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# Reviews from My Couch

Reviews of movies, TV, books and comics

## Sitemaps

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## Posts

- [Poirot time-travels to 1985 for ‘Thirteen at Dinner’](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2023/06/movies/thirteen-at-dinner-1985-review/) - Sleuthing Sunday (Movie review): Peter Ustinov reprises his role as Poirot, but on a new timeline, in this interesting made-for-TV film.
- [All 9 of Philip K. Dick’s non-SF novels, ranked](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2023/06/books/philip-k-dick-non-sf-realist-mainstream-novels-ranked/) - Book list: Despite being rejected by publishers in their time, Dick’s nine non-science fiction novels are worth celebrating as character-driven time capsules.
- [Lost in the 1999 bin, ‘Drop Dead Gorgeous’ skewers teen pageants](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2023/06/movies/drop-dead-gorgeous-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): This funny film is among Kirsten Dunst’s ladder-climbing turns as she plays a dim but likable contestant.
- [‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ goes out in a big (and long) way](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2023/06/movies/john-wick-chapter-4-review/) - Movie review: Although the film is ridiculously long, it’s hard to say time is wasted when so much of the stunt-laden “Wick 4” is technically great.
- [‘Why Didn’t They Ask Evans?’ (1980) is long, but has great lead duo](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2023/07/movies/why-didnt-they-ask-evans-1980-review/) - Sleuthing Sunday (Movie review): As with the book, the two lead amateur sleuths keep this overly complex plot fairly engaging.
- [‘Amityville 3-D’ (1983) could’ve used more dimension in its storytelling](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2023/06/movies/amityville-3-d-review/) - Revisiting Amityville (Movie review): This is a respectable capper to the original “Amityville” trilogy, but it’s the weakest of those three films.
- [‘Amityville II: The Possession’ (1982) isn’t a prequel, it’s a sequel](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2023/06/movies/amityville-ii-the-possession-review/) - Revisiting Amityville (Movie review): And it’s actually a pretty good follow-up to “The Amityville Horror,” despite the confusing marketing.
- [‘Endless Night’ gets made into sneaky great 1972 film](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2023/06/movies/endless-night-1972-review/) - Sleuthing Sunday (Movie review): Christie’s tricky-to-adapt 1967 gem makes an impressive transition to film, with surprises intact.
- [‘The Boogeyman’ an all-too-familiar take on a familiar childhood fear](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2023/06/movies/the-boogeyman-review/) - Movie review: It’s not bad for a young writer’s short story, but there’s not enough substance to justify a feature-length film.
- [‘Cruel Summer’ Season 2 offers new timeline-hopping mysteries](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2023/06/television/cruel-summer-season-2-first-episode-impressions/) - First episode impressions (TV review): A new cast and story take up the baton of this soapy but discussion-worthy summer mystery.
- [‘The Way I Used to Be’ (2016) a mature portrayal of the age of immaturity](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2023/06/books/the-way-i-used-to-be-review/) - Book club book report: In her debut novel, Amber Smith writes a believable and gripping inner portrait of a teen with a terrible secret.
- [‘Death on the Nile’ (1978) faithfully and lavishly adapts Christie’s gem](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2023/06/movies/death-on-the-nile-1978-review/) - Sleuthing Sunday (Movie review): Peter Ustinov gets a bit closer to Poirot than Albert Finney did, and the film stays true to the brilliant plot.
- [McKenna-Bruce shines as Bundle in ‘Agatha Christie's Seven Dials’](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/06/television/agatha-christies-seven-dials-review/) - TV review: Soaking up the vibe from 100 years ago is the main hook of this Christie adaptation, though the mystery eventually kicks into gear.
- [Game, set, match: ‘Towards Zero’ (2025) is a Christie-adaptation winner](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/07/television/towards-zero-2025-review/) - Sleuthing Sunday (TV review): This three-episode BritBox miniseries simmers in relationship drama like a Westmacott novel.
- [‘Pale Horse’ (2020) a pale imitation of the source novel](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/07/television/pale-horse-2020-review/) - Sleuthing Sunday (TV review): Sarah Phelps’ grim run on the British TV adaptations ends with a whimper in a rejiggered story.
- [‘Storm Front’ (2000) double-generically launches Dresden Files](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/07/books/storm-front-review/) - Book club book report: Jim Butcher’s popular series starts off in clunky fashion, likely to appeal more to fantasy fans than hardboiled mystery lovers.
- [‘Big Trouble in Little China’ (1986) falls a little short of big laughs](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/07/movies/big-trouble-in-little-china-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): The least serious of John Carpenter’s collaborations with Kurt Russell is a lesser “Temple of Doom.”
- [I’m obsessed with how good ‘Obsession’ is](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/07/movies/obsession-2026-review/) - Movie review: Writer-director Curry Barker delivers a “Be careful what you wish for” horror masterpiece chock full of real-world commentary.
- [‘Undertone’ makes small scares into a big deal](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/04/movies/undertone-review/) - Movie review: This Canadian film gets a lot out of a little, with new angles into supernatural horror and cinematographic cliches.
- [‘Project Hail Mary’ (2021, 2026), a touchdown in book form, gets hammered into a movie](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/07/movies/project-hail-mary-reviews/) - Book and movie reviews: Faithfulness to the source material, except for the de-emphasis on Andy Weir’s science specifics, saps the magic.
- [Glover heads up TV’s alterna-Marlowes in ‘Red Wind’ (1995)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/06/television/fallen-angels-red-wind-ill-be-waiting-reviews/) - Sleuthing Sunday (TV reviews): “Fallen Angels” also adapts Chandler’s “I’ll Be Waiting.” Plus: A look at other small-screen Marlowes.
- [DC Universe’s Supergirl is a hot mess; ‘Supergirl’ 2026 isn’t quite](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/06/superman-supergirl/supergirl-2026-review/) - Movie review: Milly Alcock plays the most troubled Supergirl to grace the screen in a film that tries too hard.
- [All 11 films directed by Mel Brooks, ranked](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/06/movies/mel-brooks-films-ranked/) - Movie list: As the comedy legend celebrates his 100th birthday, we celebrate his catalog … or at least most of it.
- [Scorsese’s success with ‘Color of Money’ (1986) might cause envy](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/06/movies/the-color-of-money-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Two movie stars combine with deeper thoughts about games and life in “The Hustler’s” legacy sequel.
- [Aletheia Preston shows same penchant for thrills as dad in ‘Paradox’](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/06/books/paradox-review/) - Book review: Father and daughter team up to continue Douglas Preston’s Cash & Colcord series that started with “Extinction.”
- [‘Widow’s Bay’ Season 1 is traditional horror with a smirk](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/06/television/widows-bay-season-1-review/) - TV review: One of the minds behind “Parks and Recreation” delivers the “Twin Peaks” for the 2020s and stays barely on the scary side of the horror-comedy line.
- [Korean film ‘The Great Flood’ (2025) is genuinely great](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/06/movies/the-great-flood-review/) - Movie review: Kim Byung-woo’s Netflix disaster film hits us with action right away but ends up a moving piece about people.
- [‘Trial of the Incredible Hulk’ (1989) paints the courtroom green](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/06/movies/trial-of-the-incredible-hulk-review/) - Superhero Saturday (Movie review): The Hulk meets Daredevil in the second of three TV films that followed the hit series.
- [‘Pendergast: The Beginning’ mucks through swamp-minds of insane villains](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/06/books/pendergast-the-beginning-review/) - Book review: Preston & Child deliver their first Pendergast prequel, and reveal he’s always been who he is. But would we have it any other way?
- [‘Poodle Springs’ (1998) keeps the plot, changes Marlowe character](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/06/movies/poodle-springs-movie-review/) - Sleuthing Sunday (Movie review): Caan’s gumshoe is a workaholic approaching retirement age more so than someone navigating a work-marriage balance.
- [‘Cape Fear’ gets both soapier and more violent in miniseries](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/06/television/cape-fear-first-episode-impressions/) - First episode impressions (TV review): The third adaptation of John D. MacDonald’s novel is poised to go into even darker corners than before.
- [‘Muppets Take Manhattan’ (1984) takes the felt-and-foam performers to new levels](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/06/movies/muppets-take-manhattan-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Jim Henson's creations go to the big city in a fun musical that could stand to have more music.
- [‘The Twelve Chairs’ (1970) is tough to sit still for](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/06/movies/the-twelve-chairs-review/) - Mel Brooks Monday (Movie review): The director’s sophomore effort, a historical comedy, fortunately represents a path mostly not taken in his career.
- [More noise should be made about Brooks’ ‘Silent Movie’ (1976)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/06/movies/silent-movie-review/) - Mel Brooks Monday (Movie review): Brooks, Feldman and DeLuise are at the top of their physical-comedy games in this consistently funny series of gags.
- [‘The Mad Wife’ (2025) is a maddeningly flat portrait of Fifties malaise](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/06/books/the-mad-wife-review/) - Book club book report: Meagan Church has little to add about the much-covered topic of midcentury women who feel trapped in a societal box.
- [2024: A horror ‘Oddity’ – Irish film is year’s best so far](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2024/08/movies/oddity-review/) - Movie review: Writer-director Damian McCarthy masterfully crafts a character-driven supernatural whodunit at a refurbished Irish manor.
- [Script oddities keep ‘Hokum’ short of ‘Oddity’](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/06/movies/hokum-review/) - Movie review: But McCarthy’s direction and the Irish setting make for impeccable horror sequences.
- [‘Executioners’ (1957), ‘Cape Fear’ (1962, 1991) explore limits of modern law](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/06/movies/executioners-cape-fear-reviews/) - Throwback Thursday (Book and movie reviews): MacDonald’s novel is surprisingly tame, the first movie keeps the censors occupied, and Scorsese’s version finally delivers the shocks.
- [‘Marlowe’ (1969) brings the detective into the Swinging Sixties](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/05/movies/marlowe-1969-review/) - Sleuthing Sunday (Movie review): James Garner starts his private eye career in this adaptation of “The Little Sister.”
- [‘The Hustler’ (1961) teaches about pool, hustling, life](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/06/movies/the-hustler-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Known for popularizing the sport, the film also stands as an understated yet brutally tragic romance.
- [Marlowe finds love in ‘Brasher Doubloon’s’ (1947) lighter take on ‘High Window’](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/05/movies/brasher-doubloon-review/) - Sleuthing Sunday (Movie review): George Montgomery makes Chandler’s P.I. into more of an ole softie than we’re accustomed to.
- [Carpenter quietly makes mark with ‘Assault on Precinct 13’ (1976)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/05/movies/assault-on-precinct-13-1976-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): The director’s style-over-story-details approach is present in his first major film.
- [‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’ Season 2 has Monsterverse’s best characters](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/05/television/monarch-legacy-of-monsters-season-2-review/) - TV review: Kurt Russell and other skilled actors mesh well with the special effects for a surprisingly engaging expansion of the saga.
- [Marlowe properly comes to screen in ‘Murder, My Sweet’ (1944)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/05/movies/murder-my-sweet-review/) - Sleuthing Sunday (Movie review): The screenplay reassembles elements of “Farewell, My Lovely” in an intriguing way, and Dick Powell is a pleasing Marlowe.
- [Marlowe ages well in ‘Black-Eyed Blonde’ (2014), not so much in ‘Marlowe’ (2022)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/06/movies/black-eyed-blonde-marlowe-2022-reviews/) - Sleuthing Sunday (Book and movie reviews): Benjamin Black pens an elite pastiche novel, but the adaptation continues filmdom’s weird obsession with older Marlowes.
- [Boothe powers through ‘Philip Marlowe, Private Eye’ (1983, 1986)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/06/television/philip-marlowe-private-eye-review/) - Sleuthing Sunday (TV review): The quality drops between the two seasons of HBO’s first original dramatic series.
- [Mitchum ably fills Marlowe’s gumshoes in ‘Farewell, My Lovely’ (1975), ‘Big Sleep’ (1978)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/05/movies/farewell-my-lovely-big-sleep-movie-reviews/) - Sleuthing Sunday (Movie reviews): The first is a stylish, purist classic. The second makes odd choices and never has a chance of competing with Bogart’s version.
- [‘Lady in the Lake’s’ (1947) direct-POV experiment is all wet](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/05/movies/lady-in-the-lake-film-review/) - Sleuthing Sunday (Movie review): Unfortunately, the mystery of Chandler’s strong fourth novel gets lost in a quest for a new style.
- ['Great Muppet Caper' (1981) is clever, cute, capricious](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/05/movies/great-muppet-caper-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Jim Henson makes his directorial debut in the second "Muppets" movie.
- [‘NeverEnding Story’ (1984) celebrates storytelling, and isn’t endless](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/03/movies/neverending-story-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Wolfgang Petersen’s film teaches young children that it’s OK to be a dreamer.
- [Hannah digs further into weird psychology in ‘Last Death of the Year’ (2025)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/05/books/last-death-of-the-year-review/) - Book review: Her sixth Poirot novel – though still stepping toward whimsy -- stays on the rails more than the fifth.
- [‘Ghosts of Mars’ (2001) will have Carpenter fans seeing red](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/05/movies/ghosts-of-mars-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): The director finds no signs of life among his lead actors in this sci-fi riff on “Assault on Precinct 13.”
- [‘Dark Star’ (1974) smartly but too slowly makes fun of ‘2001’](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/04/movies/dark-star-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): A bare expansion of a student film from Carpenter and O’Bannon, this SF satire previews the grimy futures to come.
- [‘The Producers’ (1967, 2005) maximizes its one joke, and then some](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/04/movies/the-producers-reviews/) - Mel Brooks Monday (Movie reviews): It’s too much for me, but the one joke (you can get rich from a flop) is funny, and the films are nice bookends to Brooks’ career.
- [Collins steps up his tie-in game in ‘Dark Angel: Skin Game’ (2003)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/05/books/dark-angel-skin-game-review/) - ‘Dark Angel’ flashback (Book review): The author hits on a remarkable number of issues of the real 2020s as Max embraces her leadership role.
- [‘Darker Than Amber’ (1966, 1970) is first McGee novel to darken screens](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/04/movies/darker-than-amber-reviews/) - Sleuthing Sunday (Book and movie reviews): The plot’s relative simplicity makes it a good choice, and the casting is solid. But MacDonald’s introspection can’t be mimicked.
- [Horror-comedy ‘Deadstream’ (2022) doesn’t sacrifice scares or laughs](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/04/movies/deadstream-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): Joseph Winter’s found-footage parody threads a needle by being funny and spooky in equal measure.
- [Not the peak of disaster films, ‘Dante’s Peak’ (1997) nonetheless sizzles](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/04/movies/dantes-peak-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): The chemistry between Brosnan and Hamilton is almost as hot as the lava.
- [Lansbury takes crack at Marple in ‘The Mirror Crack’d’ (1980)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2024/08/movies/the-mirror-crackd-review/) - Sleuthing Sunday (Movie review): While the actress isn’t my idea of Christie’s sleuth, the plotting and acting are strong in this adaptation.
- [All 10 ‘Scream’ movies and TV seasons, ranked](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2023/05/movies/scream-movies-tv-seasons-ranked/) - Movie and TV list: RFMC compiles a list to die for as we don’t merely pick our favorite scary movie, but rank all the entries from worst to first.
- [Carpenter’s resume recovers in ‘The Ward’ (2010)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/05/movies/the-ward-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): The best thing about this Sixties-set mental-ward horror film is it replaces “Ghosts of Mars” as his last film.
- [If you like your stake medium-well, check out ‘Vampires’ (1998)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/04/movies/vampires-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): In a decade of bloodsuckers, John Carpenter checks in with his own respectable vampire-Western.
- [Teen thriller ‘Kill Creatures’ (2025) short on killer characters](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/04/books/kill-creatures-review/) - Book club book report: But Rory Power’s young-adult novel is cleverly structured and could translate nicely to the screen.
- [Report at 11: ‘Broadcast News’ (1987) stands apart with its love triangle](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/04/movies/broadcast-news-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): This isn’t a big scoop, but yes, “Broadcast News” is among the elite journo films.
- [‘Long Goodbye’ (1973) brings a skewed Marlowe into a scary L.A.](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/04/movies/long-goodbye-movie-review/) - Sleuthing Sunday (Movie review): Don’t look to Altman’s adaptation for faithfulness toward the 1953 novel. But it’s a prime illustration of the flexibility of Chandler’s sleuth.
- [‘C.B. Strike’ Seasons 1-6 (2017-24) in no danger of striking out](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/04/television/c-b-strike-review/) - Sleuthing Sunday (TV review): The adaptations – at six seasons and counting – are treats for fans of Rowling’s mystery novels, and “Troubled Blood” even improves on the source material.
- [It’s a blast getting lost ‘In the Mouth of Madness’ (1994)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/04/movies/in-the-mouth-of-madness-review/) - Frighting Friday (Movie review): John Carpenter’s gem of meta psych-horror breaches the barrier between reality and fiction.
- [‘Scream 7’ isn’t quite a scream, but it’s solid and respectable](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/04/movies/scream-7-review/) - Movie review: Kevin Williamson proves he still knows how to write, and takes a big step forward as a director. But he settles for good rather than great.
- [‘The Maze Runner’ has lots of maze running, not enough world building (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2014/12/movies/the-maze-runner-has-lots-of-maze-running-not-enough-world-building/) - Considering how shallow and incomplete the story is, "The Maze Runner" is a fairy engaging tale about teenage boys forming a society while trapped in the center of a gigantic maze. But as the first of four book adaptations in James Dashner's young-adult series, it leaves a ton of unanswered questions, and that ultimately renders this installment
- [‘The Death Cure’ gives ‘Maze Runner’ trilogy a grand finale, makes saga worth revisiting (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/07/movies/maze-runner-the-death-cure-review/) - I almost don’t feel like it is fair for me to review “Maze Runner: The Death Cure” right now. It’s been so long since I saw the first two “Maze Runner” movies that I can’t remember a single thing about them. I didn’t remember liking “The Scorch Trails” much at all, so I went into
- [‘Bumblebee’ (2018) is a cute robotic ‘E.T.’ riff](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/01/movies/bumblebee-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): This "Transformers" prequel is a kinda dumb, kinda cute robotic "E.T." riff.
- [‘Love and Monsters’ keeps apocalypse upbeat](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/02/movies/love-and-monsters-review/) - Movie review: Perhaps the cast and crew got the gloom out of their system in previous projects. Here, the apocalypse isn't so bad.
- [First episode impressions: ‘Teen Wolf’ (TV review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2011/06/television/first-episode-impressions-teen-wolf/) - The aspect of the new "Teen Wolf" (8 p.m. Central Mondays on MTV) series that has gotten the most criticism is that Scott (Tyler Posey), the wolf-boy in this version, plays lacrosse, whereas Michael J. Fox played basketball in the 1985 movie. Certainly, the outcry over the basketball-to-lacrosse switch suggests that the franchise has a passionate fan
- [‘Caddo Lake’ an engrossing metaphysical mystery](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2024/11/movies/caddo-lake-review/) - Movie review: Shyamalan might not be helming strong films anymore, but he’s still producing them, including this evocative missing-girl puzzle in the swamps.
- [‘Send Help’ could’ve used help to go deeper into its character clash](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/03/movies/send-help-review/) - Movie review: Sam Raimi’s latest can’t shirk its cynical modern vibe, but Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien carry us through.
- [‘Bright Orange for the Shroud’ (1965) dominated by dark villain](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/04/books/bright-orange-for-the-shroud-review/) - Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): In a novel criticizing the attempted “taming” of Florida, MacDonald shows how scary an untamed man can be.
- [Gaiman explores the fantasy of love in ‘Stardust’ (1999)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/03/books/stardust-novel-review/) - Book club book report: As Tristran learns about the nature of love via experience, the author sweeps the reader along with him.
- [MacDonald goes all-in on McGee with double-length ‘Deadly Shade of Gold’ (1965)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/03/books/deadly-shade-of-gold-review/) - Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): After the four 1964 novels introduce the unorthodox sleuth, the fifth tome is an international epic.
- [Twists come at a fast draw in ‘A Purple Place for Dying’ (1964)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/03/books/purple-place-for-dying-review/) - Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): Travis McGee finds things aren’t so civilized out West in the third adventure of John D. MacDonald’s series.
- [‘Memoirs of an Invisible Man’ (1992) shouldn’t get lost in Carpenter’s catalog](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/03/movies/memoirs-of-an-invisible-man-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): This mainstream effort contains the director’s visual style and logistical insight into the monstrous SF condition.
- [‘Buffy’ fans dodge a crossbow arrow with ‘New Sunnydale’ cancellation](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/03/television/buffy-new-sunnydale-commentary/) - TV commentary: The pilot script and other evidence suggests “Buffy” without Whedon’s guidance is “Buffy” in Name Only.
- ['The Muppet Movie' (1979) is pure cinematic bliss](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/01/movies/muppet-movie-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): The film gives an origin story for “The Muppet Show’s” characters and showcases amazing puppetry.
- ['Muppet Treasure Island' (1996) a swashbuckling, less Muppet-centric adventure](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/03/movies/muppet-treasure-island-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): You won’t want to delete this Spa’am-featuring entry, even though it focuses on the humans.
- [‘Muppets from Space’ (1999) presents epic, funky identity quest of the Great Gonzo](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/02/movies/muppets-from-space-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): In riffing on “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” the late Jim Henson’s studio crafts a deeper character journey.
- [Jason Segel shows us the Muppets have aged well (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2011/12/movies/jason-segel-shows-us-the-muppets-have-aged-well/) - After a batch of truly terrible previews for Disney-Pixar movies (not only did the movies look bad, the trailers themselves were interminable), my screening of "The Muppets" (a franchise that Disney now owns) finally began -- and, mostly, it was worth the wait. Although the Muppety messages about self-confidence and following your dreams don't do much for
- [What moment in ‘Titanic’ makes you lose it? (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2012/04/movies/what-moment-in-titanic-makes-you-lose-it/) - Sometimes it takes a while to appreciate perfection. Don’t get me wrong; I thought “Titanic” was a great movie the first time I saw it, and it easily made my top 10 of 1997. I didn’t begrudge James Cameron for his success with the film, although my younger self wished he had made another “Terminator” or “Aliens” instead. At my second
- [‘Twister’ (1996) spins perfect funnel of absurdity](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/08/movies/twister-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): "Twister" has a reputation as a dumb movie. But if so, this is glorious, spectacular, thrilling dumbness.
- [‘Twisters’ a thrilling legacy sequel with new twists](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2024/11/movies/twisters-review/) - Movie review: This follow-up to one of the highlights of the 1990s disaster-flick boom effectively sweeps us back to that heady time.
- [‘Poseidon Adventure’ (1972): When playing follow-the-leader, pick wisely](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/11/movies/poseidon-adventure-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): The Gene Hackman-starring, Irwin Allen-produced film influenced the next wave of ocean-based disaster movies.
- [‘Greenland’ carries weight of (the end of) the world](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/01/movies/greenland-review/) - Movie review: "Greenland" makes disaster flicks cool again. Killer asteroids haven't been this much fun since the summer of 1998.
- [‘Deep Impact’ (1998): Calm and comfort amid the chaos](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/02/movies/deep-impact-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Though unusually short on action bombast for a disaster flick, this approach has some merit.
- [‘Don’t Look Up’ (2021) sets ’em up, knocks ’em down](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2022/03/movies/dont-look-up-review/) - Movie review: Adam McKay satirizes almost everything about modern culture in a film that's watchable but not consistently hilarious.
- [‘Volcano’ (1997) not groundbreaking, but it’s a hot time at the movies](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/04/movies/volcano-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): The lava CGI still looks good, and while you might not erupt with applause, you’ll wish all city officials were like Jones and Heche.
- [Sentimental ‘Starman’ (1984) shows the softer side of Carpenter](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/05/movies/starman-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): The director’s only theatrical film that’s not action or horror is openly sentimental and hard to dislike.
- [Carpenter brings ‘Elvis’ (1979) down to Earth in TV biopic](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/05/movies/elvis-1979-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): The director’s only non-genre film is a fine one, filled with music but not the details you’d need for a full portrait.
- [‘Parenthood’ (1989) learns to walk so the stories can run on TV](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/04/movies/parenthood-1989-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Ron Howard gives us a cross-section of parental approaches in this understated dramedy.
- [Imagination of ‘Labyrinth’ (1986) is all over the screen, but not the page](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/03/movies/labyrinth-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): An incredibly dull screenplay relegates Jim Henson’s fantasy classic to the homework category.
- [Feig’s ‘Housemaid’ (2025) should’ve cleaned up its script](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/03/movies/housemaid-review/) - Movie review: The director’s latest slick thriller boasts fun twists, but the plot and characterizations ultimately flee from plausibility.
- [‘A Dorothy L. Sayers Mystery’ (1987) elegantly adapts Vane-Wimsey trilogy](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/03/television/a-dorothy-l-sayers-mystery-review/) - Sleuthing Sunday (TV review): The three adaptations chronicling their courtship stay faithful to the author’s plots and commentaries on 1930s Britain.
- [Carpenter, Hooper serve up a good supply of ‘Body Bags’ (1993)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/03/movies/body-bags-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): Good actors – and acting cameos from horror directors – keep these three shorts engaging.
- [Damn, ‘Village of the Damned’ (1995) is bad](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/04/movies/village-of-the-damned-1995-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): Carpenter made the best horror remake of all time in “The Thing” … and later he made one of the worst.
- [King, Carpenter team up for killer car flick ‘Christine’ (1983)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/03/movies/christine-review/) - Stephen King flashback (Movie review): The horror legends join forces for the only time, in an imperfect but memorable way.
- [‘Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want to Come’ (2019) is light reading about a heavy subject](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/03/books/sorry-im-late-i-didnt-want-to-come-review/) - Book club book report: Regular socializing might be a bland topic for extroverted readers, and for some introverts, it might be too weighty. It might be just right for others.
- [Biting satire of ‘Network’ (1976) has become soberly prescient](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/03/movies/network-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Lumet’s brilliant boredom-killer both satirizes and educates about the inner workings of a TV network.
- [‘Life Stinks’ (1991) … and so does this movie](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/03/movies/life-stinks-review/) - Mel Brooks Monday (Movie review): The writer-director-star struggles without an existing movie to provide a foundation for jokes.
- [Collins eases fans back into ‘Dark Angel’ with ‘Before the Dawn’ (2002)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/03/books/dark-angel-before-the-dawn-review/) - ‘Dark Angel’ flashback (Book review): After the TV show’s cancellation, this spinoff prequel takes us back in time.
- [Argento breaks from giallo for two ‘Masters of Horror’ episodes (2005-06)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/05/television/dario-argento-masters-of-horror-episodes-review/) - Frightening Friday (TV review): The Italian director trades one brand of off-balance horror for another: modern American folk.
- [Carpenter throws a few bones to fans in ‘Masters of Horror’ (2005-06), ‘Suburban Screams’ (2023)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/05/television/carpenter-masters-of-horror-suburban-screams-reviews/) - Frightening Friday (TV review): John Carpenter has directed more TV episodes this century than movies. “Cigarette Burns” is definitely worth a look.
- [‘They Live’ (1988) a padded-out ‘Twilight Zone’ episode](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/08/movies/they-live-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): Carpenter's alien-infiltration metaphor is so thinly veiled it's hardly a metaphor at all.
- [‘Someone’s Watching Me!’ is even more 1978 than ‘Halloween’](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/02/movies/someones-watching-me-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): Carpenter efficiently packages Seventies paranoia as a prime-time vehicle for Lauren Hutton.
- [‘Escape from New York’ (1981) a classic gritty actioner](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/08/movies/escape-from-new-york-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): John Carpenter's DIY effort is both a gritty adventure and a dark comedy as Kurt Russell becomes an action star.
- [‘The Thing’ (1982) simmers in atmospheric dread](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/08/movies/the-thing-1982-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): John Carpenter's best film simmers in wintry dread that doesn’t go away with the closing credits.
- [Carpenter's ‘Halloween’ (1978) stands as slashers' codifier](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/10/movies/halloween-1978-review/) - An outsider’s take on the ‘Halloween’ saga (Movie review): "Halloween" features many now-familiar elements of the slasher genre.
- [Carpenter artistically hides any cheapness in ‘The Fog’ (1980)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/09/movies/the-fog-1980-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): Though having less cultural impact than “Halloween” or “The Thing,” “The Fog” nonetheless represents artists at the top of their games.
- [In ‘Escape from L.A.’ (1996), Carpenter adds humor](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/08/movies/escape-from-l-a-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): John Carpenter essentially remakes "Escape from New York" 15 years later, but with more humor.
- [‘Prince of Darkness’ (1987) is Carpenter’s thoughtful take on religious horror](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/03/movies/prince-of-darkness-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): The director crafts a gritty urban take on “The Thing’s” claustrophobia with a vibrant cast of researchers.
- [We’re all wearing Milk-Bone underwear in ‘Good Boy’ (2025)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/02/movies/good-boy-review/) - Movie review: The 73-minute horror film gives a dog’s view of life, and perhaps monsters.
- [McGee’s ‘Nightmare in Pink’ (1964) only partly comes from juggling women](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/03/books/nightmare-in-pink-review/) - Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): The second McGee novel especially reveals the secret that these are men’s romance novels.
- [‘TMNT Adventures’ 32-37 and ‘Mighty Mutanimals' 1-5 (1992) become ‘the banned issues’](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/02/comic-books/tmnt-adventures-32-37-mighty-mutanimals-1-5-reviews/) - Turtle Tuesday (Comic book review): Under Archie in the 1990s, Clarrain was allowed to tie foreign cultures into his mythology. Viacom isn’t so keen on that.
- [‘History of the World: Part I’ (1981) is a rough lesson](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/02/movies/history-of-the-world-part-i-review/) - Mel Brooks Monday (Movie review): Even comedy legends misfire sometimes, as proven in Brooks’ centuries-spanning collection of sketches.
- [‘Dracula: Dead and Loving It’ (1995) takes Brooks back to Transylvania](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/02/movies/dracula-dead-and-loving-it-review/) - Mel Brooks Monday (Movie review): And also back to basics, as the director/co-writer sets aside industry references and simply spoofs Bram Stoker’s “Dracula.”
- [‘The Mummy Returns’ (2001) … but maybe it shouldn’t have](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/02/movies/the-mummy-returns-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): The appeal of Fraser and Weisz is still there, but this time it’s not enough.
- [Stop the presses: ‘The Paper’ (1994) is a rip-roaring journalism movie](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/05/movies/the-paper-1994-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Though more comedic than others of its ilk, Ron Howard’s film gets the biz right.
- [‘Tales of Leonardo: Blind Sight’ (2006) wins the battle of Turtle-focused miniseries](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/02/comic-books/tales-of-leonardo-blind-sight-review/) - Turtle Tuesday (Comic book review): Jim Lawson combines striking silhouette art with a thoughtful meditation on the leader of the group.
- [‘Star Wars’ Thrawn Trilogy makes jump to comics (1995-98)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2014/10/comic-books/star-wars-flashback-thrawn-trilogy-comic-book-adaptations-1995-98/) - ‘Star Wars’ flashback (Comic book reviews): Timothy Zahn's famous Thrawn Trilogy gets adapted to comics by Mike Baron and various artists in 1995-98.
- [Murder through the years: A look at ‘The Alienist’ and ‘Bellevue’](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/01/television/first-episode-impressions-the-alienist-and-bellevue/) - First episode impressions (TV review): "The Alienist" and "Bellevue" present murder mysteries at decidedly different points in time.
- [‘Swingtown’ (2008) swings into our hearts with 1970s nostalgia](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2017/05/television/one-season-wonders-swingtown-2008/) - One-season wonders (TV review): This short-lived series captures the spirit of 1976 and its sociopolitical issues.
- [We were ‘Privileged’ (2008-09) to know this show for one season](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2011/07/television/tv-shows-lost-to-history-privileged-2008-09/) - One-season wonders (Review): This short-lived CW series ably filled a slot vacated by "Gilmore Girls."
- [I like ‘I Love You, Beth Cooper’ well enough, but I don’t love it](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2009/07/movies/i-like-beth-cooper-well-enough-but-i-dont-love-it/) - Movie review: This Hayden Panettiere starrer has its moments, but it isn't quite a night to remember.
- [‘Face/Off’ (1997) among the ‘who’s who’ of great body-swap movies](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/02/movies/face-off-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Fun, thrilling and surprisingly touching, John Woo’s actioner explores the proclivities of identity.
- [‘Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!’ celebrates a hilarious career](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/02/movies/mel-brooks-the-99-year-old-man-review/) - TV review: This nearly four-hour documentary somberly yet happily chronicles a resume defined as much by friends and kindness as by laughs.
- [‘From Dusk Till Dawn’ (1996) is a really good half of a movie](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/02/movies/from-dusk-till-dawn-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): Rodriguez and Tarantino have fun making a grindhouse-style movie. It’s almost at the film’s expense.
- [‘Con Air’ (1997) doesn’t fly as high as it aims to](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/02/movies/con-air-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): A daring premise is undercut by more plot conveniences than what’s found in the popcorn flicks in surrounding theaters.
- [‘Mummy’ (1999) puts impressive wrap on 20th century Universal Monster flicks](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/02/movies/mummy-1999-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): And it’s debatable whether anything from the new century has matched Stephen Sommers’ film.
- [‘Deep Blue Good-by’ (1964) a confident, rollicking hello to Travis McGee](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/02/books/deep-blue-good-by-review/) - Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): Already well-established with standalones, John D. MacDonald confidently segues to a series character.
- ['Silver Surfer' (1978) betrays a behemoth and steals the show](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/01/comic-books/silver-surfer-1978-graphic-novel-review/) - Superhero Saturday (Comic book review): Kirby and Lee retell a sympathetic villain’s story in the first Marvel graphic novel and their final collaboration.
- [‘Young Frankenstein’ (1974) among the best – and funniest – adaptations of the classic novel](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/01/movies/young-frankenstein-review/) - Mel Brooks Monday (Movie review): Brooks and Wilder insert jokes while staying true to Mary Shelley’s work.
- [Bloody romp ‘Abigail’ could’ve used sharper stakes](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2024/10/movies/abigail-review/) - Movie review: These directors make slick but forgettable horror movies. Let’s give them a great script for their next project, huh?
- [‘Invisible Man’ is more about increasingly visible woman](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/05/movies/the-invisible-man-2020-review/) - Movie review: Writer-director Leigh Whannel adapts H.G. Wells' classic novel into a solid character study, but it's short on scares.
- [‘Monster Squad’ (1987) like a proto-‘Stranger Things’](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/08/movies/the-monster-squad-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): Shane Black's "The Monster Squad" might be an interesting curiosity for ‘Stranger Things’ fans.
- [In ‘Abbott and Costello Meet the Invisible Man’ (1951), vaudeville pair confronts the unseen](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2024/09/movies/abbott-and-costello-meet-the-invisible-man-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): It’s about invisibility, a pair of bumbling detectives, and hilarity. But mostly, it’s about boxing.
- [‘Last Voyage of the Demeter’ expands ‘Dracula’ lore](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2023/09/movies/last-voyage-of-the-demeter-review/) - Movie review: This technically impressive film is exactly what you think it is as it adapts a chapter of Bram Stoker’s novel.
- [A fanged swain makes his dad proud in ‘Son of Dracula’ (1943)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2024/10/movies/son-of-dracula-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): Lon Cheney Jr. stars in this underwatched gem of the “Dracula” film series.
- [‘Phantom of the Paradise’ (1974) is De Palma’s ambitious pop opera](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/08/movies/phantom-of-the-paradise-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): Some will get into the groove of this “Phantom of the Opera” for the ’70s, others will be bored. I was somewhere in between.
- [Argento’s ‘Phantom of the Opera’ (1998) a kitschy experiment](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/08/movies/phantom-of-the-opera-1998-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): While the film isn’t completely awful, it furthers the case that Argento is better with original material.
- [Snakes alive! ‘Anaconda’ (1997) a standout of natural-world horror](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/01/movies/anaconda-1997-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): It’s debatable who gives the better reptilian performance: the snake or Jon Voight. But suffice it to say both are entertaining.
- [‘Anaconda’ (2025): Don’t want none unless ya got laughs, hun](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/01/movies/anaconda-2025-review/) - Movie review: More clever than “Anaconda” (1997)? Sure. More entertaining? Not even close.
- [‘Princess Bride’ (1987) both less and more than I remembered](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/01/movies/princess-bride-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Some of the simplest films are the most beautiful, as this ubiquitous childhood gem gets more timeless with time.
- [‘Robin Hood: Men in Tights’ (1993) a tight parody – with an English accent](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/02/movies/robin-hood-men-in-tights-review/) - Mel Brooks Monday (Movie review): Mildly hampered by goofiness and familiarity, the film is nonetheless quite funny as new actors pick up the Brooks baton.
- [Koepp, Edwards simplify ‘Jurassic World’ story for a ‘Rebirth’](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/08/movies/jurassic-world-rebirth-review/) - Movie review: By de-emphasizing (but still respecting) the mythology, the seventh “Jurassic” film appealingly rediscovers the saga’s B-movie influences.
- [‘Weapons’ of mass horror entertainment](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/09/movies/weapons-review/) - Movie review: Zach Cregger’s followup to “Barbarian” doesn’t have the same thematic impact, but it’s another fun ride.
- [Coogler, Jordan team up again for too-safe ‘Sinners’](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/06/movies/sinners-review/) - Movie review: It ain’t no sin to be glad you’re alive, but it’s hard to imagine a worse place to exist than stressfully racist 1931 Mississippi.
- [‘Blazing Saddles’ (1974) sends up Westerns before running out of gas](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/02/movies/blazing-saddles-review/) - Mel Brooks Monday (Movie review): Brooks proves there are a million ways to laugh in the West, even if he can’t figure out an ending.
- [‘Paradox of Chudnovsky’ (2025) takes its time reaching ‘TMNT’ fans](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/02/comic-books/paradox-of-chudnovsky-review/) - Turtle Tuesday (Comic book review): The Mirage timeline quietly got expanded when this under-published issue was included in “Best of Renet.”
- [In ‘Selling Superman’ (2024), a family’s story illuminates hobby’s healthy and unhealthy traits](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/01/superman-supergirl/selling-superman-review/) - Superhero Saturday (TV review): This odd hero’s journey asks: Can a hoarder’s legacy be redeemed by spreading his comics to people who will love them?
- [‘Splash’ (1984) makes a name for itself despite being simple, silly](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/01/movies/splash-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): The off-screen stories are better than the on-screen one, namely the popularization of the name Madison.
- [Raphael, Michelangelo, Donatello get 'TMNT' miniseries (2007-09)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2014/04/comic-books/tmnt-flashback-raphael-michelangelo-and-donatello-miniseries-2007-09/) - ‘TMNT’ flashback (Comic book reviews): Raph, Mike and Don get their own four-issue miniseries amid Mirage's "Tales of the TMNT" Vol. 2.
- [‘TMNT II: The Secret of the Ooze’ (1991): Was Shredder almost Michael Myers?](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/01/movies/tmnt-ii-the-secret-of-the-ooze-shredder-commentary/) - Turtle Tuesday (Movie commentary): Eastman and Laird themselves made sure “TMNT” didn’t drift too close to “Halloween.”
- [‘High Anxiety’ (1977) a Hitchcock celebration with some chuckles](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/01/movies/high-anxiety-review/) - Mel Brooks Monday (Movie review): Though Brooks doesn’t reach Master of Comedy status, the film is a loving parody of the Master of Suspense.
- [‘Tales of the TMNT’ comes to bittersweet end in Issues 54-70 (2009-10)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2014/04/comic-books/tmnt-flashback-mirage-tales-of-the-tmnt-vol-2-no-54-70-2009-10/) - ‘TMNT’ flashback (Comic book reviews): "Tales of the TMNT" Vol. 2 goes out with sweet and bittersweet, finished and unfinished, tales in Issues 54-70.
- [‘Tales of the TMNT’ fills in gaps in Issues 31-41 (2007)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2014/04/comic-books/tmnt-flashback-mirage-tales-of-the-tmnt-vol-2-no-31-41-2007/) - ‘TMNT’ flashback (Comic book reviews): Dan Berger takes over as editor and "Tales of the TMNT" Vol. 2 begins to fill in story gaps in Issues 31-41.
- [‘Last Ronin’ (2020-22) fills in Turtles’ dark future … at least on one timeline](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/02/comic-books/last-ronin-review/) - Turtle Tuesday (Comic book review): Character development for the titular Turtle is a highlight, but emotionally, this Mirage-adjacent dystopia feels the same as it ever was.
- [Lawson joins team for ‘Tales of the TMNT’ Issues 42-53 (2008)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2014/04/comic-books/tmnt-flashback-mirage-tales-of-the-tmnt-vol-2-no-42-53-2008/) - ‘TMNT’ flashback (Comic book reviews): Jim Lawson regularly contributes art to "Tales of the TMNT" Vol. 2 in Issues 42-53. Here are my reviews.
- [April shines in ‘Tales of the TMNT’ Issues 19-30 (2006)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2014/04/comic-books/tmnt-flashback-mirage-tales-of-the-tmnt-vol-2-no-19-30-2006/) - ‘TMNT’ flashback (Comic book reviews): Here are my reviews of "Tales of the TMNT" Vol. 2 Issues 19-30, including a standout April O'Neil tale.
- [Mirage resurrects ‘Tales of the TMNT’ with Vol. 2 Issues 1-18 (2004-05)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2014/04/comic-books/tmnt-flashback-mirage-tales-of-the-tmnt-vol-2-no-1-18-2004-05/) - ‘TMNT’ flashback (Comic book reviews): Mirage's resurrected "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" also brings back "Tales of the TMNT" with Vol. 2 Issues 1-18.
- [Every ‘Aliens/Predator’ Universe movie and series, ranked](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/01/movies/aliens-predator-universe-films-ranked/) - Movie and TV list: In each of six decades, the monsters from “Aliens” and “Predator” have thrilled audiences. Here are my rankings of the films and shows.
- [Series recovers with 4th film, animated ‘TMNT’ (2007)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2014/04/movies/tmnt-flashback-tmnt-2007/) - ‘TMNT’ flashback (Movie review): More than a decade after "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III," the movie series continues, now in animated form.
- [‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III’ (1993) is saga's low point](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2014/04/movies/tmnt-flashback-teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-iii-1993/) - ‘TMNT’ flashback (Movie review): Despite an ambitious time-travel concept, "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III" is easily the weakest of the film series.
- [‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze’ (1991) hasn't aged well](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2014/04/movies/tmnt-flashback-teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-ii-the-secret-of-the-ooze-1991/) - ‘TMNT’ flashback (Movie review): It has cool 1990s moments like Vanilla Ice's "Ninja Rap," but "TMNT II" doesn't hold up like the original.
- [‘Blood on Satan’s Claw’ (1971) washes off rather easily](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/01/movies/blood-on-satans-claw-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): It’s a folk-horror classic in film-nerd circles, but I suspect most viewers will find it slow and cheesy.
- [‘Predator: Badlands’ (2025) proves Disney and the Yautja can coexist](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/01/movies/predator-badlands-review/) - Movie review: Dan Trachtenberg crafts such a fun buddy adventure out of the “Predator” fabric that the PG-13 approach can be forgiven.
- [‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III’ (1993) and the multiverse that might’ve been](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/01/movies/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-iii-multiverse-commentary/) - Turtle Tuesday (Movie commentary): “TMNT” came tantalizingly close to creating a cross-media multiverse the likes of which hadn’t been seen before.
- [‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ (1990) and the art of great dialog](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/01/movies/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-1990-dialog-commentary/) - Turtle Tuesday (Movie commentary): Little-known screenwriters Todd W. Langen and Bobby Herbeck hit the sweet spot of lines that kids can quote and adults can chuckle at.
- [Deaf superhero’s miniseries a mere ‘Echo’ (2024) of ‘Daredevil’](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/01/television/echo-review/) - Superhero Saturday (TV review): Alaqua Cox deserves better writing than these five episodes that seem to cut budgetary corners.
