PODCAST: Episode 144 of "The Cinephile Hissy Fit" Podcast

For their 143rd episode, two non-Italian critics, two racecar dads, and two seatbelt-wearing teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, are joined by the Cinematic Underdogs podcast partners for the second part of their collaborative Michael Mann double feature. This time, they fast forward to Mann's return to cinema with this past year's Oscar contender Ferrari starring Adam Driver and the sensational Penelope Cruz. Paul and Jordan are sports movie podcasters, so this was a treat to play in the podcasting stadium.

MEDIA APPEARANCE: Guest on the Kicking the Seat roundtable for "Barbie"

Last week on the Kicking the Seat podcast and YouTube channel with Ian Simmons was Oppenheimer, one half of 2023 cinema “Barbenheimer” event of the summer. This week, it was Barbie’s turn. First up was Christopher Nolan’s massive Oppenheimer. Things took quite a turn late in the show when the social commentary reared its ugly head between Ian, myself, Jeff York of The Establishing Shot, David Fowlie of Keeping it Reel, and Mark Krawczyk of Special Mark Productions. Enjoy the show and be sure to subscribe to Ian’s channel!

MEDIA APPEARANCE: Included in Hollywood Critics Association Gradebook for "Barbie"

Upon being accepted into the Hollywood Critics Association, their fine site-runners and admins assemble “Gradebooks” collecting early reviews and grades from their critics on popular releases. When I can get more work completed and a review submitted early enough, my take and connected quotes have the chance to make these shout-out posts. My newest was being included for Barbie. Check out your boy!

Media Appearance, 2023Don ShanahanAugust 2, 2023Hollywood Critics Association, HCA Gradebooks, BarbieComment

PODCAST: Episode 120 of "The Cinephile Hissy Fit" Podcast

For their 120th episode after a two-week summer vacation break, two plastic film film critics, two pink-wearing dads, and two non-physics teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, were not going to miss the chance to jump on the bandwagon of the big "Barbenheimer" weekend. Like atoms in a bomb, our hosts smash two movies into one episode to cover Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer and Greta Gerwig's Barbie. The takes are hotter than the models and the explosions.

INFOGRAPHIC: The Most Searched Female-Directed Film by State

Throughout Hollywood’s male-dominated history, most of the top positions working on a movie, from producers and writers to the true auteur of the film, the director, have been occupied by men. But even throughout that male-dominated history, women have fought to have their voices heard and their contributions recognized.

2023, Infographic, Editorial, ColumnDon ShanahanJuly 27, 2023Barbie, Nomadland, The Powers of the DogComment

MOVIE REVIEW: Barbie

Speaking of colors and style, I’ll leave you with this little tidbit of snazzy advice from the movie that mixes with the philosophical slant of Barbie itself. Pink goes with everything. Taking that further into color psychology, pink is said to be a contradictory color associated with innocence, calmness, sensitivity, and optimism as much as it’s the standard bearer for femininity. Those listed qualities are the fluttering feelings of Barbie worn with pride, and that’s a radiantly beautiful thing.