PODCAST: Episodes 246 of "The Cinephile Hissy Fit" Podcast

For their 246th episode, two dancing film critics, two proud dads, and two regret-filled school teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, embark on something they've never done on the show: Revisit and re-grade a movie from a previous episode. Early in their run together, Will and Don couldn't be farther apart on Damien Chazelle's La La Land. In honor of its 10th anniversary and adding the new experience of bringing their respective teen daughters to the film's recent return to the big screen, our boys reflect on previous loves and old wounds.

PODCAST: Episodes 245 of "The Cinephile Hissy Fit" Podcast

For their 245th episode, two steely film critics, two liquid metal dads, and two fate-believing school teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, welcome back guest Mark Krawczyk of Special Mark Productions and The Spoiler Room Podcast for his second appearance in a two-episode arc. The three go from video game fatalities last week to some of the best OG ones with a talk on Terminator 2: Judgment Day, celebrating its 35th anniversary this year. All of them remember where they were and glow in the blue-tinted James Cameron memories.

PODCAST: Episodes 244 of "The Cinephile Hissy Fit" Podcast

For their 244th episode, two button-mashing film critics, two fatality-delivering dads, and two very mortal school teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, welcome back former guest Mark Krawczyk of Special Mark Productions and The Spoiler Room Podcast for a two-episode stint. Our first conversation covers Mortal Kombat II, the reboot sequel that's tearing up bodies and streaming couches with its arrival on HBO Max. We enjoy where the movie came from and where it still has room to go.

MEDIA APPEARANCE: Quoted on SBBCrack News for "The Social Reckoning"

I learned through a Google Alert set on my name that my Rotten Tomatoes blurb for the new release, The Social Reckoning, appeared in a review round-up piece on SBBCrack News. Written by the news desk, it collects unlinked quotes from the very mixed reviews for the Aaron Sorkin film.

Media AppearanceDon ShanahanOctober 10, 2026Every Movie Has a Lesson, The Social Reckoning, 2026, SBBCrack NewsComment

MEDIA APPEARANCE: Quoted on Lumiere Cinemas for "East of Eden"

It took receiving a Google Alert set on my name to see that my Rotten Tomatoes blurb for the classic film East of Eden was cited and used for the promotion of upcoming November screenings of the film at the Lumiere Cinema in Christchurch, New Zealand. They didn’t ask for my permission, but I don’t mind. Thanks for the reference and clicks!

Media Appearance, Social Media, 2026Don ShanahanOctober 8, 2026Media Appearance, ComicBook.com, The Mask, Chuck RussellComment

MEDIA APPEARANCE: Included in Rotten Tomatoes "First Reviews" for "The Social Reckoning"

Every now and then for the big new releases, Rotten Tomatoes will collect the tip-of-the-spear “first reviews” and highlight them in an editorial news column piece. If I can get my work in fast enough and it gets noticed, I have the chance of being selected and included in these round-up features. Recently, I was cited twice for The Social Reckoning.

Media AppearanceDon ShanahanOctober 8, 2026Rotten Tomatoes, Every Movie Has a Lesson, The Social Reckoning, 2026Comment

PODCAST: Episodes 243 of "The Cinephile Hissy Fit" Podcast

For their 243rd episode, two beefy film critics, two skeletal dads, and two school teachers who have the power, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, welcome back frequent guest Cati Glidewell of The Blonde in Front for the bonkers fun and nostalgia glowing out of every pore of the 2026 version of Masters of the Universe, now playing on Amazon Prime after a surprisingly soft theatrical run. The three of them were there for He-Man in the 1980s and were primed to celebrate it again with its summer blockbuster return.

MEDIA APPEARANCE: Participant in "World of Reel" Poll for the Best of David Fincher

As 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.

Media Appearance, Social Media, SPECIAL, LIST, Best Films, 2024Don ShanahanSeptember 6, 2026World of Reel, Jordan Ruimy, Best of 2026, Seven, David FincherComment

PODCAST: Episodes 241 and 242 of "The Cinephile Hissy Fit" Podcast

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.

PODCAST: Episode 240 of "The Cinephile Hissy Fit" Podcast

For 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.

Cinephile Hissy Fit, Podcast, Media Appearance, 2023, 2025Don ShanahanSeptember 6, 2026Cinephile Hissy Fit, Podcast, Will Johnson, Film Obsessive, HeatComment

PODCAST: Episode 239 of "The Cinephile Hissy Fit" Podcast

For 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.

MEDIA APPEARANCE: Quoted on ComicBook.com piece for "The Mask" director Chuck Russell

It 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!