MOVIE REVIEW: The Map of Tiny Perfect Things

For the impressionable young woman and clearly smitten guy, played by Freaky’s outstanding Kathryn Newton and future West Side Story cast member Kyle Allen, all hope is far from lost after this first unified encounter. They get to do this all over again. Playing in the self-aware Groundhog Day and Palm Springs pond, their Mark and Margaret are stuck in a temporal loop, repeating the same sunny Alabama spring day that ends with the hints of a cleansing thunderstorm at midnight that never comes before the alarm clock awakens the restarted day.

2021, 4 STARS, Home Media, Independent Film, MOVIE REVIEW, Streaming, Video on DemandDon ShanahanFebruary 12, 2021The Map of Tiny Perfect ThingsComment

MOVIE REVIEW: Judas and the Black Messiah

Director Shaka King and his co-writer Will Berson, both prior specialists of television, have penned and lensed an appropriately audacious feature film debut that deserves reverence and reaction. Through it all, there is tangible grizzled inspirational force to watching the agitators humanize and refine their plight. To hell with any “product of its era talk” because this is a crusade that many will cite as ongoing today with much of the same potency. Taking much deserved latitude, Judas and the Black Messiah does not beat around a single bush with where the antagonistic blame belongs.

2021, 4 STARS, ADVANCE MOVIE REVIEW, Home Media, MOVIE REVIEW, StreamingDon ShanahanFebruary 12, 2021Comment

GUEST COLUMN: Movies for Truck Drivers Who Want Something Different

by Kevin Gardner

You say you love movies about trucking, but you’re getting a little bored of watching Smokey and the Bandit and Convoy over and over. If you are looking for something a bit different that is good for a laugh but still involves lots of truck driving, you might want to consider trucking movies given the Mystery Science Theater 3000 or Rifftrax treatment.

2021, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home MediaDon ShanahanFebruary 10, 2021Comment

GUEST COLUMN: Sports Movies That Inspire Excellence

by Devin Caldwell

Throughout modern history, some of the most inspirational movies that have been made are those centered around sports. The stories are intriguing and often focus on the human ability to overachieve, overcome or make a comeback. Some are based on real-life accounts and others are fictional. These films spark many conversations about which ones are the best. Think about a few of these in different sports and the lessons they teach us.

2021, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home MediaDon ShanahanFebruary 8, 2021Comment

COLUMN: Essential Human Trafficking Movies

Human trafficking is widespread, both in America and worldwide. It’s a horrific practice and robs individuals of their most basic human rights. Some of those trafficked start doing sex work at a very young age, and they give up hope of ever finding a better life, particularly if it’s all they know. Several movies deal with this difficult subject matter. They can be hard to watch sometimes, but it’s better to know about these sorts of things happening in the world than to turn a blind eye and pretend it isn’t happening. In this article, we’ll cover a few of the more compelling human trafficking movies you’re likely to find.

2021, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanFebruary 8, 2021Comment

GUEST COLUMN: 6 Thought-Provoking and Motivational Movies For Students

by Pauline Jensen

After enrolling in college or university, we begin our new aspect of life. High school is behind, and new challenges are ahead. Sometimes, these challenges are way too hard to deal with. As a consequence, we lose our motivation to study, which results in low grades and overall dissatisfaction with studies and education. What to do then? Well, there are a dozen ways to boost your motivation. For instance, you can click here and get model projects to see how to complete it and get the highest grade.

2021, GUEST EDITORIAL, Editorial, Home MediaDon ShanahanFebruary 8, 2021Comment

GUEST COLUMN: Top 7 Romantic Movies That Will Make You Believe In Love

by Karl Murphy

Some people love watching action movies, others prefer detective stories, etc. We all have our interests and preferences, but what about love stories in cinematography? A lot of people don't even watch love movies anymore since the love stories depicted are far from reality. Let’s face it, love at first sight rarely has a happy ending due to both individuals getting to know each other better.

2021, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home MediaDon ShanahanFebruary 7, 2021Comment

GUEST COLUMN: 5 Iconic, Irreplaceable Filming Locations

by Devin Caldwell

A lot of filming is done on sets and backlots, many of which are dismantled almost as soon as filming ends. However, there are certain things that cannot be recreated on a soundstage. Sweeping vistas, iconic streets and irreplaceable grand homes make up an important part of many of the most recognizable films. Here are just a few iconic filming locations used by countless directors over the years.

2021, Column, Editorial, Home MediaDon ShanahanFebruary 6, 2021Comment

MOVIE REVIEW: Supernova

Harry Macqueen’s sophomore feature film takes its name from the celestial phenomenon of “the explosion of a star in which the star may reach a maximum intrinsic luminosity one billion times that of the sun.” We even watch the far off flicker of one occurring pre-credits. “Maximum intrinsic luminosity” meaning peak essential brightness, eh? Yes, that can aptly describe the very earthly power of Supernova’s loving relationship and the brimming personalities united in that bond.

2020, 2021, 4 STARS, Home Media, MOVIE REVIEW, Streaming, Video on DemandDon ShanahanFebruary 4, 2021Comment

3 Movies That Fit Perfectly with Your Game Night

Game night is always an exciting way to end the work week with friends and family. This night doesn’t always have to be centered on your and your buddies wasting the night away by playing poker, darts, pools, board games, and other exciting activities. Other people spice things up by playing some great movies to go along with the other activities. Of course, there are some films that are better-suited game night. You wouldn’ t want to play a horror film for such a fun night wouldn’t you? Well, if you’re having trouble picking a movie, here are a few movies that deserve a spot on game night.

Column, Editorial, Home Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanJanuary 30, 2021Comment

GUEST COLUMN: 5 Simple Ways to Set Up a Successful Student Movie Night

by Arthur Evans

When you are in college, you are always on the lookout for cheap and simple ways to have fun during your free time. It can be relieving to forget about your exams, assignments, and projects for a couple of hours and have fun. Movie nights are amazing because you have them any time of the year. Therefore, if you want to host your friends in the middle of the semester or over the summer break, you won’t have any problems with the school administration or your tutors. So, how do you go about setting up a movie night? Here are five simple tips:

2021, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home MediaDon ShanahanJanuary 29, 2021Comment

MOVIE REVIEW: The Little Things

The very accomplished Denzel Washington is and has been many superlative things throughout his illustrious career. His signature intensity and ardent commitment to character have filled trophy cases and made him a magnetic draw across five decades now. One thing you could never call him was boring. Sure, the same can’t be said about all of his movies, but he was never (and I mean never) part of the dullness. Well, after nearly 50 films, there’s a first time for everything and John Lee Hancock’s The Little Things, debuting on HBO Max, is the culprit.

2 STARS, 2021, Home Media, MOVIE REVIEW, StreamingDon ShanahanJanuary 29, 2021Comment