M.K. England makes crisp ‘Firefly’ debut with ‘What Makes Us Mighty’ (2022)

May 1, 2023May 1, 2023 John Hansen Books

‘Firefly’ flashback (Book review): The author nails the characterizations and language as the crew stumbles into a bad planetary situation.

‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ (2022) has heart, not enough soul

April 29, 2023April 25, 2023 John Hansen Marvel Cinematic Universe

Superhero Saturday (Movie review): This sequel is hyper-aware that it lacks Chadwick Boseman, but it doesn’t have good enough ideas to make up for the loss.

‘Watcher’ (2022) boasts style, paranoia, little else

April 28, 2023April 27, 2023 John Hansen Horror Movies

Frightening Friday (Movie review): This Maika Monroe-starrer follows a grand tradition, but it lacks the layers of new gems like “Last Night in Soho.”

‘Scream VI’ is slick fun, but rules go out the window

April 27, 2023April 27, 2023 John Hansen Horror Movies

Movie review: This requel-sequel is technically well-made, but does the saga now care less about being a “Scream” film?

‘Replacements’ (2000) strikes balance of heart, dumb humor

April 27, 2023April 27, 2023 John Hansen Movies

Throwback Thursday (Movie review): This loose riff on the NFL’s replacement-player period stands out due to Hackman and Reeves.

‘Carnival’ (2021) the weakest of the first six ‘Firefly’ novels

April 24, 2023April 24, 2023 John Hansen Books

‘Firefly’ flashback (Book review): It could’ve made for a good TV episode, but the mischaracterization of Shepherd Book is a misfire.

‘Piranha 3D’ (2010), ‘3DD’ (2012) have gory fun with modern effects

April 21, 2023April 21, 2023 John Hansen Horror Movies

Frightening Friday (Movie reviews): “Piranha 3D” blends laughs and shocks at an entertaining clip, but the law of diminishing returns kicks in on “3DD.”

‘Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’ Season 5 looks to the future

April 20, 2023April 24, 2023 John Hansen Comedy (Stand-up)

First episode impressions (TV review): The flash-forwards provide talking points, but Tony Shalhoub and the gorgeous sets are what make “Maisel” marvelous.