‘Star Wars’: Ron Howard stepping in to direct Han Solo spinoff

Oh there is a disturbance in the Force….

Today Lucasfilm shook up the director’s chair on the untitled Han Solo spinoff film in ‘Star Wars’ series, bringing Hollywood veteran Ron Howard to take over the film after co-directors Phill Lord and Chris Miller jumped off the film. Lord and Miller reportedly left the prequel film which features the life of young Han Solo, due to ‘creative differences’ with the script written by Lawrence Kasdan, who worked on the pages of ‘Empire Strikes Back’, ‘Return of the Jedi’ and ‘The Force Awakens’. According to Polygon, the directing duo were straying too far from ‘a Star Wars movie’ with their approach.

EW reports that Lord and MIller were hired because their comedic touch, while the directors were apparently doing a straight up comedy film.

“At Lucasfilm, we believe the highest goal of each film is to delight, carrying forward the spirit of the saga that George Lucas began forty years ago,” said Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm in a statement on StarWars.com. “With that in mind, we’re thrilled to announce that Ron Howard will step in to direct the untitled Han Solo film. We have a wonderful script, an incredible cast and crew, and the absolute commitment to make a great movie. Filming will resume the 10th of July.”

According to multiple sources, this Han Solo film is three quarters of the way through production with room for possible re-shoots. It is interesting here how much influence Howard whose a proven movie winner with hits like ‘Apollo 13’ under his belt, with a limited window to close out production of the next anticipated Star Wars big screen adventure.

CTA shows PRIDE with a Rainbow flag running this weekend

It’s Pride Month in Chicago with the annual parade tomorrow expecting to attract hundreds of thousands to the Boystown and Lakeview area, the CTA is going to get them their style with a rainbow flag train. Chicagoist turned us on to this story.   

The Rainbow wrapped trains will be operating on the Red Line which is sure to pack with Pride revelers enjoying the day on the Northside tomorrow. CTA has also announced expanded train service for Saturday’s parade which in 2015 drew over 1 million people. Here is all the official info on the 2017 Chicago Pride Parade.

 

The CTA Is Running A Rainbow Train For Pride Weekend & It Looks Amazing

(from chicagoist.com)

The annual Pride Parade is just around the corner, and god love ’em, the CTA is getting into the rainbow-striped spirit too. Throughout Pride weekend a rainbow-flag-wrapped train car will run along the Red Line, in all its prideful glory. The photos look fantastic. Maybe we could just keep it past the weekend? Please? (MORE HERE)

HAWKS trade PANARIN & HJALMARSSON, SAAD returns

Chicago Blackhawks made some big moves today with beloved players just as the NHL Draft begins with defensive force Niklas Hjalmarsson to the Coyotes for defensemen Connor Murphy and center Laurent Dauphin while Artemi Panarin was sent to the Bluejackets to bring back Brendon Saad. Oh you thought the Hawks lost enough? Yesterday Expansion Draft for the Vegas Golden Knights, Trevor Van Riemsdyk was drafted off the Hawks. Yeah, those are some big moves. The Sun Times cover the fan madness over the trades with the headline that phrased it as “people are freaking out.”


These moves might have  been expected following the Hawks first round exit from this past season’s playoffs. The moves are significant as both players exiting the team have been longtime contributors to the Hawk’s Stanley Cup Championship seasons on both sides of the puck.

Hjalmarsson leaving is a blow to longtime Hawks fans as he’s been a critical piece of the Hawks success over the years. “Niklas’ contributions to the three Stanley Cup championship teams are well known but his dependability as a teammate, selfless attitude and the way he represented the Chicago Blackhawks on and off the ice are what made him such a beloved member of the organization,” said Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman said in a statement. “He made his debut in Chicago in 2008 and quietly established himself as one of the toughest competitors in franchise history. We wish he and his family continued success.”

Saad returns to Chicago, who also acquire goaltender Anton Forsberg, in exchange for Panarin and Tyler Motte. Saad has been missed since his last tenure with Hawks with whom he won the 2010 and 2013 Stanley Cup titles, as he was a fitting line mate for team star Johnathan Toews. As noted by CSN Chicago, the Hawks lose in this deal the “dynamite chemistry” of Patrick Kane and Panarin. Panarin himself showed his awesome talent by winning the Calder Trophey as the top rookie in the NHL during his debut season.

Factor in ‘the Demigod’ Marian Hossa sitting out all of the next season due to a serious skin allergy, complications with treatment, and debate as to whether the 38 year 1000 point plus player will ever lace up his skates again. Oh and it’s the draft weekend in Chicago with a new team being added to the league causing a lot of other noteworthy moves around the league. Did you get all that?

