I was sad that this new feature I created did not make it on The DePaulia's site. Good thing I have a blog.
This week, The DePaulia chats with a DePaul student or staff member as they talk about their weekend plans, weekends past, and what does their perfect weekend look like. For our inaugural feature, The DePaulia talks to senior Leah Hendrickson (whose birthday is today), a Journalism and Media Studies double major, on her weekend trip to Washington D.C., the excitement of a Chicago Fire game, and where to enjoy a good brunch.
How was your weekend?
I was in Washington D.C. visiting family.
How was that?
I left on Friday morning. It was a very smooth, easy flight. On Friday night I hung out with my cousin Brent, who’s pretty cool. We went out to some nice little spots in town.
On Saturday I went to the Chicago Fire game (she is an intern for the team). It was fun to see the whole road game atmosphere. It was a crazy game. We were tied ‘til the 89th minute (the score was 0-0) when D.C. was awarded a penalty kick and they converted on it. We were now down 1-0. We were almost eliminated from playoffs contention…but then in three minutes of stoppage time we scored two goals. We ended up winning two-to-one.
On Sunday, I got to walk around Georgetown, which is very preppy. It’s like a combo of Gold Coast and Lincoln Park, or River North actually. There are a lot of well-dressed people. There are no hipsters. I did not see one pair of skinny jeans on a man. There was also no flannel and no fun, nerd glasses on anyone.
What did you see instead?
There were lots of khakis, Polos, and pearls. It was very straight-laced.
Was this your first trip to D.C.?
The last time I went was when I was 11 years old, so it’s been awhile.
What do you do for the Chicago Fire?
I started out as a digital media intern, where I would help out with the website and create photo galleries. I hosted a video series, a practice report called “Toyota Park Today”. It was a lot of fun. Now I am their communications intern. I prepare daily clips and photo galleries, and next year I am going to be a media guide.
Describe your perfect weekend.
I’m a pretty busy girl, so if I have a Saturday or Sunday where I don’t have anything going on, I can wake up whenever my body wakes up, without an alarm clock.
I would spend an afternoon walking around a new neighborhood, checking out a new coffee shop, and spend nights with friends, checking out a bar or two. But as long as I get to do brunch, that’s a good weekend.
Any particular places you go for brunch?
I’m a brunch aficionado. I love trying new places. Toast (746 W. Webster) a great place. Everyone who goes to DePaul loves Toast. The Pesto Scramble is delicious. I went to Mystic Celt (3443 N. Southport) during the summer, where I ate outside on their patio. There’s a new place around the corner where I live called 2 Sparrows (553 W Diversey Parkway). It’s only open for breakfast and lunch (brunch!) so that’s a place I need to check out. #
Video: Chicago Fire’s Stunning Comeback, October 15
Hendrickson appears at the 3:02 mark.
And here is her hosting the web series “Toyota Park Today”
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
The Essential John C. Reilly Youtube Collection
The Essential John C. Reilly YouTube Collection
This is a companion piece for my feature on John C. Reilly. He spoke with fans at the Chicago International Film Festival on October 12. His latest film, We Need To Talk About Kevin, debuted at the festival.
South Side native John C. Reilly began acting at age eight, when he participated in “dram-ma” workshops, which led to a prolific output in high school productions throughout town, and his time at DePaul’s Theatre School. From there, it has snowballed into a rich career that has resulted in one of the most impressive filmographies ever complied on IMDB. Here are some of Reilly’s most memorable roles.
Boogie Nights (1997)
Director: Paul Thomas Anderson
This deleted scene, which appears on the DVD, was largely improvised, among several other scenes in which his character, the coke-fueled porn star Reed Rothchild rambles on about stealing back tapes, pumping iron at the gym, and Satanists.
Chicago (2002)
Director: Rob Marshall
Reilly earned an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor as the husband of accused murderer turned overnight celebrity Roxie Hart (Renee Zellweger). Here he is singing his heart out with “Mr. Cellophane”.
Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story (2007)
Director: Jake Kasdan
This parody of musical biopics that often become awards-baiting movies was ironically up for some awards, including two Golden Globe nods for Reilly (Best Motion Picture Actor in a Musical or Comedy and Best Original Song).
Step Brothers (2008)
Director: Adam McKay
According to Reilly, there has been talk of creating a sequel to this bizarre and hilarious comedy about two middle-aged men who become step brothers and their adventures on this unique journey. “It would give us so much extra space in our room for activities!” This is a sequel that should happen.
“Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!” (2007-2010) and “Check It Out! with Dr. Steve Brule” (2010)
“I met them in a bowling alley,” said Reilly, “which is where I meet all the important people in my life.” The idea of improvising for Tim and Eric fascinated Reilly. “(Adult Swim) don’t ask for a script AND you have a green screen?! I’ll do it!” He created the role of Dr. Steve Brule, a public television personality who is just as awkward as he appears.
Wine country
Health segment
Sushi
Cedar Rapids (2011)
Director: Miguel Arteta
When Tim (Ed Helms) goes to Cedar Rapids for an insurance convention, Reilly’s hedonistic Dean takes him under his wing and opens his eyes on how to take in a life on the wild side.
Carnage (2011)
Director: Roman Polanski
Reilly had to turn down the Broadway production of God of Carnage due to scheduling conflicts. When Polanski offered him the role, he flew to Paris and shot this adaptation, which is already generating awards buzz. This highly anticipated movie hits theatres on December 16.
This is a companion piece for my feature on John C. Reilly. He spoke with fans at the Chicago International Film Festival on October 12. His latest film, We Need To Talk About Kevin, debuted at the festival.
South Side native John C. Reilly began acting at age eight, when he participated in “dram-ma” workshops, which led to a prolific output in high school productions throughout town, and his time at DePaul’s Theatre School. From there, it has snowballed into a rich career that has resulted in one of the most impressive filmographies ever complied on IMDB. Here are some of Reilly’s most memorable roles.
Boogie Nights (1997)
Director: Paul Thomas Anderson
This deleted scene, which appears on the DVD, was largely improvised, among several other scenes in which his character, the coke-fueled porn star Reed Rothchild rambles on about stealing back tapes, pumping iron at the gym, and Satanists.
Chicago (2002)
Director: Rob Marshall
Reilly earned an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor as the husband of accused murderer turned overnight celebrity Roxie Hart (Renee Zellweger). Here he is singing his heart out with “Mr. Cellophane”.
Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story (2007)
Director: Jake Kasdan
This parody of musical biopics that often become awards-baiting movies was ironically up for some awards, including two Golden Globe nods for Reilly (Best Motion Picture Actor in a Musical or Comedy and Best Original Song).
Step Brothers (2008)
Director: Adam McKay
According to Reilly, there has been talk of creating a sequel to this bizarre and hilarious comedy about two middle-aged men who become step brothers and their adventures on this unique journey. “It would give us so much extra space in our room for activities!” This is a sequel that should happen.
“Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!” (2007-2010) and “Check It Out! with Dr. Steve Brule” (2010)
“I met them in a bowling alley,” said Reilly, “which is where I meet all the important people in my life.” The idea of improvising for Tim and Eric fascinated Reilly. “(Adult Swim) don’t ask for a script AND you have a green screen?! I’ll do it!” He created the role of Dr. Steve Brule, a public television personality who is just as awkward as he appears.
Wine country
Health segment
Sushi
Cedar Rapids (2011)
Director: Miguel Arteta
When Tim (Ed Helms) goes to Cedar Rapids for an insurance convention, Reilly’s hedonistic Dean takes him under his wing and opens his eyes on how to take in a life on the wild side.
Carnage (2011)
Director: Roman Polanski
Reilly had to turn down the Broadway production of God of Carnage due to scheduling conflicts. When Polanski offered him the role, he flew to Paris and shot this adaptation, which is already generating awards buzz. This highly anticipated movie hits theatres on December 16.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
CIFF winds down
Film Festival winds down: Highlights
As the Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF) enters its final days, many cinephiles have enjoyed themselves with dozens of films from around the globe, as well as some domestic and English-language fare that are generating awards buzz. Like Crazy, We Need to Talk about Kevin, What Love May Bring and A Dangerous Method, are the biggest movies that have screened.
One of the most exciting parts of the festival has yet to come. On October 19, the second-to-last night, moviegoers are invited for the Surprise Event. The festival will present a world-premiere feature, which could either be a blockbuster or an awards-bait film. “Every year, we love to surprise our audience with a top-secret film that will keep them talking for days,” says the schedule for the Festival. “What will that film be this year?” The festival concludes on October 20, with a presentation of The Artist, which won at Cannes (Best Actor for star Jean Dujardin).
CIFF is not as flashy as Cannes or Toronto, which suits it just fine with most attendees. “(CIFF) can concentrate on what’s important: genuinely searching and screening films all around the world,” commented John N., a Chicago native.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/chicago-international-film-festival-chicago-2
http://www.chicagofilmfestival.com/
As the Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF) enters its final days, many cinephiles have enjoyed themselves with dozens of films from around the globe, as well as some domestic and English-language fare that are generating awards buzz. Like Crazy, We Need to Talk about Kevin, What Love May Bring and A Dangerous Method, are the biggest movies that have screened.