- [Action gets heated in Grafton’s ‘H is for Homicide’ (1991)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/01/books/h-is-for-homicide-review/) - Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): Kinsey finds herself undercover in gangland L.A. as the author wildly breaks from formula.
- [‘G is for Gumshoe’ (1990) … and for good, but not great](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/01/books/g-is-for-gumshoe-review/) - Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): Strong concepts are underdeveloped as Kinsey enters her second year of filing reports as a P.I.
- [John’s top 10 movies of 2025](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/12/superman-supergirl/johns-top-10-movies-of-2025/) - Movie list: Genres blended but franchises ruled on the big screen in 2025.
- [John’s top 10 TV shows of 2025](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/12/television/johns-top-10-tv-shows-of-2025/) - TV list: The way we consume TV is changing, but luckily quality isn't dropping.
- [The hauntings of Mike Flanagan: All 13 of his films and TV shows, ranked](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2023/05/movies/mike-flanagan-films-tv-shows-ranked/) - Movie and TV list: Here are my rankings of this modern horror master’s works on the big and small screens so far.
- [‘Life of Chuck’ is a small story with big thoughts](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/12/movies/life-of-chuck-review/) - Movie review: Mike Flanagan takes a break from horror but sticks with Stephen King for a simple but engaging meditative piece.
- [McGee series cleanses itself in ‘The Lonely Silver Rain’ (1985)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/12/books/lonely-silver-rain-review/) - Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): John D. MacDonald didn’t intend for this to be his last Travis McGee novel, but it has a fitting coda.
- [All 37 Marvel Cinematic Universe movies, ranked](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/12/movies/marvel-cinematic-universe-movies-ranked-john/) - Movie rankings: Here's a look at the films of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, ranked from mediocre to magnificent.
- [All 10 'Rocky'/ 'Creed' films, ranked from chump to champ](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/12/movies/every-rocky-creed-movie-ranked/) - Movie rankings: Check out this 10-card lineup from challengers to champions as we count down the "Rocky" and "Creed" films.
- [‘Live Free or Die Hard’ (2007) delivers new-century thrills](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/07/movies/live-free-or-die-hard-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): The fourth entry has new-century extreme-action elements. But it's joined by a compelling plot about digital information.
- [‘Die Hard with a Vengeance’ (1995) spices up proven formula](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/04/movies/die-hard-with-a-vengeance-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): John McClane returns to NYC and is joined by a buddy, banter and bombs in this stellar three-quel.
- [‘Family Stone’ (2005), with loaded cast, better than a lump of coal](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/12/movies/family-stone-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Though it’s not a stone-cold classic, Bezucha effectively explores how different personalities play off each other.
- [Powell’s ‘Running Man’ takes a while to get up to speed](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/12/movies/the-running-man-2025-review/) - Movie review: Edgar Wright eventually delivers a slick actioner, but it has no chance of feeling as prescient as the 1987 version.
- [‘It: Welcome to Derry’ expands from King’s work in King-y way](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/12/television/it-welcome-to-derry-review/) - TV review: But there’s a reason why the author didn’t go this deep into the Pennywise mythology. It strains under its convolutions.
- [Self-cannibalizing ‘The Monkey’ is more dark than comedic](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/12/movies/the-monkey-review/) - Movie review: Osgood Perkins’ idiosyncratic brand of horror won’t connect with everyone, and I doubt he intends that it will.
- [‘Cinnamon Skin’ (1982) blows up into a good quest novel](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/12/books/cinnamon-skin-review/) - Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): MacDonald crafts one of his most psychologically interesting villains in the penultimate McGee yarn.
- [‘Daredevil’ gets ‘Born Again,’ and he’s not overly Disney-fied](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/12/television/daredevil-born-again-season-1-review/) - TV review: The lessened fight-choreography budget is a shame, but a lot of what we liked about the Netflix series gets resurrected.
- [Gunn spends time with friends in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special’ (2022)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/12/television/guardians-of-the-galaxy-holiday-special-review/) - Superhero Saturday (TV review): It doesn’t rise to regular-rotation status, but hey, it’s loads better than when “Star Wars” tried this.
- [All 13 ‘X-Men’ Universe films, ranked from worst to best](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/05/movies/all-10-x-men-universe-films-ranked/) - Movie commentary: Here are my rankings of all of Fox's "X-Men" films, from 2000's original through 2020's "The New Mutants."
- [All 16 DC Extended Universe movies, ranked](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/03/movies/dc-extended-universe-movies-ranked/) - Movie rankings: Here's a look back at the DC Extended Universe movies and how I rank them, from worst to first.
- [‘Christmas Evil’s’ (1980) reels should’ve been slashed up](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/12/movies/christmas-evil-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): This film originally titled “You Better Watch Out” bungles its character study of a psycho Santa.
- [All 10 ‘Exorcist’ movies, TV seasons and books, ranked](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2023/10/movies/exorcist-saga-ranked/) - Story rankings: As a new legacy sequel brings back the “Exorcist” saga, here’s a look back at the films, TV seasons and novels so far.
- [Spookily successful: All 10 ‘Conjuring’ Universe films, ranked](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2023/07/movies/conjuring-universe-films-ranked/) - Movie list: We rank the films of the “Conjuring” universe, which started with a true story and his branched into even stranger directions.
- [‘Go’ back to 1999 for a night of Xennial cool](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/12/movies/go-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Doug Liman shows “Swingers” was no fluke with another core piece of Nineties indie attitude and style.
- [Every ‘Harry Potter’/ Wizarding World movie, ranked](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/11/movies/harry-potter-wizarding-world-movies-ranked/) - Movie rankings: Here's a look at the fantastic films of the "Harry Potter" saga and how I rank them, from weakest to strongest.
- [The shaping of a saga: All 13 ‘Halloween’ films, ranked](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/10/movies/halloween-films-ranked/) - Movie rankings: As Michael Myers continues to stalk Laurie Strode through the decades, here’s a ranking of the “Halloween” films to date.
- [‘Annabelle Comes Home’ brings back Warrens, not scares](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/03/movies/annabelle-comes-home-review/) - Movie review: Although the Warrens briefly return and Mckenna Grace is good as the daughter, this third "Annabelle" film is rather tame.
- [A neurotic half-century: Every Woody Allen film, ranked](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2023/07/movies/woody-allen-films-ranked/) - Movie list: I’ve obsessively made my list and checked it twice, and now I need counseling. Here are my rankings of Woody Allen’s films.
- [‘Agatha Christie’s Marple’ Season 5 (2010-11) offers something old, something new](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/10/television/agatha-christies-marple-season-5-review/) - Sleuthing Sunday (TV review): A Miss Marple short story finally gets adapted, along with two non-Marple novels and one of her standout novels.
- [Trachtenberg expands ‘Predator’ mythos in ‘Killer of Killers’](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/12/movies/predator-killer-of-killers-review/) - Movie review: The violent saga goes the animated – but not kid-friendly – route in this triptych that cleverly combines the tales.
- [‘Freakier Friday’: Some things don’t change with age](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/12/movies/freakier-friday-review/) - Movie review: The game cast and good gags make this sequel worth watching, but unfortunately it has no new insights.
- [‘Hawkeye’ (2021) unleashes Christmas spirit and awesome arrows](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/12/television/hawkeye-review/) - Superhero Saturday (TV review): Though Clint Barton never got a solo movie, this six-episode series is an even better deal, as it allows Jeremy Renner and Hailee Steinfeld to act.
- [‘Valerian’ serves up grand adventure while showing how its source material influenced ‘Star Wars,’ ‘Avatar’ (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2017/11/movies/valerian-serves-up-grand-adventure-while-showing-how-its-source-material-influenced-star-wars-avatar/) - I consider myself to be an amateur “Star Wars” historian, but until recently, I didn’t know about the influence of the “Valerian and Laureline” comics on George Lucas’ saga. Pulling the 1997 “Magic of Myth” book off my shelf, I don’t find “Valerian” or its creators -- writer Pierre Christin and artist Jean-Claude Mézières – in
- [This time, the ‘Final Girl’ (2015) is fully prepared](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/12/movies/final-girl-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): Abigail Breslin won’t be confused with Sylvester Stallone, but Shields constructs a sturdily stylized world.
- [‘The Holiday’ (2006) is impossible, and impossibly cute](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/12/movies/the-holiday-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Four movie stars team up for the inevitable Christmas rom-com on their resumes; lucky for us, charm edges out schmaltz.
- [I wish ‘Trading Places’ (1983) could be traded for laughs](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/01/movies/trading-places-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Though the comedic talents of Murphy and Aykroyd are apparent, they have little to work with.
- [‘The Fly II’ (1989) reminds us that fly-human hybrids are gross](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/01/movies/the-fly-ii-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): Tragedy carries through the generations with crazier and more disgusting wackadoo sci-fi.
- [Have the ‘Jurassic Park’ films really gotten that bad? Or have tastes changed?](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/08/movies/jurassic-world-rebirth-commentary/) - Movie commentary: Modern films are nitpicked to a degree that might’ve left the original “Jurassic Park” vulnerable if we had YouTube back then.
- [YA-style mystery ‘Sun Down Motel’ (2020) floats off like a ghost](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/12/books/sun-down-motel-review/) - Book club book report: Simone St. James doesn’t do enough to make two narrators and time periods distinct in this supernatural-tinged yarn.
- [A century of suspense: All 52 Alfred Hitchcock films, ranked](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/12/movies/alfred-hitchcock-films-ranked/) - Movie list: One hundred years after his first silent film, we rank the cinematic catalog of the Master of Suspense.
- [‘The Package’ (1989) theorizes a thrilling end to the Cold War](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/12/movies/the-package-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): The complex plot might drive off some, but Hackman and Jones make this a stealth alternate Christmas offering.
- [‘Blues Brothers’ (1980) is an absurdly bombastic crowd-pleaser](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/12/movies/blues-brothers-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Landis, Aykroyd and Belushi aim to be the comedy kings, and they hit their target with a rocket launcher rather than an arrow.
- [How do the pieces fit in ‘Company Business’ (1991)? None of our business](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/01/movies/company-business-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Undercooked as a spy movie and as a buddy romp, Meyer’s film is watchable due to a great cast.
- [Ring in an awful ‘New Year’s Evil’ (1980)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/01/movies/new-years-evil-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): Some Eighties slashers are bad but fun, and some are just plain bad. Like this one.
- [‘You’re Next’ (2011) puts Wingard, cheeky slashers on the map](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2026/01/movies/youre-next-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): The director who would eventually take over the “Godzilla” films drops an impressive calling card of home-invasion horror.
- [‘Final Girls’ (2015) makes fun of old tropes, unfortunately shepherds new one](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/12/movies/final-girls-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): This slasher satire ostensibly goes to 1986, but it can’t escape the 21st century’s flattened effect.
- [‘Hallmarked Man’: For the love of mystery, and for the love of love](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/11/books/hallmarked-man-review/) - Book review: The case is almost too complex. But thanks to an omniscient narrator, the romance is deceptively simple in Rowling’s eighth Strike novel.
- [Fantastic ‘F is for Fugitive’ (1989) is far from a failure](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/12/books/f-is-for-fugitive-review/) - Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): Grafton takes Kinsey up the coast to deliver her best novel since “C is for Corpse.”
- [‘The Fly’ (1986) is a classic fairy tale … in reverse and inside out](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/11/movies/the-fly-1986-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): Just because Cronenberg’s film is many people’s introduction to body horror doesn’t mean he eases you into the subgenre.
- [‘Fantastic Four: First Steps’ is a fantastic bore](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/11/movies/fantastic-four-first-steps-review/) - Movie review: The retro-futurism production design is on point, and so is the acting, but the story is overblown and flat.
- [Gunn’s ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2 is no joke, despite a lighter tone from the DCEU days](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/11/television/peacemaker-season-2-review/) - TV review: Never losing sight of his makeshift family, Gunn also uses multiverse portals to indicate how the DCU is both a continuation and a fresh start.
- [‘Conjuring’ saga applies wallpaper as fast as it peels in ‘Last Rites’](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/11/movies/conjuring-last-rites-review/) - Movie review: The saga’s emphasis on the investigators rather than the documented case is starting to become a bit much in the fourth entry.
- [‘E is for Evidence’ (1988) that a more evocative tale could’ve been told](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/11/books/e-is-for-evidence-review/) - Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): The fifth Kinsey Millhone novel is a plate of Christmas cookies when it could’ve been a satisfying feast.
- [Demon Nun is back in the habit in generic ‘The Nun II’](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2023/10/movies/the-nun-ii-review/) - Movie review: Though not without its moments, this “Conjuring” Universe sequel is too by-the-book to truly hook a horror fan.
- [‘Collateral’ (2004) injects intimate moral philosophy into a crime thriller](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/11/movies/collateral-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Standout turns by Tom Cruise and Jamie Foxx make a relatively small, inconsequentially plotted film into a big deal.
- [I’m not scared of clowns. Can I still enjoy ‘It: Chapter Two’ (2019)?](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/11/movies/it-chapter-two-review/) - Stephen King flashback (Movie review): Although the sequel has strong enough acting and direction to not be labeled a Loser, something is missing.
- [‘D is for Deadbeat’ (1987) a rather downbeat Millhone entry](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/11/books/d-is-for-deadbeat-review/) - Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): Kinsey Millhone probes the down-and-out of Santa Teresa in her fourth alphabetical adventure.
- [Preston writes what he knows, and ‘The Lost Tomb’ (2023) shows how he knows it](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/11/books/the-lost-tomb-review/) - Preston & Child flashback (Book review): Thirteen of Douglas Preston’s best nonfiction writings are gathered together.
- [I like ‘John Candy: I Like Me,’ even if there’s no dirt to dig up](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/11/movies/john-candy-i-like-me-review/) - 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](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/11/television/chad-powers-season-1-review/) - TV review: By being the strangest and most daring of 2020s uplifting sports redemption fiction, it’s also the strongest entry.
- [‘Chucky’ makes a killer move to prestige TV in Season 1 (2021)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/10/television/chucky-season-1-review/) - ‘Child’s Play’ flashback (TV review): Falling short of the writing and acting of influences like “Hannibal” and “Cobra Kai,” these eight episodes are nonetheless bizarrely watchable.
- [Character exploration takes a backseat in rompish ‘Chucky’ Season 2 (2022)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/11/television/chucky-season-2-review/) - ‘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.
- [‘C is for Corpse’ (1986), and for character building, in third Millhone book](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/11/books/c-is-for-corpse-review/) - 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](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/11/television/the-paper-2025-season-1-review/) - TV review: Being real without being too depressing, this “Office” spinoff is blessed by wonderful character creations and cast chemistry.
- [‘The Running Man’ (1987) charges ahead to a dystopian future](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/11/movies/the-running-man-1987-review/) - Stephen King flashback (Movie review): The Eighties aesthetic is a core appeal of a film that gradually moves from satire to accurate portrayal as time goes by.
- [Williamson’s ‘Wasteland’ (1999) is not a total waste](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/10/television/wasteland-review/) - TV shows lost to history (Review): The “Dawson’s Creek” creator jumps ahead to explore the issues of 20-somethings – sort of.
- [‘Murdaugh: Death in the Family’ makes true crime chillingly personal](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/11/television/murdaugh-death-in-the-family-first-episode-impressions/) - First episode impressions (TV review): Driven by stellar performances, the Hulu miniseries is among the fall’s best shows.
- [Grafton doesn’t bungle sophomore Kinsey novel ‘B is for Burglar’ (1985)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/11/books/b-is-for-burglar-review/) - Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): The private eye uncovers a who’s who of suspects, and it’s entertaining to try to guess who is who.
- [Start of this ‘Monster’ (1995) epic hints at a masterpiece](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/10/books/monster-perfect-edition-volume-1-review/) - Book club book report: I wade into the world of manga with the beginning of a mood-drenched, character-heavy saga from Naoki Urasawa.
- [For those wonton more: 'The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again' (1979)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/11/movies/the-apple-dumpling-gang-rides-again-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): This second ride isn’t as smooth, but it knows its strengths are Knotts and Conway.
- [‘Echoes of Guilt’ is like a Lifetime movie without an editor](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/11/books/echoes-of-guilt-review/) - Book club book report: Beyond the standard mystery lies an existential one: How good could this novel have been if it was copy-edited?
- [‘House of Wax’ (2005) doesn’t melt under pressure to be a good romp](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/11/movies/house-of-wax-2005-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): Though the events are far from plausible, this remake serves up effective chills in the “weird small town” vein.
- [‘Badlands’ lands as another good novel from Preston & Child](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/11/books/badlands-review/) - Book review: In their fifth Nora Kelly Novel, the authors expertly weave a bizarre ancient mystery with a modern one.
- [‘Child’s Play’ (2019) is ChINO: Chucky in name only](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/10/movies/childs-play-2019-review/) - ‘Child’s Play’ flashback (Movie review): Actually, it’s a good thing that the remake is different, but it didn’t need to take the “Child’s Play” name.
- [Killer dolls develop split personalities in ‘Cult of Chucky’ (2017)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/10/movies/cult-of-chucky-review/) - ‘Child’s Play’ flashback (Movie review): Mancini goes full “Psycho” as he continues to find fresh angles into this old material.
- [30 years later, ranking the 12 tracks of ‘Born in the U.S.A.’](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2014/06/music/30-years-later-ranking-the-12-tracks-of-born-in-the-u-s-a/) - Music commentary: Here are my rankings of the songs, as seen 30 years down the road.
- [Saga gets back in the horror mood for ‘Curse of Chucky’ (2013)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/10/movies/curse-of-chucky-review/) - ‘Child’s Play’ flashback (Movie review): "Chucky" combines with "Conjuring"-era mood-horror for a revitalizing sixth entry.
- [‘Honey Don’t’ seemingly doesn’t complete its story](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/10/movies/honey-dont-review/) - Movie review: Though Coen’s film has appealing pieces, it leaves so many of them unconnected that you’d think this was a TV pilot.
- [Mancini, Tilly do their ‘New Nightmare’ in ‘Seed of Chucky’ (2004)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/10/movies/seed-of-chucky-review/) - ‘Child’s Play’ flashback (Movie review): The franchise goes full comedy and satire for its fifth entry.
- [Grisham clunkily comes to big screen with ‘The Firm’ (1993)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/10/movies/the-firm-1993-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): One of the deepest big-name casts ever assembled ushers the famous novelist to film.
- [Bertino’s latest ‘knock at the door’ horror is ‘Vicious’-ly boring](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/10/movies/vicious-review/) - Movie review: It’s no fault of Dakota Fanning or even the technical craftsmanship. “Vicious” simply makes no narrative or thematic sense.
- [‘Bride of Chucky’ (1998) successfully hitches to post-‘Scream’ era](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/10/movies/bride-of-chucky-review/) - ‘Child’s Play’ flashback (Movie review): Mancini and a game cast find the perfect horror-comedy balance in the saga’s fourth installment.
- [‘A is for Alibi’ (1982) an amiable start to Kinsey Millhone series](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/10/books/a-is-for-alibi-review/) - Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): Not merely a marketing gimmick, Grafton’s series is a mission to launch a mainstream female P.I. It’s successful right away.
- [‘Marple’ Season 6 (2013) takes a respectable final bow](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/10/television/agatha-christies-marple-season-6-review/) - Sleuthing Sunday (TV review): Jane gets a well-deserved island vacation in a grand but shortened season that includes a short-story mashup and a great “Endless Night” lead turn.
- [Chucky becomes clunky in dour, timid ‘Child’s Play 3’ (1991)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/10/movies/childs-play-3-review/) - ‘Child’s Play’ flashback (Movie review): Though the production values remain high, the storytelling discipline is shoddy in the third Chucky tale.
- [‘In Cold Blood’ gets colder for Brooks’ 1967 film adaptation](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/10/movies/in-cold-blood-movie-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): In a film that pries into the nature of evil, it’s the lack of a good answer that’s most disturbing.
- [Dourif, Mancini lean into the premise for ‘Child’s Play 2’ (1990)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/10/movies/childs-play-2-review/) - ‘Child’s Play’ flashback (Movie review): The actor and saga creator Don Mancini realize what they have here -- a vicious killer trapped in a doll’s body – and they fully play it up.
- [‘Buffy: The Bewitching Hour’ (2023) a treat for Tara fans](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/10/books/buffy-bewitching-hour-a-tara-prequel-review/) - ‘Buffy’ flashback (Book review): Ashley Poston goes back to Season 3 for a tricky novel about what Tara was doing in her senior year of high school.
- [‘M3gan 2.0’ an exposition-heavy trek through AI fears](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/09/movies/m3gan-2-review/) - Movie review: Though not as stuck in the mud as “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,” this is another SF film where chatter outstrips action.
- [Turtles ‘Fast Forward’ to the 22nd century for 'TMNT' Season 6 (2006)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/09/television/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-2003-cartoon-season-6-part-1-review/) - ‘TMNT’ flashback (TV review): The latest time-hop sends the gang to 2105. But will they ever get back?
- [‘Child’s Play’ (1988) delightfully codifies killer-doll subgenre](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/10/movies/childs-play-1988-review/) - ‘Child’s Play’ flashback (Movie review): Evil toys go mainstream as Chucky joins the pantheon of Eighties slasher icons.
- [McGee covers a lot of ground (and sky) in ‘Free Fall in Crimson’ (1981)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/09/books/free-fall-in-crimson-review/) - Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): The 19th book in the series showcases MacDonald’s talents at character insight and grounded case-solving.
- [Argento still has the giallo knack in ‘Dark Glasses’ (2022)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/09/movies/dark-glasses-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): It’s a nostalgic throwback more so than something fresh, but we are treated to an unusually robust friendship story.
- [‘Terror Train’ (1980) keeps Curtis’ golden age on track](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/12/movies/terror-train-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): This Canadian slasher might be shlock, but it’s atmospheric shlock that chugs along with all engines firing.
- [‘Eden’ can’t quite match the story’s real-world intrigue](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/09/movies/eden-review/) - Movie review: The worst part of humanity might be that you can’t escape it, either without or within, in Ron Howard’s historical drama.
- [Tammy on the record: 'Stand by Your Man: An Autobiography' (1979)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/09/books/stand-by-your-man-an-autobiography-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Book review): The country music superstar led a contradictory but fascinating life.
- [Fall movie preview 2025: 10 films I wouldn’t mind seeing](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/09/movies/fall-movie-preview-2025/) - Fall movie preview: Tis the season for Stephen King adaptations, biopics, mysteries, Oscar bait and oddities.
- [Fall TV preview 2025: 10 shows I wouldn’t mind watching](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/09/television/fall-tv-preview-2025/) - Fall TV preview: Here’s a look at 10 series on my radar plus a whole bunch of murder mysteries that I might sift through.
- [Boyle, Garland recapture emotional punch in '28 Years Later’](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/09/movies/28-years-later-review/) - Movie review: The passing of time doesn’t dilute the character-driven power of the 21st century’s best zombie film series.
- [‘Marple’s’ intrusions make more sense in strong Season 3 (2007-09)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/09/television/agatha-christies-marple-season-3-review/) - Sleuthing Sunday (TV review): Geraldine McEwan wraps up her 12 episodes in the title role in respectable fashion.
- [‘Against the Darkness’ (2024) duly wraps Blake’s ‘Frankie’ trilogy](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/09/books/buffy-against-the-darkness-review/) - ‘Buffy’ flashback (Book review): This is ultimately an unremarkable “what if” saga about Willow having a Gen-Z Slayer-witch offspring.
- [‘No Way Out’ (1987) a time capsule of early crime-solving with computers](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/10/movies/no-way-out-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): This dated Hackman-and-Costner thriller has come back around as an instructive snapshot.
- [Hardboiled Hackman successfully works on his ‘Night Moves’ (1975)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/09/movies/night-moves-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Hackman meets neo-noir in this grimy gem about a missing teenager that came out in the wake of “Chinatown.”
- [Handoff to McKenzie is intriguing – if not exactly smooth – in ‘Marple’ Season 4 (2009)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/10/television/agatha-christies-marple-season-4-review/) - Sleuthing Sunday (TV review): Though Marple’s personality changes, she still fits the elderly sleuth’s flexible template in four engaging episodes.
- [‘Together’ turns the push-pull of a relationship into something scary](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/09/movies/together-review/) - Movie review: But this Dave Franco-Alison Brie collaboration is also rather fun and has great special effects.
- [‘Nobody 2’ captures the emotional struggle for work-life balance](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/09/movies/nobody-2-review/) - Movie review: Yes, he’s thoroughly trained to kick butt, but the biggest enemy – life – keeps coming at Bob Odenkirk’s Hutch.
- [‘Apple Dumpling Gang’ (1975) is the apple of my eye](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/09/movies/apple-dumpling-gang-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Part of the film’s appeal is nostalgic. But even for newcomers, it’s a top-rate comedy and well-executed Western.
- [MacDonald expands the definition of a mystery in ‘Green Ripper’ (1979)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/09/books/green-ripper-review/) - Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): The 18th Travis McGee book treads into grimly realistic territory wherein a mystery isn’t solvable in a traditionally satisfying way.
- [This is how it is in suburbia: ‘American Beauty’ still does 1999 proud](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/08/movies/american-beauty-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Even in a year of “Office Space” and “American Pie,” “American Beauty” stands out as something beautiful.
- [‘Naked Gun’ 2025: By god, it is funny after all](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/09/movies/naked-gun-2025-review/) - Movie review: Though the bar set by the 1988 Leslie Nielsen classic is unreachable, this legacy sequel mostly captures the tone and connects on gags.
- [‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ ’25 and the importance of exploring themes](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/09/movies/i-know-what-you-did-last-summer-2025-commentary/) - Movie commentary: I’m kind of obsessed with what they did last summer. Here’s a closer look at how the new film pays lip service to themes without digging into them.
- [‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ ’25 struggles to set its hook](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/09/movies/i-know-what-you-did-last-summer-2025-review/) - Movie review: Though not without its good points, the fourth film in the saga raises an empty net in its final-act execution.
- [‘Imaginary Strangers’ (2024) excitingly internalizes the mystery-thriller](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/09/books/imaginary-strangers-review/) - Book club book report: Minka Kent convincingly brings us into the mind of a nonviolent sociopath who pursues clues that her children are in danger.
- [Marlowe also operates in short form in ‘Trouble is My Business’ (1950, 1992)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/09/books/trouble-is-my-business-review/) - Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): These four short stories were originally part of the “Simple Art of Murder” collection before being pulled out into their own book.
- [McGee takes on the Drug War in ‘Dreadful Lemon Sky’ (1974)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/08/books/dreadful-lemon-sky-review/) - Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): Under the pen of John D. MacDonald, even a case the media loses interest in becomes a page-turner.
- [Sandler fans will be ‘Happy’ with ‘Gilmore 2’](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/08/movies/happy-gilmore-2-review/) - Movie review: It’s not merely a hangout film; the comic actor finds something to say about the absurdity of modern sports entertainment.
- [‘TMNT’ goes wildly off track with Season 5’s ‘lost' episodes (2008)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/08/television/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-2003-cartoon-season-5-review/) - ‘TMNT’ flashback (TV review): The final season directly overseen by Peter Laird proves that more (a bigger threat) can turn out to be less.
- [Jane gets nosy in ‘Agatha Christie’s Marple’ Season 2 (2006)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/08/television/agatha-christies-marple-season-2-review/) - Sleuthing Sunday (TV review): I know some people see her as an interfering old biddy, but even so, it’s ridiculous that she intrudes in two non-Marple stories.
- [Argento finally wraps trilogy with ‘Mother of Tears’ (2007)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/08/movies/mother-of-tears-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): This capper to the “Three Mothers” trilogy unfortunately gives way to Aughts trends, but it’s better than no movie at all.
- ['Can't Hardly Wait' (1998) is a generation's graduation party](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/05/movies/cant-hardly-wait-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): This sweet comedy stands as a generation's benchmark graduation party film.
- [Courtroom drama ‘Runaway Jury’ (2003) avoids running off rails](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/08/movies/runaway-jury-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): By mixing the gun debate with tech surveillance of jurors, this Grisham adaptation is thrilling and thoughtful.
- [Martial arts, laser guns and confusing rules mix in ‘Timecop’ (1994)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/10/movies/timecop-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): The ambition to be Van Damme’s “Terminator” outstrips the execution, but you gotta admire the movie’s guts.
- [‘The Quick Red Fox’ (1964) is not a lazy dog of a novel](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/08/books/the-quick-red-fox-review/) - Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): In his fourth Travis McGee novel, John D. MacDonald explores the various debaucheries of fame and money.
- [10 sequels that are WAY better than the original](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/08/movies/10-sequels-way-better-than-original/) - Movie commentary: Such films are rare, but we tracked some down. These are the top 10 sequels that are the most better than the original.
- [10 shows featuring today's biggest stars … that you can never watch again](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/11/television/10-tv-shows-you-can-never-watch-again-commentary/) - TV commentary: In this age where it's easy for a streaming service to make something available to its subscribers, there are still a lot of TV shows you simply can't see.
- [Can’t-see TV: 16 sweet shows that aren’t on DVD or Hulu](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2009/11/television/cant-see-tv-16-sweet-shows-that-arent-on-dvd-or-hulu/) - TV commentary: These are the 16 best shows that can't be seen anywhere -- not on DVD, not on the Internet and not in syndication.
- [‘Venom: The Last Dance’ (2024) a sweet friendship story](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/08/movies/venom-the-last-dance-review/) - Superhero Saturday (Movie review): The “Venom” trilogy goes out on top with the best performance yet by Tom Hardy in the title role.
- [Argento brings his B-game to ‘The Card Player’ (2003)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/08/movies/card-player-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): This underachieving giallo at least taps into trends of the time, including poker and early internet-based crime.
- [John’s top 10 TV shows of 2024](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2024/12/television/johns-top-10-tv-shows-of-2024/) - 2024 television: Network shows held on to some viewers thanks to diversity of main characters and premises, but streaming and premium channels continued to dominate.
- [John’s top 10 movies of 2024](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2024/12/movies/johns-top-10-movies-of-2024/) - 2024 movies: A remarkable number of filmmakers this year delved into metaphysical issues, appropriate for this weird time we live in.
- [What John thought about ‘Star Wars: A New Hope’ on its 30th anniversary in 2007 (Movie commentary)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2016/09/movies/what-i-thought-about-star-wars-a-new-hope-on-its-30th-anniversary-in-2007/) - To round out the "Star Wars" movie reviews on my blog, here's a look back at my 30th anniversary essay for "Episode IV: A New Hope," published in the Brainerd (Minn.) Dispatch on May 24, 2007, one day short of the 30th anniversary of the film's premiere. Although my views haven't changed much as we approach the
- [Happy 30th anniversary to ‘The Empire Strikes Back’ (Movie commentary)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2010/05/movies/happy-30th-anniversary-to-the-empire-strikes-back/) - On Friday, “The Empire Strikes Back” marks its 30th anniversary. That’s right, 30 years ago, the movie industry was capable of putting out a Memorial Day weekend blockbuster that people wanted to see and that was not only worth the price of admission, but was so good that we’d talk about it 30 years later. “The Empire
- [Have Excedrin handy: This post is about ‘Terminator’ continuity (Movie and TV commentary)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2009/05/movies/have-excedrin-handy-this-post-is-about-terminator-continuity/) - What happened to Derek Reese and Cameron? And why does Kate Connor look so young? The "Terminator" timeline(s) is (are) complex enough without these unanswered questions from "Terminator Salvation," which opens today. In the "Terminator" franchise -- which includes four movies, one TV series, nine original novels (by four authors) and so many comic books and graphic
- [How crucial is continuity in franchise storytelling? (Commentary)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2009/10/movies/how-crucial-is-continuity-in-franchise-storytelling/) - I'm curious to hear from my readers on this one: How important is it to you that a franchise has continuity between each of its installments? I ask this because two of my favorite sagas are "Star Wars," in which every story fits on a coherent timeline, and "Terminator," which has launched three distinct timelines since 2001
- [What are your favorite Christmas stories? (Commentary)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2009/12/television/what-are-your-favorite-christmas-stories/) - My question for this post is: What are your favorite Christmas stories (movies, books, comic books, TV episodes, etc.)? When you think of Christmas entertainment, what comes to mind? What do you re-watch or re-read at this time of year? I'll cite a few examples of my favorites, then hand it off to you in
- [Turtles were ‘Lean, Green and on the Screen’](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2010/03/movies/the-turtles-were-lean-green-and-on-the-screen-and-life-was-good/) - Movie commentary: From the perspective of 2002, I look back at 1990's "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" and the saga around it.
- [Love of ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ lingers](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2014/02/movies/love-of-teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-still-lingers-30-years-later/) - Commentary: Eastman & Laird's "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" is on my Mount Rushmore of entertainment franchises. Here's why I love it.
- [Exploring 'TMNT' multiverse: 12 different continuities!](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2014/05/movies/one-last-30th-anniversary-tmnt-post-exploring-the-multiverse-12-different-continuities/) - Commentary: In one last 30th anniversary "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" post, I look at all the different continuities, from movies to TV to comics to games.
- [The new ‘Buffy’ series: A spinoff would be awesome, a remake would be awful (TV commentary)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/07/television/buffy-reboot-commentary/) - Fox 21 announced Friday that a new “Buffy” TV series is in the works, with most media using the term “reboot.” This usually means “remake” or “re-imagining,” and that’s how most fans took it. Ninety percent of comment threads and tweets were therefore negative about the announcement. Some fans took “reboot” to mean “spinoff” or
- [I need a hug after Whedon abuse allegations](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/02/movies/joss-whedon-commentary/) - TV commentary: It seems like a good time to further appreciate the folks other than Joss Whedon who made his shows great.
- [‘X-Men’ films should delve even further into individual characters](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2016/06/movies/x-men-films-wisely-turn-attention-to-individual-characters-but-they-should-go-even-further/) - Movie commentary: The films turn their attention to individual characters – but they should go even further.
- [Supergirl does the minimum, but somehow is seen as a role model](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2016/05/superman-supergirl/self-centered-supergirl-does-the-minimum-of-superhero-work-but-somehow-is-seen-as-a-role-model/) - TV commentary: The self-centered Supergirl does the minimum of superhero work, but somehow is seen as a role model.
- [James Gunn’s firing might be the turning point – in a good way – for fans of good movies (Commentary)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/07/movies/james-gunn-disney-commentary/) - Last week, Disney fired “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” (2020) writer-director James Gunn (who also wrote and directed the first two pictures) for tweets he made from 2008-11, where it seemed like he was workshopping tasteless jokes with his Twitter followers. He sounds like a struggling comedian on the least funny day of his
- [EW’s 50 Most Powerful Superheroes list has absurd omissions](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2016/10/superman-supergirl/entertainment-weeklys-50-most-powerful-superheroes-list-has-absurd-omissions/) - Commentary: An analysis of Entertainment Weekly's list of elite superheroes.
- [Another attempt to defend the 'Star Wars' prequels: Midi-chlorians as an explanation of religious faith (Movie commentary)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2009/08/star-wars/another-attempt-to-defend-the-prequels-midi-chlorians-as-an-explanation-of-religious-faith/) - "Star Wars" fans didn't like midi-chlorians -- microscopic cells within one's body that heighten Force sensitivity -- when they were introduced in "The Phantom Menace." But I'd argue that George Lucas was making a subtle commentary on religion, especially when I think about how prequel-era stories have portrayed the Jedi as a religious sect fallen on hard
- [With ‘Veronica Mars’ and ‘Clone Wars,’ companies show different ways to treat fans (TV commentary)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2013/03/television/with-veronica-mars-and-clone-wars-companies-show-different-ways-to-treat-fans/) - Two of my favorite franchises, "Star Wars" (which regular readers may have noticed I'm obsessed with) and "Veronica Mars" (my No. 6-ranked show of the Aughts, and on my to-do list for "rewatching and reviewing the classics") showed different approaches on how to treat their fanbases this month. Disney broke fans' hearts by canceling "The Clone Wars" after five
- [For fans whose interest goes beyond the films, Disney continues to sap the fun out of ‘Star Wars’ (Commentary)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2014/05/movies/for-fans-whose-interest-goes-beyond-the-films-disney-continues-to-sap-the-fun-out-of-star-wars/) - Disney has been doing a great job of sucking the fun out of "Star Wars" since it purchased Lucasfilm in October 2012. First, it canceled "The Clone Wars," leaving many storylines dangling. Now, to judge from an April 25 announcement that has sent shock waves across fandom, it is more or less canceling the Expanded Universe as
- [Loss of ‘Star Wars’ words might be even more tragic than loss of ‘Star Wars’ worlds (Books and comics commentary)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2015/10/books/loss-of-star-wars-words-might-be-even-more-tragic-than-loss-of-star-wars-worlds/) - The loss of 37 years' worth of "Star Wars" Expanded Universe continuity gets talked about a lot as the saddest element of Disney's takeover for us old-school fans of the galaxy far, far away. But one could argue that the saga can recover from the reboot: Give Disney and its continuity editors -- the Lucasfilm
- [It's logical that Anakin appears as ghost of younger self](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2016/09/movies/its-logical-that-anakin-appears-as-a-ghost-of-his-younger-self-at-the-end-of-return-of-the-jedi/) - Movie commentary: Here's the in-universe explanation for why Anakin appears as a ghost of his younger self in "Return of the Jedi."
- [Is ‘Dollhouse’ channeling Philip K. Dick?](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2009/10/television/is-dollhouse-channeling-philip-k-dick/) - TV and books commentary: A modern SF TV master draws inspiration from a past literary master.
- [Why aren’t the ‘Jurassic Park’ movies scary anymore?](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2015/06/movies/why-arent-the-jurassic-park-movies-scary-anymore/) - Movie commentary: We all know it's true: The "Jurassic Park" films are no longer scary. Here are some theories for why this is.
- [Hermione Granger is black and white and read all over (Commentary)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2015/12/movies/hermione-granger-is-black-and-white-and-read-all-over/) - The casting of black actress Noma Dumezweni as Hermione in J.K. Rowling's new "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" stage play – set a couple decades after the books/movies – has opened up a minefield (or treasure trove, depending on your point of view) of discussion about continuity, color-blind casting, double standards and, inevitably, racism. I personally
- [Road tripping with ‘Harry Potter’ (Book commentary)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2009/06/books/road-tripping-with-harry-potter/) - When I'm facing down a 10-hour drive, I like to devise strategies of how to make the trip go faster. New Camera Obscura album? Check. Guide to all the Twins radio affiliates so I can pull in the game as long as possible? Check. (I could actually still hear the Yankton, S.D., station in northern
- [The strangely enduring legacy of Luke Perry’s Pike in the ‘Buffy’ saga](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/03/movies/buffy-luke-perry-pike-commentary/) - 'Buffy' commentary: Luke Perry's Pike was only on screen for one project (the movie), but his character continued in the comics and novels.
- [For the love of libraries, in all their musty, dusty glory (Book commentary)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2009/06/books/for-the-love-of-libraries-in-all-their-musty-dusty-glory/) - In fourth grade, my homeroom teacher conducted a game where every student had a fictional $1,000 to bid on fictional items. Apparently she was preparing us for our futures as eBay bidders. (As I think back on it, this was one of the rare examples of public school teaching me something useful.) One of the
- [On ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’ DVDs, the song doesn’t remain the same (and that’s a problem)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2010/02/television/on-the-beverly-hills-90210-dvds-the-song-doesnt-remain-the-same-and-thats-a-problem/) - TV commentary: The show is ruined by not having its original music. Classics are replaced by generic tracks that scream “straight-to-video movie.”
- [Revisiting ‘Dawson’s Creek’ in Wilmington, N.C. (TV commentary)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2012/11/television/revisiting-dawsons-creek-in-wilmington-n-c/) - The most entertainment-oriented aspect of my Thanksgiving trip to North Carolina was a visit to Wilmington, which to me is defined as "the town where 'Dawson's Creek' was filmed." In reality, the rich entertainment scene of Wilmington (a beautiful riverfront town for people who love scenery and history, as well) is not defined by "Dawson's Creek," or
- [Why is Katniss Everdeen so reluctant to be a hero? (And why ‘Gotham' features the rarest of heroes)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2015/12/superman-supergirl/why-is-katniss-everdeen-so-reluctant-to-be-a-hero-and-why-gotham-features-the-rarest-of-heroes/) - Movie and TV commentary: John Hansen examines the odd trend of fictional cinematic heroes who are initially unwilling to fight for what's right.
- [Top 10 observations about ‘Top Gun’ (1986) ](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2022/05/movies/top-gun-review/) - Movie commentary: With “Top Gun: Maverick” hitting theaters, here’s my look back at one of the core event movies of the Eighties.
- [30 observations about ‘Christmas Vacation’ (1989)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/12/movies/christmas-vacation-review/) - Movie commentary: John Hughes' "Christmas Vacation” came out 30 years ago this month, and it has only grown in status as a holiday classic since.
- [Entertainment I discovered after getting a tip from someone: A top 15 list (Commentary)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2009/08/movies/entertainment-i-discovered-after-getting-a-tip-from-someone-a-top-15-list/) - Part of the purpose of this blog is to let you know about cool stuff in the entertainment world. The blog’s main purpose, of course, is it gives me something to do. But also, it’s nice to think that I might encourage someone to look into a good TV show or movie or band or
- [6 ways J.D. Salinger influenced modern pop culture (Book commentary)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2010/01/movies/six-ways-salinger-influenced-modern-pop-culture/) - Like everyone, I think "Catcher in the Rye" is a brilliant book. I think J.D. Salinger's other three books (actually compilations of his magazine short stories and novellas) range from very good to OK -- "Nine Stories" has a couple gems (but also a couple duds), "Franny and Zooey" is readable and, well, I haven't
- [John's 300 favorite songs: The top 10](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2010/08/music/johns-300-favorite-songs-the-top-10/) - 10. Smashing Pumpkins — “1979” — This song reminds me of driving around with my friends in Fargo, N.D., during my high school years. The “1979” of the title is a stand-in for anytime, I assume, since Billy Corgan’s teenage years were actually the 1980s. 9. Camera Obscura — “Before You Cry” — Even though it starts off with
- [John's all-time top 5 Canadian character dramas (TV commentary)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2012/05/television/johns-all-time-top-five-canadian-character-dramas/) - Canadian TV gets short shrift in the U.S., where most cable packages offer Univision and BBC America but not CBC. And often when you mention "Canadian TV" people think of "The X-Files" or other American sci-fi shows filmed in Vancouver. Yet Canada has a strong history of great character dramas; indeed, the "Degrassi" franchise, spanning
- [John's top 10 ‘Star Wars’ novelists (Book commentary)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2012/12/books/johns-top-10-star-wars-novelists/) - I've been doing occasional "Star Wars Flashback" entries, but I thought I'd take a break here and give a rundown of my top 10 "Star Wars" novelists. For geeks like me, it might provide a good debate; for newcomers, I outline the strengths of each author and select their best book. 1. Karen Traviss (10 novels, 2004-09)
- [‘The Killing’ isn’t dead after all! Plus: 9 other resurrected shows (TV commentary)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2013/01/television/the-killing-isnt-dead-after-all-plus-nine-other-resurrected-tv-shows/) - With the awesome news earlier this week that AMC changed its mind about "The Killing," which it canceled a few months ago but has now resurrected for a third season (to air later this year), I thought I'd take a look at a few notable resurrected (or un-canceled, if you prefer) series through the years.
- [20 observations about ‘Jurassic Park’ for 20th anniversary](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2013/04/movies/20-random-observations-about-jurassic-park/) - Movie commentary: With "Jurassic Park" back in theaters for a 3D 20th anniversary release, here are 20 reasons why I love the movie.
