MEDIA APPEARANCE: Guest on the "You'll Probably Agree" podcast talking about "Spider-Man: No Way Home"

Mike Crowley of the You’ll Probably Agree website (and fellow 25YL film critic) collected a few movie friends in the exhaling wake of the Chicago press screening of Spider-Man: No Way Home. Still buzzing, Mike’s digital recorder and microphone array captured the rants and processing compliments of myself, David Fowlie of Keeping It Reel, and Annie Banks of Chuck Load of Comics. This was boozy, sweaty, and fun! Enjoy this energetic conversation and be sure to follow Mike’s work on 25YL.

Social Media, SPECIAL, Podcast, Media Appearance, Editorial, Home Media, 2021Don ShanahanDecember 16, 2021Mike Crowley, You'll Probably AgreeComment

GUEST COLUMN: All About the Documentary "You Don't Know Nicotine"

by Emma Wilson

In a world where smoking tobacco is becoming a significant trend, a large percentage of the population is also interested in delving deep into the real insights of the mechanism. Not only is medical science making efforts in such endeavors, but also the entertainment industry is chasing the truth behind the addictive chemicals. 'You Don't Know Nicotine' is one such documentary that has been making prominent impacts in people's mindsets about the smoking component' nicotine.'

2021, Column, Documentary, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home MediaDon ShanahanNovember 29, 2021Comment

MOVIE REVIEW: The Power of the Dog

Calling down the inspirational Biblical thunder of Psalm 22:20 that swings like a pendulum between beloved darlings delivering souls and the deadly teeth of sin, The Power of the Dog allows straight bitterness to build its texture of smoke. You have a western that doesn’t pull a trigger to make its points. It kills without blades or bullets. Call it a woman’s touch, if you must, but that would be dismissive when you consider the source material and its notable twists.

2021, 3 STARS, ADVANCE MOVIE REVIEW, Chicago Film Festival, Home Media, Independent Film, MOVIE REVIEW, StreamingDon ShanahanNovember 27, 2021Comment

GUEST EDITORIAL: The Power of Dreams in Disney's "The Rookie"

by Kevin Gardner

Nearly everyone has at some point dreamt of what could have been. Whether it's a missed career opportunity, a missed relationship, or something else entirely, ruminating in the nostalgia can bring up a variety of emotions. The 2002 Disney film, The Rookie, manages to capture every one of those feelings as it explores a "what if" that becomes real.

2021, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, GUEST CRITIC, Home MediaDon ShanahanNovember 27, 2021Comment

GUEST EDITORIAL: Film Review of 2015’s "Spectre"

by Kevin Gardner

The follow-up to Skyfall, regarded as one of the finest Bond films ever made, is a much different film than its predecessor. Spectre is a modern take on James Bond’s famous clichés and plot conventions. Unlike Skyfall, it does not slow down for sadness or melodrama, but it pauses for a second then surges forward with high-energy action scenes. Spectre’s stunts are some of the most impressive of the series, and Daniel Craig (Bond) rarely seems able to take a breath after he’s thrown around by Dave Bautista or attacked by twenty black-suited men with submachine guns.

2021, Column, Editorial, GUEST CRITIC, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home MediaDon ShanahanNovember 27, 2021Comment

COLUMN: Best Bodybuilding Documentaries to Watch on Netflix

With the help of this article, we will help you to know about some of the best documentaries that are related to bodybuilding. From basic side effects to the overall effect of exercise on the human body, you will be able to learn everything. Apart from this, these documentaries will show you the real-life of some of the best names in the bodybuilding industry. For a bodybuilder who is looking for motivation to start and continue the workout, these documentaries can be very important.

2021, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home Media, DocumentaryDon ShanahanNovember 22, 2021Comment

GUEST COLUMN: All You Need to Know About "Drive Hard"

by Emma Wilson

Set in Queensland, Australia, Drive Hard was initially written for Jean-Claude Van Damme. The directors, led by Brian Trenchard-Smith, had to rework the entire script and bring in new faces. That's where the idea of casting John Cusack and Thomas Jane as lead actors came in. The movie received limited theatrical and wide home video distribution in the United States through Image Entertainment Company. We can't also downplay the role of Chad Law, Evan Law, and Brigette Jean Allen, who are all behind the movie's excellent screenwriting to make it a humorous and action-packed drama.

2021, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, GUEST CRITIC, Home MediaDon ShanahanNovember 12, 2021Comment

EDITORIAL: "Oscar and Lucinda" Movie Review

Production companies in the film industry have found great success in rebooting and reimagining classic films over the years, with certain titles like Cleopatra having been remade on numerous occasions. When it comes to masterpieces that are deserving of a remake, the original film must have been popular, and a new version needs to offer a sense of nostalgia for viewers. There are a few gems out there that could undergo this treatment, with Oscar and Lucinda perhaps being a strong option to suit modern audiences.

2021, 3 STARS, Editorial, Home MediaDon ShanahanNovember 12, 2021Comment

GUEST EDITORIAL: 5 Top Movies About the American Criminal Justice System

by Kevin Gardner

Everyone loves a gripping, edge-of-your-seat crime movie. Whether it's fiction or a documentary, you get wrapped up in the story along with the shock and awe of it all. Streaming services like Netflix and Hulu have entire genres about this topic with a revolving door of new releases, and there's something for everyone.

2021, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home MediaDon ShanahanNovember 12, 2021Comment

GUEST COLUMN: Five Technological Movies That Make You Want to Find Out More

by Lewis Robinson

There's a saying in Hollywood that goes, "make it believable." Movie producers put a lot of time and energy into getting the science right. People buy the story because they understand how it could be possible. And then, as Terry Pratchett would say, "what is realism but a created impossibility?" It's not just about visual effects, either. With modern image-processing software and motion capture techniques, creators can mix CGI with traditional filming techniques to make animation indistinguishable from live-action footage. To speak of science fiction films as something set apart from other storytelling mediums sells them short.

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

GUEST EDITORIAL: 5 Christmas Movies That Will Inspire You to Take a Holiday

by Kevin Gardner

Is there anything that gets you excited for Christmas quite like a good holiday film? Christmas movies airing on television signal the start of the season. Chances are you’ll end up watching your favorite Christmas movie over and over again every year. They are as much a part of the Christmas tradition as decorating the tree or baking cookies. They can also inspire some serious holiday travel. If you’re looking to up the ante this year with a Christmas-themed vacation, settle into one of these 5 holiday films for inspiration.

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

GUEST EDITORIAL: The Perfect Comfort Movies All Year Round

by Kevin Gardner

Comfort movies provide a break for troubled minds and ease anxiety. Finding solace in movies tends to aid in a much-needed escape from everyday life. Much like a favorite dish, watching a favorite movie can give a person a feeling of security and joy. People often turn to a list of favorite movies around the holidays, and now more than ever, access to movies is found on streaming services and online. Sometimes people need that familiar comfy, cozy feeling, more than just during a holiday. Perhaps it's been a rough day, or you just want to put on a movie you love and watch it over and over again. Instead of trying something new, you reach for what's familiar.

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