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Audio Film Review: Robert Pattison & Zendaya in ‘The Drama’

adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman) — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 14:53:30 +0000

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review for the new release THE DRAMA, directed by Kristoffer Borgli of the well-received DREAM SCENARIO, and featuring Robert Pattinson and Zendaya as an engaged couple during wedding week. In theaters on April 3rd.

The story involves Charlie (Robert Pattinson) – from the UK – and American Emma (Zendaya) as the engaged couple one week before the ceremony. As they are going through the prep … DJs, catering, flowers, etc. … they get into a drunken game with their wedding party friends Mike (Mamoudou Athie) and Rachel (Alana Haim of LICORICE PIZZA) in which they reveal the worst thing they’ve ever done in their lives. The stories are at first just predictably strange, until they get to Emma. Her reveal is so shocking that it’s a seismic shift in the wedding week and everything else. Suddenly the atmosphere of the happy couple is turned on its ear, and the flashbacks reveal even more alarm bells in association with her truth. The couple somehow gets to the wedding ceremony, but not without consequences before and during the event.

THE DRAMA is theaters April 3rd. Featuring Robert Pattinson, Zendaya, Mamoudou Athie, Alana Haim and Sydney Lemmon. Written and directed by Kristoffer Borgli. Rated “R”

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s Audio Film Review of THE DRAMA

The Drama
Photo credit: A24

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s Audio Film Review of THE DRAMA

Audio Film Review: Bros Reunite for ‘The Super Mario Galaxy Movie’

adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman) — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 22:44:52 +0000

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review for the new animated release of THE SUPER MARIO GALAXY MOVIE, returning with the voices of Chris Pratt, Charlie Day and Anya Taylor-Joy. In theaters on April 1st, with IMAX and RealD 3D screening options.

Mario is voiced by Chris Pratt, with his brother Luigi (Charlie Day). The adventure begins with Princess Rosalina (Brie Larson) presiding over her Small Star Lumas Kingdom, when she is kidnapped by Bowser Jr. (Benny Safdie), the son of the reformed nemesis King Bowser (Jack Black). This gets the Mushroom Kingdom’s Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) involved, and she travels in space with Toad (Keegan-Michael Key) to rescue Rosalina. Meanwhile Mario and Luigi stay behind to monitor the Kingdom and King Bowser, who they have made tiny to keep him under control. Eventually their castle is lifted into space, and they’re gonna need old King Bowser … back to regular size … to stop his power-hungry son … and together save the day.

THE SUPER MARIO GALAXY MOVIE is theaters April 1st, with IMAX and RealD 3D options. Featuring the voices of Chris Pratt, Charlie Day, Brie Larson, Anya Taylor-Joy, Jack Black, Keegan-Michael Key and Benny Safdie. Written by Matthew Fogel. Directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic. Rated “PG”

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s Audio Film Review of LATE SHIFT THE SUPER MARIO GALAXY MOVIE

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
Photo credit: Universal Pictures

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s Audio Film Review of LATE SHIFT THE SUPER MARIO GALAXY MOVIE

APUC20 Podtalk: April 2nd Screening of Angel Aquino in ‘April’

adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman) — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 20:27:01 +0000

CHICAGO – The 20th Edition of the Asian Pop-Up Cinema (APUC) continues the 2026 fest on April 1st, and on April 2nd with the appropriately titled APRIL, written/directed by Freddy Tang and featuring Filipino star Angel Aquino in a role that is both caregiver and mother. Ms. Aquino sat down for a Podtalk with Patrick McDonald. For info/tickets, click APRIL.

The Taiwan/Philippines co-production features Angel Aquino as April, a caregiver to an elderly grandpa in Taiwan. When April’s mother becomes critically ill back in the Philippines, the only way she can make the trip home is by taking along the ailing Taiwanese grandpa. When the old man’s son returns from prison to an empty house, his story intertwines with April’s in unexpected ways.

Angel Aquino in APRIL
Photo credit: AsianPopUpCinema.org

Angel Aquino is a celebrated Filipino actress whose distinguished career spans over three decades, making her one of the Philippines’ most respected and versatile performers. Known for her elegance, emotional depth, and compelling screen presence – characterized in the sensationally popular Filipino drama ANG PROBINSYANO – she has consistently delivered powerful portrayals that resonate with audiences both native locally and internationally.

In a Podtalk with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, Angel Aquino of APRIL talks about the film and her career …

For WEEK THREE, a variety of Asian films are in the spotlight, beginning with FRRE encore screenings on April 1st. Click APUC20 WK 3 for films, tickets and details.