- [30 reasons ‘Return of the Jedi’ rocks (and no, ‘Jedi Rocks’ is not one of them) (Movie commentary)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2013/05/movies/30-reasons-return-of-the-jedi-rocks-and-no-jedi-rocks-is-not-one-of-them/) - "Star Wars: Episode VI -- Return of the Jedi" turns 30 on Saturday, and it's still looking good. So much so that George Lucas recently gave the nod to a sequel. But the J.J. Abrams-helmed "Episode VII" is still a couple years away, so in the meantime, let's take a look at 30 reasons why "Jedi"
- [John's 10 favorite TV couples of all time (Commentary)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2013/05/television/johns-top-10-favorite-tv-couples-of-all-time/) - In a double dose of weak sauce, Entertainment Weekly's writers recently chose "Friends' " Ross and Rachel as the greatest TV couple of all time, and readers responded by choosing some random couple from "Glee" (which, research reveals, is actually still on the air). Over at his blog, my buddy Seth Stringer upped the standards
- [The top 20 people responsible for the success of the ‘Star Wars’ saga (Commentary)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2013/09/movies/the-top-20-people-responsible-for-the-success-of-the-star-wars-saga/) - A great debate recently popped up at my office: Who deserves credit for the success of “Star Wars?” Well, George Lucas, of course, because he created it. Plain and simple, right? Not necessarily, because he was far from alone in making “Star Wars” great. Strictly speaking, he couldn’t have made that first movie on his own, because
- [The top 10 ‘Star Wars’ song parodies of all time](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2014/11/star-wars-classic/the-top-10-star-wars-song-parodies-of-all-time/) - Music commentary: After the prequels wrapped, YouTube burgeoned with parodies and original "Star Wars"-inspired songs.
- [All 8 long-running ‘Star Wars’ Legends comics series, ranked (Comic book commentary)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2015/05/comic-books/johns-rankings-of-the-eight-long-running-star-wars-comics-series/) - With the new ongoing Marvel comic series, not to mention the trailers for "Episode VII" and "Rebels" Season 2, drawing interest from new and casual "Star Wars" fans, I thought it'd be a good time to look back at the ongoing "Star Wars" comic titles from the now-defunct Expanded Universe (a.k.a. Legends) era of 1977-2014.
- [A dozen random observations about ‘Jaws’ for its 40th anniversary](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2015/06/movies/a-dozen-random-observations-about-jaws-for-its-40th-anniversary/) - Movie commentary: Here are some things you might've forgotten about Steven Spielberg's classic.
- [The 25 biggest ‘Star Wars’ Expanded Universe unanswered questions (Books and comics commentary)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2015/10/books/top-25-biggest-star-wars-expanded-universe-unanswered-questions/) - Before its cancellation in 2014, the “Star Wars” Expanded Universe (now called Legends) was a treasure trove of interconnected stories, creative retcons, and – admittedly – a fair number of unanswered questions and plot holes that were never resolved. Since Disney says it has no plans to produce more Legends books and comics, these are
- [10 random observations about the Christmas classic ‘Gremlins’ (Movie commentary)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2015/12/movies/10-random-observations-about-the-christmas-classic-gremlins/) - I'm not as big of a Christmas movie guy as I am a Christmas TV guy, but I have settled on my answer – at least for now – when someone asks me my favorite Christmas movie: "Gremlins"(1984). Growing up, I was more familiar with the 45 rpm read-along record, which in many ways is actually scarier than
- [10 random observations about ‘Groundhog Day’ (Movie commentary)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2016/02/movies/10-random-observations-about-groundhog-day/) - Here are 10 random observations about one of the greatest comedic dramas – or dramatic comedies – of all time: "Groundhog Day" (1993). I'll try to not make the list too repetitive. 1. Offhand, I can't think of another movie that redefined a holiday to the degree "Groundhog Day" did. Before the film's release, Groundhog Day was
- [All 15 'Star Wars' Legends Han Solo and Lando Calrissian novels, ranked (Book commentary)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/05/books/star-wars-han-solo-lando-calrissian-novels-ranked/) - With Disney's “Solo: A Star Wars Story” about to hit theaters, fans might be interested in digging into the Legends source material. It dates back quite a ways: Six of the first seven “Star Wars” spinoff novels chronicled these rogues during their early days with the Millennium Falcon, in “The Han Solo Adventures” (1979-80) and
- [All 18 'Jurassic Park' stories, ranked from tame to tops](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/06/movies/jurassic-park-stories-ranked/) - Story rankings: Here's a ranking of every “Jurassic Park” story, from the worst comic books to the best of Steven Spielberg and Michael Crichton.
- [11 bizarre oddities in the ‘Halloween’ saga](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/10/movies/11-oddities-in-halloween-saga-movie-commentary/) - Movie list: Here's a look at 11 things about the Michael Myers "Halloween" film saga so bizarre that they border on spooky.
- [All 6 'Mission: Impossible' films, ranked](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/12/movies/every-mission-impossible-movie-ranked/) - Movie rankings: In honor of "Mission: Impossible -- Fallout" hitting home rental, here's my ranking of all six "M:I" movies.
- [The 30 biggest entertainment trends of the 2010s](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/12/movies/entertainment-trends-of-2010s/) - 2010s in review: These were the 30 biggest trends in movies, television, books, music and pop culture in the 2010s.
- [In the holiday spirit: All 10 Shane Black films, ranked](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/12/movies/shane-black-films-ranked-commentary/) - Movie rankings: Just in time for Christmas, here are my rankings of the 10 films written and/or directed by Shane Black.
- [All 12 ‘Friday the 13th’ films, ranked from worst to best](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/08/movies/friday-the-13th-films-ranked/) - Movie rankings: It’s Friday the 13th, so here are my worst-to-first rankings of the 12 films of the Jason Voorhees saga.
- [All 9 ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street’ films, ranked](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/10/movies/nightmare-on-elm-street-films-ranked/) - Movie rankings: From the 1984 classic to the unnecessary remake, we rank all nine films starring the court jester of slashers: Freddy Krueger.
- [All 9 ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ movies, ranked](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2022/03/movies/texas-chainsaw-massacre-films-ranked/) - Movie rankings: From dull and rusty to cutting-edge, here are my rankings of a half-century's worth of films in the "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" franchise.
- [The good times and the bad: All 10 ‘Fast & Furious’ movies, ranked](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2023/05/movies/fast-furious-movies-ranked/) - Movie list: With “Fast X” fast approaching, we look back at the nine proper films and one spinoff of the Vin Diesel-powered “Fast & Furious” saga.
- [A panic on our hands on the Fourth of July: The 10 best shark horror movies](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2023/07/movies/top-10-shark-horror-movies/) - Movie list: From underrated to obvious, from fun romps to artistic gems, here are RFMC’s picks for the 10 elite films in the subgenre of shark horror.
- [All 6 of Agatha Christie’s Mary Westmacott novels, ranked](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2023/07/books/mary-westmacott-novels-ranked/) - Book list: The Queen of Crime wrote six non-mystery novels under the name Mary Westmacott that showcase her versatility … and her life story.
- [Get out! A ranking of the 11 primary ‘Amityville Horror’ movies](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2023/10/movies/amityville-horror-films-ranked/) - Movie list: The “Amityville” series goes nearly 50 deep, but I’ve narrowed it down to 11 main entries, which I rank from worst to first.
- [Such sights to show you: All 11 ‘Hellraiser’ films, ranked](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2023/10/movies/hellraiser-films-ranked/) - Movie list: This odd horror franchise sometimes goes to the depths of Hell and sometimes only features a Pinhead pop-in.
- [10 ‘first’ female ‘Star Wars’ villains before Phasma](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2016/01/movies/10-first-female-star-wars-villains-before-captain-phasma/) - Commentary:Despite the hype, Phasma is not the first female "Star Wars" villain. Here are 10 other characters who could stake that claim.
- [The 20 best female ‘Star Wars’ villains before Captain Phasma](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2016/01/movies/the-20-best-female-star-wars-villains-before-captain-phasma/) - Commentary: Captain Phasma is not the first female "Star Wars" villain, let alone the best. Here are my picks for the best female "Star Wars" villains.
- [The 5 best and 5 worst Special Edition/DVD/Blu-ray changes to the ‘Star Wars’ films (Movie commentary)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2016/09/movies/the-five-best-and-five-worst-special-edition-dvd-blu-ray-changes-to-the-star-wars-films/) - As longtime fans are well aware, the "Star Wars" films as we know them from the 2011 Blu-ray release are different in several small but noticeable ways from the 1977-83 releases – sometimes for better, sometimes for worse. And even "Episode I" is different from its 1999 release. Sometimes George Lucas made changes because technology
- [The chosen 20: The all-time best ‘Buffys’](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2017/03/television/the-chosen-20-the-all-time-best-buffys/) - TV rankings: To mark the 20th anniversary of the show's TV debut, I pick my 20 favorite episodes of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer."
- [John's top 40 ‘Star Wars’ books: The top 10](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2017/05/books/my-top-40-star-wars-books-for-the-40th-anniversary-the-top-10/) - Out of at least 160 "Star Wars" Expanded Universe (Legends) novels from 1976-2014, I narrow it down to my top 10.
- [7 times ‘X-Files’ borrowed from 'Kolchak'](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2017/07/television/the-kolchak-x-files-connection-just-how-similar-are-these-two-shows/) - TV commentary: Although their styles are different, there's no doubt that "The X-Files" borrowed many concepts from "Kolchak."
- [10 funniest moments in ‘Family Guy's’ ‘Blue Harvest’](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2017/09/television/10-years-ago-family-guy-delivered-the-ultimate-star-wars-parody-with-blue-harvest/) - TV review: Ten years after its initial airing, "Family Guy's" "Blue Harvest" episode remains one of the funniest "Star Wars" parodies.
- [John's top 40 ‘Star Wars’ comic book stories: The top 10](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2017/12/comic-books/my-top-40-star-wars-comic-book-stories-for-the-40th-anniversary-the-top-10/) - Concluding the countdown of my top 40 “Star Wars” Expanded Universe (Legends) comic stories, here are my top 10.
- [The top 100 'Crazy Ex-Girlfriend' songs, ranked](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/04/television/crazy-ex-girlfriend-songs-ranked/) - Music rankings: Judging the song itself, the choreography and the performances, here are my selections for the top 100 "CXG" songs.
- [Storytelling with soul: The 20 best ‘Angel’ episodes](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/10/television/top-20-angel-episodes-tv-commentary/) - TV rankings: To mark the 20th anniversary of Joss Whedon's and David Greenwalt's "Buffy" spinoff, I pick my 20 favorite episodes of "Angel."
- [The top 20 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' and 'Angel' books](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/03/books/top-20-buffy-angel-novels/) - Book list: John picks the 20 elite "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Angel" novels out of the nearly 100 spinoff books published since 1997.
- [Every David Mamet film, ranked (except 'The Water Engine')](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/04/movies/david-mamet-films-ranked/) - Movie rankings: Mamet has given us a new appreciation for the way men talk, outlined the keys to long cons, and provided historical insight.
- [The top 25 ‘Buffy’ and ‘Angel’ comic book arcs](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/06/buffy-angel/top-25-buffy-angel-comic-books/) - Comic book list: From Dark Horse to IDW, John scours the long boxes to find his 25 favorite "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Angel" comic book arcs.
- [A cinematic feast: All 32 John Hughes movies, ranked](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/11/movies/john-hughes-films-ranked/) - Movie rankings: From Thanksgiving feasts to Christmas classics, from teen heartbreakers to family heartwarmers, here is how I rank the catalog of John Hughes.
- [The near-futurist: All 28 Michael Crichton novels, ranked ](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2022/07/books/michael-crichton-novels-ranked/) - Book list: As the Summer of Crichton continues on our screens, here are my rankings of the 28 novels from the man who invented the techno-thriller.
- [On the cutting edge: Every Michael Crichton film, ranked ](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2022/07/movies/michael-crichton-films-ranked/) - Movie list: As Summer 2022 gives us new chapters in the “Jurassic” and “Westworld” sagas, let's look back at the core canon of Crichton.
- [All 13 movies written and directed by Kevin Smith, ranked](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2023/05/movies/kevin-smith-films-ranked/) - Movie list: The most notable mainstreamer of geek culture back in 1994, Smith has compiled a strong catalog of films he both wrote and directed.
- [Visions of the future: All 12 Philip K. Dick movies, ranked](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2023/06/movies/philip-k-dick-films-ranked/) - Movie list: For RFMC’s 3,000th post, we rank the films directly adapted from a novel or short story by visionary author Philip K. Dick.
- [All 35 of Philip K. Dick’s science fiction novels, ranked](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2023/07/books/philip-k-dick-science-fiction-novels-ranked/) - Book list: I rank all 35 science fiction novels by an author increasingly appreciated for his on-point and humorous previews of 21st century life.
- [What summer 2025 movies are worth getting off your couch for?](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/05/superman-supergirl/summer-movie-preview-2025/) - Summer movie preview: Sequels of course dominate, but we also get intriguing followups to some of the best horror films of recent years.
- [A baffling mystery: Why has there never been a Continental Op TV series?](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/03/television/fallen-angels-fly-paper-review/) - Sleuthing Sunday (TV commentary): One obscure half-hour episode from 1995 features Hammett’s prolific detective, and teases what we could have over the course of a full series.
- [Fun-loving filmmakers invite audience along for ‘EuroTrip’ (2004)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/08/movies/eurotrip-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Not as substantial as other raunch-coms of the era, it’s nonetheless good-natured and breezy.
- [‘Alien’ returns to ‘Earth’: This time, is it here to stay?](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/08/television/alien-earth-first-episode-impressions/) - First episode impressions (TV review): “Alien: Earth,” the franchise’s first-ever TV series, boasts lavish retro-futurism, Hawley’s brainy sci-fi notions and a winning lead actress.
- [Laird returns to 'TMNT' for Vol. 4 Issues 1-7 (2001-02)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2014/04/comic-books/tmnt-flashback-mirage-vol-4-no-1-7-2001-02/) - ‘TMNT’ flashback (Comic book reviews): Peter Laird and Mirage Studios return to "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" for Vol. 4.
- [No Shredder, no problem: ‘TMNT’ Season 4 (2005-06) is a scary smorgasbord](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/08/television/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-2003-cartoon-season-4-review/) - ‘TMNT’ flashback (TV review): Utrom-Shredder gives way to Karai-Shredder in the most confident batch of episodes so far.
- [Westlake’s ‘Jimmy the Kid’ (1974) and the ‘fiction vs. reality’ conundrum](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/08/books/jimmy-the-kid-review/) - Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): The prolific crime-fiction author knows how to have absurdist (yet realistic) fun by undercutting clichés at every turn.
- [‘Marvels’ (2023) is rather fun despite being indecipherable](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/08/movies/marvels-review/) - Superhero Saturday (Movie review): The script needed several more passes, but the interplay of the titular trio makes for a rhythmic romp.
- [Cute ‘Freaky Friday’ (1976) leads to even better 2003 remake](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/08/movies/freaky-friday-1976-2003-reviews/) - 'Freaky Friday' flashback (Movie reviews): With the sequel “Freakier Friday” coming to theaters, here’s a look back at the original and the most famous remake.
- [‘King of Comedy’ (1982) an engrossingly awkward satire of showbiz](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/08/movies/king-of-comedy-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): “Joker” would more robustly explore mental illness, but this previous De Niro film takes a simpler approach.
- [Scares of ‘Dangerous Animals’ go beyond the sharks](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/08/movies/dangerous-animals-review/) - Movie review: No one thinks it’s safe to go in the water anymore, but the heroes of this Australian horror flick might not have a choice.
- [Marriage, murder awkwardly mix in ‘Busman’s Honeymoon’ (1937)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/08/books/busmans-honeymoon-review/) - Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): Sayers wraps her Harriet Vane quadrilogy with a decent mystery and a plodding start to the Vane-Wimsey marriage.
- [Again, ‘Aquaman’-verse looks great in ‘The Lost Kingdom’ (2023)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/08/movies/aquaman-and-the-lost-kingdom-review/) - Superhero Saturday (Movie review): With vibrant design, the 15th and last DCEU film is a decent final bow for the aquatic Justice League member.
- [‘Thunderbolts’ explores alternate way to return power to people](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/07/movies/thunderbolts-review/) - Movie review: Amid the MCU’s dark times of reshoots and rushed projects, the saga’s 36th film makes a case for being the best.
- [‘Captain America: Brave New World’: What if a bad president had self-awareness?](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/07/movies/captain-america-brave-new-world-review/) - Movie review: In an ironic statement on our times, a comic-book villain’s actions now represent hopeful possibilities rather than warnings.
- [Capote’s ‘In Cold Blood’ (1966) is a book I could read again](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/07/books/in-cold-blood-review/) - Book club book report: Capote uses cold, hard facts to ask timelessly unanswerable questions about human nature and justice.
- [Old friends, new enemies enhance ‘TMNT’ Season 3 (2004-05)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/07/television/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-2003-cartoon-season-3-review/) - ‘TMNT’ flashback (TV review): Smartly interlaced storytelling puts “TMNT” at its highest ebb of craftsmanship outside of early Mirage and the first movie.
- [‘True Romance’ (1993) a violent fairy-tale love story](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/06/movies/true-romance-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Even coming out in the wake of “Glengarry Glen Ross,” the depth of acting talent in this Tarantino-Scott riff is incredible.
- [‘Have His Carcase’ (1932) coasts along with multiple intrigues](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/07/books/have-his-carcase-review/) - Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): Sayers’ interest in the procedure of detection remains, but this second Wimsey-Vane collaboration operates on additional levels.
- [‘Gaudy Night’ (1935) explores chaos of changing times on campus](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/07/books/gaudy-night-review/) - Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): Ambitious yet flawed, the Oxford-set 10th Wimsey novel is an essential read for fans of Sayers’ alter-ego Harriet Vane.
- [‘Falling Down’ (1993) is worth snapping up as a vicarious thrill](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/07/movies/falling-down-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Hypocritical, ironic and uncomfortable, one of Joel Schumacher’s most talked-about films is hard to pin down.
- [‘Walking Tall’ (1973) walks the walk and talks the talk](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/07/movies/walking-tall-1973-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): A surprisingly popular franchise starts with Joe Don Baker’s exploitation film.
- [‘Superman’ (1978) lovingly launches superhero resurgence](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2017/11/superman-supergirl/superhero-movie-flashback-superman-1978/) - Superhero movie flashback (Review): Director Richard Donner and star Christopher Reeve help us fall in love with superheroes again.
- [James Gunn’s ‘Superman’ is very Gunn and very 2025](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/07/superman-supergirl/superman-2025-review/) - Movie review: The “Guardians of the Galaxy” helmer balances the launch of the DCU with a love letter to the Reeve-era “Superman.”
- [Coughlan goes to head of the class in ‘Teaching Mrs. Tingle’ (1999)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/09/movies/teaching-mrs-tingle-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): In his schizophrenic dark comedy, Williamson understands (and perfectly casts) the teens more than the adult.
- [Good Lord, ‘Five Red Herrings’ (1931) has a lot of logistical details](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/07/books/five-red-herrings-review/) - Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): If you want layers beyond the pure mystery puzzle, you might find the sixth Wimsey novel to be a slog.
- [Despite team-up, ‘Karate Kid: Legends' is legendarily dull](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/07/movies/karate-kid-legends-review/) - Movie review: The franchise’s branches intertwine, but without the humor of “Cobra Kai,” this sixth film packs little punch.
- [‘Pulp Fiction’ (1994) ingeniously makes the whole film into a maguffin](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/07/movies/pulp-fiction-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): In his masterwork of dark comedy, Tarantino relies on the audience’s cinema knowledge to cleverly invert the crime genre’s traditional message.
- [Giger, Henstridge, weirdly great cast keep ‘Species’ (1995) going](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/07/movies/species-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): This sub-“Alien” creature feature should theoretically go extinct, but it’s weirdly watchable.
- [‘Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen’ (2004) should confess to being bad](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2024/02/movies/confessions-of-a-teenage-drama-queen-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): This Lindsay Lohan-starrer from the same year as “Mean Girls” has one catchy song but surprisingly scant drama.
- [‘Reservoir Dogs’ (1992) launches Tarantino’s career with a quiet bang](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/07/movies/reservoir-dogs-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Though the film took a while to be widely appreciated, the Seventies nostalgia of Nineties cinema starts here.
- [‘Machete’ an over-the-top parody that still packs a punch (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2010/09/movies/machete-an-over-the-top-parody-that-still-packs-a-punch/) - I always say that "Dumb & Dumber" is a dumb smart movie, and I'll say the exact same thing about Robert Rodriguez's "Machete": It's very stupid, yet also remarkably intelligent. And hilarious. Make no mistake about it, even if you someday find it in the action section at the video store: "Machete" is a comedy. The
- [‘Fetch’ didn’t happen, but at least ‘Mean Girls’ (2004) did](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2024/01/movies/mean-girls-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): A stellar cast drives a teen comedy that struggles to balance laughs with a serious issue.
- [‘It’s a Boy Girl Thing’ (2006) tackles the double empathy problem with laughs](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/07/movies/its-a-boy-girl-thing-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Though the body-swap comedy beats are expected, they are also welcome when played out by Armstrong and Zegers.
- [‘Sleepless’ (2001) more like a pleasant horror dream than a nightmare](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/08/movies/sleepless-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): If you’re into giallo, Argento’s first film of the new century is a nice trip down memory lane.
- [‘Companion’ and the shame of trailers telling the whole story](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/07/movies/companion-review/) - Movie review: Thatcher is great in a darkly winking thriller about budding mistrust at a lake retreat. After the spoiler warning, I share thoughts on the marketing.
- [‘Keeper of Enchanted Rooms’ (2022) and the dreariness of coziness](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/07/books/keeper-of-enchanted-rooms-review/) - Book club book report: There’s safety in magical cliches, but not in risky romance; the latter thread is the only reason to read the book.
- [‘The Continental’ is a tasty supplement to ‘John Wick’](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2023/10/television/the-continental-review/) - TV review: Focusing on stylish crime drama rather than groundbreaking action, this miniseries gives us the background of Winston Scott.
- [‘Ballerina’ steps into ‘John Wick’s’ shoes for magnificent dance](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/07/movies/ballerina-review/) - Movie review: This “Wick”-verse film is made with just as much money and care, and it’s awesome to see Ana de Armas affirm her star status.
- [No sophomore slump for Philippous with ‘Bring Her Back’](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/07/movies/bring-her-back-review/) - Movie review: The brothers follow “Talk to Me” with an even more meticulously crafted film, although it trades scares for an overall unease.
- [In ‘One, Two, Three’ (1961), Wilder knows the ABC's of good comedy](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/07/movies/one-two-three-review/) - Wilder Wednesday (Movie review): Wilder shows “Some Like It Hot” was no fluke by delivering this exhausting but clever romp.
- [A high note about low people: ‘Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead’ (2007)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/07/movies/before-the-devil-knows-youre-dead-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Sidney Lumet's last film comes from a great screenplay by unheralded Kelly Masterson.
- [‘Snowpiercer's’ (2014) concept better than execution](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/05/movies/snowpiercer-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Bong Joon Ho's dystopian film chugs along on its concept more so than its execution.
- [What are they doing with Turtles in space?! A look at ‘TMNT’ Season 2 (2003-04)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/07/television/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-2003-season-2-review/) - ‘TMNT’ flashback (TV review): The second season of the Laird-overseen series faithfully adapts the Triceraton-Fugitoid arc, and gives surprising backstories to Shredder and Splinter.
- [The epic ends in a thrilling way in ‘TMNT’ Season 10 (1996)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/06/television/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-cartoon-season-10-review/) - ‘TMNT’ flashback (TV review): Jeffrey Scott ably takes over for David Wise with the show’s most high-stakes adventuring in these final eight episodes, which most fans didn’t see until 2012.
- [Mirage (almost) comes to our screens: A look at ‘TMNT’ Season 1 (2003)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/07/television/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-2003-season-1-review/) - ‘TMNT’ flashback (TV review): Peter Laird is proud of this cartoon. Should fans be also? Let’s review the opening 26 episodes.
- [Parker takes the baton from Chandler in refreshing ‘Poodle Springs’ (1988)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/06/books/poodle-springs-review/) - Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): One of the most successful authors inspired by Chandler gets his own crack at Marlowe by finishing “The Poodle Springs Story.”
- [‘Sorority Row’ (2009) lines up worst traits of the Naughties](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/07/movies/sorority-row-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): They’ll always know what you did last semester, but that doesn’t mean the paces have to be quite so formulaic.
- [‘StageFright’ (1987) hits slasher beats right between the eyes](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/07/movies/stagefright-1987-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): This Italian theater-set slasher is drenched in style, and offers a respectable English dub.
- [Wilson’s series takes a good golf swing, can’t quite ‘Stick’ it](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/06/television/stick-first-episode-impressions/) - First episode impressions (TV review): But Owen Wilson and Marc Maron help raise the sometimes subpar writing.
- [Parker Posey is a ‘Party Girl’ (1995) in a librarian world](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/06/movies/party-girl-1995-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Among Nineties slacker classics, this coming-of-ager is relatively tame and flat through today’s lens.
- [‘Slasher’ team gets back to gory basics with ‘Hell Motel’](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/06/television/hell-motel-first-episode-impressions/) - First episode impressions (TV review): Check into this out-of-the-way spot for familiar scares, gore and guessing games.
- [Not the Dreggs: ‘TMNT’ reaches new heights in Season 9 (1995)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/06/television/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-cartoon-season-9-review/) - ‘TMNT’ flashback (TV review): Even without Channel Six’s and Krang’s gangs, the show becomes well-animated in both senses of the word.
- [Chandler salvages screenplay for one more Marlowe novel, ‘Playback’ (1958)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/06/books/playback-review/) - Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): Though it’s the slightest Marlowe novel, it still gives us the goods we’ve come to expect.
- [‘Lost Weekend’ (1945) a grippingly honest portrayal of alcoholism](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/06/movies/lost-weekend-review/) - Wilder Wednesday (Movie review): Ray Milland gives one of the most sobering (irony intended) portrayals of a drunk in Wilder’s stark masterpiece.
- [‘Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’ is almost impossible to follow](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/06/movies/mission-impossible-the-final-reckoning-review/) - Movie review: For viewers not concerned with plot and theme, the film delivers spectacular action … eventually.
- [A penny for your thoughts on Death in ‘Final Destination: Bloodlines’](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/06/movies/final-destination-bloodlines-review/) - Movie review: Generational trauma goes to the extreme in the saga’s sixth film overall and first in 14 years.
- [Red sky at night, animators’ delight: A look at ‘TMNT’ Season 8 (1994)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/06/television/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-cartoon-season-8-review/) - ‘TMNT’ flashback (TV review): The lack of comedic threads make these eight Wise-penned episodes dour, but the animation makes a huge leap.
- [‘Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan’ (1982) and the Kobayashi Maru](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/06/movies/star-trek-ii-the-wrath-of-khan-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Montalban’s performance and a thoughtful piece of military strategizing combine to make this an elite “Trek” entry.
- [‘Agatha Christie’s Marple’ Season 1 (2004-05) comes out of the garden gate swinging](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/06/television/agatha-christies-marple-season-1-review/) - Sleuthing Sunday (TV review): The first four episodes under Geraldine McEwan’s watch nicely balance faithfulness with a brisker 21st century pace.
- [‘Simple Art of Murder’ (1950) has overly complex street-level mysteries](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/07/books/simple-art-of-murder-review/) - Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): Not as accessible as the Marlowe novels, this collection is worth reading for Chandler’s titular essay.
- [First episode (of new season) impressions: ‘Friday Night Lights’ (TV review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2011/04/television/first-episode-of-new-season-impressions-friday-night-lights/) - "Friday Night Lights" (7 p.m. Central Fridays on NBC) continues to do the little things well: In the fifth-season premiere, Landry goes through his own version of "American Graffiti," playing one last show with Crucifictorious, saying goodbye to Matt's senile grandmother (who thinks he is going to SMU, not Rice), reminiscing in the Alamo Freeze parking
- [Fond farewell: ‘Friday Night Lights’ (TV review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2011/07/television/fond-farewell-friday-night-lights/) - I'm not married and I know that if I ever lived in Texas I'd die from the heat, yet I always respected "Friday Night Lights," TV's best show about marriage and best show about Texas. On Friday on NBC (and before that on DirecTV and on DVD), it bowed out after five seasons with a confident 90-minute
- [First episode impressions: ‘Parenthood’ Season 3 (TV review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2011/09/television/first-episode-impressions-parenthood-season-3/) - I detest the phrase "something for everyone" because 95 percent of the time when an event claims to offer "something for everyone," it doesn't interest me in the least bit. "Parenthood" (9 p.m. Central Tuesdays on NBC) is very much a "something for everyone" show, and indeed it doesn't have a singular, definable hook (other than what's
- [‘Creed’ respects ‘Rocky’ traditions while doing something a bit different (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2015/11/movies/creed-respects-rocky-traditions-while-doing-something-a-bit-different/) - "Creed" -- the seventh entry in the "Rocky" series -- respects its elders while also doing its own thing. As the saga's first film not written by Sylvester Stallone, and the first not directed by Stallone or John G. Avildsen, "Creed" has a different sense of style. That having been said, Stallone's Rocky is the heart
- [Marvel's 'Black Panther' is a bold, fun, powerful masterpiece (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/02/movies/black-panther-review/) - As the Marvel Cinematic Universe entered Phase Three it seemed to take on a unique challenge, reinventing itself with each new film. “Thor: Ragnarok” was basically the MCU’s answer to Monty Python. “Ant Man” was an “Ocean’s” movie with a dude who could shrink. Even “Guardians 2” changed things up by being incredibly personal and
- [‘Black Panther’ (2018) grandly diversifies MCU](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/06/movies/black-panther-review-2/) - An outsider’s take on the Marvel Cinematic Universe (Movie review): The MCU gets more diverse with this African epic.
- ['Creed II' is a crowd-pleaser, even if it doesn't pack the same punch as the original (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/11/movies/creed-ii-review/) - Ryan Coogler’s "Creed" (2015) was a surprisingly well-executed and welcome addition to the "Rocky" franchise. Working as a reboot of sorts, it brings "Rocky" to a new generation. With "Creed II," Steve Caple Jr. directs a fairly by-the-numbers sequel that works, but doesn’t have near the impact that "Creed" does. The "Rocky" series, for the most
- [‘Creed II,’ a sequel to both ‘Creed’ and ‘Rocky IV,’ wins by decision (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/11/movies/creed-ii-review-2/) - We’re not supposed to heap praise on sequels, since they are standing on the shoulders of their predecessors, but something should be said about how skillfully “Creed II” continues the story from “Creed” (2015) and “Rocky IV” (1985). Suffice it to say, director Steve Caple Jr.’s film will please fans of this franchise that has
- [‘Fantastic Four’ (2015) tries out a darker tone](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/08/movies/fantastic-four-2015-review/) - Superhero Saturday (Movie review): The "FF" franchise tries out a darker. One problem: no one wanted it.
- [‘Chronicle’ (2012) can’t get by on novelty value](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/10/movies/chronicle-review/) - Superhero Saturday (Movie review): "Chronicle" boasts a found-footage format and future star Michael B. Jordan, but the story is generic.
- [‘Rocky’ franchise appears to be in good hands with ‘Fruitvale Station’s’ Coogler, Jordan (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2015/11/movies/rocky-franchise-appears-to-be-in-good-hands-with-fruitvale-stations-coogler-jordan/) - The seventh "Rocky" film, "Creed" -- which comes out on Nov. 25 – is on paper quite a departure from the first six, which were all written by Sylvester Stallone and directed by Stallone or John G. Avildsen (the first and fifth entries). And most obviously, those films told Rocky Balboa's life story, whereas in "Creed" Rocky
- [‘Ender’s Game’ a faithful adaptation of the classic sci-fi novel — but what’s next for the saga? (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2013/11/movies/enders-game-a-faithful-adaptation-of-the-classic-sci-fi-novel-but-whats-next-for-the-saga/) - Writer-director Gavin Hood, best known for helming 2009's "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," does a wonderfully faithful job of adapting Orson Scott Card's 1985 sci-fi masterpiece "Ender's Game" to the big screen while also keeping things entertaining. It's been awhile since I read the book, but the film seems to hit all the same beats and themes, and it
- [Cannon, Banks deliver aca-competent follow-up with ‘Pitch Perfect 2’ (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2015/05/movies/cannon-banks-deliver-aca-competent-follow-up-to-pitch-perfect/) - First-time director Elizabeth Banks, who also plays half of the "Pitch Perfect" series' a cappella podcasting team, and returning screenwriter Kay Cannon deliver a slick, consistently fun and foot-tapping blockbuster to follow up the surprise hit from 2012. While the original is a cute little film that sets up the rules of this fictional world
- [‘Pitch Perfect 3’ is completely off key in formerly fun franchise’s finale (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/04/movies/pitch-perfect-3-review/) - "Pitch Perfect 3” (2017), now available for home viewing, is an unfortunately perfect example of a franchise that keeps going after it has run out of good ideas. Following the fun and catchy original (2013) and the ultimately winning sequel (2015), the third entry is a mishmash of a concept it doesn’t commit to, a
- [Sony enters multiverse with 'Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse'](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/03/movies/spider-man-into-the-spider-verse-review/) - Movie review: "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" loses something in 2D home viewing.
- [Steinfeld steals show as ‘Barely Lethal’ blends high school and secret agent genres (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2015/08/movies/steinfeld-steals-show-as-barely-lethal-blends-high-school-and-secret-agent-genres/) - First-time screenwriter John D'Arco and "Fanboys" director Kyle Newman mash up the high school and spy thriller genres in the light-hearted but fun "Barely Lethal," which was originally supposed to be released in 2014 but just recently hit Redbox. As lead character Agent 83/"Megan Walsh," Hailee Steinfeld ("Ender's Game," "Pitch Perfect 2") continues to establish herself as
- [Hailee Steinfeld shines as self-centered teen in ‘Edge of Seventeen’ (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2016/11/movies/hailee-steinfeld-shines-as-self-centered-teen-in-edge-of-seventeen/) - "The Edge of Seventeen" is the latest entry in the "teenage girls who are so obsessed with their dream of a perfect life that they make reality out to be worse than it really is" genre. Writer-director Kelly Fremon Craig previously tapped into this vein as the writer of 2009's "Post Grad," which starred "Gilmore Girls'
- [‘TMNT’ ‘Wises’ up for surprisingly strong Season 7 (1993, CBS)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/06/television/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-cartoon-season-7-part-2-review/) - ‘TMNT’ flashback (TV review): David Wise delivers standouts “Night of the Dark Turtle,” “The Legend of Koji” and “Shredder Triumphant!,” plus fan favorite “Night of the Rogues.”
- [‘TMNT’ Season 2 (1988) stumbles through opening Sarnath arc](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2023/08/television/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-cartoon-season-2-part-1-review/) - ‘TMNT’ flashback (TV review): The writers stop overtly cribbing from the comics and instead riff on Eighties films. The rushed nature of these five episodes is evident.
- [‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ Season 3 (1989) goes out in a ‘Big’ way](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2023/10/television/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-season-3-part-5-review/) - ‘TMNT’ flashback (TV review): Episodes 38-47 of Season 3 feature transformations, alternate dimensions … and Zach.
- [‘TMNT’ Season 6 (1992) episodes 9-16 aren’t too scary](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/04/television/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-cartoon-season-6-part-2/) - ‘TMNT’ flashback (TV review): “Nightmare in the Lair” and “Snakes Alive!” are safe for kids, and adults might find a couple things to like about this batch.
- [‘TMNT’ takes welcome ‘Vacation in Europe’ to start Season 7 (1993)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/06/television/tmnt-season-7-part-1-review/) - ‘TMNT’ flashback (TV review): This batch provides a superficial respite from NYC, as the standard plots are simply transposed. But a couple episodes stand out.
- [Marlowe actually makes friends in ‘The Long Goodbye’ (1953)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/06/books/the-long-goodbye-review/) - Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): However, that doesn’t turn his life or his job into a breeze in Raymond Chandler’s meatiest novel.
- [‘Stendhal Syndrome’ (1996) is stupid but rather engaging](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/06/movies/stendhal-syndrome-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): Asia Argento plays the least plausible cop ever, but her father Dario’s directorial style remains a high point.
- [‘French Connection II’ (1975) brings the hard-a** Drug War to France](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/06/movies/french-connection-ii-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Hackman actually improves on his Oscar-winning role in Frankenheimer’s more harrowing sequel.
- [‘House of Leaves’ (2000) as fleeting as, well, a house of leaves](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/06/books/house-of-leaves-review/) - Book club book report: Still, the unusual format and decent character building make this bizarre, fantastical journey worth checking out.
- [People aren’t what they seem in ‘The Little Sister’ (1949)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/06/books/the-little-sister-review/) - Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): This decent mystery is a stronger character piece and behavior analysis from Chandler.
- [‘House on Sorority Row’ (1982) doesn’t do enough with strong female cast](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/05/movies/house-on-sorority-row-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): Mark Rosman’s film serves up a half-dozen well-drawn sorority sisters, but the plotting lets them down.
- [‘Buddy Buddy’ (1981) one last funny romp from an iconic duo](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/06/movies/buddy-buddy-review/) - Wilder Wednesday (Movie review): Sure, there’s Lemmon and Matthau, but in this case I’m referring to the writing team of Wilder and Diamond.
- [‘Prom Queen’ invites more disposable ‘Fear Street’ fun](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/05/movies/fear-street-prom-queen-review/) - Movie review: The fourth film based on R.L. Stine’s books exercises its nostalgia for the “Prom Night” movies.
- [‘Ace in the Hole’ (1951) plays a winning hand of satire](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/06/movies/ace-in-the-hole-review/) - Wilder Wednesday (Movie review): As a portrayal of a single journalist’s power, it’s not particularly plausible, but the film is entertaining.
- [Wilder serves and learns from Lubitsch in ‘Ninotchka’ (1939)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/06/movies/ninotchka-review/) - Wilder Wednesday (Movie review): Writer Wilder would continue with this blend of comedy, romance and geo-politics/economics when he became a director.
- [‘Rebecca’ (1997) is more faithful to du Maurier’s gothic tragedy](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/05/television/rebecca-1997-review/) - On a Hitchcock kick (TV review): It’s a tad less masterful than the master’s version, but this longer, faithful adaptation isn’t lost in the smoke.
- [‘Stalag 17’ (1953) a mildly sanitized look at POW misery](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/05/movies/stalag-17-review/) - Wilder Wednesday (Movie review): This is another example of Wilder’s ability to balance tones, as he delivers a dark history lesson without traumatizing us.
- [Argento comes stateside for hidden gem ‘Trauma’ (1993)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/05/movies/trauma-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): Rydell and Asia Argento are excellent in this serial-killer mystery that blends giallo with noir.
- [Better late than 'Nevers': The back half of Whedon's show (2023) is actually good](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/05/television/the-nevers-season-1b-review/) - Throwback Thursday (TV review): Joss Whedon’s last TV show actually goes out in respectable style. The hardest part is tracking it down.
- [So much of the afterglow: ‘Fedora’ (1978) returns to ‘Sunset Boulevard’](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/05/movies/fedora-review/) - Wilder Wednesday (Movie review): The writer-director still has a lot to say about the price of Hollywood stardom before he bows out.
- [John’s top 10 TV shows of 2021](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/12/television/johns-top-10-tv-shows-of-2021/) - 2021 television: Mystery miniseries dominated 2021. But at least one reliable old standby cracks my list of the year’s 10 best TV shows.
- [Whedon dreams up Victorian superheroes in ‘The Nevers’](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/04/television/the-nevers-first-episode-impressions/) - First episode impressions (TV review): This is HBO, so there’s more nudity and violence than we’re used to, but “The Nevers” is recognizably Whedonian.
- [Hitchcock stumbles into sound era with ‘Juno and the Paycock’ (1930)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/05/movies/juno-and-the-paycock-review/) - On a Hitchcock kick (Movie review): Although Sean O’Casey’s play is well-regarded, Hitchcock’s adaptation is rightly cited by many as his worst film.
- [‘The Old Ways’ (2020) suggests we’re better off with the new ways](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/05/movies/the-old-ways-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): “Little Red Riding Hood” gets a hypnotic, horrific and character-driven update.
- [‘Deathtrap’ (1982) a tangle of not-funny-enough meta gags](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/05/movies/deathtrap-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Caine and Reeve are good, but the humor doesn’t give this plotting-a-murder thriller enough bite.
- [‘Woman in the Dark’ (1933) gets murkier in 1934 film adaptation](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/05/movies/woman-in-the-dark-film-book-reviews/) - Sleuthing Sunday (Book and movie reviews): Hammett’s experiment with blending crime and romance is worth reading, but the film doesn’t rise above a curiosity.
- [Big talent comes to America with a small entry: ‘The Major and the Minor’ (1942)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/05/movies/the-major-and-the-minor-review/) - Wilder Wednesday (Movie review): Wilder makes his stateside directing debut with an un-hateable Ginger Rogers comedy.
- [‘Agatha Christie’s Poirot’ bows out with class in Season 13 (2013)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/05/television/agatha-christies-poirot-season-13-review/) - Sleuthing Sunday (TV review): Two strong episodes are joined by three that require creative re-imaginings by the writers.
- [Wimsey shows how to catch ’em in Sayers’ ‘Strong Poison’ (1930)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2023/11/books/strong-poison-review/) - Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): Proving the innocence of the defendant is personal for Lord Peter Wimsey in his fifth novel.
- [‘Two Evil Eyes’ (1990) is ‘two’ much of a bad thing](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/05/movies/two-evil-eyes-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): You’d think a collaboration between Romero and Argento would be a safe bet. But in this case, safe is boring.
- [‘People on Sunday’ (1930) explores human nature, cinema’s potential](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/05/movies/people-on-sunday-review/) - Wilder Wednesday (Movie review): At the time, it was an experiment in using non-actors; today, it’s a time capsule of peaceful, pre-Hitler Germany.
- [‘Shell Shock’ (1989) a treasure trove of 'TMNT' shorts](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2014/03/comic-books/tmnt-flashback-shell-shock-1989/) - ‘TMNT’ flashback (Comic book review): This collection of 26 shorts, most by Eastman and Laird, is a must-have for Mirage "TMNT" fans.
- [‘TMNT Adventures’ Issues 23-31 (1991-92) explore Turtles’ Japanese roots](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/05/comic-books/tmnt-adventures-issues-23-31-reviews/) - ‘TMNT’ flashback (Comic book reviews): Though not deeply profound tales, it’s clear Archie is trying; and here we get cool newcomers like Slash and Ninjara.
- [‘TMNT Adventures’ spins off into ‘Mighty Mutanimals’ (1991)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/05/comic-books/tmnt-adventures-issues-21-22-mighty-mutanimals-miniseries-reviews/) - ‘TMNT’ flashback (Comic book review): One title is not enough to contain Clarrain’s action and environmental themes, but the plots remain quite basic.
- [‘Lady in the Lake’ (1943) won’t leave reader high and dry](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/05/books/lady-in-the-lake-review/) - Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): His skill at characters and prose already in place, Chandler now delivers his best page-turning mystery to this point.
- [Argento makes horror operatic in ‘Opera’ (1987)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/05/movies/opera-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): Though not totally eye-opening for fans of Argento’s work, this is one of the director’s most focused productions.
- [‘Spirit of St. Louis’ (1957) shows the technical side of the spectacular](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/04/movies/spirit-of-st-louis-review/) - Wilder Wednesday (Movie review): You’ll learn a lot about Lindbergh’s transatlantic flight, but it’s hard to make sleep deprivation thrilling.
- [With ‘The High Window’ (1942), Chandler sets a high bar](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/04/books/the-high-window-review/) - Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): Plot and characters make a big leap without sacrificing style in the third Marlowe novel.
- [‘I Still Know What You Did Last Summer’ (1998) a guilty pleasure](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/07/movies/i-still-know-what-you-did-last-summer-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): Jennifer Love Hewitt and Brandy shine as scream queens as a vacation goes horribly wrong.
