Results tagged “themusicbox”

Maurice Sendak first picked Spike Jonze to direct Where The Wild Things Are after seeing Being John Malkovich, a movie Jonze directed a decade ago. Needless to say, the process it’s taken to transform Sendak’s beloved childrens book into a live action feature film has been long and tiring. And that’s just for the fans. We’ve threatened to eat our parents because of it. But, the wait will soon be over, and for Chicagoist, it already is.

Earlier we told you about Bob Hercules'a documentary Senator Obama Goes to Africa, which had been scheduled to show at the Siskel but was canceled earlier this month. We've just received word that a new venue has been found. The Music Box will host two screenings; first on Wednesday, January 30 at 7:30 pm and again on Saturday, February 2 at 2:00 pm. Co-Producer and D.P. Keith Walker, editor Melissa Sterne and Hercules all be there to answer questions after both screenings.

Shake off the turkey coma from yesterday, and ignore the desire to shop today; instead, save that agitated energy and the desire to be ridiculous for tonight, and the greatest thing ever: Sing Along Grease! Maah! Amazing. The Music Box hosts sing-along versions of lots of movies, but Grease is a way better karaoke movie than, say, Wizard of Oz. The songs are easier--and there aren't any hidden numbers that no one ever remembers (like...

Waaaay back when we were still aspiring animators, just getting over our Disney / WB phase and into our Fleischer Studios / Ralph Bakshi / Nelvana phase, Bill Plympton's early MTV cartoon shorts made a really big impact on us. We specifically remember "How to Kiss" and "25 Ways to Quit Smoking," two cartoons filled with dark whimsy and a loose line style allowing a freedom of movement, and a realistic mimicry of the absurd...

No, that headline is not redundant. One of our favorite movie theaters, the Music Box opened in 1929. By the 70’s however it had added porn to its schedule in order to stay afloat. It actually closed in 1977 but was reopened in 1983 after renovations. It’s been showing the best in foreign, revival and indie film ever since. Love that organ. In 2003 the theater was sold to the building’s owner, William Schopf....

Crispin Hellion Glover's appearance in Chicago this weekend at The Music Box promised to be a unique experience, but even a full knowledge of the man's past history, and a genuine appreciation for his independently released book and recordings, could not prepare us for his film What Is It?. Glover's slideshow/book reading was entertaining for the most part, though he could've cut two or three selections and tightened the whole thing up a lot more....

Folks, it’s going to be hot out there this weekend. If you’re out and about, drink water. Take breaks. Wear loose-fitting natural fabrics for God’s sake. You do not want to end up having to check yourself into the hospital, what with some people going out of their way to give “heat exhaustion” a bad name. Much of Chicagoist will be braving the elements out at Union Park this weekend, but the siren call of...

Gaper's Block hipped us to an article in the Sun-Times this morning that says the Esquire Theater’s days may be numbered. The owner of the Gold Coast building is exploring the possibilities of tearing it down in favor of retail shops. According to the article, the Esquire hasn’t been making much bank and there are plenty of businesses lining up to offer Viagra Triangle residents yet another place to purchase a $400 change purse. Normally,...

As we’ve completed a solid two hours of work, Chicagoist is now turning its attention to its weekend plans. Unfortunately, all the cinephiles we know have declined our invitations to enjoy the beautiful weekend coming our way with a simple “Well, there’s this screening…” Challenging and thought-provoking films abound this weekend from the South Side to the North Side and other points in between. At the Music Box, L’Enfant begins a weeklong run tonight. The...

This weekend’s mainstream cinema offerings are once again slim. Last week offered only the disappointing V For Vendetta while the lone film that sparks our interest this morning is Spike Lee’s Inside Man.

For those that have their holiday shopping finished, the Music Box Theatre is rewarding you with several classic and modern movies about Christmas.

Steve James.

“Admission is free.”

In addition to their Annual Christmas Show, the Music Box continues its Cary Grant Centennial Celebration and wraps up its Bergman Directs! series this weekend (What’s with that exclamation point? Does this mean we can expect Bogart Acts! or Janusz Kaminski Cinematographizes! sometime soon?). Both events feature perfect films for those who enjoy romance pictures that are just a little off-kilter.

Chicagoist remembers being at that awkward age where you’re too old to go trick-or-treating (without getting shitty looks from your neighbors) and too young to hit the bars. So to fill that void we’d rent scary movies. So a quick word to anyone who’s made that their plan this year: get your ass to the store today! If you show up on Saturday night, don’t expect them to have anything else but crappy sequels like Halloween 3, Nightmare on Elm Street 5, and The Rage: Carrie 2. It’s worth it to eat the late fee if it means you’ll have quality viewing options.

Hollywood incinerated the post-summertime trash last weekend in preparation for some tried-and-true formula pictures releasing today.