Hannah tries to get into the spirit with ‘Hercule Poirot’s Silent Night’
Book review: Unfortunately, this is the weakest of her first five Poirot books thanks to an implausible character’s unlikely actions.
Christmas
Hannah tries to get into the spirit with ‘Hercule Poirot’s Silent Night’
‘Marple: Twelve New Mysteries’ (2022) honors, expands character
Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): A dozen modern authors write Marple with an ease that will make you cozy next to the fireplace; plus, we get mild surprises.
Unfunny horror-comedy ‘Jack Frost’ (1997) shouldn’t be thawed
Frightening Friday (Movie review): If a lump of coal isn’t bad enough for someone who’s been naughty, give them a copy of this movie.
‘The Retaliators’ (2022) a ridiculously twisty yet effective revenger
Frightening Friday (Movie review): Though it probably won’t be an annual Christmas treat for many, it’s viscerally satisfying on one viewing.
‘Violent Night’ isn’t always naughty, but it’s definitely bad
Movie review: The latest non-traditional Christmas film stuffs in as many awful characters as possible. It’s as unappealing as you’d assume.
‘A Christmas Story Christmas’ won’t be a classic like the original
Movie reviews: Watching “A Christmas Story” and the new sequel back-to-back illustrates the greatness of the first and weaknesses of the latter.
‘Await Further Instructions’ (2018) a solid ‘What’s going on?’ flick
Frightening Friday (Movie review): A young man and his girlfriend find themselves trapped with his dysfunctional family – but that’s not the scariest part.
‘Elf’ (2003) is worth taking off the shelf every Christmas
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Pure of heart without being schmaltzy, Will Ferrell’s classic is like a spiritual palette cleanser.
‘Rare Exports’ (2010) not naughty enough to be nice
Frightening Friday (Movie review): This Finnish-English language horror combo doesn’t do enough with its low-budget high concept.
Donner, Murray add nutmeg to a classic in ‘Scrooged’ (1988)
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): An unusual but effective blend of dark and light tones, Richard Donner’s film ultimately succeeds because of Bill Murray.