Posts in 2025
MOVIE REVIEW: Familiar Touch

Filming for Familiar Touch was done in collaboration with the residents and staff of Villa Gardens Continuing Care Retirement Community in New York. Backed by casting agent Betsy Fippinger (Eighth Grade and Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret), 67 residents, 13 staff members, and 12 caregiving and geriatrician consultants were credited for their involvement in making the movie, granting a tangible and uplifting authenticity that we’re being shown a positive standard of care and not an entirely sugarcoated movie version, just to perk up a plot with conflict. 

Read More
PODCAST: Episode 201 of "The Cinephile Hissy Fit" Podcast

For their 201st episode, two mask-pulling film critics, two special agent dads, and two stuntman teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, begin a group of retrospective episodes reflecting on the recently finalized Mission: Impossible franchise. Taking them a pair at a time, this first episode covers Brian De Palma's Mission: Impossible from 1996 and its wild 2000 sequel M:I-2 from director John Woo. Will and Don are united in praising these two standalone adventures that flaunted what made Tom Cruise and this series interesting and cool before the larger and increasingly overinflated arc would take over later.

Read More
Little Home Improvements That Make All the Difference

When it comes to making your home feel more comfortable, stylish, or functional, sometimes it’s the smallest changes that have the biggest impact. You don’t always need a full renovation to refresh a space. Thoughtful, affordable updates can transform your everyday living experience in subtle but meaningful ways. From lighting tweaks to sensory touches, here are a few ideas to consider.

Read More
PODCAST: Episode 200 of "The Cinephile Hissy Fit" Podcast

For their historic 200th episode, two detective-minded film critics, two dream theory dads, and two noir-loving teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, welcome Chicago-based film critic and artist Jeff York of The Establishing Shot and Pipeline Artists to compare two examples of poisonous Hollywood settings separated by decades and mere blocks of postal addresses. Our trio compares the dangerous and pervasive themes to be found in David Lynch's revered 2001 fever dream Mulholland Drive versus Billy Wilder's salaciously seminal 1950 dark comedy Sunset Boulevard.

Read More
Laser Treatment for Skin Resurfacing: A Detailed Insight

Women in San Diego experience wrinkles, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and other age-related skin concerns. It can be damaging to their confidence and overall aesthetic appearance. However, advanced laser techniques, such as erbium laser resurfacing, can effectively address these problems. This skin resurfacing technique should only be performed under the guidance of trained technicians.

Read More
Energy-Efficient Upgrades for Homes and Outdoor Spaces in 2025

As environmental concerns and rising energy costs shape our daily decisions, homeowners across the UK are turning to smarter, more sustainable technologies to futureproof their properties. From harnessing solar energy in creative ways to keeping essential equipment in peak condition, 2025 is all about practical solutions that blend performance with efficiency. Below are three impactful upgrades worth considering this year.

Read More
Understanding Hydraulic Breakers and Their Role in Heavy Work

On construction sites and industrial projects, efficiency and power are key to meeting tight deadlines and tough material demands. From demolishing old concrete foundations to breaking through rock during excavation, having the right equipment is vital. One essential piece of machinery that continues to prove its value in these high-impact environments is the hydraulic breakers.

Read More
PODCAST: Episode 199 of "The Cinephile Hissy Fit" Podcast

For their 199th episode, two altruistic film critics, two anagram-loving dads, and two hacker school teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, tuck themselves into the warm sheets of the 1990s with the steady 1992 hit, Sneakers. Directed by Field of Dreams director Phil Alden Robinson and top-lined by the Oscar-winning duo of Robert Redford and Sidney Poitier, this little pre-internet cyber caper has charm for days, topics that have held up in 30+ years, and perfect ensemble cast.

Read More