‘Sleepaway Camp’ sequels (1988-89) coast on momentum

March 19, 2021June 17, 2021 John Hansen Horror Movies

Frightening Friday (Movie reviews): Bruce Springsteen’s sister takes over the lead role in sequels that lack the odd charm of the original.

‘Texas Chain Saw Massacre’ (1974) a prime cut of horror

March 12, 2021February 18, 2022 John Hansen Horror Movies

Frightening Friday (Movie review): Tobe Hooper’s film is so well-made that audiences didn’t know how to take it upon its release.

‘Hannibal Rising’ (2007) elegantly tells backstory

March 5, 2021June 20, 2021 John Hansen Hannibal

Hannibal at 40 (Movie review): It’s the only film adaptation to improve upon Harris’ novel. Ironically, the screenplay comes from Harris.

‘Red Dragon’ (2002) lacks ‘Manhunter’s’ style

February 26, 2021June 20, 2021 John Hansen Hannibal

Hannibal at 40 (Movie review): While it’s less stylish than “Manhunter,” this second adaptation is a better representation of the novel.

‘Hannibal’ (2001) can’t recapture magic of ‘Lambs’

February 19, 2021June 20, 2021 John Hansen Hannibal

Hannibal at 40 (Movie review): Julianne Moore is a great actress, but filling the shoes of Jodie Foster’s Clarice Starling is too much to ask.

‘Silence of the Lambs’ (1991) threads needle to Oscar glory

February 12, 2021June 22, 2021 John Hansen Hannibal

Hannibal at 40 (Movie review): A great Foster performance combines with a style that influenced “X-Files.” The result: the only horror-film Best Picture.

Vaughn, Newton are great, but ‘Freaky’ is rather basic

February 9, 2021June 22, 2021 John Hansen Horror Movies

Movie review: Vaughn and Newton are great as a teen girl and a serial killer, respectively. But overall, this isn’t among the elite body-switch films.