said Mark SubbaRao, Adler astronomer and …

New on DVD for May 17, 2013

Fri, 17 May 2013 02:10:49 -0500

Here is a look at what’s new on DVD this week. Many of these titles were released on May 14.