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Don Shanahan
Tomatometer-approved critic
Don Shanahan is a Chicago-based film critic writing for 25YL and on his website Every Movie Has a Lesson. He is also the co-host of the Cinephile Hissy Fit podcast on the Ruminations Radio Network. As a school educator by day, Don writes his movie reviews with life lessons in mind, from the serious to the farcical.
Movies reviews only
| Rating | T-Meter | Title | Year | Review |
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Outlaw Johnny Black (2023) |
With a clenched fist and a tongue in its cheek, White and company are here to emulate and embellish the best and worst qualities of westerns by making a cool one of their own. - Every Movie Has a Lesson
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| Posted Sep 20, 2023
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A Million Miles Away (2023) |
There’s not a second where this film’s heart is not in the right place, and this school teacher will take these submissions every chance he gets. - Every Movie Has a Lesson
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| Posted Sep 16, 2023
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A Haunting in Venice (2023) |
While "A Haunting in Venice" is not an outright gothic horror film emptying a bloodbank’s worth of crimson everywhere, the polish is too good to deny and the chilling level of suspense with these extra traits is more than sound. - Film Obsessive
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| Posted Sep 12, 2023
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Regarding Henry (1991) |
This was an enjoyable chance to see a softer side of Harrison Ford we don't often see. - Cinephile Hissy Fit Podcast
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| Posted Sep 10, 2023
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It Comes at Night (2017) |
"It Comes at Night" is tightly comprised of excruciating moral challenges that escalate with time. - Every Movie Has a Lesson
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| Posted Sep 04, 2023
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Island Zero (2017) |
Lovingly made on a tiny budget, "Island Zero" knows exactly what it wants to be and squeezes every penny. - Every Movie Has a Lesson
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| Posted Sep 04, 2023
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Iron Man 2 (2010) |
While it's not chapter-and-verse based on any comic story and takes a lot of liberties, "Iron Man 2" is an undeniably fun piece of comic and summer entertainment. - Every Movie Has a Lesson
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| Posted Sep 04, 2023
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The Iron Lady (2011) |
While the film is respectful of her past achievements, we can't help but want more of the "Iron Lady" of the past, not the Rusty Woman in the present. - Every Movie Has a Lesson
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| Posted Sep 04, 2023
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The Invitation (2015) |
Just when you think you have a pulse, see a seam, or think you have a lead, “The Invitation” folds in one more emotion, revelation, or development. The effect is remarkably alluring. - Every Movie Has a Lesson
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| Posted Sep 04, 2023
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Interstellar (2014) |
"Interstellar" pushes the limits for personal interpretation of both science and fiction. Both elements are wildly heightened to a bold scale to address the internal opposites between logic and spectacle, science and sentiment, and brains and emotion. - Every Movie Has a Lesson
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| Posted Sep 04, 2023
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Inside Out (2015) |
Pixar has mastered the uncanny ability to take all of the manic and whiz-bang-zoom kinetic energy and slow down it all down, pause, or stop at the rightfully perfect times to reflect on the emotional bedrock of why all of what they are doing matters. - Every Movie Has a Lesson
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| Posted Sep 04, 2023
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Inside Llewyn Davis (2013) |
The problem is the film is as aimless and unmotivated as the couch-crashing struggling artist you're picturing. His crappy life is your crappy experience. - Every Movie Has a Lesson
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| Posted Sep 04, 2023
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Ingenious (2009) |
"Ingenious" offers a funny and entertaining slice-of-life story that leaves out the melodrama and fills its story, and us the audience, with engaging inspiration and spirit. - Every Movie Has a Lesson
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| Posted Sep 04, 2023
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Independence Day: Resurgence (2016) |
What was awesome the first time isn’t jaw-dropping anymore. - Every Movie Has a Lesson
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| Posted Sep 04, 2023
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Incredibles 2 (2018) |
Incredibles 2 may not pack the usual signature “Pixar Punch” that sends stock in Kleenex skyrocketing, but the movie’s themes are formulated with deft wit, proper prudence, and enough meaningful magic. - Every Movie Has a Lesson
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| Posted Sep 04, 2023
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Inception (2010) |
"Inception" delivers twists that fit the evolving context of the story it's creating and commandingly wins your attention enough to not turn you off. While it may not seem like it, there is a point and a light at the end of the tunnel to this maze. - Every Movie Has a Lesson
