MOVIE REVIEW: Voyagers

This is going to get confusing, but critiquing Voyagers calls upon several illustrative conflicts. First off, science fiction is the realm of high-minded concepts of fantasy, and yet organic humanity creates and drives each and every great idea in the genre. In the same regard, you have homage versus originality in applying prototypical themes to the luster of new settings. Lasty, you have an audience’s subjective aim to project any number of thoughts out of a movie while the work was created with certain objectives in mind that may not be seen or readily interpreted. All three of those dichotomies clash in Neil Burger’s new film with mixed results.

2 STARS, 2021, Home Media, Independent Film, MOVIE REVIEW, StreamingDon ShanahanApril 9, 2021Comment

MOVIE REVIEW: Thunder Force

This is the fifth husband-and-wife/director-and-star collaboration between Ben Falcone and Melissa McCarthy. Sure, the Frank Sonnnenberg saying of “If work isn’t fun, you’re not playing on the right team” applies to this ensemble. Everyone’s clearly having fun but the “because I’m fun” lines aren’t enough this time. Once again, we’ve seen these “think before you act” and “don’t get carried away” manchild pleadings too much outside of superhero costumes to be duped into enjoying them just because they’re now clad in muscular leather and special effects.

1 STAR, 2021, ADVANCE MOVIE REVIEW, Home Media, MOVIE REVIEW, StreamingDon ShanahanApril 9, 2021Comment

MOVIE REVIEW: The Tunnel

The genre of disaster movies loves to take the well-worn “Murphy’s Law” of “anything that can go wrong will go wrong" as pseudo-logical permission to get excessively creative with their hazards and menaces. There’s most certainly spectacle to be generated but also overindulgence. Just ask Roland Emmerich. The new Norwegian dramatic thriller The Tunnel from director Pål Øie is somewhere wisely in between.

2021, 3 STARS, Foreign Film, Home Media, MOVIE REVIEW, StreamingDon ShanahanApril 8, 2021Comment

GUEST COLUMN: 7 Best Stoner Movies Of All Time

by Crystal M. Wilson

When you think of a stoner movie, what comes to your mind? Is it a bunch of potheads trying to look for a car, finding their perfect meal, or committing a crime? Stoner movies have all those elements and more. If you feel that stoner movies have nothing more to offer, you will miss the multiple experimental and noir options available to you. It does not matter how you like your weed. These top seven options will be your all-time favorite no matter what. So, here's starting the list without further delay.

2021, Column, Editorial, Home MediaDon ShanahanApril 8, 2021Comment

GUEST EDITORIAL: Why Do We Eat Popcorn in the Cinema?

by Esther Moe

Popcorn know we as a hefty tray popped corn kernels in the dark untidy in the mouth is crammed. It was the first corn variant in Central America in culture was introduced. Andrew Smith, author of 'Popped culture; a social history of popcorn, " says the popcorn from Central America, both to the south and to the north moved, but which the culture only in the south position held. Eventually brought the trade the hard grain of corn to North America, more specifically merchants of New England, the early 19th century in Chile with the granules in contact came and they especially funny thought.

2021, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home MediaDon ShanahanApril 6, 2021Comment

GUEST EDITORIAL: Backyard Movie Night Essentials

by Kevin Gardner

The thought of relaxing on a warm summer’s night in your backyard to enjoy a movie is enough to send almost anyone into a state of deep relaxation and happiness. Picture it: friends and family close by, great food and cold drinks, and one of your favorite flicks playing at home for all to see. While it may seem like a daydream, there’s never been a better time to make it a reality. After all, technology is more advanced and affordable than ever. Even if you don’t have luxurious acres of land at your disposal, there are still many ways to create a great backyard movie setup that will be the go-to destination for your friends all summer long!

Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home MediaDon ShanahanMarch 30, 2021Comment

GUEST COLUMN: Top 4 Sports Films of All-Time

by Kevin Gardner

A good movie can evoke a variety of emotions. Comedies produce tears of laughter, action movies promote suspense, and horror flicks can scare even the bravest of audiences. Sports films win the hearts of their viewers by generating feelings of affection, dedication, and camaraderie. While countless sports movies have graced the big screen over the years, a select few remain forever in the hearts of their viewers. Read on to learn more about the best sports films of all-time.

2021, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home Media, StreamingDon ShanahanMarch 30, 2021Comment

GUEST COLUMN: 10 Movies To Watch at Your Next Sleepover

by Kevin Gardner

Sleepovers provide the ultimate time for you and your favorite people to gather around a television and fall back in love with all of your very favorite movies together. Sleepovers are also a great time to look up your favorite actors and actresses, your favorite directors or even your favorite books online and find new, exciting movies to bond over. It does not matter whether or not the films you watch are at all familiar to you and your friends. What does matter is that you all gather up with your coziest blankets and yummiest snacks and get lost in exciting worlds on screen.

2021, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home MediaDon ShanahanMarch 30, 2021Comment

GUEST EDITORIAL: How to Safely Stream Movies Online

by Kevin Gardner

It has become incredibly easy to access a plethora of movies and television shows online, with almost endless options for where to watch them. But some streaming sites are less safe than others, and some are downright dangerous. Here are a few tips for identifying which sites are legitimate, and staying safe along the way.

Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home Media, StreamingDon ShanahanMarch 30, 2021Comment

GUEST EDITORIAL: 9 Perfect Films for Outdoor Movie Night

by Kevin Gardner

There's nothing that says spring has sprung more than a barbecue and outdoor movie night. Invite your favorite people and keep your movie choices light, charming and fun! Your movie night cannot fail with any of these choices. So, heat up the grill, call some friends and get ready for a fantastic night!

2021, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home MediaDon ShanahanMarch 30, 2021Comment

GUEST EDITORIAL: Introduction to the Cars Movies

by Lewis Robinson

Opinion on the Cars movie franchise is mixed. It has many fans, young and old, especially among families who enjoy automobiles as a hobby. However, critics have often been mixed in their feelings about the franchise, with some praising it effusively and others dismissing it. Here is an introduction to the world of Cars and its relationship to the real world.

2021, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home MediaDon ShanahanMarch 30, 2021Comment

MOVIE REVIEW: Godzilla vs. Kong

Punch up the peril. Amplify the spectacle. Turn the big boys loose. That’s it. Should it really be that hard, especially when you pair the two most popular monster properties in cinema history? They’re billed as ancient enemies of a never-ending rivalry. Would it really be that difficult to stand back in Godzilla vs. Kong and “let them fight?” Evidently, it still is. Apparently, monsters are still dragged down by convolution and pesky people.