Hey everyone. Capone in Chicago here.

Come Thursday morning, I'll be on my way to downstate Illinois for a long weekend in Champaign attending my first-ever Ebertfest (also known as the 11th Annual Roger Ebert Film Festival and formerly known as the Overlooked Film Festival). The late Moriarty was invited to take part in this event a few years back, if I'm not mistaken.

In the last year or so, I've become friendly with Ebert and his lovely wife Chaz, although I think it goes without saying that without Ebert's influence in my life, you wouldn't be reading this column right now. Because Roger's ailment renders him without speech, for the past couple of years, he's asked various film industry types and peers (including the Tribune's Michael Phillips and the Sun-Times' Richard Roeper) to come and handle some of the panel discussions and post-screening Q&As with filmmakers and actors. And as bizarre, unlikely, and somewhat disturbing as it may seem, Ebert asked me to handle some of these duties this year. I'll be taking part in a panel called "Film Critics and the Internet" on Friday morning and doing a Q&A with Catinca Untaru, the young star of writer-director Tarsem's great film from last year, THE FALL.

It goes without saying that being invited to take part in this event might be the biggest honor of my career as a film critic. My respect and admiration for Ebert's accomplishments are well documented in both my condemnation of the current version of the "At the Movies" television show, and my interview with Ebert in October of last year. So I'm off to Champaign. I have little idea what to expect, and I fully expect that all of the lessons I've learned from my years of public speaking will fly right out the window. But I'm excited as hell at the lineup this year, and actually being at a film festival that does actually seem to bring filmmakers and film lovers together in a setting where they might actually get to talk to each other. What a concept. More importantly, this is a chance to see these great films on the gloriously big screen of the Virginia Theatre in downtown Champaign.

But before I hit the road in a few hours, I wanted to throw one more contest out to the folks in Chicago. I've got 50 seats to give away for X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE, a film that I feel strongly should be viewed on a big screen by those who want to see it. I say that not having actually seen this film yet (I'm seeing it early next week), but all of this talk of downloading and the fact that the version of the film that leaked was unfinished in terms of special effects and did not include newer scenes shot earlier this year makes it seem imperative that the film be judged as a finished film and not a work in progress.

Fifty seats means I can only pick 25 winners (each of whom can bring a guest, although you don't have to). This particular screening is not an exclusive AICN event, and therefore is overbooked, although I've been told it hasn't been overbooked by much. But you should still arrive early to make sure you get in. Here's the biggest catch about this screening, however: it's on Thursday, April 30 at 6:30 pm--the same night as our STAR TREK screening in Chicago; so if you won for that contest, do not enter this one (I'll be checking the list).

Here's how to secure a pass good for you and one guest. Send me an email at capone@aintitcoolmail.com with the subject line "BIG-SCREEN WOLVERINE"

In the body of the email, I need your full name (your guest's name is not required, but let me know if you're bringing one), and the answer to this question: "Why do you still love seeing movies--especially WOLVERINE--on the big screen with an audience?" I'll keep this contest open for 12 hours (in other words, until noon CST on Thursday), and I'll post the winners' names no later than Monday. Keep you answers to 75 words or less.

Winners will receive an email from me with the location of the screening and details about how to exchange your email for passes. THERE WILL NOT BE A STAND-BY LINE FOR THIS SCREENING! Good luck, everyone! Hope to see you there.

-- Capone
capone@aintitcoolmail.com