What would it be like if those AT-AT walkers from The Empire Strikes Back were pets like dogs? This short clip imagines such a wonderous scenario. [via] more ›

In this week's entry to the Chicagoist Podcast Series, we turn again to the world of film. There are a lot of crews in town setting up, shooting, casting, scouting and creating TV and movies around town, so we spoke with the guy who wrangles them all. Rich Moskal runs the Chicago Film Office and facilitates everything from Michael Bay tearing down Michigan Avenue, all the way down to the smallest pilot crew taping exteriors for indie films and pilot programs. How much did Oprah help ease the way for Transformers 3? (Insert your own "gargantuan robot" joke here.) more ›

We're fast approaching the 30th anniversary of The Empire Strikes Back, the second part of the original Star Wars trilogy and commemorative screenings don't surprise us. Lucasfilm Ltd has launched a year-long campaign, The Empire Gives Back and, lucky for Chicago-area Star Wars fans, a set of digital screenings will be taking place at the Field Museum benefiting the museum's Education Outreach programs. There will be four separate screenings with a variety of packages available. more ›

Chicagoist doesn’t mind sequels. Superman II was a formative experience for us, The Empire Strikes Back was awesome and hell, we even liked Rush Hour II. But then there are the sequels that no one seems to be asking for. Like Highlander II. And a sequel to Dick Tracy. more ›

Well, it’s official. The start of the Christmas season is underway as workers have begun erecting the city’s official tree in Daley Plaza. You can’t fight City Hall and those who do get bulldozed so it’s time to wave the white flag in the fight against the encroachment of the holidays. more ›