MEDIA APPEARANCE: David Ehrlich's IndieWire Critics Survey on August 6, 2018

Notable and notorious IndieWire film critic David Ehrlich recently put out a social media call for film critic peers to join a weekly survey to discuss movie topics, answer questions, and highlight their work. Representing Every Movie Has a Lesson, I, along with over 60 other emerging and established film critics including some of my fellow Chicago Independent Film Critics Circle members, accepted the invitation to participate. I'm honored by the opportunity, and I hope my responses are chosen each week.

2018, Independent Film, Media Appearance, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanAugust 8, 2018David EhrlichComment

MOVIE REVIEW: The Meg

Smirking and confident in its own bristly sharkskin armor, The Meg is as lean a blockbuster as you will find. Any fat is trimmed quickly by the urge to chomp up more people and scenery. Since this go-big-or-go-home late summer IMAX sizzler is a creature feature B-movie dependent on a carnivorous buffet of victims (and customers) to satiate its excitement (and bottom line), the loving focus for this critique will be the types and cuts of meat consumed and on display. Tuck your monster movie napkin into shirt collar, skip the hoity-toity hand sanitizer, and bring your creative kill appetite to an entertaining little film feast.

MOVIE REVIEW, 2018, 3 STARSDon ShanahanAugust 8, 2018 Comments

INFOGRAPHIC: America and Canada's favorite Disney classics

With so many incredible Disney films over the years, it can be hard to choose a favorite. Would you go for a Golden Age film like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs or a Disney Renaissance flick like Hercules? While we might not know your personal Disney favorite (or maybe we do—we’re pretty mysterious), our team of analysts discovered which Disney classic each US state prefers above the rest. Check it out!

2018, Column, Editorial, Infographic, LIST, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanAugust 8, 2018 Comments

EDITORIAL: Lesser-known sports and betting movies worth checking out

Some sports films depict acts of triumph over adversity, where mavericks and underdogs are the heroes, while others tell the story of sustained greatness over many years. There have been sporting dramas, sporting comedies, sporting romances and even animated sporting films and while most critics agree on the best of all time, there are always a few that slip under the radar. So here are a few sports films that you may not have seen but should definitely check out.

2018, Column, Editorial, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanAugust 8, 2018Comment

MOVIE REVIEW: BlacKkKlansman

The slogan of Spike Lee’s long-time production company 40 Acres and a Mule Filmwork is “by any means necessary,” a tagline that could not be more fitting of the urgency and purpose of Spike’s works. Nothing he puts his effort into ends up empty or meaningless. His lightning rod flair singes silver screens again with Cannes Film Festival Grand Prix prize winner BlacKkKlansman, stoking a p

2018, 4 STARS, ADVANCE MOVIE REVIEW, Film Festival, Independent Film, MOVIE REVIEWDon ShanahanAugust 7, 2018AMC River East 21Comment

MOVIE REVIEW: The Captain

Writer-director Robert Schwentke has boldly moved away from schlock (R.I.P.D., RED) and softness (The Time Traveler’s Wife) for something visceral and chillingly raw. As Herold shows no quarter, neither does Schwentke and this film’s penchant for discomfort. The events portrayed are so imprudently berserk that it borders on unbelievable farce, despite its cited historical inspiration of the man who performed these acts before he was even 21 years old.

2017, 2018, 4 STARS, Foreign Film, Independent Film, MOVIE REVIEWDon ShanahanAugust 3, 2018Music Box TheatreComment

MOVIE REVIEW: Christopher Robin

The messages wrapped up by this movie’s soft spirit may be achingly sympathetic and predictable simple. Things are better when the many Milne stories and adaptations of this wonderment can still offer timeless reminders very suitable and highly beneficial for both the parental and youthful generations of filmgoers today that could use a little slowdown and imaginative play. Foibles aside, Christopher Robin is an unapologetic heart-melter. Earnestness comes easy and there is a place and, even better, a need, for this in the cinema marketplace.

2018, 3 STARS, MOVIE REVIEWDon ShanahanAugust 3, 2018AMC River East 21Comment

INFOGRAPHIC: Iconic movie sleepwear for your favorite characters

Do you think you know everything about your favorite movie characters? From their personality, to their…pajamas? Aside from the action and drama, there are many iconic movie moments where we see characters in their most vulnerable outfits. Would you have been able to guess these characters by their pajamas? Check out this infographic to quiz yourself!

Infographic, Editorial, 2018, LIST, Social Media, SPECIAL, ColumnDon ShanahanJuly 30, 2018Comment

INFOGRAPHIC: Box office magic and the wizarding world of Harry Potter

The careers of Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint skyrocketed when Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone premiered in November 2001. The film was a major success and made $32.3 million on its opening day, breaking the United States' single day record previously held by Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace. Though this was only the beginning! The subsequent films continued to be record breakers and collectively generated $7.2 billion at the box office. Read for more fun facts in this infographic!

2018, Column, Editorial, Infographic, LIST, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanJuly 30, 2018Comment

EDITORIAL: How online casinos draw inspiration from the big screen

One of the reasons why people love going to the movies is the atmosphere. There is simply nothing like it, as you lay back, grab a bag of popcorn, watch the lights dim and allow yourself to get immersed into the big screen. It feels like you are one with the characters – if the movie is any good, that is. Enjoy this guest editorial!

2018, Column, Editorial, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanJuly 29, 2018Comment

EDITORIAL: Movies that like casino games and love roulette

Nothing says casino quite like a game of classic roulette. The spinning wheel and the gamblers placing wagers on their number of choice is one of the most iconic parts of casino visuals. Movies frequently tap into the glamour of the casino world by depicting favorite casino games like poker, blackjack and roulette. Enjoy this guest editorial!

2018, Column, Editorial, Social MediaDon ShanahanJuly 29, 2018 Comment

MEDIA APPEARANCE: "Connecting With Classics" Episode 7: "Vertigo"

Aaron White and I have been circling Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo for months, ever since it officially celebrated its 60th anniversary on May 9th. Next to Casablanca, it’s probably the highest regarded film “Connecting With Classics” will present in this series during this inaugural year of 2018. We here dive into the AFI’s Top 100, but Vertigo sits atop "The 50 Greatest Films of Time" as voted on by the British Film Institute’s Sight and Sound magazine. Ladies and gentlemen, they don’t get much better than this.