- [‘I’ll Always Know What You Did Last Summer’ (2006) a cheap conclusion](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/07/movies/ill-always-know-what-you-did-last-summer-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): Jennifer Love Hewitt is long gone from this saga as the trilogy wraps in cheap fashion.
- [‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ (1997) a slicker slasher](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/06/movies/i-know-what-you-did-last-summer-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): This post-"Scream" hit ushers in the era of better-acted slashers and earns J-Love and SMG new fans.
- [‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ has bizarre, sharp edge](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/10/television/i-know-what-you-did-last-summer-first-episode-impressions/) - First episode impressions (TV review): This miniseries shows that what teens are doing now is decidedly different from what they did in 1973 or 1997.
- [‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ (1973) didn’t start as a slasher](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2023/01/books/i-know-what-you-did-last-summer-novel-review/) - Frightening Friday (Book review): Fifty years ago, Lois Duncan wrote a gripping mystery novel for teens about guilt, responsibility and moving on.
- [I kinda love how ‘Heart Eyes’ mixes rom-com with slasher](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/04/movies/heart-eyes-review/) - Movie review: Though mainstream in many ways, the film boasts cleverness and subversiveness along with the always reliable Olivia Holt.
- [‘Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger’ aims for teen viewers on Freeform](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/06/television/marvels-cloak-dagger-review/) - First episode impressions (TV review): The MCU branches out to Freeform for "Cloak & Dagger."
- [‘Marvel's Cloak & Dagger’ Season 2 wades into murky drug war](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/04/television/cloak-and-dagger-season-2-review/) - First episode impressions (TV review): The strong title characters carry "Cloak & Dagger" into dark territory.
- [‘Cruel Summer’ is sudsy and satisfying](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/04/television/cruel-summer-first-episode-impressions/) - First episode impressions (TV review): Bert V. Royal has crafted an engrossing mix of questions, accusations and interpersonal drama.
- [With 2 episodes left, 10 ‘Cruel Summer’ questions](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/06/television/cruel-summer-theories/) - TV commentary: Is it possible to believe both Jeanette and Kate? We examine this and other “Cruel Summer” questions as the first season nears its finale.
- [‘Totally Killer’ comments on change of times with dry humor](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2023/10/movies/totally-killer-review/) - Movie review: Gen-Z and Gen-X are baffled by each other in this not-scary horror-comedy that’s at least funny.
- [‘Kiss Me, Stupid’ (1964) is a stupid thing to watch if you dislike farces](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/04/movies/kiss-me-stupid-review/) - Wilder Wednesday (Movie review): Hitting that dead spot between zany and predictable, “Kiss Me, Stupid” is another unfunny sex comedy from the Hays Code era.
- [First episode impressions: ‘Roadies’ (TV review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2016/06/television/first-episode-impressions-roadies/) - "Roadies" (10 p.m. Eastern Sundays on Showtime), the new series from Cameron Crowe, feels a little more like "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip" or "Love Monkey" than it feels like "Almost Famous." The pilot episode has more bark than bite; however, it's better than, say, Crowe's second-rate "Garden State" "Elizabethtown," and the fact that it's
- [‘Black Christmas’ (2019) gets woke for its latest update](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/12/movies/black-christmas-2019-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): The third version of “Black Christmas” explores themes of its time and boasts a great lead heroine.
- [‘Green Room’ (2015) a brutal slice of plausible horror](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2023/05/movies/green-room-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): Jeremy Saulnier directs a stellar cast in a gritty exploration of survival and revenge.
- [‘28 Days Later’ (2002), ‘28 Weeks Later’ (2007) infect zombie fiction with emotion](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2023/10/movies/28-days-later-28-weeks-later-reviews/) - Horror movie flashback: On the 28th of October, we look back at two of the most affecting (and infecting) zombie films of the century.
- [‘Pitch Perfect’ hits the right notes; ‘Silver Linings Playbook’ falls a bit flat (Movie reviews)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2013/01/movies/pitch-perfect-hits-the-right-notes-silver-linings-playbook-falls-a-bit-flat/) - The 2012 college a cappella comedy "Pitch Perfect" (now on DVD) is a nice snapshot of youth culture as it features some of the expected cliques and snobbery -- but not too much. When a "Star Wars"- and magic-loving geek wants to join the campus kings, the Treblemakers, the frontman dismisses him as a nerd, but the
- [First episode impressions: ‘Almost Family’ (TV review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/10/television/almost-family-first-episode-impressions/) - A dramedy starring Brittany Snow and produced by Jason Katims should be at the top of my list of must-see fall shows, but the preview for “Almost Family” (Wednesdays, Fox) looked somewhere between weird and bad. The pilot episode of this series based on the Australian show “Sisters” (and probably with less input from Katims than
- [‘The Vicious Kind’ (2009) a sweet and sour Thanksgiving flick](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/11/movies/the-vicious-kind-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): This film is a sour yet sweet exploration of families and human behavior.
- [Ti West’s ‘X’ blends sex, violence in tasty package ](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2022/05/movies/x-review/) - Movie review: West puts puerile but smart thrills atop a slasher foundation – even if “X” will ultimately be remembered for Mia Goth in those overalls.
- [‘State and Main’ (2000) too trifling for my taste](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/02/movies/state-and-main-review/) - Mamet Monday (Movie review): This widely loved Hollywood satire is too trifling for my taste.
- ['Edmond' (2005) chronicles disturbing night’s journey through New York City](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/04/movies/edmond-review/) - Mamet Monday (Movie review): William H. Macy goes on an entertaining and disturbing night’s journey through New York City.
- ['Bourne Identity’ (2002) launches amnesiac hero](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/01/movies/the-bourne-identity-review/) - 'Bourne' again (Movie review): You remember "The Bourne Identity," don't you? If not, here's a refresher on the movie that made Matt Damon an action star.
- ['Bourne Supremacy’ (2004) more intense, jittery](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/01/movies/the-bourne-supremacy-review/) - 'Bourne' again (Movie review): Director Paul Greengrass, the editors and composer John Powell craft a jittery action-suspense sequel.
- [‘Bourne Ultimatum’ (2007) doesn't ‘just follow orders’](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/01/movies/the-bourne-ultimatum-review/) - 'Bourne' again (Movie review): The third film doesn't sacrifice thrills even as it asks what agents should do when given morally questionable orders.
- [Saga finale ‘Jason Bourne’ (2016) peers into spy state](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/01/movies/jason-bourne-review/) - 'Bourne' again (Movie review): The fifth (and last?) film in the franchise digs into Bourne's background and the metadata-hoarding government.
- [‘Orphan: First Kill’ silly where ‘Orphan’ (2009) is creepy ](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2022/08/movies/orphan-first-kill-reviews/) - Movie reviews: The prequel to “Orphan” asks the audience to accept a major “Just Go With It” scenario, and I couldn’t go with it.
- [‘Omen’ (2006) may not be necessary, but it’s great ](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2022/10/movies/omen-2006-review/) - Six weeks of ‘The Omen’ (Movie review): Director John Moore pulls off a neat trick of respecting the original narrative while adding his own style.
- [10 things I like about ‘10 Things I Hate About You’ (1999)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2024/01/movies/10-things-i-hate-about-you-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger prove they are dateable after all in this sweet, mildly edgy rom-com.
- [First episode impressions: ‘It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ Season 7 (TV review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2011/09/television/first-episode-impressions-always-sunny-season-7/) - “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” (9 p.m. Central Thursdays) is getting so crazy that even the FX network seems jittery about it, running so many “mature content” advisories that you’d think it was screening “Hobo with a Shotgun” instead of a half-hour comedy. Not that I blame them; Thursday’s Season 7 premiere, “Frank’s Pretty Woman” — the first
- [‘Batman Returns’ (1992) is an off-the-rails Christmas romp](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/12/movies/batman-returns-review/) - ‘Batman’ flashback (Movie review): Tim Burton's second Bat-film is an off-the-rails Christmas romp.
- [‘Heist’ (2001) boasts intricate plotting, lovable criminals](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/02/movies/heist-2001-review/) - Mamet Monday (Movie review): This crime thriller has Mamet’s usual intricate plotting plus great characters.
- [‘Jumanji: The Next Level’ still a fun and funny romp](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/12/movies/jumanji-the-next-level-review/) - Movie review: The third entry is more of the same, but it’s still a fun and funny romp.
- [Burton's ‘Batman’ (1989) serves up luscious-looking Gotham](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/12/movies/batman-1989-review/) - ‘Batman’ flashback (Movie review): Tim Burton's entry into the superhero genre serves up a luscious-looking Gotham.
- [‘Batman: The Movie’ (1966) is an endless lame joke](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/02/movies/batman-1966-review/) - ‘Batman’ flashback (Movie review): This spinoff from the Sixties TV series is an endless lame joke.
- [Kubrick’s ‘Shining’ (1980) both simple and complex](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2022/01/movies/the-shining-1980/) - Stephen King flashback (Movie review): Stanley Kubrick’s controversial take on King’s novel can function as a scare flick or whatever you want it to be.
- [‘Chinatown’ (1974) links two eras of film noir](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2024/10/movies/chinatown-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Polanski blends an iconic Nicholson turn, a good political mystery and California water-utilities history in this classic.
- [‘The Two Jakes’ (1990) brings ‘Chinatown’ into the ’40s and ’90s](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2024/10/movies/the-two-jakes-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): We didn’t get Robert Townes’ full trilogy, but at least we got one more go-around with J.J. Gittes.
- ['The Postman Always Rings Twice' (1981) launches Mamet's film writing career](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/07/movies/the-postman-always-rings-twice-1981-review/) - Mamet Monday (Movie review): This Jack Nicholson showcase launches Mamet's big-screen writing career.
- [‘Hoffa’ (1992) chronicles striking rise of union boss](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/02/movies/hoffa-review/) - Mamet Monday (Movie review): Strong work from lead actor Jack Nicholson and director/actor Danny DeVito drive this compelling docu-drama.
- [All 14 episodes of ‘Firefly’ (2002), ranked](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2013/05/television/rewatching-and-reviewing-the-classics-firefly-2002/) - TV review: Joss Whedon's third TV series takes its place as one of the all-time great one-season wonders.
- ['Serenity’ (2005) compresses unmade 'Firefly' Season 2 into a solid film](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2013/05/movies/rewatching-and-reviewing-the-classics-serenity-2005/) - 'Firefly' flashback (Movie review): A few years after its cancellation by Fox, "Firefly" got a second life on the big screen.
- [‘Only the Brave’ is a thrilling, character-driven true story of forest firefighters (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/03/movies/only-the-brave-review/) - I went into “Only the Brave” (2017) pretty blind. I think I saw one trailer, but seeing the actors starring in the film (Josh Brolin, Jeff Bridges, Miles Teller, Taylor Kitsch, Jennifer Connelly) along with knowing “it’s about smoke jumpers,” I was already hooked. Having now seen the movie: It’s not about smoke jumpers, it’s about Hot
- [‘Dark City’ (1998) is a gorgeous-looking sci-fi classic](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/01/movies/dark-city-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review):"Dark City" is a masterpiece of production design and a sci-fi classic.
- [‘Alita: Battle Angel’ a final blast of cyborg sci-fi for the decade](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/12/movies/alita-battle-angel-review/) - Movie review: This James Cameron-written film is a striking final blast of cyborg sci-fi for the 2010s.
- [‘The Rocketeer’ (1991) has a blast with 1930s nostalgia](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/03/movies/the-rocketeer-review/) - Superhero Saturday (Movie review): "The Rocketeer" is the best of the 1990s boom of 1930s nostalgia.
- [Lee's ‘Hulk’ (2003) is as slow and boring as I remembered](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/11/movies/hulk-review/) - Superhero Saturday (Movie review): When applied to the origin story of the Hulk, Ang Lee's languid craftsmanship comes off as boring.
- [‘Top Gun: Maverick’ cruises along with spectacle, nostalgia](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2022/11/movies/top-gun-maverick-review/) - Movie review: Come for the spectacular visuals and audio, stay for the … ahem … spectacular visuals and audio in this long-awaited sequel.
- [Hughes' ‘Career Opportunities’ (1991) slacks off](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/01/movies/career-opportunities-review/) - Hughes Day Tuesday (Movie review): "Career Opportunities" doesn't live up to its potential. But it does have 1991 Jennifer Connelly in a tank top.
- [‘Phenomena’ (1985) won’t bug Argento acolytes](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/04/movies/phenomena-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): But even with Jennifer Connelly as an insect whisperer, the film doesn’t diverge from his formula.
- [‘Only Murders in the Building’ combines crime, cuteness](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/09/television/only-murders-in-the-building-first-episode-impressions/) - First episode impressions (TV review): For a dark comedy, this murder serial is warm-hearted. The subtle humor is a delight, and the mystery is compelling.
- [‘Get Over It’ (2001) makes Shakespeare easy to sing and dance to](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2024/01/movies/get-over-it-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): This Kirsten Dunst-starring near-musical brings “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” to a 21st century high school.
- [‘Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising’ falls apart after stating its funny premise (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2016/05/movies/neighbors-2-sorority-rising-falls-apart-after-stating-its-funny-premise/) - "Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising" kicks off an unofficial summer trilogy of "women acting as stupid as men" comedies, but I expect "Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates" and "Bad Moms" will be vastly better. This sequel to the 2014 movie about a loud fraternity that moves in next door to new parents Mac and Kelly Radner
- [‘A Rainy Day in New York’ (2019) a delightful romance](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/07/movies/a-rainy-day-in-new-york-review/) - Woody Wednesday (Movie review): This rom-com is a beautiful way to spend 24 hours in the posh old city as a new generation tackles Allen dialog.
- [‘Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut’ (2006) brings Zod to the fore](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2017/11/superman-supergirl/superhero-movie-flashback-superman-ii-the-richard-donner-cut-2006/) - Superhero movie flashback (Review): "The Richard Donner Cut" provides an alternate take on Supes' second adventure.
- [‘Superman IV: The Quest for Peace’ (1987) fails to execute decent concept](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2017/11/superman-supergirl/superhero-movie-flashback-superman-iv-the-quest-for-peace-1987/) - Superhero movie flashback (Review): The fourth Superman picture has big ideas, but the execution of those ideas is laughable.
- [Which is the better ‘Superman II’? A case for the Lester Cut](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/12/superman-supergirl/superman-ii-reviews/) - Superhero Saturday (Movie review): There was a lot of excitement when the Donner Cut of "Superman II" came out. But is it the superior version?
- [‘Superman III’ (1983) embraces the humor](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2017/11/superman-supergirl/superhero-movie-flashback-superman-iii-1983/) - Superhero movie flashback (Review): The Christopher Reeve saga gets goofier in its third entry.
- [Reeve, Hannah make ‘Rear Window’ (1998) better than it should be](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2024/01/movies/rear-window-1998-review/) - On a Hitchcock kick (Movie review): Proving that a quadriplegic can get a decent role, this remake of a perfect film has its own reason for existing.
- [‘Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story’ (2024) flies high as a tear-jerker](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/01/superman-supergirl/super-man-christopher-reeve-story-review/) - Movie review: The documentary makers are careful to distinguish the man from the superhero in this moving chronicle of a life, and lives affected.
- [Hart, Grenier, Thomas dip into movies with ‘Drive Me Crazy’ (1999)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2024/02/movies/drive-me-crazy-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): The stars and creator are better known for TV, but they come together for a heartfelt rom-com.
- [Refreshingly sunny people of ‘Parks and Recreation’ are more enjoyable to watch than 'Office' mates (TV commentary)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2010/10/television/parks-and-recreation-and-refreshingly-sunny-people/) - I've tried to stick with "The Office," but I'm just not laughing lately. I thought the show was funny and somewhat original (although it spun off from the British version, it developed an American voice) when it premiered, but now it strikes me as depressing and tired. Another Matt introduced me to an alternative, though: "Parks
- [Baseball fans will find lots to love and debate about ‘Moneyball’ (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2011/09/movies/baseball-fans-will-find-lots-to-love-and-debate-about-moneyball/) - "Moneyball" includes so many scenes of Oakland A's general manager Billy Beane (Brat Pitt) and other baseball people spitting chew into cups that it almost plays like an extended version of that "Naked Gun" riff where even the players' wives are spitting. It's as if screenwriters Steven Zaillian and Aaron Sorkin and director Bennett Miller were
- [‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ looks great, doesn’t have much of a point](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2015/01/movies/guardians-of-the-galaxy-looks-great-but-doesnt-have-much-of-a-point/) - Movie review: James Gunn's first MCU entry looks great, but doesn’t have much of a point.
- [‘Jurassic World’ is ‘Jurassic Park’ on steroids](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2015/06/movies/jurassic-world-is-jurassic-park-on-steroids-and-thats-mostly-a-good-thing/) - Movie review: I don't mean it as a negative to say this is the original film on steroids. It's a blast to see bigger dinos and a sprawling park.
- [Colorful settings, characters drive ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ (2014)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/05/movies/guardians-of-the-galaxy-review/) - An outsider’s take on the Marvel Cinematic Universe (Movie review): James Gunn and the Guardians join the MCU.
- [‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2’ (2017) is again a visual feast](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/06/movies/guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-2-review/) - An outsider’s take on the Marvel Cinematic Universe (Movie review): James Gunn delivers a fun sequel.
- ['Fallen Kingdom' finds a way to be best 'Jurassic Park' sequel](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/06/movies/jurassic-world-fallen-kingdom-review/) - Movie review: Director J.A. Bayona blends Gothic horror, epic action and top-shelf dinosaur effects in this fifth "JP" film.
- [‘Jurassic World: Dominion’ roars around globe with heart ](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2022/06/movies/jurassic-world-dominion-review/) - Movie review: Every major player comes back for a romp that is not only a grand adventure, but actually has a reason to exist.
- [‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ gives Rocket’s tear-jerking backstory](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2023/09/movies/guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-3-review/) - Movie review: James Gunn’s (likely) last Marvel movie is one of the MCU’s best, and ironically it proves that DC is in good hands going forward.
- [In Pratt’s ‘Tomorrow War,’ war is hella awesome](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/07/movies/the-tomorrow-war-review/) - Movie review: Excellent creature designs and CGI effects make “The Tomorrow War” a blast, even if themes like conscription and PTSD get left in the dust.
- [No X-Men in this ‘Gifted,’ but it is a sweet little family drama (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2017/12/movies/no-x-men-in-this-gifted-but-it-is-a-sweet-little-family-drama/) - Not to be confused with TV's “X-Men” series “The Gifted,” "Gifted" made a blip in movie theaters in April (it's available via Redbox and streaming), but it's worth checking out for those who enjoy sweet little family dramas with good performances, dashes of humor and beautiful Savannah, Ga., settings as a stand-in for Florida. “Gifted”
- ['Captain America: The First Avenger’ (2011) a blast from the past](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/05/movies/captain-america-the-first-avenger-review/) - An outsider’s take on the Marvel Cinematic Universe (Movie review): The MCU looks to the past to introduce a core character.
- [Whedon successfully assembles ‘The Avengers’ (2012)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/05/movies/the-avengers-review/) - An outsider’s take on the Marvel Cinematic Universe (Movie review): TV legend Whedon successfully moves into tentpole filmmaking.
- [‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’ (2014) raises the MCU bar](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/05/movies/captain-america-the-winter-soldier-review/) - An outsider’s take on the Marvel Cinematic Universe (Movie review): The second Cap film raises the bar for the MCU.
- [‘Ant-Man’ (2015) a small-scale amusement](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/05/movies/ant-man-review/) - An outsider’s take on the Marvel Cinematic Universe (Movie review): Paul Rudd enters the MCU in a film that has fun with scale.
- [‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’ (2015) a step down for Whedon](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/05/movies/avengers-age-of-ultron-review/) - An outsider’s take on the Marvel Cinematic Universe (Movie review): Joss Whedon's second "Avengers" film isn't as good as the first.
- [Heroes pick political sides in ‘Captain America: Civil War’ (2016)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/06/movies/captain-america-civil-war-review/) - An outsider’s take on the Marvel Cinematic Universe (Movie review): Heroes pick their sides in the third "Captain America" film.
- [‘Spider-Man' leaps into the MCU in 'Homecoming’ (2017)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/06/movies/spider-man-homecoming-review/) - An outsider’s take on the Marvel Cinematic Universe (Movie review): Spidey jumps into the MCU in the form of Tom Holland.
- [‘Avengers: Endgame’ is prestige superhero entertainment](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/04/movies/avengers-endgame-review/) - Movie review: After a slow opening 90 minutes, "Avengers: Endgame" regains its footing as prestige superhero entertainment.
- [‘Fantastic Four’ (2005) a safe, respectable introduction](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/07/movies/fantastic-four-2005-review/) - Superhero Saturday (Movie review): Tim Story delivers a safe, respectable introduction to Marvel’s first superteam.
- [‘Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer’ (2007) a superior sequel](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/08/movies/fantastic-four-rise-of-the-silver-surfer-review/) - Superhero Saturday (Movie review): A better villain and bigger stakes make "Rise of the Silver Surfer" a superior sequel.
- [‘Knives Out’ reinvigorates the whodunit](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/04/movies/knives-out-review/) - Movie review: Rian Johnson reinvigorates the whodunit with a gripping mystery and a smattering of chuckles.
- [‘Push’ (2009) a stylish Hong Kong superhero caper](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/07/movies/push-review/) - Superhero Saturday (Movie review): This caper film with superheroes calls to mind the later "X-Men" Universe TV series "The Gifted."
- [‘Glengarry Glen Ross’ (1992) is searing, quotable and darkly funny](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/03/movies/glengarry-glen-ross-review/) - Mamet Monday (Movie review): Mamet pens a searing yet funny look at cutthroat white-collar workers.
- [Scorsese's ‘The Irishman’ a meditative mob movie](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/02/movies/the-irishman-review/) - Movie review: Scorsese's latest turns a Hoffa bio and mob flick into a meditation on what’s important in life.
- [‘Phil Spector’ (2013) a gripping condemnation of juries](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/04/movies/phil-spector-review/) - Mamet Monday (Movie review): This Al Pacino showcase is a bizarre, gripping condemnation of juries without actually showing the jurors.
- [‘Heat’ (1995) an all-time classic about the costs of crime and catching criminals](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/04/movies/heat-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Mann and a great cast deliver an all-time classic about the costs of crime and catching criminals.
- [‘The Untouchables’ (1987) a flat telling of the Prohibition battle](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/03/movies/the-untouchables-review/) - Mamet Monday (Movie review): This is a nice-looking but flat telling of the Prohibition battle between Al Capone and Eliot Ness.
- [‘We’re No Angels’ (1989) playfully pillories the pious](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/06/movies/were-no-angels-1989-review/) - Mamet Monday (Movie review): "We’re No Angels" is a smart comedy that aimed for a theist and atheist audience, but didn’t find either.
- [‘Taxi Driver’ (1976) pounds the mean streets](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/01/movies/taxi-driver-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Scorsese's film pounded the mean streets of "Joker" 43 years before it was comic-book cool.
- [‘Stardust’ (2007) doesn’t shine as bright as it could](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/10/movies/stardust-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): “Stardust” has the trappings of a classic, but as it sails past the 2-hour mark, it’s defined by its indulgences.
- [Robert Rodriguez’s ‘Machete’ finally becomes a real movie (Commentary)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2010/08/movies/robert-rodriguezs-machete-finally-becomes-a-real-movie/) - “Now if only they’d make ‘Machete’ into an actual movie instead of just a fake trailer.” That’s how I ended my review of “Grindhouse” — one of my top 10 movies of 2007 — and it turns out that writer-director Robert Rodriguez had been thinking along those lines for a long time. In fact, a full screenplay
- [‘Wag the Dog’ (1997) a searing satire of a presidential scandal](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/04/movies/wag-the-dog-review/) - Mamet Monday (Movie review): This is a searing, delightfully absurd take on the cover-up of a presidential scandal.
- [‘Ronin’ (1998) driven by gripping car chases, heist details](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/06/movies/ronin-review/) - Mamet Monday (Movie review): Given the gripping car chases and fascinating heist details, it doesn’t matter what’s in the case.
- [‘Midnight Run’ (1988) propelled by De Niro, Grodin](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/11/movies/midnight-run-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin are an odd couple with comedic chemistry in this on-the-run classic.
- [Waititi's ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ (2017) a rockin' good time](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/06/movies/thor-ragnarok-review/) - An outsider’s take on the Marvel Cinematic Universe (Movie review): The third "Thor" film rocks.
- [‘Ocean’s 8’ lacks the imagination and daring of the previous entries (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/09/movies/oceans-8-review/) - I’m a pretty big fan of the remade “Ocean’s” films from the ’00s. (I’ve never seen the original from 1960.) They are fun, smart and have great chemistry with George Clooney and Brad Pitt firmly carrying them. So although the trailers did not impress me, I was still excited to see “Ocean’s 8.” The all-female
- [In ‘Blue Jasmine’ (2013), there are no shortcuts](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/06/movies/blue-jasmine-review/) - Woody Wednesday (Movie review): Cate Blanchett steals the show from a stellar ensemble in one of Allen’s best straight dramas.
- [‘The Descendants’ another low-key masterpiece from Alexander Payne (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2012/02/movies/the-descendants-another-low-key-masterpiece-from-alexander-payne/) - I just got done reading Chuck Klosterman's novel "The Visible Man," which deals with the nature of reality. In a wider sense, all pop entertainment deals with the problem of reality, because fiction is the opposite of reality. Not just in the obvious sense of "made-up things vs. real things," but in the sense that
- [Spectacular performances make ‘Spectacular Now’ worth seeing (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2013/09/movies/spectacular-performances-make-spectacular-now-worth-seeing/) - Screenwriters Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber have carved out a niche by making movies in familiar genres but with a fresh perspective. "(500) Days of Summer" (2009) was a romance movie with two rare traits: It captured the heartbreak from the guy's perspective, and it didn't end with the couple living happily ever after.
- [‘The Fault in Our Stars’ romanticizes cancer … beautifully (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2014/12/movies/the-fault-in-our-stars-romanticizes-cancer-beautifully/) - Have the Kleenex ready for "The Fault in Our Stars," a story about a teen stricken with the death sentence of cancer. Or have your stress pills ready. This movie, based on the popular young-adult novel by John Green and now available on DVD, has garnered its share of backlash from those who believe it romanticizes cancer.
- [Gorgeous-looking ‘Insurgent’ further explores ‘Divergent’ world (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2015/06/movies/gorgeous-looking-insurgent-further-explores-divergent-world/) - "Insurgent" further clarifies the political structure of the "Divergent" universe, features award-worthy set pieces in a run-down Chicago two centuries in the future and – like the original film – ultimately succeeds because Shailene Woodley is easy to root for as reluctant hero Tris Prior. There are a few confusing elements to "Insurgent," based on the
- [‘Allegiant’ moves ‘Divergent’ series into heady sci-fi territory (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2016/07/movies/allegiant-moves-divergent-series-into-heady-sci-fi-territory/) - The third entry of a four-part saga, "Allegiant" -- now available on DVD – moves the "Divergent" series into heady (and sometimes head-scratching) science fiction territory. Young future readers of classic sci-fi such as Arthur C. Clarke's works might dip their toe into those waters after watching this film based on the young-adult novel by Veronica Roth.
- [‘Snowden’ is a warm portrayal of a modern hero, but without many surprises (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2016/11/movies/snowden-is-a-warm-portrayal-of-a-modern-hero-but-without-many-surprises/) - Whether Trump or Clinton wins the election tonight, the NSA's spying program will continue, so it seems like a good time to watch "Snowden," the most hyped-up liberty-themed film of the year. Oliver Stone's chronicle of the CIA agent who revealed that our government is spying on us is unquestionably an important document, but it doesn't offer
- [Catching up with ‘Big Little Lies’ Season 1 (TV review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2017/10/television/catching-up-with-big-little-lies/) - "Big Little Lies" (which aired earlier this year on HBO, and can now be found on HBO Go or at Redbox) is the best thing I've seen from David E. Kelley, and also by far the most tolerable. Although I used to like "The Practice," it grated on me after a while, and I didn't
- [‘Adrift’ floats between romance and survival, doesn’t do either one particularly well (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/11/movies/adrift-review/) - "Adrift” is the true story of Tami Oldham (Shailene Woodley) and Richard Sharp (Sam Claflin), who accept an offer from a wealthy couple to sail their boat from Tahiti to California. Along the way they encounter one of the most catastrophic hurricanes in history, causing their boat to be wrecked and stranded at sea. As
- [First episode impressions: ‘Big Little Lies’ Season 2 (TV review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/06/television/big-little-lies-season-2-first-episode-review/) - If the first episode is any indication, “Big Little Lies’ ” second season (9 p.m. Eastern Sundays on HBO) lacks the zest of the first but has so much momentum in the wake of the death of Perry (Alexander Skarsgard) that there won’t be a shortage of reasons to tune in. David E. Kelley returns
- [Great actresses carry ‘Big Little Lies’ Season 2 (2019)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/03/television/big-little-lies-season-2-review/) - Throwback Thursday (TV review): Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Shailene Woodley, Zoe Kravitz, Laura Dern and Meryl Streep take turns being stellar.
- [Woodley, production design make ‘Divergent’ a fresh dystopian parable (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2014/06/movies/woodley-production-design-make-divergent-a-fresh-dystopian-parable/) - "Divergent" plays with traditional dystopian sci-fi tropes and totalitarian government riffs in rather unsurprising ways, but it holds a viewer's attention thanks to the immensely watchable Shailene Woodley and a beautifully grim post-apocalyptic Chicago cityscape. Avoiding the clichéd helicopter shot over water, the film opens with a shot of a dried-up Lake Michigan – a wonderful
- [Woodley, Mendelsohn warm up frosty ‘To Catch a Killer’](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2023/09/movies/to-catch-a-killer-review/) - Movie review: This cynical procedural about a mass shooter is stronger in small pieces than as a whole.
- [‘Contagion’ (2011) looks at the process of a pandemic](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/03/movies/contagion-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Soderbergh takes a sober and sobering look at the process of a pandemic.
- [‘Wonder Wheel’ (2017) a stagy, gorgeous drama](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/06/movies/wonder-wheel-review/) - Woody Wednesday (Movie review): Kate Winslet has the showy role, but Juno Temple is a vision even against the vibrant 1950s backdrop.
- [Winslet leads stellar cast in gripping ‘Mare of Easttown’](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/06/television/mare-of-easttown-review/) - TV review: A loaded cast and an emphasis on characters makes this HBO miniseries stand out despite its standard murder-mystery trappings.
- [Momoa, artistry keep ‘Aquaman’ from being all wet](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/01/movies/aquaman-review/) - Movie review: Momoa and gorgeous artistry keep this latest DCEU film from being all wet.
- [6 dumb things and 6 cool things about ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’ (2016)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2017/11/superman-supergirl/six-dumb-things-and-six-cool-things-about-batman-v-superman-dawn-of-justice/) - Movie commentary: Here's a look back at Snyder's grand meeting of superhero stalwarts.
- [‘Justice League’ short on superhero surprises](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/04/superman-supergirl/justice-league-review/) - Movie review: This Snyder-Whedon mash-up works as a theme park ride.
- [‘Fast & Furious’ (2009) good ole American action-film muscle](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/05/movies/fast-and-furious-review/) - An outsider’s take on the ‘Fast’ saga (Movie review): The scope expands beyond one city -- setting the stage for the series' future -- in this fourth entry.
- [The gang's all here for 'Fast Five’ (2011)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/05/movies/fast-five-review/) - An outsider’s take on the ‘Fast’ saga (Movie review): Everyone is back on board for what many fans consider to be the saga's high point.
- [‘Fast & Furious 6’ (2013) keeps the momentum going](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/05/movies/fast-and-furious-6-review/) - An outsider’s take on the ‘Fast’ saga (Movie review): The sixth entry features gonzo action sequences but also manages to be about the people.
- [‘Wonder Woman 1984’ an overwrought ‘Monkey’s Paw’ riff](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/12/movies/wonder-woman-1984-review/) - Movie review: While this sequel is overlong and meandering, the action scenes are top-shelf and it builds Diana’s character.
- [Snyder’s 'Justice League’ beefs up Steppenwolf, DCEU](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/03/superman-supergirl/zack-snyders-justice-league-review/) - Movie review: The Whedon and Snyder versions are polar opposites. The most notable metric is that the original is 2 hours long and this one is 4 hours.
- [Branagh delivers lavish adaptations of ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ (2017), ‘Death on the Nile’ ](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2022/04/movies/murder-on-orient-express-death-on-nile-reviews/) - Sleuthing Sunday (Movie reviews): Kenneth Branagh makes Poirot into a broad cinematic character. It’s not for purists, but the approach grew on me.
- [Gadot, explorations of war make ‘Wonder Woman’ a winner](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2017/11/movies/gal-gadot-explorations-of-war-make-wonder-woman-a-winner/) - Movie review: Gal Gadot wonderfully brings Wonder Woman to the big screen.
- [‘Adjustment Bureau’ is a romance story from the mind of PKD](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2011/03/movies/a-romance-story-from-the-mind-of-pkd-the-adjustment-bureau/) - Movie review: It turns out there's room for traditional romance in a PKD adaptation.
- ['A Quiet Place' is a menacing masterpiece (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/04/movies/a-quiet-place-review/) - Nothing in John Krasinski’s past would indicate that he had a film like “A Quiet Place” in him, and yet here we are. The onetime sitcom heartthrob has delivered a film that is not just frightening, but intimate and character driven. Sitting in the theater I was reminded of films like “The Descent” and “The
- ['A Quiet Place' proves horror doesn't have to be noisy (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/06/movies/a-quiet-place-review-2/) - "A Quiet Place” – now available for digital purchase and hitting rental/streaming July 10 – doesn't mess around. It throws us smack dab into a post-apocalyptic world where a family is in danger from monsters that hunt by sound. Tragedy befalls them before the opening title card. What follows is, if you look at any given
- [In tense ‘A Quiet Place Part II,’ story is secondary](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/10/movies/a-quiet-place-part-ii-review/) - Movie review: This is yet another apocalyptic film, but it’s gripping as Millicent Simmonds grows into a rare hearing-impaired movie star.
- [‘Oppenheimer’ is an epic, but not quite the bomb](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2023/12/movies/oppenheimer-review/) - Movie review: Nolan’s film is so intent to avoid the obvious that it goes deep into the shadows of political maneuverings.
- [‘The Fall Guy’ freefalls from its high ambitions](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2024/07/movies/the-fall-guy-review/) - Movie review: Big epic action films are fine now and then, but David Leitch’s remake of a 1980s TV series is the pill that leads to an overdose.
- [‘Poirot’ works out math of love triangles in Season 9 (2003-04)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/01/television/agatha-christies-poirot-season-9-review/) - Sleuthing Sunday (TV review): The “dark years” – not necessarily in a bad way – start with four tragic episodes about unrequited love.
- [Damon, Blunt propel ‘The Adjustment Bureau’ (2011)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/02/movies/the-adjustment-bureau-review/) - PKD flashback (Movie review): Two strong actors propel this beefed-up version of Dick's short story.
- [‘Those Who Wish Me Dead’ blends personal tale, grand disaster](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/05/movies/those-who-wish-me-dead-review/) - Movie review: Director Taylor Sheridan's thriller keeps the focus on characters, including a standout Finn Little as a kid in a harrowing situation.
- [‘Eternals’ (2021) lacks the usual MCU fun, but has gravity](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2022/01/movies/eternals-review/) - Movie review: “Eternals” is the weightiest, most sober MCU film. It doesn’t overcome that default setting despite an admirable try at character building.
- [‘Hackers’ (1995) isn’t a hack job, but it’s not good either](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/01/movies/hackers-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Granted, this uncomfortably schizophrenic film from the heady early internet days has its admirers.
- [As the new ‘Tomb Raider’ hits theaters, here’s a look back at the Angelina Jolie ‘Lara Croft’ films (Movie reviews)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/03/movies/lara-croft-tomb-raider-reviews/) - With Alicia Vikander’s “Tomb Raider” relaunch now in theaters, I figured it’s a good time to watch “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider” (2001), which I had seen back in the day but didn’t remember a darn thing about, and “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – Cradle of Life” (2003), which I barely knew existed. The most obvious
- [1998 … I mean, 2014 … The Year of ‘Godzilla’ (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2014/07/movies/1998-i-mean-2014-the-year-of-godzilla/) - Although it's been only 16 years since Godzilla moved into the modern age of digital effects, the handlers of the franchise felt it was due for a reboot. Maybe even overdue. 2014's version of "Godzilla" feels almost like a conscious apology for the '98 film. Indeed, this version does everything better than that one, and by the
- [‘Dark Knight Rises’ doesn’t take Batman to new heights](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2012/07/movies/dark-knight-rises-doesnt-take-batman-to-new-heights/) - Movie review: Still, this is a solid conclusion to a trilogy that brings Batman into the 21st century.
- [Nolan's ‘Interstellar’ blends science and spirituality](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2014/12/movies/interstellar-blends-science-and-spirituality-in-the-tradition-of-2001-and-contact/) - Movie review: Like "2001" and "Contact," "Interstellar" shows science and spirituality can coexist in a grand space adventure.
- [‘Dark Knight Rises’ (2012) is an uneven, respectable conclusion](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/01/movies/the-dark-knight-rises-review/) - ‘Batman’ flashback (Movie review): The third film of Nolan's trilogy is an uneven but respectable conclusion.
- [‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1’ does its artistic best with the Horcrux quest (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2010/11/movies/deathly-hallows-1-does-its-artistic-best-with-the-horcrux-quest/) - After the heart-racing wonder of last year’s “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,” it’s time to take a deep breath and slow down for “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1.” And — yawn — find some Horcruxes. The sixth movie had the pacing and plotting of a final chapter, so this seventh movie feels like an emotional
- [Final ‘Harry Potter’ film 'Deathly Hallows Part 2' stylishly, bleakly goes through the motions (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2011/07/movies/final-harry-potter-film-stylishly-bleakly-goes-through-the-motions/) - "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" was my least favorite of J.K. Rowling's books because the goal-oriented plot left little room for surprises: Harry and his friends need to destroy a handful of Horcruxes -- which contain pieces of Voldemort's soul -- in order to kill the baddie. Indeed, the faithfully adapted final film chapter, "Harry
- [In this quiet gem, the friendships are the ‘Perks of Being a Wallflower' (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2013/02/movies/the-friendships-are-the-perks-in-this-quiet-gem-of-a-high-school-movie/) - As time goes by, we all forget how awful high school was, but "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" (now on DVD) brings it all rushing back -- and with that accomplished, it proceeds to remind us of how great high school was. But first, the rough stuff: In one of the early scenes in the
- [‘This Is the End’ the ultimate end game for funny batch of down-to-Earth actors (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2013/06/movies/this-is-the-end-the-ultimate-end-game-for-funny-batch-of-down-to-earth-actors/) - The previews before my screening of "This Is the End" included "Grown-Ups 2," and I'm glad I saw it, otherwise I would've assumed Adam Sandler and friends would be making a funny movie to make up for the original dud; now I know otherwise. While that one can be avoided, "This Is the End" should be on
- [‘Harry Potter’ at the movies: Magic and amateur acting clash in ‘Sorcerer’s Stone’ (2001) (Review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/01/movies/harry-potter-at-the-movies-sorcerers-stone-2001/) - It’s been 17 years since the cinematic birth of “Harry Potter,” meaning the film series is now old enough to do something Harry, Ron and Hermione never did – graduate from Hogwarts! To celebrate this saga of nine films and counting – with a 10th (“Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald”) coming this year --
- [‘Harry Potter’ at the movies: ‘Prisoner of Azkaban’ (2004) goes deliciously dark (Review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/01/movies/harry-potter-at-the-movies-prisoner-of-azkaban-2004/) - My series looking back at the “Harry Potter” films continues with Year 3, “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” (2004): WHY IT’S GREAT Alfonso Cuaron would later write and direct the dystopian sci-fi classic “Children of Men” (2006), so in retrospect, it’s no surprise that he brings a spot-on sensibility to “Prisoner of Azkaban.” J.K.
- [‘The Greatest Showman’ is a beautiful celebration of showbiz that doesn’t pretend to be subtle (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/04/movies/the-greatest-showman-review/) - "The Greatest Showman” (2017), now available for home viewing, takes us back to a time when anything is possible if you dream big and are persistent. Did such a time ever exist? That’s beside the point, as is what happened behind the scenes at Phineas Barnum’s circuses. (Don’t do an extensive internet search if you
- [‘Spider-Man: Far From Home’s’ cornball rom-com humor hits the spot](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/07/movies/spider-man-far-from-home-review/) - Movie review: The cornball rom-com humor of Tom Holland's second Spidey film hits the spot after "Endgame."
- [Slow-burn ‘Dune’ illustrates imperial machinations](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/11/movies/dune-review/) - Movie review: Villeneuve’s film is homework more than entertainment. But it’s interesting to see how “Star Wars” was influenced by “Dune.”
- [Spider-Verse tastily envelops ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/12/movies/spider-man-no-way-home-review/) - Movie review: The partnership between Sony and Marvel becomes a beautiful thing as the MCU embraces the multiverse with smarts and humor.
- [Smartly structured ‘Challengers’ breaks at love](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2024/12/movies/challengers-review/) - Movie review: The plot is that of a soap opera, but the structure, style and psychological honesty put it on the short list of tennis-movie GOATs.
- [‘Ted 2’: Cruise control (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2015/06/movies/ted-2-cruise-control/) - It's probably just coincidence that the Supreme Court decided to rule on gay marriage the same day "Ted 2" hit theaters, although considering some of the Constitution-deaf dissents in that case, maybe some of the justices are fans of the franchise and were smoking Ted's favorite natural remedy. Like the first film, which made my top 10
- [‘Batman Begins’ (2005) is franchise's first masterpiece](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/01/movies/batman-begins-review/) - ‘Batman’ flashback (Movie review): Nolan's trilogy-launcher is the franchise's first masterpiece.
- [‘Dark Knight’ (2008) overrated but still great](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/01/movies/the-dark-knight-review/) - ‘Batman’ flashback (Movie review): "The Dark Knight” is great but it shouldn't top all the superhero movie lists.
- [‘Outbreak’ (1995) is old-fashioned but thrilling](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/03/movies/outbreak-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Until its silly ending, "Outbreak" is a thrilling, old-fashioned disaster flick.
- [‘Seven’ (1995) is Fincher's dirty, gorgeous masterpiece](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/03/movies/seven-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): The director paints NYC as such a cesspool that there’s no way anyone would want to set foot there after seeing “Seven.”
- [New ‘Vacation’ is no classic, but it has enough laughs to be worth a rental (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2015/12/movies/new-vacation-is-no-classic-but-it-has-enough-laughs-to-be-worth-a-rental/) - The fifth theatrical release in National Lampoon's "Vacation" series – which confusingly has the exact same title as the first entry -- has enough laughs to be worth a rental (it's now available from Redbox). But it's not destined to be a classic in the vein of "Christmas Vacation" (1989), which many people will screen
- [‘Thor’ (2011) makes clunky debut in the MCU](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/05/movies/thor-review/) - An outsider’s take on the Marvel Cinematic Universe (Movie review): Thor gives the MCU an otherworldly addition.
- [‘Thor: The Dark World’ (2013) mixes comedy, grand drama](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/05/movies/thor-the-dark-world-review/) - An outsider’s take on the Marvel Cinematic Universe (Movie review): The Thor saga grows a bit from its rough first entry.
- [‘Avengers: Infinity War’ (2018) is beginning of Thanos saga's end](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/06/movies/avengers-infinity-war-review/) - An outsider’s take on the Marvel Cinematic Universe (Movie review): A grand finale begins with "Infinity War."