As in past years, The 20th APUC will explore and celebrate cinema from countries across the Asian continent. This year’s program will feature work from Cambodia, Canada/USA, Hong Kong, France, Japan, Mainland Chine, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam with the majority of presentations being held at the Festival’s hub theater, AMC NEWCITY 14 (1500 N. Clybourn Ave.) in Chicago.

Season 20 of the Asian Pop-Up Cinema will take place through April 12th (2026) in Chicago, based at AMC NewCity Theaters, 1500 North Clybourn … easy city access via public transportation and parking. For all information about the cultural juggernaut that is APUC, click here.

By PATRICK McDONALD
Editor and Film Critic/Writer
HollywoodChicago.com
pat@hollywoodchicago.com

Audio Film Review: Nursing in Crisis in Petra Volpe’s ‘Late Shift’

adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman) — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 13:52:09 +0000

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review for the Music Box Films release of the Swiss/German LATE SHIFT, directed by Petra Volpe. The film takes a focused look at the nursing shortage in a medical system in crisis. In select theaters now, including the Music Box Theatre.

Leonie Benesch (of TEACHERS LOUNGE) portrays Nurse Floria, working an entire full wing of a hospital on the frantic 3-11 shift. During those working hours, she deals with ill and deathly ill patients, as well as a wealthy man with private insurance who demands more than she can give. The frenetic pace begins to wear on her, causing some errors that are fixable and some that are not. But as the unrelenting patient load continues, the system – and its nurse employee – begins to show cracks.

LATE SHIFT is in select theaters now, see local listings. Featuring Leonie Benesch, Sonja Riesen, Selma Aldin, Alireza Bayham and Ali Kandas. Written and directed by Petra Volpe. Not Rated.

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s Audio Film Review of LATE SHIFT

Late Shift
Photo credit: Music Box Films

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s Audio Film Review of LATE SHIFT

Podtalk, Review: Annemarie Jacir on Her Film ‘Palestine 36’

adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman) — Sun, 29 Mar 2026 01:27:17 +0000

CHICAGO – As history repeats itself, with no lessons learned, it is often the artists who remind us of what the lessons are. In veteran filmmaker Annemarie Jacir’s feature release PALESTINE 36, looking back at the Palestinian revolt against British colonizers in the 1930s, is a lesson in how oppression morally defeats all of us.

PALESTINE 36
Photo credit: Watermelon Pictures

Rating: 4.5/5.0

In 1936, as villages across Mandatory Palestine rise against British colonial rule, Yusuf (Karim Daoud Anaya) drifts between his rural home and the restless energy of Jerusalem, longing for a future beyond the growing unrest. … but history is relentless. With rising numbers of Jewish immigrants escaping antisemitism in Europe, and the Palestinian population uniting in the largest and longest uprising against Britain’s 30-year dominion, all sides spiral towards inevitable collision in a decisive moment for the British Empire and the future of the entire region.

The constant and unrelenting push against the Palestinian peoples has roots in the original colonizers from Britain (represented in roles by Jeremy Irons, Liam Cunningham and Billy Howle), and as one force is standing firm against the 1936 uprise, another – Jewish settlers escaping European antisemitism – is claiming their stake in the region. And that is the remarkable and unescapable perspective in Jacir’s film, that often the native peoples in a region ripe for colonial plucking are the ones who suffer the most. And Palestinians … with over 90 years of cherry picking of their native lands … have been fighting relentlessly against oppressors in their sorrowful history.

Writer/director Annemarie Jacir has written, directed and produced over sixteen films. Her films have premiered in Cannes, Berlin, Venice,Locarno, Rotterdam and Toronto. In 2007, Jacir shot the first feature film by a Palestinian female director, the acclaimed SALT OF THIS SEA, her second work to debut at Cannes. The film went on to win fifteen international awards including Best Film in Milan. Other award winning features include WHEN I SAW YOU (2012) and WAJIB (2017).

In a Podtalk with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, writer/director Annemarie Jacir dives into PALESTINE 36 …

Trailer, PALESTINE 36 …

PALESTINE 36 will open at AMC River East 21 and Uprising Theater in Chicago, and in Chicagoland at AMC Quarry 14 (Hodgkins, IL), and AMC Village Crossing 18 (Skokie), and Orland Park Cinemas on March 27.

PALESTINE 36 is in select theaters on March 27th, see local listings. Featuring Hiram Abbass, Yasmine Al Massri, Karim Daoud Anaya, Billy Howle, Liam Cunningham and Jeremy Irons. Written and directed by Annemarie Jacir. Not Rated.

