This Weekend in Chicago – October 12, 13 & 14
There is a lot going on this weekend to choose from, and it is finally cold! Movies, theater, dance, fashion shows, celebrity chefs, Maytag’s 100 Year Anniversary at the Museum of Science and Industry and a bears Game. If you need to decide what to do this weekend, just pick from this list:
Friday October 12: Friday Night is Movie Night!
New Movie Releases at the theaters this weekend:
Lust Caution - A Chinese thriller that has an erotic NC-17 rating. Only available in certain cities and theaters. Some people will dislike the sexual content but others see it as truly revealing in life and art. This is only playing in Chicago at the Landmark Century Cinema in Lakeview.
We Own The Night - New movie with Joaquin Phoenix and Mark Wahlberg. (who we have forgotten ever had a music career) Brothers. Mob. Police. Drama. Violence. Nuff Said.
Elizabeth The Golden Age - Cate Blanchett is playing Queen Elizabeth again and we love her in this role. Such an unbelievable place for a woman to be in that time. Full of drama and old England 
style medieval life.
Lars and the Real Girl – Slightly eccentric movie about a guy who orders a “doll” in the mail and rather than viewing it as a sex toy, really falls in love with it as if it was a woman. The town knows this is a delusion and struggles to accept and embrace the fiction rather than fact.
Michael Clayton – **Best Pick This Weekend** George Clooney is a lawyer who has cleaned up some messes in his time. Now someone wants to wipe him off the face of the earth. Hopefully a smart chase thriller ala Bourne Ultimatum, but expect less action and more thinking.
Why Did I get Married – A drama about 4 African American couples and their relationship struggles while on vacation together. It might be interesting to anyone, but I get the feeling it was targeted for a certain market. Stars Janet Jackson and is from new hot director Tyler Perry.
Sleuth - It stars Jude Law and Michael Caine. This has potential to be great and is released in Oscar time zone, so why haven’t we heard a word about it?? Apparently a remake of an old film by Harold Pinter of a movie which Michael Caine was in originally, although no one remembers the film, so we aren’t really looking for it. Still, consider this one.
Control - Music rocker guy commits suicide. Not really interesting to me.
The Final Season - A baseball movie staring the guy from Rudy! Sean Astin finds another heartwarming sports story role as the ever all American guy and sometimes hobbit. This film is not being released in all areas. Check local listings to find if it is playing by you.
Not finding anything worth seeing? The Game Plan and The Kingdom are still playing at most theaters and have had mostly good or great reviews. Check them out instead.
Macy’s Charity & Celebrity Chef Gala - October 12th @ 6 p.m. – 12:30 am. $100-$350. Tickets online at mealsonwheelschicago.org or call 312-744-2120 The charity event is at Macy’s on State Street ( 111 N. State St Chicago, IL 60602 312-781-1000) Jimmy Bannos of Heaven on Seven, Rick Bayless of Frontera Grill and other big names in the Chicago culinary scene are going to be there for this Meals on Wheels Chicago 2007 Celebrity Chef Gala. Attend the cocktail reception, four-course meal served by the Chefs and a decadent dessert bar and dancing.
Saturday October 13:
Around The Coyote Festival (Fall Edition) A great wicker park arts festival featuring all kinds of talented and emerging artists. I have only been to the freezing cold February version of this festival, but it had great sculpture, paintings of all styles and 3-D art that would brighten and enlighten any loft space in Chicago. Of course it’s all on sale as well, many people come in hopes of finding a breakout new artist and investing in buying before the prices go sky high. This also features theater performances and films. Tragically cool. Expect to feel way out of place at this event if you are a working business professional or over 40. One day pass is $10.00 a full weekend pass is $40.00. ½ W. North Ave and aroundthecyote.org.
MayTag 100 Year Anniversary at The Museum of Science and Industry - Washers make our lives more live-able and more clean. Come see the history and ingenious machinery behind the invention that gave you 40 minutes or more free time every day. You get Free Museum of Science and Industry admission for the day if you pre-register (TODAY) at www.maytag.com/100years by Tuesday, Oct. 12, First 100 attendees 18 and older receive a $100 gift card to the Home Depot, Drawing for free Maytag Centennial top-load laundry pair and (Bonus) a chance to meet the Maytag Repairman and Willard Scott!! There will be some great exhibits at the museum on Oct. 13. I don’t know about you, but I like a bit of consumer history and the Museum of Science and Industry in my Chicago weekend. And while you’re there check out the Main Street of Yesterday, that was always my favorite part of the museum. And say Hi to Willard Scott for me! **Best Pick This Weekend**
The Chicago International Film Festival is still running. Check out their films at any of the 5 theaters running them this weekend.
The Crucible @ Steppenwolf Theater- This classic Arthur Miller play has been extended due to increasing demand. It is a riveting story that is uncannily applicable to today’s struggles with terrorism and Iraq. See what all of Chicago is talking about a Steppenwolf this weekend. Tickets are sold out some days and cost from $40-$70 dollars each. (duh, this is award winning theater) Call (312) 335-1888 or go to steppenwolf.org.
Giordano Dance at the Harris Theater in Millennium Park – See this world class dance company perform new works and the ones they are known for. Tickets are $25 each. The Harris Theater is cold and stark but the dancers will bring it alive with their amazing creativity and choreography. Call (312) 334-7777 for tickets.
Sunday October 14:
I suggest going out to see the fall leaves before they are gone, taking some photos, getting you Halloween Costume ready or bobbing for Apples if you are BORED. The Chicago Bears are playing the Minnesota Vikings at Noon at Soldier Field, so avoid that area if you are not going to the game. See it on FOX Channel 32 in Chicago.
Fashion Focus at Millennium Park - A Free event from the city of Chicago. See the latest styles at five runway shows at Millennium Park, plus check out garments and installations by design students, learn about illustration techniques and more during Chicago’s annual fashion event. Most are for sale there too. See fashionfocuschicago.com for details.
Sweet Treats: Take a break from the hectic weekend before the new week starts the roller coaster all over again. Check out all the sweets at the Sweet Collective, is located at 5333 North Lincoln Avenue and Berwyn Avenue in Chicago. Phone: 773-293-0888
Have a great weekend!