GUEST COLUMN: 10 Best Modern American Classics for Learning English With Movies

by Sandra Mason

Learning English is challenging for many people. The lack of time and the tedious process often are getting in the way of success. The good news is experts already know how to learn a language faster and speak English fluently. There is also the general principle that helped many beginners to improve speaking and listening skills. We talk about watching movies to get good at English, keeping it on a fun side. Videos are the source of essential English vocabulary and natural style. If you want to sound like a native speaker, films cannot be discarded as a contributor to the education process.

2020, Home Media, GUEST EDITORIAL, SPECIAL, ColumnDon ShanahanJuly 30, 2020Comment

COLUMN: Snowpiercer: Good Entertainment or a Bad Remake?

The modern TV industry is incredibly focused on serving relevant entertainment to the general public. Every show is targeting a certain demographic and their needs or characteristics. Nevertheless, there are quite a few general trends that occur all over the world. First and foremost is the rise of science fiction. Yes, we do remember good old Doctor Who and a long list of science fiction shows or movies from the mid and late 20th century. However, this niche has never been as active and relevant as it is now.

2020, Column, GUEST CRITIC, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home Media, Editorial, Streaming, SPECIALDon ShanahanJuly 28, 2020Comment

COLUMN: Defending Jacob: An Exquisite Crime Drama Everyone Will Enjoy

Over the past few years, we have witnessed many adaptions and excellent shows filmed by big corporations such as Netflix, Hulu, HBO and Apple TV. Thanks to gigantic investments in the film and TV production industry, we now have an opportunity to watch a wide variety of shows. The sector has become so competitive that there is very little point in comparing productions to each other. Rather, we should evaluate and discuss them individually. We have come to the point where every TV product and a movie is remarkably personal.

2020, Column, Editorial, GUEST CRITIC, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home Media, SPECIAL, StreamingDon ShanahanJuly 28, 2020Comment

Top 6 Documentaries About Cryptocurrency You Need to Watch

If you want to learn more about cryptocurrency trading, you should choose the right platform that is characterized by innovative technology. As seen on the bitcoin loophole, there are trading platforms that designed both automated and manual cryptocurrency for different types of users. If you choose a trading platform that uses the right software, you can easily make money by investing in the minimum amount of funds, time, and effort. However, some people still do not know how cryptocurrency functions. Luckily, there are dozens of documentaries and films specifically produced to enlighten people about cryptocurrency.

2020, Column, Editorial, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanJuly 26, 2020Comment

4 Surprising Casino Facts Found in Famous Movies

The movies offer wonderful food for thought and huge doses of much-needed escapism. However, some of the realities they claim to depict are heightened or straight up glossed over for the benefit of entertainment. Of course, you knew that. But, as a casino aficionado, you perhaps did not realize the extent to which the beloved games are twisted for the storyline to work. Here are a few correctives to common misconceptions about casinos and gambling promulgated by cinema.

2020, Column, Editorial, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanJuly 25, 2020Comment

GUEST EDITORIAL: Strange Celebrity Addictions

by Daniel Korolija

We are all addicted to something, and usually, we’re not even aware of it. Some of us enjoy watching the same TV show every day, while others compulsively coil locks of hair around their fingers. Celebrities have the same obsessions and compulsions as the rest of us. They’re people too. The phrase “celebrity addictions” brings drugs and alcohol to mind, but the truth is that famous people face a full spectrum of obsessions and fixations. From celebrity gamblers to shopping addicts, here’s what the rich like to fixate on.

2020, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, SPECIAL, Social MediaDon ShanahanJuly 21, 2020Comment

MOVIE REVIEW: The Truth

To pull off holding court without reducing matters to the preening or showy variety, the performer must have screen presence. Deneuve, the ageless ingenue, “frigid femme fatale,” and “grandes dame” of French cinema, has wattage for a thousand cameras, even now in her mid-70s. With that stature, compelling shockwaves come at will. The acting awe within The Truth is that Deneuve’s prestige is matched moment-to-moment by Academy Award winner Juliette Binoche, a contemporary, if you will, every bit as powerful as the senior. Their pairing as an estranged mother and daughter in the celebrity world writes cinematic scripture.

