EVERY MOVIE HAS A LESSON

by Don Shanahan

Posts tagged Francis Ford Coppola

MEDIA APPEARANCE: Participant in "World of Reel" Critics Poll for Best Modern Film of Francis Ford Coppola

As I have grown in press credentials and professional affiliations nationally, I have found myself landing in circles with other film critics of various levels. Recently, I was included in a poll for voting critics for Jordan Ruimy of World of Reel, a fellow Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic. His survey was to collect picks for the best film of famed director Francis Ford Copolla (The Godfather series, Apocalypse Now) from over 100 critics and other industry folk. I was honored to chime in with my vote for 1997’s The Rainmaker to be included with some very high professional company.

Media Appearance, Social Media, SPECIAL, LIST, Best Films, 2024Don ShanahanApril 12, 2024World of Reel, Jordan Ruimy, Francis Ford Coppola, The RainmakerComment

MOVIE REVIEW: The Lost City of Z

The most crucial dramatic trait for films about exploration is a drawing a strong reaction to the unknown from the audience. Whether it’s a historical story or a fantastical one of fiction, the film has to evoke awe, be that stirring swells of inspiration or jarring feelings of danger. It has to move you, not bore you. If a film can’t achieve that quickened pulse or heavy heart, it’s little better than a travelogue on cable television or a curriculum video they show soon-to-be-bored high school students in Social Studies class.