PODCAST: Episode 13 of "The Cinephile Hissy Fit" Podcast

For our lucky 13th episode, our hosts pause from the usual movie debate to take a look at the first half of this 2021 movie year. 25YL film critics, celebrated dads, and middle school teachers Will Johnson and Don Shanahan present their Top 5 "Best of 2021 So Far" lists. As you know, these two guys have differing tastes, so the triggers for debate are still there. 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 25, 2021Comment

GUEST COLUMN: Show Me the Money: Movies That Make You Think More Critically About Wealth

by Adrian Johansen

There’s no shortage of films that have made us all think critically about money over the years. What’s interesting, however, is the different approaches they all take. Money is such a huge influence in our culture and our daily lives, it only makes sense that Hollywood reflects that. But, some movies about money make you think a bit more than others. Some might even cause you to change the way you think about wealth and the impact it might have on your life. Whether you want to be inspired, motivated, or consider the sometimes negative impact greed and money can have, there are plenty of great films to choose from that will cause you to think about every aspect of wealth.

2021, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home MediaDon ShanahanJune 25, 2021Comment

Card Counting in 21 Movie - Is It a Real Deal?

Directed by Robert Luketic, 21 is a rather unusual drama movie that takes inspiration from the Bringing Down the House book by Ben Mezrich and the true story of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Blackjack Team. Releasedin 2008, 21 featured an excellent crew of experienced actors and actresses including Kate Bosworth, Jim Sturgess, Kevin Spacey, and Laurence Fishburne. Even though not all critics liked the movie, it was a major success and during its first weekend of release, it was the number one movie in Canada and the United States.

Column, Editorial, Home MediaDon ShanahanJune 25, 2021Comment

GUEST EDITORIAL: Does a Higher Budget Make a Movie More Successful?

by Daniel Miller

Who doesn't love a good movie? Of course, we all have that favorite film that swept you off your feet and seat. But have you ever thought of what goes into making the movie 'good’ or 'enchanting?’ Have you ever given a thought of the cost and gross expenses that go into making a movie? What do you think is the average movie budget? Worry not. We compiled this article specifically for you!

2021, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIALDon ShanahanJune 25, 2021Comment

MEDIA APPEARANCE: Guest on the "Kicking the Seat" Midweek Mischief for Episode 3 of "Loki"

No tardiness this week from me and I land in a busy and full dais of five of “Earth’s Mightiest Critics” for the “Midweek Mischief” panel hosted by Ian Simmons of the Kicking the Seat YouTube channel and podcast. Of the panel, I’m guy yawning and calling this third episode of Loki on Disney+ the dreaded F word: FILLER. Come watch say why as the five of us bounce our ideas and reflections around. Enjoy David Fowlie of Keeping It Reel, Mike Crowley of YPA Reviews, and Mark Krawczyk of The Spoiler Room Podcast. Find us on YouTube every Wednesday!

Media Appearance, Podcast, Social Media, SPECIAL, 2020Don ShanahanJune 24, 2021AMC River East 21Kicking the Seat, WandaVisionComment

PODCAST: Episode 12 of "The Cinephile Hissy Fit" Podcast

For our 12th episode, our hosts with two faces for radio get fashionable talking up Disney+’s new Cruella starring Emma Stone. 25YL film critics, liberated dads, and summer break teachers Will Johnson and Don Shanahan have landed on a rare double-love edition of a hissy fit. Both proclaim their puppy love for the dueling villainesses. Come for the shared challenge and tirade and stay for the mutual love and respect for the fun movies encapsulate. Enjoy our podcast and welcome back to theaters this summer!

Cinephile Hissy Fit, Podcast, 25YL, Media AppearanceDon ShanahanJune 23, 2021Comment

MEDIA APPEARANCE: Guest on the "Kicking the Seat" YouTube Channel for "Fast Times at Ridgemont High"

Unlike Sean Penn’s iconic Jeff Spicoli, I was righteously un-stoned but still happy to join Ian Simmons dive into the “Criterion Cove” pool for his Kicking the Seat YouTube podcast. He and I climb in and out of that pool in our own Zoom call red bikinis to bow upon the altar of Mr. Hand and all the derelicts of Amy Heckerling’s 1981 seminal classic Fast Times at Ridgemont High. We go deep enough to get water in our ears on this one. Enjoy!

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

GUEST CRITIC #69: Nomadland

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 21, 2021Comment

MOVIE REVIEW: Edge of the World

Edge of the World chronicles the story of James Brooke’s emergence as the first White Rajah of Sarawak on the Malaysian island of Borneo during the middle of the 19th century. The adoptive leader became the inspiration template for authors Rudyard Kipling and Joseph Conrad and their respective far-off adventure stories of The Man Who Would Be King and Lord Jim.

2021, 3 STARS, Independent Film, Home Media, MOVIE REVIEW, StreamingDon ShanahanJune 17, 2021Comment

MEDIA APPEARANCE: Guest on the "Kicking the Seat" Midweek Mischief for Episode 2 of "Loki"

I was a little late to this week’s “Midweek Mischief” panel of “Earth’s Mightiest Critics” hosted by Ian Simmons of the Kicking the Seat podcast and the matching YouTube channel. However, the buzz and intrigue is all there in just the second episode of Marvel’s Loki playing on Disney+. If last week was the merely the introduction to the weirdness and intrigue, this new head-spinning episode announces those two traits even greater. I’m lost and I love it, as I get into on Ian’s show, alonside Ian and David Fowlie of Keeping It Reel. Without David’s acumen, we would be even more lost. Find us on YouTube every Wednesday!

Media Appearance, Podcast, Social Media, SPECIAL, 2020Don ShanahanJune 17, 2021AMC River East 21Kicking the Seat, WandaVisionComment

COLUMN: 7 Wine Pairings for Your Next Movie Night

For cinema lovers, few nights are as perfect as a movie night. A great way to elevate your evening, whether it’s date night or relaxing alone, is by pairing your favorite film selections with a bottle of wine (or a few). Not sure which wines work best with your movie selections? Here are a few recommendations to inspire you the next time you hit “PLAY.”

2021, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home MediaDon ShanahanJune 17, 2021Comment

GUEST CRITIC #68: The Ring

by Reo

The Ring is a Hollywood version of the Japanese popular horror film Ring, which had been released 20 years ago, and had a cult hit in Japan. The ring is a perfect movie for those who are looking to get the chills! It has that vibe that something bad is coming, but you can not predict when the bad thing will happen.

2021, Column, Editorial, GUEST CRITIC, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home MediaDon ShanahanJune 17, 2021Comment