Tag Archives: Focus Features

Film reviews

Lorne Review

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I have always been curious about what makes Saturday Night Live so lively and successful. I am a millennial and remember my parents always enjoying it on those weekend evenings. I even remember falling in love with the many unforgettable skits and sketches. What I did not know though, is that so much of it comes under the control of one man. Lorne is an absolute treasure of a documentary. Directed by Morgan Neville, there is a rich backstory of the world of television and finding an audience—the structure of continual change delightfully fulfilling. Lorne Michaels is the man behind all the angles of Saturday Night Live.

The first question that comes from the film is, “What is funny?” There is frequent portrayal of the serious business side of comedy presented in Lorne. Lorne has been around Saturday Night Live since it all began and the structure of his life is what defines the pattern of how the show runs today. The film brings back tons of nostalgia with a lot of compelling voices. The quote that defines Lorne frequently is that he is, “A creature of habit!” That element is in the weaving elements of this strong and profound documentary that I find truly special.

The level of prestige is what Neville is amazing at capturing. He knows how to grasp what is real about an individual. The narrative set to be so strictly around Lorne is where I found the backstory of Saturday Night Live compelling. Lorne is a film that carries  a prestigious list of contributors to the setting. There are many interviews with Mike Myers, Colin Jost, Jimmy Fallon, Dana Carvey, and more. They mention moments of his routine. Moments where shows have had ups and downs—the realism of what makes Saturday Night Live today feel as present as ever in Lorne.

The fact that Lorne Michaels was a man that was trying to fill a late-night slot is the aspect of what had my mind so driven for more information with Lorne. I was thinking so much about how audiences were more in tune in the era before personal computers and cell phones– in a time frame where television was just making the rounds. The “creature of habit” tones keepstreaming through the attitude of Lorne. Audiences will see his patterns, his moments, and his personality.

As the documentary continues to capture interviews from current and former members, audiences get a better idea of why Saturday Night Live continually evolves. The landscape of reality is surreal in Lorne. The fact that sacrifices and unfairness are all part of the game in the business side of creating an entertaining show comes through in the narrative. With the show’s colorful writing more context continues to unfold in the evolution of Lorne and the series himself. There is just a humanistic aspect that feels special to me.

It is mesmerizing, breathtaking, and historic. Lorne is a reminder of what talent can bring to the table when there are the many dynamics of show business and the right-thinking process involved. This gem has a flow of continuity to recreate a time and era of comic gold. Former cast member Tina Fey states, “You have to find a lunatic writer and put up with them!” Astatement saying it all– that tolerance of talent can be rewarding. Four out of four stars for Lorne.

Beyond Chicago 2026, Capsule Reviews, Film reviews

Obsession-Beyond Chicago 2026-Movies with Tarek

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Bizarre and one-of-a-kind—Obsession makes one wonder if a relationship may need some restructuring or a makeover. It presents a unique approach with many comedic vibes which also have the intentions of being creepy or eerie. The film executes it with spellbinding direction. Obsession is one of the most creative and crazy flicks I have seen this year. The concept of relationship struggles is a subject that has always made me curious. Questions spiraled through my mind with a lot of who, why, and where. Those three W’s felt like a melody throughout this wild ride. Written and directed by Curry Barker, he creates a wish concept with nightmares that unravel in kooky ways.  

The film’s main character is Bear, and he is played by Michael Johnston. He seeks relief from his loneliness and attempts to break it by making a wish under a secret strategy called, “One Wish Willow.” Once he does that his wishes do come true, but in a way he was not anticipating. He meets Nikki, plated by Inde Navarrette. She has a cute and caring vibe, but the sinister side rumbles underneath it all.

Nikki starts out as a girl that is quiet and reserved. As socializing between Bear and Nikki moves forward, it becomes a bit of a nightmare for Bear. Nikki becomes more aggressive with her voice. There are also elements of dishonesty. She does everything to get attention. The direction of Barker looping in addictive personality adds a surreal light that is a treat of overwhelming suspense.

Can Bear handle Nikki? That question came up in my mind repeatedly with Obsession. Especially when there is a lovely lady like Nikki banging her head for attention. The bipolar sides of Obsession are unmistakable. There is a component of a tragedy that works hard to feel the reality of love under the circumstances. Obsession knows how to make wishes become a true nightmare. It does so in a fanciful light.

There are many ways to describe this movie. I am going to say that it is melancholy with a stirring pot to make its audience laugh and be shocked with the recipe of a wish going wrong.  It is utterly brilliant in portraying this concept. Bear wants to feel like there is someone to love him, and he gets it. He cannot get away from the dangerous Nikki. There is a lot to say about Obsession, as it takes the audience on a trip of non-stop ups and downs. It is mesmerizing though. A most vivid portrait of comedy and terror. Three-and-a-half out of four stars.

 

Film reviews

Hamnet Review

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This is a powerful, transformative movie about the world of Shakespeare. Political themes play out in a medieval era filled with dynamics of power, love, and loss all performed on a stage. This is Hamnet, a thought-provoking portrait of challenges and turmoil in situations that should be black and white. The conflict between good and evil leads to connections and brilliance on a stage. As one who loves theatricals, my mind was blown away by two things during this film. First, the chemistry between the main characters. Second, the effective portrayal of powerful emotions. Hamnet is well-written and demonstrates the humanistic value of sadness and grief.

The film’s love story takes place in the 16th century. The lovers names are Agnes and Will who are played by Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal. In a time in which villages have restrictions, love is what matters in the eyes of the main characters. This film is a tale about the journey they are on as parents. It explores the moments they have with their living children as well as the ones they have lost. This portion of the film involves an emotional narrative and is spot-on with the way it utilizes the Shakespearean context to effectively fan the fire. My heart was pounding intensely as the various conflicts played themselves out. 

Agnes is the character telling the story so much of the focus tends to be on her. However, Will has many significant points as well during an era in which he is trying to create a play based on his life and what he has loved and lost. At the same time, he wants to bring his creation to fruition for audiences. The world is hoping for magic to happen on the stage in Hamnet. Many of the disagreements in the film end up being rewarding scenes. Will has been raised in a household where he is frowned upon, and Agnes has been raised without a mother. The hardship in Hamnet is shown through the power of love and sacrifice. Writer and director Chloe Zhao paints this picture quite thoroughly and extremely well.

As the persistence of family and love contain diverse challenges for Agnes and Will, the times they’re living in also present several additional issues. Will’s dynamics continue to impact him, and all he knows how to do is utilize his hardship in his craft as a playwright. The difficult losses Agnes and Will face add meaning to their story. In their life, they are meant to experience happy moments even when things go awry. At the same time, they can pick each other up. Their persistence dazzles in a mesmerizing pattern. Buckley and Mescal burn up the screen. Their performances tell a story that unfolds with many revelations. The film is like a play that has transitions that allow audiences to take a moment and step back. When those moments occur, the deep feelings of acceptance and love shine through. Four out of four stars for Hamnet.