MEDIA APPEARANCE: Interview on "The Delicious Story" hosted by Sherry Borzo

Recently this spring, I was a discovered and flattered interview subject of the Des Moines, Iowa-based Sherry Borzo and her The Delicious Story podcast. It is a program that “features interesting people sharing memorable meal stories, and the magic that happens when we gather around the table.” She found one of my reviews and wanted to learn more about my site and story. It was a very enjoyable chat on life, movies, food, and more. Enjoy this great conversation and check out her eclectic and lovely podcast!

2020, CIC, Home Media, Media Appearance, Podcast, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanJune 8, 2020Comment

MEDIA APPEARANCE: Participant in "World of Reel" Critics Poll for Best Films of the 2000s

As I grow with press credentials and professional affiliation locally and nationally, I find myself more and more landing and conversing in circles with other film critics of various levels. Recently, I answered an open social media call from Jordan Ruimy of World of Reel. He is a fellow Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic who also has contributed to The Young Folks, The Playlist, We Got This Covered, and The Film Stage. His poll was to collect the Top 5 films of the 2000s from critics and other industry folk. I was honored to chime in with my quintet with some very high company, even if my picks didn’t climb very high compared to my peers. Enjoy the article and list. Check out your boy!

Media Appearance, Social Media, SPECIAL, LIST, Best Films, CICDon ShanahanJune 8, 2020Comment

MEDIA APPEARANCE: Participant in "World of Reel" Critics Poll for Best Films of the 1990s

As I grow with press credentials and professional affiliation locally and nationally, I find myself more and more landing and conversing in circles with other film critics of various levels. Much like the David Ehrlich survey I participate in, I answered an open social media call from Jordan Ruimy of World of Reel. He is a fellow Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic who also has contributed to The Young Folks, The Playlist, We Got This Covered, and The Film Stage. His poll was to collect the Top 5 films of the 2010s from critics and other industry folk. I was honored to chime in with my quintet.

2020, CIC, Media Appearance, LIST, Retrospective, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanJune 8, 2020Comment

GUEST COLUMN: Sports Films to Look Out for in 2020

by Thomas Glare

Everyone can agree that 2020 has been a tough year for the movie industry. Since going to the cinema wasn’t possible for a long period, the plans of big movie producers got affected, and many titles that were announced for 2020 were either postponed or canceled altogether. However, there are still some top sports films that were already launched or are coming to movie theaters later this year. So, if you’re looking for some good sports films, we made a list of the most promising productions launched this year. The offer isn’t exactly rich. However, it will take it’s no flash lightning either.

2020, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home Media, LIST, SPECIAL, Social MediaDon ShanahanJune 5, 2020Comment

MEDIA APPEARANCE: Guest on the "Kicking the Seat" podcast talking the politics of "Election"

As a teacher (pants optional during this current work landscape), it was a pleasure to discuss Alexander Payne’s 1999 film Election with Ian Simmons on his Kicking the Seat YouTube channel. It was my second spin for his “Reelpolitik” series after a previous appearance discussing All the President’s Men. The setting and scope is far different and far more fictional here. Election is as much a teacher movie as it was a political one. Enjoy our video conversation on the movie and be sure to follow Ian Simmons on his YouTube channel this week!

COLUMN: 7 Features of the Perfect Date Night Movie

by Kevin Gardner

Of course you can have too much of a good thing. Date night movies probably shouldn't be too long, and you probably don't want to watch a movie with an unsatisfying or frustrating ending. The end of a movie is what's going to influence the rest of your evening, after all. The swelling music and a romantic kiss is probably going to create a better date night impression than a sad ending and a death. Ideally, you want an ending that's going to leave you and your partner in a good mood, ready to get on with your romantic evening and enjoy the rest of your date.

2020, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanMay 24, 2020Comment

COLUMN: 10 Best Movies for Career Inspiration

Pursuing career goals may be a daunting experience, especially when you get repeated disappointments in the process. During such times, one may need intriguing successful stories about careers for encouragement. In most cases, when people face challenges in their career paths, they usually turn to TED talks and motivational writings. However, you cannot overlook the power of films in inspiring career objectives; there are various storylines on career success in film form. A good fascinating success story may be what you need to churn ideas and push you to reach your career goals. Here are some movies to inspire you career-wise.

2020, Column, Editorial, Home Media, LIST, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanMay 23, 2020Comment

EDITORIAL: Comedy Writing Tips From Professionals

Humor is what saves us from boredom and negative thoughts. It is the reason why we watch comedies after a hard day. But what stands behind these funny stories and witty joke? (Spoiler: it is not just a fun thing). Specialists from writing-help.org, providing essay help and paper writing assistance online, know the answer. If you decide to write a comedy, check out their professional tips.

2020, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanMay 23, 2020Comment

MEDIA APPEARANCE: Guest on the "You'll Probably Agree" podcast talking the future for movie theaters

Back in March, I joined Mike Crowley’s You’ll Probably Agree podcast with Ian Simmons of Kicking the Seat and Pat McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com in listing and recommending movies to cope with the COVID-19 quarantine. Now, two months later, society is starting to loosen. Ian, and I return to YPA to look at the damage done to the movie theater business with a prognosticating curiosity towards their possible future. Enjoy this heady and rich conversation of our fears, wonders, and predictions for what could be the new normal or the broad future. Give Mike’s YouTube channel a new subscriber, his Facebook page a like, and his Twitter a follow!

Social Media, SPECIAL, Podcast, Media Appearance, 2020, Home Media, DOCUMENTARY REVIEW, Independent FilmDon ShanahanMay 23, 2020Comment

MEDIA APPEARANCE: Guest on the "Kicking the Seat" YouTube channel talking "The Lovebirds"

Right in the same vein of Date Night and Game Night, one could do worse for a good COVID “Netflix and Chill” couch movie than The Lovebirds. Ian Simmons of Kicking the Seat and I agree that this one has some wit, heart, and fun worth your time at the low price of 86 minutes. Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani flow with fresh chemistry for a zany “one wild night” movie. Enjoy our video conversation on the movie and be sure to follow Ian Simmons on his YouTube channel this week!

MEDIA APPEARANCE: Guest on the "Kicking the Seat" podcast talking "Scoob!"

COVID-19’s loss is our VOD gain with the new Scoob! from Warner Bros. I can’t say I was a huge Scooby Doo nut as a kid, but I have seen more enough in my years to know what is the essence of that lovable franchise. That gave me a little fandom leg up on Ian Simmons of the Kicking the Seat podcast, a guy who spent more time in Eternia with He-Man an on Cybertron with the Transformers than hanging out with snacks in the back of the Mystery Machine. We both weigh in on what worked and what didn’t while fighting the urge to say zoinks far more than necessary.

Media Appearance, Podcast, Social Media, SPECIAL, 2020Don ShanahanMay 21, 2020AMC River East 21Kicking the Seat, Scoob!Comment

GUEST EDITORIAL: 3 Tools to Help You Write a Great Movie Review

by Daniela McVicker

You’d be surprised, but writing a movie review can be a daunting task. Not only you will need to research the movie itself, but you will also have to study the story and the intention behind it. And if a movie is a screen adaptation of a book, you’d also need to analyze the similarities and differences between the two, and whether these differences significantly impacted the plot of the movie.