MOVIE REVIEW: Stalingrad

In one of the largest and most expensive Russian film productions ever attempted, the simply-titled "Stalingrad" makes its debut in U.S. theaters this weekend to put their personal and emphatic voice to their proud history. "Stalingrad" was Russia's entry for the Best Foreign Language Oscar competition for this weekend's 86th Academy Awards. It is also the first Russian and first non-American film to be shot in IMAX 3D. Last year, the film became Russia's largest modern box office success. No matter what you think of Russia or what you know about the Battle of Stalingrad, this often impressive film can play in the big boy's pond.

ADVANCE MOVIE REVIEW: Draft Day

Rest assured, thanks to his endless versatility and charm, Costner proves again that he is a comfortable and lifting presence to any sports film, even a football one.

ADVANCE MOVIE REVIEW: That Awkward Moment

"The Awkward Moment" is an oasis of fun in a dreary winter cinema landscape. This is one of those rare romantic comedies that can actually appeal to both genders. Set your date night up now. With its wide release coming on January 31st, ladies and gentleman, your Valentine's Day weekend must-see movie has arrived two weeks early.

MOVIE REVIEW: Inside Llewyn Davis

It was Oscar Wilde that famously said "life imitates art more than art imitates life." When that mantra gets applied to cinema, we commonly talk about how we, as audiences, live vicariously through the imagination and fantasies that films create for us. The first part of that quote gets talked about all the time in that way. It's not too often that the second half of that quote comes true, but I feel that Ethan and Joel Coen have achieved just that with their latest feature film, Inside Llewyn Davis. As a fictional documentation and internal look at a crucial week-long journey in the life of an aspiring folk singer in 1961 Greenwich Village within New York City, Inside Llewyn Davis uniquely feels more like a film taking on real life than one pretending the other way around, as is so often the case with movies. While unique, I don't know if that's necessarily a good thing. Let me explain.

2013, 3 STARS, Independent Film, MOVIE REVIEWDon ShanahanDecember 27, 2013Chicago, IL, USAComment

MOVIE REVIEW: American Hustle

During the seemingly long Oscar season each year, studios save some of their best and brightest films for the end of the year so that voters with short memories will remember them most when its time to fill out a ballot for awards nominations. It's incredibly rare to see a Best Picture Academy Award winner from a month earlier than October. The term that gets used a great deal is "Oscar bait." This creates a very flooded market in December of memorable film after memorable film. These studios pull out all of the marketing stops and want that "Nominated for..." and "Winner of..." sound byte or graphic on their print advertisements, posters, trailers and TV spots. They long to be showered with praise and are cradled by the powers-that-be to grab that spotlight. They want you to pay your money and join in that praise, hence the term "Oscar bait."

2013, 3 STARS, MOVIE REVIEWDon ShanahanDecember 23, 2013Chicago, IL, USAAmerican HustleComment

MOVIE REVIEW: Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues

While it's not quite as good or instantly quotable as the first film, Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues is a hilarious follow-up to make this already funny world even bigger while poking great fun at our modern news. I'm in the camp that loves this sort of thing and it's arguably the funniest movie of the year.

MOVIE REVIEW: Thor: The Dark World

Thor: The Dark World, the next chapter in the God of Thunder's journey, is Marvel's "spaciest" movie yet, diving in and out of several worlds and exotic settings. In going full fantasy, Thor: The Dark World has plenty to entertain the masses, but loses a little of the coherence we enjoyed from other better Marvel films.

"2013", 2013, 3 STARS, MOVIE REVIEWDon ShanahanNovember 8, 2013Chicago, IL, USAComment

MOVIE REVIEW: Europa Report

If old-school, methodical, and intelligent science fiction like Alien and Moon are up your alley more than those blockbusters, Europa Report is a movie you need to seek out. You probably haven't even heard of it.

MOVIE REVIEW: Iron Man 3

While some of the wackiness never lets up and carries into the course of our villainous conflict, the humor is always bubbling up to the surface. Iron Man 3 is, without a doubt, the most comedic of the Marvel superhero films. That affable effect helps mask many of the really preposterous events and flaws and keeps the whole Iron Man 3 effort extremely likeable and entertaining.

2013, 3 STARS, MOVIE REVIEWDon ShanahanMay 3, 2013Chicago, IL, USAComment

MOVIE REVIEW: Trouble with the Curve

Trouble with the Curve has the cliched conveniences of a romantic comedy, but offers more than that to appreciate thanks to Clint Eastwood. He's always been an actor you can't help but enjoy watching, even if it's the same growl every time lately. Just when you think his routine doesn't have range, he still surprises you with his humor and heart.

"2012 Fall Movies", "3 STARS", "Trouble with the Curve", 2012, 3 STARS, MOVIE REVIEWDon ShanahanOctober 7, 2012Comment

MOVIE REVIEW: Lawless

Overall, Lawless is on par with Public Enemies and is a worthy choice for those looking for a Western-like tale and a gangster film with a more rural and gritty country setting. For those modern folks out there, think of it as a prequel to FX's Justified.

2011, 3 STARS, Independent Film, MOVIE REVIEWDon ShanahanSeptember 22, 2012Comment

ADVANCE MOVIE REVIEW: The Amazing Spider-Man

The Amazing Spider-Man, though flawed and familiar at times, succeeds in giving us a new start for this beloved character. It's not a bold new direction, but a positive one.

EVERY MOVIE HAS A LESSON

by Don Shanahan

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