2020, 2019, 4 STARS, Chicago Film Festival, Film Festival, Independent Film, Foreign Film, MOVIE REVIEW, Streaming, Home MediaDon ShanahanJuly 20, 2020Comment

MOVIE REVIEW: Dirt Music

For anyone over the age of five-years-old who doesn’t have “The Gravel Foot” anymore, we know not all natural surfaces are easy and lush. The sensation of each pace toughens and prepares the heels and toes for the next one. Such is life as well. The literal and figurative barefoot steps of the characters from Tim Winton’s celebrated novel have tread over the hard grounds of loss and regret. The developed calluses mix with the ever-present dirt for messy lifestyles. Any songs present croon to that lamentation. Alas, the titular melodies advertised to break down the melodrama blow away weakly with the wind.

2020, Independent Film, Home Media, MOVIE REVIEW, Streaming, Video on DemandDon ShanahanJuly 17, 2020Comment

MEDIA APPEARANCE: Guest on the "Kicking the Seat" podcast talking "The Old Guard"

For the first time since Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) and for the first time since the COVID-19 quarantine, Ian Simmons was able to assemble the fabled “Earth’s Mightiest Critics” on his Kicking the Seat podcast for a brand new comic book film. No, it’s not Black Widow from the MCU or Wonder Woman 1984 for the DCEU. Those ports are delayed and closed. We shine a light on the Netflix hitter The OId Guard based on Greg Rucka’s graphic novel that ran on the Image Comics imprint. Ian led myself, David Fowlie of Keeping It Reel, and Emmanuel Noisette of E-Man’s Movie Reviews for a lively dais! For those keeping score, this was my 40th appearance on Ian’s program!

Media Appearance, Podcast, Social Media, SPECIAL, 2020Don ShanahanJuly 14, 2020AMC River East 21Kicking the SeatComment

SHORT FILM REVIEW: Farewell Waltz

When no flowery language is flowing to fill our ears, another ambiance is necessary. The sweep of Felipe Tellez’s musical score is astounding. His arrangements were performed by the Budapest Air Orchestra and their lovely strings keep Farewell Waltz soaring with the remembrance and regret of the narrative. One would not readily imagine a 10-minute short film could reach heartstrings so assuredly and effectively, yet this throwback from Levy does so with lingering beauty above films ten times its length.

2020, 4 STARS, Independent Film, MOVIE REVIEW, SHORT FILMS, Streaming, Film FestivalDon ShanahanJuly 12, 2020Comment

COLUMN: The Portrayal of Health Professionals in Movies

by Adrian Johansen

Movies that show hospitals or features doctors and nurses are not uncommon. They are often used to add a sense of realism to a movie, especially drama and action films. But, like any other area of movie-making, it’s important to remember that films (and television shows!) are created for entertainment value. So, what you see on the screen might not always be an accurate portrayal of what would happen in a real-world situation. With that in mind, let’s talk about some of the realistic and unrealistic depictions of healthcare workers and the industry itself as showcased in movies and television shows. The more you understand about some of the “good” and the “bad” portrayals, the more you’ll be able to appreciate these projects for what they’re trying to do.

2020, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, SPECIAL, Social MediaDon ShanahanJuly 10, 2020Comment

COLUMN: 6 Tips to Write Great Movie Characters

by Dorian Martin

Writing a screenplay is one thing and creating the characters to carry it is another. We can all close our eyes and think of our favorite movies, but we’ll actually be thinking about our favorite movie characters. And this is exactly why writing a great movie character description can be crucial for a screenplay. But, what happens if you’re not good at writing movie character descriptions? Or you simply don’t know how to do it? Luckily, we’ve got you covered. Here's what you need to know about writing a character description that is effective, attention-grabbing, and memorable.

2020, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, SPECIALDon ShanahanJuly 10, 2020Comment