Movie reviews of Don Shanahan

That escapist magic, while plenty special as we all know, is as fleeting as the permeating effect attempted in Empire of Light. The private and civil issues present in this film cannot be fixed and are not fixed by silver screen sorcery. Review

Once readers and viewers journey past the hot-and-bothered parts of Lady Chatterley’s Lover, they will find a story of elevated risks more difficult than high society gossip. Review

As if playing James Bond for a generation wasn’t iconic enough, the 54-year-old Brit has carved out another signature role we cannot get enough of that will define his career. Savoring this charm with the right cases and opposing actors to work against, he and Rian Johnson can rotate this party for decades without wearing out either of their welcomes. Review

In different hands, Devotion would be a Michael Bay fireworks show of grandiose noise. Director J.D. Dillard proves a story of proper hero worship can reach rousing and patriotic heights without screaming to high heaven. Once again, look no further than that perfect title and what it stands for in all its places. Review

The tagline on the poster of The Fabelmans commands to “capture every moment” just as the Spielberg proxy does. The more apt result would be a film lulling you into appreciation. Review

Like the main character, the submission of the movie itself does not put forth enough fight for earned growth. Review

Niceness, in any of its shades, is hard to find in The Banshee of Inisherin, but there’s something uncommonly compelling about absorbing and weathering this march to calamity. Review

There’s a limit reached in The Class where even the issues have their issues. Nevertheless, the effort is commendable. Review

Take Ticket to Paradise for what it is in the here-and-now as a welcome new addition to the resumes of two cherished audience favorites. Review

Till is an empowering reminder that sufficient action and change are not over. Review

Like its lead woman, it is reserved and far more realistic with its urban sauntering. In different and disinterested hands, the floozy-plus-dreamboat formula would be in full effect. Review

Farrelly’s movie softly pushes those repetitive messages that have been done better elsewhere, making The Greatest Beer Run Ever 30 years late in its relevance and topicality. Review

Not a single glandular release from her striking eyes seems disingenuous. In depicting one icon, Blonde may have just launched another with its lead actress. Review

Wilde’s bold presentation is a worthy entry into that pantheon of rug pulls and repeat viewing potential, even if it’s to measure missteps versus successes. Review

Some of the standout efforts include the fabulous costume work of Gersha Phillips, the enveloping cinematography of Polly Morgan, and the intricate choreography of Zoyi Lindiwe Muendane. Review

So much of Confess, Fletch feels like a wiser-than the norm throwback against the hefty audience quadrant that will always prefer the louder, action-ified punch of the James Bonds and Jason Bournes of the world over a journalist gumshoe. If that crowd can slow down for a smaller and smoother ride, they will find mental thrills equally clever to the pop of blockbuster stunts that fade as quickly as they explode. Review

True to the put-upon team of who and what they represent, Hall’s brilliance does not work without Sterling K. Brown’s electric performance of off-the-charts vanity. Review

The special thing is Samaritan shows how much Sylvester Stallone still offers as an actor that has nothing to do with the ripped physicality that made him famous. Review

Director Abi Damaris Corbin resists the temptations to pound messages and shout showy monologues. He and his screenwriting partner Kwame Kwei-Armah uphold the simple and poignant principles that were at hand with this true story and on the central figure’s mind during a fateful July day in 2017. Review

In this way, Beast moves very well in its 93 minutes to pounce at the prescribed times the audience finds itself eager for a spill or thrill. Review

There is incomplete depth all over the place in Summering. Review

Even with some shortcomings in a mighty tall place, the draw of conquering great heights still wins and brings out more than enough nervous perspiration to memorably soak seats. Review

Amber Midthunder and Dakota Beavers seized this chance and succeeded with determined rigor and spellbinding courage matching that of their characters. Review

Koy boastfully perpetuates some bad behaviors while chastising others. That comedic selectivity creates a bit of double-talk. Review