COLUMN: Top 5 Business Movies to Stay Inspired

Business movies have become popular in recent years and more people want to watch some success stories where they draw their inspiration. If you want to succeed in the business world, you have to have a lot of knowledge and start focusing on technical things and specific behaviors in order to prepare for the journey. Nowadays, there are many films that tell a business story and all the challenges and triumphs the leaders encounter. It is a very good way to come up with an idea to improve your business or see new possibilities.

2019, Column, Editorial, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanNovember 5, 2019Comment

MEDIA APPEARANCE: David Ehrlich's IndieWire Critics Survey on November 4, 2019

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: What streaming platforms do you currently subscribe to, and why?

This was nice and informative question this week and I was glad to brag on finding free things. Folks, let me tell you the power of a regular library card. You can’t beat FREE. Look locally if your library or library system supports the Hoopla Digital and Kanopy streaming services. The wealth of content available is outstanding for something that doesn’t cost you a dime. If you’re a frugal working dad and cord-cutter like me, I cannot recommend them enough. I was the one person this week namedropping Hoopla and one of only three touting Kanopy. Seek them out.

Independent Film, Media Appearance, Social Media, SPECIAL, 2019Don ShanahanNovember 4, 2019David EhrlichComment

MEDIA APPEARANCE: Quoted on Quality Comix discussing "The Evolution of The Joker"

I was approached recently for a collaboration opportunity by Quality Comix, a successful comic sales website which puts out their own editorial content alongside their marketplace. They were working on a long-form article on the 80-year history of Batman’s greatest nemesis, The Joker. The writers there enjoyed my Joker review and I was thankful to be considered and included. The lead question for a short blurb was a character analysis outlining major actions, motivations, or character developments throughout the character’s film incarnations.

2019, Chicago Film Festival, EVENT, Independent Film, Media Appearance, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanNovember 4, 2019Quality ComixComment

MEDIA APPEARANCE: Guest on the "Kicking the Seat" YouTube channel talking "Jojo Rabbit"

When you see a fellow film critic love a movie you loved too, it’s like an invisible fist-bump or high-five. When I heard friend-of-the-page Ian Simmons of the Kicking the Seat podcast adore Jojo Rabbit, I could not help but nag him to talk about it. He had already covered the film with critic Pat McDonald of Hollywood Chicago for his podcast, but wanted to bring me in for a video to balance the takes out after Pat was a little lukewarm on it compared to Ian and I. Enjoy Ian and I singing spoiler-free praise for Jojo Rabbit on his YouTube channel.

Media Appearance, Podcast, Social Media, SPECIAL, 2019Don ShanahanNovember 4, 2019AMC River East 21Kicking the SeatComment

INFOGRAPHIC: How Franchises Make Their Money

Casino Kings recently analyzed the world’s highest grossing media franchises that started out as cartoons, films, comic books, video games and other forms of media to find out how they make their money. Scroll through this gallery slideshow of infographics to find out which revenue streams generate the most money forthese famous franchises.

2019, Column, Editorial, Infographic, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanNovember 4, 2019Movie FranchisesComment

INFOGRAPHIC QUIZ: Reckon You Know Movie Cars?

The fine folks at Select Car Leasing have chosen 10 of the of the most iconic TV cars and put them through our unique virtual wind tunnel. When you’re first presented with one of our 10 cars, you’ll be asked which car you’re looking at. The catch? – the car will be invisible. Your clue to guess the car is the outline of the smoke sweeping across the screen. When you select your answer, the car in the wind tunnel will then appear to let you know if you have made the correct choice.

2019, Column, Editorial, Infographic, SPECIAL, Social MediaDon ShanahanNovember 4, 2019Comment

GUEST EDITORIAL: Top 10 Movies About Food, Restaurants, and Chefs

by Nellie Rodriguez

Movies are great for captivating your sense of sight and sound. If the bass is high enough, you can feel 'touch' in the film. But, it is harder for a movie to make you taste or smell something. Or is it?

Films that captivate your senses connect with us on all levels. But that feat is easier said than done. When we try to remember our most memorable moments of movies about cooking and food, we can almost experience the synesthetic power via images, sizzling sounds, etc. that make our mouths water.

2019, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home Media, LIST, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanOctober 24, 2019Comment

GUEST EDITORIAL: Top Ten College Movies

by Aimee Laurence

There are so many hundreds of movies based on the college experience, because it is such a transformational life event. This article sets out our top ten favorites.

2019, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanOctober 24, 2019 Comment

MEDIA APPEARANCE: David Ehrlich's IndieWire Critics Survey on October 14, 2019

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: What is the best 21st Century movie about capitalism and class anxiety?

I gotta say, this topic was much tamer and quite the switch from the dangerous inquiry last week. Every generation and decade has their bumper crop of movies about our American capitalizm. In my lifetime, I point to Wall Street in the 80s and Boiler Room in the 90s. For this century, I went sentimental more than combative. The Big Short was a tempting second place choice.

Independent Film, Media Appearance, Social Media, SPECIAL, 2019Don ShanahanOctober 15, 2019David EhrlichComment

FESTIVAL PREVIEW: The 10 best special presentations at the upcoming 55th Chicago International Film Festival

For the 55th year, the excellent and eclectic of national and international cinematic art descends on the Windy City for a fall conclave. The 55th Chicago International Film Festival begins on Wednesday, October 16th with the Opening Night bow of Edward Norton’s period crime drama Motherless Child and continues until October 27th with the Closing Night documentary premiere of The Torch chronicling the life of blues legend Buddy Guy. Norton’s film leads an eleven-day showcase of 21 different themed programs containing over 120 films.

2019, Chicago Film Festival, Column, EVENT, Film Festival, Foreign Film, NEWS, SPECIALDon ShanahanOctober 14, 2019Comment

GUEST EDITORIAL: 7 Biographical Movies About Scientists

People find the reading of biographies of some of the most notable individuals in the world interesting. You cannot see what it changes in them until you have sat and read one. The film industry has not fallen short of the same approach to its greatest movie creations. One common category is that of biographies of individuals such as scientists. If you find biographies of scientists interesting, then you cannot miss looking out this list of biographical movies about scientists.

2019, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, LIST, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanOctober 9, 2019Comment

MEDIA APPEARANCE: David Ehrlich's IndieWire Critics Survey on October 7, 2019

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: What is the most “dangerous” movie of this century?

I’m not a believer that movies can incite violence, but I am a big believer that they can incite stupidity. Just like the poor fitness and health that comes from when all you eat is garbage, a mind can be trashed the same way. I put the school teacher hat on for my response to this week’s survey question and I don’t care if I get laughed at. Danger to me is seeing the youth of America in my classrooms accepting the Minions as high quality entertainment worth their screen time.

Independent Film, Media Appearance, Social Media, SPECIAL, 2019Don ShanahanOctober 9, 2019David EhrlichComment