By PATRICK McDONALD
Editor and Film Critic/Writer
HollywoodChicago.com
pat@hollywoodchicago.com

Film News: Chicago DJ Dick Biondi New Doc Now Streaming

adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman) — Sat, 28 Mar 2026 18:26:09 +0000

CHICAGO – The story of pioneering Chicago rock ’n’ roll disc jockey Dick Biondi is coming to audiences worldwide with the release of the new documentary THE VOICE THAT ROCKED AMERICA: THE DICK BIONDI STORY. Simultaneous to the doc being available NOW on major streaming platforms, it will have a Red Carpet screening at the Des Plaines Theatre on Sunday, March 29th, 2026, beginning at 5pm. For tickets and information, click BIONDI.

The new documentary celebrates 1960s Chicago disc jockey Dick Biondi – nicknamed “The Wild I-tralian” – who helped define rock ’n’ roll radio in America. He was famously the first DJ to play a Beatles record in the United States and was a champion of countless music legends. He is honored in this long-awaited film that was directed and narrated by acclaimed Chicago filmmaker Pamela Enzweiler-Pulice.

THE VOICE THAT ROCKED AMERICA: THE DICK BIONDI STORY
Photo credit: Reel Stories Production

The film also features interviews with music and entertainment legends including Beach Boys co-founders Brian Wilson and Al Jardine; Paul Shaffer; Frankie Valli; Frankie Avalon; Bobby Rydell; Tony Orlando; comedian Tom Dreesen; Grammy-winning songwriter Jim Peterik; and Carl Giammarese and Dennis Tufano of The Buckinghams.

Trailer, THE VOICE THAT ROCKED AMERICA: THE DICK BIONDI STORY …

THE VOICE THAT ROCKED AMERICA: THE DICK BIONDI STORY will have a Red Carpet screening a the Des Plaines Theatre, 1476 Miner Street, Des Plaines, Illinois on March 29th, 2026, starting at 5pm. The documentary is currently available on streaming platforms. See provider. For more info, click DickBiondiFilm.com

By PATRICK McDONALD
Editor and Film Critic/Writer
HollywoodChicago.com
pat@hollywoodchicago.com

On-Air Film Review: ‘A Magnificent Life’ of French Writer Marcel Pagnol

adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman) — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 23:37:10 +0000

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson for WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on March 26th, 2026, reviewing the French animated A MAGNIFICENT LIFE, of writer/filmmaker Marcel Pagnol. In select theaters on March 27th, see local listings.

The story of Pagnol is one of the great creators of 20th century French media, with a focus on his life as a filmmaker from the 1930s through the ‘50s. The story is in flashback, as Marcel’s younger self guides his older persona to write his memoirs. Other ghosts join the boy as guides, including Marcel’s mother and other passed-on colleagues. His creative influence in French culture is shown to be legendary, despite World Wars, divorce, stage/film failures and other life circumstances.

A MAGNIFICENT LIFE is in select theaters on March 27th, see local listings. Written and directed by Sylvain Chomet. Rated “PG-13”

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of A MAGNIFICENT LIFE

A MAGNIFICENT LIFE
Photo credit: Sony Pictures Classics

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of A MAGNIFICENT LIFE

On-Air Film Review: Vince Vaughn(s) in ‘Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice’

adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman) — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 13:39:14 +0000

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on Eddie Volkman & Friends on THE 9-6-7 WSSR-FM Joliet (IL) on March 27th, 2026. reviewing the new film MIKE & NICK & NICK & ALICE, featuring Vince Vaughn and James Marsden. Streaming on HULU and Disney+ on March 27th.

Vaughn is Nick, a high level gangster whose right hand man is Quick Draw Mike (Marsden), who is not only looking to get out of the crime life but is having an affair with Mike’s wife Alice (Eiza González). Everything is flipped on its ear as another Nick (also Vaughn) shows up to explain he has come from the future, that’s right the future, to alter the events of an all-night prison release party for Jimmy (Jimmy Tatro), the son of mob boss Sosa (David Keith). Future Nick has traveled through time, and with help from Mike & Alice and Present day Nick, just might save the day.