- [You'll have a good (if slow) time with 'Bad Times at the El Royale' (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/01/movies/bad-times-at-the-el-royale-review/) - A priest, a singer and a vacuum salesman walk into a hotel … What sounds like the beginning of a good joke is the basis for writer-director Drew Goddard’s newest work, "Bad Times at the El Royale" (2018), set in 1969. Goddard ("Daredevil") channels his inner Quentin Tarantino with a layered mystery of murder and
- [‘Ghostbusters’ (2016) leans into comedy, drops suspense](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/06/movies/ghostbusters-answer-the-call-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): This women-driven remake successfully leans into the comedy, but it sacrifices suspense.
- [‘Bad Times at the El Royale’ (2018) are had by all](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/09/movies/bad-times-at-the-el-royale-review-2/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): The times my be bad in Drew Goddard's Tarantino-esque thriller, but the cast sure is great.
- [‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ (2022) spectacular, insubstantial](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2023/01/movies/thor-love-and-thunder-review/) - Superhero Saturday (Movie review): However, it’s unlikely this fourth “Thor” installment will stick with audiences the way more serious superhero films do.
- [‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga’ (2024) a bildungsroman of vengeance](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/01/movies/furiosa-a-mad-max-saga-review/) - Five days of ‘Mad Max’ (Movie review): George Miller’s epic prequel aims to put the woman warrior at the same status as Max, and mostly succeeds.
- [Hemsworth, Pena elevate mediocre post-9/11 war film ‘12 Strong’ (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/09/movies/12-strong-review/) - "12 Strong” is a pretty average war movie, but it has a really strong cast. Based on true events, the film centers on 12 of the first US military personnel to advance on Al-Qaeda in the weeks after 9/11. Chris Hemsworth and Michael Pena play likable characters and the action scenes are well done and
- [Solid but not-quite-fantastic ‘Beasts’ sequel 'The Crimes of Grindelwald' puts story-building ahead of characters (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/11/movies/fantastic-beasts-the-crimes-of-grindelwald-review/) - J.K. Rowling’s first movie script, 2016’s “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” leans heavily on the introduction of lovable characters – and more than its fair share of creatures, of course. It includes a side plot about a troubled boy, Credence (Ezra Miller), but that’s the most forgettable part; it’s there because the film
- [‘A Nightmare on Elm Street’ (1984) a slasher legend](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/09/movies/a-nightmare-on-elm-street-1984-review/) - Reliving the ‘Nightmares’ (Movie review): Wes Craven's creation earns a spot alongside "Halloween" and "Friday the 13th" as a genre gem.
- [‘Freddy’s Dead: The Final Nightmare’ (1991) gives backstory](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/10/movies/freddys-dead-the-final-nightmare-review/) - Reliving the ‘Nightmares’ (Movie review): Freddy has some fun and gets a fuller backstory in the sixth (and definitely not last) "Nightmare" film.
- [‘Fantastic Beasts: Secrets of Dumbledore’ imperfectly magical](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2022/06/movies/fantastic-beasts-secrets-of-dumbledore-review/) - Movie review: This third “Beasts” film is again overpacked with characters and plot nuances, but it’s easy to watch in a spellbinding way.
- [Smith’s ‘Tusk’ (2014) gosh-dang original for a lark, eh?](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2023/01/movies/tusk-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): It’s not quite great as horror, and not quite great as a comedy. But the events are so bizarre that it’s hard to look away.
- [‘Edward Scissorhands’ (1990) a too-thin slice of heartfelt weirdness](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2024/12/movies/edward-scissorhands-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): For many Burton fans, this Christmastime film is a cut above, but I find it slices too thin.
- [‘Yoga Hosers’ (2016) colorful but utterly uninspired](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2023/02/movies/yoga-hosers-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): Kevin Smith hits a low point with this laugh-lacking horror comedy starring his daughter and Johnny Depp’s daughter.
- [‘Sherlock Holmes’ has lots of style, but it’s hard to care (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2010/01/movies/sherlock-holmes-has-lots-of-style-but-its-hard-to-care/) - I don't understand these movies that put so much effort into making it look great, and then seem to expend so little effort on plot and characters. "Sherlock Holmes" (2009) is one of those movies -- from the opening shot of a horse-and-carriage chase down a dim London street, it looks incredible; it reminds me of that
- [‘Iron Man’ (2008) modestly, confidently launches MCU](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/05/movies/iron-man-review/) - An outsider’s take on the Marvel Cinematic Universe (Movie review): Downey's character confidently launches the MCU.
- [‘Iron Man 2’ (2010) doesn't distinguish itself from the original](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/05/movies/iron-man-2-review/) - An outsider’s take on the Marvel Cinematic Universe (Movie review): The sequel repeats too many beats from the original.
- [Black lends his idiosyncratic touch to ‘Iron Man 3’ (2013)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/05/movies/iron-man-3-review/) - An outsider’s take on the Marvel Cinematic Universe (Movie review): Shane Black joins the MCU to cap the Iron Man trilogy.
- [‘A Scanner Darkly’ (2006) is the most faithful PKD adaptation](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/09/movies/a-scanner-darkly-movie-review/) - PKD flashback (Movie review): This animated film faithfully adapts one of Dick's best works.
- [‘Kiss Kiss Bang Bang’ (2005) pokes fun at hardboiled noir](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/02/movies/kiss-kiss-bang-bang-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Black's comeback film pokes fun at hardboiled noir while also being a perfect one.
- [‘Weird Science’ (1985) probably couldn’t be made today](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/09/movies/weird-science-review/) - Hughes Day Tuesday (Movie review): Even by Hughes standards, this one is politically incorrect. But it's also a funny teen classic.
- [Hair, fashions shine in ‘American Hustle,’ and it’s a decent yarn, too (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2013/12/movies/hair-fashions-shine-in-american-hustle-and-its-a-decent-yarn-too/) - "American Hustle" starts by showing Christian Bale's combover -- understatedly termed "elaborate" by Amy Adams. It's a perfect lead-in for a movie about a con-man and –woman (Bale and Adams), a corrupt politician (Jeremy Renner), an FBI agent (Bradley Cooper) who's not above using entrapment, and Bale's young wife (Jennifer Lawrence) who's not above using their
- [Batman, Superman fight rather than talk in 'BvS: Dawn of Justice'](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2016/03/superman-supergirl/batman-and-superman-couldve-avoided-fighting-if-they-had-just-talked-it-out/) - Movie review: Batman and Superman could’ve avoided fighting if they had just talked it out.
- [Cerebral alien visitation yarn ‘Arrival’ lacks a satisfying payoff (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2016/12/movies/cerebral-alien-visitation-yarn-arrival-lacks-a-satisfying-payoff/) - Like many alien visitation films before it, "Arrival" asks "What is their purpose on Earth?" After the requisite opening where the world tenses up as 12 giant egg-shaped spaceships take up stations around the globe, "Arrival" zeroes in on that core question, boiling away all the "Independence Day"-style destruction and embracing its status as a think piece.
- [‘Man of Steel’ (2013) lays foundation for DC Extended Universe](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2017/11/superman-supergirl/in-2013-the-controversial-man-of-steel-laid-the-foundation-for-the-dc-extended-universe/) - Movie review: In 2013, the controversial "Man of Steel" laid the foundation for the DCEU.
- [First episode impressions: ‘Sharp Objects’ (TV review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/07/television/sharp-objects-review/) - "Sharp Objects” (9 p.m. Eastern Sundays on HBO) takes a familiar genre – a crime journalist investigating small-town murders – and turns it into a gilded-frame French painting. The miniseries is stacked with talent at the top of their respective games, but director Jean-Marc Vallee – who helmed last year’s “Big Little Lies” – is
- [‘Her’ (2013) is a personal peek into future of AI technology](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/01/movies/her-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Jonze's film is a stellar example of the 2010s zeitgeist of emerging AI technology.
- [‘Woman in the Window’ is too transparent](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/05/movies/the-woman-in-the-window-review/) - Movie review: Based on a 2018 A.J. Finn novel, "The Woman in the Window" never got under my skin the way I think director Joe Wright wanted it to.
- [‘Leap Year’ (2010) isn’t quite willing to take the leap](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2024/02/movies/leap-year-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Despite a tame screenplay, the charms of Amy Adams and Matthew Goode prove lucky for this light Irish romp.
- [‘X-Men: First Class' goes to head of the class](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2011/06/movies/x-men-prequel-goes-to-the-head-of-the-class/) - Movie review: The "X-Men" prequel saga launches in impressive fashion.
- [Does love really conquer all? ‘Like Crazy’ explores the question (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2012/03/movies/does-love-really-conquer-all-like-crazy-explores-the-question/) - Like a less-dark version of 2010's "Blue Valentine," "Like Crazy" (2011) zeroes in on one couple and follows them through the ups and downs of their relationship. "Blue Valentine" has more downs and "Like Crazy" has more ups, but they're both intimate rom-droms (romantic dramas) that demand great performances in the central roles. You'll fall in love
- [‘Hunger Games’ presents a dystopian future that’s too distressingly plausible (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2012/03/movies/hunger-games-presents-a-dystopian-future-thats-too-distressingly-plausible/) - How in the world does one explain the huge popularity of the "Twilight," "Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" and "Hunger Games" book/film series? I mean, I can understand "Harry Potter," and I'm a fan of those books and movies myself. But where "Potter" provides a lusciously realized and wondrous world, adorable characters and plenty of
- [‘X-Men: Days of Future Past’ balances epic scope with character drama](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2014/05/movies/x-men-days-of-future-past-balances-epic-scope-with-character-drama-just-dont-overthink-it/) - Movie review: Just enjoy the ride and don't think too hard about this timeline-jumping film.
- [‘X-Men: First Class’ (2011) rejuvenates the saga](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2014/06/movies/x-men-flashback-x-men-first-class-2011/) - ‘X-Men’ flashback (Movie review): The first entry -- in terms of the timeline -- rejuvenates the saga.
- [‘Apocalypse’ is another fun ‘X-Men’ romp](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2016/05/movies/mix-of-old-favorites-fresh-faces-make-apocalypse-another-fun-x-men-romp/) - Movie review: A mix of old favorites and fresh faces make this another fun romp.
- [Unfathomable ‘Red Sparrow’ doesn’t invite the audience into its game (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/09/movies/red-sparrow-review/) - "Red Sparrow” is boring, a bit confusing, and almost unnecessarily dirty. The main character (Jennifer Lawrence) basically goes to whore school to become one of the Red Sparrows, Russian spies trained to use sex to achieve their goals. J-Law goes topless and I wonder if the filmmakers asked her to do it in hopes of
- [Aronofsky's ‘Mother!’ (2017) is bizarre, off-putting](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/05/movies/mother-2017-review/) - Movie review: This piece of psych-horror is bizarre and disturbing, but not in a good way.
- [Stupnitsky’s ‘No Hard Feelings’ is easy to like](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2023/12/movies/no-hard-feelings-review/) - Movie review: The director of “Good Boys” continues to make sweet-natured raunch-coms that straddle old and new sensibilities.
- ['Terminator' flashback: 'Terminator Salvation' movie, novelization and comic book (2009) (Review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2017/06/movies/terminator-flashback-terminator-salvation-movie-novelization-and-comic-book-2009/) - The very first "Terminator" spinoff materials – the Now comics – explored the Future War, but aside from flashbacks/flash-forwards, it took another two decades for the Future War to be explored on screen. This makes "Terminator Salvation" (2009) stand out among the saga's screen incarnations, even though the plot points and themes will be familiar to readers
- [‘Ford v Ferrari’ brings niche subject to 7,000 rpm life](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/02/movies/ford-v-ferrari-review/) - Movie review: This auto racing history film brings its niche historical subject to thrilling life.
- [Villeneuve's ‘Prisoners’ is one of the year’s best thrillers (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2013/12/movies/prisoners-is-one-of-the-years-best-thrillers/) - I held off for a while on seeing "Prisoners" because the previews seemed to give away the whole movie: 1) Girls kidnapped, 2) dad (Hugh Jackman) tortures suspect (Paul Dano) who is obviously innocent, 3) the film gains a second meaning as he's imprisoned by his rage and frustration. But there's more to it than that, so
- [‘Life’ is another ‘Alien’ ripoff – but it’s one of the better ones (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2017/12/movies/life-is-another-alien-ripoff-but-its-one-of-the-better-ones/) - It’s hard to review "Life" (March 2017) -- which I recently saw via Redbox – without entering into apologia. It is undeniably in the “Alien” ripoff subgenre. But it strikes me as odd that “Gravity” (2013), for example, has a 7.8 on IMDB and “Life” has a 6.6. Both are about accidents on a modern-day
- [‘The Good Girl’ (2002) illustrates danger of obsession with one person](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2024/06/movies/the-good-girl-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Mike White riffs on “Catcher in the Rye,” but this Holden’s worldview is tragically narrower.
- [‘Presumed Innocent’ a slick spin on the classic book/film](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2024/08/television/presumed-innocent-review/) - TV review: David E. Kelley’s melodrama and big personalities blend well with the compelling legal issues at the core of the Scott Turow potboiler.
- [‘Horrible Bosses’ a humorous escape from behind the desk (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2011/07/movies/horrible-bosses-a-humorous-escape-from-behind-the-desk/) - The new classics of 2011 aren't as elaborate as the great comedies of years gone by; rather, the joke tends to be right there in the title: "The Hangover Part II," "Bad Teacher," and now "Horrible Bosses." But I'd argue that these comedies don't have to be complex. There's a scene early in "Horrible Bosses" where
- [‘Wanderlust’ a bit too meandering to be a comedy classic (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2012/08/movies/wanderlust-a-bit-too-meandering-to-be-a-comedy-classic/) - Similar to the 2001 film "Wet Hot American Summer," which was likewise written and directed by David Wain, "Wanderlust" (now on DVD) will probably end up being a cult classic. But, while it made me giggle a few times, it's not the riotous laugh-fest you might expect considering that Judd Apatow is a producer and Paul Rudd
- [‘We’re the Millers’ delivers the laughs promised in the preview (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2013/08/movies/were-the-millers-delivers-the-laughs-promised-in-the-preview/) - I wonder if "We're the Millers" even had a casting call. Jason Sudeikis is as comfortable in his role as the small-time drug dealer who heads up the faux Miller clan as Vince Vaughn was in "Wedding Crashers" (like this movie, penned by Bob Fisher and Steve Faber). Jennifer Aniston continues to play against the Rachel type
- [Work still sucks, and 'Office Space' (1999) is still a masterpiece](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/02/movies/office-space-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Work still sucks, and Mike Judge's film is still a masterpiece, 20 years later.
- [‘Night Before,’ (2015), ‘Office Christmas Party’ (2016) offer holiday chuckles](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/12/movies/night-before-office-christmas-party-reviews/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie reviews): “The Night Before” and “Office Christmas Party” make for a solid double bill of modern Christmastime comedy.
- [16 years before ‘Riverdale,’ there was ‘Josie and the Pussycats’ (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2017/02/movies/16-years-before-riverdale-there-was-josie-and-the-pussycats/) - The Archie Comics gang debuted in 1941 and still hold their place as American high school archetypes. They made the leap to cartoons in the '60s, to a TV movie in 1990 ("To Riverdale and Back Again") and to a live-action series in the mid-'90s ("Sabrina, the Teenage Witch"). Those adaptations were tame and straightforward.
- [‘She’s All That’ (1999) is all that it can be](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/02/movies/shes-all-that-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Thanks to the chemistry between Prinze Jr. and Cook, "She's All That" makes a case for teen classic status.
- [‘He’s All That’ a cute modern riff on the old story](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/09/movies/hes-all-that-review/) - Movie review: This gender-swapped reimagining of “She’s All That” is not a straight-up replay. Still, it's less substantial than the original.
- [‘Antitrust’s’ (2001) cyber-paranoia has not become obsolete](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/03/movies/antitrust-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): This thriller, broadly in the hacker subgenre, asks if you can trust corporations or people – or neither.
- [‘Summerland’ Season 1 (2004) a great beach watch](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2016/09/television/tv-shows-lost-to-history-summerland-season-1-2004/) - TV shows lost to history: Among TV shows not available for streaming or on disc, the star-studded "Summerland" might be the most widely remembered.
- [Once-great ‘Summerland’ suffers a fall in Season 2 (2005)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2016/09/television/tv-shows-lost-to-history-summerland-season-2-2005/) - TV shows lost to history (Review): "Summerland" suffers a sophomore slump with inconsistent characterizations and stagnant storytelling.
- [‘Superhero Movie’ (2008) a predictable ‘Spider-Man’ spoof](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2022/06/movies/superhero-movie-review/) - Superhero Saturday (Movie review): This comedy could’ve been funnier as it tackles the superhero hits of the early 21st century.
- [Mainstream ‘Last House on the Left’ (2009) still harrowing ](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2022/08/movies/last-house-on-the-left-2009-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): Although it lacks low-budget grit, the remake faithfully reproduces the original’s shocking human immorality.
- [‘Sydney White’ (2007) is a little dopey, but mostly cute](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2024/03/movies/sydney-white-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): This Amanda Bynes vehicle is a likeable light comedy, but it squanders potential to be better.
- [‘Shark Night’ (2011) shallow but humorously entertaining ](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2022/06/movies/shark-night-review/) - Toothy Tuesday (Movie review): “Shark Night” is too silly to be scary, but at least it has Sara Paxton, Katharine McPhee and hilarious shark kills.
- [Paxton adds quirkiness to West’s ‘The Innkeepers’ (2012) ](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2022/06/movies/innkeepers-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): Ti West, recently on the radar for “X,” blends scares with likable leads in this polished low-budget entry.
- [Anya Taylor-Joy's 'Emma' is beautiful but uneven](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/11/movies/emma-2020-review/) - Movie review: “Emma” nails the early 19th century English countryside, costumes, manors and manners. But the interludes are jarring.
- [‘Infinity Pool’ is mind-tripping intellectual horror](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2023/09/movies/infinity-pool-review/) - Movie review: Brandon Cronenberg’s film about a vacation gone wrong is effective, but it’s more fun to think about than to watch.
- [Guadagnino overindulgently explores world of ‘Suspiria’ (2018)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/03/movies/suspiria-2018-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): Although it expands the story, themes and runtime, this remake is far lesser than Argento’s original.
- [‘Pearl’ a darkly moving, stylish origin story of ‘X’ villain](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2022/11/movies/pearl-review/) - Movie review: At the same time they made “X,” Ti West and Mia Goth also made its prequel, and – while it’s a different type of film – it’s just as good.
- [‘MaXXXine’ wades into belly of beast to cap ‘X’ trilogy](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2024/08/movies/maxxxine-review/) - Movie review: Mia Goth concludes Maxine’s story and Kevin Bacon steals the show as Ti West piles on Eighties moral grime.
- [Taylor-Joy, Goth feature in slow-burn ‘Marrowbone’ (2018) ](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2022/05/movies/marrowbone-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): Sergio G. Sanchez's sepia-toned midcentury piece mixes family life and housebound scares.
- [How many times have you seen ‘Inception?’ (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2010/07/movies/how-many-times-have-you-seen-inception/) - 2010 finally has its first great movie, and it’s Christopher Nolan’s “Inception.” That shouldn’t be surprising since — now that I think about it — I’ve liked every one of the writer-director’s films: the backward “Memento,” the thriller “Insomnia,” the period-piece magic show “The Prestige,” and the two “Batman” reboot movies. (I actually think “The Dark Knight” is his weakest entry; certainly it’s his most overrated, but
- [Tarantino fans will likely love everything about ‘Django Unchained’ (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2012/12/movies/tarantino-fans-will-likely-love-everything-about-django-unchained/) - I'm not naturally inclined to see a Quentin Tarantino film, but a couple of friends' excitement about "Django Unchained," combined with the generally positive reviews, got me to say "What the heck -- I'll give it a fair shot." As I expected, it's really violent -- it's not that I'm in danger of barfing in my popcorn
- [Tarantino loves, lampoons motion picture industry in luscious ‘Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood’ (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/12/movies/once-upon-a-time-in-hollywood-review/) - Quentin Tarantino low-key makes fun of 1969-era movie- and TV-making in “Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood.” But the production design by Barbara Ling and cinematography by Robert Richardson are as lush as “La La Land” (2016) and arguably even more impressive because this film is recreating a very specific time. So there’s no
- [Allen skewers star-making culture in ‘Celebrity’ (1998)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2022/12/movies/celebrity-review/) - Woody Wednesday (Movie review): It’s sometimes more absurd and sometimes more accessible than “Stardust Memories.” In the end, it’s a great companion piece.
- [First episode impressions: ‘Pan Am’ (TV review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2011/09/television/first-episode-impressions-pan-am/) - There's a snort-out-loud scene in the "Family Guy" parody of "Return of the Jedi" where C-3PO explains why he's wearing a suit and tie aboard the Millennium Falcon: "Some people still think of flying as an occasion." In "Pan Am" (9 p.m. Central Sundays on ABC), the latest network period drama that will no doubt develop a
- [‘Suicide Squad’ (2016) will someday be thought of as an OK film](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2017/11/movies/suicide-squad-will-someday-be-thought-of-as-an-ok-movie/) - Movie review: "Suicide Squad" introduces a colorful band of misfit superheroes.
- [‘I, Tonya’ turns Harding’s life story into a delicious tragic comedy (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/03/movies/i-tonya-review/) - Historical sports dramas – say, “42” or “Battle of the Sexes” -- tend to be played straight; the true story alone is dramatic enough, and that’s why a movie is being made about it. “I, Tonya” (2017), now available on home video, is different. Tonya Harding’s life story is so bizarrely off the beaten path
- [‘Birds of Prey’ is hard to take seriously](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/03/movies/birds-of-prey-2020-review/) - Movie review: This Harley Quinn-centered film is hard to take seriously, but then again, we’re not supposed to.
- [‘The Suicide Squad’ is Gunn’s latest pop-art masterpiece](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/08/movies/the-suicide-squad-review/) - Movie review: James Gunn can make colorful entertainment like this in his sleep, but it’s the extra attention that makes this sequel better than the original.
- [‘Barbie’ doesn’t fully exploit culture-clash humor](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2023/12/movies/barbie-review/) - Movie review: Greta Gerwig’s gorgeously set-designed Mattel-produced film nonetheless goes surprisingly deep into making fun of itself.
- [‘Crazy, Stupid, Love.’ And ‘cute’ and ‘smart’ and ‘funny’ (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2011/08/movies/crazy-stupid-love-and-cute-and-smart-and-funny/) - I love a lot of scenes, a lot of moments, a lot of lines from "Crazy, Stupid, Love.," the best movie of 2011 so far. But one line delivery is sticking with me: Robbie (Jonah Bobo), the hopeless romantic 13-year-old, giving a speech at his middle school graduation, starts with "I've been in love." People in the
- [‘Blue Valentine,' 'It's Kind of a Funny Story,' 'Cedar Rapids,' 'Hobo with a Shotgun,' 'Hall Pass,' 'Skateland' (Movie reviews)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2011/09/movies/blue-valentine-and-five-other-random-movie-reviews/) - With a few days off from work and a couple weeks to go before the fall TV season, I took the opportunity to rent some movies that I'd wanted to see for a while that didn't play at my local theater or that I'd missed. First up are two movies that retroactively make my top
- [‘Blade Runner 2049’ is gorgeous … and slooooow](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/01/movies/blade-runner-2049-is-gorgeous-and-slooooow/) - Movie review: This long-awaited sequel indulges in its evocative settings and vibe.
- [‘First Man’ is one small step for space-program cinema, one giant leap for insight into Neil Armstrong (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/02/movies/first-man-review/) - After his love letters to jazz -- “Whiplash” (2014) and “La La Land” (2016) -- a film fan wouldn’t be surprised if director Damien Chazelle’s next movie was about Louis Armstrong. But “First Man” (2018) instead chronicles Neil Armstrong, and while it might seem like the pantheon of historical space-program cinema doesn’t need another recounting
- [‘The Nice Guys’ (2016) is Black’s masterpiece](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/02/movies/the-nice-guys-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): This action-comedy is smart, arty and funny.
- ['Wolverine' goes solo in the best 'X-Men' movie so far](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2009/05/movies/wolverine-goes-solo-in-the-best-x-men-movie-so-far/) - Movie review: The focus on a single character is welcome as the "X-Men" saga shifts gears.
- [My ‘Proposal’: This rom-com needed more character development (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2009/06/movies/my-proposal-this-rom-com-needed-more-character-development/) - See "The Proposal" only if you are a romantic comedy kind of person. If you aren't, this movie won't convert you to the genre. If you do see it, let me know if you thought Gertrude -- or even Coffee Barista No. 1 -- would've been a better match for Andrew than Margaret is. Sandra Bullock plays
- [‘The Change-Up’ delivers lots of crude laughs, but it’s mostly a throwaway (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2011/08/movies/the-change-up-delivers-lots-of-crude-laughs-but-its-mostly-a-throwaway/) - "The Change-Up" has many of the things I look for in a blockbuster comedy: Jokes involving poop, pee, genitals, breasts and sex, plus copious dropping of f-bombs at important corporate meetings and in front of babies. Also, I'm always up for a good body-swapping comedy, and Jason Bateman and Ryan Reynolds seem like good casting choices
- [‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine’ (2009) isn't as great as I thought it was](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2014/06/movies/x-men-flashback-x-men-origins-wolverine-2009/) - ‘X-Men’ flashback (Movie review): The first "X-Men" solo spinoff film isn't as great as I thought on first viewing.
- [‘Deadpool’ is not your typical ‘X-Men’ film – but that’s OK](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2016/06/movies/deadpool-is-not-your-typical-x-men-movie-but-i-guess-thats-ok/) - Movie review: The "X-Men" universe takes a drastic tonal turn with "Deadpool."
- [In ‘Amityville Horror’ remake (2005), bigger isn’t better](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2023/08/movies/amityville-horror-2005-review/) - Revisiting Amityville (Movie review): Although the remake improves on some aspects, it’s unable to match the scary vibe of the cheap original.
- [‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ is the (F) bomb – but not due to its gratuitous nature](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2024/11/movies/deadpool-and-wolverine-review/) - Movie review: The swearing- and violence-based comedy is a bit much, but Emma Corrin and Hugh Jackman provide great acting and character arcs.
- [‘Blade: Trinity’ (2004) closes trilogy with humor, fun](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/11/movies/blade-trinity-review/) - Superhero Saturday (Movie review): This fun trilogy capper launches Ryan Reynolds’ trifecta of superhero roles.
- [‘Green Lantern’ (2011) hints at Berlanti's superhero TV work](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/01/movies/green-lantern-review/) - Superhero Saturday (Movie review): Despite being on the big screen, this Ryan Reynolds-starrer propels Greg Berlanti’s career as a TV maven.
- [‘Free Guy’ (2021) mulls ideas as it romps through game](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2022/01/movies/free-guy-review/) - Movie review: This Ryan Reynolds comedy-actioner is mostly for fun, but it does think about the value and rights of artificial intelligences.
- [‘Adam Project’ adds Reynolds’ riffing to kiddie plot](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2022/03/movies/adam-project-review/) - Movie review: Ryan Reynolds’ charm is in place, but the time-travel plot is so basic one wonders if this was conceived as a kids’ film.
- [What I like about ‘True’: A review of ‘True Blood’ Season 1 (TV review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2009/08/television/what-i-like-about-true-a-review-of-true-blood-season-1/) - "True Blood" makes it look easy. Start with sharply written characters, mix in a plot that's never predictable, try a few new things here and there, and you have a tasty concoction. The first thing I liked about "True Blood" Season 1 was Anna Paquin. Just by flashing her goofy but adorable smile, she was a
- [Meta to the max: If it’s all been done before, then what’s left to say in ‘Scream 4?’ (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2011/04/movies/meta-to-the-max-if-its-all-been-done-before-then-whats-left-to-say-in-scream-4/) - Eleven years after "Scream 3," the casting director of "Scream 4" had a lot of lost time to make up for. While the original film in 1996 brought big-screen attention to "Party of Five" star Neve Campbell and "Friends" star Courteney Cox, this installment isn't content to pick out a couple Next Big Things. Rather, we get
- [‘Margaret’ brings viewers into troubled characters’ worlds, and New York City (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2012/08/movies/margaret-brings-viewers-into-troubled-characters-worlds-and-new-york-city/) - Ostensibly the story of a teenager (Anna Paquin) seeking justice for a woman killed in a bus accident that she feels partly responsible for, "Margaret" (2011) evolves into an immersive treatise on people's inherent inability to relate to one another and recognize the ways they can make other people miserable. It plays wonderfully as a DVD rental,
- [‘X-Men’ (2000) makes superhero flicks fun again](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2014/06/movies/x-men-flashback-x-men-2000/) - ‘X-Men’ flashback (Movie review): Singer's "X-Men" ushers in a fun new era of superhero flicks.
- ['Rogue Cut' makes ‘X-Men: Days of Future Past’ (2014) even better](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2015/08/movies/x-men-flashback-x-men-days-of-future-past-2014-with-emphasis-on-the-rogue-cut/) - ‘X-Men’ flashback (Movie review): "The Rogue Cut" brings an overlooked character back into the picture.
- [All 10 episodes of ‘Philip K. Dick’s Electric Dreams,’ ranked](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/02/television/every-episode-of-philip-k-dicks-electric-dreams-ranked/) - TV review: Here are my rankings of the 10 episodes of the Amazon Prime series that adapts selected Philip K. Dick short stories.
- ['Scream 4' (2011) is saga's funniest and most meta entry](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/10/movies/scream-4-review/) - The 'Scream' saga (Movie review): After an 11-year hibernation, the "Scream" saga returns and still has something to say.
- [‘American Underdog’ (2021) gets at heart of Kurt Warner ](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2022/07/movies/american-underdog-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Its portrayal of Iowa is a misfire, but this biopic is an uplifting tale of the undrafted QB achieving his dream.
- [Paquin’s ‘Darkness’ (2002) an artistic mood piece](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/09/movies/darkness-2002-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): Fans of later gems such as “Hereditary” might want to peek into “Darkness,” a wrongly overlooked mood piece.
- [‘X2: X-Men United’ (2003) is a big commercial for itself](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2014/06/movies/x-men-flashback-x2-x-men-united-2003/) - ‘X-Men’ flashback (Movie review): Bryan Singer's sequel is like a big commercial for itself.
- [‘X-Men: The Last Stand’ (2006) stumbles through Dark Phoenix story](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2014/06/movies/x-men-flashback-x-men-the-last-stand-2006/) - ‘X-Men’ flashback (Movie review): The trilogy capper stumbles through a classic comic-book narrative.
- [‘The Wolverine’ (2013) adds appealing grit to the saga](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2014/06/movies/x-men-flashback-the-wolverine-2013/) - ‘X-Men’ flashback (Movie review): The Wolverine sequel adds appealing grit to the saga.
- [Wolverine trilogy goes out on top with unshackled ‘Logan’](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2017/06/movies/wolverine-trilogy-goes-out-on-top-with-unshackled-logan/) - Movie review: "X-Men's" Wolverine trilogy goes out on top with an unshackled finale.
- [‘Reminiscence’ unspools noir plot against cli-fi backdrop](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/08/movies/reminiscence-review/) - Movie review: The waterlogged future is gorgeous to look at, but the plot is rather standard for a film that seems to promise so much more.
- [Allen sticks around London for a sugar-free ‘Scoop’ (2006)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/09/movies/scoop-review/) - Woody Wednesday (Movie review): The previous year’s “Match Point” was so good that Allen can be forgiven a few middling trifles. “Scoop” is one of them.
- [Moronic hack-tioner ‘Swordfish’ (2001) should be thrown back](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/03/movies/swordfish-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): It’s tempting to pity the all-star cast, but really we should feel bad for ourselves for watching this.
- [Jackman, production design shine in ‘The Wolverine’](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2013/08/movies/hugh-jackman-production-design-shine-in-the-wolverine/) - Movie review: Hugh Jackman continues to be great as the Wolverine saga gets smarter.
- [‘The Apartment’ (1960) is worth renting, maybe even owning](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2024/12/movies/the-apartment-review/) - Wilder Wednesday (Movie review): The Oscars were right: Lemmon and MacLaine are delightful in this light-touch, heartfelt romantic dramedy.
- [‘Some Like It Hot’ (1959), and everyone likes it funny](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/01/movies/some-like-it-hot-review/) - Wilder Wednesday (Movie review): Lemmon’s comedic chops and Curtis’ variety of characters make this the all-timer among gender-switch films.
- [‘Irma la Douce’ (1963) another sweet mix of comedy, chemistry](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/02/movies/irma-la-douce-review/) - Wilder Wednesday (Movie review): Although the film’s running time is strangely miscalibrated, Lemmon and MacLaine are cute and funny.
- [‘Avanti!’ (1972) not among Wilder’s elite, but it certainly avoids cliches](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/02/movies/avanti-review/) - Wilder Wednesday (Movie review): By not challenging its own morality (or immorality), the film oddly encourages us to think outside the box.
- [‘Fortune Cookie’ (1966) crumbles under its length, predictability](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/03/movies/fortune-cookie-review/) - Wilder Wednesday (Movie review): This supposed satire of dishonest lawyering misfires by running the ball right up the middle.
- [Mamet, Lemmon reteam for ‘A Life in the Theatre’ (1993)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/08/movies/a-life-in-the-theatre-review/) - Mamet Monday (Movie review): "A Life in the Theatre" is an intermittently engaging peek behind the curtain.
- [‘Young Adult’ deliciously sad, but it’s not for everyone (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2012/03/movies/young-adult-deliciously-sad-but-its-not-for-everyone/) - "Young Adult" (2011) might be the most depressing movie ever made, but despite that high praise, I have to caution that it's not for everybody. About a decade ago, I recommended "The Good Girl" (2002) to everyone who would listen, and no one liked it. (It's about a depressed wife who meets an even-more-depressed younger guy.
- [‘Prometheus’ undeniably cool, but continuity glitches are annoying](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2012/06/movies/prometheus-undeniably-cool-but-continuity-glitches-are-annoying/) - Movie review: It's cool to return to the world of "Alien," but Scott's new film has as many questions as answers.
- [Seth MacFarlane’s ‘A Million Ways to Die in the West’ takes the joke just far enough (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2014/07/movies/seth-macfarlanes-a-million-ways-to-die-in-the-west-takes-the-joke-just-far-enough/) - "A Million Ways to Die in the West" is a two-hour string of funny observations about how horrible the frontier was in the 1800s, but heck, I've always enjoyed jokes that are taken too far. As such, I think this is a respectable sophomore writing and directing effort in the movie medium from "Family Guy"
- [‘Tully’ an engrossing film about … sleep deprivation … I think (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/07/movies/tully-review/) - From “Juno” (2008) to “Young Adult” (2011) to this year’s “Tully,” writer Diablo Cody – with Jason Reitman directing – has put together a spiritual trilogy of films about transitional periods in life, and they are always jarring. Juno is a teenager who is about to have a baby, Mavis is an adult who clings
- [‘Hancock’ (2008) hampered by conflicting tones](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/04/movies/hancock-review/) - Superhero Saturday (Movie review): Will Smith’s strong performance can’t reconcile the conflicting tones.
- [‘The Fate of the Furious’ (2017) is epically dumb](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/05/movies/the-fate-of-the-furious-review/) - An outsider’s take on the ‘Fast’ saga (Movie review): Even by the standards of this film series, part eight is particularly stupid.
- [‘Curse of the Jade Scorpion’ (2001) a mildly jazzy jaunt](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/11/movies/curse-of-the-jade-scorpion-review/) - Woody Wednesday (Movie review): Hurt by loose editing and some miscast roles, this 1940-set mystery-comedy isn’t what it could’ve been.
- [Verisimilitude cruises away from ‘F9: The Fast Saga’ (2021)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2023/05/movies/f9-the-fast-saga-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): In its ninth proper entry, the Vin Diesel saga is nothing more than overgrown children playing with toys.
- [‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ (2015) like a heavy metal ballet](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/01/movies/mad-max-fury-road-review/) - Five days of ‘Mad Max’ (Movie review): George Miller returns to his saga and makes the greatest legacy sequel of all time, and one of the action genre’s elite.
- [‘Gravity’ a high-tech piece of minimalist filmmaking (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2013/12/movies/gravity-a-high-tech-piece-of-minimalist-filmmaking/) - Starting with its nearly 20-minute uncut opening shot of George Clooney and Sandra Bullock floating in space making repairs on a scientific satellite, the entire hour and 40 minutes of "Gravity" is packed with "How'd they do that?" filmmaking. Courtesy of writer-director Alfonso Cuaron, who also helmed the third and best "Harry Potter" film and the
- [The apocalypse comes again in ‘Bird Box,’ and the lesson this time is ‘Don’t look!’ (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/12/movies/bird-box-review/) - "Bird Box” (Netflix) is the latest in the trend of apocalyptic thrillers where the end times arrive in a bizarre and sketchily explained fashion, following “It Comes at Night,” “A Quiet Place” and the “Cloverfield” trilogy. It’s easy to call this the visual answer to the audio-based “A Quiet Place.” There, creatures hunt by their
- [‘The Net’ (1995) is a scarier, computer-age ‘North by Northwest’](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/02/movies/the-net-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Irwin Winkler uploads one of his best films as a director in this relevant thriller about identity theft.
- [‘Speed’ (1994) a fast, fun showcase for Reeves, Bullock](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2023/05/movies/speed-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): The premise and spectacle are smart in that dumb way of 1990s actioners, and the leads have cute chemistry.
- [Emma Stone’s ‘Easy A’ earns a solid B (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2010/09/movies/emma-stones-easy-a-earns-a-solid-b/) - I felt like I saw "Easy A" before I actually saw it because the previews explained the plot with such specificity: Nice girl Olive (Emma Stone) pretends to have sex with guys in order to improve their reputations around the halls of their high school. That premise could've resulted in a shallow, one-joke movie, but fortunately "Easy
- [Gender lines blur in ‘Just One of the Guys’ (1985), ‘She’s the Man’ (2006)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2024/02/movies/just-one-of-the-guys-shes-the-man-reviews/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie reviews): These updates of Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” are led by different types of funny performances.
- [Bynes’ ‘Lovewrecked’ (2005) is a cheaply made wreck](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2024/04/movies/lovewrecked-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): There are only so many Amanda Bynes movies out there, so fans will likely come across this one. Unfortunately.
- [‘What a Girl Wants’ (2003) gives viewers what they want: Firth and Bynes](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2024/04/movies/what-a-girl-wants-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): This cute culture-clash comedy stands as Bynes’ best film, as a teenager tracks down her absent father.
- ['The Black Dahlia' (2006) gets explored as a comedy](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/02/movies/the-black-dahlia-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Before "I Am the Night," a 2006 film explored the Black Dahlia case with a different tone.
- [‘The Spirit’ (2008) a weak imitation of ‘Sin City’](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/01/movies/the-spirit-review/) - Superhero Saturday (Movie review): Frank Miller’s "The Spirit" is, ironically, a weak imitation of his own "Sin City."
- [‘Marriage Story’ an affectionate look at divorce](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/02/movies/marriage-story-review/) - Movie review: The Oscar-nominated film takes a realistic look at a divorcing couple.
- [‘Jojo Rabbit’ the cutest-ever film about a Hitler-loving kid](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/03/movies/jojo-rabbit-review/) - Movie review: Writer-director-actor Taika Waititi finds humor from an unusual place.
- [‘Lost in Translation’ (2003) is exquisitely sad](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/03/movies/lost-in-translation-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Director Sofia Coppola's elite film wonderfully uses music, imagery and mood to create a magical Tokyo.
- [‘Vicky Cristina Barcelona’ (2008) is sumptuously Spanish](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/07/movies/vicky-cristina-barcelona-review/) - Woody Wednesday (Movie review): Allen’s tropes smoothly translate to Spain in this romance yarn featuring a standout Javier Bardem.
- [Harbour, Pugh steal the show from ‘Black Widow’](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/07/movies/black-widow-review/) - Movie review: Maybe it's not worth the overlong wait, but "Black Widow" is pretty great thanks to Florence Pugh and David Harbour.
- [Allen’s game has delicious variety in ‘Match Point’ (2005)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/09/movies/match-point-review/) - Woody Wednesday (Movie review): Neither a rom-com nor a grim tragedy, “Match Point” is among Allen’s best films in the middle ground of “character drama.”
- [Clowes’ ‘Ghost World’ (1997) a Nineties ‘Catcher in the Rye’](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2024/07/comic-books/ghost-world-comic-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Comic book review): Before it was streamlined into a gem of a film, the graphic novel captured the confusion of teenage life.
- [‘Ghost World’ (2001) gets more substantial on repeat viewings](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2024/06/movies/ghost-world-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): The best movie of the first year of the millennium works on additional levels as time goes by.
- [‘Zombieland’ kind of fun, completely forgettable (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2009/10/movies/zombieland-kind-of-fun-completely-forgettable/) - "Zombieland" is a fairly fun movie, but it also stretches this whole "being chased by a pack of zombies" thing to the point where I wonder if the genre has run dry. Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone and Abigail Breslin were apparently the lucky winners of a drawing to be in this post-apocalyptic road-trip romp;
- [‘Battle of the Sexes’ a warm portrayal of King and Riggs and their bizarre, pivotal match (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/01/movies/battle-of-the-sexes-a-warm-portrayal-of-king-and-riggs-and-their-bizarre-pivotal-match/) - When I first got into tennis fandom and learned about the Billie Jean King-Bobby Riggs Battle of the Sexes of the 1970s, I assumed it was some sort of novelty sideshow. After all, when Agassi and Federer played on a rooftop, and when Federer and Nadal played on a half-grass, half-clay court, it was news
- [‘The Favourite’ critiques timeless governmental power plays, but isn’t as sharp or funny as it could be (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/02/movies/the-favourite-review/) - A lot has been made about how horror (“Get Out” last year) and superhero (“Black Panther” this year) films are making inroads with the Oscars, but – in terms of percentage of all films released – comedy remains the most snubbed genre. “The Favourite” (2018) finds a path to Academy attention, though, by chronicling the
- ['Amazing Spider-Man’ (2012) experiments with a darker tone](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/06/movies/the-amazing-spider-man-review/) - Superhero Saturday (Movie review): The Andrew Garfield series experiments with a darker tone and affirms that the 2002 film had it right all along.
- [Dark Spidey duology wraps with ‘Amazing Spider-Man 2’ (2014)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/07/movies/the-amazing-spider-man-2-review/) - Superhero Saturday (Movie review): The storytelling web gets convoluted as the dark Spidey duology wraps.
- [‘Magic in the Moonlight’ (2014) has fleeting charm](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/06/movies/magic-in-the-moonlight-review/) - Woody Wednesday (Movie review): The shortage of sparks between the leads hurts, but a middling Allen rom-com is still better than the average rom-com.
- [‘Irrational Man’ (2015) held back by the ‘rational’ world](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/09/movies/irrational-man-review/) - Woody Wednesday (Movie review): Stone’s second Allen film is again only a middling entry, although it offers insights about relative morality.
- [Short-lived ‘Drive’ (2007) doesn’t get up to speed](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/11/television/drive-2007-review/) - TV shows lost to history (Review): The cast is remarkable -- including Nathan Fillion and Emma Stone -- but "Drive" is unable to rev up in its six episodes.
- [Fincher’s stylish touch makes flawed ‘Gone Girl’ more engaging than it deserves to be (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2014/11/movies/finchers-stylish-touch-makes-flawed-gone-girl-more-engaging-than-it-deserves-to-be/) - Since it's the latest film from director David Fincher, who has a stylish knack for capturing the gritty essence of neighborhoods and bars and police stations, I recommend seeing "Gone Girl,"albeit in the cheap theater or when it gets to Redbox. At the same time, this marks Fincher's second-straight adaptation of a mainstream beach read, following
- [Woo's ‘Paycheck’ (2003) is illogical yet amusing](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/01/movies/paycheck-review/) - PKD flashback (Movie review): This adaptation of a well-regarded Dick short story is illogical yet amusing.
