James McDonald is a Movie Critic and Celebrity Interviewer with over 30 years of experience in the film industry as an award winning filmmaker. Born in Dublin, Ireland, James became fascinated with movies at age seven and at age ten he was already reading books about film-making. At age twelve he made his first film, a four-minute short called “Chase.” Over the years, he continued making films, winning many awards and having his movies shown at prestigious film festivals and competitions around the world, including the 2007 A.F.I. Dallas International Film Festival, the 2010 Burbank International Film Festival and the 2012 Golden Knight Malta International Film Festival.
Always wanting to expand his career in the film-making world, James decided to start reviewing movies and interviewing filmmakers. Nowadays, he concentrates on his web site and why not watch and analyze the one thing that is most inspiring to him and at the same time, give other up-and-coming independent filmmakers a voice and an outlet to introduce their shows to the world? You can also win free movie passes, Blu-ray movies, DVDs, movie memorabilia plus so much more. After all, who better to review a film than a filmmaker?
The Reckoning
(
Film
by L.C.A. Films/James McDonald
Actor/Writer/Editor/Cinematographer/Producer/Director After having spent many years working as an assassin for the New York Underworld, Chris Richardson decides to leave that life behind her, fed up with the killings and bloodshed. Setting out to begin a new life with her lover, she quickly finds out that once you're in, you never leave.
And They Say There Is No God
(
Film (short)
by L.C.A. Films/James McDonald (Documentary)
Voiceover, Editor, Producer, Director
Warriors
(
Video
Cinematographer
God in America
(
TV Series
Editorial department
The Adventures of One Man and Random Events
(
TV Series
Producer
A Conversation with Mr. D
(
Film
by L.C.A. Films/James McDonald
Actor/Writer/Editor/Cinematographer/Producer/Director MR. D is a killer. A cold, calculating, brutal gun for hire. A rising star in the Mafia, he is sent from his home in New York to the suburban home of Chris and Genie Richardson, to take care of some urgent business. Unfortunately, the mark isn't home and Genie Richardson is left all alone with Mr. D and his gun. What transpires is a talk between a terrified woman, whose life has been turned upside down, and the man who was sent there to kill the love of her life. This is what happens when death comes calling. What happens next, is A Conversation with Mr. D.
The Horror Vault Vol.1
(
Film
Producer
Divine Souls
(
Film
by L.C.A. Films/James McDonald
Actor/Writer/Editor/Cinematographer/Producer/Director In the hallways of this AIDS clinic, there are many untold stories. Through Kerri's eyes, a caring and compassionate nurse, we will see a few of them. We will meet David, a nine year old boy who holds the key to Kerri's heart and Lisa, a new patient with a dark secret. Through the good times and the bad times, DIVINE SOULS is a touching story of love and hope over adversity, and humanity at its best.
Irish American Ninja
(
Film
by Intentional Films/Bill Sebastian
Actor George McGoogle is a ninja, and a damn good one at that! Follow his adventures as he battles evil ninjas, searches for his long lost brother, and tries to save the alternateens! Featuring lots of kicking!
S.T.U.D.s, Duds, and Pick-Up Lines
(
Film
Cinematographer
The Photograph
(
Film
by L.C.A. Films/James McDonald
Actor/Writer/Editor/Cinematographer/Producer/Director An Old Library. A Forbidding Room. An Ancient Book. When Linda comes across these on a dark and stormy night, it triggers a chain of unusual events which will lead her to a confrontation with the Prince of Darkness and a shocking revelation that will change her life forever!
The Bottom Line
(
Film
by Matt Posey
Actor "The Bottom Line" is a comedy-drama-romance about two business execs and a consultant that meet at a trade show and end up in a bar. Through the use of pithy dialog, irreverent documentary-style interviews, and bluntly honest narrative, the loneliness, isolation, and self-discovery of the characters becomes apparent. Baby-boomers who have "been there done that" will particularly appreciate this slice-of-life feature.
Nemesis
(
Film
by L.C.A. Films/James McDonald
Actor/Writer/Editor/Cinematographer/Producer/Director "Nemesis" is a story about friendship, betrayal and revenge. As a social worker Jason helps a lot of kids get off the streets but when he meets Polly, a teenage junkie, they form an extraordinary friendship against all odds. As Polly tries to get her life back together, a face from her past appears and Jason's life will never be the same again.
In the Spotlight
(
Film
by L.C.A. Films/James McDonald
Actor/Writer/Editor/Cinematographer/Producer/Director A young woman, fed up with her life, decides that suicide is the only way out. While she tries to build the courage to jump off an old abandoned railway bridge, a stranger appears out of nowhere and ruins her day.