MIKE & NICK & NICK & ALICE is streaming on HULU and Disney+ beginning March 27th. Featuring Vince Vaughn, James Marsden, Eiza González, Jimmy Tatro and Keith David. Written and directed by BenDavid Grabinski. Rated “R”

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of MIKE & NICK & NICK & ALICE

MIKE & NICK & NICK & ALICE
Photo credit: 20th Century Studios

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of MIKE & NICK & NICK & ALICE

APUC20: Opening Night with Gigi Leung for ‘Pass and Goal’

adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman) — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 16:56:50 +0000

CHICAGO – Opening Night for the 20th Edition of the Asian Pop-Up Cinema (APUC) launched the 2026 fest on March 20th with PASS AND GOAL (Hong Kong). Actor Gigi Leung Wing Lei and director Jil Wong were on the Red Carpet, and talked to HollywoodChicago. For what’s upcoming, click APUC20 WEEK TWO.

Gigi Leung of PASS AND GOAL
Photo credit: AsianPopUpCinema.org

For WEEK Two from March 25th-29th, South Korean films are in the spotlight, with appearances by filmmaker/actor YEUM Moon-kyoung for (click link) THE LAST WOMAN ON EARTH, director Roh Young-wan/ actor Choi Gang-hyun for HALO, and director Mipo O for HOW DARE YOU?.

On Opening Night, Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com talked to actor Gigi Leung Wing Lei and director Jil Wong of PASS AND GOAL

Actor Gigi Leung Wing Lei of PASS AND GOAL

Ms. Leung is a iconic singer and actor in Hong Kong, with over 60 roles in film and TV. She talked to HollywoodChicago.com before the screening of PASS AND GOAL …

HollywoodChicago.com: So as an actor, what personality of the character of Hei Man did you want to focus on to make her situation seem truthful?

Gigi Leung: Hei Man is a very independent, very strong-willed woman, but she’s not perfect when she has a challenge in front of her. But she realizes that it’s not about her, it’s about the life experience of the kids, and making the right decision for them.

I feel Hei Man is like an onion, peeling off layers to understand more, and trying to listen to her true voice. That really touched me because I’m a mother myself. So sometimes when I make a decision real life, I also make the comparison like ‘should I do this?’

I’ve been a female in the film industry for over 30 years. I have been participated in comedy and romantic films, but there are still many roles that I really want to challenge myself with … and this film delivers a very positive message to people. It’s about playing soccer and trying to chase their dream.

HollywoodChicago.com: What have you learned about comedy in your long career as an actor that you applied to the comic situations in the film?

Leung: I worked with Stephen Chow early in my career, and I was amazed by the timing and pace he had with his comic dialogue. There are no books to tell you how to deliver such dialogue you have to feel it yourself, and in your interaction with other actors. When I want people to laugh, I can’t predict too much about a scene, so I just allow myself to be in the moment and let go.

I really just think about the acting and the moment, not just the comedy.

HollywoodChicago.com: So as you look over your career right now, what do you think was the big breakout film that everybody knows you for and what was it about that role that made it so memorable?

Leung: There are a couple. My first breakout was in the beginning of my career with FULL THROTTLE [1995], with Andy Lau. I can say back then I was too young, and handling that role for me … about street motorcycle racing … was quite challenging. But audiences knew me for it and it was a good start.

The next film was four years later, TEMPTING HEART, which was a love story with Takeshi Kaneshiro. That got me some awards recognition.  

A favorite that many people like is FAT CHOI SPIRIT [2002] with Andy Lau again, a comic movie about the Chinese New Year and gambling and ‘lucky money’ while playing Mahjong. It plays on TV and Netflix every year at the New Year and it’s my most seen Chinese film.

HollywoodChicago.com: In this part of your career, what type of role that you haven’t done do you want to do?

Leung: Oh, so many. I always want to be a smart detective. You know, I feel like I can really handle it because I’m quite tall [Ms. Leung is 5’9”), so I can always imagine myself wearing a uniform and projecting power.

HollywoodChicago.com: Finally, if you could go back in time and give advice to that 19-year-old that began in the movies, what would that advice be?

Leung: Live in the moment. When you’re an actor starting out there are so many unknown factors, and I was always anxious. So young Gigi, live in the moment because you don’t know what is going to happen tomorrow.

Gigi Leung and Jil Wong of PASS AND GOAL
Photo credit: AsianPopUpCinema.org

Director Jil Wong of PASS AND GOAL

PASS AND GOAL is Wong’s eighth feature film as director. He was interviewed on the Red Carpet through a translator.

HollywoodChicago.com: What were you and your screenwriter Ambrose Kwok trying to say about winners and winning in Hong Kong culture vis-a-vis your film?

Jil Wong: The movie is actually not so much about winning and the culture of winning. What we wanted to say through the film is that actually winning and losing doesn’t really matter. The most important thing is to be persistent and work on what you work on, and reach your goals.

