Movie reviews of Don Shanahan

The words enchant to no end, yet are staggeringly uncharacteristic when you watch them coming from a cast of 20-somethings, even if they are played by talents like Timothée Chalamet, Elle Fanning, and Selena Gomez. Review

One the Rocks becomes another swirl for Sofia Coppola’s signature of defying expectations. While valuable for that level of challenging exploration to put dour on top of delight, that is a trajectory where charm exceeds its limits, and ours, to a degree. Review

Virtuoso director of stage and screen Julie Taymor pays homage to the 86-year-old feminist idol with an emblematic travelogue of a film. Review

From the most flippant to the most cantankerous, not a single cast member misses their mark or weakens any chain. Review

Even with a determined performance from Janelle Monáe, this is a distressing and unnecessary inquisition with no solid answers. Review

For a film that rarely leaves the shell-shocked and world-absorbing face of Youssouf, the increasing and desperate failures from her difficult situations and culture clash confusion flesh out a valuable and compelling tale of staunch social warnings. Review

That strength comes from Susan Sarandon. When given the right role, she reminds us of her unlimited appeal and talent. Review

For every poetic word, cinematic flourish, or striking idea that ignites a challenging neuron in I’m Thinking of Ending Things, a triple helping of something obscure destroys momentum and snuffs any flicker. When he’s right, lucidity outshines the oddity, but that is not this film. Review

Unlike so many of these “re-imaginings” from Disney, nearly every aspect of this live-action rendition is an enhancement from its predecessor. Review

Even if a movie like The One and Only Ivan applies a little extra pushed personification for audience appeal, still recognize the feelings present. They’re so very there. The movie can stand proud for doing its source inspiration justice in a softly affecting and entertaining way. Review

Endless has a clean and polished air about itself in taking on topics normally too sparkly or too saccharine to take seriously. Folks, it’s still ghosts. Melodrama is a given. Yet, proper care and portrayal is still given to the emotional toll of true loss for those still living and loving. Review

Like the chemical addiction on screen, you have at best, five-minute spurts here and there of those leaps from the concept. You’re likely left asking where all of the power goes. Review

Too much of The Tax Collector lacks the higher gravity beyond the flashy fronts. Review

With Made in Italy and its occasional dalliances into comedy, the shell that comprises Neeson’s defenses sheds layers of honesty and translucent prisms to his heart. Fear is no longer in the equation and that’s a remarkable and gratifying sight to behold. Review

Every braided shoestring of DIY indie filmmaking on Lake Michigan Monsters swings a proverbial kitchen sink of derring-do flair on the end of it. Review

The balance of the past and present in Summerland is a challenge. Swale’s film is pensive in many places and proud in many others, respectfully so, yet with difficult transitions of meshed tones. Review

The richest artistry comes from the written storytelling from Kore-eda. Without his created character dynamics, all the finery and stellar casting are merely shells. The Truth is a ripe role for Catherine Deneuve... Review

The strength of this film’s songs cannot stir the heavier human drama. If music is meant to be the binder, there’s not nearly enough of it. Review

Continuously without dialogue, Daniel Davids and Isobel Wood captivate our cores with courage. Review

The narrative screws might not be the tightest, but its aim is deadly enough to draw you in. Review

Greyhound is a simpler performance than the comparative likes of Captain Phillips and Sully, but Tom doesn’t miss a moment to matter. Review

No Small Matter can tug heartstrings as strongly as it backs its impassioned information. Review

This is an even-handed farce of finger-pointing where both political sides have dirty hands and the media in the middle is wholly and equally complicit. Stewart unleashes this cringing astonishment in a surprising movie that pulls your leg and also very rug right out from underneath you. Review

Miss Juneteenth has as much sincerity as it has struggle. The worthy themes ring true for a positive and willing audience that can pause looking down on pageants and see the bigger preparatory importance. Review