Space Marines
(
Film
by Green Films/John Weidner
Actor Space pirates, led by diabolical Colonel Fraser, take over a cargo ship carrying anti-matter explosive and an important official. Space marines, led by Captain Gray, must stop their evil plans.
Walker, Texas Ranger: "Rodeo"
(
Television
by CBS/Michael Preece
Actor Walker, a martial artist, and his partner Trivette are Texas Rangers. They make it their business to battle crime in Dallas and all around the State of Texas.
Walker, Texas Ranger
(
TV Series
Actor
Walker, Texas Ranger: "Evil in the Night"
(
Television
by CBS/Michael Preece
Actor Walker, a martial artist, and his partner Trivette are Texas Rangers. They make it their business to battle crime in Dallas and all around the State of Texas.
Shadow Silence
(
Film
by Paul Brady/Pamela Scully
Actor/Producer After befriending a young prostitute and junkie named Polly, Declan, a social worker, is horrified when she turns up missing. A year later she returns and tells him the horrific truth about what happened. This all leads to one man...Detective O'Brien!
Between Friends
(
Film
by L.C.A. Films/James McDonald
Actor/Writer/Editor/Cinematographer/Producer/Director After finding out that he's HIV Positive, Paul confides in Jack, his best friend, who, in turn, tells the rest of the gang. Things get emotional when Karen, one of Paul's past love interests hears the news and concerned about her life, confronts him.
Unseen Rival
(
Film
by L.C.A. Films/James McDonald
Actor/Writer/Editor/Cinematographer/Producer/Director As Steven is getting ready to start his first day at a new job, an old flame drops by and all hell breaks loose.
A Vicious Lie
(
Film
by L.C.A. Films/James McDonald
Actor/Writer/Editor/Cinematographer/Producer/Director When Dave lies about Steven's girlfriend Carol, the situation gets out of control and bloody murder ensues.
Sisters
(
Film
by L.C.A. Films/James McDonald
Actor/Writer/Editor/Cinematographer/Producer/Director Four sisters grow up together. When one of them comes down with a life-threatening disease, one sister stays to look after her while the others go off to live their lives.
Far and Away
(
Film
by Universal Pictures/Ron Howard
Actor A young man leaves Ireland with his landlord's daughter after some trouble with her father, and they dream of owning land at the big give-away in Oklahoma circa 1893.
Tessa
(
Film
by L.C.A. Films/James McDonald
Actor/Writer/Editor/Cinematographer/Producer/Director After her one true love dies, Tessa is determined to continue living but when strange things start happening, she is convinced it is her dead lover, reaching out to her from beyond the grave.
Homage to Hitch
(
Film
by L.C.A. Films/James McDonald
Actor/Writer/Producer/Director After a prostitute kills a young man in her apartment, she is more than surprised when he approaches her on the street the next day.
Joyriders
(
Film
by Channel Four Film/Aisling Walsh
Actor Mary is a battered wife with two small children, living in a grim section of Dublin. Unable to stand the abuse any longer, she runs away from home, leaving her kids behind.
Golden Knight International Film and Video Festival: Best Short - "A Conversation with Mr. D."
(2012)
Telly Award for Best Entertainment - "Divine Souls"
(2008)
Dallas International Film Festival Audience Award (Nominated) - "Divine Souls"
(2007)
Telly Award for Best Entertainment - "The Photograph"
(2004)
The Videographer Awards: Award of Distinction - "Nemesis"
(2003)
The Communicator Awards: Award of Distinction - "The Photograph"
(2003)
The Accolade Awards: Award of Excellence for Best Entertainment - "The Photograph"
(2003)
The Aegis Awards: Award of Excellence for Best Drama/Entertainment - "The Photograph"
(2003)
The Accolade Awards: Award of Excellence Best Direction - James McDonald - "The Photograph"
(2003)
The Accolade Awards: Honorable Mention Best Editing - James McDonald - "The Photograph"
(2003)
The Aegis Awards: Award of Excellence for Best Drama/Entertainment - "Nemesis"
(2001)
Telly Award for Best Entertainment - "Nemesis"
(2001)
Dallas Community Television: Crystal Award for Best Entertainment - "In the Spotlight"
(1999)
Dublin Filmmakers Club: Best Short - "Homage to Hitch"
(1990)
Paris Junior College
(2015-2017)
Grange Community College
(2015-2017)
Liberties College
(2015-2017)