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| Posted Sep 04, 2023
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In Time (2011) |
The high concept science-fiction played out in "In Time" is as uniquely original, stylish, challenging, and enthralling as it is preposterous. - Every Movie Has a Lesson
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| Posted Sep 04, 2023
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In the Heat of the Night (1967) |
Even without the racial overtones that makes the film historic, "In the Heat of the Night" is a top-notch and superior mystery film and crime drama. That strength of story and intrigue only adds to the tangible racial tension of the setting. - Every Movie Has a Lesson
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| Posted Sep 04, 2023
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In a Valley of Violence (2016) |
All you need is the right catalyst of motivated vengeance and a good filmmaker guides the tumbleweeds, spurs, bullets, and trigger-happy tempers to take it from there. - Every Movie Has a Lesson
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| Posted Sep 04, 2023
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The Impossible (2012) |
What one single movie can do is give at least one true story profound respect and realism. Most importantly, what the beauty of any movie can do is remind us all of the hope and survival that rises from the depths of tragedy and loss. - Every Movie Has a Lesson
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| Posted Sep 04, 2023
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The Imitation Game (2014) |
Call out the "Oscar bait" planning and intentional polish all you want, but you won't be seeing a bad film whatsoever. You will be seeing a calculated crowd pleaser with perfect delivery, through and through. - Every Movie Has a Lesson
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| Posted Sep 04, 2023
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I'll See You in My Dreams (2015) |
Still, even flawed "I'll See You in My Dreams" is a worthy effort to be a viable summer counter-programming option for the adults out there that want to slow down, unwind, and appreciate someone like Blythe Danner that ages like fine wine. - Every Movie Has a Lesson
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| Posted Sep 04, 2023
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The Ides of March (2011) |
While the acting looks good on posters, sells tickets, and brings people in, the movie's every-evolving chess match of political dealings, secrets, twists, and double-crosses will keep you talking about it after you leave. - Every Movie Has a Lesson
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| Posted Sep 04, 2023
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I, Tonya (2017) |
Brimming with depravity and teaming with talent, "I, Tonya" may be the brashest film you will see seen this year and, quite frankly, one of the downright best as well. - Every Movie Has a Lesson
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| Posted Sep 04, 2023
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I, Daniel Blake (2016) |
Loach’s plain-speaking film is a touchingly realistic parable. - Every Movie Has a Lesson
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| Posted Sep 04, 2023
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I am not your negro (2016) |
This outstanding and informative film presents Baldwin’s musings alongside sobering imagery of both the turbulent history of the era and parallel occurrences of modern racial unrest that echo the same violence, inequality, anger, and sorrow. - Every Movie Has a Lesson
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| Posted Sep 04, 2023
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Justice League (2017) |
The artists are trying to retrace old paths and smooth over past missteps with redrawn swirls, lighter hues, and a fluffy cover-up we call comedy. - Every Movie Has a Lesson
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| Posted Sep 04, 2023
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Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018) |
"Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom," continues the feral frolic only to go a little too far and throw smarts out the window next. - Every Movie Has a Lesson
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| Posted Sep 04, 2023
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Jurassic World (2015) |
Just as the dictionary definition of "spectacle" states, the blockbuster is unusual, notable, and entertaining in an eye-catching, dramatic, and very public way. It is big, loud, and dumb, but, hot damn, it sure is fun. - Every Movie Has a Lesson
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| Posted Sep 04, 2023
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Jupiter Ascending (2015) |
"Jupiter Ascending" is an utter mess of missed opportunity and misguided world-building. - Every Movie Has a Lesson
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| Posted Sep 04, 2023
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The Jungle Book (2016) |
Ferocity steps ahead of frolic and you might ask yourself how you feel about that when you watch "The Jungle Book." - Every Movie Has a Lesson
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| Posted Sep 04, 2023
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June Bride: Redemption of a Yakuza (2015) |
Sure, even honest and challenging documentaries revise and highlight the successes before the failures, but "June Bride: Redemption of a Yakuza" carries a fine message worth emulating here in this country. - Every Movie Has a Lesson
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| Posted Sep 04, 2023
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Julieta (2016) |
