GUEST EDITORIAL: How Theaters Can Win Back Customers During COVID-19

by Kevin Gardiner

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced millions of people to change their daily routine and activities, particularly recreational activities. Nevertheless, nightly news broadcasts continually show large gatherings of people who refuse to take social distancing seriously. Matters have been made much worse by poor leadership at the highest level of government. The businesses that have been battered as a result of federal and state governments’ failure to take reasonable preventative measures have needed to take matters into their own hands. Movie theaters find themselves at a particularly great disadvantage as so many people have become apprehensive about entering a closed-air environment where they’ll be in close proximity to other people.

2020, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, SPECIALDon ShanahanNovember 6, 2020 Comments

GUEST COLUMN: The Best American Baseball Movies

by Devin Caldwell

Ever since Americans began to fall in love with the game of baseball in the early 20th century, filmmakers have brought the sport to life on the big screen. Most baseball films have focused on the sport’s legendary athletes, historical games or scandalous events. Although several fine films have been produced on the subject, a few excellent baseball movies stand apart from the rest and are considered more than just sports films. With the exception of 42, the following iconic films are not based on factual events or players, but they personify why Americans love baseball.

2020, Column, Editorial, Home Media, LIST, GUEST EDITORIAL, SPECIALDon ShanahanNovember 6, 2020Comment

MEDIA APPEARANCE: Guest on the "Kicking the Seat" podcast and YouTube channel talking "Rebecca"

In my social circles, I tend to be the “movie guy” that offer suggestions on what to see, both new and old, when it comes to movies. It’s a fun rarity when I get to do that with a fellow movie critic. With the arrival of the new Rebecca starring Lily James and Armie Hammer, it created an opportunity for friend Ian Simmons of the Kicking the Seat podcast to watch both Netflix’s remake and the revered Alfred Hitchcock classic. I nudged him into this one and it made for a good conversation. We cover a bit of both of them here on his podcast and YouTube channel. Enjoy!

Media Appearance, Podcast, Social Media, SPECIAL, 2020Don ShanahanOctober 30, 2020AMC River East 21Kicking the SeatComment

GUEST CRITIC #42: The Post

by Lafronda Stumn

As busy I get from time to time, I find that I can't see every movie under the sun, leaving my friends and colleagues to fill in the blanks for me. As poetically as I think I wax about movies on this website as a wannabe critic, there are other experts out there. Sometimes, it inspires me to see the movie too and get back to being my circle's go-to movie guy. Sometimes, they save me $9 and you 800+ words of blathering. In a new review series, I'm opening my site to friend submissions for guest movie reviews.

2020, GUEST CRITIC, Independent Film, MOVIE REVIEW, Social MediaDon ShanahanOctober 30, 2020Comment

GUEST COLUMN: 10 Films to Motivate You to Study and Improve Yourself

by Esther Crowder

Good results in studies are the result of constant effort and dedication. The bad thing is that despite all the work you put into your duties, it may happen that the results are not what you expected. In those moments, you may have feelings of despair or frustration, which, although natural, may make you think that maybe you will not achieve your dreams. But it is not so! You have to understand that life is made up of victories and defeats. Something that also teaches us that is the cinema. Through its stories, many films have shown us that constant struggle can lead to triumph. For the same reason, and so that you can rejoice in your academic goals, we will leave you with this list of 10 films that will help you get ahead and surpass yourself.

2020, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home Media, LISTDon ShanahanOctober 30, 2020Comment

COLUMN: Best Stoner Movies You Need to Watch This Year

These days, a lot of people are stuck at home due to social distancing. While it might be a dream for some of us, it's clearly not for everyone. If you are a typical stoner who's looking for ways to keep yourself entertained and ease anxiety, a good stoner movie won't disappoint. To help you narrow down your list, here are the best pot-themed movies recommended by American Marijuana you might want to check out:

2020, Column, Editorial, Home Media, LISTDon ShanahanOctober 28, 2020Comment

GUEST EDITORIAL: Importance of Soundtracks in Movies

It is not easy to find a good soundtrack, so much so that if you investigate in search of something original you find those that already exist. There are many movies that their OST is an incredible and memorable subject, since it is 100% identifiable and fits perfectly with the time and the scenes. You can say that this soundtrack is an inseparable part of the film, since it gives it a more than necessary essence.

2020, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, SPECIALDon ShanahanOctober 26, 2020Comment

GUEST CRITIC #41: Righteous Kill

by Lafronda Stumn

As busy I get from time to time, I find that I can't see every movie under the sun, leaving my friends and colleagues to fill in the blanks for me. As poetically as I think I wax about movies on this website as a wannabe critic, there are other experts out there. Sometimes, it inspires me to see the movie too and get back to being my circle's go-to movie guy. Sometimes, they save me $9 and you 800+ words of blathering. In a new review series, I'm opening my site to friend submissions for guest movie reviews.

2020, GUEST CRITIC, Independent Film, MOVIE REVIEW, Social MediaDon ShanahanOctober 26, 2020Comment

MOVIE REVIEW: Borat Subsequent Moviefilm

Sacha Baron Cohen, and a team of nine (yes, 9) other writers, resurrected his most successful and audacious disguise and snuck a production through the COVID-19 pandemic just in time for Election Day. His mocking aim matches Lesson #1. Through his hedonistic character once again gracing the U.S. of A., Cohen and company expose the problematic silliness of lies being lived to their fullest by fine people on both sides.

2020, 2 STARS, ADVANCE MOVIE REVIEW, MOVIE REVIEW, Independent Film, Video on Demand, StreamingDon ShanahanOctober 22, 2020Comment

GUEST CRITIC #40: Eighth Grade

As busy I get from time to time, I find that I can't see every movie under the sun, leaving my friends and colleagues to fill in the blanks for me. As poetically as I think I wax about movies on this website as a wannabe critic, there are other experts out there. Sometimes, it inspires me to see the movie too and get back to being my circle's go-to movie guy. Sometimes, they save me $9 and you 800+ words of blathering. In a new review series, I'm opening my site to friend submissions for guest movie reviews.

2020, GUEST CRITIC, Independent Film, MOVIE REVIEW, Social MediaDon ShanahanOctober 20, 2020Comment

EDITORIAL: A Review of "Gemini Man"

If you're an avid movie-goer, you don't go to see action flicks expecting your worldviews to be changed in their foundations. Action movies are there to give us an hour or two of a good time, to get our blood racing, and to make us talk to about them a couple of days. However, apart from a select number of titles, not many action movies end up being evergreen and worthy of numerous rewatches. With that being said, Gemini Man is a pleasant watch if you go to see it for what it is: a thrilling and captivating action film that offers a bit more than you're used to with these types of media, but not enough for your jaw to drop on the floor.

2020, Column, Editorial, GUEST CRITIC, Home MediaDon ShanahanOctober 20, 2020Comment

COLUMN: Five Most Impactful Movie Speeches of All-Time

For years, magnificent movie speeches stand-and-delivered by top actors have been making their way from the movie screen right to the hearts of the viewers, inspiring people for real changes, accomplishments, and acts of bravery. Indeed, they have gained a legacy status and have been carved in human minds for many years to come. Many movie speeches are worth mentioning, but these five are the most memorable and affecting ones.