MEDIA APPEARANCE: David Ehrlich's IndieWire Critics Survey on April 29, 2019

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: What major filmmaker should try their hand at television?

Full admission, I don’t little to zero current TV. I’m a long-time cord-cutter and I’ll occasionally binge a show with my wife on Hulu or Netflix. Still, the list of buzz-worthy shows I haven’t seen during this 21st century evolution of the medium that keep water coolers thriving is ridiculously long. However, my eye for the movies can pick out a good creative mind. A little research on Google revealed many prime director names who’ve had their moonlighting projects on television, much to my surprise. After a few nominees, I found my stylish pick.

Independent Film, Media Appearance, Social Media, SPECIAL, 2019Don ShanahanApril 30, 2019David EhrlichComment

DOCUMENTARY REVIEW: Penguins

Penguins represents the combined work of over a dozen cinematographers documenting the miraculous and treacherous annual life cycle of the Adelie penguins of Antarctica. The two directors sought to give this circle of life character. That’s where the affable Ed Helms comes in as a narrator. He provides color commentary as “Steve,” one such Adelie penguin who is a first-time father for this annual journey. High and low, dry and wet, close and far, and through every blizzard in between, Penguins presents this apprehensive newbie with education and entertainment combined together.

2019, 3 STARS, DOCUMENTARY REVIEW, Independent Film, MOVIE REVIEWDon ShanahanApril 30, 2019Comment

SHORT FILM REVIEW: Trained

The opening scene of filmmaker Yuri Rutman’s spare yet sizzling short film tantalizingly begs many questions. What kind of couple are we witnessing? What triggers provoke this passion? A montage follows to show that this wild escapade is not the first time the hearts and loins of these two people have been electrified around the rails of public transportation. This is Jake and Emma, and they are tragically intoxicated by two different things at the expense of each other.

2019, 3 STARS, Independent Film, MOVIE REVIEW, SHORT FILMS, Social MediaDon ShanahanApril 30, 2019 Comments

MEDIA APPEARANCE: Guest on the "Kicking the Seat" podcast talking "Avengers: Endgame"

Folks, this was the big one! Immediately after the hush-hush advance press screening of Avengers: Endgame, Ian Simmons of Kicking the Seat called for the “comic council” of film critics to assemble. True to our loyal form, David Fowlie of Keeping it Reel and myself started spoiler-free and then expanded to full spoilers on our fresh and immediate reactions on the big MCU finale. Mere minutes after the epic film’s conclusion, the three of us exhaled for a very spirited conversation.

Media Appearance, Podcast, Social Media, SPECIAL, 2019Don ShanahanApril 29, 2019AMC RIver East 21Captain Marvel, Kicking the SeatComment

EDITORIAL: Underrated Sci-Fi Movies to Watch on a Date

Movies are the best way to spend your date: it's a safe bet; it's always a comfortable choice because you can choose to be intimate and kiss throughout the film or pretend «interested» if you don't feel that comfortable with a new date. But these movies will definitely fascinate you so much that you wouldn't want to take a break and grab another portion of popcorn without pausing the movie. Also, it is a list of most awesome and most underrated films that might not be a huge success in Hollywood but earned many rewards and niche critic's positive reviews.

2019, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, LIST, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanApril 29, 2019Comment

EDITORIAL: Most Influential Movies for Bodybuilders

Bodybuilding is no longer a hobby like it used to be. Many people are now involved in bodybuilding as a career and even employ personal managers. This means that this physical activity has devolved a lot over time. If you want to start this career today, staying motivated is the first step that you need to take. Some movies that revolve around weight lifting and bodybuilding will probably do the magic. The list we have prepared below has the top ten most influential movies for bodybuilders. In fact, it is crucial for both novices and experienced bodybuilders to watch these movies. Read on to learn more.

2019, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home Media, LIST, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanApril 29, 2019Comment

EDITORIAL: Best casino movies of all-time

Hollywood has a huge fascination with gambling. They keep creating movies which reveal the dark and hidden side of the casino lifestyle, or tells tale of strategic card counting. Here are top 5 movies of all time. There are numerous casinos around the globe with free slot machines, which provide opportunities to the players to participate in the gambling free of cost. The casino movies show the unknown side of this industry which is generally unknown to the common crowd.

2019, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home Media, LIST, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanApril 29, 2019Comment

MOVIE REVIEW: Avengers: Endgame

Reeling in the wake of the perfect set-up of Avengers: Infinity War and answering every ounce of hype, Avengers: Endgame has accomplished following the moviemaking miracle of 2012’s first team-up film with another. All of the prodigious forethought and fortitude has paid off. Avengers: Endgame is not a pivot point, but a grand finale eleven years in the making. True to the blueprint, it is hard to imagine a more gratifying and rewarding summit.

MEDIA APPEARANCE: David Ehrlich's IndieWire Critics Survey on April 22, 2019

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: How do you think the legacy of the Marvel Cinematic Universe will impact the movie world?

Boy, this was a rough survey collection. The majority of participants this week have more negative responses and rationales than positive ones when it comes to talking about the lasting impact of the MCU. I’m unashamed and proud to try and be one of the more positive replies. Is it part of a big corporate greed monster? Maybe, but I cannot deny how it’s become a huge and influential success.

Independent Film, Media Appearance, Social Media, SPECIAL, 2019Don ShanahanApril 22, 2019David EhrlichComment

MEDIA APPEARANCE: David Ehrlich's IndieWire Critics Survey on April 15, 2019

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: What’s the most beautifully animated film ever made?

Much to my surprise, I was the only participating critic in this week’s survey to cite a Disney movie, and a classic one at that. As you’ll read in my contribution, I can’t get over the depth from the backdrops in Sleeping Beauty. I do love that Loving Vincent inclusion. That very much in the running for this vote.

Independent Film, Media Appearance, Social Media, SPECIAL, 2019Don ShanahanApril 19, 2019David EhrlichComment

MOVIE REVIEW: Stuck

Yet, like the truthful insides of any gathering of unknowns, there’s more to Stuck than a mere interval of happenstance, and the swelling urban musical that rises from its collective lungs elevates that fact. The spoken and sung revelations of each character’s plight create a clashing cross-sectional dip into America’s Melting Pot. These poignant emotions fuel biting social commentary in a way few films, big or small budget and musical or otherwise, have ever succeeded.

2017, 2019, 4 STARS, Independent Film, MOVIE REVIEW, Social MediaDon ShanahanApril 19, 2019AMC YorktownComment

MOVIE REVIEW: Mary Magdalene

This film’s slightness is meant to simplify proceedings to their truest essence. Mary Magdalene contains the bare minimum of theatrics. The result may be painstakingly slow at times, but its grounded firmness is precisely its beauty. There is a calmly effective empathetic power to that method and approach. The specifying or sermonizing is scant and still stoic. The poignancy is pitched and still powerful. The grace is consoling and still genuine. All of that is mightily impressive.

2018, 2019, 4 STARS, Independent Film, MOVIE REVIEW, Video on DemandDon ShanahanApril 18, 2019Comment