MOVIE REVIEW: Monkey Man

Most will come away from Monkey Man going on and on like that last paragraph to praise the carnality of this movie, and rightfully so. That strapping and blood-soaked athleticism is what is going to draw the hoots and hollers at public screenings and fire up future YouTube fight breakdowns. Sometimes action for action’s sake can come up empty for greater meaning and audience investment. Without anchors to care about, the fun of it all can be meaningless. This movie does not make that mistake. That’s why Monkey Man’s passionate heart should be praised as highly as its physicality.

2024, 4 STARS, MOVIE REVIEWDon ShanahanApril 6, 2024Monkey Man, Dev PatelComment

The Ultimate Gambler: Every Casino Game James Bond Has Tried His Luck At

From the glitz of Monte Carlo to the shadows of Macau, Bond's casino exploits have defined him as the ultimate embodiment of sophistication and daring. Let's journey through Bond's gambling history, where every bet is a thrill, and every win is legendary.

2024, Column, EditorialDon ShanahanApril 5, 2024Comment

The Five Most Shocking Films For Their Time

In the grand tapestry of cinematic history, certain films emerge that challenge, provoke, and sometimes disturb, leaving an indelible mark on audiences and industry alike. These films dare to venture into uncharted territories of narrative and moral complexity, igniting debates and often facing censorship. Here, Empire delves into five of the most controversial films of all time, including the groundbreaking "Midnight Cowboy."

2024, Column, EditorialDon ShanahanApril 4, 2024Comment

The Future of Crypto Gambling: All You Need To Know

Did you know that the global online gambling market is projected to exceed $100 billion by 2025? Crypto casinos are the future of online gambling. Every bet is powered by blockchain technology, ensuring transparency and fairness. Surprisingly, over 70% of online gamblers are already familiar with cryptocurrencies, setting the stage for the rise of crypto gambling.

2024, Column, EditorialDon ShanahanApril 1, 2024Comment

PODCAST: Episode 150 of "The Cinephile Hissy Fit" Podcast

For their 149th episode, two space pirate film critics, two mutated dads, and two earthbound teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, continue piloting through the sequel star system of their Alien series rewatch with an episode on 1997's Alien: Resurrection, bringing a cloned Sigourney Weaver two centuries into the future. Is the movie subversive, kinky, weird, fun, all of the above, or none of the above. This one is high on Will's ranks while Don is pondering.

MOVIE REVIEW: The Greatest Hits

Merging this kind of existential melodrama with the outlandish happenstance of time travel requires characters audiences will care about beyond pragmatics and a lush production that can sprinkle magic on the grains of salt required. With the three charismatic and emerging talents present, the human appeal is covered in The Greatest Hits.

A Beginner's Guide To Gambling Apps In 2024

Gambling apps are the perfect solution for those who want to indulge in the exciting activity of gambling in the most convenient, mobile, and entertaining way possible. Whether you prefer social gambling games, online sports betting, or live casino tables, apps have made gambling simpler than ever before.

2024, Column, EditorialDon ShanahanMarch 29, 2024Comment

MOVIE REVIEW: In the Land of Saints and Sinners

In the Land of Saints and Sinners earns a fair victory by slowing down and softening Liam Neeson from his signature gear of constant action ferocity. Even while playing a contract killer with imposing intimidation in his back pocket, the soon-to-be 72-year-old was granted a warmer character who exudes thoughtful wisdom first and brutality second. Clearly, the chance to give a little more of his best back to audiences on his home turf was irresistible and appreciated by Neeson.

MOVIE REVIEW: The Listener

Directing his fifth feature length film, Steve Buscemi had us at Tessa Thompson. That’s an immediate victory. Go ahead and close your eyes. Picture Tessa and hear her voice. If you’re hearing her approachable tone and timbre in softer roles like Passing or Sylvie’s Love before her heroic bellows in the Thor and Creed franchises, you’re the right kind of cinephile and have dialed in to the proper Tessa Thompson.

2022, 2024, 4 STARS, Independent Film, MOVIE REVIEWDon ShanahanMarch 26, 2024The Listener, Tessa Thompson, Steve Buscemi, Alessandro CamonComment

The Therapeutic Power of Dorixina Relax in Alleviating Musculoskeletal Discomfort

Dorixina Relax is a medicine that effectively relieves discomfort and pain in the musculoskeletal system. This medication combines several active ingredients, including clonixinate and cyclobenzaprine, in a 125/5 mg dosage, respectively.

2024, Column, EditorialDon ShanahanMarch 26, 2024Comment

MEDIA APPEARANCE: Guest on the "Let's Talk About Flix" podcast chatting about "The Way Way Back"

Through small world happenstance, I’ve come to know hosts Mike Osborn and Curtis Menke of the irreverent and laugh-filled podcast “Let’s Talk About Flix.” They are appointment weekly laughs for me and pod I support on Patreon. Mike and Curtis have become two full members of the Chicago Indie Critics group that I co-direct. I was honored to be asked on as the return guest during their “Patreon Picks” month. For that guest’s choice theme, I brought them 2013’s The Way Way Back. Enjoy our chat! Follow their show on podcast platforms and YouTube!

MOVIE REVIEW: Riddle of Fire

Riddle of Fire introduces audiences to the fictional town of Ribbon, Wyoming. As the camera stays wide to soak in the idyllic Utah vistas, captions styled in a Tolkien-esque font speak of faery castles, swords, knights, squires, and kindred spirits. Those thematically chosen words and the mystical synth musical score by Hole Dweller enunciate that we’re in for a sinuous fairy tale of a wholly different sort because of who, thanks to the W. C. Fields quote, is presented as the heroes of this fable.