MOVIE REVIEW: I'm Thinking of Ending Things

Is there brilliance in the indecipherable within this adaptation of Iain Reed’s horror fiction? That’s both the knock and modus operandi of Charlie Kaufman. That’s where peculiarity pisses on a good piece of art. His abstract creations are wholly unique, yet aimless and tedious to the nth degree. For every poetic word, cinematic moment, or striking idea that ignites a challenging neuron in I’m Thinking of Ending Things, a triple helping of something obscure destroys momentum and snuffs any flicker. When he’s right, lucidity outshines the oddity, but that is not this film.

2 STARS, 2020, Independent Film, Streaming, Video on DemandDon ShanahanSeptember 5, 2020 Comments

MOVIE REVIEW: Mulan

It all goes back to encapsulating deeper virtues over surface-thin traits. Women are beyond capable of such independence and profundity, if not more so, than their male counterparts. The women, young and old, who stand to be inspired by Mulan are the true “girls worth fighting for.” No song is required. Noble commitment accomplishes far more.

2020, 4 STARS, ADVANCE MOVIE REVIEW, Home Media, MOVIE REVIEW, StreamingDon ShanahanSeptember 3, 2020MulanComment

GUEST COLUMN: Top Horse Racing Movies

by Daniel Korolija

Over the years, horse racing has been a big inspiration for both writers and Hollywood directors. From gritty stories about gamblers, grooms, and trainers, to inspiring and heartbreaking tales of man and horse achieving the impossible - it’s all been done. We carefully selected four inspiring horse-racing movies that stand out from the crowd. All four movies are set in different time periods and have a unique storyline. But there’s one thing they each have in common - an underdog who beats unbelievable odds.

2020, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home Media, LISTDon ShanahanSeptember 1, 2020Comment

Must-Watch Documentaries for Cannabis Enthusiasts

More and more people are now delving into the use of cannabis not only for medicinal intent but for recreational purposes as well. While some simply jump in without testing the waters, some exert the extra effort to research and know more about cannabis usage before finally trying it out. If you are one of those who need a little more push, or if you are already using cannabis but you need a bit more motivation, then below are some of the documentaries that you need to watch.

2020, Column, DOCUMENTARY REVIEW, Editorial, Home Media, StreamingDon ShanahanAugust 28, 2020Comment

GUEST COLUMN: Best Films to Watch for Students of Music Faculty

by Kelly Pethick

Pursuing your professional goals at college is an engaging process. Academic life is intricate, however: from academic writing, which prompts students to look for a good essay writer, to hated finals that distress them! And it gets especially thrilling when you study at a music faculty, which is much more than just an academic field – it’s an educational, entertaining experience that gives you valuable skills and knowledge while making your life brighter and more enjoyable. And, as a student and fan of music, you must love watching films that reflect your vocational and academic preferences!

2020, Column, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home Media, DOCUMENTARY REVIEWDon ShanahanAugust 28, 2020Comment

COLUMN: Top Gambling Scenes in Movies

by Daniel Bennet

Gambling is an eternal source of Hollywood inspiration. Huge risks, cunning strategies, and seemingly impossible wins all make for edge-of-your-seat entertainment. Unless you’re fortunate enough to hit it big though, playing the odd game of poker, blackjack or keno online is probably not as dramatic. Gamble movies show us what it’s like to be a high-roller, a low-baller, and everything in between. If you want to relive iconic casino moments or learn about new ones, check out the top gambling scenes compiled by our expert, Daniel Bennet.

2020, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home Media, LIST, SPECIALDon ShanahanAugust 27, 2020Comment

GUEST COLUMN: The 30 Best Superhero Movies of All-Time (2020 Edition)

by Karl Murphy

We live in a time when superhero movies are at their peak popularity. Here we’ve made up a list of The 30 Best Superhero Movies to watch! Karl Murphy is a professional journalist from Des Moines, Iowa. After obtaining his Master's degree, he's launched his career and over its course, Karl was contributing to the popular publications for men. He's passionate about eSports, so now he develops his blog csgo-bettingsites.com.

2020, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home Media, LIST, SPECIALDon ShanahanAugust 27, 2020Comment

GUEST COLUMN: 17 Inspirational Quotes from Oscar-Winning Movies

by Ashley Simmons

Movies are a beautiful way of getting out of your daily routine and enjoy some time for yourself. They could also be your personal marketing method of escaping reality for some time and becoming absorbed in a different Universe. A study conducted at the University of Maryland looked at the causal effect of laughing on people’s long-term well-being. The results suggested that watching comedies can release stress and lower blood pressure.

2020, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home Media, Social MediaDon ShanahanAugust 27, 2020Comment

MEDIA APPEARANCE: Guest on the "Feelin' Film" FF+ podcast for "The One and Only Ivan" and "Desert One"

Friend of the page Aaron White, co-host of the Feelin’ Film podcast and member of the Seattle Film Critics Society, has reignited his FF+ brand of smaller plate podcast episodes. His goal is to collect spoiler-free discussions of several current movies combined into one show. Rather than fly solo, he’s using his FF+ platform to invite other critics to share in the chat. For this episode, Aaron invited me to help cover the stunning documentary Desert One and the new Disney+ entry The One and Only Ivan. Enjoy!

MOVIE REVIEW: The One and Only Ivan

Enjoying an easy little movie like Disney’s The One and Only Ivan shouldn’t take qualifiers, but it does. Two in fact. The first is more black-and-white and depends on your trigger pressure about animals in captivity in this mindful post-Harambe and post-Blackfish world. If your personal pull weight is high enough to condone (over tolerate) and enjoy a circus or a zoo operation, you pass round one. If you consider those settings no better than inhumane minstrel shows, that will lose you here. The second qualifier gets more existential.

2020, 3 STARS, ADVANCE MOVIE REVIEW, Home Media, MOVIE REVIEW, StreamingDon ShanahanAugust 19, 2020Comment

INFOGRAPHIC: Disney Originals vs. Live-Action Remakes

by Chantel Buchi

What’s the first Disney original and remake that comes to your mind? Would you agree the classic version is the best? No one can deny our love for the talking candlestick, portly Gus-Gus, and the Hundred Acre Wood. (If you can’t name the movies, are you even a Disney fan?) We have to say we love the animated, magical movies that take you to another world. The wonderful, nostalgic movies take us back to simpler times. One reason Disney keeps doing remakes? They make enough money to pay for a lot more than “The Bare Necessities.”

2020, Column, Editorial, Home Media, Infographic, GUEST EDITORIAL, LIST, Social Media, SPECIAL, StreamingDon ShanahanAugust 19, 2020Comment

INFOGRAPHIC: Basement Management Tips to Take From Movies and TV Shows

If you’re looking for tips and tricks to make your basement a little more manageable, chances are you’re not going to think about movies and TV shows immediately. They’re not exactly known for their realism — that’s one of the reasons people love movies and TV shows so much. However, there are actually some interesting tips you can take from certain iconic moments in film. Here are some of the more interesting issues with famous basements.