HollywoodChicago.com: When you were casting, what quality in the child actors were you trying to find, especially those representing the underdog losing team?

Wong: There was a Japanese anime that featured kids with unique character and personality. As we were casting, I was looking for actors that represented those anime characters, because that felt right for the story.

HollywoodChicago.com: What’s the first thing you think about when you think about your love for creating and directing films?

Wong: When I first started directing films, quite honestly I didn’t feel that much passion or love, it was a job. But after a hiatus of 10 years, and looking within myself at what I love about directing, I think I’ve found that elusive passion.

As in past years, APUC will explore and celebrate cinema from countries across the Asian continent. This year’s program will feature work from Cambodia, Canada/USA, Hong Kong, France, Japan, Mainland Chine, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam with the majority of presentations being held at the Festival’s hub theater, AMC NEWCITY 14 (1500 N. Clybourn Ave.) in Chicago.

The Asian Pop-Up Cinema is the brainchild of Founder/Executive Director/Curator Sophia Wong Boccio of Sophia’s Choice, which began in 2015 … APUC began with twice a year fests and switched to yearly in 2025 … with the multi-pronged mission of cultivating an interest in and understanding of Asian cultures via a diverse offering of Asian films while connecting the Asian film industry with local Chicago film professionals, educators, and students. Through her many filmmaking/acting attendees over the years, the goal also is to promote Chicago as a destination for internationalism.

Season 20 of the Asian Pop-Up Cinema will take place March 20th - April 12th (2026) in Chicago, based at AMC NewCity Theaters, 1500 North Clybourn … easy city access via public transportation and parking. For all information about the cultural juggernaut that is APUC, click here.

By PATRICK McDONALD
Editor and Film Critic/Writer
HollywoodChicago.com
pat@hollywoodchicago.com

Podtalks, Review: Director Paul Schwartz, Actors Nelson Avidon & Tara Westwood of ‘Stop Time’

adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman) — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 19:52:08 +0000

CHICAGO – Fresh from the World Premiere at Dances With Films NYC Fest in January of 2026, the new film STOP TIME was called “a beautiful movie on all fronts.” Director Paul Schwartz and lead actors Nelson Avidon/Tara Westwood recently talked to Patrick McDonald.

Stop Time
Photo credit: PaulSchwartz.com

Rating: 4.5/5.0

STOP TIME tells the intertwined stories of Peter de Vries (Nelson Avidon), a photographer, and Adrianna Maier (Tara Westwood), a theatrical lighting designer. Both are carrying heavy burdens of sadness … burdens that mutual friends of theirs believe each could lighten for the other. Over the course of 24 hours in New York City their lives circle, until they meet at the opening of Peter’s gallery show, which leads them both down an unexpected path.

The film is a meaningful and cinematic expression of grief. Director Schwartz tells an authentic story of Peter’s inability to come out of his sorrow over his wife’s passing and Adrianna’s shocking news that reveals a family tragedy. Those twin engines of emotion clash at different phases and blends together to uplift both carriages of reaction/response toward a path to redemption. This is a significant must-see for those in the midst or healing from the black cloud that overwhelms loss and grief.

Writer/Director Paul Paul Schwartz is a writer, director and composer. His first short film was TIME CAN BREAK YOUR HEART (2018), followed by the feature films A NEW YORK STORY (2021) and THE SEASONS: FOUR LOVE STORIES (2022). The STOP TIME feature was first a short film in 2024.

Nelson Avidon is best known for portraying Dan Jankowicz opposite Jimmy Smits in the CBS-TV series EAST NEW YORK, and was also seen in the films MOTHERLESS BROOKLYN, LIFE AFTER YOU and RERUN. Tara Westwood had a pivotal role in LAW & ORDER, and appeared in the films PLANE, THE GRUDGE and QUEEN OF KNIVES. She also a stage actor, film producer and made her directorial debut with the short film TRIGGERED in 2022.

In a Podtalk with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, Director Paul Schwartz of STOP TIME describes the film’s evolution …

In Podtalk Two, Patrick talks to lead actors Nelson Avidon and Tara Westwood of STOP TIME …

STOP TIME is on the film festival circuit. Featuring Nelson Avidon, Tara Westwood, Catherine Quirico and Patty McCormick. Written and directed by Paul Schwartz. Not Rated.

By PATRICK McDONALD
Editor and Film Critic/Writer
HollywoodChicago.com
pat@hollywoodchicago.com