Normally I use this space to preview the weekend's new releases in theaters. This installment, though, takes place on Halloween, and there are special things happening to commemorate the fun, scary holiday, like a weekend-long bash at Parts and Labor celebrating the history of horror filmmaking.
The Logan Square bar and grill (2700 N. Milwaukee) is showing the slasher, body horror, and supernatural flicks on two giant HD projectors. In addition to the gigantic list of films (19 are listed with 22 promised, so be on the lookout for surprises), the bar and grill offers a special of burgers with fries and a beer or shot all for $10. I can attest their food is good, and I look forward to eating more of it when I attend at least one of the evenings. You can expect a report next week, Halfstackers, but for now, here is the lineup of old and new scary movies alike.
The fall season eclecticism continues at full speed this weekend. You have your choice of gonzo action, spooky exploitation of childhood games, and a romantic comedy with some of the best talent in Hollywood on board.
As usual, these three aren't everything you can find in theaters this weekend, but they represent a good mix. So if you Halfstackers aren't at any Halloween parties, a trip to the movies should give you lots of options.
John Wick
Directors: David Leitch, Chad Stahelski
Writer: Derek Kolstad
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Alfie Allen, Willem Dafoe, John Leguizamo, Ian McShane
An outlandish premise – mobsters (?) steal a reformed assassin's dog, he goes to get it back, gleeful violence follows – brings Keanu Reeves back to form as a big time action hero. The cast is filled with fun ringers (Dafoe and Leguizamo) and HBO vets (Allen, McShane) alike. The directors are former stuntmen on some of the best action movies of a generation, like The Matrix – hence the Reeves connection. This is getting the highest of marks and could be the perfect movie to see with a crowd this weekend.
Ouija
Director: Stiles White
Writers: Juliet Snowden, Stiles White
Starring: Olivia Cooke, Ana Coto, Daren Kagasoff, Bianca A. Santos
Halloween is only a week away, everyone. You need to get plenty scared. Disregard the flimsy, market tested premise (“People recognize this product, so let's make a movie out of it!”) and focus on the atmosphere. I've seen this trailer a handful of times in theaters recently and I've come away feeling creeped out.
Will the movie be any good in the traditional sense? With the trailer giving away the movie's lazy expository device – the original girl shot videos to warn her friends before she was killed – I doubt it. But I'm anxious and jumpy. Stuff gets to me, especially surprises. I bet this will be an effective movie in that regard.
Laggies
Director: Lynn Shelton
Writer: Andrea Seigel
Starring: Keira Knightley, Chloe Grace Moretz, Sam Rockwell
A play on the man-child narratives that have been so popular for the last decade, Laggies stars Keira Knightley (with an impressive American accent) as a woman who can't grow up. She befriends Chloe Grace Moretz, a high school student, and “lay[s] low” at her dad's (Sam Rockwell) house. Life lessons are learned, romances are kindled, advice is imparted. On its face, it all seems pretty conventional.
But! The cast is among the best in Hollywood, with heavyweights in talent if not pounds (they're skinny, you see) Knightley and Rockwell making a sweet if surprising romantic pair. Director Lynn Shelton has worked on some of the greatest television of the last several years – episodes of New Girl, The Mindy Project, and even a Mad Men thrown in – and her features, especially Humpday and Touchy Feely, have gotten great reviews. There is some solid pedigree at work.
Ladies, ever wonder how your stylist always gives you the perfect blow out EVERY. FREAKING. TIME and why you can never get the same look at home? Well, the team over at Solo Salon is bringing your the lowdown at their Solo Night Out!
The Bumble and Bumble team will be on hand working with them to give all you ladies tups on the at home DIY blow dry! Check it out on October 3rd from 6-9PM! Tickets are $35. See flier below for details!
If you're thinking the suburbs are seriously lacking in the culture dept. then you are sadly mistaken! Although Chicago is known for the arts scene, many of the suburban areas right outside of the city have established amazing communities for local artists. One area in particular that has seen tremendous growth in its culture and arts sector is Batavia, IL. A beautiful town in the western burbs, just 40 minutes or so outside of Chicago. The Water Street Studios has created an environment for growth and development for artists in the area. The Batavia Artists Association at Water Street Studios was founded to advance art education and appreciation by developing the promotion of fine arts in Batavia and neighboring communities.
If you are looking for some art, culture and fashion in the burbs this weekend, then make sure to check out ŏn-sŏm' bəl: A Bold Event To Support The Arts - this Saturday September 27, 2014.
Featured Artists: Steve Banks, Kari Kraus, Valerie William, Lisa Limas, Eli Borrowman, Jenna Walsh & Victoria Belz, Danielle Dobies, Angela Zeedyk, Dawn Tutt, Jen Evans, Patricia Davoust, Katherine Kratzer & Claudia Canon, Lisa Dienst-Thomas
Fine Art Show Curated By: Rita Grendze, Sculptor
Fashion Show Curated By: Curator, Andrea Reynders, Professor Emeritus and former Sage Endowed Chair in Fashion Design, SAIC
