HollywoodChicago.com: The Everything Entertainment Destination

Podtalk: Actor & Director Tara Westwood on Her Career Adventures

PatrickMcD — Mon, 25 May 2026 15:26:24 +0000

CHICAGO – After talking to Tara Westwood in regard to her role in the indie film favorite STOP TIME, Patrick McDonald has circled back to the actor and director for a comprehensive insight to her life and career. The diligent working artist provides perspective for the success elements in a challenging profession.

Ms. Westwood is a native of Manitoba, Canada, and through a series of serendipitous events found her calling as an actor through work at performance training centers like Maggie Flanagan Studio in New York City. As related in the Podtalk below, she made her screen debut in MY BEST FRIEND’S WIFE (2001). Her TV work includes LAW & ORDER, BLUE BLOODS, CHICAGO P.D. and FLEISHMAN IN TROUBLE. Notable films include THE GRUDGE, PLANE and the aforementioned STOP TIME. She made her directorial debut with TRIGGERED (2022) and plans a feature film extension of that short.

Tara Westwood in TRIGGERED, Also Director
Photo credit: TaraWestwood.com

In Part One of a Podtalk with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, Tara Westwood talks of her path to her career …

In Part Two, more adventures, including Tara’s director debut with TRIGGERED …

In a Video Clip, Tara Westwood talks about her training at the Maggie Flanagan Studio …

For more information about Tara Westwood, go to TaraWestwood.com

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

Exclusive Portraits: Hayden Panettiere & Her Memoir in Chicagoland

PatrickMcD — Sat, 23 May 2026 16:57:54 +0000

CHICAGO – Social Media is abuzz for THIS IS ME: A RECKONING, a new memoir by Hayden Panettiere. The candid history of childhood actor pressure becoming a difficult adulthood is authentically told by Ms. Panettiere, and she recently made an appearance at Anderson’s Bookshop in Naperville (IL). Photographer Joe Arce captured the Exclusive Portraits.

Hayden Panettiere at Anderson’s Bookshop for THIS IS ME: A RECKONING
Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

Hayden Panettiere’s career in entertainment began before she was old enough to walk. From early commercials and TV roles to film hits like REMEMBER THE TITANS, she had tremendous success by her early teens, and later scored with the SCREAM film series, and TV’s HEROES and NASHVILLE. But behind the image of the “it girl,” growing up in public was a far more complicated reality. As Hayden entered adulthood, the industry that once sustained her grew more unforgiving, and there was a hefty price to pay for fame, including how quickly outside forces hijacked her story.

Hayden Panettiere Strikes a Pose in Chicagoland
Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

In her memoir THIS IS ME: A RECKONING, Ms. Panettiere shares a rare and intimate glimpse into her life behind closed doors, opening up about postpartum depression, addiction/recovery, trauma, domestic abuse, and loss. She holds nothing back as she reflects on the moments she calls “lifequakes” … experiences that fractured her sense of self and forced her to rebuild it from the inside out. This is her story, on her terms.

Hayden Panettiere Tells Her Story in a New Memoir
Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

Hayden Panettiere appeared at Anderson’s Bookshop in Naperville on May 20th, 2026. Photographer Joe Arce of HollywoodChicago.com was there to take these Exclusive Portraits. © 2026 Joe Arce for Starstruck Foto

The Author and Her Book
Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

THIS IS ME: A RECKONING by Hayden Panettiere is available at Anderson’s Bookshop and wherever books are sold.

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

On-Air Film Review: John Krasinski is Back for ‘Jack Ryan: Ghost War’

PatrickMcD — Thu, 21 May 2026 19:01:48 +0000

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Jason Makos for WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on May 21at, 2026, reviewing the new film release for JACK RYAN: GHOST WAR, a spin-off from the TV series featuring John Krasinski. Streaming on Prime since May 20th.

Jack Ryan (Krasinski) is now a “civilian” financial analyst, but is called back into the game by his mentor and CIA Deputy Director James Greer (Wendell Pierce). Greer was in a covert operation after 9/11 that had few rules and was assigned to bring down Project Starling … a rogue black ops cell that was embedded in western intelligence to manipulate financial markets and the world’s geo-politics. Greer asks Ryan to go to Dubai to get an intel hand-off regarding Starling’s re-emergence, and that contact is killed right in front of the re-recruited agent. Jack Ryan will need more on this case than he imagined, including his right hand facilitator Mike November (Michael Kelly) and the help of Britain’s MI6, represented by operative Emma Marlow (Sienna Miller).