- [No soph slump for Smith with hilarious ‘Mallrats’ (1995)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/08/movies/mallrats-review/) - Kevin Smith Week (Movie review): The budget and scope increase for Smith’s second film. Luckily the laughs don’t decrease in what is now a nostalgic gem.
- [Smith keeps indie vibe with emotional ‘Chasing Amy’ (1997)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/08/movies/chasing-amy-review/) - Kevin Smith Week (Movie review): After two straight-up comedies, Smith gets nuanced in his exploratory film about a romance that can’t possibly work.
- [Smith gives a dogged effort in ambitious ‘Dogma’ (1999)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/08/movies/dogma-review/) - Kevin Smith Week (Movie review): Smith makes his Catholic faith funny and fascinating in his overlong but engaging fourth film.
- [‘Clerks II’ (2006) explores quiet tragedy of endless ennui](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/08/movies/clerks-ii-review/) - Kevin Smith Week (Movie review): Smith’s style becomes more mainstream, but he doesn't lose his handle on what makes Dante and Randal tick.
- [‘Jay and Silent Bob’ make a fan-pleasing ‘Reboot’ (2019)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/08/movies/jay-and-silent-bob-reboot-review/) - Kevin Smith Week (Movie review): The gang’s all here for Smith’s hug-fest with friends and fans in the first Viewaskewniverse film in 13 years.
- [‘Jersey Girl’ (2004) a cute but generic fatherhood dramedy](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/08/movies/jersey-girl-review/) - Kevin Smith Week (Movie review): Smith proves he can crank out a mainstream crowd-pleaser with “Jersey Girl,” in which a 7-year-old steals the show.
- [‘Air’ an engrossing chronicle of Nike’s side of the legendary MJ deal](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2023/09/movies/air-review/) - Movie review: Folks on an Eighties hoops kick with “Winning Time” will enjoy this engrossing dive into Nike’s signing of Michael Jordan.
- [‘Daredevil’ (2003) looks particularly mediocre](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/05/movies/daredevil-2003-review/) - Superhero Saturday (Movie review): In the wake of the Netflix series, this Ben Affleck-starrer looks particularly mediocre.
- [‘The Way Back’ puts on full-court press of emotions](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/08/movies/the-way-back-review/) - Movie review: Ben Affleck excels in this simple but powerful story of an alcohol addict finding redemption as a basketball coach.
- [Affleck, de Armas keep ‘Deep Water’ from sinking](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2022/03/movies/deep-water-review/) - Movie review: Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas keep us engaged as a psychologically off-kilter rich couple, but “Deep Water” is too simple to achieve greatness.
- [With Rory Gilmore and Matt Saracen in lead roles, ‘Post Grad’ is easy to like (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2009/08/movies/with-rory-gilmore-and-matt-saracen-in-lead-roles-post-grad-is-easy-to-like/) - "Post Grad" isn't the movie where Alexis Bledel breaks out of her Rory Gilmore mold and shows her range. But I'm not complaining. I've pretty much been in love with Rory/Alexis since the first episode of "Gilmore Girls" aired in 2000. Bledel basically plays Rory again here, and she is just as gorgeous (only a bit
- [‘Spotlight’ is a crisply crafted thank-you letter to investigative journalism (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2015/12/movies/spotlight-is-a-crisply-crafted-thank-you-letter-to-investigative-journalism/) - "Spotlight" almost brought tears to my eyes with the way it respectfully portrays the Boston Globe's 2001-02 investigation into the Boston Catholic church's systemic sexual abuse of children by its priests. In the vein of "All the President's Men" and "Zodiac," "Spotlight" is a procedural about the down-and-dirty details of investigative newspaper work, and it might
- [‘Trial of the Chicago 7’ a gripping history lesson](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/11/movies/the-trial-of-the-chicago-7-review/) - Movie review: Aaron Sorkin’s chronicle of seven defendants selected as scapegoats for Vietnam War-era riots is nicely layered and toned.
- [‘The Other Guys’ (2010) skewers action excesses](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/12/movies/the-other-guys-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): This Ferrell-Wahlberg team-up is tonally uneven, but it delivers its share of chuckles.
- [Jared Leto helps ‘Morbius’ fly up to mediocrity ](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2022/06/movies/morbius-review/) - Movie review: Great actors sometimes give this Sony Spider-verse film the gravity of a staged morality play. But mostly, CGI bat swarms rule the screen.
- [‘Flash’ brings multiverse to DCEU with thrills, tears, cameos](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2023/09/superman-supergirl/the-flash-review/) - Movie review: The writers of “Spider-Man: Homecoming” bring their talents to the rival company to shape the best of the first 14 DCEU films.
- [‘Beetlejuice’ (1988) is a matter of taste, and it’s not mine](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2024/10/movies/beetlejuice-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Look, the special effects and Keaton’s performance are good, but what can I say other than “Humor is subjective.”
- [‘RoboCop’ (2014) drops the satire for slick, familiar sci-fi](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/02/movies/robocop-2014-review/) - 'RoboCop' redux (Movie review): This remake has perhaps the best cast ever assembled for a movie you’ll forget almost immediately.
- [Keaton mesmerizes as shady McDonald’s 'Founder' (2017)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/10/movies/the-founder-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): The film paints Kroc as a fascinating mix of contradictions: admirably driven but completely unscrupulous.
- [Keaton's ‘Mr. Mom’ (1983) is a soapy domestic sitcom](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/10/movies/mr-mom-review/) - Hughes Day Tuesday (Movie review): Keaton and Garr are pleasant, but the dad's helplessness is simultaneously absurd and not as funny as it should be.
- [‘Dawn of the Planet of the Apes’ explores human nature via apes, brilliant special effects (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2015/01/movies/dawn-of-the-planet-of-the-apes-explores-human-nature-via-apes-brilliant-special-effects/) - The "Planet of the Apes" franchise shows us we're not much different from apes, and we're both victims of our respective races' propensity for violence and destruction. But 2011's "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" gave the apes a fresh opportunity: Caesar (Andy Serkis plus motion capture computer effects), the first member of a
- [‘Hannibal’ (2001) can’t recapture magic of 'Lambs'](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/02/movies/hannibal-2001-review/) - 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.
- [Adventurous ‘Lost in Space’ (1998) updates 1960s series](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/06/movies/lost-in-space-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): "Lost in Space” isn't “cool,” but it does stay true to the TV adventure series while updating the effects.
- [Besson's ‘Fifth Element’ (1997) an art-design paradise](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/06/movies/the-fifth-element-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Deliciously designed with a funny and adventurous story, this remains writer-director Luc Besson's standout film.
- [‘Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot’ a slow but rewarding character study (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/09/movies/dont-worry-he-wont-get-far-on-foot-review/) - Director and co-writer Gus Van Sant channels some of the character- and relationship-building magic of “Good Will Hunting” in “Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot,” which delivers a message that a good life can grow out of horrible circumstances if one works at it. Yet this film – which is still playing in
- [Shyamalan's ‘Signs’ (2002) is crafty family horror](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/07/movies/signs-review/) - A Week of Night (Movie review): Writer-director M. Night Shyamalan again displays his knack for turning simple ideas into big scares.
- [Phoenix pulls off impressive magic trick with ‘Joker’](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/11/movies/joker-review/) - Movie review: Phillips and Phoenix pull off an impressive magic trick with their non-DCEU "Joker."
- [‘Elysium’ a great-looking, compelling sci-fi film — but it has more questions than answers (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2013/11/movies/elysium-a-great-looking-compelling-sci-fi-film-but-it-has-more-questions-than-answers/) - Like his 2009 sci-fi classic "District 9," "Elysium" has the distinct dystopian touch of writer-director Neill Blomkamp: Slums surrounded by desert wastelands, futuristic weapons and gadgets encrusted in grime and blood, and a sweaty everyman hero who has a chance to change the course of human history for the better. But while "Elysium" is a great-looking film
- [‘The Martian’ (2015) one of century’s elite hard SF films](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/08/movies/the-martian-reviews/) - Throwback Thursday (Book and movie reviews): Director Ridley Scott turns a nerdy novel into one of this century’s elite hard SF films.
- [Lightning strikes twice for Apatow with ‘Undeclared’ (2001-02)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2023/01/television/undeclared-review/) - One-season wonders (TV review): Judd Apatow’s second acclaimed show was canceled as quickly as “Freaks and Geeks,” and it was just as great, in its own way.
- [‘Funny People’ focuses more on ‘people’ than ‘funny’ (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2009/08/movies/funny-people-focuses-more-on-people-than-funny/) - If you saw any of Comedy Central's advance coverage of "Funny People," you've seen most of the funny bits of the new Judd Apatow movie. But one thing you didn't get from the previews was the fact that Adam Sandler's character, George Simmons, is a not-so-great-guy. Although both Sandler and George Simmons are comedians with a juvenile
- [Should we forgive Adam Sandler for 'Grown Ups,' or blame him? (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2010/08/movies/should-we-forgive-adam-sandler-or-blame-him/) - Danielle, one of my comment-thread friends, recently brought up “The Wedding Singer,” an Adam Sandler picture that I vaguely remember as being good. Sandler used to crank out funny movies almost effortlessly: “Billy Madison” and “Happy Gilmore” are contemporary classics, and I think “The Waterboy” and “Big Daddy” deserve to be in that discussion, too. He has plenty of misfires, no doubt. By my reckoning
- [What’s the largest leap in quality between original and sequel? A case for the ‘Jumanji’ films (Movie reviews)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/06/movies/jumanji-movie-reviews/) - 2017 featured one of the longest time gaps between an original and a sequel when “Blade Runner” (1982) was followed with “Blade Runner 2049.” That franchise thus overshadowed “Jumanji” (1995) and “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” (now available on home video). But in terms of quality, there aren’t many sequels that have made such a
- [You know what you’re getting with ‘Rampage’: The Rock and a bunch of special effects (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/09/movies/rampage-review/) - If you’re watching “Rampage,” you know what you’re getting into. It’s about a bunch of oversize animals and monsters attacking a city. This plot is, of course, based off the arcade game of the same name. “Rampage” is a classic, and a favorite of mine as a kid. Who doesn’t like controlling a giant monster
- [Ridiculous ‘Skyscraper’ pushes suspension of disbelief past the breaking point (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/10/movies/skyscraper-review/) - I’m always up for a good action movie. I have the mindset that no matter how bad a blockbuster action movie is, it’s still worth a watch when it’s big, loud and fun. All you have to do is have a little suspension of disbelief. Well, there is suspension of disbelief, and then there’s “Skyscraper.”
- [‘Journey 2: The Mysterious Island’ is throwaway silliness, but in a good way (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2012/02/movies/journey-2-the-mysterious-island-is-throwaway-silliness-but-in-a-good-way/) - "Journey 2: The Mysterious Island" is a stupid blockbuster movie in the best sense of the phrase, just like its predecessor, 2008's "Journey to the Center of the Earth." Whereas a lot of big-ticket movies are aggressively stupid, "Journey 2" is comfortable being what it is. Many points in the movie could be easily picked apart
- [‘Furious 7’ (2015) bids farewell to Walker with class](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/05/movies/furious-7-review/) - An outsider’s take on the ‘Fast’ saga (Movie review): The seventh entry has good action spectacle and banter, but it's best known as Paul Walker's last film.
- [‘Black Adam’ a goofily fun but hypocritical superhero romp](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2022/12/movies/black-adam-review/) - Movie review: The Rock is nicely understated as a rare Middle Eastern superhero, but the setting feels more like a computer than reality.
- [‘Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw’ (2019) a silly, wild romp](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/05/movies/hobbs-and-shaw-review/) - An outsider’s take on the ‘Fast’ saga (Movie review): Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham do their thing in this wild ride.
- [‘The Post’ fondly recalls the old days of a respected press, war protests (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/01/movies/the-post-fondly-recalls-the-old-days-of-a-respected-press-war-protests/) - One of my bosses encouraged us to attend “The Post” (2017) – which recently got a wide theatrical release – to rekindle our passion for newspapering. The film encourages some of that spirit, no doubt, but overall it left me sad. It’s a great movie about the Washington Post’s decision to publish highlights of the Top
- [‘A League of Their Own’ (1992) a bittersweet slice of time](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/09/movies/a-league-of-their-own-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): The story takes liberties with the women's baseball league, but the film has personalities and a sense of time and place.
- [‘Cloud Atlas’ (2012) has epic rebellious streak](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/08/movies/cloud-atlas-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): The Wachowski sisters and Tom Tykwer invigoratingly tell of rebellions big and small in six time periods.
- [All 22 episodes of ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ Season 3 (1998-99), ranked](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2011/11/television/rewatching-and-reviewing-the-classics-buffy-season-3/) - TV review" "Buffy" Season 3 is about the end of a first love, and it also marks my first love: the first time I was hooked on a whole TV season.
- [All 22 episodes of ‘Angel’ Season 4 (2002-03), ranked](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2012/04/television/rewatching-and-reviewing-the-classics-angel-season-4/) - TV review: "Angel's" fourth season features unappealing turns for Cordelia's characterization, but also some pretty epic villains.
- [All 22 episodes of ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ Season 4 (1999-2000), ranked](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2012/10/television/rewatching-and-reviewing-the-classics-buffy-season-4/) - TV review: A notable step down from Season 3, Season 4 nonetheless features the return of Faith and other great moments.
- [‘Dollhouse’ Season 1 (2009) makes case as Whedon's smartest show (TV review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2016/08/television/rewatching-and-reviewing-the-classics-dollhouse-season-1-2009/) - Rewatching and reviewing the classics: On this rewatch, I found "Dollhouse" to be the most intellectually dense show of Joss Whedon's oeuvre.
- [Rewatching and reviewing the classics: ‘Dollhouse’ Season 2 (2009-10) (TV review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2016/09/television/rewatching-and-reviewing-the-classics-dollhouse-season-2-2009-10/) - It started as an anthology show that allowed Eliza Dushku to play a different character every week, but in its second season (2009-10, Fox), "Dollhouse" embraces its identity as a serial story exploring what makes a person a distinct individual. It approaches this theme from dozens of different angles, but rather than running off the rails, it's
- [‘True Lies’ (1994) proves Cameron can do comedy](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/09/movies/true-lies-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): In a rare Cameron film that's not a sweeping social commentary or historical epic, he shows he can draw laughs.
- [Oh, how I love/hate ‘(500) Days of Summer’ (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2009/10/movies/oh-how-i-love-hate-500-days-of-summer/) - "(500) Days of Summer," the would-be-romantic, too-sad-to-be-a-comedy starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel, starts with a narrated warning that this is not a love story. It's not so we'll smirk and say, "Isn't that cute -- a love story that says it's not a love story." It's meant as a literal warning, so don't say it
- [She & Him: The best grammatically incorrect duo in recent memory (Music review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2010/04/music/she-him-the-best-grammatically-incorrect-duo-in-recent-memory/) - Like 99 percent of She & Him listeners, I discovered Zooey Deschanel's singing talents through her film work. Many were hooked when she sang a short song in "Elf." But it took me until last year's "(500) Days of Summer," in which she soft-sings "To die by your side / Is such a heavenly way to die"
- [In 'Our Idiot Brother,' the idiot is the smart one, and so is this refreshing comedy (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2011/08/movies/the-idiot-is-the-smart-one-and-so-is-this-refreshing-comedy/) - In a scene from "Our Idiot Brother," title character Ned (Paul Rudd) is counting his cash on the subway and he hands it to a stranger to hold onto while he cleans up a coffee spill. If I saw this happen in reality, I'd assume there was a hidden camera for a reality show that secretly tests
- [First episode impressions: ‘New Girl’ (TV review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2011/09/television/first-episode-impressions-new-girl/) - With Zooey Deschanel in the title role, I expect "New Girl" (8 p.m. Central Tuesdays starting Sept. 20 on Fox, but the first episode is already on Hulu) to be a notch above a standard sitcom. Her presence puts the stamp of passion-project quality on an endeavor, as seen in "Almost Famous," "(500) Days of Summer"
- [Who’s that girl? It’s Jess; and ‘New Girl’ is getting better (TV commentary)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2012/03/television/whos-that-girl-its-jess-and-new-girl-is-getting-better/) - The idea of getting a weekly dose of the girl from "(500) Days of Summer" was irresistible when "New Girl" (8 p.m. Central Tuesdays on Fox) debuted last fall, but the public seemed to think a regular blast of the "too cute, too quirky" Zooey Deschanel was too much and the backlash started to arrive. I myself
- [‘The Driftless Area’ eschews linear storytelling, and it’s as weird as you’d expect (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2016/06/movies/the-driftless-area-eschews-linear-storytelling-and-its-as-weird-as-youd-expect/) - With his recent unfortunate death at age 27 in a vehicle accident, Anton Yelchin takes a spot in film history similar to Heath Ledger, where lots of people will celebrate his catalogue, but we'll wonder what more he could've done if he hadn't died before his time. "The Driftless Area" is among the final films of this
- [‘The Happening’ (2008) an accidental pandemic parable](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/07/movies/the-happening-review/) - A Week of Night (Movie review): “The Happening” is on no one’s list of the best Shyamalan films, but it does achieve more value through a pandemic lens.
- [‘Elf’ (2003) is worth taking off the shelf every Christmas](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2022/12/movies/elf-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Pure of heart without being schmaltzy, Will Ferrell’s classic is like a spiritual palette cleanser.
- [NBC makes the right call: ‘The Cape’ cancelled](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2011/03/television/nbc-makes-the-right-call-the-cape-cancelled/) - TV commentary: NBC gave Tom Wheeler's superhero series a fair chance, but through 10 episodes it simply wasn't very good.
- [All 22 episodes of ‘Angel’ Season 3 (2001-02), ranked](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2012/02/television/rewatching-and-reviewing-the-classics-angel-season-3/) - TV review: "Angel" Season 3 features the most ill-conceived main plot of any Joss Whedon show. But the season does boast a few standout episodes.
- [‘Terminator’ flashback: ‘The Sarah Connor Chronicles’ Season 1 (2008) (TV review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2015/10/television/terminator-flashback-the-sarah-connor-chronicles-season-1-2008/) - Watching "The Sarah Connor Chronicles" Season 1 (2008) after reading the post-"T2" comics and novels, it seems certain that producer Josh Friedman is doing a loose adaptation of those materials. However, listening to his episode commentaries, it seems that's not the case after all, as he cites only the films as influences. It goes to show that
- [‘Terminator’ flashback: ‘The Sarah Connor Chronicles’ Season 2 (2008-09) (TV review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2016/06/television/terminator-flashback-the-sarah-connor-chronicles-season-2-2008-09/) - "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles" Season 2 (2008-09) is a decompressed stretch of low-key epic storytelling that continues to chronicle central "Terminator" ideas. John and Sarah ferret out organizations that might be the proto-Skynet, and resistance fighters and Terminators pop up in time bubbles on specific missions relating to Skynet or the Connors. Thematically, we get
- [Glau makes mediocre ‘The Cape’ worth tuning in for](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2011/01/television/first-episode-impressions-the-cape/) - First episode impressions (TV review): NBC takes its crack at superheroes with a two-hour premiere of "The Cape."
- [‘American Reunion’ doesn’t alter the recipe much, but it’s still a sweet slice of pie (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2012/04/movies/american-reunion-doesnt-alter-the-recipe-much-but-its-still-a-sweet-slice-of-pie/) - I distinctly -- and fondly -- remember how shocking "American Pie" was when it came out in 1999, starting with Jim's dad (Eugene Levy) walking in on Jim (Jason Biggs), continuing through the pie scene and peaking with Michelle's (Alyson Hannigan) flute-related revelation. I recently rewatched the film in the quiet of my living room
- [‘Day of the Dead’ (2008) has Romero ties in name only](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2024/01/movies/day-of-the-dead-2008-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): Despite being a remake of the 1985 classic, this is simply a cash grab amid the “28 Days Later” craze.
- [Maybe 'The Phantom Menace' was ‘just a movie’ after all (Commentary)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2009/05/movies/maybe-it-was-just-a-movie-after-all/) - Ten years ago today, I was waiting in a sun-drenched line at West Acres Cinema in Fargo, N.D., to buy a ticket for the midnight debut of "Star Wars: Episode I -- The Phantom Menace," a movie that was supposed to change cinema as we knew it. One could make a case that it succeeded,
- [‘Phantom Menace’ in 3D: Now THIS is podracing (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2012/02/movies/phantom-menace-in-3d-now-this-is-podracing/) - In the 1983 documentary "From Star Wars to Jedi: The Making of a Saga," George Lucas talks about how a lot of movies like to show off the work of the construction crew on screen. But he prefers to spend just enough time on an establishing shot that viewers know what they are seeing; he
- [What John thought about ‘Revenge of the Sith’ in 2005 (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2016/09/movies/what-i-thought-about-revenge-of-the-sith-in-2005/) - To round out the "Star Wars" film reviews on my blog, I thought it would be fun to look back at my review of "Episode III: Revenge of the Sith" from May 20, 2005, in the Brainerd (Minn.) Dispatch. This was my first "Star Wars" movie review for a professional daily paper, so it's written for a
- [What John thought about ‘Attack of the Clones’ in 2002 (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2016/09/movies/what-i-thought-about-attack-of-the-clones-in-2002/) - Just for fun -- and to round out the "Star Wars" film reviews on my blog – I decided to look back at what I thought of "Episode II: Attack of the Clones" upon its release in the summer of 2002. I wrote the review for my college paper, the NDSU Spectrum. I went on to rank
- [Wondrous settings and epic monster fights shine, but ‘Kong: Skull Island’ also has depth (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2017/12/movies/wondrous-settings-and-epic-monster-fights-shine-but-kong-skull-island-also-has-depth/) - I didn’t know if we needed another “King Kong” reboot per se, especially since Peter Jackson’s 2005 version was pretty great. And there are indeed some been-there, done-that moments in "Kong: Skull Island," which hit theaters in March and is now on HBO. But darn it, this is such an amazing-looking movie that I have been
- [McAvoy puts on a show in trilogy capper 'Glass'](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/01/movies/glass-review/) - Spoiler-free movie review: This trilogy-capper we didn't know we needed is another unconventional superhero film from Shyamalan.
- [‘Captain Marvel’s’ mythology is confusing, but '90s nostalgia is fun](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/03/movies/captain-marvel-review/) - Movie review: Strong performances, action and ’90s nostalgia outweigh "Captain Marvel’s" head-scratching mythology.
- [It's great to revisit 'Unbreakable'-verse in ‘Glass’](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/04/movies/glass-review-2/) - Movie review: "Glass" is overlong, but the thrill of seeing the worlds of "Unbreakable" and "Split" combine doesn't wear off.
- [‘Unbreakable’ (2000) a rare ‘real-world’ superhero story](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/05/movies/unbreakable-review/) - Superhero Saturday (Movie review): Shyamalan's hyped follow-up to "The Sixth Sense" is dripping with style as it tells a superhero's origin story.
- ['Long Kiss Goodnight’ (1996) gets overblown toward end](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/02/movies/the-long-kiss-goodnight-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): This Shane Black-penned film gets overblown toward the end, but his one-liners are a blast.
- [‘Sphere’ (1998) takes its place among sci-fi mind-benders](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/05/movies/sphere-review-2/) - Michael Crichton Monday (Movie review): I can see why “Sphere” is disliked by many, but I’m surprised it’s not loved by more SF enthusiasts.
- [‘Deep Blue Sea’ (1999) a smart actioner about smart-sharks  ](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2022/06/movies/deep-blue-sea-review/) - Toothy Tuesday (Movie review): Renny Harlin’s thriller has its admirers and haters. After this rewatch, I realized I’m firmly in the former category.
- [‘Cleveland Show’ rocks, ‘Community’ doesn’t, and 'Modern Family' is nothing new (TV reviews)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2009/09/television/cleveland-rocks-community-doesnt-a-look-at-the-new-sitcoms/) - There's a nice scene in the pilot episode of "The Cleveland Show" (7:30 p.m. Central Sundays on Fox) where Peter, Quagmire, Joe and the "Family Guy" gang gather around to say goodbye to spinoff-bound Cleveland Brown. Peter hugs Cleveland, and of course, Quagmire says something sexual in the background, but basically it's a normal farewell scene. The
- [I should like ‘Community.’ But I don’t quite get it. Sorry (TV commentary)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2011/11/television/i-should-like-community-but-i-dont-quite-get-it-sorry/) - I made it only a few seconds into the first episode of “2 Broke Girls,” one of the most critically acclaimed shows of the fall. It wasn’t the immature, sex-obsessed guys or the snarky, intent-on-those-guys-not-having-sex-with-her girl that made me lower the quick ax (although those cliched elements didn’t help). It was the laugh track. I haven’t been
- [‘European Vacation’ (1985) fails to make memories – or humor](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/08/movies/european-vacation-review/) - Hughes Day Tuesday (Movie review): The sequel to "Vacation" fails to create wonderful new family memories – or much humor.
- [‘Vegas Vacation’ (1997) finds laughs without Hughes](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/08/movies/vegas-vacation-review/) - Hughes Day Tuesday (Movie review): The Griswold family saga shows it can be funny without John Hughes in this fourth entry.
- [Kiddie flick ‘Zoom’ (2006) forgets humor, energy](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/08/movies/zoom-review/) - Superhero Saturday (Movie review): Even the target audience of this seemingly zingy Tim Allen superhero comedy will find it to be on the flat side.
- [Knight, Dangerfield 'gopher' broke in ‘Caddyshack’ (1980)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/04/movies/caddyshack-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): "Caddyshack" is driven by Knight and Dangerfield more so than Murray, Chase or the animatronic gopher.
- [Chase shines as ‘Vacation’ (1983) puts Hughes on map](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/08/movies/vacation-1983-review/) - Hughes Day Tuesday (Movie review): Chevy Chase shines as John Hughes' breakthrough film chronicles a hilarious "two weeks of living hell."
- [‘Batman Forever’ (1995) is a grating mess](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/01/movies/batman-forever-review/) - ‘Batman’ flashback (Movie review): Schumacher takes over for Burton and delivers a grating mess.
- [‘Kick-Ass 2’ (2013) finds its groove](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/12/movies/kick-ass-2-review/) - Superhero Saturday (Movie review): This superhero-comedy sequel finds its groove with better jokes and action.
- [Carrey, Daniels totally redeem themselves with ‘Dumb and Dumber To’ (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2014/11/movies/carrey-daniels-totally-redeem-themselves-with-dumb-and-dumber-to/) - "Dumb and Dumber To" opens with Jim Carrey's Lloyd Christmas revealing his 20-year fake stupor to best bud Harry Dunne (Jeff Daniels) with a "Gotcha!" Harry argues that the gag would've been funny after a mere 10 years; Lloyd agrees, with the caveat "But not as (funny as 20 years)." While I'm not sure why we
- [‘The Mask’ (1994) stands out even in Carrey's big year](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/04/movies/the-mask-review/) - Superhero Saturday (Movie review): "The Mask" features top-shelf Jim Carrey, sssmokin’ Cameron Diaz and delightful special effects.
- [Murphy, Falchuk take horror shtick to network TV with ‘Scream Queens’](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2015/09/television/first-episode-impressions-scream-queens/) - First episode impressions (TV review): The duo's latest dark horror comedy features a loaded cast.
- [‘Halloween II’ (1981) gives us feature-length last scare](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/10/movies/halloween-ii-1981-review/) - An outsider’s take on the ‘Halloween’ saga (Movie review): In an immediate sequel, Michael isn't done tormenting Laurie yet.
- [Michael doesn't take kindly to visitors in ‘Halloween: Resurrection’ (2002)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/10/movies/halloween-resurrection-review/) - An outsider’s take on the ‘Halloween’ saga (Movie review): We learn about Michael's life as a hermit in this "H20" sequel.
- [Blumhouse’s ‘Halloween’ (2018) gets back to the roots](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/10/movies/halloween-2018-review/) - An outsider’s take on the ‘Halloween’ saga (Movie review): Michael gets back in "Shape" for this direct sequel to the original.
- [‘Virus’ (1999) is derivative but endearing](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/06/movies/virus-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): This derivative but endearing science fiction actioner blends "The Thing" with Skynet.
- [‘Halloween Kills’ riffs on ‘later that night’ scares](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/10/movies/halloween-kills-review/) - Movie review: The second chapter of the “H40” trilogy has good continuity and a fresh angle, but it doesn’t do much to develop characters.
- [‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ needed another editing pass ](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2022/04/movies/everything-everywhere-all-at-once-review/) - Movie review: Despite the heartfelt messages at its core, this creative SF comedy is undone by its bombastic style and length.
- [‘Halloween Ends’ by digging into shape of evil](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2022/10/movies/halloween-ends-review/) - Movie review: The “H40” sequel trilogy takes a surprising turn, but the pulpy vibe and delicious Carpenter score make for a holiday celebration.
- [‘Halloween H20: 20 Years Later’ (1998) digs into sibling rivalry](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/10/movies/halloween-h20-20-years-later-review/) - An outsider’s take on the ‘Halloween’ saga (Movie review): Jamie Lee Curtis returns to explore Laurie's relationship with Michael.
- [Curtis and burgeoning tropes go to ‘Prom Night’ (1980)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/04/movies/prom-night-1980-review/) - 'Prom Night' saga (Movie review): Another vintage horror franchise launches by roping an annual American event into the slasher fold.
- [You’ll get a few chuckles out of expendable action flick 'The Expendables' (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2010/08/movies/youll-get-a-few-chuckles-out-of-this-expendable-action-flick/) - Nowadays, it's not unexpected to see fight scenes that are edited at such a rapid-fire pace that it's almost impossible to tell what's going on, or sometimes even who's fighting who. And ever since this trend began about a decade ago, critics and moviegoers have said they don't like it. Yet most filmmakers love this
- [Like the first entry, ‘Expendables 2’ lives up to its title (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2012/08/movies/like-the-first-entry-expendables-2-lives-up-to-its-title/) - Part of the fun of bad 1980s action movies was that they had a ridiculous plot to hang the action on. Part of why "The Expendables 2" isn't quite as fun as those old-school movies is that it doesn't really have a plot -- it's too aware of the silliness of the genre to fully embrace it,
- [A couple of quirky love stories: ‘Moonrise Kingdom’ and ‘Safety Not Guaranteed’ (Movie reviews)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2012/12/movies/a-couple-of-quirky-love-stories-safety-not-guaranteed-and-moonrise-kingdom/) - Two stylized films recently released on DVD take unconventional approaches to love stories. In both cases, the ambition slightly outstrips the execution, but both “Safety Not Guaranteed” and “Moonrise Kingdom” held my attention and are worth a rental. The premise of “Safety Not Guaranteed” will make journalists laugh the same way doctors laugh at “Grey’s Anatomy.” A Seattle magazine
- [‘Sin City’ sequel 'A Dame to Kill For' offers more of the same, but that’s not such a bad thing (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2014/08/movies/sin-city-sequel-offers-more-of-the-same-but-thats-not-such-a-bad-thing/) - "Sin City: A Dame to Kill For" was apparently made for me and about five other geeky guys, as almost no one went to see it on its opening weekend. One of the theories for the low interest level is that a sequel was not needed because the 2005 original, a stylistically perfect comic book come
- [‘Die Hard’ Christmas movie poll is dead wrong](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2015/12/movies/die-hard-christmas-movie-poll-reveals-americans-shouldnt-be-trusted-to-vote-on-anything/) - Movie review/commentary: Poll results say "Die Hard" isn't a Christmas movie. It makes me wonder if Americans should be trusted to vote on anything.
- [With thrilling 'Split,' Shyamalan is back](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2017/10/movies/with-thrilling-split-its-safe-to-say-m-night-shyamalan-is-back/) - Movie review: M. Night Shyamalan's notoriously up-and-down career achieves an "up" with the surprise horror gem "Split."
- [Stars have a blast bringing ‘Charlie’s Angels’ films to big screen](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/11/movies/charlies-angels-reviews/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie reviews): Diaz, Barrymore and Liu have a blast … or several … bringing the saga to the big screen.
- [‘Die Hard 2: Die Harder’ (1990) is a stone-cold classic](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/12/movies/die-hard-2-die-harder-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Like an action film set in a snow globe, this DC-set sequel is the second Christmas classic in the saga.
- [‘Last Boy Scout’ (1991) has classic one-liners, can’t sustain momentum](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/03/movies/the-last-boy-scout-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): It gets silly toward the end, but the Shane Black screenplay makes this film fun to watch.
- [‘12 Monkeys’ (1995) is a stylish, confusing take on time travel](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/03/movies/12-monkeys-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Terry Gilliam’s film is a stylish, confusing take on time travel.
- [‘The Sixth Sense’ (1999) invigorates meditative horror](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/07/movies/the-sixth-sense-review/) - A Week of Night (Movie review): “The Sixth Sense” put M. Night Shyamalan on the map, but the film’s quality goes beyond the twist.
- [Trio, twist are big things that drive ‘Little Things’](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/02/movies/the-little-things-review/) - Movie review: The great Denzel performance and the 1990 setting are among the appealing throwback elements of Hancock’s film.
- [‘Crimson Tide’ (1995) is a red-letter submarine suspenser](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/05/movies/crimson-tide-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): The epitome of Nineties action remains a well-oiled machine 30 years later thanks to what now looks like restraint.
- [‘Roman J. Israel, Esq.’ hampered by inexplicable faux-biopic presentation](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/07/movies/roman-j-israel-esq-review/) - Movie review: Denzel Washington gives a fine performance as always, but the film is boring and overlong.
- [Denzel Washington adds the excellent ‘Flight’ to his outstanding resume (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2013/02/movies/denzel-washington-adds-the-excellent-flight-to-his-outstanding-resume/) - You know, sometimes it's great to just settle in and enjoy a Denzel Washington movie. Although I'm not really the type to have a favorite actor (there's no one where I follow them from role to role regardless of the topic), I did go on a Denzel kick back in 1999 in the wake of
- [Action/revenge genre remains fresh in 'John Wick 2'](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2017/11/movies/john-wick-films-strip-down-action-revenge-genre-to-make-it-fresh-again/) - Movie review: The "John Wick" sequel again reminds us of why we love action films in the first place.
- [20 years later, it's still worth entering 'The Matrix' (1999)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/03/movies/the-matrix-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Moviegoers took the red pill and happily entered the bleak but thrilling future of "The Matrix."
- [‘John Wick 3: Parabellum’ has a blast playing in its sandbox](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/05/movies/john-wick-chapter-3-parabellum-review/) - Movie review: The Wick-versus-the-world showdown is set in this thrilling third chapter.
- [‘Always Be My Maybe’ is exactly what you think it is – but not entirely to its detriment (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/06/movies/always-be-my-maybe-review/) - You know what kind of movie “Always Be My Maybe” (Netflix) is, and the people who made it know what kind of movie it is, but that shared knowledge works in its favor. In this tale of two childhood besties who are soul mates but don’t realize it, Ali Wong and especially Randall Park give
- [‘Matrix Reloaded’ (2003) gets almost too dense to penetrate](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/08/movies/the-matrix-reloaded-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): The brilliance of the first film flirts with turning into mumbo jumbo, but ... my god, those action sequences.
- [‘Matrix Revolutions’ (2003) a spectacular trilogy capper](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/08/movies/the-matrix-revolutions-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): The trilogy's conclusion channels "Return of the Jedi" with great action on multiple fronts.
- [Matrix reboots for thrilling remix ‘Matrix Resurrections’](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/12/movies/matrix-resurrections-review/) - Movie review: Among the last decade’s spate of nostalgic reboots, a new “Matrix” film is perhaps the most appropriate. It’s also one of the best.
- [‘Point Break’ (1991) a dumb, then great, action classic ](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2022/07/movies/point-break-1991-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): “Point Break” is a tale of two halves – first a cringingly dumb buddy copper, then an all-time genre gem.
- [‘Knock Knock’ (2015) a welcome pop-in for home-invasion horror ](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2022/09/movies/knock-knock-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): Two beautiful women showing up at your door might not scream “horror film,” but Eli Roth pulls it off.
- [‘John Wick’ (2014) is lean, brisk, and now a classic](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2023/04/movies/john-wick-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Here’s a look at the surprisingly lean actioner that started the saga of four films and in-the-pipeline spinoffs.
- [‘Replacements’ (2000) strikes balance of heart, dumb humor](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2023/04/movies/the-replacements-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): This loose riff on the NFL’s replacement-player period stands out due to Hackman and Reeves.
- ['Constantine’ (2005) tries to become Reeves’ next franchise](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/11/movies/constantine-review/) - Superhero Saturday (Movie review): "Constantine" turns to the ultimate superhero text in search of Reeves’ next franchise.
- [‘The Witch’ is a masterful blend of history and horror (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2016/06/movies/the-witch-is-a-masterful-blend-of-history-and-horror/) - "The Witch" -- now available from Redbox – is a masterful, artistic blend of history and horror. While it seems like most genre films are of the haunted house/ancient curse variety, as with "The Conjuring 2," a couple of outside-the-box horror pictures find their way into the mainstream every year. Last year, it was "It Follows"
- [Pitch-black ‘Thoroughbreds’ a meditative portrait of empathy-challenged teenagers (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/07/movies/thoroughbreds-review/) - People who lack emotions, ironically, can spur conflicted emotions in filmgoers. As Amanda (“Ready Player One’s” Olivia Cooke) says in “Thoroughbreds,” since she doesn’t feel emotions, she has to work harder to be good. As a viewer who does feel emotions, I dislike her for lacking something that defines humanity, but then I chastise myself.
- [‘Queen’s Gambit’ the Grandmaster of short-form drama](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/11/television/the-queens-gambit-review/) - TV review: Anya Taylor-Joy is outstanding in this miniseries that takes us to the 1950s and 1960s in all their pastel and analog glory.
- [‘X-Men’ finale ‘New Mutants’ taps into old story](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/11/movies/the-new-mutants-review/) - Movie review: Fox's "X-Men" film saga ends with a relative whimper despite "The New Mutants' " standout cast and intriguing influences.
- [‘The Menu’ (2022) serves up weirdness, skimps on horror](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2023/01/movies/the-menu-review/) - Movie review: Director Mark Mylod’s film has the presentation of great psychological horror, but it’ll leave you hungry for plausibility and scares.
- [‘The Gorge’ can’t clear the gap to greatness](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2025/03/movies/the-gorge-review/) - Movie review: Standard sci-fi intrigue and two likeable leads keep Derrickson’s film from descending too far, but it could’ve been better.
- [McKenzie, Taylor-Joy light up ‘Last Night in Soho’](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/12/movies/last-night-in-soho-review/) - Movie review: Edgar Wright lusciously mashes up genres and takes us on a wild ride through London’s neon-lit club sector.
- [Where were you in ’98?: ‘Fanboys’ will make ‘Star Wars’ fans smile (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2009/05/movies/where-were-you-in-98-fanboys-will-make-star-wars-fans-smile/) - At the beginning of “Fanboys,” two of the titular characters argue about Boba Fett’s degree of coolness, the Fett-hater noting that the Rocketeer also had a jet pack, so that can’t be a point in his favor. I was never the type of geek to argue the pluses and minuses of fictional characters, but I did notice
- [The top 10 episodes of ‘Veronica Mars’ Season 1 (2004-05)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2013/06/television/rewatching-and-reviewing-the-classics-veronica-mars-season-1/) - TV review: Rob Thomas introduces an iconic teen detective for the new millennium.
- [The top 10 episodes of ‘Veronica Mars’ Season 2 (2005-06)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2013/07/television/rewatching-and-reviewing-the-classics-veronica-mars-season-2/) - TV review: Thought not as satisfying as Season 1, Season 2 is still compelling as Veronica probes a bus explosion mystery.
- [The top 10 episodes of ‘Veronica Mars’ Season 3 (2006-07)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2013/08/television/rewatching-and-reviewing-the-classics-veronica-mars-season-3/) - TV review: "Veronica" switches to a new network and a slightly new format in the final season of its original run.
- [‘Veronica Mars’ is back, and it’s like she never left](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2014/05/movies/veronica-mars-is-back-and-its-like-she-never-left/) - Movie review: "Veronica Mars' " jump from the small to big screen is among the triumphs of the Kickstarter age.
- [First episode impressions: ‘Play It Again, Dick’ (TV review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2014/09/television/first-episode-impressions-play-it-again-dick/) - In the ongoing push to take "meta" to new and absurd levels, "Play It Again, Dick" (Tuesdays, CW Seed) joins the likes of "The Comeback," "Episodes" and "Extras" (or James Van Der Beek playing "himself" on "Don't Trust the B---- in Apt. 23") as it chronicles the making of the fake "Veronica Mars" spinoff "Private Dick." The first
- [Appealing leads give heart to funny but formulaic ‘Bad Moms’ (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2016/07/movies/appealing-leads-give-heart-to-funny-but-formulaic-bad-moms/) - Whereas "Bad Teacher" and "Bad Santa" played up the jokes in their titles – wouldn't it be funny if a teacher or a Santa was monumentally bad at their job? – "Bad Moms" goes a bit deeper. Yes, there is that sequence – featured in the trailer – where Amy (Mila Kunis), Kiki (Kristen Bell) and Carla
- [First episode impressions: ‘The Good Place’ (TV review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2016/09/television/first-episode-impressions-the-good-place/) - Exhibit A in the case that network TV is dying is the bevy of reboots that no one asked for, and Exhibit B arrived Monday in the form of NBC's "The Good Place" (which will move into its regular timeslot at 8:30 p.m. Thursdays). Seemingly the antidote to all the rehashes, this is certainly the most high-concept
- [‘Big Mouth’ is the next iteration of Things You Can Do on Television – and it’s also darn funny (TV review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/10/television/big-mouth-season-1-and-2-review/) - Netflix’s “Big Mouth” – which recently released its second season -- marks the latest sea change in Things You Can Do on Television, as it chronicles 12- and 13-year-olds entering puberty. But unlike “The Simpsons” in the 1990s and “Family Guy” in the 2000s, there has been little hand-wringing from parents’ TV groups about “Big
- [Mamet keeps us guessing in ‘Spartan’ (2004)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/03/movies/spartan-review/) - Mamet Monday (Movie review): The film features gorgeous settings and strong acting, and keeps you guessing.
- [‘Veronica Mars’ becomes great character piece in Season 4](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/09/television/veronica-mars-season-4-review/) - TV review: Hulu brings back "Veronica Mars" for eight episodes that ramp up the threat level.
- [Lifeguards in crisis in 'The Lifeguard,' 'To Do List'](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2013/12/movies/kristen-bell-aubrey-plaza-play-lifeguards-in-various-crises/) - Movie reviews: Kristen Bell and Aubrey Plaza play lifeguards struggling with life in "The Lifeguard" and "The To Do List."
- [‘Like Father’ gets by on the charms of Kristen Bell, Kelsey Grammer (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/08/movies/like-father-review/) - It’s easy to see why “Like Father” went straight to Netflix (the modern equivalent of straight-to-video) rather than getting a theatrical release, but fans of Kristen Bell and/or Kelsey Grammer will still find this light comedy to be mildly charming. The feature-length writing-directing debut from Lauren Miller Rogen, it portrays a workaholic woman, Rachel (Bell),
- [‘Disturbing Behavior’ (1998) is wild, weird high school horror](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/07/movies/disturbing-behavior-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): David Nutter's moody high school horror film is "wrong, bad, bad, wrong," yet oh so lovable.
- [‘Dawson’s Creek’ Season 1 (1998) an all-time great teen romance](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2023/01/television/dawsons-creek-season-1-review/) - Throwback Thursday (TV review): Choose your own adventure by relating to Dawson, Joey, Pacey or Jen. Or better yet, all four, in Kevin Williamson’s gem.
- [‘Pieces of April’ (2003) a harsh, sweet tear-jerker](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/11/movies/pieces-of-april-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Katie Holmes' standout film has a low budget but high value as it tells a sympathetic story of a dysfunctional family.
