Anyone who has seen John Cena hamming it up, getting slimed, or both at his hosting gigs or talk show appearances knows he has the capacity to be the ripped glute of many a joke. Anyone who has followed his massive work with The Make-A-Wish Foundation knows he’s got a genuine and gigantic heart. John Cena is cut with cuteness and has all the charm necessary for Playing With Fire. The fact Cena can squeeze heartfelt smiles and laughs, whether covered in some mess or wearing a My Little Pony half-shirt, is more than good enough for a family-friendly movie option for the upcoming holiday season.

2019, 3 STARS, MOVIE REVIEWDon ShanahanNovember 7, 2019AMC River East 21Playing With Fire, John CenaComment

GUEST EDITORIAL: 7 Best Movies about Cybersecurity and Hacking

By Betty Lockwood

Discover all-time cybersecurity movies that let you learn more about how hackers take advantage of peoples’ negligence and ignorance and what drives them to indulge in different cyber crimes. Cybersecurity is a concern of many governments that struggle with uncontrolled hacking activity. A few decades ago, it was just a thrilling picture you could enjoy at the movie theater. Today, it is no longer a made-up story on the big screen but a reality facing thousands of people falling victim to cybercrime.

2019, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home Media, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanNovember 7, 2019Comment

COLUMN: Top 5 Business Movies to Stay Inspired

Business movies have become popular in recent years and more people want to watch some success stories where they draw their inspiration. If you want to succeed in the business world, you have to have a lot of knowledge and start focusing on technical things and specific behaviors in order to prepare for the journey. Nowadays, there are many films that tell a business story and all the challenges and triumphs the leaders encounter. It is a very good way to come up with an idea to improve your business or see new possibilities.

2019, Column, Editorial, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanNovember 5, 2019Comment

MEDIA APPEARANCE: David Ehrlich's IndieWire Critics Survey on November 4, 2019

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: What streaming platforms do you currently subscribe to, and why?

This was nice and informative question this week and I was glad to brag on finding free things. Folks, let me tell you the power of a regular library card. You can’t beat FREE. Look locally if your library or library system supports the Hoopla Digital and Kanopy streaming services. The wealth of content available is outstanding for something that doesn’t cost you a dime. If you’re a frugal working dad and cord-cutter like me, I cannot recommend them enough. I was the one person this week namedropping Hoopla and one of only three touting Kanopy. Seek them out.

Independent Film, Media Appearance, Social Media, SPECIAL, 2019Don ShanahanNovember 4, 2019David EhrlichComment

MEDIA APPEARANCE: Quoted on Quality Comix discussing "The Evolution of The Joker"

I was approached recently for a collaboration opportunity by Quality Comix, a successful comic sales website which puts out their own editorial content alongside their marketplace. They were working on a long-form article on the 80-year history of Batman’s greatest nemesis, The Joker. The writers there enjoyed my Joker review and I was thankful to be considered and included. The lead question for a short blurb was a character analysis outlining major actions, motivations, or character developments throughout the character’s film incarnations.

2019, Chicago Film Festival, EVENT, Independent Film, Media Appearance, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanNovember 4, 2019Quality ComixComment

MEDIA APPEARANCE: Guest on the "Feelin' Film" podcast for "Memphis Belle"

I had the honor and pleasure this past week to join the war-movie-loving hosts on the Feelin' Film Podcast talking about a true underseeen throwback geme: 1990’s Memphis Belle directed by 90s hitmaker Michael Caton-Jones. This podcast plane ride was celebrating Veteran’s Day week in conjunction with the new Midway movie arriving in theaters this week. Memphis Belle was a worn-out VHS childhood favorite of my brother and me. Patrick had that lifelong affinity as well and Aaron, the former Navy man, had nothing but respect

MEDIA APPEARANCE: Guest on the "Kicking the Seat" YouTube channel talking "Jojo Rabbit"

When you see a fellow film critic love a movie you loved too, it’s like an invisible fist-bump or high-five. When I heard friend-of-the-page Ian Simmons of the Kicking the Seat podcast adore Jojo Rabbit, I could not help but nag him to talk about it. He had already covered the film with critic Pat McDonald of Hollywood Chicago for his podcast, but wanted to bring me in for a video to balance the takes out after Pat was a little lukewarm on it compared to Ian and I. Enjoy Ian and I singing spoiler-free praise for Jojo Rabbit on his YouTube channel.

Media Appearance, Podcast, Social Media, SPECIAL, 2019Don ShanahanNovember 4, 2019AMC River East 21Kicking the SeatComment

INFOGRAPHIC: How Franchises Make Their Money

Casino Kings recently analyzed the world’s highest grossing media franchises that started out as cartoons, films, comic books, video games and other forms of media to find out how they make their money. Scroll through this gallery slideshow of infographics to find out which revenue streams generate the most money forthese famous franchises.

2019, Column, Editorial, Infographic, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanNovember 4, 2019Movie FranchisesComment

INFOGRAPHIC QUIZ: Reckon You Know Movie Cars?

The fine folks at Select Car Leasing have chosen 10 of the of the most iconic TV cars and put them through our unique virtual wind tunnel. When you’re first presented with one of our 10 cars, you’ll be asked which car you’re looking at. The catch? – the car will be invisible. Your clue to guess the car is the outline of the smoke sweeping across the screen. When you select your answer, the car in the wind tunnel will then appear to let you know if you have made the correct choice.

2019, Column, Editorial, Infographic, SPECIAL, Social MediaDon ShanahanNovember 4, 2019Comment

MOVIE REVIEW: Jojo Rabbit

Those beautiful and gracious moments, slowed way down in between all the hustling hilarity in Jojo Rabbit, let you know exactly where the heart of this movie truly lies underneath the scathing satire. It is in the benevolence of helping people rather than warring with them. The titular young boy needs every ounce of such affection and the combat boots of Waititi’s movie are the clown shoes. Gusto meets gravitas in one of the most oddly poetic and beautifully brazen movies you may ever see.

GUEST EDITORIAL: Top 10 Movies About Food, Restaurants, and Chefs

by Nellie Rodriguez

Movies are great for captivating your sense of sight and sound. If the bass is high enough, you can feel 'touch' in the film. But, it is harder for a movie to make you taste or smell something. Or is it?

Films that captivate your senses connect with us on all levels. But that feat is easier said than done. When we try to remember our most memorable moments of movies about cooking and food, we can almost experience the synesthetic power via images, sizzling sounds, etc. that make our mouths water.

2019, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home Media, LIST, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanOctober 24, 2019Comment

GUEST EDITORIAL: Top Ten College Movies

by Aimee Laurence

There are so many hundreds of movies based on the college experience, because it is such a transformational life event. This article sets out our top ten favorites.

2019, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanOctober 24, 2019 Comment