EDITORIAL: Best casino movies of the 21st century so far

Flashy casino settings have long been inviting destinations for eager tourists and lavish film productions. The twinkling lights and allure of scoring a life-changing payday is a shared dream of both the customer and the moviemakers looking for artistic and commercial successes. Nowadays, a taste of that lucky escapism for thrill seekers can come online through eclectic sites like Casino Billions or continue at their local movie theater or the cushions of their couch with a good flick.

2018, Column, Editorial, LIST, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanSeptember 5, 2018Comment

EDITORIAL: Movies that will help make good students

Ask any teacher or tutor out there worth their salt from anywhere in the world, myself included, and they’ll trade all the flashy material things and gadgets off that school supply list for students prepared with a kind heart, a willing mind, and a positive attitude. Those three traits aren’t found in the store aisles. However, there are a few movies out there that can inspire future good students and spark conversations for a family movie night at home.

2018, Editorial, Independent Film, LIST, SPECIALDon ShanahanSeptember 3, 2018 Comments

MEDIA APPEARANCE: David Ehrlich's IndieWire Critics Survey on August 27, 2018

Notable and notorious IndieWire film critic David Ehrlich recently put out a social media call for film critic peers to join a weekly survey to discuss movie topics, answer questions, and highlight their work. Representing Every Movie Has a Lesson, I, along with over 60 other emerging and established film critics including some of my fellow Chicago Independent Film Critics Circle members, accepted the invitation to participate. I'm honored by the opportunity, and I hope my responses are chosen each week.

2018, Independent Film, Media Appearance, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanAugust 31, 2018David Ehrlich, Ethan HawkeComment

MEDIA APPEARANCE: "Connecting With Classics" Episode 8: "Lawrence of Arabia"

Closing out the main summer months with the August pick of the Feelin' Film Podcast "Connecting With Classics" series, host Aaron White and I needed to carve out some serious committed time to absorb and appreciate the longest film ever to win the Best Picture Oscar. That revered classic and victor is the 56-year-old Lawrence of Arabia from director David Lean and it has a lengthy resume of accolades, rankings, and awards Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the definition of a true Hollywood epic.

2018, Media Appearance, MOVIE REVIEW, Podcast, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanAugust 31, 2018VertigoComment

MEDIA APPEARANCE: David Ehrlich's IndieWire Critics Survey on August 20, 2018

Notable and notorious IndieWire film critic David Ehrlich recently put out a social media call for film critic peers to join a weekly survey to discuss movie topics, answer questions, and highlight their work. Representing Every Movie Has a Lesson, I, along with over 60 other emerging and established film critics including some of my fellow Chicago Independent Film Critics Circle members, accepted the invitation to participate. I'm honored by the opportunity, and I hope my responses are chosen each week.

2018, Independent Film, Media Appearance, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanAugust 24, 2018David Ehrlich, Ethan HawkeComment

MEDIA APPEARANCE: Interview in the "Forest Park Review"

Recently, I pitched my local suburban newspaper, The Forest Park Review, to volunteer my film reviews as a potential worthy addition to their publication. Its editor declined citing space is at a premium for focusing on local topics and issues, but he liked my journey as a school teacher, film critic, and co-founder of the Chicago Independent Film Critics Circle. He wanted to know if I would interested in being interviewed for a citizen's spotlight. I was glad and honored to oblige.

SPECIAL, 2018, Media Appearance, Social MediaDon ShanahanAugust 20, 2018Comment

MEDIA APPEARANCE: David Ehrlich's IndieWire Critics Survey on August 13, 2018

Notable and notorious IndieWire film critic David Ehrlich recently put out a social media call for film critic peers to join a weekly survey to discuss movie topics, answer questions, and highlight their work. Representing Every Movie Has a Lesson, I, along with over 60 other emerging and established film critics including some of my fellow Chicago Independent Film Critics Circle members, accepted the invitation to participate. I'm honored by the opportunity, and I hope my responses are chosen each week.

2018, Independent Film, Media Appearance, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanAugust 15, 2018David EhrlichComment

EDITORIAL: Five of the best movies inspired by video games

For video gamers and movie fans alike, these films hit the spot. The combination of two worlds where anything is possible creates the opportunity for some of the best entertainment and escapism imaginable, and here are the best of the best (in no particular order). Enjoy this new editorial and viewing list!

2018, Column, Editorial, LIST, SPECIAL, SHORT FILMSDon ShanahanAugust 13, 2018 Comment

MEDIA APPEARANCE: David Ehrlich's IndieWire Critics Survey on August 6, 2018

Notable and notorious IndieWire film critic David Ehrlich recently put out a social media call for film critic peers to join a weekly survey to discuss movie topics, answer questions, and highlight their work. Representing Every Movie Has a Lesson, I, along with over 60 other emerging and established film critics including some of my fellow Chicago Independent Film Critics Circle members, accepted the invitation to participate. I'm honored by the opportunity, and I hope my responses are chosen each week.

2018, Independent Film, Media Appearance, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanAugust 8, 2018David EhrlichComment

INFOGRAPHIC: America and Canada's favorite Disney classics

With so many incredible Disney films over the years, it can be hard to choose a favorite. Would you go for a Golden Age film like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs or a Disney Renaissance flick like Hercules? While we might not know your personal Disney favorite (or maybe we do—we’re pretty mysterious), our team of analysts discovered which Disney classic each US state prefers above the rest. Check it out!

2018, Column, Editorial, Infographic, LIST, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanAugust 8, 2018 Comments

EDITORIAL: Lesser-known sports and betting movies worth checking out

Some sports films depict acts of triumph over adversity, where mavericks and underdogs are the heroes, while others tell the story of sustained greatness over many years. There have been sporting dramas, sporting comedies, sporting romances and even animated sporting films and while most critics agree on the best of all time, there are always a few that slip under the radar. So here are a few sports films that you may not have seen but should definitely check out.

2018, Column, Editorial, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanAugust 8, 2018Comment

INFOGRAPHIC: Iconic movie sleepwear for your favorite characters

Do you think you know everything about your favorite movie characters? From their personality, to their…pajamas? Aside from the action and drama, there are many iconic movie moments where we see characters in their most vulnerable outfits. Would you have been able to guess these characters by their pajamas? Check out this infographic to quiz yourself!