In an age when any blockbuster or indie film can be summoned up to your computer, TV or smart phone, are we witnessing the end of a favorite American pastime—going to the movies?
On Thursday, April 25, Chicago Tribune film critic Michael Phillips will explore film-industry trends, the impact of technology, and what it all means for Hollywood and the rest of us.
In addition to his work at the Chicago Tribune, Phillips was co-host of the long-running, nationally syndicated TV show At the Movies in its final season, after filling in for host Roger Ebert off and on since 2006. Phillips also covers movies for CLTV and can be heard most Fridays on WGN-AM. He guest-hosted the popular Filmspotting.net podcast (broadcast on WBEZ-91.5 FM), and has been a guest on a variety of programs, including Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, Entourage, The View, Charlie Rose, BBC radio, MSNBC and ABC-TV.
Phillips also has been a theater critic for the Tribune, as well as the Los Angeles Times, the San Diego Union-Tribune, the St. Paul Pioneer Press and the Dallas Times-Herald. He has chaired the Pulitzer Prize drama jury and is a three-time Pulitzer drama juror.
“Why Go to the Movies?” will begin at 7:00 p.m. on April 25 in the Founders Lounge of the Frick Center. Admission is $10 for the general public and free for Elmhurst College students, faculty, staff and alumni. Tickets are available at the door. For more information, call (630) 617-3390.