In 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.
Read MoreWith the grand release of Toy Story 5, Mike Crowley of the You’ll Probably Agree website and YouTube channel wanted to look back at the entire series while giving an initial review of the fifth entry. Joining as guests were fellow Chicago Indie Critics members Al and Linda Lerner of Movies and Shakers. Representing three different generations and critics, we each brought a unique perspective and appreciation to all things Toy Story.
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. Kristen Lopez, a fellow member of the Critics Choice Association, on her site, The Film Maven, was looking for statements from peers about the growing trend of early morning embargoes and short review turnarounds for published film critics with big studio releases. I was happy to oblige and share my two cents.
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 235th episode, two film critics, two dads, and two school teachers who definitely have the power, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, are starting to scratch a sword-and-sandal itch. Semi-included in that subgenre, and just in time for the remake/reboot, is 1987's Masters of the Universe from Cannon Films. Starring the beloved and out-of-his element Dolph Lundgren, one of our hosts was absolutely the target audience for this nearly 40 years ago, and the other is watching it for the first time in 2026.
Read MoreIt took receiving a Google Alert on my name to see that a quote of mine about 2012’s Alien prequel Prometheus was recently cited by the physical media collector site La Place A Films. Their Instagram post was showing off the disc edition. The quote is from my review on Every Movie Has a Lesson. They didn’t ask for my permission, but I don’t mind.
Read MoreIn collaborating so long with Ian Simmons of the Kicking the Seat podcast and YouTube channel I’ve been lucky enough to meet more great minds and creative souls. Mark Krawczyk of Special Mark Productions is one of them. Recently, I was able to join his Spoiler Room podcast and YouTube live show for a second episode for this “Round Robin” monthly theme for May 2026. This time, it was Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
Read MoreFor their 234th episode, two wannabe TV critics, two resident dads, and two interning school teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, enjoy the second week and episode pausing from cinema to spread some love to prestige television. Last week, they covered Season 1 of HBO Max's The Pitt. For this episode, they recap and react to the recently completed second season.
Read MoreFor their 234th episode, two wannabe TV critics, two resident dads, and two interning school teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, enjoy the second week and episode pausing from cinema to spread some love to prestige television. Last week, they covered Season 1 of HBO Max's The Pitt. For this episode, they recap and react to the recently completed second season.
Read MoreFor their 232nd episode, two well-molded film critics, two non-Aussie dads, and two special effects school teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, have secretly found a little sub-niche over the years for their show, where they find an obscure, forgotten film and get the chance to move its Rotten Tomatoes score with their podcast's submitted review. This week, 1986's "F/X" gets the treatment.
Read More
