The Kings of Chicago

The Kings of Chicago is a 1994 American comedy-drama film, written and directed by Chris Columbus, along with additional screenplay by Mark Radcliffe. It stars Nick Nolte, Robin Williams, John Goodman, Annette Benning, Glenn Close, and Kim Basinger. follows three friends who see each other after 20 years of graduating from high school. The film addresses themes of success, love, happiness, and friendship.

The film was released in the United States on December 21, 1994. It won the Academy Award for Best Screenplay and The Golden Globe Award for Best - Musical or Comedy. Nick Nolte was awarded The Golden Globe for Best Actor, while Robin Williams won The Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor.

Plot
In 1965, three childhood friends, Charlie Brennan, Gary Traves, and Todd Clovsky graduated from high school. 28 years later, Charlie became an ambitious journalist for The Chicago Sun-Times with his wife, Helen, a stay at home mom, and his two children-teenage daughter Emily and 11-year old son Tim. Gary is a cartoonist and animator, most recognized for Gary the Goose. He also lives with his wife, Alison, with their 6-year old daughter Beth. As for Clovsky, he is a retired quarterback for the 'Chicago Bears', now a owner of a restaurant called "Clovsky's Place". He also married Lydia LaRue, actress and model.

As soon as the three friends heard about their fourth friend's, John Thompson, death, they reunite. Intended to pay tribute to Thompson's death, the three friends spend a week together at Les Confidante Casino in East Chicago.

Cast

 * Nick Nolte as Charlie Brennan, a journalist for The Chicago Sun-Times. Harrison Ford, was considered the role as Charlie, but dropped out to star in "The Fugitive".
 * Robin Williams as Gary Traves, a cartoonist famous for creating "Gary the Goose". Billy Crystal and Bill Murray were considered the role.
 * John Goodman as Todd Clovsky, former quarterback for The Chicago Bears, now owner of "Clovsky's Place". John Candy was considered the role, but died in 1994, on the set of "Wagons East".
 * Glenn Close as Helen Brennan, Charlie's wife and a stockbroker.
 * Annette Benning as Alison Traves, Gary's wife and a stay-at-home mom.
 * Kim Basinger as Lydia LaRue-Clovsky, Todd's wife, an actress and model.
 * Reese Witherspoon as Emily Brennan, Charlie's 16-year old daughter.
 * Jeff Daniels as Walter, the bellman at Les Confidante Casino.