Movies opening this weekend, still in theaters

Jack goes off to kill some giants in “Jack the Giant Slayer,” it’s a crazy birthday in “21 and Over” and there’s another possession in “The Last Exorcism Part ll.”

The best medicine? Storytelling and song

When Maureen Muldoon moved from Los Angeles to La Grange with her family a couple of years ago, she brought the idea of a monthly storytelling theatrical event with her.

Cops act like robbers in underwhelming Brit TV reboot of ‘The Sweeny’

There’s very little going on here that you haven’t seen before, maybe hundreds of times, in cop movies and TV shows — without Cockney accents to decipher. But at least “The Sweeney” comes with a pedigree, as a reboot of an ultra-popular, ultra-gritty ’70s British TV series.

Family Friendly: Wonder Works picks band, The Boogers, for March show

The Boogers are at it again. The rock band for “picky” kids has a new album, “Extractum Victoris.” Families can hear tunes from it when the Boogers perform at Wonder Works, 6445 W. North Ave., Oak Park, 4 p.m. Sunday, March 10.

Original songs on …

The Local Dish: You won’t miss meat at Munch

Nothing breaks up a busy week better than sneaking off with a friend for a leisurely lunch in a comfortable restaurant. Last week, my friend suggested we catch up over lunch at Munch. Located in the heart of Oak Park, Munch celebrates all things vegan, vegetarian and gluten free.

Movie showtimes

Movie showtimes for the coming week.

Artist’s work taps into big issues of life

The more Chicago artist Gabriel Villa paints, the more he is aware that the artistic process reaches well beyond acrylic paint on canvas. Villa, based in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood, will hold his first exhibition at the Triton College Art Gallery, “My Home is My Brain,” from Feb. 25 to April 19.

Symphony concert inspired by the heavens

The sky’s the limit for Sunday’s performance by the Symphony of Oak Park and River Forest. Not only is the music, well, out of this world, but three different conductors will transport the audience to the heavens.

Master collection: ‘Picasso’ exhibit as enigmatic as the artist

The first thing you see as you enter “Picasso and Chicago” — the Art Institute of Chicago’s new exhibit that pays tribute to this city’s intriguing 100-year relationship with the artist — is a model of the “Chicago Picasso,” that sculpture so familiar to anyone who has walked past Daley Plaza in the Loop.

New releases on DVD, Blu-ray

Gerard Butler coaches a surfing prodigy in “Chasing Mavericks” and Phillip Seymour Hoffman takes Joaquin Phoenix under his wing in “The Master.”

Movies opening this weekend, still in theaters

A Latino boy comes of age during the WWII era in “Bless Me, Ultima,” aliens raid the suburbs in “Dark Skies” and Dwayne Johnson dukes it out with drug dealers in “Snitch,” all in area theaters.

Arts and entertainment calendar for Feb. 28

Check out the variety of fun events and activities in your area this week!

Dancers go public with works in progress

Audiences will get first look at three dances in development at Winter Open Rehearsal. Winifred Haun & Dancers is presenting the Feb. 24 program showcasing the work of a trio of the Chicago area’s finest choreographers.

Family Friendly: Free, frozen fun at Brookfield Zoo

Brookfield Zoo is a great place to spend time in Winter particularly on FREEze Day, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24 at First Avenue and 31st Street. As the capital letters indicate, admission is free that day. Special cold-weather entertainment is planned.

Movie showtimes

Movie showtimes for the coming week.