EDITORIAL: All About Buying Toys for Toddlers

Toddlers love to shake things up. They also like to take apart, put together, pull things off, put them back on somewhere else and exercise their creativity in a variety of other ways. With this in mind choose those “open-ended” options that allow your child to do just that. For example construction blocks can be used for creating houses, zoos, roads, spaceships and anything else your imagination permits. This will allow your child to exercise their imagination and challenge their logical and problem-solving skills.

2020, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIALDon ShanahanNovember 12, 2020Comment

EDITORIAL: Tips for Your First Rave

Understandably, the first time trying out something can be overwhelming. It is common to have hesitations, accompanied by thoughts such as what if it all goes wrong or what if it falls below your expectations? This applies to numerous things like attending school for the first time, moving to a new place, or starting a new job. With this in mind, one of the most nerve-wracking experiences is going to a rave and going solo. This is why we have provided some useful tips for a memorable rave experience.

2020, Column, EditorialDon ShanahanNovember 12, 2020Comment

MOVIE REVIEW: Freaky

If you picture Freaky’s premise before you and say “I can’t even,” just like a lazy Millennial, do a turnaround. Retort, as another future victim in the movie does, with “not with that attitude.” Say you “can” or “fo’ sho’” or whatever the whipper-snappers are saying these days to agree. Scripted by Christopher Landon (the two Happy Death Day movies) and Bordertown writer Michael Kennedy, this mashup of body swap comedy cliches and high school horror tropes turned out to be an artery-bursting romp.

2020, 3 STARS, Independent Film, Home Media, MOVIE REVIEW, Streaming, Video on DemandDon ShanahanNovember 12, 2020 Comment

COLUMN: Top 5 Films to Watch While Moving Across the Country

If you’re like most people, it’s safe to assume you plan to consider the option of professional moving companies for your interstate move. That should make things much less stressful, no doubt. But still, there is the small matter of how you’re going to cope during the long haul, especially if you’re going to be on the road for an entire day, if not more. Unless of course, you’re one of those who are perfectly okay to be alone with their thoughts and actually consider the lengthy trip a great time to contemplate about life.For the rest of us, though, there is nothing like a good movie to kill the monotony of being on the road for hours on end. Here are some top 5 movie picks to add to the list for your next cross-country move.

2020, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home Media, LISTDon ShanahanNovember 11, 2020Comment

GUEST COLUMN: Top 10 Movies to Relax After a Hard Working Day

by Jennifer Holland

Sometimes, you just want to relax and watch and a good movie after a long hard day. Watching a good movie allows you to relax and disconnect from your busy world. Watching a movie enables you to experience a wide range of emotions without suffering the side effects. It helps in inspiring motivation, relaxing, and decreasing anxiety so that you can feel energetic in the days to follow. Thanks to rapid technological advancements, you can enjoy your favorite movies without having to step out of your house. Plus, there is nothing better than watching great movies with your loved ones. Here are the top ten movies that you should watch after a long hard day.

2020, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home Media, LIST, SPECIALDon ShanahanNovember 11, 2020Comment

MOVIE REVIEW: Proxima

The dramatic heartstrings of Proxima lie in the realization and reflection of what one will miss from being away and isolated for an extended period of time. Once again, multiple the usual working parent woes. The emotional pain from the anticipation of departure outweighs the excitement. As a viewer, no matter man or woman, you cannot help but ask yourself if you could do what Sarah Loreau is attempting. Could you uncling from your own children? Could you break promises? Like her, you will wrestle your optimism of adventure and entertain your feelings and fears of what and who you would miss the most. That’s a worthy and powerful tale to witness.

2020, 2019, 3 STARS, Foreign Film, Independent Film, MOVIE REVIEW, Streaming, Video on DemandDon ShanahanNovember 8, 2020 Comment

Three Alternative Sites You Can Play "Batman" Slots and Win

The Batman franchise has grown to become one of the most successful and profitable franchises in the entertainment industry. It has expanded its reach to land-based casinos and online casinos, where the character is a popular theme in slot games. Various online casino games have Batman-themed slots and electronic games, and there are notable online casino sites that offer good house advantage and high win rate. Read on as we share three alternative sites where you can play Batman slots and win.

2020, Column, Editorial, SPECIAL, Social MediaDon ShanahanNovember 8, 2020Comment

GUEST CRITIC #43: Trumbo

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 ShanahanNovember 6, 2020Comment

GUEST COLUMN: Best Movies For Bringing Your Sports Team Together

by Kevin Faber

It is a plain and simple fact that sports teams work better when each member feels some kind of bond with one another. This bond may have to be coaxed into existence by a team member who wants it or a coach who thinks his or her team will play better that way. It is definitely worth trying out, so no matter what sport you play, you should consider doing a team bonding activity. A great example of this sort of activity could be watching an inspiring sports film together. Over popcorn, sodas, laughter and maybe even some tears, you may find that your team becomes closer than ever before.

Streaming, SPECIAL, LIST, Home Media, GUEST EDITORIAL, Editorial, Column, 2020Don ShanahanNovember 6, 2020Comment

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!