CHICAGO – It began with a boy and his dream (nightmare?). John LaFlamboy, to be exact, as he took an idea he had in college and made it his life’s work. He owns and operates the HellsGate Haunted House in Lockport (Illinois), which was designed, built and put together by Haunted House experts expressly for the spookiest month of the year. For info on how to purchase tickets, click HellsGate.
Realizing Family as Truth! Audio Film Review of ‘Relative’



![]() Rating: 4.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review on “Relative,” the latest film from Chicago-based filmmaker Michael Glover Smith. Its theatrical release begins on June 8th (click links) at Music Box Theatre and on June 10th at Gene Siskel Film Center, and will expand from there.
Writer/director Michael Glover Smith gathers an ensemble cast that portray the Frank family, anchored by Dad David (Francis Guinan) and Mom Karen (Wendy Robie). Their youngest son Benji (Cameron Scott Roberts) is graduating from a nearby university, and the entire Frank clan will be gathering at their Chicago family home to celebrate. The oldest son Rod (Keith D. Gallagher) still lives in the basement, having left his marriage to Sarah (Heather Chrisler). Clare Cooney is Evonne, going through a marriage and mental stability crisis with her wife Lucia (Melissa Duprey). And rounding out crew is Norma (Emily Lape), whose nostalgic longing might not match what is currently going on. When Benji meets Hekla (Elizabeth Stam) by sheer chance, he takes a risk with his crush and invites her to the graduation party. With everyone at the event dealing with transitions, their interaction s sure to reveal some necessary truth.

Relative
Photo credit: White City Cinema
Audio Film Review of “Relative” by Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com …
For an interview with actor Elizabeth Stam of “Relative” with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, click LIZ STAM ZOOM.
For an interview with writer/director Michael Glover Smith of “Relative” with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, click MGS PODTALK.
![]() | By PATRICK McDONALD |