GUEST CRITIC #65: Judas and the Black Messiah

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.

GUEST CRITIC, Independent Film, MOVIE REVIEW, Social Media, Foreign Film, 2021Don ShanahanMay 29, 2021Comment

MEDIA APPEARANCE: Guest on the "You'll Probably Agree" YouTube channel talking about the Snyder Cut

Recenty, I joined Mike Crowley’s You’ll Probably Agree YouTube show to talk about our lingering impressions from Zack Snyder’s Justice League from HBO Max. He and I were both fans of the lengthened and improved movie the director was granted to complete. We haven’t been able to let it go. Moreso, we’ve been weighing its impact on the matter of creator say, director’s cuts, and where that battle lies between filmmaker and studios. Enjoy this spirited conversation!

Social Media, SPECIAL, Podcast, Media Appearance, Editorial, Home Media, 2021Don ShanahanMay 28, 2021Zack Snyder, Justice League, Mike CrowleyComment

MOVIE REVIEW: Cruella

Cruella tosses that “psycho” term and label around flippantly, even with its successful motivation to be interesting and darker than the usual live-action works from the Mouse House. It offers a villainess to believe in, but what does that say to audiences? Swinging for sympathy towards the amoral could have amounted to the same mistake as Maleficent seven years ago. Luckily, the conniptions and confrontations of “Emma vs. Emma” are damn fun. There’s a welcome place to relish in their wickedness.

2021, 3 STARS, ADVANCE MOVIE REVIEW, Home Media, MOVIE REVIEW, StreamingDon ShanahanMay 27, 2021Cruella, Emma Thompson, Emma StoneComment

GUEST EDITORIAL: Little Women: The Veracity of Description

by Jessica Chapman

Many readers would admit that they have either not read or aren't fond of Little Women's novel. However, it is hard to believe that this is the opinion of most readers. It is even less believable given the number of women writers such as Patti Smith, JK Rowling, and Simone de Beauvoir, publicly claiming that this 19th century novel by Louisa May Alcott has inspired them. One character from the most inspiring story is Jo because of her strong will and how much of a heroine she is.

2021, Column, Editorial, GUEST CRITIC, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home Media, StreamingDon ShanahanMay 27, 2021Comment

GUEST EDITORIAL: A Review of "The Proposal"

by Kevin Gardner

The Proposal is a romantic comedy from 2009 starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds. On the surface, it is cute in a formulaic way. Two people with no real attraction or fondness for each other are forced into a situation in which they have to get married to one another, and it is only after the engagement that they fall in love. It is a predictable plot based on a well-worn trope. The movie is a lot like cotton candy: Insubstantial, but sweet and enjoyable for the moment.

2021, Column, Editorial, GUEST CRITIC, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home Media, Vintage ReviewDon ShanahanMay 26, 2021Comment

GUEST EDITORIAL: 6 Aspects of Movies That Are Affected by Data

by Kevin Gardner

The process of making movies is highly complex, to say the least. Decisions need to be made at every turn. Since these decisions are so important, studios tend to use data to make informed decisions. This data can come in many forms, from movie scores to box office ratings. If you'd like to know more, here are six aspects of movies that are affected by data.

2021, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home MediaDon ShanahanMay 26, 2021Comment

GUEST EDITORIAL: 4 Ways To Make Movie Nights Special For Your Kids

by Kevin Gardner

Family movie nights can be the highlight of your child's week. Formal movie theaters are always fun, but sometimes the cost or inconvenience of finding the right time for your family can make it more challenging. Here are a few ways that you can make movie nights extra special for your kids.

2021, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home MediaDon ShanahanMay 26, 2021Comment

GUEST EDITORIAL: 7 Entertaining Movies To Play at a Party

by Kevin Gardner

If you're having a party, you might be thinking about what movies to play. It's a hard decision! What genre should you choose? How long will the movie be? What film will everyone like? If you're at a loss about what to choose, here are seven entertaining movies to play at a party.

2021, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home MediaDon ShanahanMay 26, 2021Comment

GUEST EDITORIAL: 4 Tips For Planning an Outdoor Movie Party

by Kevin Gardner

If you and your friends love movies, summer is the perfect time to take your film-watching outside. Below are four tips for hosting outdoor movie parties your friends will be talking about all year.

2021, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home MediaDon ShanahanMay 26, 2021Comment

GUEST EDITORIAL: How Movies Portray Pilots

by Adrian Johansen

Who has gotten it right? From movies like Red Tails focusing on WWII pilots to the cult classic Airplane! where an average Joe has to fly the plane, there is no shortage of movies focusing on air travel and those in the cockpit. Let’s look at how pilots have been portrayed in film over the years and how accurate those portrayals really are by today’s standards.

2021, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home MediaDon ShanahanMay 25, 2021Comment

GUEST COLUMN: 7 Inspiring Movies That Make You Want to Study Hard

by Carrie Duncan

If you are currently at school or university and you lack the motivation to study, this article is for you. By the way, we all know that sometimes it’s hard to save some time for yourself. For that purpose, use help from the essay writer service. At the same time, these movies will suit those who miss writing diplomas and essays at night, discussions with teachers, and just new knowledge.

2021, Editorial, Column, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home MediaDon ShanahanMay 25, 2021Comment

GUEST EDITORIAL: 5 Movies to Watch to Detox Your Reality

by Kathrin Garner

If you are struggling with drug addiction and/or toxic life, it is a little bit difficult task to get inspiration and to quit the addiction. Here are the movies that can help you to get inspiration to increase your willpower so you can fight the situation. To help you in your journey, we have compiled the best movies that can help you to detox the bitter reality.

2021, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home MediaDon ShanahanMay 25, 2021Comment