Rafe Spall’s Teddy shares a lovely line to his best girl Leanne, played by Zahra Newman, towards the beginning of Long Story Short. He says “I love you more than I did yesterday and not as much as I will tomorrow.” I adore that line. It speaks with such intentional optimism. If only we all lived our lives as honestly and as purposefully as that little mantra. If you see sweetness in that gracious sentiment, there’s much more where that came from in the romance at the center of this little Aussie VOD gem written and directed by actor Josh Lawson.

2021, 4 STARS, Home Media, Independent Film, MOVIE REVIEW, StreamingDon ShanahanJuly 20, 2021Long Story ShortComment

GUEST COLUMN: Actors Who Transformed Their Bodies For Their Roles

by Kevin Gardner

Most actors sink deep into their characters to appear more convincing on screen, but some go to extreme lengths to transform their bodies for a role. Rapidly losing or gaining weight isn’t a recommended activity for anyone, but actors have a high-paid team of personal trainers, dieticians and medical experts to monitor their progress and offer assistance. Even with a group of experts, you’re risking your health when you participate in unusual diets. However, most professional actors accept the risks and are happy with the results.

2021, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home MediaDon ShanahanJuly 20, 2021Comment

GUEST EDITORIAL: Do Actors Eat Real Food in Movies?

by Kevin Gardner

When food is displayed in movies, it often makes your mouth water and signals your brain to browse the kitchen for snacks. Set designers and culinary artists spend countless hours creating food scenes. For large productions, filmmakers may spend several thousand dollars on culinary props and professional chefs. Although much of the food you see on screen is real, some of it is unsuitable for human consumption. Real food does not always appear appetizing on film, and artists use various techniques to improve the food’s look when filming under bright lights.

2021, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home MediaDon ShanahanJuly 20, 2021Comment

GUEST EDITORIAL: Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice: The Real Way Movie Theatres Make a Profit

by Lewis Robinson

Everyone loves going to the movies! Even in the midst of a booming digital age when you can watch pretty much anything you want on your phone, people still throng to the movie theatre. Why? There are a lot of complicated psychological explanations for this behavior, but basically, people want a group event. Human beings are communal creatures after all. Your local movie theatre is in no danger of going out of business. People will always want to share the opening of the next big blockbuster with a crowd. But if you think all those ticket sales are what translates to big money for a theatre, you'd be wrong.

2021, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIALDon ShanahanJuly 20, 2021Comment

PODCAST: Episode 16 of "The Cinephile Hissy Fit" Podcast

For our 16th episode, our hosts venture into a different cinematic universe and a galaxy not so far, far away. 25YL film critics, patriotic dads, and vacationing school teachers Will Johnson and Don Shanahan take aim at 2009's reboot of "Star Trek" from J.J. Abrams. As fate would have it, these guys recorded this one on Abrams' birthday. Listen for who called it their favorite fun movie of 2009 and who shoots it down as a shell of what it was supposed to be. 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 ShanahanJuly 16, 2021Comment

MEDIA APPEARANCE: Guest on the "Kicking the Seat" Midweek Mischief for Episode 6 of "Loki"

The question of whether this was a series finale or a season finale was answered. The cups runneth over for all of “Earth’s Mightiest Critics” assembled on the concluding “Midweek Mischief panel hosted by Ian Simmons of the Kicking the Seat YouTube channel and podcast. The dais of Ian, myself, David Fowlie of Keeping It Reel, Mike Crowley of YPA Reviews, and a late-arriving Mark Krawczyk of Special Mark Productions went for an extended LIVE time to talk about all of the implications, reactions, and lingering questions. Thank you for following us every week this past month and a half. We’ll see you soon for What If…? Marvel series on Disney+ in August!

Media Appearance, Podcast, Social Media, SPECIAL, 2020Don ShanahanJuly 15, 2021AMC River East 21Kicking the SeatComment

GUEST COLUMN: 5 Movies That Blend Business and Heart

by Kevin Gardner

The business world is a popular choice for filmmakers and has been for decades. Often films about business deal with the cutthroat nature of the industry and frequently, the bad guy walks away with the spoils. But there are a few rare films that are set in the business world with a message that has more to do with heart and the importance of happiness. These movies teach you that money doesn't buy happiness but also that success doesn't have to darken your soul. According to these films, you just might be able to have it all. In no particular order, here are five great movies about business and the human spirit.

2021, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home MediaDon ShanahanJuly 14, 2021Comment

GUEST EDITORIAL: 3 Types of Humor That Comedy Movies Should Bring Back

by Kevin Gardner

Comedy in film has changed in the last several decades. Since the general public's sense of humor is constantly evolving, this is completely understandable. However, there are a few elements of classic comedy that shouldn't be ignored or forgotten. So, here are three types of humor that comedy movies should bring back.

2021, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIALDon ShanahanJuly 14, 2021Comment

GUEST EDITORIAL: 7 Ways To Spice Up Movie Night

by Kevin Gardner

One of the things that society enjoys doing is watching movies. It's easy to see why: everyone enjoys seeing a good movie now and then. It's a technique for you to keep your brain occupied as you eat excellent cuisine. Instead of always being alone, going to a random movie theater, keeping a poker face, and doing little reactions the entire time, why not spice things up a little by adding some fun? Here are some options for adding a little extra flair to your personal or family movie night.

2021, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home MediaDon ShanahanJuly 14, 2021Comment

GUEST COLUMN: Amazing Documentaries Every Art Lover Should Watch

by Emma Wilson

Binge-watching your favorite TV shows on streaming channels might be your hobby for leisure time. But as an art lover, it is pretty significant to watch the documentaries that have won the hearts of millions of people worldwide. Both the storyline and the way of narration in such documentaries can be fascinating. So, here is a list that has been compiled by putting together the must-watch documentaries. Let’s see which ones are the most impressive masterpieces:

2021, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home Media, DocumentaryDon ShanahanJuly 14, 2021Comment

MEDIA APPEARANCE: Guest on the "Kicking the Seat" LIVE YouTube Podcast for "Black Widow"

The first Disney/Marvel film to hit theaters in over two years brought out audience and filled a packed StreamYard YouTube house on the Kicking the Seat YouTube channel and podcast hosted by Ian Simmons. This squad of “Earth’s Mightiest Critics” included myself, Ian, David Fowlie of Keeping It Reel, Mike Crowley of YPA Reviews, Mark Krawczyk of Special Mark Productions, and the vivacious new addition of Annie Banks of Chuckload of Comics. We went for over an hour with some contested conversation on our likes and dislikes from this quasi-prequel. How did the movie go for you? Come here all of us right here:

Media Appearance, Podcast, Social Media, SPECIAL, 2020Don ShanahanJuly 12, 2021AMC River East 21Kicking the SeatComment

PODCAST: Episode 15 of "The Cinephile Hissy Fit" Podcast

For our slightly-delayed 15th episode, our hosts swoop into the (sort of) present of the Marvel Cinematic Universe with a special new release podcast episode covering Black Widow. 25YL film critics, mansplaining dads, and released school teachers Will Johnson and Don Shanahan compare their notes on whether this prequel merits the appreciation and audience the MCU usually demands. Leave it to the Marvel shill Will to have plenty to say while Don plays the hype fireman. 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 ShanahanJuly 12, 2021Comment