Ratings books are out for Chicago radio stations, but there are few surprises for those who’ve been paying attention. more ›

The latest filmed-in-Chicago movie hits theaters this weekend when Roll Bounce arrives this Friday. Robert Teitel and George Tillman, Jr., who brought Barbershop to the screen and more film dollars to the South Side, produced the film. Like that film and its spinoffs, Roll Bounce’s charm comes from its characters, not a wholly original plot. X (played by Bow Wow) and his crew are the kings of the Palisades Garden roller rink on the... more ›

Note: This is Part 1 of a series. You didn't think we'd cover every company in one post, did you? On the first day of summer the last thing on your mind is how you’ll spend next winter. But more than a few theater companies hope that in between getting cultured outdoors and gulping down overpriced beverages at festivals, you’ll reserve a subscription for 2005-2006. It's impossible in June to know who will curry favor... more ›

In honor of her 70th birthday, the Chicago City Council has declared today Irma P. Hall Day in Chicago. Shame on you if you just said "Who?" Best known for smacking you upside your head because she's "trying to hep you, boy!", Ms. Hall has been the go-to actress in recent years when filmmakers need someone to symbolize the themes of a picture (Soul Food), provide comic relief (The Ladykillers), or ground a picture that... more ›

Until yesterday, this year’s Oscar buzz resembled nothing more than a low, indistinguishable hum; the conventional wisdom was that no film--and few actors--had emerged as front-runners. But as Chicago starts to feel its first few bites of winter, one of its own is getting some long-overdue recognition. more ›