For our 33rd episode, 25YL film critics, bullfighting dads, and sunburnt school teachers Will Johnson and Don Shanahan swim to get spicy sand in every podcast crevice in critiquing Denis Villeneuve's Dune. This was a polarizing challenge for both hosts with big words and bigger thoughts. Come for the shared challenge and tirade and stay for the mutual love and respect for the fun movies encapsulate. Enjoy our podcast!
Read MoreFor our 32nd episode, 25YL film critics, godly dads, and mystical school teachers Will Johnson and Don Shanahan bring an instant episode covering Marvel's Eternals just in time for its release. The Marvel Shill Will was impressed by the heady fantasy while Don was counting sharks that were being jumped. Come for the shared challenge and tirade and stay for the mutual love and respect for the fun movies encapsulate. Enjoy our podcast!
Read MoreFor their 31st episode, 25YL film critics, cud-chewing dads, and preachy school teachers Will Johnson and Don Shanahan are joined again by 25YL film writer Byron Lafayette for the second of two episodes looking at the politics of old westerns. Last time, it was the left-leaning High Noon. This time it's 1956's right-wing answer from The Searchers. Deep themes give us the tingles. Come to Monument Valley and enjoy this very rich discussion.
Read MoreFor their 30th episode, 25YL film critics, gun-tottin' dads, and paper-grading school teachers Will Johnson and Don Shanahan welcomed a new guest to the dais for the first of two episodes. Say hello to the enigmatic Byron Lafayette, a newer film staff writer from 25YL. At his request, the three dive into competing politics first in 1952's Gary Cooper classic High Noon! We've got extra stoicism for you listeners! Next week, John Wayne claps back with The Searchers.
Read MoreFor our 29th episode, 25YL film critics, faith-challenged dads, and rocksteady school teachers Will Johnson and Don Shanahan cap off a guest host double Phoenix-based film critic and podcaster Ben Cahlamer. Last episode, the trio went around virtual table on Paul Schrader's "The Card Counter." Possibly challenging it as the better film is Schrader's previous film and Ethan Hawke masterpiece "First Reformed." Pass the holy water. This one gets spiritual.
Read MoreRecently, I had the pleasure of joining Kevin McLenithan of the long-running "Seeing and Believing Podcast,” part of the Christ and Pop Culture site and podcast network as one of a series of interim hosts. Kevin and I are both members of Chicago Indie Critics and his faith-flavored perspective has always been topical, honest, and outstanding. His regular co-host Wade Bearden has retired from the show for other ventures and this new episode talking about the new James Bond movie No Time to Die was Kevin’s first run on “Seeing and Believing” leading the ship. I was honored to talk about a stellar movie and temporarily fill some big shows.
Read MoreFor our 28th episode, 25YL film critics, strong dads, and inventive school teachers Will Johnson and Don Shanahan welcomed become prior guest and Phoenix-based film critic Ben Cahlamer for a twin bill of Paul Schrader films. Ben joins Will for a debate on Schrader's new film and Oscar Isaac vehicle "The Card Counter." Having not seen the movie, Don puts on the striped shirt as the referee for this one. Ben, as always, brings his insightful color that elevates this show.
Read MoreFor our 27th episode, 25YL film critics, good-eating dads, and zany school teachers Will Johnson and Don Shanahan prepare for the timely release of Venom: Let There Be Carnage with a look back at the first Venom film from 2018. Will and Don are joined by special guest and comic book nut Rachel S. to talk about symbiotes and idiots. Will had never seen this movie and got to be the one surprised.
Read MoreFor our 25th episode and the final fourth bit of their epic in-person series, 25YL film critics, scruffy dads, and sarcastic school teachers Will Johnson and Don Shanahan conclude their united recording meeting for the second edition of a new segment style. Targeting some deep cut discussion on the resumes and legacies of actors and actresses, our hosts discuss one more Chicago-born actor: Robin Williams! They work around the easy and obvious to peer further down the late and beloved gentleman's sterling resume.
Read MoreFor our 26th episode, 25YL film critics, ill-informed dads, and svelte school teachers Will Johnson and Don Shanahan team up on another "Deep Cut" discussion on the legacy of another celebrated performer. Suggested by Will Johnson, the duo compared their love/hate takes and viewing recommendations for the unlikely chameleon that has become Woody Harrelson, one of the hardest working actors of this generation. They work around the easy and obvious to peer further down the career resume.
Read MoreFor our 25th episode and the final fourth bit of their epic in-person series, 25YL film critics, scruffy dads, and sarcastic school teachers Will Johnson and Don Shanahan conclude their united recording meeting for the second edition of a new segment style. Targeting some deep cut discussion on the resumes and legacies of actors and actresses, our hosts discuss one more Chicago-born actor: Robin Williams! They work around the easy and obvious to peer further down the late and beloved gentleman's sterling resume.
Read MoreMY 75TH APPEARANCE ON KICKING THE SEAT! Not that it reached a Keyser Soze level, but episode 6 of rhe animated What If…? series gave us a taste of what would happen in a “bad guy wins” scenario. Michael B. Jordan was featured heavily in a reality where he rescues Tony Stark before he ever becomes Iron Man and uses his new platform as a long game to infiltrate Wakanda. A selection of “Earth’s Mightiest Critics” on the Kicking the Seat YouTube channel talked it all over. Enjoy Ian Simmons of the Kicking the Seat, myself, Mike Crowley of You’ll Probably Agree, and Mark Krawczyk of Special Mark Productions pledging our allegiances .
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