- [‘Brahms: The Boy II’ (2020) all dolled up for silly scares](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/11/movies/brahms-the-boy-ii-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): Katie Holmes takes over for Lauren Cohan in a sequel that’s more basic than the inventive original.
- [‘Annihilation’ is Garland’s disappointingly slow and weird follow-up to ‘Ex Machina’ (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/06/movies/annihilation-review/) - The 2015 masterpiece “Ex Machina” put Alex Garland on my list of must-see auteurs, and the trailers for “Annihilation” – now available on home video – made it look like an amazing follow-up. A shimmering energy field, monsters, moodiness. Instead, it’s a step backward to the smarter-than-thou mindtrip of the Garland-penned “Sunshine” (2007), leaning on
- [‘V for Vendetta’ (2006) a gorgeous revolution](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/11/movies/v-for-vendetta-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): This comic adaptation is a message movie about the value of freedom, and also a beautiful work of art.
- [‘Everyone Says I Love You’ (1996) celebrates heart’s desires](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2022/12/movies/everyone-says-i-love-you-review/) - Woody Wednesday (Movie review): While still recognizably an Allen film, this one focuses on the positive side of love enough to make you want to sing and dance.
- [‘Garden State’ (2004) makes melancholy feel so good](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2024/05/movies/garden-state-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): A great soundtrack, melodrama, quirky folks and a smoothly understated romance make this a coming-of-age gem.
- [‘Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan’s Hope’ (2011) is too basic](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/01/movies/comic-con-episode-iv-a-fans-hope-review/) - Superhero Saturday (Movie review): It's nice to have a Spurlock documentary of Comic-Con. But it could've dug a lot deeper into the event.
- [‘Death of ‘Superman Lives’’ (2015) chronicles unmade film](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/02/superman-supergirl/the-death-of-superman-lives-review/) - Superhero Saturday (Movie review): We never got Burton's vision of Superman. Maybe it's better that we got this compelling documentary.
- [‘Comic Book Men’ opens up the 4-color world](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2012/02/television/first-episode-impressions-comic-book-men/) - First episode impressions (TV review): Kevin Smith is our guide through enjoyable days in the life of comic-store clerks in New Jersey.
- [‘Clerks: The Animated Series’ (2000-01) goes full-on goofy](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/08/television/clerks-the-animated-series-review/) - Kevin Smith Week (TV review): This loony ’toon isn’t a bridging story between “Clerks” and “Clerks II." But it appeals to some of Smith’s fan base.
- [‘Zack and Miri Make a Porno’ (2008), and it's a funny one](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/08/movies/zack-and-miri-make-a-porno-review/) - Kevin Smith Week (Movie review): Lots of funny people team up for this raunch-com that’s loaded with laughs before it becomes a predictable love story.
- [Smith’s ‘Clerks’ (1994) the pinnacle of DIY filmmaking](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/08/movies/clerks-review/) - Kevin Smith Week (Movie review): “Clerks” was revolutionary. For me, hearing a detailed discussion of a “Star Wars” plot point in a movie was mind-blowing.
- [Smith taps funny bone, tugs heartstrings in ‘Clerks III’](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2022/10/movies/clerks-iii-review/) - Movie review: Writer-director Kevin Smith makes not merely a nostalgia-fest, but his flat-out best film in a long time.
- [Smith proves he can do brutally great horror in ‘Red State’ (2011)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2023/01/movies/red-state-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): Known more for comedies like “Clerks,” Kevin Smith demonstrates his versatility with this shocking horror-actioner.
- [‘Rambo’ (2008) a shell-shocking portrayal of war](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/01/movies/rambo-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): The fourth "Rambo" film is a shell-shocking portrayal of what weapons of war can do.
- [‘Judge Dredd’ (1995) an entertaining critique of police states](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/02/movies/judge-dredd-review/) - Superhero Saturday (Movie review): Stallone's SF-actioner is a blunt but entertaining critique of police states .
- [Allen finds farcical footing in ‘Bananas’ (1971)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2021/02/movies/bananas-review/) - Woody Wednesday (Movie review): This early calling card in Allen’s oeuvre is driven by snort-worthy off-the-cuff lines.
- [‘Terminator’ flashback: ‘The Terminator’ movie (1984) and novelizations (1984-85) (Review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2015/02/movies/terminator-flashback-the-terminator-movie-1984-and-novelizations-1984-85/) - “The Terminator” (1984) is a pivotal movie in sci-fi history. Wanting to make his own “Star Wars”-level blockbuster, director James Cameron drew upon the tropes of time travel and robots – and more specifically and controversially, a couple of “Outer Limits” episodes (which is why Harlan Ellison is credited in the closing scrawl) — to launch a
- [‘Terminator’ flashback: ‘Terminator 2: Judgment Day’ movie and novelization (1991) (Review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2015/02/movies/terminator-flashback-terminator-2-judgment-day-movie-and-novelization-1991/) - The latest issue of Star Wars Insider (No. 155) espouses ring theory as a way to glean greater depth from the repeating motifs in the "Star Wars" films. The theory could also be applied to James Cameron's two "Terminator" films: "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" (1991) copies so many plot points and set pieces from the first film
- [‘Terminator Genisys’ is a smart sequel and fresh start for the saga (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2015/07/movies/terminator-genisys-is-a-smart-sequel-and-fresh-start-for-the-saga/) - In a line from a parody of the "Terminator Genisys" trailer, Sarah Connor says in a voiceover: "John keeps sending Terminators. He's lost his mind." And judging by the official trailers for the movie, it did indeed seem like that would be the plot. As it turns out, though, "Terminator Genisys" is a rare movie that is better
- [‘Terminator’ flashback: ‘Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines’ movie and novelization (2003) (Review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2015/07/movies/terminator-flashback-terminator-3-rise-of-the-machines-movie-and-novelization-2003/) - Considering that it lacks James Cameron, Linda Hamilton, Edward Furlong and Brad Fiedel, I find "Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines" (2003) to be a pretty darn good – if inferior – follow-up to the first two classic films. Other moviegoers (including the We Hate Movies podcasters, who recently posted a "T3" episode) are less forgiving of this
- [‘Batman & Robin’ (1997) is a vibrant toy commercial](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/01/movies/batman-and-robin-review/) - ‘Batman’ flashback (Movie review): The fourth film of the Burton/Schumacher series a toy commercial, but a fun one.
- [‘Total Recall’ (1990) is vintage Verhoeven](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/12/movies/total-recall-1990-review/) - PKD flashback (Movie review): But it's not vintage Dick, even though it comes from his short story.
- [‘Last Action Hero’ (1993) deconstructs genre's absurdities](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/01/movies/last-action-hero-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Shane Black and Arnold have fun deconstructing our favorite action genre absurdities.
- [‘Terminator: Dark Fate’ retreads familiar storyline](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/02/movies/terminator-dark-fate-review/) - Movie review: Still, this sixth "Terminator" movie has solid action sequences.
- [‘Predator’ (1987) an elite showcase of Arnold, action, one-liners](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2012/07/movies/aliens-predator-universe-flashback-predator-1987/) - ‘Aliens/Predator’ Universe flashback (Movie review): Eighties "blood, bullets and brawn" action films don't get any better than this.
- [Schwarzenegger, Breslin shine in fatalistic arthouse zombie film 'Maggie' (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2015/08/movies/schwarzenegger-breslin-shine-in-fatalistic-arthouse-zombie-film/) - "Fear the Walking Dead" hits the small screen later this month and it's being labeled by some critics as too similar to "The Walking Dead." One might think the zombie genre is tapped out. But "Maggie," now available from Redbox, shows there's a lot of – ahem – life left in the genre. Serious fans of zombie
- [‘Sky High’ (2005) smoothly blends superheroes, teen comedy](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/02/movies/sky-high-review/) - Superhero Saturday (Movie review): "Sky High" smoothly blends superheroes with Disney teen comedy.
- [Cute ‘Christmas Chronicles 2’ could use more humor](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/11/movies/the-christmas-chronicles-2-review/) - Movie review: This Netflix children’s-movie sequel will make adults feel good in the moment, even if we soon forget the details.
- [‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’ expands Godzilla lore](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2024/03/television/monarch-legacy-of-monsters-review/) - TV review: If you want more than just monsters from your “Godzilla” stories, “Monarch” adds a substantial dose of humanity. Plus monsters.
- ['Bone Tomahawk' (2016) is gritty, brutal, great](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/07/movies/bone-tomahawk-review/) - Frightening Friday (Movie review): Kurt Russell leads a stellar cast in this gritty, brutal and great mashup of horror and Western.
- [Russell, young actors have infectious holiday spirit in ‘The Christmas Chronicles’ (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/12/movies/christmas-chronicles-review/) - "The Christmas Chronicles” (Netflix) makes a strong bid to join the pantheon of holiday classics. Despite being a straight-down-the-middle yarn in a lot of ways, the earnest performances – especially a game Kurt Russell as Santa Claus – and top-flight special effects should make this a winner for all but the most Grinchy of viewers.
- [Russell gives powerful turn in ‘Soldier’ (1998)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/09/movies/soldier-review/) - PKD flashback (Movie review): This sidequel to "Blade Runner" criticizes war and the state, and celebrates the resiliency of the individual.
- [‘Independence Day’ (1996) still worth celebrating](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2016/05/movies/20-years-later-independence-day-still-worth-celebrating/) - Movie review: For the 20th anniversary, we look back at director Roland Emmerich's classic summer blockbuster that made aliens scary again.
- [‘Bad Boys II’ (2003) both funnier and stupider](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/04/movies/bad-boys-ii-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Lawrence and Smith continue to elevate the material in this sequel.
- [‘Bad Boys for Life’ enjoyably tones down the excesses](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2020/04/movies/bad-boys-for-life-review/) - Movie review: The third entry enjoyably tones down the excesses from the Michael Bay era.
- [‘King Richard’ (2021) a crowd-pleasing yet nuanced biopic](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2022/03/movies/king-richard-review/) - Movie review: This biopic is a family-approved, loving portrayal, but the screenplay teases out details even Venus and Serena fans might not know.
- [‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’ a fine continuation, with some gator aid](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2024/11/movies/bad-boys-ride-or-die-review/) - Movie review: Not as funny as it could be, not as big as other action franchises, this fourth “Bad Boys” film still manages to be a brisk diversion.
- [‘Enemy of the State’ (1998) continues ‘The Conversation’](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2024/11/movies/enemy-of-the-state-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): This standout from the golden age of Will Smith is both a stark peek into the spy state and a thriller.
- [‘Bad Boys’ (1995) gets by on sheer will of Smith and Lawrence](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/04/movies/bad-boys-review/) - Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Michael Bay's breakthrough film holds up largely because of Smith and Lawrence.
- [Strong leading lady, intriguing house make ‘Malevolent’ a decent horror diversion (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/10/movies/malevolent-review/) - The new Netflix horror movie “Malevolent” is arguably cashing in on the fact that viewers love haunted house yarns (see also the Netflix series “The Haunting of Hill House”), but it undercuts that right off the bat. Four young – and shady – entrepreneurs in 1986 are themselves cashing in by pretending to be ghost
- [‘Midsommar’ is another beautiful, creepy masterpiece from Aster](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/09/movies/midsommar-review/) - Movie review: "Midsommar" is another beautiful and creepy-as-hell masterpiece from Ari Aster.
- [Pugh elevates oddly regressive ‘Don’t Worry Darling’](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2022/11/movies/dont-worry-darling-review/) - Movie review: Olivia Wilde’s latest film thinks it’s better than it is. On the other hand, Florence Pugh does make every movie she’s in better.
- [Florence Pugh shines as ‘The Little Drummer Girl’ shifts from beautiful to deliciously dreary (TV review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2018/11/television/the-little-drummer-girl-review/) - A friend mistook “The Little Drummer Girl” for a Christmas series, and I explained that’s not what it is. As for what it really is, there’s the short version and the long version. Simply, it’s an espionage drama set amid the forever war between the Israelis and the Palestinians in the 1970s. AMC’s seven-hour miniseries has
- [‘Fighting with My Family’ is a fairly lightweight biopic, but Florence Pugh is a champion in the main role (Movie review)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/2019/05/movies/fighting-with-my-family-review/) - "Fighting with My Family” doesn’t redefine the sports biopic genre, which in a way is too bad because professional wrestling is such an unusual thing, sitting on the border between athletics and entertainment. It might be fascinating to dig further into the mechanisms of how participants – and ultimately, champions -- are chosen and how

## Pages

- [Stephen King Reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/stephen-king-reviews/) - Books Novels RB = written under pseudonym Richard Bachman “Carrie” (1974) “’Salem’s Lot” (1975) “The Shining” (1977) “Rage” (1977, RB) “The Stand” (1978) “The Long Walk” (1979, RB) “The Dead Zone” (1979) “Firestarter” (1980) “Roadwork” (1981, RB) “Cujo” (1981) “The Running Man” (1982, RB) “The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger” (1982) “Christine” (1983) “Pet Sematary” (1983)
- [Alphabetical Index of TV Reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/alphabetical-index-of-tv-reviews/) - An alphabetical index of RFMC's TV show reviews through the years.
- [Chronological Index of TV Reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/chronological-index-of-tv-reviews/) - A chronological index of RFMC's TV show reviews through the years.
- [Agatha Christie Reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/agatha-christie-reviews/) - An index of our reviews of Agatha Christie's books, from the Poirots to the Marples to the others. Plus, movies and TV series based on her work.
- [Book Reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/book-reviews/) - Alphabetical by author * = nonfiction A Adegoke, Yomi -- "The List" (2023) B Benchley, Peter – “Jaws” (1974) Benjamin, Chloe -- "The Immortalists" (2018) Black, Benjamin -- "The Black-Eyed Blonde" (2014) Blatty, William Peter – “The Exorcist” (1971) Blatty, William Peter – “Legion” (1983) Bloch, Robert – “Psycho” (1959) Bloch, Robert – “Psycho II”
- [Alphabetical Index of Movie Reviews (A-M)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/alphabetical-index-a-m/) - Alphabetical index of RFMC's movie reviews from A through M (and #s) by John Hansen, Shaune Redfield and Michael Olinger.
- [Chronological Index of Movie Reviews (1901-2000)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/chronological-index-20th-century/) - Chronological index of RFMC's movie reviews from 2000 and prior by John Hansen, Shaune Redfield and Michael Olinger.
- [Chronological Index of Movie Reviews (2001-present)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/chronological-index-21st-century/) - Chronological index of RFMC's movie reviews from 2001 to present by John Hansen, Shaune Redfield and Michael Olinger.
- [Alphabetical Index of Movie Reviews (N-Z)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/alphabetical-index-n-z/) - Alphabetical index of RFMC's movie reviews from N through Z by John Hansen, Shaune Redfield and Michael Olinger.
- [Horror Movie & TV Reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/horror-movie-reviews/) - If you're here for horror, this is your handy index of RFMC's genre film and TV reviews.
- [Superhero Movie & TV Reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/other-reviews/superhero-movie-reviews/) - Caught up in the superhero boom of recent years? So are we. Here's an index of RFMC's reviews of films and TV shows in the MCU, the DCEU and beyond.
- [Alfred Hitchcock Reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/alfred-hitchcock-reviews/) - * = lost film Films directed by Hitchcock Silent European films “The Pleasure Garden” (1925) "The Mountain Eagle" (1926) * “The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog” (1927) “The Ring” (1927) “Downhill” (1927) “The Farmer's Wife” (1928) “Easy Virtue” (1928) “Champagne” (1928) “The Manxman” (1929) Non-silent European films “Blackmail” (1929) “Juno and the Paycock”
- [Preston and Child Reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/preston-child-reviews/) - You won't need Pendergast's help to investigate RFMC's index of the novels of Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child.
- [Oscars 2026](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/oscars-2026/) - When are the Oscars on TV? The 98th Academy Awards will air at 7 p.m. Eastern Sunday, March 15 on ABC and Hulu (and ABC.com and the ABC app). It will honor the best films released in 2025. The event will be at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood, Calif. Where can I find a list of winners?
- ['Armageddon' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/armageddon-review/) - Brainerd Dispatch: Completely random slice of pop culture 1998 was the year of ‘Armageddon’ By JOHN HANSEN July 10, 2008 This is going to sound kind of random, but 1998 will always be the year of “Armageddon” to me. The most hyped blockbuster a decade ago was “Godzilla,” which used the clever tagline “1998: The
- [Movie Reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/) - RFMC's Movie Zone gives you indexes of reviews, annual top 10 lists and the annual Oscar guide, plus links to further film fun across the web.
- [TV Reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/) - Find links to alphabetical and chronological indexes of reviews, year-end lists and links to what's on TV now.
- ['Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' Reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/other-reviews/tmnt-reviews/) - RFMC's index of "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" reviews is lean, green and on the -- erm -- page. Here you'll find our reviews of comics, movies and more.
- ['The 6th Day' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/the-6th-day-review/) - NDSU Spectrum: Movie review ‘6th Day’ asks moral questions and blows stuff up By JOHN HANSEN Dec. 1, 2000 A filmgoer couldn’t be blamed if they experience déjà vu all over again during “The 6th Day.” But while there have been action films about copied human beings before – even one starring Arnold Schwarzenegger --
- ['Gone in 60 Seconds' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/gone-in-60-seconds-review/) - “Gone in 60 Seconds” – Typical of a Jerry Bruckheimer production, “Gone in 60 Seconds” is a larger-than-life drama with a sprawling, talented cast. The promised car chases are almost nonexistent until the final act, when Memphis Rains (Nicolas Cage) evades cops and dodges traffic at absurd speeds. Until then, writer Scott Rosenberg delivers an
- ['John Q' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/john-q-review/) - “John Q” — Denzel Washington, James Woods and Robert Duvall go slumming in this heavy-handed and predictable story about a dad (Washington) who takes a hospital hostage so they’ll put his son’s name on a heart transplant list. Early on, Washington delivers some fine moments playing a blue-collar construction worker who will do anything for
- ['Aliens'/ 'Predator' Reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/aliens-predator-reviews/) - An index of our reviews of works in the "Aliens" and "Predator" universe.
- [Top 10 Movies of the Year](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/top-10-movies-of-the-year/) - An index of our year-end movie rankings from 1997 to present.
- [Top 10 TV Shows of the Year](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/top-10-tv-shows-of-the-year/) - An index of RFMC's top 10 TV shows of each year from 2001 to present.
- ['The Fly' (1986) review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/the-fly-1986/) - John's Frightening Friday flashback review, Nov. 28, 2025 “The Fly” – Starring Jeff Goldblum (who kind of looks like a fly) and Geena Davis (who kind of looks like Goldblum), director David Cronenberg’s “The Fly” reverses the traditional fairy tale structure and tells of scientist Seth Brundle’s falling to pieces, literally and figuratively, after a
- ['Buffy the Vampire Slayer'/ 'Angel' Reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/other-reviews/buffy-reviews/) - RFMC's "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Angel" Zone is an index of reviews of the TV seasons, the books and the Dark Horse and IDW comics.
- ['Teaching Mrs. Tingle' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/teaching-mrs-tingle-review/) - “Teaching Mrs. Tingle” – Writer-director Kevin Williamson makes the grade again, exploring the thought processes of evil teachers, the absurdities of the grading system and the power of manipulation. Katie Holmes, Barry Watson and Marisa Coughlan star as three high school seniors who engage in a battle of wits with the titular teacher from hell
- ['American Beauty' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/american-beauty-review/) - John's "American Beauty" review, NDSU Spectrum, October 1999 John's "American Beauty" Throwback Thursday review, Aug. 28, 2025
- [About Us](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/website-information/about-us/) - Reviews from My Couch started as John's Entertainment Blog (2009-17), then became Cold Bananas Movie & TV Reviews (2017-21) and has had its current name since April 2021. John Hansen reviews new and old movies and TV, and tie-in books and comics of his favorite movie and TV sagas -- plus other books and comics.
- ['Jurassic Park' Reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/jurassic-park-reviews/) - This index 65 million years in the making collects RFMC's reviews of "Jurassic Park" movies, TV shows, books and comic books.
- [Michael Crichton Reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/michael-crichton-reviews/) - This index collects RFMC's reviews of Michael Crichton's work, under all his pseudonyms and in all his genres and media.
- ['Freaky Friday' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/freaky-friday-review/) - “Freaky Friday” – If you've seen their previous work, you'll know that Jamie Lee Curtis as a teenager trapped in an adult's body and Lindsay Lohan as an adult trapped in a teenager's body isn't all that much of a stretch. This Disney remake mixes the requisite mistaken identity gags with a catchy soundtrack to
- ['Firefly' Reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/firefly-reviews/) - An index of RFMC's "Firefly" screen, book and comic book reviews, plus links to further information on the web.
- ['Crimson Tide' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/crimson-tide/) - John's "Crimson Tide" Throwback Thursday review, May 8, 2025 “Crimson Tide” – Executive officer Denzel Washington and captain Gene Hackman play off each other brilliantly in this ideological power struggle set aboard a nuclear submarine with the world’s fate hanging in the balance. Director Tony Scott brings an intense, no-time-to-think believability to proceedings that might
- ['I Still Know What You Did Last Summer' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/i-still-know-what-you-did-last-summer-review/) - John's "I Still Know What You Did Last Summer" flashback review, July 3, 2020 John's "I Still Know What You Did Last Summer" review, NDSU Spectrum, November 1998
- ['American Dreams' Season 3 review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/american-dreams-season-3/) - “American Dreams” Season 3 (2004-05, NBC), episodes 1-5 – Like the new show “Jack & Bobby,” “American Dreams” conjures up better days, but it looks to the past instead of the future. It lionizes the 1960s with an “American Bandstand” soundtrack and contemporizes the period by having modern pop stars play dress-up while covering classics
- ['Ghost Whisperer' Season 1 review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/ghost-whisperer-season-1/) - "Ghost Whisperer" Season 1 (2005-06, CBS), episodes 1-5 – At about the half-hour mark of every episode of "Ghost Whisperer" (7 p.m. Fridays on CBS), Melinda (Jennifer Love Hewitt) must explain to survivors of the recently and tragically deceased that, as hard as it may be to believe, she can talk to people who are
- ['Insomnia' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/insomnia-review/) - “Insomnia” — The latest from “Memento” mastermind Christopher Nolan stars Al Pacino as good L.A. cop who ventures closer to the dark side with each corner he cuts in his pursuit of murderer Robin Williams in Alaska. What makes this journey into the dark recesses of human nature different from most is that Pacino’s character
- ['The Gift' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/the-gift-review/) - NDSU Spectrum: Movie review ‘The Gift’ blends soothing and horrific imagery By JOHN HANSEN Jan. 26, 2001 Director Sam Raimi may be famous for his camp classics like the “Evil Dead” trilogy, but thanks to two flawless films in the last couple years, his image might be changing. His latest masterpiece, “The Gift,” was co-written
- ['Fellowship of the Ring' review and commentary](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/fellowship-of-the-ring-review/) - NDSU Spectrum: Movie commentary Is one black hobbit too much to ask? By JOHN HANSEN Dec. 6, 2002 In my capacity as an entertainment critic, video store clerk and all-around geek, I've had two questions thrown at me a lot in the past year: "How can you possibly like 'Attack of the Clones?'" and "How
- ['Lara Croft: Tomb Raider' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/tomb-raider-review/) - John's "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" flashback review, March 19, 2018 “Tomb Raider” — Some really fun action sequences and eye-popping scenery (mansions, temples, ice caves) make up for the boring expositional parts of what’s sure to be the first of many films based on the popular video game series. Angelina Jolie, assisted by a pair
- ['The Prestige' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/the-prestige-review/) - “The Prestige” – Like "V for Vendetta," this wide release surprisingly allows viewers to use their brains while being entertained. During the progressive age of Thomas Edison, two rival magicians (Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale) engage in an obsessive and often dirty game of one-upmanship. We're given the inside scoop on a lot of the
- ['Shaft' (2000) review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/shaft-review/) - “Shaft” – This Y2K take on vigilante hero John Shaft is zippier than the 1970s version but doesn’t live up to its potential. Samuel L. Jackson looks cool in a trenchcoat, Jeffrey Wright and Christian Bale steal scenes as a crime lord and rich racist, and the music is catchy. However, viewers looking for a
- ['Batman Begins' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/batman-begins-review/) - John's "Batman Begins" flashback review, Jan. 14, 2019 “Batman Begins” – This prequel sets aside the grandiose stunts long enough that we actually get a sense of who Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) is - like Dawson Leery, he grew up with Katie Holmes next door. When director Christopher Nolan ("Memento") introduces us to Wayne Manor,
- ['Zodiac' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/zodiac-review/) - “Zodiac” – Director David Fincher lusciously recreates the details of the 1970s - I love seeing what newsrooms used to look like, complete with typewriters. He also slyly loads the movie with serial-killer scares - the first murder, in particular, will haunt you - and intrigue – Jake Gyllenhaal's staff cartoonist becomes understandably obsessed as
- ['The Break-Up' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/the-break-up-review/) - “The Break-Up” – Romantic comedies usually explore the ups and downs of a relationship destined for a happy ending, but this film - determined to be more realistic - shows the minor annoyances and petty arguments of a couple doomed to failure. With comedic talent like Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston, a viewer expects laughs,
- ['Friends' Season 7 review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/friends-season-7/) - NDSU Spectrum: TV review ‘Friends’ or ‘Survivor?’ I choose ‘Gilmore Girls’ By JOHN HANSEN March 2, 2001 Well, I finally stopped watching “Friends.” The reason is only partially due to what you’re thinking: that I’m sick of the “Friends” vs. “Survivor” hype. That’s about five percent of the reason. Fifteen percent is because the show
- ['Dumb and Dumber' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/dumb-and-dumber-review/) - My "Dumb and Dumber" Completely Random Slice of Pop Culture review, Brainerd Dispatch, May, 22, 2008
- ['X-Men' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/x-men-review/) - John's "X-Men" flashback review, johnvhansen.com, June 14, 2014 “X-Men” – From the opening scenes showing the backgrounds of three main characters to the final epic battle atop the Statue of Liberty, it’s clear that director Bryan Singer (“Apt Pupil”) is displaying his talent for delivering compelling characters. Like the comics, the film takes itself seriously
- ['Finding Forrester' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/finding-forrester-review/) - NDSU Spectrum: Movie review ‘Forrester’ recaptures the magic of ‘Good Will Hunting’ By JOHN HANSEN Jan. 19, 2001 In one of the after-school chats in “Finding Forrester,” student-athlete phenom Jamal Wallace (Rob Brown) describes William Forrester’s (Sean Connery) lone novel as a story of how life keeps pushing you down and you never really get
- ['Almost Famous' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/almost-famous-review/) - NDSU Spectrum: Movie review ‘Almost Famous’ makes you feel all warm and fuzzy By JOHN HANSEN Oct. 13, 2000 “Almost Famous” is so relentlessly warm and fuzzy that at times I just hoped for a character to slug another character just to create a little conflict. But writer-director Cameron Crowe immerses the viewer so much
- ['The Wolverine' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/the-wolverine-reviews/) - My "The Wolverine" review, johnvhansen.com, Aug. 14, 2013 My "The Wolverine" flashback review, johnvhansen.com, June 20, 2014
- ['Someone Like You' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/someone-like-you-review/) - “Someone Like You” — This romantic comedy is neither funny nor romantic, it’s just boring. A woman in the talk show industry (Ashley Judd) posits a theory that men are predisposed against monogamy. Judd is bland, Hugh Jackman sleepwalks through his role, and the script completely lacks energy. D+ —John Hansen, NDSU Spectrum, April 6,
- ['Mighty Joe Young' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/mighty-joe-young-review/) - “Mighty Joe Young” – A giant gorilla and his human friend search for freedom and safety in an unkind work in director Ron Underwood’s film. Joe comes to life thanks to Rick Baker’s special effects and wonderful performances by Charlize Theron and Bill Paxton. This uplifting tale showing the good side of humanity has a
- ['Crash' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/crash-review/) - “Crash” – Writer-director Paul Haggis ("Million Dollar Baby") follows about a dozen characters - played by Sandra Bullock, Matt Dillon, Brendon Fraser and Terrence Howard, among others - through initially unrelated stories about their daily problems. As the threads balloon into high drama, "Crash" manages to make subtle observations on race relations and communication roadblocks
- ['Lost in Translation' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/lost-in-translation-review/) - John's Throwback Thursday review, March 25, 2021 “Lost in Translation” – Director Sophia Coppola portrays Tokyo in all its unnerving, otherworldly glory, softly illuminating the desperate yet perfect friendship (or is it love?) between lost souls Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson. It's got laughs (Murray's wine commercial) and tears (his fractured karaoke rendition of "More
- ['Ghost World' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/ghost-world-review/) - NDSU Spectrum: Movie review Living in a melancholy ‘World’ By JOHN HANSEN Nov. 9, 2001 Most films about teenagers take us through the process of disillusionment. A character starts out loving the world, then they become cynical, then — depending on whether it’s a sad or happy film — they become suicidal or they decide
- ['Pearl Harbor' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/pearl-harbor-review/) - “Pearl Harbor” — Saying that “Pearl Harbor” features horrific war scenes, strong acting from an all-star cast and a bit of a history lesson is stating the obvious. However, the obvious can be quite powerful under the direction of Michael Bay, who adds little human touches throughout this epic film, the same tactic that made
- ['Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/jay-and-silent-bob-strike-back-review/) - Movie review: Smith's fifth (and final, at the time) Viewaskewniverse film is dumb on the surface, but actually a smart movie for pop-culture junkies.
- ['Darkest Hour' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/darkest-hour/) - "Darkest Hour" – Gary Oldman is the best part of Joe Wright's stridently ordinary biopic about Winston Churchill. The film is a paint-by-numbers affair that shows Churchill's journey from awkward political interloper to the legend celebrated by many today. Oldman supplies all the gravitas the role calls for and then some under makeup that is alternatively
- ['Walk the Line' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/walk-the-line-review/) - “Walk the Line” – He wasn't just a guy with a cool voice who dressed in black. Country legend Johnny Cash (Joaquin Phoenix) also swooned over a woman (Reese Witherspoon's June Carter), battled a pill addiction and feuded with his jerk father (Robert Patrick). He was a born talent but not a born superstar. His
- ['Undeclared' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/undeclared/) - John's "Undeclared" flashback review, Jan. 19, 2023 "Undeclared" (2001-02, Fox), episodes 1-6 — Living up to the hype hasn’t been a problem so far for “Undeclared.” But living to see a second season might be. Fox scheduled the college comedy on Tuesday, the most quality-packed night of the week by far. If you’re a fan, enjoy
- ['The Waterboy' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/the-waterboy-review/) - “The Waterboy” – A waterboy-turned-linebacker teaches people to stop making fun of him, even though “there’s something wrong with his medulla oblongata.” It stars Adam Sandler and employs the always-effective revenge theme; how could it not be funny? It also throws in some smart and humorous barbs at sportscasters. – John Hansen, NDSU Spectrum, January
- ['Big Daddy' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/big-daddy-review/) - “Big Daddy” – Adam Sandler’s best film to date has his character, Sonny, adopting a kid who he grows increasingly fond of. The message, as with all Sandler films, is uplifting: It doesn’t matter how much of a slob you are, if you care about someone enough, that’s all that matters. The cast’s chemistry overcomes
- ['The Green Mile' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/the-green-mile-review/) - “The Green Mile” – As he did with “The Shawshank Redemption,” Frank Darabont translates a powerful Stephen King prison tale into a screen gem. Mysterious messiah figure John Coffey (Michael Clarke Duncan), the supposed murderer of two young girls, is sentenced to be electrocuted in the 1930s. But, when guard Paul Edgecomb (Tom Hanks) is
- ['Tru Calling' Season 1 review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/tru-calling-season-1/) - "Tru Calling" Season 1 (2003-04, Fox), episodes 1-4 – Even before aired its first episode, "Tru Calling" faced resistance from the sci-fi community. About 99 percent of Eliza Dushku's fans wanted to see her continue her role as Faith the Vampire Slayer on "Angel" or her own spin-off. However, Dushku signed on with Jon Harmon
- ['Soul Survivors' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/soul-survivors-review/) - “Soul Survivors” — Eliza Dushku, Wes Bentley and Melissa Sagemiller star in this horror film that tries desperately to be weird and original. It seems that writer/director Steve Carpenter structured the whole film around a surprise ending. But the scenes leading up to the ending just aren’t that scary or interesting. Still, the strong cast
- ['Buffy the Vampire Slayer' Season 7 reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/buffy-the-vampire-slayer-season-7/) - John's "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" Season 7 flashback review, johnvhansen.com, Feb. 4, 2013 John's "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" Season 7 (episodes 1-21) review, Brainerd Dispatch, May 15, 2003 “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” Season 7 (2002-03, UPN), episodes 1-5 — "Buffy" (7 p.m. Tuesdays, UPN) is regaining some of its poignancy as Spike (James Marsters) has gone insane
- ['Bring It On' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/bring-it-on-review/) - NDSU Spectrum: Movie review Cheerleading satire ‘Bring It On’ is shallow yet engaging By JOHN HANSEN Sept. 22, 2000 While it may not be worthy of cheers, the cheerleading satire “Bring It On” deserves a polite clap anyway. Both the strong and weak aspects of the film can be summed up in one sentence: Hey,
- ['Angel' Season 1 reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/angel-season-1/) - John's "Angel" Season 1 flashback review, johnvhansen.com, Dec. 22, 2011 “Angel” Season 1 (1999-2000, WB), episodes 1-10 – In the “Buffy” spinoff, Angel (David Boreanaz) sets up a crime-fighting agency in Los Angeles, assisted by Cordelia (Charisma Carpenter) the secretary and Doyle (Glenn Quinn) the half-demon who gets visions of people in trouble. As Angel
- ['Sugar & Spice' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/sugar-spice-review/) - NDSU Spectrum: Movie review ‘Sugar & Spice’ puts the ‘F’ in farce By JOHN HANSEN Feb. 2, 2001 The previews for “Sugar & Spice” looked mediocre, but the movie had the can’t-miss premise of two cheerleaders robbing a bank. It also had two talented actors, Mena Suvari and James Marsden, who have shown good taste
- ['Loser' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/loser-review/) - “Loser” – Writer-director Amy Heckerling’s (“Clueless”) latest effort is a romantic comedy that falls firmly into the category of “cute movie” rather than “dumb movie” by doing a lot of little things right. (Also, it doesn’t hurt to have the utterly adorable Mena Suvari in a lead role.) Jason Biggs stars as Paul, a small-town
- ['Unbreakable' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/unbreakable-review/) - NDSU Spectrum: Movie review Shyamalan’s latest casts an unbreakable spell By JOHN HANSEN Dec. 1, 2000 There have been movies about superheroes before. There have been movies exploring the origins of superheroes. There have been movies about seemingly normal people who reluctantly become superheroes. Conventional but unique “Unbreakable” is about all of these things. It
- ['The Sixth Sense' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/the-sixth-sense-review/) - John's "The Sixth Sense" flashback review, July 19, 2021 “The Sixth Sense” – This psychological thriller stars Haley Joel Osment as a boy who sees dead people and Bruce Willis as the psychologist who tries to help him. Much of the film toes the line between dull and fascinating, but the ending ties everything together
- ['Sin City' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/sin-city-review/) - “Sin City” – This adaptation of Frank Miller's gritty and remarkably violent comics, directed by Robert Rodriguez in a nearly panel-by-panel style, is three mini-movies in one. The second, starring Benicio Del Toro's head, and third, a gritty love story between Bruce Willis and Jessica Alba ("There's wrong, and then there's wrong, and then there's
- ['Remember the Titans' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/remember-the-titans-review/) - NDSU Spectrum: Movie review ‘Titans’ is a great football movie and more By JOHN HANSEN Oct. 6, 2000 “I’m not saying I’m perfect. None of us are. But as a team, we are perfect.” This line describes the T.C. Williams football team that battles for the Virginia state championship in “Remember the Titans,” but it
- ['Wild Wild West' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/wild-wild-west-review/) - “Wild Wild West” – The story – Will Smith and Kevin Kline track down evil, power-hungry Kenneth Branaugh – is simplistic and the characters are dull. This would be forgivable if “Wild Wild West” was funny, but the laughs are few and far between. The giant mechanical spider and other gadgets are well done, but
- ['Soldier' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/soldier-review/) - John's PKD flashback review of "Soldier," Sept. 14, 2020 “Soldier” – “Rambo” meets “The Terminator” meets “Blade Runner” with a twist: The soldiers of the future are not robots, they are human beings who have had their humanity stripped away. Todd (Kurt Russell) doesn’t say much, but that lifeless expression on his face is worth
- ['Grindhouse' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/grindhouse-review/) - “Grindhouse” – Writer-directors Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino have a bloody good time here, spinning yarns in the style of the choppy, grainy B-movies they grew up watching in the 1970s. Rodriguez's "Planet Terror" is the highlight, featuring Rose McGowan as a one-legged, machine-gun-wielding stripper who battles zombies. Tarantino's "Death Proof" gets mileage from Kurt
- ['Breakdown' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/breakdown/) - “Breakdown” – A gripping yarn from start to finish, director Jonathan Mostow’s “Breakdown” stars Kurt Russell as an ordinary guy on vacation out West when his wife (Kathleen Quinlan) is kidnapped and his world is turned upside-down. Russell’s responses to the slowly unravelling situation are fascinating and the viewer has no problem pulling for him
- ['Anything Else' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/anything-else-review/) - John's "Anything Else" flashback review, Aug. 18, 2021 “Anything Else” – The first moment Jerry (Jason Biggs) lays eyes on Amanda (Christina Ricci), we're yelling at the screen for him to stay away. But if he did, there wouldn't be a movie, and that would be a shame. Woody Allen's latest succeeds both as an engaging
- ['The Watcher' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/the-watcher-review/) - NDSU Spectrum: Movie review Director spices up serial killer trappings of ‘The Watcher’ By JOHN HANSEN Sept. 22, 2000 Ah, that staple of fall movies is here: the serial killer flick. The latest entry in the subgenre is “The Watcher,” and like many films of its type, it manages to be both stagnant and fascinating.
- ['V for Vendetta' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/v-for-vendetta-review/) - John's "V for Vendetta" flashback review, Nov. 5, 2020 “V for Vendetta” – This adaptation of Alan Moore's famous comic book takes us to a not-too-distant future when England is ruled by an oppressive state. A masked rebel (or terrorist, depending on your viewpoint) named V (Hugo Weaving) and his charge, Evey (Natalie Portman), lead
- ['Garden State' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/garden-state-review/) - “Garden State” – It's a great romance film precisely because it doesn't seem like a romance. It stars Zach Braff (who also directed and compiled the Shins-heavy soundtrack) as a bright 20-something wandering aimlessly through life. Refreshingly, he lacks the sarcasm usually found in this archetype, opening the door for Peter Sarsgaard to steal scenes
- ['Broken Flowers' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/broken-flowers-review/) - John's "Broken Flowers" flashback review, April 15, 2021 "Broken Flowers" -- This unofficial companion piece to "Lost in Translation" finds a numb Bill Murray visiting all his old girlfriends, with decidedly different results. Great scene: One scene ends with Murray sitting unmoving on his couch for a good 20 seconds, then it cuts to another scene
- ['Snakes on a Plane' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/snakes-on-a-plane-review/) - “Snakes on a Plane” – Sure, the hype was out of proportion with the pedigree of this Samuel L. Jackson flick, a throwback to those gleefully silly actioners that used to be more prevalent in Hollywood. Still, in today's climate, it's refreshing to see a film that is what it is, and "Snakes" delivers exactly
- ['Deep Blue Sea' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/deep-blue-sea-review/) - John's "Deep Blue Sea" flashback review, June 21, 2022 *** “Deep Blue Sea” – Director Renny Harlin delivers a masterpiece of gripping action, lush visuals and compelling characters. It’s a thrill ride built upon a sci-fi premise – scientists have created smart sharks as a means to finding a cure to Alzheimer’s, but then there’s
- ['Pieces of April' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/pieces-of-april-review/) - John's "Pieces of April" flashback review, Nov. 26, 2020 “Pieces of April” – This indie charmer has two main plotlines. Well-intentioned bad cook April (Katie Holmes) fumbles her way through preparation of a Thanksgiving meal in her ratty apartment. Meanwhile, April's family, including her bitter, cancer-ridden mom (Patricia Clarkson) travels to visit her. The film
- ['Disturbing Behavior' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/disturbing-behavior-review/) - John's "Disturbing Behavior" flashback review, July 31, 2020 “Disturbing Behavior” – This is the pleasant surprise of the summer movie season. David Nutter’s film is a powerful treatise on a major problem in society and, specifically, high school: The expectation that everyone conform to the arbitrary rules of the establishment. The film begins as a
- ['Dawson's Creek' Season 4 reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/dawsons-creek-season-4/) - NDSU Spectrum: TV review More love triangle drama on ‘Dawson’s Creek’ By JOHN HANSEN Feb. 9, 2001 Picking up from last year’s stunning conclusion, the major plotline of “Dawson’s Creek’s” fourth season is the love triangle to end all love triangles, involving Dawson (James Van Der Beek), Joey (Katie Holmes) and Pacey (Joshua Jackson). No
- ['Dawson's Creek' Season 3 reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/dawsons-creek-season-3/) - "Dawson's Creek" Season 3 wasn't so great for Dawson-Joey 'shippers. Was it great overall? This page collects my reviews.
- ['Scooby Doo' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/scooby-doo-review/) - “Scooby Doo” — Here’s a phrase I never thought I’d write: Matthew Lillard gives a great performance in “Scooby Doo.” Lillard, who is usually included in Freddie Prinze, Jr. films because he’s the only actor in Hollywood who can’t upstage Prinze, was born to play Shaggy. “Freaks and Geeks” vet Linda Cardellini is equally great
- ['Buffy the Vampire Slayer' Season 6 reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/buffy-the-vampire-slayer-season-6/) - John's "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" Season 6 flashback review, johnvhansen.com, Jan. 6, 2013 “Buffy” Season 6 (2001-02, UPN), episodes 1-17 — "Buffy" (7 p.m. Tuesdays, UPN), in its sixth season, has dropped off a bit from the emotional rollercoaster of Season 3 and the epic challenges of Season 5. Much of Season 6 has been as
- ['Buffy the Vampire Slayer' Season 5 reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/buffy-the-vampire-slayer-season-5/) - NDSU Spectrum: TV review 'Buffy' and 'Angel' start down the dark path By JOHN HANSEN Jan. 26, 2001 “Buffy” has bounced back nicely from last season’s Initiative arc with a bevy of intriguing plotlines. Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) now has a little sister named Dawn (Michelle Trachtenberg). Giles (Anthony Stewart Head) owns a magic shop.