Plain and simple, Almodovar has a remarkable way in which his films extract emotionality and sensual ardor from mundane settings and artful melodrama. - Every Movie Has a Lesson
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| Posted Sep 04, 2023
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Journey's End (2017) |
The most fitting and laudable word to compliment the "Journey’s End" ensemble is maturity. Each of the principal players exudes some growth of that trait both on and off camera. - Every Movie Has a Lesson
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| Posted Sep 04, 2023
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Joy (2015) |
Equal to the scattered mess of personalities within this central family, the film itself doesn't know what it wants to be and that's a large flaw. - Every Movie Has a Lesson
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| Posted Sep 04, 2023
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Jonah Hex (2010) |
"Jonah Hex" is as convoluted and as haphazardly made as the title character's face. - Every Movie Has a Lesson
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| Posted Sep 04, 2023
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Jason Bourne (2016) |
Its rote construction and stakes that always feel like an arm-length away from stronger impact, “Jason Bourne” may be questionable enough to make us wonder if we’ve been seeing the same film four times now. - Every Movie Has a Lesson
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| Posted Sep 04, 2023
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James White (2015) |
"James White" is a difficult and unflinching look at both terminal illness and wasting one's life on selfish excesses. - Every Movie Has a Lesson
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| Posted Sep 04, 2023
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Jackie Brown (1997) |
Even though this film pushes past two-and-a-half hours, the forward direction of the plot keeps things moving with minimal repeat. This movie exudes coolness on every level. - Every Movie Has a Lesson
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| Posted Sep 04, 2023
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Jackie (2016) |
The equal measures of pain and composure in Portman's understated eyes and expressions speak volumes. She exudes all of the grace and poise one would expect of the icon that has become Jackie Kennedy. - Every Movie Has a Lesson
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| Posted Sep 04, 2023
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Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa (2013) |
Plenty of things want to be funny, but Bad Grandpa bites off more than its dentures can chew this time around. - Every Movie Has a Lesson
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| Posted Sep 04, 2023
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Jackass 3 (2010) |
At it's heart, it's always been a documentary about shenanigans, led by Johnny Knoxville, Bam Magera, Steve-O, Wee Man, and a cast of crazy people. There are no lofty descriptions, plot twists, dissertations, or allegories to speak on. - Every Movie Has a Lesson
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| Posted Sep 04, 2023
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Jack the Giant Slayer (2013) |
While it borrows from plenty of other better movies that came before it, "Jack the Giant Slayer" is one buffed-up fairy tale movie that works. - Every Movie Has a Lesson
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| Posted Sep 04, 2023
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Jack Reacher (2012) |
Jack Reacher entertains with a good bit of pulpy dramatic irony. - Every Movie Has a Lesson
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| Posted Sep 04, 2023
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Tully (2018) |
This dramedy is chock full of literal and nonliteral humor with brilliant choices of phrasing and timing. Truths in this movie can be flipped like pancakes on a hot griddle and topped by a drizzle of syrup made with quite an infused kick. - Every Movie Has a Lesson
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| Posted Sep 04, 2023
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True Grit (2010) |
No dark area of detail or truth is unexamined or softened, even with the un-Coen-like PG-13 rating. - Every Movie Has a Lesson
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| Posted Sep 04, 2023
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Trouble With the Curve (2012) |
"Trouble with the Curve" is good fall entertainment for those who aren't looking for a big challenge and like old-school baseball over the statistic-heavy "Moneyball." - Every Movie Has a Lesson
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| Posted Sep 04, 2023
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Tron: Legacy (2010) |
Everything you could dream of from the original is bigger, brighter, and better. Never before have video games, or even science-fiction itself, looked as good or as sharply designed as this. - Every Movie Has a Lesson
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| Posted Sep 04, 2023
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Triple 9 (2016) |
Boasting a stellar top-shelf cast of dedicated, yet mismatched parts, "Triple 9" does its best to battle treacherous flaws. - Every Movie Has a Lesson
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| Posted Sep 04, 2023
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Trespass Against Us (2016) |
On the lam, the film too often grinds its gears and dulls its edgy tone. The turn-over-a-new-leaf elements of parental challenges lack engagement come up empty. - Every Movie Has a Lesson
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| Posted Sep 04, 2023
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