GUEST COLUMN: 10 Rules to Follow While Attending Film Festivals

by Kathrin Garner

Film festivals are a wonderful opportunity to see what’s new in the movie industry, but also to connect with people and hang out. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the plans of many film festivals. Some of them pushed their dates, others got canceled, some got postponed, and so on. But, sooner or later they’re going to happen and when that time comes you’ll want to get the most out of the movie festival experience. We’re going to help you out with 10 rules worth following.

2020, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Film Festival, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanJune 24, 2020Comment

GUEST COLUMN: Five Best Movies for the First Date

by Sandra Manson

There is a well-known expression about how much depends on the first impression. Imagine this situation: you met a charming girl on the NaughtyDate website, and you find out that she is a pleasant and sweet companion. Now you need to invite her to a first date, but what is the best way to arrange a meeting? A great option would be a movie. This approach has important advantages - firstly, for about two hours, you practically do not have to talk. Of course, you will discuss the moments of the film, but this is an interesting topic for conversation. Moreover, after the end of the film, you will already have a reason to talk. Secondly, you can understand if your partner likes such a pastime. Thirdly, just enjoy a good movie and teach aesthetic pleasure.

2020, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home Media, LIST, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanJune 19, 2020Comment

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

COLUMN: The History of Prince Adam and Grayskull

Too many of us, our favorite childhood memories surround the fantasy world that we saw in comic books and cartoons. They ignited our curiosity and made us feel like we could be like them. It was the great things that they could achieve and their humble origins that made us look beyond the everyday troubles of being a kid. One of the most beloved and popular cartoons of the 80s and 90s is He-Man and the Masters of the universe. It is a fan favorite and continues to be a part of the hall of fame in terms of pop culture masterpieces. They’re even making a new movie with a fresh, all new cast. As much as we love the characters, how much do we really know? Do we really know the origins of Prince Adam? What exactly is Grayskull? Here we will explore the character of prince Adam from He-Man and the Masters of the universe, as well as the origins of Grayskull.

2020, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home Media, Social MediaDon 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

COLUMN: 5 Tips For Taking Family Film Photographs

Pictures are a way to capture the moment into a frame. If it is for any special occasion or just randomly, people love to take photographs. Most of us love to take pictures of our family to cherish the moments in the future. Nowadays, we prefer to take pictures using our smartphones. But to get the best capture, it is ideal to use a DSLR camera. These cameras tend to cost a lot of money, so you can use the BecexTech promo code to get fantastic offers. People can also avail extra discounts if they are students. When purchasing the cameras online, you will get the option to show your student ID. This will help you get a student discount.

2020, Column, Editorial, Social MediaDon ShanahanMay 29, 2020 Comments

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