EDITORIAL: Best casino movies of the 21st century so far

Flashy casino settings have long been inviting destinations for eager tourists and lavish film productions. The twinkling lights and allure of scoring a life-changing payday is a shared dream of both the customer and the moviemakers looking for artistic and commercial successes. Nowadays, a taste of that lucky escapism for thrill seekers can come online through eclectic sites like Casino Billions or continue at their local movie theater or the cushions of their couch with a good flick.

2018, Column, Editorial, LIST, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanSeptember 5, 2018Comment

EDITORIAL: Movies that will help make good students

Ask any teacher or tutor out there worth their salt from anywhere in the world, myself included, and they’ll trade all the flashy material things and gadgets off that school supply list for students prepared with a kind heart, a willing mind, and a positive attitude. Those three traits aren’t found in the store aisles. However, there are a few movies out there that can inspire future good students and spark conversations for a family movie night at home.

2018, Editorial, Independent Film, LIST, SPECIALDon ShanahanSeptember 3, 2018 Comments

INFOGRAPHIC: Most destructive house parties on film

A free house, teens, alcohol, and music - what could possibly go wrong? Plenty! We’ve all seen the famous college party depicted in movies. There is almost always debauchery, spilt drinks, and general house trashing. These parties cause a lot more damage than your average house party. In a film, you’d be lucky if your house party cost $1000 in damages. As a matter of fact, none of the parties on this list cost less than $2000. Thankfully, your run-of-the-mill house party doesn’t cost as much. However, it wouldn’t be a cliché movie if it was an accurate representation, would it?

2018, Infographic, LIST, Social MediaDon ShanahanAugust 31, 2018Comment

EDITORIAL: Five of the best movies inspired by video games

For video gamers and movie fans alike, these films hit the spot. The combination of two worlds where anything is possible creates the opportunity for some of the best entertainment and escapism imaginable, and here are the best of the best (in no particular order). Enjoy this new editorial and viewing list!

2018, Column, Editorial, LIST, SPECIAL, SHORT FILMSDon ShanahanAugust 13, 2018 Comment

INFOGRAPHIC: America and Canada's favorite Disney classics

With so many incredible Disney films over the years, it can be hard to choose a favorite. Would you go for a Golden Age film like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs or a Disney Renaissance flick like Hercules? While we might not know your personal Disney favorite (or maybe we do—we’re pretty mysterious), our team of analysts discovered which Disney classic each US state prefers above the rest. Check it out!

2018, Column, Editorial, Infographic, LIST, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanAugust 8, 2018 Comments

INFOGRAPHIC: Iconic movie sleepwear for your favorite characters

Do you think you know everything about your favorite movie characters? From their personality, to their…pajamas? Aside from the action and drama, there are many iconic movie moments where we see characters in their most vulnerable outfits. Would you have been able to guess these characters by their pajamas? Check out this infographic to quiz yourself!

Infographic, Editorial, 2018, LIST, Social Media, SPECIAL, ColumnDon ShanahanJuly 30, 2018Comment

INFOGRAPHIC: Box office magic and the wizarding world of Harry Potter

The careers of Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint skyrocketed when Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone premiered in November 2001. The film was a major success and made $32.3 million on its opening day, breaking the United States' single day record previously held by Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace. Though this was only the beginning! The subsequent films continued to be record breakers and collectively generated $7.2 billion at the box office. Read for more fun facts in this infographic!

2018, Column, Editorial, Infographic, LIST, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanJuly 30, 2018Comment

INFOGRAPHIC: Ranking the most iconic movie falls

Long, dramatic falls are a frequently used device in cinema to provide a suitably theatrical demise for a character. Whether it’s from a skyscraper, an aircraft or even a mountain chasm, there are few more visually arresting ways to provide a cinematic send-off. To give the frequently used set-piece some well-needed recognition, Roof Stores put together a movie "Fall of Fame" acknowledging the best examples of falling in film history. Enjoy!

2018, Column, Editorial, Infographic, LIST, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanJuly 11, 2018Comment

EDITORIAL: The Best Films of 2018 (so far)

Usually for this website, half of a year equals half of a future “10 Best” in December, meaning normally only five films make this “best of” list. However, I have seen six 5-star feature films as well as one 5-star documentary and one 5-star short film. I’m giving all of them the spotlight. As always for this “so-far” list and the year-end final and true to my website’s hook, I present each film with its best life lesson from my review. Enjoy!

10 Best, 2018, Best Films, Column, Editorial, Independent Film, LIST, SPECIALDon ShanahanJuly 2, 2018 Comments

INFOGRAPHIC: 10 of the Most Memorable Cars from the Movies

I may not be a full-on gearhead, but I do love a great car in a film! Car leasing company OSV has created an interesting and engaging infographic detailing the 10 most memorable cars to have graced the silver screen in the last 50 years. From Steve McQueen’s Mustang GT390 in Bullitt to Vin Diesel’s Dodge Charger from The Fast and The Furious, these are mean machines that really stand out from the crowd.

2018, Editorial, Infographic, LIST, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanApril 13, 2018Comment

INFOGRAPHIC: 99 Insanely Interesting Gambling Movie Facts

Do you want to kill at parties or learn to talk like a pro gambler at CasinoSites? Hollywood might help there! This little infographic below gives you 99 insane facts about some of the most popular gambling movies of all time. Like, the box office take for Casino Royale looked like the GDP of a small, developing country at around $599 million. Or that over 250 movies have been filmed in Las Vegas over the last seven decades.

2018, Editorial, Infographic, LIST, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanApril 11, 2018Comment

EDITORIAL: 2018 March Madness Movie Bracket Challenges

Everything nowadays gets scored and ranked against everything. As an educator with accountability to assessment and achievement, I can respect that and gladly drink that Kool-Aid. With the annual NCAA March Madness tournament going on in full swing, a pair of movie-themed brackets have been surfing the Facebook waves and I couldn't help but be intrigued. One challenge is for the youthful casual fan and one is for the somewhat more serious cinephile.

2018, Column, Editorial, LIST, Social Media, SPECIALDon ShanahanMarch 30, 2018Comment