 

 

 

WATCH: Jack Antonoff Show You How He Makes Bleachers Music

If you haven’t already listened to Bleachers new album Gone Now” go do that…You know, right after this or something. 
Jack was so cool and awesome at PIQNIQ. When I met him I was a mumbling throat clearing idiot trying to say hello. 
I don’t know why either. I think maybe it’s because I think so much of him, his music and how he creates said music. Also he’s so nice. He’s this normal guy who just happens to be an amazing artist. I have so much respect for him and what he does. 
I was really bummed that he couldn’t bring his replicated bedroom to PIQNIQ because I wanted to see where he’d written all of these amazing songs. So this video from an interview he did with Rolling Stone is pretty freakin’ cool. I hope if I ever get to meet Jack again I’ll be able to act professional and have an actual normal human exchange. Thanks for sharing this peek into your process Jack.

Portillo’s lemon cake appeared on ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!

(from timeout.com)

Ever since a Reddit thread led to the revival of Portillo’s discontinued lemon cake, the Illinois-based fast food chain has been making a pretty big deal out of its latest dessert option (available for a limited time only, naturally). On Tuesday night, the sweet, citrus-infused cake got some national exposure in the form of a brief appearance in the opening of ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! (MORE HERE)

I love this new part of Jimmy Kimmel Live. They have viewers send in clips to start the show. Looks like Portillo’s was smart to do so. Plus if you’re in L.A. there is a Portillo’s now in Anaheim.

Eat. Travel. Rock. 06.23.17

Who doesn’t love a good pop-up?!  They’re in, they’re out, they build lasting memories.  Here are a couple that hopefully stick around longer than they’re supposed to. READ MORE

Tags:

Brian & Lou 06.23.17

What Ya Missed, Catching People in the Act, School Dress Codes, Eat Travel Rock, and Summertime Movies

Tags:

WATCH: New Music Video from Fall Out Boy ‘CHAMPION’

Along with today’s news of a big hometown album release show at House of Blues (more about that here), Fall Out Boy released a new track from their upcoming new album ‘M A N I A’ called ‘Champion’. The video features some similar characters from their recent video for ‘Young & Menance’ in a skateboard adventure that loose and fun. The music feels like a defiant locker room pre-game pump up, It will be surprising if you don’t hear this song used at a sports arena or as bumper music in and out of commercials during a televised game.

Pete Wentz from FOB chatted with Brian & Lou in April as the band began their manic road to the new album and tour.

Listen to the other new track from ‘M A N I A’

Chicago festivals this weekend: June 22-25

(from chicagotribune.com)

It’s felt like summer for a while now, but with the solstice behind us, the season is finally here. Celebrate our precious few months of warmth at the plethora of festivals happening this weekend featuring food trucks, mariachi bands and block parties. (MORE HERE)

Chicago Food Truck Festival
When: June 24-25
Where: South Loop
How much: $5
The skinny: Get your food truck fix at this festival while listening to live music.

Chicago Mariachi Festival
When: June 25
Where: Millennium Park
How much: Free
The skinny: This free festival showcases world-class mariachi bands from across the U.S. and Mexico.

 

Chicago Taco and Tequila Fest
When: June 24-25
Where: Jackson Park
How much: $15
The skinny: This inaugural event in Jackson Park will play host to tequila cocktail tastings—in various forms like margaritas to palomas—paired with tacos best suited to each flavor.

Ravenswood on Tap
When: June 24-25
Where: Ravenswood
How much: $5
The skinny: Jam out to live music while you imbibe booze from local breweries like Begyle Brewing Co., Half Acre Beer Co. and Koval Distillery.

Chicago Whiskey and Wine Beach Festival
When: June 24
Where: Montrose Beach
How much: $25-$55
The skinny: Bring your buds to try out over 40 whiskeys and wines, nosh on food truck grub and dance to live music.

Pride Parade
When: June 25
Where: Uptown
How much: Free
The skinny: The most joyous (and rainbow-filled!) day of the year is Pride Parade. Stake out a spot early.

Mamby on the Beach
When: June 24-25
Where: Oakwood Beach
How much: $61.11-$199.99
The skinny: Kick off your summer on the beach jamming out to your favorite artists of the moment.

Amy Poehler & Seth Meyers reunite to ask ‘REALLY?!’

Seth Meyers and Amy Poehler ran hard and funny during their time behind the desk in the ‘Weekend Update’ segments of ‘Saturday Night Live’ years ago, with both moving on to their own comedic paths. Seth and Amy did a surprise bit last night on ‘Late Night’ with their ‘REALLY!?” angry joke rant signature. This week they riff on today’s political differences with a wonderful results.

Poehler is starring in the new comedy ‘The House’ with Will Ferrell which comes out June 30th. Here she talks with Meyers about begging Ferrell to write a sketch together during their brief tenure together on the comedy clubhouse that is SNL. Watch Will Ferrell’s mustache fight with Jimmy Fallon on ‘the Tonight Show’ here. 

Poehler cut her teeth in improv and sketch on the stages of Chicago’s Second City and Improv Olympic before forming the influential Upright Citizens Brigade which would revolutionize modern comedy with theaters on both coasts. ‘UCB’ also had a brief run on Comedy Central as a counter culture sketch TV show, before Poehler leaped into network TV with SNL.

