MEDIA APPEARANCE: David Ehrlich's IndieWire Critics Survey on May 28, 2019

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: What is the worst movie ever and why?

Not too many critics are taking too kindly to Disney re-imagined Aladdin. I see the appeal, but it’s far from a great remake. That said, it’s far from the worst too. By golly, have there been some stinkers. This week’s IndieWire critics survey from David Ehrlich polled for the ugliest of the ugly and got ten selections. For the second survey in a row, I went to the 1990s, this time for Gus Van Sant’’s reviled Psycho remake. Misguided isn’t even the beginning of it. Any other choice here was going to be a distant second for me.

Independent Film, Media Appearance, Social Media, SPECIAL, 2019Don ShanahanMay 28, 2019David EhrlichComment

EDITORIAL: Movie Casino Cheats

There’s a very good reason why casinos make an appearance in so many films. They contain all the elements needed for a gripping drama. They’re naturally glamorous locations filled with the beautiful and wealthy, where fortunes being won or lost on the turn of a card or the spin of a roulette wheel. Last, but not least, they give the hero of the film the chance to use their wits or skill to get the better of both the casino and the other players who are pitted against them.

2019, Column, Editorial, Home Media, LIST, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanMay 28, 2019Movie Casino CheatsComment

MEDIA APPEARANCE: Guest on the "Kicking the Seat" podcast talking "John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum"

With guns blazing and some fun editing, Ian Simmons of Kicking the Seat was kind enough to invite me for his podcast roundtable for John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum. I came into this as a neophyte where I hadn’t seen any of this series before prepping for the third. David Fowlie of Keeping it Reel and Emmanuel Noisette of E-Man’s Movie Reviews and to this circle and we all approach this one quite uniquely. Reload with us and enjoy the critiques!

MEDIA APPEARANCE: David Ehrlich's IndieWire Critics Survey on May 13, 2019

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: What is the best Keanu Reeves performance and how does it speak to his unique persona?

With the third John Wick film dropping this week, the question was an easy softball matching the film’s star. Keanu Reeves has had one interesting and steady career. The peaks are far spaced between his breakout with Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, Speed, The Matrix, and John Wick, but he’s as steady as they come. I went with the dark and seedy stuff that made him break his deadpan persona for my survey pick. Second place would have been the little-seen The Watcher where Reeves plays an enigmatic serial killer.

Independent Film, Media Appearance, Social Media, SPECIAL, 2019Don ShanahanMay 14, 2019David EhrlichComment

MEDIA APPEARANCE: Participant in "World of Reel" Critics Poll for Best Films of the 2010s

As I grow with press credentials and professional affiliation locally and nationally, I find myself more and more landing and conversing in circles with other film critics of various levels. Much like the David Ehrlich survey I participate in, I answered an open social media call from Jordan Ruimy of World of Reel. He is a fellow Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic who also has contributed to The Young Folks, The Playlist, We Got This Covered, and The Film Stage. His poll was to collect the Top 5 films of the 2010s from critics and other industry folk. I was honored to chime in with my quintet.

Media Appearance, Social Media, SPECIAL, 2019, LIST, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018Don ShanahanMay 14, 2019Comment

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.