PODCAST: Episode 74 of "The Cinephile Hissy Fit" Podcast

For their 74th episode, our two conspiracy theory film critics, alien dads, and perfect school teachers Will Johnson and Don Shanahan are united together in person for the second time! Will was visiting family in Chicago and met up with Don to shoot the breeze and create some stellar content. A piece of that is a special shared microphone Cinephile Hissy Fit on Jordan Peele's Nope. It's one guy's middle film and another's new #1 of the year. Be listening here and be ready to watch a video version on YouTube!

Cinephile Hissy Fit, Podcast, 25YL, Media AppearanceDon ShanahanJuly 29, 2022Cinephile Hissy Fit, Podcast, NopeComment

MOVIE REVIEW: DC League of Super-Pets

With its buoyant humor and stellar energy, DC League of Super-Pets is the finest pampering treat we’re going to get and it’s a welcome one, even if a treat like this is a tad on the unhealthy side. With no apologies to Joss Whedon, Zack Snyder, or anyone else, it took bringing in a bunch of animal characters, the writers of The LEGO Batman Movie, and shifting to animation to give us the best theatrical Justice League movie we’ve had to date.

MEDIA APPEARANCE: Contributor in "The Inspiring World of Horror: The Movies That Influenced Generations"

I've been overdue advertising this on behalf of my film critic peer Caillou Pettis. Earlier this year, he invited me to contribute to his new book "The Inspiring World of Horror: The Movies That Influenced Generations," collecting formative horror film experiences from writers, creators, and fellow critics. I was greatly honored by the invitation and did my best to give him a solid story. I've got a section in there celebrating the original Candyman. Horror movie afficionados, grab it for your Kindle and support a good author! It’s quickly become a best seller!

The 10 Best Ways To Protect Yourself Online (So You Can Have The Best Streaming Experience Ever)

Streaming services are becoming more popular every day, whether you’re watching on your phone, tablet, or computer. But with that popularity comes danger. Unfortunately, the rise of streaming services has coincided with a spike in cybercrime. So if you’re an avid streamer, it’s essential that you take the best steps to protect yourself when using these services.

2022, Column, EditorialDon ShanahanJuly 22, 2022Comment

Reelgood Top 10: Week of July 14-20 2022

Reelgood published its Top 10 Titles in Streaming for this week (07/14/22 to 07/20/22). Netflix scores a whopping five titles making top marks, including the adaptation of Jane’s Austen novel Persuasion and the animated movie The Sea Beast.

2022, ColumnDon ShanahanJuly 22, 2022ReelgoodComment

PODCAST: Episode 73 of "The Cinephile Hissy Fit" Podcast

For their 73rd episode, two elevated film critics, worried dads, and non-kidnapping school teachers Will Johnson and Don Shanahan welcome back special guest Cati Glidewell of “The Blonde in Front” to the shows. She's back to talk about Scott Derrickson's successful horror comeback The Black Phone. Don didn't see this one, so he plays moderator while Will and Cati dial all the possible numbers for this Ethan Hawke vehicle. Come for the shared challenge and tirade and stay for the mutual love and respect for the fun movies encapsulate. Enjoy our podcast!

MEDIA APPEARANCE: Guest on the "Awesome Friday Podcast" Bonus Episode on Favorite Marvel Movies

Being part of the new Banana Meter has expanded my professional circle to meet new creators and people. I recently answered an open call to submit a recorded blurb for the “Awesome Friday” podcast, hosted by Matthew Simpson and Simon Best. They were collecting selections of people’s favorite Marvel Cinematic Universe films for special Bonus Episode. I was glad to chime in with my thoughts on my #1 favorite of the bunch, 2014’s Captain America: The First Avenger and represent my many outlets.

MEDIA APPEARANCE: Included in Banana Meter's "Overlooked Spotlight: Part 4"

The newly-formed Rotten Tomatoes alternative Banana Meter has been gathering talented critics and hoping to make a social media splash. They’ve been timely and spirited with highlighting their members and getting their reviews out there. One of these frequent features is a collection of “Overlooked” reviews for less-than-big new releases. If I can get my work done early enough, I have the chance of my work and grade being selected for one of those hot-off-the-press features. It’s an honor to join friends and peers for such an inclusion. Here’s my highlight from Marcel the Shell With Shoes On.

2022, Media AppearanceDon ShanahanJuly 21, 2022Banana Meter, Marcel the Shell With Shoes OnComment

MEDIA APPEARANCE: Included in Banana Meter's "First Reactions" for "Thor: Love and Thunder"

The newly-formed Rotten Tomatoes alternative Banana Meter has been gathering talented critics and hoping to make a social media splash. They’ve been timely and spirited with highlighting their members and getting their reviews out there. One of these frequent features is a collection of “First Reactions” for big new releases. If I can get my work done early enough, I have the chance of my work and grade being selected for one of those hot-off-the-press features. It’s an honor to join friends and peers for such an inclusion. Here’s my highlight from Thor: Love and Thunder.

2022, Media AppearanceDon ShanahanJuly 21, 2022Banana Meter, Thor: Love and ThunderComment

MEDIA APPEARANCE: Guest on the Kicking the Seat's YouTube roundtable for "Spider-Man 3"

While I fully support my friend Ian Simmons’ year-long moratorium on “new” comic book films and TV shows, I like the chances he’s chosen to reflect on old titles for his Kicking the Seat podcast and YouTube channel. Ian requested “Earth’s Mightiest Critics” to revisit the 15-year-old Spider-Man 3 from director Sam Raimi with fresh eyes and an open heart. I tried my best with a rewatch, but the movie only got worse for me. With many absentees from the usual crew, it ended up being Ian hosting Will Johnson and myself representing the Cinephile Hissy Fit podcast for this lovely conversation on all the emotions of success and failure that came from Spider-Man 3. Enjoy!

Media Appearance, Podcast, Social Media, SPECIAL, 2020Don ShanahanJuly 21, 2022AMC River East 21Kicking the Seat, Lightyear, Toy StoryComment

GUEST EDITORIAL: Cybersecurity Lessons We Can Learn From Movies

by Adrian Johansen

Everyone loves a good hacker film. Your heart races when you see an actor's fingers flying across a keyboard, trying to break into a security system or crack some kind of code that will save the world — or perhaps launch a powerful weapon. Whether they’re doing it for good or evil, it’s exciting to watch. This explains the popularity of tech-centered media.

2022, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIALDon ShanahanJuly 21, 2022Comment

How Does CBD Oil Make You Feel? A Quick Guide

CBD is a chemical compound found naturally in cannabis and hemp plants, and is not a mind-altering substance, unlike THC, which is a known mind-altering component of the plant. CBD and THC are two of many natural occurring cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, along with CBC, CBG, as well as terpenes, flavonoids, and other compounds found throughout the plant. CBD, short for cannabidiol, is an entirely non-psychoactive, naturally occurring compound found in the marijuana plant. Cannabis contains about 150 cannabinoids; two of the main, and most widely used, cannabinoids are THC and CBD.

2022, Column, EditorialDon ShanahanJuly 21, 2022Comment