One of the most exciting parts of the festival has yet to come. On October 19, the second-to-last night, moviegoers are invited for the Surprise Event. The festival will present a world-premiere feature, which could either be a blockbuster or an awards-bait film. “Every year, we love to surprise our audience with a top-secret film that will keep them talking for days,” says the schedule for the Festival. “What will that film be this year?” The festival concludes on October 20, with a presentation of The Artist, which won at Cannes (Best Actor for star Jean Dujardin).
CIFF is not as flashy as Cannes or Toronto, which suits it just fine with most attendees. “(CIFF) can concentrate on what’s important: genuinely searching and screening films all around the world,” commented John N., a Chicago native.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/chicago-international-film-festival-chicago-2
http://www.chicagofilmfestival.com/
Puppet Humor
What is the first thing that came to mind when you read the title of this blog? Did you say the Muppets? They have been receiving quite the hype thanks to a new movie.
Felt is no Muppets show. This mature-adults comedy show with a cast of puppets is not your family fare . Every Wednesday night, puppets take center stage at the iO Chicago (3541 N. Clark). Felt, which was created and realized by Cesar Jaime, premiered in 2006. Every show has a different group of improvisers. The show serves as a stepping stone for the performers and comedians. Many of them graduate to other iO shows and other venues. One of Felt's alumnus, Vanessa Bayer, can be currently seen on "Saturday Night Live."
It’s not often people can get belly laughs from pieces of cloth. "Audiences quick to join the cast in suspending their disbelief will be rewarded handsomely," writes Matt Byrne, in a review of the show for AV Club Chicago. “The fundamental joy of watching puppets onstage is enough to melt the heart of even the most hardened comedy snob, and the well-crafted scenes stacks up against even the best human-based improv.”
http://www.avclub.com/chicago/articles/felt,63444/
http://chicago.ioimprov.com/io/shows/10
Felt is no Muppets show. This mature-adults comedy show with a cast of puppets is not your family fare . Every Wednesday night, puppets take center stage at the iO Chicago (3541 N. Clark). Felt, which was created and realized by Cesar Jaime, premiered in 2006. Every show has a different group of improvisers. The show serves as a stepping stone for the performers and comedians. Many of them graduate to other iO shows and other venues. One of Felt's alumnus, Vanessa Bayer, can be currently seen on "Saturday Night Live."
It’s not often people can get belly laughs from pieces of cloth. "Audiences quick to join the cast in suspending their disbelief will be rewarded handsomely," writes Matt Byrne, in a review of the show for AV Club Chicago. “The fundamental joy of watching puppets onstage is enough to melt the heart of even the most hardened comedy snob, and the well-crafted scenes stacks up against even the best human-based improv.”
http://www.avclub.com/chicago/articles/felt,63444/
http://chicago.ioimprov.com/io/shows/10
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Like Crazy hits the screen
Fans are going "Like Crazy" for this new drama, which has just premiered at the Chicago International Film Festival on October 9. Tickets sold out quickly for the screening, which was attended by the stars and director/writer.
Like Crazy focuses on the romance between Jacob, an American teaching assistant (Anton Yelchin) and Anna, a British undergrad (Felicity Jones). They soon realize that Anna's student visa expires after graduation as well as the complications when Anna is deported. Directed by Drake Doremus, who also wrote the script and allowed the actors to improvise their dialogue, the film debuted at this year's Sundance, where it won the Grand Jury Prize for Drama. Jones also won a best actress prize.
"Like Crazy is an exquisite, beautifully acted gem of a film," praised film critic Andrew Barker . "It's one that should serve as a prelude to bigger things for Jones and Yelchin, as well as director Drake Doremus."
http://www.likecrazy.com/
http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117944354?refcatid=31
Like Crazy focuses on the romance between Jacob, an American teaching assistant (Anton Yelchin) and Anna, a British undergrad (Felicity Jones). They soon realize that Anna's student visa expires after graduation as well as the complications when Anna is deported. Directed by Drake Doremus, who also wrote the script and allowed the actors to improvise their dialogue, the film debuted at this year's Sundance, where it won the Grand Jury Prize for Drama. Jones also won a best actress prize.
"Like Crazy is an exquisite, beautifully acted gem of a film," praised film critic Andrew Barker . "It's one that should serve as a prelude to bigger things for Jones and Yelchin, as well as director Drake Doremus."
http://www.likecrazy.com/
http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117944354?refcatid=31
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)