MEDIA APPEARANCE: Guest on the "Kicking the Seat" YouTube Channel for "Cruella"

It's dogfight time as Ian Simmons of the Kicking the Seat YouTube channel and podcast and I spare over the live-action Disney prequel, Cruella! Emma Stone stars as the titular villainess-in-the-making, whose rise from 1960s street urchin to ruthless mid-70s fashion magnate is portrayed with all the glam and intrigue of a superhero origin story. But is that a good thing? In this wide-ranging and VERY spoilery debate, we look at the character's origins in 101 Dalmatians, examine the bizarre narrative traps that the movie must dodge, and question the messages lurking beneath the dresses, dogs, and de Vil-ish hijinks.

Media Appearance, Podcast, Social Media, SPECIAL, 2020Don ShanahanJune 16, 2021AMC River East 21Kicking the SeatComment

GUEST CRITIC #67: The Babadook

by Abhishek Shivgan

The Babadook is one of the best horror movies ever made. It is an Australian horror/thriller film starring Essie Davis and Noah Wiseman. The film is based on a short film by the same director, Jennifer Kent. The plot follows Amelia and her only son, Samuel. She is a widow who lost her husband in a road accident six years ago. One day her son Samuel asks her to read a storybook for him, titled “Mr. Babadook.” It tells the story of Mr. Babadook who lives in your house and he will come to visit you if you let him in. After a few days, both of them started feeling the presence of evil inside their house.

2021, Column, Editorial, GUEST CRITIC, Home MediaDon ShanahanJune 16, 2021Comment

James Bond: Much More than Just a Fictional Movie Character

Known as one of the longest running movie franchises to ever exist, there’s a reason why these action-packed productions that begun all the way back in the early 60’s are still in circulation today. However, aside from selling out tickets to the cinema and being widely popular among fans, Bond has also managed to teach viewers valuable lessons in each and every movie he has starred in. In this article, we take a look at some of the most important tidbits of life advice that has been strung subtly throughout the franchise’s works for over six decades.

Column, Editorial, Home MediaDon ShanahanJune 16, 2021Comment

MEDIA APPEARANCE: Guest on the "Kicking the Seat" Midweek Mischief for Episode 1 of "Loki"

New show alert! The hiatus of new Marvel content is over with the arrival of the new Loki series on Disney+. Adding to the well-built carnival act of “Earth’s Mightiest Critics,” Ian Simmons, the host of the Kicking the Seat podcast and YouTube channel has another excellent weekly live show, this time called “Midweek Mischief.” To opne this exciting six-week appointment, I joined Ian, David Fowlie of Keeping It Reel, and Mike Crowley of YPA Reviews. Everyone loves Tom Hiddleston and everyone loves imitating Owen Wilson. Let’s put them together with superhero stakes. Every Wednesday, we will discuss them all live on YouTube!

Media Appearance, Podcast, Social Media, SPECIAL, 2020Don ShanahanJune 11, 2021AMC River East 21Kicking the Seat, WandaVisionComment

GUEST COLUMN: Top 8 Heart-Warming Movies

by Alicia Burmeister

We have compiled a list of movies that can be consumed instead of chocolate if the serotonin level has dropped sharply: heartfelt, like warm nights by the campfire, gentle, like a favorite grandmother, light, like a first grader's homework. Well, just a good movie with a good rating to relax and forget about your problems for one evening. If you are a student, you will enjoy these movies after a stressful day at college, as well as some biology help.

2021, Column, Editorial, Home MediaDon ShanahanJune 11, 2021Comment

COLUMN: Top 3 Horror Movies

Some things make you stop breathing. It can happen because you're anticipating the results of playing online casino slots or watching an engaging horror movie. Want to feel such emotions? Then one of these films will definitely satisfy you.

2021, Column, Editorial, Home MediaDon ShanahanJune 9, 2021Comment

GUEST CRITIC #66: Promising Young Woman

by Lafronda Stumn

As busy I get from time to time, I find that I can't see every movie under the sun, leaving my friends and colleagues to fill in the blanks for me. As poetically as I think I wax about movies on this website as a wannabe critic, there are other experts out there. Sometimes, it inspires me to see the movie too and get back to being my circle's go-to movie guy. Sometimes, they save me $9 and you 800+ words of blathering. In a new review series, I'm opening my site to friend submissions for guest movie reviews.

GUEST CRITIC, Independent Film, MOVIE REVIEW, Social Media, 2021Don ShanahanJune 7, 2021Comment

How Proxies are Helpful in Film Editing

Films are a beautiful part of human innovation. The ability to tell stories through a moving picture - an opportunity to share emotions and lessons. It takes many things to make a great film, writing, directing, acting, lighting, and editing. Editing films in post-production is often underrated. These are the final stages that turn a draft into a legitimate movie. The final touches before releasing a masterpiece. Due to the significance of editing, it is important to take note of the different tips to help in this process. Ensuring that you have the best opportunity to polish every scene to the best of your ability.

2021, Column, Editorial, SPECIALDon ShanahanJune 7, 2021Comment

PODCAST: Episode 11 of "The Cinephile Hissy Fit" Podcast

For our eleventh episode, our hosts dance around all kinds of points and obstacles to talk about La La Land from 2016. 25YL film critics, honored dads, and summer freedom school teachers Will Johnson and Don Shanahan come from completely different places when it comes to the optics and results of Damien Chazelle's award-winning movie. For this show, these two guys go heady and long on those divergences. Come for the shared challenge and tirade and stay for the mutual love and respect for the fun movies encapsulate. Enjoy our podcast!

Cinephile Hissy Fit, Podcast, 25YL, Media AppearanceDon ShanahanJune 4, 2021La La LandComment

Has The Online Box Office Shift Been a Success?

It did come as a surprise to many at the end of 2020 when Warner Bros had announced their partnership with streaming platform HBO Max to deliver some of the biggest titles of the year directly to online streaming, however, and although many of our favourite forms of entertainment through the likes of gaming options in new slots right through to sporting now being represented with the likes of esports, it was something almost inevitable, but has it been a success?

2021, Column, Editorial, Home Media, StreamingDon ShanahanJune 4, 2021Comment

GUEST COLUMN: 5 of the Best Crime Movies Ever Made

by Kevin Gardner

Crime movies, when made well, can be wildly entertaining. Although the subject matter may be disturbing or difficult to watch, these films are often worth the effort. If you're looking for a good option to stream, here are five of the best crime movies ever made.

2021, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home MediaDon ShanahanJune 4, 2021Comment

GUEST COLUMN: 6 Fantastic Con Artist Movies

by Lewis Robinson

While becoming a con artist may not be advisable, watching these individuals in action can be highly entertaining. Because of this, there's a multitude of movies depicting various cons. These films generally leave the audience feeling awed and, oftentimes, tricked. If you're looking to get this experience, here are six fantastic con artist movies.

2021, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home MediaDon ShanahanJune 2, 2021Comment