MOVIE REVIEW: Here

In spite of this, some of us will crack our shells of disenchantment, swell with whimsy, and make the most of the cathartic reflection that comes from this grand journey. They will see the holes and seek to fill them with goals of betterment for themselves and, hopefully, others, especially after watching plenty of aspirations in Here not turn out positively for all involved. Here may not be the fully judicious beacon it fashions itself to be, but the thoughtfulness and plenty of poignant care it attempts with its lyrical finesse is still worth welcoming and appreciating.

2024, 3 STARS, MOVIE REVIEWDon ShanahanOctober 30, 2024Here, Robert Zemeckis, Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Kelly Reilly, Paul BettanyComment

MOVIE CLASSROOM: Wonder Woman

Wonder Woman is a movie worth standing up and cheering for. Here is my interactive whiteboard "Movie Classroom" film review for the summer blockbuster. Please like and subscribe to my work on the Every Movie Has a Lesson YouTube channel. SIDENOTE APOLOGY: My mispronunciations are terrible. I'll be looking at myself in a mirror for a week saying Themyscira, Themyscira, Themyscira... hoping to summon Greek Beetlejuice...

MOVIE REVIEW: Wonder Woman

The three-part noun definition of “wonder” can be summarized as “a cause of astonishment, the quality of excited admiration, or rapt attention at something awesomely mysterious or new to one’s experience.” Used as an adjective in a proper name, the word could not be more fitting of Princess Diana of Themyscira, better known as Wonder Woman. Whether it represents a cog in a larger universe, a historical watershed for women’s leadership, or the answered prayers of long-suffering fans and idolizing dreamers, Wonder Woman is a valiant, momentous, and satisfying first step fitting of the iconic heroine.

2017, 4 STARS, MOVIE REVIEW, ADVANCE MOVIE REVIEWDon ShanahanMay 31, 2017ShowPlace ICON X at Roosevelt Collections2017, 2017 Summer Movies, DC Universe, DC Extended Universe, DCEU, DC C, Wonder Woman, Diana Prince, Princess Diana of Themyscira, Themyscira, Diana, Gal Gadot, Patty Jenkins, WB, Warner Bros. Pictures, Merriam-Webster Dictionary, dictionary, wonder, Connie Nielsen, Robin Wright, Chris Pine, Danny Huston, Elena Anaya, comic book movie, comic book films, Comic Book Guy, Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice, Man of Steel, Superman, Batman, Ewen Bremner, Said Taghmaouri, Eugene Brave Rock, Harry Gregson-Williams, Monster, Pattie Jenkins, Charlize Theron, Allan Heinberg, Jason Fuchs, Ice Age: Continental Drift, Zack Snyder, movie review, film review, movie commentary, short film commentary, life lessons, life lesson from film, life lessons from film, life lessons from movies, Greek mythology, Ares, David Thewlis, movie casting, trolling, critics reactions, film critics, Rotten Tomatoes, Don Shanahan, Donald Shanahan, Every Movie Has a LessonComment

MOVIE REVIEW: Everest

Marketed like a thrilling disaster film yet playing like a respectful drama, "Everest" is still carries the sheen of every other Hollywood mountain climbing movie while offering enough of a eulogistic history lesson to be respectful of its true story. Based on the real 1996 events documented in Jon Krakauer's massively best-selling novel "Into Thin Air," astute viewers who know how it will all end will still be engaged and entertained through the cliches. Director Baltasar Kormakur veils the seams of Hollywood dramatization enough to not sour the experience.

MOVIE REVIEW: A Most Wanted Man

This is still a bit of a tough sell. I think there's a large audience that wants explosions and sexiness with their spy thrillers. Some are going to call all of this quiet work boring and maybe even somber, matching some of the mainstream thoughts on other John le Carre film adaptations like "The Tailor of Panama," "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy," "The Constant Gardner," and "The Russia House." Exciting or not, the man writes incredibly good thrillers. I see past the need for action and love that the devil is in the details. The slow burn factor works in "A Most Wanted Man" with compelling and steadily increasing story developments that maintain your investment.

EDITORIAL: The 15 films to watch for the 2015 Oscars

Once one awards season ends, another one begins! The winners from last night's 86th Academy Awards can bask in the glow of immortality for a while. Meanwhile, business in Hollywood will quickly shift and move on to the 87th Academy Awards that will happen in February or March of 2015. Here are 15 films to watch for the 2015 Oscars.