Real life ‘Batman’ Police officer arrests shoplifter stealing ‘Batman’ DVD

In Fort Worth, Texas this week an off duty police Damon Cole was donating his time in costume as Batman for a local children’s charity. Well the real life crime fighter got actually fight crime while in a ficitional crime fighter. Cole in full ‘Dark Knight’ style Batman costume, apprehended a shoplifter who was trying to make off from a Walmart with DVDs, one of which was ironically ‘The LEGO Batman Movie’. The man who was apprehended and given a citation due the items he stole were under a $100, actually got a selfie with the Caped Crusader.

“I dress up as many different super heroes and I travel the country in my off time seeing children with cancer and other illnesses,” Cole said in a report with FOX4. “I do that to give them inspiration and hope to keep fighting.”

 

WATCH: Video for Cage The Elephant’s “Whole Wide World”

 

I’ve never been disappointed with anything Cage The Elephant has done. Their live shows are always insanely awesome. Can’t wait to see what they do at Lolla.

Their new album “Unpeeled” out July 28th features new perspectives on songs we love and even some covers!! It’s a live but acoustic album and they’ve even added strings.

Watch their cover of the 1977 Wreckless Eric song, “Whole Wide World.” (below)

Michael Phelps vs Shark Week

( from consequenceofsound.net)

One has more Olympic gold medals than any athlete in history; the other has a series of Hollywood thrillers with depreciating returns based on their species. This summer, Michael Phelps and a great white shark will enter the water for the race of their lives. Yes, world-class athlete star Phelps will attempt to out swim one of nature’s fastest, deadliest creatures in a made-for-TV competition for the ages. The event will be part of Discovery Channel’s annual Shark Week, which kicks off July 23rd. (MORE HERE)

Does the Shark even know he’s in a competition? What does Michael Phelps need to prove?

Moments that give every Chicagoan anxiety

(from timeout.com)

While Chicago offers more than a few ways to relax (pristine beaches and outdoor bars), living in any big city can be stressful. From taking the CTA every day to “dibs” to the sheer number of summer festivals, there are tons of little triggers that make Chicagoans inexplicably anxious. Here are a few of them. Which ones are the most relatable to you?

When all your friends start getting married and moving to RavenswoodAnd on that note…

When your friends buy an actual free-standing home and you wonder where you went wrong. A literal house.

Leaving your apartment during Lollapalooza weekend. Like, at all.

When you’re always one year and one neighborhood behind the “cool neighborhood” that all your friends live in. Good thing I just signed a two-year lease in Wicker Park.

When you secretly love ketchup. Don’t you dare tell a soul.

When you end up at a cash-only bar with no ATM. Extra points if you’ve already ordered the drinks.

Spending the entire month of October waiting for the temperature to drop. Will it ever be warm again?

When the timer on your CTA bus app randomly jumps up five minutes. K, guess I’m sprinting for the bus now. Cool.

The moment you realize you’re old enough to be a parent to Lollapalooza’s target demographic. This is fine. Everything is fine.

When your co-worker invites you to his improv show. Literally anything could happen.

The split-second after you tap your (potentially valueless) Ventra card. Please, please, please…

Anytime a Chicago-based team makes its way to a championship game. Even if you don’t care about sports, the entire city gets real stressed out.

The day before you realize that those sonic booms are rehearsal for the Air and Water ShowAh, the annual fear of immediate nuclear war.

When everyone’s like, “Yaaaas it’s spring!” but it’s still 40 degrees out. Am I…supposed to…feel warm? And even worse…

When people start wearing flip-flops and cargo shorts in March. NO. Just no.

Deciding whether or not the train operator can be trusted when he says he has an immediate follower. It’s the lie that keeps society afloat.

When you have friends in town who *need* to try deep-dish pizza. What if they hate it?

When you get an itch on your leg and are convinced you have bed bugs. Yep, that’s it, burning all my clothes now.

(MORE HERE)

 

Fall Out Boy Loves Chicago

WHY IS FALL OUT BOY DOING A #VERIFIEDFAN ONSALE?

Fall Out Boy is coming home to Chicago – and bringing a new album with them! They care about their fans and understand there are going to be more people who want to see them in the intimate setting of House of Blues Chicago, than there will be available tickets, but Fall Out Boy is committed to getting tickets in the hands of fans. Not scalpers or bots. So they’re collaborating with Ticketmaster to sell tickets for their House of Blues Chicago show exclusively through the #VerifiedFan platform – a unique fan-first technology that levels the playing field so fans get access to tickets.

More HERE

<3 @laurenoneil

Brian & Lou 06.22.17

What Ya Missed, Weird Allergies, Slipknot vs. Nickelback, Winky Faces, and Tyler Glenn from Neon Trees

Tags: