David O. Russell used his own experiences to add realism to “Flirting With Disaster” 

Writer-director David O. Russell looks a lot like Ben Stiller, who stars in Russell’s latest picture,  “Flirting With Disaster.”  The  physical similarity hasn’t been lost on the director of the critically acclaimed “Spanking the Monkey.” “I wouldn’t say that that’s why Ben got the part,” Russell said earlier this month during a lunch interview at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel downtown.  “But yes, it’s come to my attention that there is a likeness between the two of us.”

“Ed” — Matt LeBlanc’s New Movie a Chimp Off the Old Block

“Ed” is a cute movie about a minor league baseball player who learns about love, respect and self-confidence from his chimpanzee teammate. If you can’t get past this premise, don’t bother going to see the comedy, featuring “Friends” star Matt LeBlanc (as the pitcher, not the chimp), ’cause it doesn’t get any more real than that.

`Vegas’ Jackpot – Stars Shue, Cage and `Apollo 13′ Win Local Critics’ Film Awards

“Leaving Las Vegas” co-stars Nicolas Cage and Elisabeth Shue each won top acting honors at the Chicago Film Critics Awards Monday night at the Park West. But best picture recognition went to Ron Howard’s “Apollo 13.” Shue made no attempts to hide her pleasure at winning and said that growing up with three brothers (including Andrew Shue of “Melrose Place”) made trophy collecting a competition in her household.