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On-Air Film Review: Ide Navarrette is Possessed in ‘Obsession’

adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman) — Fri, 15 May 2026 13:41:35 +0000

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on Eddie Volkman & Friends on THE 9-6-7 WSSR-FM Joliet (IL) on May 15th, 2026, reviewing the new release OBSESSION, the debut horror genre feature film from Barker Curry. In theaters May 15th.

Michael Johnston is Bear, a music store employee who has a desperate crush on co-worker Nikki (Inde Navarrette), who he has known since childhood. When it’s obvious she is not going to reciprocate, Bear opens a novelty “wishing stick” he bought at a mystical shop, and activates it by wishing Nikki would be his love forever. Well, there are always consequences when wishes come true, and Nikki turns into an obsessed lover who won’t give Bear any space … including standing in one spot all day waiting for him to come home. Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it.

OBSESSION is in theaters on May 15th. Featuring Michael Johnston, Inde Navarrette, Megan Lawless, Cooper Tomlinson and Andy Richter. Written and directed by Barker Curry. Rated “R”

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of OBSESSION

OBSESSION
Photo credit: Focus Features

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of OBSESSION

On-Air Film Review: Considering Martin in ‘Marty: Life is Short’

adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman) — Fri, 15 May 2026 13:14:07 +0000

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Jason Makos for WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on May 14th, 2026, reviewing the new bio-documentary MARTY: LIFE IS SHORT, about the comic actor Martin Short. Streaming on Netflix since May 12th.

Martin Short, the incredible wacky and resilient comic actor, has seen all levels of fame and all the ups/downs that the show business life has to offer. But it is his real life that is the revelation. He was the youngest of five siblings from Ontario, graduated from college and headed to the Toronto entertainment scene. After landing a role in a legendary 1972 production of GODSPELL, he hit the heights with The Second City Toronto, joined the cast of SCTV AND SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, and had a fruitful career in film with roles in the THREE AMIGOS, FATHER OF THE BRIDE and CAPTAIN RON, among others. And oh yeah, he won a Tony Award for the lead role in the Broadway musical version of THE GOODBYE GIRL.

MARTY: LIFE IS SHORT is currently streaming on Netflix. Featuring interviews with Martin Short, Steve Martin, Tom Hanks, Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara and Andrea Martin,. Directed by Lawrence Kasdan. Not Rated.

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of MARTY: LIFE IS SHORT

MARTY: LIFE IS SHORT
Photo credit: Netflix

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of MARTY: LIFE IS SHORT

On-Air Film Review: ‘Decorado’ Puts the Diss in Dystopia

adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman) — Fri, 15 May 2026 03:16:08 +0000

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Jason Makos for WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on May 14th, 2026, reviewing the new animated release DECORADO, by director Alberto Vásquez. In select theaters May 15th. See local listings.

DECORADO involves a cartoon mouse named Arnold, who lives in the city of “Anywhere,” unemployed and in a bad marriage to mousy Maria, in an atmosphere ruled by the company called ALMA. Arnold is in an existential crisis, as he feels that reality has become a decoration, or DECORADO, which is a false existence based on forces unknown. When his best friend Ramiro dies, and his other friend Chicken is arrested for nothing, Arnold seeks the world beyond the forest, where he feels he will find the truth.

DECORADO is in select theaters May 15th. Presented in Spanish with English subtitles and an English dubbed version. See local listings. Written by Alberto Vásquez and F. Xavier Manuel Ruiz. Directed by Alberto Vásquez. Not Rated.

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of DECORADO

DECORADO
Photo credit: GKIDS

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of DECORADO

Arts News: Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble’s ‘Architecture of Memory,’ May 15-16 & 22-23, 2026

adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman) — Fri, 15 May 2026 02:46:44 +0000

CHICAGO – The Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble is presenting ARCHITECTURE OF MEMORY for the next two weekends, May 15th-16th & 22nd-23rd, 2026, at their space on Foster Avenue in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood. For tickets and info, click MEMORY.

ARCHITECTURE OF MEMORY is an original work by CDE Founder Ellyzabeth Adler, exploring perseverance, hope and self-discovery. Told through film, dance, theater and new music, this performance experience aims to showcase the beauty of overcoming obstacles in life and creating a new sense of self. The production is set up in chapters that are woven together, inspired by the Red String Theory, an ancient Chinese proverb that states, “An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place, and circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle. But it will never break.”

