COLUMN: Top 5 Movies to Get Inspired for Creative Essay Writing

Movies are among the best ever helpers when it comes to inspiration. Needless to say that when you are stuck with essay writing, it is better to watch an inspiring film about writers than to focus on procrastination, computer games, and social media. We don’t judge those activities — but if speaking about efficiency, watching movies is a good choice. Especially when those movies show writers, their struggle, good and bad decisions defining their career. Start with these five movies, and if it is not enough, storm on Netflix and find some more. However, from our experience, one film is enough for staying inspired for a period needed to write an essay.

2019, Column, Editorial, Home Media, LIST, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanNovember 28, 2019Comment

INFOGRAPHIC: The films of Sigourney Weaver

Folks, please welcome back John Rooney. He is an illustrator from Ireland. My website has published two of John’s previous career caricature sketches, one for Nicolas Cage last year and another for Bill Murray this past summer. His collected sketches are outstanding and The results of range I am happy to promote his work. This time, John Rooney artistically chronicles Sigourney Weaver! His phenomenal work is worth sharing below and a his art is available for sale on Etsy!

Infographic, LIST, Social Media, SPECIAL, 2019Don ShanahanNovember 23, 2019Comment

GUEST POST: "The Greatest Movie Never Made" by Creative Principles

By Hannah Thomas
The YouTube creator Creative Principles showcases new ideas on popular films and television. We wanted to share one of their latest videos that had a movie spin to it": What is “the greatest movie NEVER made?” Would-be projects include missteps from Pixar, Quentin Tarantino, Martin Scorsese, Ridley Scott, David Fincher and various other icons of cinema... Some of these rumors, failures, and shelved projects are considered sequels or prequels, while many are adaptations, or just promises made when a writer or director was at the top of their game. So, what is "the greatest movie never made?" You be the judge..

2019, DOCUMENTARY REVIEW, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanNovember 23, 2019Comment

GUEST EDITORIAL: Top 10 Films Starring Only Two Actors

By Ashley Halsey

Most commercially successful films tend to have big budgets, large cast and action taking place over several locations. But there are some films which take the risk of featuring just two actors, often limiting the action to one location and placing the emphasis on dialogue and the delivery of memorable performances. These ten films are as notable for their captivating and often poignant content, as they are for the skillful, powerful performances delivered by just the two actors who carry the weight of the entire film.

2019, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home Media, LIST, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanNovember 17, 2019Comment

GUEST EDITORIAL: 7 Best Movies about Cybersecurity and Hacking

By Betty Lockwood

Discover all-time cybersecurity movies that let you learn more about how hackers take advantage of peoples’ negligence and ignorance and what drives them to indulge in different cyber crimes. Cybersecurity is a concern of many governments that struggle with uncontrolled hacking activity. A few decades ago, it was just a thrilling picture you could enjoy at the movie theater. Today, it is no longer a made-up story on the big screen but a reality facing thousands of people falling victim to cybercrime.

2019, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home Media, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanNovember 7, 2019Comment

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 "Feelin' Film" podcast for "Memphis Belle"

I had the honor and pleasure this past week to join the war-movie-loving hosts on the Feelin' Film Podcast talking about a true underseeen throwback geme: 1990’s Memphis Belle directed by 90s hitmaker Michael Caton-Jones. This podcast plane ride was celebrating Veteran’s Day week in conjunction with the new Midway movie arriving in theaters this week. Memphis Belle was a worn-out VHS childhood favorite of my brother and me. Patrick had that lifelong affinity as well and Aaron, the former Navy man, had nothing but respect

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