The thriller “Downers Grove” – which revolves around a high school in Downers Grove, Ill. where one senior mysteriously dies at the end of each year -- was supposed to begin filming in Louisiana last spring. But here we are in November and the movie has yet to begin shooting.
What’s the hold up?
“We don’t know what’s happening with that right now,” said “Twilight” actress Nikki Reed, who is set to co-star in the film with former “Heroes” actress Hayden Panettiere. Reed added that even the film location is up in the air at this point. “That could change, depending on what city has tax breaks. We can shoot this anywhere.”
The project was announced in November 2010 with “Prom Night” director Nelson McCormick attached to it. “Downers Grove” is based on the Michael Hornberg novel by the same name.
Heads up: You saw everyone and their brother dress up like them for Halloween -- now see LMFAO’s Sky Blu and Redfoo in person. The “Party Rock” singers will DJ at Enclave December 17 following their B96 Jingle Bash performance at the Allstate Arena. … “The Good Wife” star Julianna Margulies will be the guest of honor at Steppenwolf Theatre’s Women in the Arts fundraising luncheon March 12. … The third installment of WGN Radio’s “Blackhawks Live” at Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse in River North will take place December 12 and will feature the Hawks’ Dave Bolland and Corey Crawford. … Following their performance at the Cubby Bear Friday, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. will DJ at The Bedford.
New Year's options: I’m a New Year’s Eve Grinch. It almost never lives up to the hype or price tag. And don’t even get me started on the New Year’s kiss – mainly because you’ll get me in trouble with my bosses. But I’m in the minority on this one, so here are two New Year’s parties you might be interested in: Rapper Lil Jon will host a New Year’s Eve party at the Rosemont Ballroom in the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center and “Suga Suga” rapper Baby Bash and “Take Over Control” singer Eva Simons will perform at Playboy’s New Year’s Eve party at the Hilton Chicago.
On the record: "When I started 'Sweet,' as soon as I started talking on it, I was like, 'Yo, this is hip-hop, this is what I do. It was a lot I had to get off my chest on that. And at the same token, I love hip-hop music and raw rap music, for me it was like, 'Man, I'm gonna go ahead and give them this side of me too.' " – Common talks to MTV about his new song, “Sweet.”
Sightings: “Cake Boss” star Buddy Valastro dined at Lou Malnati’s in Naperville Wednesday, according to Lou Malnati’s Twitter page. ... Actress Jenny McCarthy had drinks at Roof at The Wit hotel Wednesday while in town for her appearance on "The Rosie Show." ... The Bears’ Matt Forte, Kellen Davis, Israel Idonije and D.J. Moore served Thanksgiving Dinner to 134 children at the Mercy Home for Boys & Girls Tuesday with the help of Trump Chicago. … Talking Heads’ David Byrne visited the Museum of Contemporary Art Tuesday and checked out the Language of Less: Then and Now exhibition.
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