JACK RYAN: GHOST WAR is currently streaming on Prime Video. Featuring John Krasinski, Wendell Pierce, Michael Kelly, Max Beesley and Sienna Miller. Written by Aaron Rubin and John Krasinski. Directed by Andrew Bernstein. Rated “R”

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of JACK RYAN: GHOST WAR

JACK RYAN: GHOST WAR
Photo credit: Prime Video/MGM Studios

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of JACK RYAN: GHOST WAR

Film Review: Star Wars Flourishes in ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’

PatrickMcD — Thu, 21 May 2026 01:33:10 +0000

CHICAGO – This week’s big summer blockbuster is THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU, the first Star Wars movie in seven years and one that manages to rediscover some of the magic that first attracted us to “a galaxy far, far away” so many years ago. The film uses Star Wars as a sandbox to play in and follows new characters in a world we’ve grown invested in.

Set in the time period after the original trilogy, and before the events in THE FORCE AWAKENS, the plot has the Mandalorian (Pedro Pascal) and his sidekick Grogu back in the bounty hunting game, working for the rebel’s New Republic to track down the last remaining members of the Empire leadership. Sigourney Weaver joins the series as Colonel Ward, the Mandalorian’s New Republic contact, handing out missions and advice in equal measure.

Mando is assigned to find an elusive Empire General, and winds up negotiating with the slimy relatives of Jabba the Hut who claim to know where he is … they’re willing to point him in the right direction if The Mandalorian will rescue their nephew and Jabba’s son Rotta the Hut (voice of Jeremy Allen White). who’s being kept as a kind of cage fighter in a vicious gangster off world.

THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU is in theaters on May 22nd, with an IMAX option. Featuring Pedro Pascal, Jeremy Allen White, Sigourney Weaver, Jonny Coyne and Martin Scorsese. Written by Jon Favreau, Dave Filoni and Noah Floor. Directed by Jon Favreau. Rated “PG-13”

Continue reading for Spike Walter’s full review of THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU

Fly Guys: THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU
Photo credit: LucasFilms/Walt Disney Pictures

Continue reading for Spike Walter’s full review of THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU

Podtalk: CEO & Co-Founder Joel Roodman of MUS Immersive

PatrickMcD — Tue, 19 May 2026 20:33:09 +0000

CHICAGO – CEO & co-founder Joel Roodman launched a new startup company, MUS Immersive (or Modern Uprising Studios), last month on April 7th, 2026, with the aim to render a “new category of entertainment … immersive event cinema … using spatial computing technologies, which merges physical and digital worlds.”

MUS Immersive is looking to bring the tech into “an immersive production, distribution, and exhibition platform, to redefine the future of cinematic experiences,” according to their launch announcement. “At the core of this launch is the Celeste Immersive Engine, a proprietary spatial computing platform developed internally by partner Toro Science and validated in demanding real-world environments, including defense training, simulations and operational settings.”

Modern Uprising Studios (MUS) Immersive, Co-Founded by Joel Roodman
Photo credit: ModernUprisingStudios.com

Joel Roodman made his mark at Miramax Studios as Senior VP of International Sales, working on films such as PULP FICTION, GOOD WILL HUNTING, SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE, THE ENGLISH PATIENT, and LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL. For the last 20 plus years, he’s been a technology executive …building companies, content portfolios, and distribution platforms across film, television, gaming, digital media, and experiential entertainment.

In a Podtalk with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, Joel Roodman observes how MUS Immersive will be a game changer …

For more information on MUS Immersive, click ModernUprisingStudios.com.

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

Exclusive Portraits: Billie Jean King in Chicago for ‘Give Me the Ball’

PatrickMcD — Mon, 18 May 2026 22:36:12 +0000

CHICAGO – One of the greatest pioneers in women’s sports history is Billie Jean King. The legend, who won 39 tennis Grand Slam titles in singles, doubles and mixed doubles, also was an ardent advocate for women’s equality. A new documentary of her life, GIVE ME THE BALL, recently screened at Chicago’s Doc 10 festival.

Billie Jean King in Chicago on April 20, 2026, for GIVE ME THE BALL!
Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

GIVE ME THE BALL! tells the incredible, inspiring story of the world champion trailblazer, both behind the scenes and in the public eye. Guided by compelling interviews with Billie Jean King herself, this fascinating portrait reveals both her competitive drive on the court and for women’s equality, as well as her private struggles with her sexual identity. From her hard-fought rise though the tennis ranks – which included the infamous “Battle of the Sexes” match-up against Bobby Riggs – to her pioneering efforts in activism for her sport and beyond, GIVE ME THE BALL! is the latest documentary from veteran filmmakers Liz Garbus and Elizabeth Wolff.

King with GIVE ME THE BALL! Co-Directors Elizabeth Wolff and Liz Garbus
Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

Billie Jean King appeared at Doc 10 on April 30th, 2026, at the Davis Theater on Chicago’s north side. Photographer Joe Arce was there to take these Exclusive Portraits.

