INFOGRAPHIC: Battle Of The Credits: Video Games v Movies

Casino Kings counted thousands of video game and movie titles to see if it now requires more people to create a triple-A video game than a blockbuster movie, and the role microtransactions have potentially played in the growth of the gaming industry. The video game industry now attracts A-list talent to star in its games, such as Norman Reedus in Death Stranding and Keanu Reeves in the soon to be released futuristic RPG Cyberpunk 2077. Along with these famous names, a triple-A game now requires a team of thousands of developers, designers and programmers all working together over many months to make sure their latest iteration is on shelves in time for release day.

2019, Column, Editorial, Infographic, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanDecember 2, 2019Comment

INFOGRAPHIC: Pricing Up Pop Culture’s Most Beloved Cars

Ever wanted to get behind the wheel of your favorite pop culture car? Maybe you think you could handle the Batmobile or take on a high-speed chase, Fast and Furious style. The Moneyshake blog looked at auction listings and sales to see how much movie memorabilia motors really sell for. Check out the huge prices of eight popular film and TV cars below and compare them with what you could’ve bought instead.

2019, Column, Editorial, Infographic, LIST, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanDecember 2, 2019Comment

GUEST ESSAY: Existentialism and Mental Dilemma in the Spaces of "Birdman"

By Prem Jongdeenarn

The film depicts the behavior of the egotism of the main character, Riggan Thomson, who lacks public attention leading to an existential crisis, thus affecting his mental dilemma. Moreover, he always repeats himself with disappointments from society’s ignorance, and desires to overwhelm all the negative experiences by returning to be famous in society. Therefore, the philosophy of existentialism is related to Birdman through the description of the freedom, action, prestige, and the yearning for existence in society of the main character through architectural elements. In addition, the concept of realism in cinematography known as a long take is used to clarify the central character’s crisis, which will be discussed in the next paragraphs from an architectural viewpoint.

Essay, SPECIAL, GUEST EDITORIAL, Editorial, ColumnDon ShanahanDecember 1, 2019 Comments

GUEST EDITORIAL: Pros and Cons of Using Movies in Education

The use of movies in the education program is to engage learners. However, there are many more reasons why movies are important in the classroom. “Instructors must acknowledge that effective learning is based on a proper plan to enhance the student experience at any level”, says Jennifer Broflowski, a teacher and writer at CraftResumes. Among the plans is to review the policies of using films according to the school requirements. For instance, there are different ratings of films, thus teachers must establish which types are necessary for use in the classroom setup. Nonetheless, the use of film has both pros and cons in education.

2019, Editorial, Column, GUEST EDITORIAL, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanDecember 1, 2019 Comment

REWIND REVIEW: Where'd You Go, Bernadette

Anyone who seeks to own this version of The Lion King is doing so with a “how did they do that?” curiosity. The technical brilliance is its biggest selling point. That interest is answered very well by this disc release. Unlike its Pixar and Marvel offerings, Disney compiled a legitimate look into this re-imaginings wholly revolutionary bells and whistles. This movie will look gorgeous on your high-end television at home.

2019, Home Media, MOVIE REVIEW, Video on Demand, VIDEO REVIEW, DISC REVIEW, 2 STARSDon ShanahanDecember 1, 2019Comment

MEDIA APPEARANCE: Guest on the "Feelin' Film" podcast for "The Peanut Butter Falcon"

Twice in a month! On the heels of their monumental three-part 200th episode special (covering the true Indiana Jones trilogy), I returned to the Feelin' Film Podcast to close out the 100s with an underrated and underseen gem that all three of us loved. For Episode #199, Patrick Hicks, Aaron White, and me discussed the high values and movie merits of The Peanut Butter Falcon starring Zack Gottshagen, Shia LeBeouf, and Dakota Johnson. Earning five-stars from all three of us, this road movie stands as one of our favorites from 2019 that we hopes gains in appreciation and acclaim with time.

MOVIE REVIEW: Marriage Story

There is an old adage used by married people, kind of passive-aggressive burn really, that says “you can’t tie your shoes without me.” In a pithy way, the saying speaks to the symbiotic relationship between the partners for even the smallest things. While it may not always come down to shoelaces, there is a given and even understood level of dependency in marriage. That is until such dependency becomes harmful. In one of the finest films ever on the matter of divorce, Noah Baumbach’s Marriage Story challenges the breakdowns of resiliency and vulnerability that push this painful process.

2019, 5 STARS, Chicago Film Festival, Independent Film, MOVIE REVIEW, Video on Demand, StreamingDon ShanahanNovember 29, 2019Music Box TheatreComment

MEDIA APPEARANCE: David Ehrlich's IndieWire Critics Survey on November 25, 2019

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: Which director are you most excited about watching in the next decade, and why are you excited for the potential of their future work?

Boy, it was hard to choose only one. From Damien Chazelle and Barry Jenkins to Denis Villeneuve and Christopher Nolan, we’ve seen so much maturation and growth from so many creative sources. However, I think it’s high time a woman to emerge to that next level. In just two films, the potential of Greta Gerwig is huge and only beginning.

Independent Film, Media Appearance, Social Media, SPECIAL, 2019Don ShanahanNovember 29, 2019David EhrlichComment

MEDIA APPEARANCE: David Ehrlich's IndieWire Critics Survey on November 18, 2019

THIS WEEK’S QUESTION: What movie defined the decade, and why?

Yowzers! Talk about a big question with a zillion angles. I know the interpretation of “defined” was open, but when I think of the 2010s, the boom of social media is too large to ignore. David Fincher’s The Social Network, while semi-historical before this decade, still feels like the lightening rod and torch bearer for this decade. If it wasn’t this, it was going to be The Avengers and what it did for its genre and the whole industry.

Independent Film, Media Appearance, Social Media, SPECIAL, 2019Don ShanahanNovember 29, 2019David EhrlichComment

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

MOVIE REVIEW: Little Women

The endearing brilliance of Little Women is earned in those quaint sways and movements as much as, if not more than, it is by its crests of high drama. With masterful leadership and bold thematic choices applied to well-worn ideals, Greta Gerwig continuously captures an uncanny vibrancy out of a literary setting that otherwise would be frozen in stagnant despair. Every fiber and morsel of this movie swells with this sense of spirit to embed radiance in resiliency.

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