Jake Hamilton
Emmy winner Jake Hamilton began his film critic career at the age of 14 by writing multiple letters to the Houston Chronicle, all describing why he would be perfect for the position. He was awarded the position in April 2002. His first review -- of the summer blockbuster "Spider-Man" -- was published on May 9, 2002.
As Hamilton's reputation became more reputable, he was allowed to branch out into out into Top Ten Lists, Oscar Coverage and even the subject of publicity contests. While working with the Houston Chronicle, a publicity contest quickly formed into the popular "Win A Date With Jake Hamilton" contest (modeled after the film, Win A Date With Tad Hamilton).
Hamilton would continue to write hundreds of reviews throughout the next four years before leaving the Chronicle in May 2006 upon graduating from Clear Lake High School.
After leaving the Chronicle, Hamilton began searching for an even bigger outlet -- television. This led him to audition for the late-night Houston PBS talk show, "The After Party" with Emmy-winning host, Ernie Manouse. He was awarded the position and began his career in television in September, 2006. Alongside Variety film critic, Joe Leydon, Hamilton participated in weekly chats about the latest cinematic offerings for the quirky, late-night talk show before "The After Party" was finally canceled in January 2007.
Having developed a close relationship with Manouse while working on "The After Party," Hamilton was brought on as a producer for the HoustonPBS documentary, "The Last 24," which was met with critical praise when it aired in August 2007.
In March 2008, KHOU-TV (the Houston CBS outlet) contacted Hamilton about appearing as a guest on their morning talk show, Great Day Houston. Met with a warm reception by the studio and audiences alike, Hamilton was awarded his own segment, "Jake's Takes," where he now continues to cover film and interview actors and actresses on a weekly basis.
In October 2010, Hamilton moved onward and upward, bringing "Jake's Takes" to FOX TV in Houston, where he won an Emmy for "Best On-Air Talent." Sitting across from the likes of Tom Hanks, Brad Pitt and George Clooney, Hamilton became a staple of Hollywood reporting and even became the subject of controvery himself when he entered into an interview battle with Samuel L. Jackson, which went viral around the world.
In November 2013, Hamilton then made the giant move to Chicago, bringing "Jake's Takes" to the great team at "Good Day Chicago," for FOX-TV (WFLD-TV).
The latest from Jake Hamilton
'Gladiator II' starring Paul Mescal hits theaters this month
Nearly a quarter-century after his original film took home five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, legendary filmmaker Ridley Scott is back with the highly anticipated follow-up, “Gladiator II.”
Tom Hanks, Robin Wright reunite with 'Forrest Gump' director for new film 'Here'
Thirty years after first working together on the Oscar-winning classic "Forrest Gump," actors Tom Hanks and Robin Wright are reuniting with director Robert Zemeckis for the new drama "Here."
Robert Zemeckis on how growing up in Chicago influenced his new film 'Here'
Zemeckis spoke about growing up in Chicago, and how his childhood influenced his new film, "Here."
Chicago director premieres locally filmed movie 'All Happy Families'
Not only was the acclaimed family dramedy filmed in Chicago, the movie was co-written and directed by buzzed-about local filmmaker Haroula Rose.
Jason Reitman brings 'Saturday Night' to life: A behind-the-scenes look at the birth of SNL
Who better to write and direct a movie about the birth of Saturday Night Live than someone who grew up alongside the original cast?
Robert Englund on the creation of Freddy Kreuger in 'A Nightmare on Elm Street'
Forty years after he became the man of our nightmares, actor Robert Englund is looking back on his knife-wielding boogeyman Freddy Krueger and the iconic slasher movie "A Nightmare on Elm Street."
New psychological thriller, A Different Man, sets out to change Hollywood
The new psychological thriller “A Different Man" is earning Oscar buzz and making Hollywood rethink how they cast actors with physical disabilities.
Francis Ford Coppola returns to cinema with self-funded epic 'Megalopolis'
More than half a century after director Francis Ford Coppola took the world by storm with his masterpiece “The Godfather," the five-time Oscar winning storyteller returns to the big screen this weekend with his new dramatic epic “Megalopolis."
'Agatha All Along' streams on Disney+ this week
From her days on the Northwestern campus to starring in her very own Marvel series, actress Kathryn Hahn has a lot to be proud of.
Actors of 'The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat' share insights on portraying lifelong bonds
Based on the 2013 best-selling novel, the new movie “The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat” follows the lives of three friends over decades as they navigate through life together and apart.