I’m not scared of clowns. Can I still enjoy ‘It: Chapter Two’ (2019)?
Stephen King flashback (Movie review): Although the sequel has strong enough acting and direction to not be labeled a Loser, something is missing.
Author: John Hansen
I’m not scared of clowns. Can I still enjoy ‘It: Chapter Two’ (2019)?
‘Collateral’ (2004) injects intimate moral philosophy into a crime thriller
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Standout turns by Tom Cruise and Jamie Foxx make a relatively small, inconsequentially plotted film into a big deal.
Preston writes what he knows, and ‘The Lost Tomb’ (2023) shows how he knows it
Preston & Child flashback (Book review): Thirteen of Douglas Preston’s best nonfiction writings are gathered together.
‘D is for Deadbeat’ (1987) a rather downbeat Millhone entry
Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): Kinsey Millhone probes the down-and-out of Santa Teresa in her fourth alphabetical adventure.
‘House of Wax’ (2005) doesn’t melt under pressure to be a good romp
Frightening Friday (Movie review): Though the events are far from plausible, this remake serves up effective chills in the “weird small town” vein.
I like ‘John Candy: I Like Me,’ even if there’s no dirt to dig up
Movie review: While the interview subjects and home-video footage make Colin Hanks’ documentary a love-fest, I don’t detect any dishonesty.
‘Chad Powers’ powers forward as best of the ‘Ted Lasso’ ilk
TV review: By being the strangest and most daring of 2020s uplifting sports redemption fiction, it’s also the strongest entry.
‘C is for Corpse’ (1986), and for character building, in third Millhone book
Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): This time it’s personal as Sue Grafton’s private eye befriends a client who becomes a murder victim.
‘The Paper’ is worth a subscription as it nails modern journalism
TV review: Being real without being too depressing, this “Office” spinoff is blessed by wonderful character creations and cast chemistry.
Character exploration takes a backseat in rompish ‘Chucky’ Season 2 (2022)
‘Child’s Play’ flashback (TV review): The show is filled with pop-culture riffs but isn’t interested in going deep into the soul of its many Chuckies and humans.