‘In the Heights’ not quite great, but hard to hate
Movie review: Based on the stage musical, “In the Heights” has simple arcs and lacks a breakout song, but its people and places are easy to embrace.
Music
‘In the Heights’ not quite great, but hard to hate
‘Empire Records’ (1995) no longer overshadowed by its music
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Upon its release, “Empire Records” was known for its soundtrack. Now the whole film is starting to be appreciated.
PKD writes memorable female lead in ‘Mary and the Giant’ (1987)
PKD flashback (Book review): Dick gives a rare try at writing a complex woman in his 1950s realist novel “Mary and the Giant.”
‘High Fidelity’ remix justifies its existence
TV review: It takes time, but the “High Fidelity” remix eventually justifies its existence.
‘Riverdale’ gets another spinoff with ‘Katy Keene’
First episode impressions (TV review): Lucy Hale’s latest crack at a TV series is a mixed bag.
‘High Fidelity’ (2000) examines love, music, love of music
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): This Nick Hornby adaptation is among the all-time top five films about music and love.
‘Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist’ ain’t exactly ‘Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’
First episode impressions (TV review): Still, the first episode of the Jane Levy-starring musical comedy is far from terrible.
Movies and TV shows John is looking forward to in 2020
2020 preview: Here are 10 films and 10 television shows I’m looking forward to in the new year.
John’s 20 favorite songs of the 2010s
2010s in review: These were my 20 favorite songs of the 2010s (with a limit of one song per album), in chronological order.
‘Blinded by the Light’s’ Pakistani family drama awkwardly mixes with Springsteen tunes (Movie review)
I love the way Javed (Viveik Kalra) loves Bruce Springsteen in “Blinded by the Light.” The Pakistani-British youth sings and dances in the street once he gets the Boss bug. He smiles when listening to […]