INFOGRAPHIC: 8 Film Characters Who Can’t Afford Their Cars

We have all been there, we are watching that famous film and idealising over driving that plush car in it and soon had a reality check that its way over our budget. Well believe it or not but according to Moneyshake’s recent study, 8 famous film characters can’t actually afford their iconic motors. Their research reveals that this cost-savvy approach simply wouldn’t work in fiction. Explore our findings below to see the 8 motor movie stars who couldn’t afford their cars. We also spoke to expert Ron Hay, President & CEO of Mod Bargains to see how much their performance mods would cost.

2021, Column, Editorial, Home Media, Infographic, LIST, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanFebruary 27, 2021Comment

MEDIA APPEARANCE: Guest on the "Kicking the Seat" live YouTube recap for "Wandavision" Episode 7

MY 50TH APPEARANCE ON KICKING THE SEAT: The big Halloween episode last week on Disney+’s WandaVision has led to a slight calm before the storm of the final two episodes to come. Don’t call this episode “filler,” though as plenty of new developments have come to light during this ‘00s-styled episode. Every Friday, Ian Simmons of Kicking the Seat hosts a live WandaVision “wecap” on YouTube. This week, Mark "The Movie Man" Krawczyk of the The Spoiler Room Podcast filled in for a very busy Emmanuel Noisette. He joined Ian, myself, and David Fowlie of Keeping it Reel in the “Earth’s Mightiest Critics” stable. We’ve hyped for the homestretch! Catch us every Friday at 8:30pm CST! Here’s our chat for Episode 7.

Media Appearance, Podcast, Social Media, SPECIAL, 2020Don ShanahanFebruary 20, 2021AMC River East 21Kicking the Seat, WandaVisionComment

SPECIAL: Winners of the 24th Online Film Critics Society Awards

The largest group of online film critics has spoken! Today, the Online Film Critics Society (OFCS), of which I am a member representing Every Movie Has a Lesson, announced the winners of their 24th annual film awards. The OFCS, which is comprised of nearly 300 film critics from around the world, will be announcing the final winners on January 25, 2021. Here’s the list of winners from OFCS. While I’m not a big Nomadland fan, I think the voting body did an outstanding job celebrating 2020’s best.

2020, 2021, SPECIALDon ShanahanFebruary 14, 2021Comment

MEDIA APPEARANCE: Guest on the "Kicking the Seat" live YouTube recap for "Wandavision" Episode 6

A “spooktacular” Halloween episdoe of Marvel’s WandaVision on Disney+ brought out fun, new character, old costumes, and some new informations. We’re getting past interesting and heading to must-see TV. Each week, Ian Simmons of Kicking the Seat will host our usual quartet, including myself, Emmanuel Noisette of E-Man’s Movie Reviews, and David Fowlie of Keeping it Reel stand to be “Earth’s Mightiest Critics” conducting LIVE “wecap” shows on YouTube. We’ve been loving where this show is going and think you will too. Catch us every Friday at 8:30pm CST! Here’s our chat for Episode 6. More than anything else, come see the dork painted up as Vision!

Media Appearance, Podcast, Social Media, SPECIAL, 2020Don ShanahanFebruary 13, 2021AMC River East 21Kicking the Seat, WandaVisionComment

COLUMN: Essential Human Trafficking Movies

Human trafficking is widespread, both in America and worldwide. It’s a horrific practice and robs individuals of their most basic human rights. Some of those trafficked start doing sex work at a very young age, and they give up hope of ever finding a better life, particularly if it’s all they know. Several movies deal with this difficult subject matter. They can be hard to watch sometimes, but it’s better to know about these sorts of things happening in the world than to turn a blind eye and pretend it isn’t happening. In this article, we’ll cover a few of the more compelling human trafficking movies you’re likely to find.

2021, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanFebruary 8, 2021Comment

MEDIA APPEARANCE: Guest on the "Kicking the Seat" live YouTube recap for "Wandavision" Episode 5

Bounding out of the stride-breaking fourth episode last week, the fifth episdoe of Marvel’s WandaVision on Disney+ increased the conflict and suspense both inside the “hex” and out. The creators are packing this show with mounds of details each time out and the actors are increasing their committed character work. Each week, Ian Simmons of Kicking the Seat will host our usual quartet, including myself, Emmanuel Noisette of E-Man’s Movie Reviews, and David Fowlie of Keeping it Reel stand to be “Earth’s Mightiest Critics” conducting LIVE “wecap” shows on YouTube. We’ve been loving where this show is going and think you will too. Catch us every Friday at 8:30pm CST! Here’s our chat for Episode 5:

Media Appearance, Podcast, Social Media, SPECIAL, 2020Don ShanahanFebruary 5, 2021AMC River East 21Kicking the Seat, WandaVisionComment

3 Movies That Fit Perfectly with Your Game Night

Game night is always an exciting way to end the work week with friends and family. This night doesn’t always have to be centered on your and your buddies wasting the night away by playing poker, darts, pools, board games, and other exciting activities. Other people spice things up by playing some great movies to go along with the other activities. Of course, there are some films that are better-suited game night. You wouldn’ t want to play a horror film for such a fun night wouldn’t you? Well, if you’re having trouble picking a movie, here are a few movies that deserve a spot on game night.

