The Inferno

Issue date: 6/15/09 Section: Frontline

Media Credit: www.tvguide.com Edie Falco, left, stars as Nurse Jackie, a TV series that premiered in June 8 on Showtime

No more teachers, no more books. Summer is all about easy entertainment: the high-octane action flicks, the music that makes you want to dance, the television shows you chill out with after a long day out in the city. Of course, it's impossible to see every new release or shell out the dough for every over-priced concert, but each summer season there exists events and entertainment that simply cannot be ignored. Here are the top ten movies, concerts, free attractions and television shows certain to make your summer sizzle.

Movies

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen easily tops the list of this season's must-see films, carrying on in the tradition of over-the-top summer popcorn flicks sure to dominate the box office. Inglourious Basterds (no, those are not spelling errors) and Public Enemies make the list for their eye candy alone, with Brad Pitt and Johnny Depp starring, respectively. The former was also directed by Quentin Tarantino, and the latter filmed in Chicago's Wrigleyville and Lakeview neighborhoods last year. Funny People will star Adam Sandler and Seth Rogen-which naturally means comedy gold-and the hype Sacha Baron Cohen received for his stunt at the MTV Awards earns Bruno a slot on the top ten. Whatever Works, directed by Woody Allen and starring Larry David, tells the story of a May-December romance between a cynical New Yorker and a pretty ingénue-a formula which has worked for Allen time and time again. Rounding out the list is Star Trek, which premiered early this summer but still holds up after multiple viewings. The complete top ten must-see summer movies are:


1. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
2. Inglourious Basterds
3. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
4. Public Enemies
5. Funny People
6. Up
7. Bruno
8. GI Joe: Rise of Cobra
9. Whatever Works
10. Star Trek

Concerts

No Chicago-area concert will ever top Lollapalooza in terms of featured talent. The king of all outdoor music festivals this year feature Tool, The Killers, Snoop Dogg and dozens of other acts. No Doubt is staging a comeback in a big way this year, making their concert a must-see, and Elton John & Billy Joel's co-headlining set at Wrigley Field is sure to be talked about for years to come. This year's Taste of Chicago concert series will feature The Counting Crows, Ne-Yo, Buddy Guy and Barenaked Ladies, all free of charge, while Pearl Jam will rock the United Center like its 1994. And even though your friends hate Coldplay, admit it: Viva La Vida was one of the best albums of last year. Coming in a number ten is the Pitchfork music festival, which will feature The Flaming Lips, Yo La Tengo and Beirut, among others. The must-see concerts of the season are:

1. Lollapalooza
2. No Doubt
3. Elton John & Billy Joel
4. Jay-Z & Ciara
5. Green Day
6. Taste of Chicago
7. Pearl Jam
8. U2
9. Coldplay
10. Pitchfork

Free Chicago Events & Attractions

Your wallet is empty, and you're bored at home. In a Chicago summer, this is not considered a problem. While the free concerts at the Taste take the top spot of Things to Do When You're Broke, setting out a blanket and enjoying a movie in the park is a close second. Little Shop of Horrors, The Dark Knight, and Iron Man are amongst the films being screened in various parks throughout the city. The Chinatown Summer Fair is overlooked by many, but there is never a greater time to visit Chicago's Southside neighborhood. The one-day event features a Lion Dance, cultural entertainment on the hour, and a music stage. Also overlooked is the weekly Sunday cookout at Big Chicks in Uptown, where the bar's owner offers free grub with a purchase of drinks. Both the Mag Mile Art Fest and museum free days, which can be enjoyed year round, will add some education to your summer schedule. The top ten free events and attractions are:

1. Taste of Chicago
2. Movies in the Park
3. Pride Parade
4. Oak St. & North Avenue Beaches
5. Lincoln Park Zoo & Conservatory
6. Chinatown Summer Fair
7. Big Chick's Sunday Cookout
8. The Magnificent Mile Arts Festival
9. Venetian Night
10. Museum Free Days

Television Shows

Nothing beats relaxing in the air-conditioned comfort of your own home on those dog days of summer. AMC's hit Mad Men, returning in its third season, is sure to keep you entertained. Comedy Central's Michael & Michael Have Issues is earning great reviews even before its debut, while Leverage is worth a watch due to its star Timothy Hutton's strong performance as an alcoholic bounty hunter. Be sure to catch CBS's Big Brother, returning in its 11th season in July, where the backstabbing and alliance-breaking is certain to start early. Edie Falco as Nurse Jackie is earning great reviews as she departs from her Carmela Soprano character. Finally, Dating in the Dark, a reality show about…well, about exactly what it sounds like, is sure to become the one summer show you don't admit to watching. The hottest shows of the summer are:

1. Mad Men
2. Entourage
3. Michael & Michael Have Issues
4. Major League Baseball
5. I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here
6. Leverage
7. Big Brother
8. Nurse Jackie
9. Project Runway
10. Dating in the Dark

You got that, folks? No get out there and enjoy your summer. Or just stay at home to catch the TV series of your choosing.

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