The 26 film critics, myself included, and voting members of the Chicago Independent Film Critics Circle completed their final ballots in 21 categories for their second annual CIFCC Awards. Leading all films with four awards is Get Out from Universal Pictures and Blumhouse Productions, including three awards for Jordan Peele and his many hats. A24 and Focus Feature’s Lady Bird from director Greta Gerwig follows with three wins, including Best Independent Film.
Read MorePlenty of regular everyday people make New Year's Resolutions, but I think bigger entities, namely movie makers and movie moguls, need to make them too. Annually, including this seventh edition, this is my absolute favorite editorial to write every year. I have fun taking the movie industry to task for things they need to change. You would hope Hollywood would learn from those lessons going forward. Alas, here we go again! Enjoy!
Read MoreThe end of the year brings grading and reflection points for both the school teacher in me and the film critic. Looking at the online Trapper Keeper portfolio called Every Movie has a Lesson, I published 126 full film reviews in 2017, topping last year’s 114 and setting a new high mark. Here’s my definitive list of the "10 Best" films of 2017. True to this website’s specialty, each film will be paired with its best life lesson. Enjoy!
Read MoreFor an elevated feeling, combine the buzz of a gambling win with the real-life thrill of victory that comes from spectator sports. Betting on sports is like double the juice when you combine fandom with fun. Over in the arena of movies, my specialty, sports betting has been a popular plot point within the genre of gambling movies. Here’s my list of the top ten best sports betting films, peppered with little salutes and recommendations.
Read MoreIn a new annual series, Every Movie Has a Lesson is going to look back twenty years to revisit, relearn, and reexamine a year of cinema history to share favorites, lists, and experiences from the films of that year. Partly taking my film critic hat off and adjusting the collar on my fanboy shirt, these next lists follow my “10 Best” list from 1997 with more categories of distinction and remembrance.
Read MoreIn a new annual series, Every Movie Has a Lesson is going to look back twenty years to revisit, relearn, and reexamine a year of cinema history to share favorites, lists, and experiences from the films of that year. Twenty years ago, I graduated high school in 1997 and the movie milestones matched the personal ones for me. Here's my list of the best of 1997.
Read MoreIn a return engagement for a zany sequel, Every Movie Has a Lesson welcomes back the four fine ladies and working moms of the "TTC" (Terrific Teacher Committee). Say hello again to Donna Ferretti, Kelly Johnson, Manda Torres, and my own wife, Mrs. Thanh Shanahan, the purveyor of this website's "Pillow Rankings" section. Sixteen months ago, they reviewed Bad Moms on this website as "Guest Critics."
Read MoreThe crime genre has always been a favorite of Hollywood filmmakers and cinemagoers. Within this niche, there are few things more thrilling than a well-executed heist. Regardless of whether you’re backing law enforcement or a charming crew of thieves, the excitement of the event itself is often worth building an entire film towards. Courtesy of MoneyGuru, here is an infographic of five of the most criminally good heists in modern movies.
Read MoreSometimes it’s not only the iconic act that is memorable for us, but the object used to do it. Most of our favorite villains have a weapon of destruction that they just wouldn't be complete without. But can you guess which weapons are featured in which film/TV show? Take the quiz to find out!
Read MoreFew feelings create more anxiety than being cramped in a small confined space. Many films take advantage of this discomfort, often being filmed in one location for the entire movie. Courtesy of Storage Centres, here's an intriguing infographic and ranked list of some of the best films to use claustrophobia. Enjoy!
Read Moreumping from infographics to a fun quiz, give this a try. If you love movies and dogs, chances are you’ll enjoy a good dog flick. Using this series of minimal posters, can you guess the movie that the famous dog featured in? Quiz courtesy of Protectivity.
Read MoreThere are few things more scenic and compelling than a wide-open rooftop overlooking a sprawling urban landscape. The perception of heigh and depth does it all. Over the years, some iconic movie scenes have taken place on rooftops. Maybe it’s the risk of falling off, or the build-up to the inevitable showdown at the end. Here is an engaging infographic from Rubber Band on some of the best rooftop confrontations in movie history.
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