For their 241st and 242nd episodes, two warrior film critics, two bow-stringing dads, and two myth-teaching school teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, present two episodes dividing a lengthy discussion on Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey. For this meaty and manly deconstruction, the pod welcomed back frequent and favored guest, Cati Glidewell of The Blonde in Front.
Read MoreAs I have grown in press credentials and professional affiliations nationally, I have found myself landing in circles with other film critics of various levels. Recently, I was included in a poll for voting critics for Jordan Ruimy of World of Reel, a fellow Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic. His survey was to collect picks for the best movies of 2026 so far from over 100 critics and other industry folk. I was honored to chime in with my top five selections.
Read MoreFor their 241st and 242nd episodes, two warrior film critics, two bow-stringing dads, and two myth-teaching school teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, present two episodes dividing a lengthy discussion on Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey. For this meaty and manly deconstruction, the pod welcomed back frequent and favored guest, Cati Glidewell of The Blonde in Front.
Read MoreFor their 240th episode, two meticulous film critics, two decision-heavy dads, and two L.A.-loving school teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, complete a quick two-episode arc on films inspired by recent summer vacation travel. Last week, Will's trip to Japan brought forth a reassessment of Lost in Translation. This week, it's Don's turn as he returns from the City of Angels with Michael Mann's Heat burning brightly on his mind.
Read MoreFor their 239th episode, two jet-set film critics, two midlife crisis dads, and two culturally open school teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, begin a two-episode arc on films that inspired recent travel from our two hosts. This month, Will got back from a transformative solo trip to the nation of Japan, meaning Sofia Coppola's Lost in Translation became the immediate reflection point for an episode.
Read MoreIt took receiving a Google Alert set on my name to see that a 2024 episode of the Cinephile Hissy Fit podcast on The Mask posted on Rotten Tomatoes was recently quoted and cited on the media site ComicBook.com. Film and TV writer Alex Rós wrote a piece about the passing of The Mask director Chuck Russell. They didn’t ask for my permission, but I don’t mind. Thanks for the reference and clicks!
Read MoreFor their 238th episode, two firefighting film critics, two propeller-driven dads, and two very much still alive school teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, follow up last week's blockbuster episode about a couple of heroic pilots with another featuring the same profession. On the heels of a new Steven Spielberg film last month, the two pointed their compass to 1989's Always, a Spielberg blind spot for Don that needed to be doused with fire-extinguishing podcast time
Read MoreIn the film critic and podcast circles I’ve come to be a part of, sometimes you find fascinating peers and, other times, they find you. Through my station at Ruminations Radio Network’s Cinephile Hissy Fit podcast, I was recruited by the hosts of PopFilter’s “Movie of the Year” podcast to guest on an episode breaking down a hit from the year 2006. The featured film is the indie darling Little Miss Sunshine. On the show, the hosts and guests score points for good jokes, intelligent responses, or correct trivia answers.
Read MoreFor their 237th episode, two alien-punching film critics, two crop-dusting dads, and two speechifying school teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, saw it fit to celebrate our nation's 250th birthday with the 30th anniversary of Roland Emmerich's Independence Day. Both hosts consider it one of the best pure summer blockbusters ever made and something that should be as annual a staple for the titular holiday as BBQs and fireworks.
Read MoreIn short order, Craig Gillespie’s Supergirl has become the most debated and polarizing movie so far this summer. If you need evidence of that, just watch the latest roundtable on Ian Simmons’s Kicking the Seat podcast and YouTube channel. The split opinions, including mine, on an extra-large panel create quite a chat for your enjoyment and edification. Get your capes on and enjoy!
Read MoreFor their 236th episode, two sword-wielding film critics, two chainmail-wearing dads, and two gore-friendly school teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, continue on a sword-and-sandal deep dive by pairing together a pair of remakes of some 1980s cult classics. Last year in 2025, streaming services (and too few theaters) were graced with reboots of Red Sonja and Deathstalker.
Read MoreIt took receiving a pair of Google Alerts on my name and website to see that quotes of mine about 2009’s The Road, starring Viggo Mortensen and Charlize Theron, were recently cited on the media site BGR. The piece by Alan Bradley promoted the film’s standing as being underseen, which it is. The quote is from my review on Every Movie Has a Lesson that was logged on Rotten Tomatoes.
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