SPECIAL: Previewing the 7th Chicago Critics Film Festival

For the seventh consecutive year, many of the best domestic and international films on the festival circuit come to Chicago thanks to the Chicago Film Critics Association. The 7th Chicago Critics Film Festival opens May 17th at the famed and restored Music Box Theatre in the northside Lakeview neighborhood. Steaming towards a decade in successful existence, the CCFF remains the only film festival curated by film critics in the nation. This year, 25 feature films and two short film programs comprise their rich and ambitious offering slate

2019, Chicago Film Festival, Film Festival, Independent Film, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanMay 11, 2019Music Box TheatreComment

MEDIA APPEARANCE: David Ehrlich's IndieWire Critics Survey on April 29, 2019

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: What major filmmaker should try their hand at television?

Full admission, I don’t little to zero current TV. I’m a long-time cord-cutter and I’ll occasionally binge a show with my wife on Hulu or Netflix. Still, the list of buzz-worthy shows I haven’t seen during this 21st century evolution of the medium that keep water coolers thriving is ridiculously long. However, my eye for the movies can pick out a good creative mind. A little research on Google revealed many prime director names who’ve had their moonlighting projects on television, much to my surprise. After a few nominees, I found my stylish pick.

Independent Film, Media Appearance, Social Media, SPECIAL, 2019Don ShanahanApril 30, 2019David EhrlichComment

SHORT FILM REVIEW: Trained

The opening scene of filmmaker Yuri Rutman’s spare yet sizzling short film tantalizingly begs many questions. What kind of couple are we witnessing? What triggers provoke this passion? A montage follows to show that this wild escapade is not the first time the hearts and loins of these two people have been electrified around the rails of public transportation. This is Jake and Emma, and they are tragically intoxicated by two different things at the expense of each other.

2019, 3 STARS, Independent Film, MOVIE REVIEW, SHORT FILMS, Social MediaDon ShanahanApril 30, 2019 Comments

MEDIA APPEARANCE: Guest on the "Kicking the Seat" podcast talking "Avengers: Endgame"

Folks, this was the big one! Immediately after the hush-hush advance press screening of Avengers: Endgame, Ian Simmons of Kicking the Seat called for the “comic council” of film critics to assemble. True to our loyal form, David Fowlie of Keeping it Reel and myself started spoiler-free and then expanded to full spoilers on our fresh and immediate reactions on the big MCU finale. Mere minutes after the epic film’s conclusion, the three of us exhaled for a very spirited conversation.

Media Appearance, Podcast, Social Media, SPECIAL, 2019Don ShanahanApril 29, 2019AMC RIver East 21Captain Marvel, Kicking the SeatComment

EDITORIAL: Underrated Sci-Fi Movies to Watch on a Date

Movies are the best way to spend your date: it's a safe bet; it's always a comfortable choice because you can choose to be intimate and kiss throughout the film or pretend «interested» if you don't feel that comfortable with a new date. But these movies will definitely fascinate you so much that you wouldn't want to take a break and grab another portion of popcorn without pausing the movie. Also, it is a list of most awesome and most underrated films that might not be a huge success in Hollywood but earned many rewards and niche critic's positive reviews.

2019, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, LIST, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanApril 29, 2019Comment

EDITORIAL: Most Influential Movies for Bodybuilders

Bodybuilding is no longer a hobby like it used to be. Many people are now involved in bodybuilding as a career and even employ personal managers. This means that this physical activity has devolved a lot over time. If you want to start this career today, staying motivated is the first step that you need to take. Some movies that revolve around weight lifting and bodybuilding will probably do the magic. The list we have prepared below has the top ten most influential movies for bodybuilders. In fact, it is crucial for both novices and experienced bodybuilders to watch these movies. Read on to learn more.

2019, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home Media, LIST, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanApril 29, 2019Comment

EDITORIAL: Best casino movies of all-time

Hollywood has a huge fascination with gambling. They keep creating movies which reveal the dark and hidden side of the casino lifestyle, or tells tale of strategic card counting. Here are top 5 movies of all time. There are numerous casinos around the globe with free slot machines, which provide opportunities to the players to participate in the gambling free of cost. The casino movies show the unknown side of this industry which is generally unknown to the common crowd.

2019, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home Media, LIST, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanApril 29, 2019Comment

MEDIA APPEARANCE: David Ehrlich's IndieWire Critics Survey on April 22, 2019

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: How do you think the legacy of the Marvel Cinematic Universe will impact the movie world?

Boy, this was a rough survey collection. The majority of participants this week have more negative responses and rationales than positive ones when it comes to talking about the lasting impact of the MCU. I’m unashamed and proud to try and be one of the more positive replies. Is it part of a big corporate greed monster? Maybe, but I cannot deny how it’s become a huge and influential success.

Independent Film, Media Appearance, Social Media, SPECIAL, 2019Don ShanahanApril 22, 2019David EhrlichComment

MEDIA APPEARANCE: David Ehrlich's IndieWire Critics Survey on April 15, 2019

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: What’s the most beautifully animated film ever made?

Much to my surprise, I was the only participating critic in this week’s survey to cite a Disney movie, and a classic one at that. As you’ll read in my contribution, I can’t get over the depth from the backdrops in Sleeping Beauty. I do love that Loving Vincent inclusion. That very much in the running for this vote.

Independent Film, Media Appearance, Social Media, SPECIAL, 2019Don ShanahanApril 19, 2019David EhrlichComment

MOVIE REVIEW: Stuck

Yet, like the truthful insides of any gathering of unknowns, there’s more to Stuck than a mere interval of happenstance, and the swelling urban musical that rises from its collective lungs elevates that fact. The spoken and sung revelations of each character’s plight create a clashing cross-sectional dip into America’s Melting Pot. These poignant emotions fuel biting social commentary in a way few films, big or small budget and musical or otherwise, have ever succeeded.

2017, 2019, 4 STARS, Independent Film, MOVIE REVIEW, Social MediaDon ShanahanApril 19, 2019AMC YorktownComment

GUEST EDITORIAL: 10 Best Pet Movies for Your Next Night In

Grab your popcorn and snacks for your pups and marathon these 10 best pet movies. If you are a true pet lover, you appreciate pets in all their forms – in real life, in paintings, in music, in literature and especially in movies. From classics like The Lady and the Tramp to new favorites such as Garfield, these shows will receive a bark of appreciation from the whole crew. You are bound to have the time of your life through the adventures in the movie.

2019, Column, Editorial, GUEST CRITIC, GUEST EDITORIAL, LIST, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanApril 14, 2019Comment

INFOGRAPHIC: Iconic Opening Lines

The opening line from a film can make all the difference. It can be what hooks you in, it can be what makes you turn over. Some opening lines are so great that they’re works of art in their own right, and department store Oldrids & Downtown have captured that in these cool posters. Using the first line from some iconic films, they’ve created some fascinating illustrations that fans of the movies will love. By incorporating the visual themes and aesthetic of the film, they’ve nailed these, see for yourself here…