Column, Editorial, Home Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanJanuary 30, 2021Comment

MEDIA APPEARANCE: Guest on the "Kicking the Seat" live YouTube recap for "Wandavision" Episode 4

The fourth episode of Marvel’s WandaVision playing on Disney+ sharply broke stride from the sitcom format to be one of the most sophisticated “clips” episodes you’ll ever see for any show. Histories were formed, theories were destroyed, and any lollygagging that annoyed casual viewers was smoked with new stakes. Each week, Ian Simmons of Kicking the Seat will host our usual quartet, including myself, Emmanuel Noisette of E-Man’s Movie Reviews, and David Fowlie of Keeping it Reel stand to be “Earth’s Mightiest Critics” conducting LIVE “wecap” shows on YouTube. Catch us every Friday at 8:30pm CST! Here’s our talk for Episode 4:

Media Appearance, Podcast, Social Media, SPECIAL, 2020Don ShanahanJanuary 29, 2021AMC River East 21Kicking the Seat, WandaVisionComment

MEDIA APPEARANCE: Guest on the "Cinematic Underdogs" podcast talking "Moneyball"

Through mutual social circles within the Facebook group of the Feelin’ Film Podcast, I was approached by Paul Keelan, one of the hosts of the Cinematic Underdogs podcast, to be a guest on their program. Joined by Jordan Puga, they’ve been targeting sports films for extended conversations. They pitched me to talk about Bennett Miller’s 2011 gem Moneyball, continuing a streak of behind-the-scenes sports movies. Talking with Paul as the “bonus episode” following the main show, our conversation went on to cover film criticism tropes, my hot take of The Tree of Life, and eventually, as planned, our impressions and musings on Moneyball.

2021, Home Media, Media Appearance, Podcast, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanJanuary 27, 2021Quality ComixComment

MEDIA APPEARANCE: Quoted on Urban Parks discussing Boston movies

I was approached recently for my third collaboration opportunity with Quality Comix, a successful comic sales website which puts out their own editorial content alongside their marketplace. Working for a tangent website of Urban Parks, the edutosr there were looking for the best Boston movies. From a big list of possibilities, I picked out a good five to contribute to their list: Good Will Hunting, The Thomas Crown Affair, The Verdict, The Town, and Spotlight. They came to the right place. Check out your boy!

2019, Chicago Film Festival, EVENT, Independent Film, Media Appearance, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanJanuary 24, 2021Quality ComixComment

MEDIA APPEARANCE: Guest on the "Kicking the Seat" live YouTube recap for "Wandavision" Episode 3

After two stylishly establishing episodes, the third episode of Marvel’s WandaVision playing on Disney+ looks to jump a little more on that springboard of grabbing interest. The questions and the role players are multiplying with this comic book deep dive and I’m along for the ride. “Earth’s Mightiest Critics” have punched their streaming ticket for this ride! Each week, Ian Simmons of Kicking the Seat will host our usual quartet, including myself, Emmanuel Noisette of E-Man’s Movie Reviews, and David Fowlie of Keeping it Reel, conducting LIVE “wecap” shows on YouTube. Catch us every Friday at 8:30pm CST! Here’s our talk for Episode 3:

Media Appearance, Podcast, Social Media, SPECIAL, 2020Don ShanahanJanuary 22, 2021AMC River East 21Kicking the SeatComment

GUEST COLUMN: Movie Lessons in Pet Ownership

by Adrian Johansen

If you’ve ever loved an animal, you know that they’re not just an accessory to your life. They’re very often the centerpiece of your life story, your entire family history. And that’s probably the reason why pets aren’t just ubiquitous in American homes. They’re also the heroes of Hollywood, the stars of some of the greatest, most iconic, and highest-grossing films. But animals on screen aren’t just about entertainment. If you’re a pet owner, there’s a lot to be learned by turning to the silver screen. This article looks at some of the best and worst examples of pet ownership in movies — and what you and your furry companion might take away from them!

2021, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanJanuary 21, 2021Comment