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!
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.
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.
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