May 15-16 & 22-24, 2026
Photo credit: Danztheatre.org

The presentation is a collaboration between Executive Director Ellyzabeth Adler and Hart Ginsberg of Digital Tapestries, together they have created new films to be integrated into the performance. It is Adlers’ first full-length work since 2017.

ARCHITECTURE OF MEMORY is presented by Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble on May 15th-16th and 22nd-23rd, 2026 (8pm-10pm) at their space at 1650 West Foster Avenue, Chicago. For more information about Chicago Danztheatre Emsemble, click Danztheatre.org.

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

Theater Review: Lifeline Theatre's ‘Loki: The End of the World Tour’

adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman) — Wed, 13 May 2026 15:39:59 +0000

CHICAGO – Norse gods Loki and Thor has been lionized through the Marvel Cinema Universe, but what about their mythology roots? What about a story-based rock opera? Chicago’s Lifeline Theatre has done just that, with the World Premiere LOKI: THE END OF THE WAR TOUR, thru June 14th. For tickets/info, click LOKI.

At the Lifeline Theatre Thru June 14th, 2026
Photo credit: LifelineTheatre.com

Play Rating: 4.0/5.0

The Norse gods are gathering in their celestial home of Asgard in a nightclub, including Mega-God Odin (Scott Danielson), Goddess Freya (Janelle Sanabria), Baldur (Peter Gretas) and Thor (Keenan Odenkirk). They await the arrival of Loki (Jack Chylinski) who brings his adoptive children … destined by prophecy to destroy the heavenly kingdom of Valhalla … and a sense of dread within the community. Luckily, the house band called The Norns keeps the joint jumping as the End of the World, and the destruction of the gods, are destined be played out at Ragnarok. Sound familiar?

Audio Theater Review of LOKI: THE END OF THE WAR TOUR by Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com …

Lifeline Theatre presents LOKI: THE END OF THE WAR TOUR at their theatre at 6912 North Glenwood Avenue in Chicago. Featuring Jack Chylinski, Scott Danielson, Janelle Sanabria, Peter Gertas, Keenan Odenkirk, India Sigyn, Grace Reidenaur, Anthony Layer, Avery Thompson, Kelan Smith, Kara Olander and Alek Boggio. Music & Lyrics by George Howe. Book by Christina Calvit. Directed by Heather Currie. For more information about Lifeline Theatre click LifelineTheatre.com.

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

Theater Review: Symbolic Decisions in Steppenwolf’s ‘Windfall’

adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman) — Tue, 12 May 2026 20:29:17 +0000

CHICAGO – As the backlash continues against all protest in America, the Steppenwolf Theatre Company of Chicago has countered with a symbolic World Premiere by company member Tarell Alvin McCraney, entitled WINDFALL, on the Ensemble Stage through May 31st, 2026. For tickets and info, click WINDFALL.

At the Steppenwolf Theatre Thru May 31st, 2026
Photo credit: Steppenwolf.org

Play Rating: 3.5/5.0

Mr Mano (Michael Potts) has lost Eli (Esco Jouléy) in a police action against a protest, and is expecting a settlement from the city in exchange for closing the case. As he contemplates the acceptance of the check, he is perplexed by Marcus (Glenn Davis) a ghost-like presence that debates the issues surrounding either the acceptance of the money or the rejection on principle. Meanwhile three visitors (all portrayed by Alana Arenas) also bedevil Mr. Mano … a bureaucrat, a real estate developer and a symbolic figure in black. With all these spirits swirling around, including memories of Eli, Mr. Mano has to make difficult decisions.

Audio Theater Review of WINDFALL by Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com …

Steppenwolf Theatre Company presents WINDFALL in the Ensemble theatre, 1650 North Halsted Street, Chicago. Featuring Glenn Davis, Michael Potts, Esco Jouléy, Alana Arenas, Jon Michael Hill and Namir Smallwood. Written by Tarell Alvin McCraney. Directed by Awoye Timpo. For more information about Steppenwolf Theatre Company, click Steppenwolf.org.

