MOVIE REVIEW: Mank

Sports fans like to say “game recognizes game” when youngblood contemporaries hat-tip the greats in their presence or those that came before them. Thanks to The Social Network ten years ago diving into the not-so-nice history of Mark Zuckerberg’s Facebook, David Fincher knows this Welles-Mankiewicz territory all too well. He put a bullseye on an emerging institution and enlisted the wily Aaron Sorkin to help him light the fuse. The masterful director returns with a stylish tribute to courage that came before him. He gets it. Call Mank “balls recognizing balls.”

2020, 4 STARS, ADVANCE MOVIE REVIEW, Home Media, MOVIE REVIEW, Streaming, Video on DemandDon ShanahanNovember 29, 2020Comment

MOVIE REVIEW: Sound of Metal

With rock-heavy undertones replaced by the dramatic struggles of silence, Sound of Metal can personify every one of those questions. This labor-of-love and festival darling debuts in limited release and Amazon Prime on December 4th. Led by a sensational, internalized performance from Riz Ahmed, read here, see on the screen, and hear anyway you can how this stands as one of the best films of the year.

MOVIE REVIEW: Superintelligence

As dippy as all of this in Superintelligence may sound and transpire, there are undeniable streaks of kindness bigger than terabytes. Not all that far removed from the likes of George Bailey or Walter Mitty, the imagination to root for hope and love in people with laughs along the way feels good. Such a sincere sweetness cannot be discounted or denied. Once again, simplicity earns that kind of vibe. Welcome that to your viewing coach this season. We could use it this year.

2020, 4 STARS, ADVANCE MOVIE REVIEW, Home Media, MOVIE REVIEW, Streaming, Video on DemandDon ShanahanNovember 25, 2020Melissa McCarthy, SuperintelligenceComment

COLUMN: 7 Money-Related Shows to Binge on Netflix

The fear of a recession has urged many people to delve into the world of finance to learn how money is properly handled and what happened back during the 2008 recession. Fortunately, Netflix contains many shows and movies dealing with that exact subject plus a few other financial topics. Some of these shows, however, are restricted to US-only, meaning that people in other countries can’t watch them. Don’t worry, though, because a VPN for Netflix will help you navigate around that pesky geo-block. Now, without further ado, let’s talk about the seven best financial shows on Netflix.

2020, Column, Editorial, Home Media, Streaming, Video on DemandDon ShanahanNovember 24, 2020Comment

MOVIE REVIEW: Happiest Season

The tug-of-war in Happiest Season between head and heart is everything. Even as a fictional holiday yarn, the setting of Clea DuVall’s comedy is rooted in a present social landscape where even the legalization of same-sex marriage five years ago has not reduced or healed all of the emotional risks and scars associated with being out on the matters of love. Poking fun at the hijinks of going back to a conservative home for Christmas is one thing. Layering the very tangible anxiety of LGBTQ+ societal fears within those laughs is quite another. Happiest Season earns worthy pride for its willingness and openness to hug out that daunting task.

2020, Home Media, MOVIE REVIEW, Streaming, Video on Demand, 2 STARSDon ShanahanNovember 23, 2020Happiest SeasonComment

MOVIE REVIEW: Run

The keys to the balance on the table are patience and precision. Suspense films with the composure of choosing its show vs. tell spots resonate better than smash-and-slash roller coasters and talkative bores. Chaganty and Ohanian came to Run with a strong premise that had depth of question marks to present behind it. Too many other thrillers never make it past their single starting idea. The duo slow-plays their escalating premise in a film that never seems to run out of constricting connections.

2020, 4 STARS, Independent Film, Home Media, MOVIE REVIEW, Streaming, Video on DemandDon ShanahanNovember 21, 2020Run Comment

MOVIE REVIEW: Fatman

You know what? I hear you. How can Fatman remotely be good? You watch that grim trailer that looks like something intentionally fake right out of Saturday Night Live’s penchant for such parody and shake your head. You consider the violent premise and think Fatman is going to all be schlocky pulp. And then, what to my wondering eyes did appear, this flick turned into something wholly unexpected, yet still with the meaty side of the lurid. Ring those f’n sleigh bells!

2020, 3 STARS, ADVANCE MOVIE REVIEW, Independent Film, MOVIE REVIEW, Streaming, Video on DemandDon ShanahanNovember 17, 2020Comment

MOVIE REVIEW: Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey

Soaring higher than any fabric or falsetto are the uplifting themes of this rich fable written and directed by David E. Talbert. “Revolutionary” is the adjective it aims for and achieves. Seeing all the STEM skills and encouragement on display, some school teacher out there (OK, maybe this one) is going to love this movie and slap a “Growth Mindset” stick on it. Go right ahead, educators. A movie like this is squeaky clean and classroom-ready for repeat enjoyment and pertinent talking points. Yoke its energy and foster that creativity!

2020, 4 STARS, MOVIE REVIEW, Streaming, Video on DemandDon ShanahanNovember 15, 2020Comment

MOVIE REVIEW: Freaky

If you picture Freaky’s premise before you and say “I can’t even,” just like a lazy Millennial, do a turnaround. Retort, as another future victim in the movie does, with “not with that attitude.” Say you “can” or “fo’ sho’” or whatever the whipper-snappers are saying these days to agree. Scripted by Christopher Landon (the two Happy Death Day movies) and Bordertown writer Michael Kennedy, this mashup of body swap comedy cliches and high school horror tropes turned out to be an artery-bursting romp.

2020, 3 STARS, Independent Film, Home Media, MOVIE REVIEW, Streaming, Video on DemandDon ShanahanNovember 12, 2020 Comment

MOVIE REVIEW: Proxima

The dramatic heartstrings of Proxima lie in the realization and reflection of what one will miss from being away and isolated for an extended period of time. Once again, multiple the usual working parent woes. The emotional pain from the anticipation of departure outweighs the excitement. As a viewer, no matter man or woman, you cannot help but ask yourself if you could do what Sarah Loreau is attempting. Could you uncling from your own children? Could you break promises? Like her, you will wrestle your optimism of adventure and entertain your feelings and fears of what and who you would miss the most. That’s a worthy and powerful tale to witness.

2020, 2019, 3 STARS, Foreign Film, Independent Film, MOVIE REVIEW, Streaming, Video on DemandDon ShanahanNovember 8, 2020 Comment

MOVIE REVIEW: Borat Subsequent Moviefilm

Sacha Baron Cohen, and a team of nine (yes, 9) other writers, resurrected his most successful and audacious disguise and snuck a production through the COVID-19 pandemic just in time for Election Day. His mocking aim matches Lesson #1. Through his hedonistic character once again gracing the U.S. of A., Cohen and company expose the problematic silliness of lies being lived to their fullest by fine people on both sides.

2020, 2 STARS, ADVANCE MOVIE REVIEW, MOVIE REVIEW, Independent Film, Video on Demand, StreamingDon ShanahanOctober 22, 2020Comment

MOVIE REVIEW: On the Rocks

There are certain notable people who have created an aura where they can get by on charm alone. Their mere presence elevates and enlivens any occasion. The doyan of deadpan Bill Murray is one of those treasures. His ageless appeal can forgive a few bad traits or flaws. The movies Murray occupies can also often get by on charm. On the Rocks is most certainly one of them. It is playing on a limited theatrical release before debuting on Apple TV+ on October 23rd.