For more information about Doc 10, click Doc10.org

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

Audio Film Review: Jude Law as Putin in ‘The Wizard of the Kremlin’

PatrickMcD — Mon, 18 May 2026 00:16:35 +0000

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review for the new release THE WIZARD OF THE KREMLIN, adapted from historical fiction by Giuliano da Empoli, directed by Olivier Assayas and featuring Jude Law as Vladimir Putin. In theaters since May 15th.

Paul Dano is Baranov, a fictional chief of staff for Vladimir Putin (Jude Law). The history of post USSR Russia, from the early 1990s Wild West to Putin’s rise to power, is facilitated by Baranov, who understands the the media trends of politics that will favor a particular power. Baranov initially hooks up with the oligarchs, which includes meeting Ksenia (Alicia Vikander), and evolves to the team responsible for Putin’s rise to power … as the current leader morphed from head of the Russian “secret service” to prime minister to president for life. The history of the world may be the appetizer for the end of the world.

THE WIZARD OF THE KREMLIN is in theaters since May 15th. See local listings. Featuring Paul Dano, Jude Law, Alicia Vikander, Will Keen andJeffrey Wright. Screenplay adapted by Olivier Assayas and Emmanuel Carrére. Directed by Olivier Assayas. Rated “R”

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s Audio Film Review of THE WIZARD OF THE KREMLIN

THE WIZARD OF THE KREMLIN
Photo credit: Vertical Entertainment

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s Audio Film Review of THE WIZARD OF THE KREMLIN

Slideshow: Legendary Rock Band TRIUMPH in Chicago May 13, 2026

PatrickMcD — Sat, 16 May 2026 16:37:34 +0000

APRIL WINE 1

CHICAGO – Canadian hard rock legends TRIUMPH proved that time has only strengthened their legacy during the “The Rock & Roll Machine Reloaded” tour stop at Chicagoland’s Allstate Arena on May 13, 2026. HollywoodChicago.com Music Editor/Photographer Jeff “Doc” Doles was there with son Jimmy Doles to capture a Slideshow of highlights and report on the the energy, emotion, and larger-than-life show production of TRIUMPH, as the grand rocking band returned to the stage for their first major tour in more than three decades. Opening the night were fellow Canadian rockers APRIL WINE.

Celebrating 50 years of arena rock history, TRIUMPH reunited the classic lineup of Rik Emmett, Mike Levine, and Gil Moore, delivering a performance packed with soaring guitar solos, thunderous drums, synchronized lighting effects, and timeless anthems that defined rock radio throughout the late 1970s and ‘80s. Fans filled the arena with raised fists and singalongs as Triumph recreated the massive sound and theatrical atmosphere that originally made them one of rock’s premier live acts.

The night opened with WHEN THE LIGHTS GO DOWN before launching into fan favorites including SOMEBODY’S OUT THERE, SPELLBOUND, ALLIED FORCES and NEVER SURRENDER. Massive crowd reactions followed performances of ROCK & ROLL MACHINE, HOLD ON and the visually explosive BLINDING LIGHT SHOW. The band also paid tribute to classic rock influences with a performance of Joe Walsh’s ROCKY MOUNTAIN WAY.

As the night continued, TRIUMPH showcased the emotional depth and musicianship that has kept their catalog alive for generations through performances of LAY IT ON THE LINE, FOLLOW YOUR HEART and MAGIC POWER. The band teased longtime fans with a brief 24 HOURS A DAY intro before the arena erupted for the encore performances of I LIVE FOR THE WEEKEND and the iconic FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT … bringing the celebration to a powerful conclusion.

The Slideshow captures the aspect of the experience including the dramatic lighting, passionate fans, soaring guitar moments, emotional performances, with the TRIUMPHant return of one of Canada’s most influential rock bands. From the wide arena to the intimate closeups of the musicians in action, the gallery documents a historic night that longtime fans waited more than 30 years to witness.

Click “Next” and “Previous” to scan through the TRIUMPH slideshow, including APRIL WINE, or jump directly to individual photos with the captioned links below. All photos © 2026 Jeff and Jimmy Doles for HollywoodChicago.com.

TRIUMPH1: APRIL WINE 1
TRIUMPH2: APRIL WINE 2
TRIUMPH3: APRIL WINE 3
TRIUMPH4: TRIUMPH 1
TRIUMPH5: TRIUMPH 2
TRIUMPH6: TRIUMPH 3
TRIUMPH7: TRIUMPH 4
TRIUMPH8: TRIUMPH 5
TRIUMPH9: TRIUMPH 6
TRIUMPH10: TRIUMPH 7

For more information on the TRIUMPH’s “The Rock & Roll Machine Reloaded” tour, click TriumphMusic.com. For more photos and coverage by HollywoodChicago.com music editor Jeff “Doc” Doles, click Jeff Doles, Music Editor.

Photography and Article by: Jeff Doles, Music Editor
Published by: Patrick McDonald, Site Editor, HollywoodChicago.com

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

PatrickMcD — 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’

PatrickMcD — 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