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

CCFF2026: Cory Michael Smith in Joe Swanberg’s ‘The Sun Never Sets’

adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman) — Tue, 12 May 2026 02:59:46 +0000

CHICAGO – The 13th Chicago Critics Film Festival (CCFF) wrapped on May 7th, with the Closing Night film THE SUN NEVER SETS, directed by local filmmaker icon Joe Swanberg and featuring Dakota Fanning, Jake Johnson and Cory Michael Smith. Smith appeared with Swanberg at the screening. HollywoodChicago.com was on the Red Carpet.

THE SUN NEVER SETS focuses on Wendy (Dakota Fanning), in a relationship with Jack (Jake Johnson), a divorced older man with children in Anchorage, Alaska. During the “sun never sets” season, Jack surprises her with a dictum to take a six month break in order for Wendy to know that their coupling is the right thing for her. The plan backfires initially, when suddenly ex-boyfriend Chuck (Cory Michael Smith) re-emerges and Wendy is interested.

Cory Michael Smith of THE SUN NEVER SETS at the 2026 CCFF
Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

Joe Swanberg made his reputation by pioneering the micro-budget approach to filmmaking, and was able to break into the mainstream film industry with his offbeat improvised approach to his stories. His debut was 2005’s KISSING ON THE MOUTH, and notable films include HANNAH TAKES THE STAIRS, DRINKING BUDDIES, HAPPY CHRISTMAS and DIGGING FOR FIRE. THE SUN NEVER SETS is his 21st feature film as director.

Cory Michael Smith has been rising steadily since his role as The Riddler on the FOX series GOTHAM, collaborating often with filmmaker Todd Haynes. He got stellar notices for portraying Chevy Chase in 2024’s SATURDAY NIGHT.

Joe Arce of HollywoodChicago.com photographed Joe Swanberg and Cory Michael Smith on the Red Carpet at the Music Box Theatre on May 7th, 2026, and Patrick McDonald did the interviews. All photos are © Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com.

Director Joe Swanberg of THE SUN NEVER SETS at the 2026 CCFF
Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

Patrick McDonald talked to Joe Swanberg and Cory Michael Smith on the Red Carpet, Closing Night at the 13th CCFF …

The 13th Chicago Critics Film Festival was May 1-7, 2026, For the CCFF website, click here.

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

On-Air Film Review: Coupling Not What it Seems in ‘Affection’

adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman) — Mon, 11 May 2026 15:19:11 +0000

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Jason Makos for WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on May 7th, 2026, reviewing the new release AFFECTION … the feature debut from writer/director BT Meza. In select theaters since May 8th. See local listings.

Jessica Rothe is Ellie, a woman who awakes from a dream with no knowledge of her life on a farm, which includes husband Bruce (Joseph Cross) and daughter Alice (Julianna Layne). Her husband informs her she is suffering from a mental psychosis, which includes memories of an alternate life, and it all becomes jumbled together for the put-upon Ellie. As she starts to interact with the life she supposedly has, odd occurrences take place at home and in the nearby woods. Is Ellie who they say she is?

AFFECTION is in select theaters since May 8th. See local listings. Featuring Jessica Rothe, Joseph Cross and Julianna Layne. Written and directed by BT Meza. Not Rated, but with intense horror-genre situations.

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of AFFECTION

AFFECTION
Photo credit: Brainstorm Media

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of AFFECTION

DIFF2026: Interview with Sidney Mallari of Animated Short ‘Value’

adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman) — Sun, 10 May 2026 14:19:23 +0000

CHICAGO – The 2026 Dallas International Film Festival (DIFF) recently wrapped up on April 30th … and one of the festival’s big commitments is finding the new voices in cinema, with a focus on youth submissions. One of the Official Short Films in competition was from High School Senior Sidney Mallari, the animated VALUE.

VALUE is a deeply personal animated short that explores the nonlinear journey of mental health, healing, and self-worth through a visually emotional and introspective lens. The film reminds audiences that every stage of life, light or dark, holds meaning and value.

At DIFF2026, VALUE took home an AUDIENCE AWARD for the North Texas High School Showcase. The film moves on to the Heatwave Film Festival, and Sidney herself will move on to Dallas College next fall to study animation.

VALUE, Created by Sidney Mallari
Photo credit: DIFFDallas.org

In an interview with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, Sidney Mallari talks about the circumstances behind VALUE.

HollywoodChicago.com: When did the fascination with animation coincide with the need to tell your story?

