Bill Zwecker: There's kind of an unwritten rule about romantic comedies. No matter how formulaic the script or how pedestrian the direction or even how silly the basic premise, if the audience falls in love with the stars as much as their characters are supposed to fall for each other, the film works. They might not reach the level of "When Harry Met Sally..." or "Sleepless in Seattle" or "Pretty Woman," but films like "Runaway Bride" and "Notting Hill" have fallen into that category over the years, entirely due to their stars' appeal.
Killings in the workplace take a toll on witnesses. Shootings in offices, factories, malls and schools have necessitated a new work force: counselors to handle the shock, grief and guilt felt by survivors.
1 MATTHEW FOX: The star of "Speed Racer" is not lost on a racetrack. Fox, who plays the mysterious Racer X, says, "I always thought driving was fun, but the suit was incredibly uncomfortable for this movie. It was so hot and there was all this sweat. But once I dropped into the helmet and started pouring out sweat, the character really fell into place." Fox muses that although his son thinks the whole film "is just about the coolest thing," there is one bit of being in a Speed Racer film that has caused him to pause. "My son says, "I know Racer X is great, Dad, but I'm going to be Speed Racer for Halloween and not you.' I'm like, 'Hey, wait just a minute.' "
Director Matt Reeves delivered one heck of a terror-inducing thriller in January with "Cloverfield," his unique handheld video-camera account (think "Blair Witch Project") of a monster's invasion of New York City.
The big-screen version of "Speed Racer" zooms into theaters today with a fully loaded Mach 6 and special effects that are as much the stars of the fast-paced movie vehicle as Emile Hirsch as Speed, Christina Ricci as Trixie and Matthew Fox as Racer X. Off the screen, the movie is on the fast track to marketing success in the toy industry.
The scandals, killings and betrayals surrounding the death of a Chicago reporter in the 1930s are examined in the drama Hurrah for the Next Who Dies, opening today at the Athenaeum Theatre Studio Three.
"Sex and the City" at 40 — maybe even 50 Speed Racer adaptation can't go by fast enough 'The Forbidden Kingdom' a box office hit in China
Boo! M. Night Shyamalan wants to scare you Holy heroes! Studio striking while 'Iron Man' is hot
Summer movie preview: A season of cinema Heavy metal: 'Iron Man' a blockbuster Winehouse won't record Bond track
Hirsch gets a new set of wheels Juggling TV, movies -- and dinner plates
Filmmaker Errol Morris tries to peer through the fog of war My best friend's wedding, the flip side A mid-life crisis, with extra angst Anarchy first on agenda at this local film festival New releases Likable man of 'War' was an unlikely hero Arthouse films 'Trumbo' chronicles Hollywood's darkest days Family fare
Movie review: Downey steels the show as 'Iron Man' This summer's heroes: a dummy, a recluse and two drunks 'Iron Man,’ Schmiron Man: Terrence Howard just wants to sing
An Amy Winehouse 'Bond' theme? Maybe
Oh, 'Baby'! Fey, Poehler deliver a No. 1 At Ebertfest, the show must go on -- and does 'Lost' leader J.J. Abrams talks about 'Cloverfield' DVD
Ghosts of Abu Ghraib No more killing Bill, but Uma's still a rebel Finding a mother, becoming one herself
Ebertfest welcomes Ang Lee Doogie grows up
Tina Fey is bringing up 'Baby Mama' Ebertfest: 'Sopranos' Ralphie paints sweet story in 'Canvas' Caught in crosshairs of despair Escape from Gitmo, stoner-style Six Flags Great America prepares for Dark Knight New on video Knowing when to fold 'em Mongol story Palestine in focus at local festival Family fare Donizetti and Domingo at the movies Arthouse films 'American Life' at the movies
Bear that killed trainer wrestled Ferrell in film Parker, 'Sex' cast reunite with Oprah South Side's 'Bad, Bad Leroy Brown' — the movie? Another accident on set of new Bond film
They'll be bahck: 'Terminator' returns to TV, movies
Chan and Li pack a punch at box office 'Blues Brothers' vet: It was fun
Tiny Fey's revolution Depp movie filming in real Dillinger hidout Amy Poehler, at the eye of a comedy whirlwind Spending '88 Minutes' with Amy Brenneman 'Visitor' puts human face on its message
Cattrall finds an old friend in new role as Kipling's wife New on video The scent of a clunky crime caper The lives of others Stein's case bad beyond belief For these seniors, rust never sleeps A soaring 'Flight' of French fancy Fu fighters kick around a big mess More absurd than absurdist Sun shines bright on Derby doc A real doll of a co-star in 'Lars' Meet Judd Apatow's newest cast member Family fare Arthouse films Daniels eagerly signs on for 'Sweet Nothing'
The reel Deal: How nation looked in '30s
'Prom Night' slashes its way to No. 1 Oscars delay announcements for Inauguration Day ’09 Wachowski brothers to open studio in Chicago
Morgan Spurlock hunts Osama in new movie Norah's heartbreak eased by kissing Jude Singing seniors, stayin' alive
Emerson: 'Street Kings' Hooray for Holly-Hood Plenty of high notes left in Latino Festival New on DVD On the Riviera Going into wild, Tibet-style '11th Hour' informs but fails to inspire Arthouse films Family fare This week people will be talking about ... 'Jane' slays young audiences with literate tales





