COLUMN: Snowpiercer: Good Entertainment or a Bad Remake?

The modern TV industry is incredibly focused on serving relevant entertainment to the general public. Every show is targeting a certain demographic and their needs or characteristics. Nevertheless, there are quite a few general trends that occur all over the world. First and foremost is the rise of science fiction. Yes, we do remember good old Doctor Who and a long list of science fiction shows or movies from the mid and late 20th century. However, this niche has never been as active and relevant as it is now.

2020, Column, GUEST CRITIC, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home Media, Editorial, Streaming, SPECIALDon ShanahanJuly 28, 2020Comment

COLUMN: Defending Jacob: An Exquisite Crime Drama Everyone Will Enjoy

Over the past few years, we have witnessed many adaptions and excellent shows filmed by big corporations such as Netflix, Hulu, HBO and Apple TV. Thanks to gigantic investments in the film and TV production industry, we now have an opportunity to watch a wide variety of shows. The sector has become so competitive that there is very little point in comparing productions to each other. Rather, we should evaluate and discuss them individually. We have come to the point where every TV product and a movie is remarkably personal.

2020, Column, Editorial, GUEST CRITIC, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home Media, SPECIAL, StreamingDon ShanahanJuly 28, 2020Comment

Top 6 Documentaries About Cryptocurrency You Need to Watch

If you want to learn more about cryptocurrency trading, you should choose the right platform that is characterized by innovative technology. As seen on the bitcoin loophole, there are trading platforms that designed both automated and manual cryptocurrency for different types of users. If you choose a trading platform that uses the right software, you can easily make money by investing in the minimum amount of funds, time, and effort. However, some people still do not know how cryptocurrency functions. Luckily, there are dozens of documentaries and films specifically produced to enlighten people about cryptocurrency.

2020, Column, Editorial, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanJuly 26, 2020Comment

4 Surprising Casino Facts Found in Famous Movies

The movies offer wonderful food for thought and huge doses of much-needed escapism. However, some of the realities they claim to depict are heightened or straight up glossed over for the benefit of entertainment. Of course, you knew that. But, as a casino aficionado, you perhaps did not realize the extent to which the beloved games are twisted for the storyline to work. Here are a few correctives to common misconceptions about casinos and gambling promulgated by cinema.

2020, Column, Editorial, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanJuly 25, 2020Comment

GUEST COLUMN: 10 Tips for Setting Up Your Home Theater

by Arslan Hassan

A television in your sitting room with a few comfortable couches cannot beat the unmatched experience of watching a movie on a big 4K HD Screen. That is why we all run to the cinemas to enjoy our favorites movies. However, having a home theater is infinitely more convenient than going to the grimy cinema that charges a lot yet doesn’t allow us to bring our own snacks. So why not set up your home theater? With the advancement in microchip technology, the home television industry has made immense progress.

Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanJuly 23, 2020 Comments

GUEST EDITORIAL: Strange Celebrity Addictions

by Daniel Korolija

We are all addicted to something, and usually, we’re not even aware of it. Some of us enjoy watching the same TV show every day, while others compulsively coil locks of hair around their fingers. Celebrities have the same obsessions and compulsions as the rest of us. They’re people too. The phrase “celebrity addictions” brings drugs and alcohol to mind, but the truth is that famous people face a full spectrum of obsessions and fixations. From celebrity gamblers to shopping addicts, here’s what the rich like to fixate on.

2020, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, SPECIAL, Social MediaDon ShanahanJuly 21, 2020Comment

MEDIA APPEARANCE: Guest on the "Kicking the Seat" podcast talking "The Old Guard"

For the first time since Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) and for the first time since the COVID-19 quarantine, Ian Simmons was able to assemble the fabled “Earth’s Mightiest Critics” on his Kicking the Seat podcast for a brand new comic book film. No, it’s not Black Widow from the MCU or Wonder Woman 1984 for the DCEU. Those ports are delayed and closed. We shine a light on the Netflix hitter The OId Guard based on Greg Rucka’s graphic novel that ran on the Image Comics imprint. Ian led myself, David Fowlie of Keeping It Reel, and Emmanuel Noisette of E-Man’s Movie Reviews for a lively dais! For those keeping score, this was my 40th appearance on Ian’s program!

Media Appearance, Podcast, Social Media, SPECIAL, 2020Don ShanahanJuly 14, 2020AMC River East 21Kicking the SeatComment

COLUMN: The Portrayal of Health Professionals in Movies

by Adrian Johansen

Movies that show hospitals or features doctors and nurses are not uncommon. They are often used to add a sense of realism to a movie, especially drama and action films. But, like any other area of movie-making, it’s important to remember that films (and television shows!) are created for entertainment value. So, what you see on the screen might not always be an accurate portrayal of what would happen in a real-world situation. With that in mind, let’s talk about some of the realistic and unrealistic depictions of healthcare workers and the industry itself as showcased in movies and television shows. The more you understand about some of the “good” and the “bad” portrayals, the more you’ll be able to appreciate these projects for what they’re trying to do.

2020, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, SPECIAL, Social MediaDon ShanahanJuly 10, 2020Comment

COLUMN: 6 Tips to Write Great Movie Characters

by Dorian Martin

Writing a screenplay is one thing and creating the characters to carry it is another. We can all close our eyes and think of our favorite movies, but we’ll actually be thinking about our favorite movie characters. And this is exactly why writing a great movie character description can be crucial for a screenplay. But, what happens if you’re not good at writing movie character descriptions? Or you simply don’t know how to do it? Luckily, we’ve got you covered. Here's what you need to know about writing a character description that is effective, attention-grabbing, and memorable.

2020, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, SPECIALDon ShanahanJuly 10, 2020Comment

COLUMN: Top 10 Fascinating Netflix Movies and Documentaries about Business and Entrepreneurship

Many educationists have come to find increasingly innovative methods to deploy teaching methodologies. It is essential to know that education is basically defined as the process of facilitating the acquisition of viable knowledge and information which professionals and students can deploy and implement in their real situations. This opens a whole new avenue where popular forms of entertainment, such as educational movies and films, can be used to deliver a way of experiential learning that can help people to learn valuable lessons.

2020, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home Media, LIST, SPECIAL, StreamingDon ShanahanJuly 2, 2020Comment

INFOGRAPHIC: 99 Insanely Interesting Gambling Movie Facts You Probably Didn't Know

It’s safe to say that a gambling movie falls under its own genre. The tension and thrill of gambling with real money transfers, carried over to the silver screen, generating a unique excitement and an emotional roller coaster. Gambling is a topic that covers a broad range of themes, from happiness and success to shock and sadness. The world of gambling and casinos brings many different and unique stories, presented by a variety of styles that will meet even the highest movie expectations. Some movies make use of the glam and sophistication of the gambling world, while others will take you to its dark and ‘action-packed' side.

Column, Editorial, Infographic, LIST, SPECIAL, Social MediaDon ShanahanJuly 1, 2020Comment

EDITORIAL: Lessons on the New Future of Movie Theaters

With several regions of America starting to re-open (including my own state of Illinois and city of Chicago), it was time to get on the stump and arm the cannons. I put some of what follows into spoken word recently on an episode of Mike Crowley’s “You’’ll Probably Agree” podcast, but the issue has grown since then. Click into the multitude of links in the lessons for the deeper referenced stories. They are well worth their reads and your attention. The theme of this all can be summarized as cautiously optimistic.

2020, Column, Editorial, SPECIAL, Streaming, Video on DemandDon ShanahanJune 27, 2020Comment