Sidney Mallari: It was because of animation class that I was given an opportunity to create this story. I always knew I wanted to pursue something creative, and I’ve always been adamant about advocating for mental health. So when I was given the assignment to create a rotoscope narrative film, I finally had an excuse to create something to tell my story. And because I had the opportunity to use myself as the model for the animation, it aligned with the deeply personal aspects of the story I wanted to share.

HollywoodChicago.com: As you were developing the animation, how did the colors that were represented occur to you?

Mallari: Throughout the film I played around with words pertaining to light and dark, so within the film I wanted to reflect this through the colors I used. I wanted to create lots of contrast … the start of the film has me traced in bright blue but surrounded by darkness. But after the intro, the blue fades into a more muted green. I then wanted to contrast this through the brightness of my tears that then fall back into the blue, but now includes the desaturation of gray. I then end up becoming gray myself, fighting between dark and light, trying to find my value.

HollywoodChicago.com: Finally what is the first thing you think about when you think about your love for animation and storytelling?

Mallari: The first thing I think about is the little kid who’d spend hours crafting stories in their head, escaping reality to create fantasy stories to live in instead. I think of how I dreamt of becoming a writer because of the way books painted magical landscapes in my mind.

I never thought I would be able to bring those stories to life, and then I experienced animation. And my appreciation, curiosity, and eventually passion for the possibilities of animation grew from there.

Trailer, VALUE…

The 2026 Dallas International Film Festival (DIFF) ran through April 30th. For all details regarding DIFF2026, click DIFFDallas.org.

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

DIFF2026: Dallas International Film Fest Grand Jury Prize to ‘If I Go Will They Miss Me’

adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman) — Sat, 09 May 2026 17:37:41 +0000

CHICAGO – The 2026 Dallas International Film Festival (DIFF) wrapped up on April 30th … and recently announced its Grand Jury Prizes and Audience Awards. The top Narrative Feature is IF I GO WILL THEY MISS ME, the Best Texas Feature is AMERICAN BABY, the Best Documentary is ONE IN A MILLION, which also was honored with Audience Award for Narrative Feature.

The 20th edition of the annual Dallas International Film Festival (DIFF) took place April 23rd–30th, 2025. This is DIFF’s second year as a short film Academy Award® Qualifying Festival, following its designation by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 2025, and included 125 screenings, filmmaker Q&As, panels, nightly red carpets, and for the first time an Industry Conference. DIFF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and culture organization established through the Dallas Film Society.

20th Dallas International Film Festival
Photo credit: DIFFDallas.org

“It’s an honor to wrap our 20th Festival by celebrating these winning films and filmmakers,” said James Faust, DIFF Artistic Director. “Seeing the power of connection both through the art as well as the artis is what makes the Festival experience so rewarding, and we’re proud to now get to say we at DIFF got to be a part of these powerful film journeys.”

VOICES from the Red Carpet at DIFF2026, with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com …

The Complete List of Awardees is below …

Grand Jury Prizes

IF I GO WILL THEY MISS ME
Photo credit: DIFFDallas.org

Narrative Feature – IF I GO WILL THEY MISS ME

Documentary Feature – ONE IN A MILLION

Texas Feature – AMERICAN BABY

Student Short – IN THE STILL OF NIGHT

International Short – LIFE GOES ON

Texas Short – JUST MY LUCK

Documentary Short – THE BADDEST SPEECHWRITER OF ALL

Animated Short – THAT NIGHT

Narrative Short Presented by ShotDeck – MEETING YOUR MAKER

Special Jury Mention for Student Short – SHIFT

Special Jury Mention for International Short – FELLOW

Special Jury Mention for Documentary Feature – POWWOW PEOPLE

Special Jury Mention for Narrative Feature – PINCH

Special Jury Mention for Texas Feature – VALENTINA

Audience Awards

ONE IN A MILLION
Photo credit: DIFFDallas.org

Short Film – FLESH & BLOOD

Music Video – 99 PROBLEMS

Documentary Feature – OCCUPATIONAL HAZARD: THE FIRST CORAL REEFERS

Narrative Feature – ONE IN A MILLION

International Feature – PINCH

North Texas High School Showcase – VALUE

The 2026 Dallas International Film Festival (DIFF) ran through April 30th. For all details regarding DIFF2026, click DIFFDallas.org.

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