4 Iconic Female Characters in Gambling Movies

It’s a common misconception that gambling is more of a male pastime, whereas in reality there are just as many women who love games of chance. This is a fact that’s reflected on the silver screen as well, with many great movies inspired by gambling also having strong female characters at their core. To prove just how influential the women of the cinema can be in gambling movies, here are just a few of the most impressive and enduring examples of characters that have caught our imagination over the years.

2022, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIALDon ShanahanApril 27, 2022Comment

How The Arts Can Help With Mental Health

In order to address the rising number of persons suffering from long-term ailments, as well as an ageing population that may experience high levels of physical inactivity and social isolation, it is now more necessary than ever that fresh and effective therapies are created. According to the evidence available, the arts play a crucial part in this process – by offering aid, enhancing well-being, and providing a space for social connection, to mention a few examples.

2022, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIALDon ShanahanApril 27, 2022Comment

MOVIE REVIEW: That Night

That Night may buzz around the living spaces and late-night haunts of the Windy City on a path to sunrises, but every pitfall or bit of good luck comes back to our main leads with karma and consequence. Through the boozy haze, Stacey and Lily confronting their uncertain futures is the locked core of the movie. Montenegro and Gester demonstrate excellent chemistry in their shared conversations where will-they/won’t-they cliches are challenged every step of the way.

2022, 3 STARS, ADVANCE MOVIE REVIEW, Film Festival, Independent Film, MOVIE REVIEW, EVENTDon ShanahanApril 26, 2022That Night, The Logan TheatreComment

GUEST EDITORIAL: The Founder: Where it Was Filmed and Why

by Lewis Robinson

The 2016 hit movie, "The Founder," tells the story of the founding of McDonald's. The film is set primarily in Minnesota, where Ray Kroc got his start. However, the locations that you see on screen can't actually be found anywhere in the gopher state. Instead, Atlanta and several surrounding cities stood in for the various locations in the film. Here's a look at which places may have stood in for your favorite scenes.

2022, Column, Editorial, GUEST CRITIC, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home MediaDon ShanahanApril 25, 2022Comment

GUEST EDITORIAL: Feelings in Technicolor: A Movie Review of 2015's "Inside Out"

by Lewis Robinson

Emotions drive human behavior, at least according to the 2015 film Inside Out from Pixar Studios. The lively and heartfelt collaboration between longtime Pixar director Pete Docter (Monsters, Inc, Up) and story artist Ronnie del Carmen (Wall-E, Brave) adroitly balances the sense of internal tumult of adolescence with the perspective of parents watching it all unfold.

2022, Column, GUEST EDITORIAL, GUEST CRITIC, EditorialDon ShanahanApril 25, 2022Comment

MEDIA APPEARANCE: Participant in "World of Reel" Critics Poll for Best Films of the 1970s

As I have grown in press credentials and professional affiliations nationally, I have found myself landing in circles with other film critics of various levels. Recently, I was included in my fourth call for voting critics for Jordan Ruimy of World of Reel. He is a fellow Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic who also has contributed to The Young Folks, The Playlist, We Got This Covered, and The Film Stage. His poll was to collect the Top Films of the 1970s from over 150 critics and other industry folk. I was honored to chime in with my 15 unranked selections to be included with some very high professional company.

Media Appearance, Social Media, SPECIAL, 2022, LISTDon ShanahanApril 22, 2022Comment

GUEST COLUMN: 3 Films With Unrealistic Hospital Portrayals

by Lewis Robinson

Hospitals are a popular setting for production studios everywhere. While this is definitely understandable, it's resulted in several inaccurate portrayals of medical facilities. So, in order to set the record straight, here are three films with unrealistic hospital portrayals.

2022, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIALDon ShanahanApril 22, 2022Comment

GUEST COLUMN: Considering the 4 Coolest Movie Restaurants To Have a Meal

by Lewis Robinson

Have you ever been watching a movie and thought to yourself how cool it would be to go to the restaurants that are part of the movie? Maybe you enjoy seeing the early 20th-century prices at diners like those shown in Road To Perdition. Perhaps you like the busy, weekday morning ambiance of the coffee shop shown at the beginning of Training Day, or the strict decorum of the steakhouse where Denzel tracked the three wise men down and told Ethan Hawke to order a baseball steak. Celluloid seating doesn't exist for folks who aren't actually part of the movies, but if there was a way to break down that fourth wall, there are loads of eateries that might be fun places to people-watch or take a meal.

2022, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIALDon ShanahanApril 22, 2022Comment

GUEST COLUMN: The Best Cybersecurity Movies

by Lewis Robinson

Since the internet was invented, we have always been susceptible to computer hackers. Some people and companies are more vulnerable than others. These days, you can prevent this type of activity if you educate yourself on how it happens in the first place. Hacking can also be prevented by keeping your computer up to date and avoiding opening fishy emails. You can learn a lot about cyber security by watching or reading about the following movies.

2022, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIALDon ShanahanApril 22, 2022Comment

How Kratom and CBD Can Enhance Your Movie-Watching Experience

Several recent studies have shown that using CBD or Kratom during the movie-watching process can significantly reduce the level of tension or anxiety while watching horror or thriller movies. Additionally, it can help to reduce the chronic inflammation and pain that often interrupt our movie-watching experience. These side effects can be even more intense if you're sitting still for a few hours. As such, CBD and Kratom have a number of uses.

2022, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIALDon ShanahanApril 22, 2022Comment

Movies to Watch When High on Cannabis

If you're looking for movies to watch while high on cannabis, look no further. We've rounded up some of the best options in this article, from Comedy Central's "Broad City" to Netflix's "Cooked With Cannabis." There's even a sensational scene starring Sonu Nigam. But if you're looking for something a little bit more serious, consider "Dude, Where's My Car?"

2022, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home Media, DocumentaryDon ShanahanApril 22, 2022Comment

Top Cannabis Movies of All Time

The Top 5 Cannabis Movies of All Time include Up in Smoke, Green Zone, and Easy Rider. Many films star John Cho, Seth Rogen, Kal Penn, and more than one weed enthusiast. All of them have something to say about the use of cannabis and the movie industry's response. Read on to learn more about them. We will also discuss the effects they had on the culture. Below are some notable examples. And, if you really want to know about the best cannabis movies, check out the list below!

2022, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIALDon ShanahanApril 22, 2022Comment