- ['Buffy the Vampire Slayer' Season 4 reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/buffy-the-vampire-slayer-season-4/) - John's "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" Season 4 flashback review, johnvhansen.com, Oct. 21, 2012 “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” Season 4 (1999-2000, WB), episodes 1-10 – “Buffy's” fourth season finds Slayer Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar), wicca Willow (Alyson Hannigan) and werewolf Oz (Seth Green) attending UC-Sunnydale and discovering that blowing up the high school didn't vanquish all
- ['Buffy the Vampire Slayer' Season 3 reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/buffy-the-vampire-slayer-season-3/) - John's "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" Season 3 flashback review, johnvhansen.com, Nov. 28, 2011 NDSU Spectrum: TV review 'Buffy': The best show on television By JOHN HANSEN January 1999 “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” is attracting fans faster than the Hellmouth attracts unspeakable demons. The WB network's two-year-old television series with the strange title is starting to
- ['What Lies Beneath' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/what-lies-beneath-review/) - “What Lies Beneath” – Director Robert Zemeckis and writer Clark Gregg use the Hitchcockian clichés to great effect in this suspenseful tale of a wife (Michelle Pfeiffer) who is seeing ghosts and a husband (Harrison Ford) with a secret that may come back to haunt them both. Although the previews give away most of the
- ['Spider-Man' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/spider-man-review/) - John's "Spider-Man" flashback review, May 18, 2019 “Spider-Man” — This is a colorful start to a new film franchise, but it has some nagging flaws: The Green Goblin, despite the best efforts of Willem Dafoe, is a boring villain, and the love story between Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) and Mary Jane (Kirsten Dunst) comes to
- ['Mission: Impossible II' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/mission-impossible-2-review/) - Shaune's "Mission: Impossible II" review, Dec. 6, 2018 John's "Mission: Impossible II" flashback review, May 3, 2020 “Mission: Impossible 2” — With director John Woo at the helm, you’d think “M:I-2” would deliver enough gratuitous action and violence to overcome a plot that’s both too convoluted to follow and too clichèd for anyone to care. But sadly,
- ['The Truman Show' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/the-truman-show-review/) - “The Truman Show” – One of the major themes of “The Truman Show” is how easily people can be manipulated, and the movie itself is a prime example. Jim Carrey’s latest got great reviews prior to its release, but it is not nearly as good as the hype. The premise of someone’s life being a
- ['The Cable Guy' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/the-cable-guy/) - “The Cable Guy” — As a lonely, misunderstood man trying to make a friend other than his TV set, Jim Carrey delivers his best dramatic performance. Of course, there’s also some comedy -- notably the basketball scene and the karaoke scene. The password is ... hilarity. Best line: “I’ve seen ‘Waterworld’ six times! It ruled!” —
- ['Me, Myself and Irene' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/me-myself-and-irene-review/) - “Me, Myself and Irene” — The Farrelly brothers’ latest film has plenty of their trademark disgusting images, but it’s short on laughs. The film’s saving graces are Jim Carrey (finally back in a comedic role!) as schizophrenic Charlie/Hank and scrunchy-faced Renee Zellweger as his love interest, but no one else in the movie is funny. The only
- ['Bruce Almighty' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/bruce-almighty-review/) - My "Bruce Almighty" review, Brainerd Dispatch, May 29, 2003
- ['Gilmore Girls' Season 7 reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/gilmore-girls-season-7/) - John's "Gilmore Girls" Season 7 flashback review, johnvhansen.com, Dec. 18, 2014 Brainerd Dispatch: TV review Goodbye, 'Girls' By JOHN HANSEN May 10, 2007 Yes, I'm a guy, and yes, I love “Gilmore Girls.” I've never understood why that's a rarity – after all, the mother-and-daughter title characters are both gorgeous women and the main dude
- ['Gilmore Girls' Season 3 reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/gilmore-girls-season-3/) - John's "Gilmore Girls" Season 3 flashback review, johnvhansen.com, July 8, 2014 "Gilmore Girls" Season 3 (2002-03, WB), episodes 1-5 — Television’s elite show right now is “Gilmore Girls” (7 p.m. Tuesdays, WB), which packs more wit into an hour than any other show (drinking a ton of coffee does have its benefits). In a recent episode,
- ['Gilmore Girls' Season 2 reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/gilmore-girls-season-2/) - John's "Gilmore Girls" Season 2 flashback review, johnvhansen.com, June 10, 2014 “Gilmore Girls” Season 2 (2001-02, WB), episodes 1-16 — "Gilmore Girls" (7 p.m. Tuesdays, WB) may be more a lot more chipper than “Once & Again,” but that’s not to say it’s less realistic. It’s just that Sherman-Palladino sees the world through a uniquely observant
- ['Gilmore Girls' Season 1 reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/gilmore-girls-season-1/) - John's "Gilmore Girls" Season 1 flashback review, johnvhansen.com, Nov. 7, 2013 NDSU Spectrum: TV review ‘Gilmore Girls’ makes you want to hug your TV By JOHN HANSEN May 4, 2001 I’ve always been a fan of dark, depressing TV. But while I appreciate feeling cold and empty after an episode, such as this season’s “Buffy
- ['Veronica Mars' Season 1 reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/veronica-mars-season-1/) - John's "Veronica Mars" Season 1 flashback review, johnvhansen.com, June 12, 2013 "Veronica Mars" Season 1 (2004-05, UPN), episodes 1-9 – "Lost" and "Desperate Housewives" get the magazine covers, but "Veronica Mars" (8 p.m. Tuesdays on UPN) is my favorite new show of the season. Created by Rob Thomas -- soon to be more famous than the
- ['Swimfan' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/swimfan-review/) - NDSU Spectrum: Movie review 'Swimfan' is a waterlogged would-be thriller By JOHN HANSEN Sept. 13, 2002 “Swimfan” isn’t all wet, but it doesn’t exactly make a splash either. Let’s just say that director John Polson is still a little wet behind the ears. That’s a lot of cliches for two sentences, but it’s nothing compared
- ['Six Degrees' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/six-degrees/) - John's "Six Degrees" flashback review, johnvhansen.com, Sept. 18, 2016 "Six Degrees" (2006-07, ABC), episodes 1-5 – This is a compelling piece about six big-city folks who are connected to each other - some as friends, some as friends of friends, and so forth. Standouts are Erika Christensen as a nanny on the run and Campbell
- ['Roswell' Season 3 reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/roswell-season-3/) - All 18 episodes of "Roswell" Season 3 (2001-02), ranked, John Hansen, Nov. 6, 2019 "Roswell" Season 3 (2001-02, UPN), episodes 1-11 — For superior characters and storytelling than "Smallville," and pop music selections that are even better, check out “Roswell” (8 p.m. Tuesday, UPN). The show has some of the most loyal fans you’ll find (they
- ['Roswell' Season 2 reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/roswell-season-2/) - NDSU Spectrum: TV review Clever stories and tragic romance propel revamped ‘Roswell’ By JOHN HANSEN Feb. 23, 2001 Like “The X-Files,” “Roswell” has bounced back this year after some rocky moments late last season. New producer Ronald D. Moore (“Deep Space Nine”) probably deserves most of the credit, as his sci-fi expertise has led to
- ['Roswell' Season 1 reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/roswell-season-1/) - All 22 episodes of "Roswell" Season 1 (1999-2000), ranked, John Hansen, July 3, 2019 NDSU Spectrum: TV review ‘Roswell’ steps in to fill looming ‘X-Files’ void By JOHN HANSEN January 2000 Something became apparent early on when viewing the pilot episode of “Roswell.” Any preconceptions on the viewer’s part should be left behind, because this
- ['Idle Hands' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/idle-hands-review/) - “Idle Hands” – This tale of a boy named Aaron and his demon-possessed hand is directed with energetic flair by Rodman Flender. “Idle Hands” is part scary, part funny and all fun. Devon Sawa handles his bizarre leading role nicely, Seth Green and Eldon Henson make a funny undead duo and Jessica Alba is a
- ['Dark Angel' Season 2 reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/dark-angel-season-2/) - John's "Dark Angel" Season 2 flashback review, Oct. 8, 2020 "Dark Angel" Season 2 (2001-02, Fox), episodes 1-4 — "Mutant X" has been using "Dark Angel's" Season 1 storyline, and in an ironic turnabout, Fox’s “Dark Angel” has been stealing from “X-Men” this season. Having Max (Jessica Alba) contract a virus so she can’t touch
- ['Dark Angel' Season 1 reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/dark-angel-season-1/) - John's "Dark Angel" Season 1 flashback review, Nov. 21, 2019 NDSU Spectrum: TV review ‘Dark Angel’ isn’t in same league as ‘Buffy’ or ‘Angel’ yet By JOHN HANSEN Jan. 26, 2001 I was looking forward to “Dark Angel” more than any other new show last fall. Then, after seeing a few episodes, I was looking
- ['Mallrats' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/mallrats/) - John's "Mallrats" flashback review, Aug. 2, 2021 “Mallrats” -- Brodie (Jason Lee) might just be the most heroic character ever to grace the screen. His philosophy in life is to just do and say whatever he wants, and in the fantasy world of Kevin Smith, he gets away with it all. This colorful (especially the
- ['Clerks' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/clerks/) - John's "Clerks" flashback review, Aug. 1, 2021 “Clerks” -- Kevin Smith’s black-and-white debut film is a day-in-the-life tale of a convenience store clerk and all the people and situations he encounters. It’s the reality of the film that makes it so funny, and the social commentary so vivid. The “Star Wars” references are just icing
- [Zones](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/other-reviews/) - Whether you've come to RFMC for reviews of "Buffy," "Terminator," "X-Files" or something else, we've got you covered with our handy zones of curated coverage.
- [Woody Allen Reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/woody-allen-reviews/) - Films Allen is writer and director unless otherwise noted. “What's New Pussycat” (1965, writer only) “What's Up, Tiger Lily?” (1966) “Don't Drink the Water” (1969, writer of play only) “Take the Money and Run” (1969) “Bananas” (1971) “Play It Again, Sam” (1972, writer only) “Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex (But Were Afraid
- [Oscars 2025](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/oscars-2025/) - When are the Oscars on TV? The 97th Academy Awards will air at 7 p.m. Eastern Sunday, March 2 on ABC and Hulu (and ABC.com and the ABC app). It will honor the best films released in 2024. The event will be at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood, Calif. Where can I find a list of winners?
- [Oscars 2024](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/oscars-2024/) - When are the Oscars on TV? The 96th Academy Awards will air at 7 p.m. Eastern Sunday, March 10 on ABC (and ABC.com and the ABC app). It will honor the best films released in 2023. The event will be at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood, Calif. Where can I find a list of winners? The official
- [Contributors](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/website-information/about-us/contributors/) - Jared Macarin wrote about the best and worst Marvel Cinematic Universe movies in May 2018. Summer Walls wrote about "Mortal Engines" in January 2019 and "Us" in May 2019.
- [Tom Simmons](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/website-information/about-us/tom-simmons/) - Tom Simmons is a professor at the Knudson School of Law and an amateur film critic. His output of published scholarship concerns itself primarily with death and taxes. His creative output includes three published collections of poetry, the first of which examines the films of Tod Browning. One of his earliest memories is watching “Herbie
- ['Planet of the Apes' Reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/planet-of-the-apes-reviews/) - This index collects RFMC's reviews of the "Planet of the Apes" films and books, plus links to further information on the web.
- ['Kolchak: The Night Stalker' Reviews  ](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/kolchak-the-night-stalker-reviews/) - Movies “The Night Stalker” (1972) “The Night Strangler” (1973) TV Series “Kolchak: The Night Stalker” (1974-75) “Night Stalker” (2005) Books “The Kolchak Papers” (a.k.a. “The Night Stalker”) by Jeff Rice (1972, collected in “The Original Novels”) “The Night Strangler” by Jeff Rice (1973, novelization of Richard Matheson’s screenplay, collected in “The Original Novels”) “Grave Secrets”
- [Oscars 2023](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/oscars-2023/) - When are the Oscars on TV? The 95th Academy Awards will air at 8 p.m. Eastern Sunday, March 12 on ABC (and ABC.com and the ABC app). It will honor the best films released in 2022. The event will be at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood, Calif. Where can I find a list of winners? The official
- [Philip K. Dick Reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/philip-k-dick-reviews/) - This index collects RFMC's reviews of Philip K. Dick's novels and short stories, plus the adaptations of PKD's work in movies, TV and comic books.
- ['Valerian and Laureline' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/other-reviews/valerian-and-laureline-reviews/) - No need to jump through space and time: We've got all your RFMC "Valerian and Laureline" reviews right here in this handy index.
- ['Gilmore Girls,' 'Bunheads' and 'Marvelous Mrs. Maisel' Reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/gilmore-girls-reviews/) - An index of RFMC's reviews of "Gilmore Girls" seasons, plus Amy Sherman-Palladino's other shows, "Bunheads" and "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel."
- ['Freaks and Geeks' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/freaks-and-geeks/) - John's "Freaks and Geeks" flashback review, March 16, 2023 NDSU Spectrum: TV review ‘Freaks,’ ‘Creek’ put different spins on high school By JOHN HANSEN January 2000 It seems natural to compare newcomer “Freaks and Geeks” to perennial favorite “Dawson’s Creek.” They are two of television’s best high school-oriented shows, delivering similar viewpoints in decidedly different
- [Contact Us](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/website-information/contact-us/) - John Hansen can be reached at johnvhansen@hotmail.com. You can also find Reviews from My Couch's post links on Facebook and chat with us there.
- ['Urban Legends: Final Cut' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/urban-legends-final-cut-review/) - Movie review: The sequel is smarter than the original, with its film-school Hitchcock references and a breakout performance by Jennifer Morrison.
- ['Night Stalker' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/night-stalker/) - John's "Night Stalker" flashback review, johnvhansen.com, Feb. 1, 2011 "Night Stalker" (2005, ABC), episodes 1-4 – In its ads for "Supernatural," WB recommends viewers turn off their lights to enhance the viewing experience. ABC, being a bit gentler, suggests viewers leave the lights on while watching "Night Stalker" (8 p.m. Thursdays). But I prefer to heed
- ['Harry Potter'/Wizarding World Reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/other-reviews/harry-potter/) - An index of RFMC's "Harry Potter" and "Wizarding World" book and movie reviews, plus links to further information on the web.
- [Oscars 2022](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/oscars-2022/) - Reviews from My Couch prepares you for the Oscars with this one-stop information sheet. Check out the nominees and critics' lists chronicling 2021 in film.
- ['The Rage: Carrie 2' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/the-rage-carrie-2-review/) - John's "The Rage: Carrie 2" flashback review, Feb. 25, 2022 John's "The Rage: Carrie 2" review, NDSU Spectrum, March 1999
- [John Hughes Reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/john-hughes-reviews/) - This index collects RFMC's reviews of the films of John Hughes, plus links to other articles of interest.
- [Subscribe](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/website-information/subscribe/) - Get new posts by email: Subscribe
- ['Invasion' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/invasion/) - John's "Invasion" flashback review, Dec. 9, 2021 “Invasion” (2005-06, ABC) – Granted, it rained every episode, the sheriff and park ranger were always chasing after some monster and Larkin’s pregnancy advanced as slowly as the hybrids’ did quickly. Still, the last few episodes were great, and when it came down to the cliffhanger – “Will
- ['Final Destination' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/final-destination-review/) - John's "Final Destination" flashback review, Oct. 25, 2021 John's "Final Destination" review, NDSU Spectrum, March 2000
- ['Scary Movie 3' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/scary-movie-3-review/) - John's "Scary Movie 3" flashback review, Oct. 21, 2021 John's "Scary Movie 3" review, Brainerd Dispatch, Oct. 30, 2003
- ['Scary Movie 2' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/scary-movie-2-review/) - John's "Scary Movie 2" flashback review, Oct. 19, 2021 “Scary Movie 2” — It’s tough to criticize a film when descriptions like “stupid,” “crass,” “vulgar” and “obtuse” could actually be considered compliments. The Wayans Bros.’ second round of giddy absurdity isn’t as funny as the first, possibly because they are making fun of films that
- ['Scary Movie' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/scary-movie-review/) - John's "Scary Movie" flashback review, Oct. 18, 2021 “Scary Movie” – True, “Scream” was itself a horror satire, but it inadvertently revived the very films it made fun of by being really scary. Four years later, “Scary Movie” delivers an outright parody of “Scream” and its ilk. The opening scene sets the stage: It’s an
- ['61*' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/61-review/) - Here's my review of Billy Crystal's HBO movie "61*" -- the story of Roger Maris and his record-breaking season -- which I saw in 2001 at the Fargo Theatre.
- ['The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/sisterhood-of-the-traveling-pants-review/) - My "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" review, Brainerd Dispatch, June 9, 2005
- ['Roswell' Reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/roswell-reviews/) - If you're a "Roswell" fan, you are not alone. Check out RFMC's reviews of the TV seasons and books -- plus a little (but not too much) about "Roswell, New Mexico."
- ['Sliders' Season 5 review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/sliders-season-5/) - “Sliders” is a classic “What if?” anthology, exploring alternate versions of our planet and the four main characters.
- ['Higher Ground' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/higher-ground/) - “Higher Ground” is best known for being the breakout series for Hayden Christensen. It’s OK to tune in for Anakin Skywalker, but keep watching because it’s a great show.
- ['Jurassic Park III' reviews and commentary](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/jurassic-park-iii-review/) - John's "Jurassic Park III" flashback review, johnvhansen.com, Jan. 29, 2015 “Jurassic Park III” — Director Joe Johnston cuts out the fat and gets right to the meat, giving ample screen time to up-and-coming stars Spinosaurus and Pteranodon, along with returning favorite Velociraptor. Sadly, old favorite T-rex might be on his way out, only getting one
- ['Hot Shots!' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/hot-shots/) - John's "Hot Shots!" flashback review, July 8, 2021 “Hot Shots!” — If ever there was a movie that deserved to be made fun of, “Top Gun” was it. “Hot Shots!” does the job masterfully, throwing in many “Airplane!”-style gags along the way. Best line: “The mission starts at 0600 hours.” “Very well, wake me up at
- ['The 13th Warrior' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/the-13th-warrior-review/) - John's "The 13th Warrior" review, NDSU Spectrum, August 1999 John's "The 13th Warrior" flashback review, June 28, 2021
- ['Lost in Space' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/lost-in-space-review/) - John's "Lost in Space" flashback review, June 17, 2021 John's "Lost in Space" review, NDSU Spectrum, April 17, 1998
- ['Star Wars' Legends Movie and TV Reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/star-wars-movie-and-tv-reviews/) - This index collects RFMC's reviews of "Star Wars" Legends (Expanded Universe) movies and TV shows.
- ['Star Wars' Legends Comic Reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/star-wars-comic-reviews/) - This index collects RFMC's reviews of "Star Wars" Legends (Expanded Universe) comic books.
- ['Star Wars' Legends Book Reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/star-wars-book-reviews/) - This index collects RFMC's reviews of "Star Wars" Legends (Expanded Universe) books, audio dramas and short stories.
- ['Star Wars' Legends Reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/star-wars-reviews/) - This index is your starting point for adventuring through RFMC's reviews of "Star Wars" Legends (Expanded Universe) works.
- ['The Rock' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/the-rock/) - John's "The Rock" Throwback Thursday review, June 3, 2021 “The Rock” – An all-star cast headlines director Michael Bay’s intense tale of a war hero (Ed Harris) who threatens San Francisco with chemical weapons. Infiltrating his base are Nicolas Cage as the chemical expert and Sean Connery as the only man to ever escape Alcatraz.
- ['Sphere' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/sphere-review/) - John's "Sphere" review, NDSU Spectrum, February 1998 John's "Sphere" flashback review, May 10, 2021
- ['Supernova' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/supernova-review/) - John's "Supernova" flashback review, May 28, 2021 John's "Supernova" review, NDSU Spectrum, January 2000
- ['Event Horizon' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/event-horizon-review/) - John's reviews of 1997's science fiction/horror cult classic "Event Horizon."
- ['Contact' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/contact-review/) - My reviews of the delightful 1997 film based on Carl Sagan's novel.
- ['Terminator' Reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/other-reviews/terminator-reviews/) - The future is not set. But this index of RFMC's "Terminator" reviews is. Check out our takes on the films, TV show, books and comic books.
- ['X-Files,' 'Millennium' and 'Lone Gunmen' Reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/other-reviews/x-files-reviews/) - The truth is out there -- and in here, our index of RFMC's "X-Files," "Millennium" and "Lone Gunmen" reviews. Trust no one -- except this index.
- ['Veronica Mars' and 'iZombie' Reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/veronica-mars-reviews/) - Looking to further investigate "Veronica Mars"? Check out this index of RFMC's reviews. Plus, take a bite out of our reviews of "iZombie" and other Rob Thomas shows.
- ['Independence Day' Reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/independence-day-reviews/) - In this index, RFMC celebrates our "Independence Day" with reviews of the films, books and comic books.
- [David Mamet Reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/david-mamet-reviews/) - An index of RFMC's reviews of David Mamet's films and books, plus links to further information on the web.
- [Oscars 2021](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/oscars-2021/) - Everything you need to know about this year's Oscars, plus information on previous Academy Award winners.
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- ['Orange County' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/orange-county-review/) - NDSU Spectrum: Movie review Black and White can’t save ‘Orange County’ By JOHN HANSEN Jan. 11, 2002 Somehow Jack Black has become one of today’s biggest box office draws. I guess it isn’t too surprising, considering his persona of a chubby, unkempt, vulgar and lazy man. Of course, he’s also extremely funny, which is why
- ['Bully' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/bully-review/) - NDSU Spectrum: Video review ‘Bully’ a harrowing, painfully real murder story By JOHN HANSEN Jan. 25, 2002 Now here’s a film that does justice to the adjective “harrowing.” “Bully,” the controversial film from “Kids” director Larry Clark, is based on the true story of a premeditated murder of a bully in South Florida. While films
- ['Battlefield Earth' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/battlefield-earth-review/) - “Battlefield Earth” — This adaptation of L. Ron Hubbard’s saga of a human who rebels against his Psychlo captors in the year 3000 has everything except originality and an engaging story. It’s like a “Star Wars” without the momentum, “Planet of the Apes” without the memorable scenes and “Blade Runner” without the mood. Johnny Goodboy Tyler
- ['Space Cowboys' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/space-cowboys-review/) - “Space Cowboys” — In an interesting change of pace, four old guys – Clint Eastwood (who also directed), Tommy Lee Jones, Donald Sutherland and James Garner – get a chance to shine in a summer movie. The first half, which chronicles the re-teaming of the world’s best Air Force test pilots from 40 years ago
- ['The Patriot' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/the-patriot-review/) - “The Patriot” — There’s a good movie buried somewhere in this Revolutionary War yawner, but neither writer Robert Rodat or director/editor Roland Emmerich are quite able to find it. Benjamin Martin (Mel Gibson) seeks revenge against a particularly evil Redcoat (Jason Isaacs) for killing his son, all the while pretending he’s a patriot. The theme is
- ['The In Crowd' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/the-in-crowd-review/) - “The In Crowd” — I think this was supposed to be a spicy suspense thriller about a group of young people obsessed with maintaining their image, but the characters are so poorly written and the editing is so lazy that it’s easy to lose interest long before the plot gets moving an hour into the film.
- ['Girlfight' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/girlfight-review/) - NDSU Spectrum: Movie review In ‘Girlfight,’ life is like a boxing match By JOHN HANSEN Oct. 27, 2000 Diana Guzman hates the world. The Latin youth has no ambition and no role models. Her school is terrible and she lives in a small apartment in a poor neighborhood. Her father is so oppressive he drove
- ['Gossip' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/gossip-review/) - “Gossip” — James Marsden, Lena Headey and Norman Reedus do a college paper on the how rumors are spread. This fun thriller shows what happens when their project gets a bit out of hand. —John Hansen, NDSU Spectrum, Nov. 3, 2000
- ['Red Planet' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/red-planet-review/) - NDSU Spectrum: Movie review ‘Red Planet’ is a beautiful journey to nowhere By JOHN HANSEN Dec. 1, 2000 Prior to this year, no one had really attempted a big budget blockbuster about Mars. Unfortunately for “Red Planet,” it’s the second movie this year to explore the fourth rock from the sun, following last spring’s “Mission
- ['Vertical Limit' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/vertical-limit-review/) - NDSU Spectrum: Movie review ‘Vertical Limit’ will leave you gasping for air By JOHN HANSEN Dec. 15, 2000 Even before the first climber-falling-to-certain-doom scene in “Vertical Limit,” it’s tempting to make a mental note: never take up rock climbing. This is thanks to cinematographer David Tattersall’s opening panoramic shot of a Utah rock face that
- ['O' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/o-review/) - NDSU Spectrum: Movie review ‘O’ is for overwrought By JOHN HANSEN Sept. 7, 2001 Here’s your chance to see star-making performances from Josh Hartnett, Mekhi Phifer and Julia Stiles. What’s that, you say they’ve already been in several films in the last two years? Well, there’s an explanation. “O” — a modern update of Shakespeare’s
- ['Bridget Jones's Diary' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/bridget-joness-diary-review/) - “Bridget Jones’s Diary” — Renee Zellweger, who has somehow become the most beloved actress of all time despite not being in anything good since 1995, stars as a pudgy magazine staffer who must decide between Hugh Grant and some other guy with an English accent. While it is fun to hear British people use “ass”
- ['Shallow Hal' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/shallow-hal-review/) - NDSU Spectrum: Movie review Farrellys trade crass for class in ‘Shallow Hal’ By JOHN HANSEN Nov. 16, 2001 A remarkable thing happens when you take (some of) the crass humor away from a Farrelly Bros. movie: it becomes a heartfelt character study with insightful social commentary. That might be a slight stretch, but nonetheless “Shallow
- ['Lost and Delirious' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/lost-and-delirious-review/) - NDSU Spectrum: Video review ‘Lost and Delirious’ a delicate character study By JOHN HANSEN Dec. 7, 2001 It’s hard to believe that love and betrayal, themes that date back to the very roots of literature, could still make for an engrossing film, but that’s exactly what happens in “Lost and Delirious.” This affecting character piece
- ['Do It For Uncle Manny' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/do-it-for-uncle-manny-review/) - NDSU Spectrum: Movie review Pseudo-‘Swingers’: ‘Manny’ finds humor in Hollywood fakeness By JOHN HANSEN March 8, 2002 “Do It For Uncle Manny” may be one of the first films directly influenced by “Swingers,” the 1996 indie hit about a guy who thinks he’s a player and his best friend with rock-bottom self-esteem. “Manny,” which was
- ['E.T. The Extra Terrestrial' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/e-t-the-extra-terrestrial-review/) - “E.T. The Extra Terrestrial” — This 20th Anniversary release allows Steven Spielberg fans to go back to a time when a simple movie about intergalactic friendship could make you cry. A time when Drew Barrymore was in good movies. A time when government agents toted walkie talkies instead of guns. A time when it was
- ['Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/dangerous-lives-of-altar-boys-review/) - “Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys” — The Fargo Theater usually offers a respite from inane mainstream films, and one example this summer was the flawed yet compelling “Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys,” which screened in July. It has a great premise: two boys experience the drudgery of attending Catholic school in the ’70s, but in
- ['XXX' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/xxx-review/) - “XXX” — I avoided “MIB II” and “Austin Powers 3,” but somehow got sucked in by the allure of Vin Diesel re-teaming with “Fast and the Furious” director Rob Cohen. But “XXX” pales next to the greasy, sweaty and energetic “Fast and the Furious.” The action sequences are a fine mix of creativity and idiocy
- ['Matchstick Men' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/matchstick-men-review/) - “Matchstick Men” – Nicolas Cage and Alison Lohman are oddly likable as a father-and-daughter con team. The cleverest plotting of the year plays out atop director Ridley Scott's soothing, beige backdrop. It's another entry in the trendy One Last Twist genre, but this one holds up -- and gains new meaning -- on closer inspection.
- ['Shattered Glass' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/shattered-glass-review/) - “Shattered Glass” – I had already respected Hayden Christensen for his work on "Life as a House" and TV's "Higher Ground" (and yes, even "Star Wars"), but his portrayal as Stephen Glass, an endearing psychopath who fabricates articles at The New Republic, is a cut above. The brisk, intense film also works as a peek
- ['National Treasure' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/national-treasure-review/) - “National Treasure” – Ever since the last "Indiana Jones" movie 15 years ago, Hollywood has floundered in attempts to recapture the adventurous spirit with the likes of "The Mummy" and "Tomb Raider." The Jerry Bruckheimer-produced "National Treasure" is a blast, carried by Nicolas Cage's infectious enthusiasm for the hunt. – John Hansen, Brainerd Dispatch, Dec.
- ['Team America: World Police' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/team-america-world-police-review/) - “Team America: World Police” – In an oversized puppet show, "South Park" creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone slam Jerry Bruckheimer efforts such as "Armageddon" and "Pearl Harbor," while also delivering smart political jabs. Parker and Stone are among the few satirists who can tackle politics without taking sides -- portraying Michael Moore as a
- ['Cinderella Man' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/cinderella-man-review/) - “Cinderella Man” – Director Ron Howard's leisurely paced true story about boxer Jimmy Braddock (Russell Crowe) - who fought not for glory, but simply to feed his family - certainly brings a viewer into the Depression era. And Max Baer is the scariest ring villain since Clubber Lang, or at least since "Million Dollar Baby's"
- ['Borat' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/borat-review/) - “Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan” – Everyone will find something offensive about "Borat," which spins off Sacha Baron Cohen's character from "Da Ali G Show," but there's no denying his commitment in playing this culturally clueless eastern European reporter. Borat travels across America exposing people's less-admirable qualities through
- ['The Hole Story' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/the-hole-story-review/) - “The Hole Story” – Boston filmmaker Alex Karpovsky created this hilarious documentary-turned-comedy largely in the editing room. He intended to make a pilot for "Provincial Puzzlers," telling the story of the "black hole" in 2003 on North Long Lake. Because the hole was frozen over when he got to the Brainerd area, the film morphed
- ['The Last Kiss' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/the-last-kiss-review/) - “The Last Kiss” – In this thematic sequel to "Garden State," Zach Braff's heartwarming 2004 directorial debut, Braff plays a guy torn between his fiancee (Jacinda Barrett) and a full-of-life collegian (Rachel Bilson). (If only we all had such a dilemma.) Two other on-the-rocks relationships are explored with intelligence and humor. Mix-tape master Braff also
- ['Sweet Land' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/sweet-land-review/) - “Sweet Land” – Minneapolis writer-director Ali Selim, who shot the film in Montevideo, takes us back to a time when Norwegian immigrants earned a hard living from working the corn fields and milking cows. They also had to deal with controversial issues such as Olaf's German wife (she might be a World War I spy,
- ['United 93' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/united-93-review/) - “United 93” – Writer-director Paul Greengrass tells the story of the only one of the four hijacked planes on 9/11 to not reach its target, the only way it can be told. He gets the camera up close and personal with the 40 passengers and crew (among them flight attendant Sandra Bradshaw, played by Brainerd
- ['Blades of Glory' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/blades-of-glory-review/) - “Blades of Glory” – We were long overdue for a good figure skating parody, and Will Ferrell and friends score a 6.0 for their effort. It's a tale of a disgraced skater who resurrects his career on the pairs circuit. Naturally, he teams up with a dude - Napoleon Dynamite (well, Jon Heder, anyway). Look
- ['The Condemned' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/the-condemned-review/) - “The Condemned” – In a year that featured the long-awaited aliens-come-to-Earth chapter of "Aliens vs. Predator" and the absolutely insane fourth "Die Hard" entry, "The Condemned" was still the best unintentional comedy. It follows a group of convicts who are let loose on an island to kill each other for the Internet-surfing public's amusement. Steve
- ['Hot Fuzz' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/hot-fuzz-review/) - “Hot Fuzz” – Simon Pegg and Nick Frost transfer their spot-on satire from "Shaun of the Dead" to the shoot-'em-up genre - Pegg's cop even studies movies like "Bad Boys 2" to help him do his job. And there's something about a dry British accent that makes everything 10 times funnier. Whatever these guys make
- ['Superbad' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/superbad-review/) - “Superbad” – The Apatowian realism of "Superbad" isn't for the sensitive viewer, as best buds Seth (Jonah Hill) and Evan (Michael Cera) let an F-bomb fly every other word. Like many teen comedies before it, this one is about a desperately wacky quest for beer and sex. We get unlikely ladies' man McLovin (Christopher Mintz-Plaase),
- ['Adventureland' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/adventureland-review/) - John’s top 10 movies of 2009, Dec. 30, 2009
- ['I Love You, Man' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/i-love-you-man-review/) - John's top 10 movies of 2009, Dec. 30, 2009
- ['Small Soldiers' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/small-soldiers-review/) - “Small Soldiers” – It’s no secret that “Small Soldiers” is a big-budget toy commercial; the makers of the film have said as much. But that didn’t stop them from making a quality picture, as you might expect with “Gremlins” director Joe Dante at the helm. Stan Winston Studios no doubt had fun making this movie,
- ['Godzilla' (1998) review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/godzilla-1998-review/) - “Godzilla” – I hoped for only three things from “Godzilla”: 1. A radioactive lizard 2. that stomps around New York 3. causing mass destruction. I left the theater satisfied, if not blown away. Dean Devlin and Roland Emmerich’s film opens with some incredible scenes of Big G in the Big Apple, crushing buildings, sending people
- ['8MM' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/8mm-review/) - “8MM” – “Seven” writer Andrew Kevin Walker returns to the seedy side of human nature, using the underground porn industry as a metaphor. Nicolas Cage delivers a riveting performance as a detective obsessed with finding people responsible for a snuff film showing an apparent murder. In his search for the meaning of evil, he treads
- ['Punch-Drunk Love' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/punch-drunk-love-review/) - John’s top 10 movies of 2002, NDSU Spectrum, Dec. 13, 2002
- ['Panic Room' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/panic-room-review/) - John’s top 10 movies of 2002, NDSU Spectrum, Dec. 13, 2002
- ['Frailty' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/frailty-review/) - “Frailty” — Bill Paxton’s directorial debut takes a theme that other movies may use for entertainment purposes — people getting chopped up into little pieces with an axe — and makes it genuinely disturbing. Matthew McConaughey plays the grown-up son of a religious zealot serial killer dad (Paxton), recounting the grisly events to a small-town
- ['Pumpkin' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/pumpkin-review/) - John's top 10 movies of 2002, NDSU Spectrum, Dec. 13, 2002
- ['City by the Sea' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/city-by-the-sea-review/) - John's top 10 movies of 2002, NDSU Spectrum, Dec. 13, 2002
- ['The Good Girl' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/the-good-girl-review/) - John's top 10 movies of 2002, NDSU Spectrum, Dec. 13, 2002
- ['Memento' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/memento-review/) - John's top 10 movies of 2001, NDSU Spectrum, Jan. 18, 2002
- ['American Pie 2' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/american-pie-2-review/) - “American Pie 2” — Writer Adam Hertz serves up more of everyone’s favorite characters from 1999’s hit comedy, primarily Stifler (generational icon Seann William Scott), Jim (good sport Jason Biggs) and Michelle (the incomparable Alyson Hannigan). Also, the MILF guys are back! Now it’s the summer after the first year of college, and the guys
- ['A Beautiful Mind' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/a-beautiful-mind-review/) - John's top 10 movies of 2001, NDSU Spectrum, Jan. 18, 2002
- ['Crazy/Beautiful' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/crazy-beautiful-review/) - John's top 10 movies of 2001, NDSU Spectrum, Jan. 11, 2002
- ['Love and Basketball' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/love-and-basketball-review/) - John's top 10 movies of 2000, NDSU Spectrum, Jan. 12, 2001
- ['Cast Away' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/cast-away-review/) - John's top 10 movies of 2000, NDSU Spectrum, Jan. 12, 2001
- ['Rambo' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/rambo-review/) - John's "Rambo" flashback review, Jan. 9, 2020 John's top 10 movies of 2008, May 6, 2009
- ['Role Models' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/role-models-review/) - John's top 10 movies of 2008, May 6, 2009
- ['Slumdog Millionaire' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/slumdog-millionaire-review/) - John's top 10 movies of 2008, May 6, 2009
- ['The House Bunny' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/the-house-bunny-review/) - John's top 10 movies of 2008, May 6, 2009
- ['Religulous' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/religulous-review/) - John's top 10 movies of 2008, May 6, 2009
- ['Get Smart' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/get-smart-review/) - John's top 10 movies of 2008, May 6, 2009
- ['Forgetting Sarah Marshall' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/forgetting-sarah-marshall-review/) - John's top 10 movies of 2008, May 6, 2009
- ['Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/nick-norahs-infinite-playlist-review/) - John's "Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist" Completely Random Slice of Pop Culture column, Brainerd Dispatch, Oct. 9, 2008 John's top 10 movies of 2008, May 6, 2009 John's "Nick & Norah: One movie that's better than the book" analysis, johnvhansen.com, June 24, 2009
- ['Patch Adams' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/patch-adams-review/) - “Patch Adams” – Patch Adams (Robin Williams) discovers the healing power of humor and shares it with patients, friends and stuffed-shirt deans. A heartfelt comedy from the formula Williams has perfected, it gets better with each passing scene and boasts a strong supporting cast. The overriding theme is something everyone can relate to: Rules and
- ['The Perfect Storm' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/the-perfect-storm-review-2/) - “The Perfect Storm” – Based on the true story of New England swordfishermen who battle a convergence of three vicious storms in 1991, director Wolfgang Peterson’s adaptation of Sebastian Junger’s book lets the power the events supply the momentum. Hurting for money, Billy Tyne’s (George Clooney) crew makes a big catch at the Flemish Cap,
- ['Road Trip' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/road-trip-review/) - “Road Trip” – This comedy combines the now-ubiquitous gross-out element with some genuine humor and likable characters. Breckin Meyer, Seann William Scott, Amy Smart, Tom Green and DJ Qualls – a rare screen nerd who actually looks like a nerd – play out the giddy romp that ensues when Josh (Meyer) accidentally mails a sex
- ['American Pie' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/american-pie-review/) - “American Pie” – The summer’s funniest movie builds momentum with an endless string of hilarious scenes. Writer Adam Herz knows and respects his audience with a script that takes a funny, yet realistic, look at such issues as talking to girls, using the school restroom and various uses for apple pie. Sometimes it exaggerates for
- ['The Mummy' (1999) review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/the-mummy-1999-review/) - “The Mummy” – Writer-director Stephen Sommers blends light humor with serious drama in Universal’s bid to start a new “Mummy” franchise. Brendan Fraser leads one of two teams in search of treasure, but Imhotep is unwittingly revived. The special effects and fight scenes have energy and style. John Hannah and Kevin J. O’Connor provide a
- ['Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/austin-powers-the-spy-who-shagged-me-review/) - "Austin Powers" trilogy flashback review, July 23, 2020 “Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me” – The plot of Mike Myers’ spy spoof sequel is so ridiculous that Austin Powers himself actually makes fun of it during the film. The premise – Austin goes back to 1969 England to retrieve his mojo from Dr. Evil
- ['Universal Soldier: The Return' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/universal-soldier-the-return-review/) - “Universal Soldier: The Return” – This stylish but empty sequel pits former Universal Soldier Luc Deveraux (Jean-Claude Van Damme) against the latest crop of power-hungry computerized soldiers, including Michael Jai White and wrestler Bill Goldberg. The film is short on thematic and emotional resonance due to weak acting and a simple-yet-confusing storyline. Among the bright
- ['Bowfinger' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/bowfinger-review/) - “Bowfinger” – Written by and starring Steve Martin, this is the story of a small-time producer desperate to make a movie. After action star Kit Ramsey (Eddie Murphy) turns down the leading role, Bowfinger finds a lookalike named Jiff (also Murphy). “Bowfinger” comments on the difficulties and absurdities of breaking into show business while delivering
- ['Arlington Road' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/arlington-road-review/) - “Arlington Road” – Jeff Bridges teaches a class on terrorism and Tim Robbins is his suspicious neighbor in a film exploring the dynamics of conspiracies and paranoia. “Arlington Road” makes several important observations – notably the media’s obsession with finding simple answers. Unfortunately, this would-be thriller doesn’t develop any real energy until the final half-hour,
- ['The Astronaut's Wife' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/the-astronauts-wife-review/) - My "Astronaut's Wife" review, NDSU Spectrum, August 1999
- ['The Bone Collector' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/the-bone-collector-review/) - My "Bone Collector" review, NDSU Spectrum, November 1999
- ['Cube' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/cube-review/) - My "Cube" review, NDSU Spectrum, 1998
- ['Double Jeopardy' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/double-jeopardy-review/) - My "Double Jeopardy" review, NDSU Spectrum, September 1999
- ['The Hurricane' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/the-hurricane-review/) - My "Hurricane" review, NDSU Spectrum, January 2000
- ['Three Kings' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/three-kings-review/) - My "Three Kings" review, NDSU Spectrum, October 1999
- ['American Psycho' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/american-psycho-review/) - My "American Psycho" review, NDSU Spectrum, April 2000
- ['Frequency' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/frequency-review/) - My "Frequency" review, NDSU Spectrum, April 2000
- ['Here on Earth' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/here-on-earth-review/) - My "Here on Earth" review, NDSU Spectrum, March 2000
- ['The Skulls' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/the-skulls-review/) - My "Skulls" review, NDSU Spectrum, April 2000
- ['U-571' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/u-571-review/) - My "U-571" review, NDSU Spectrum, April 2000
- ['Monster's Ball' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/monsters-ball-review/) - My "Monster's Ball" review, NDSU Spectrum, Feb. 15, 2002
- ['Alex & Emma' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/alex-emma-review/) - My "Alex & Emma" review, Brainerd Dispatch, June 26, 2003
- ['American Wedding' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/american-wedding-review/) - My "American Wedding" review, Brainerd Dispatch, Aug. 7, 2003
- ['Anger Management' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/anger-management-review/) - My "Anger Management" review, Brainerd Dispatch, April 17, 2003
- ['Bend It Like Beckham' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/bend-it-like-beckham-review/) - My "Bend It Like Beckham" review, Brainerd Dispatch, Aug. 7, 2003
- ['Seabiscuit' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/seabiscuit-review/) - My "Seabiscuit" review, Brainerd Dispatch, July 31, 2003
- ['Stuck on You' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/stuck-on-you-review/) - My "Stuck on You" review, Brainerd Dispatch, Nov. 18, 2003
- ['Anchorman' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/anchorman-review/) - My "Anchorman" review, Brainerd Dispatch, July 15, 2004
- ['Big Fish' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/big-fish-review/) - My "Big Fish" review, Brainerd Dispatch, Jan. 15, 2004
- ['Closer' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/closer-review/) - My "Closer" review, Brainerd Dispatch, Jan. 6, 2005
- ['Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/dodgeball-a-true-underdog-story-review/) - My "Dodgeball" review, Brainerd Dispatch, June 24, 2004
- ['In Good Company' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/in-good-company-review/) - My "In Good Company" review, Brainerd Dispatch, Jan. 20, 2005
- ['Million Dollar Baby' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/million-dollar-baby-review/) - My "Million Dollar Baby" review, Brainerd Dispatch, Feb. 3, 2005
- ['Miracle' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/miracle-review/) - My "Miracle" review, Brainerd Dispatch, Feb. 12, 2004
- ['Boston Public' Season 1 reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/boston-public-season-1/) - NDSU Spectrum: TV review ‘Boston Public’ sheds light on the teachers’ point of view By JOHN HANSEN Feb. 9, 2001 “Boston Public” is not your stereotypical high school drama. Despite some surface similarities to “Dawson’s Creek” (for example, they are both set in the Boston area, yet no one speaks with an accent) no one’s
- ['C.S.I.' Season 1 reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/csi-season-1/) - NDSU Spectrum: TV review ‘C.S.I.’ is all about the evidence By JOHN HANSEN April 6, 2001 “Ma’am, I’m not a cop. I’m a crime scene investigator.” This is a phrase heard often from Gil Grissom (William Petersen) and other characters on “C.S.I.,” the highest-rated new show of the TV season. Although it looks like a
- ['Alias' Season 1 review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/alias-season-1/) - "Alias" Season 1 (2001-02, ABC), episodes 1-5 — A close runner-up to "Smallville" for Most Unoriginal Show is ABC’s “Alias,” which took over “La Femme Nikita’s” 8 p.m. Sunday timeslot in addition to stealing all its ideas. Because “Nikita” ended last year, one could argue that “Alias” is filling a void rather than trying to steal
- ['The Practice' Season 6 review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/the-practice-season-6/) - NDSU Spectrum: TV review ‘The Practice,’ ‘Law & Order’ battle in the courtroom By JOHN HANSEN Feb. 8, 2002 Considering how many law dramas there are on TV, it’s too bad the lawyers don’t cross over between shows more often. Imagine passionate defense attorney Eugene Young (Steve Harris) of “The Practice” facing off with gruff
- ['Lizzie McGuire' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/lizzie-mcguire/) - John's "Lizzie McGuire" series review, Brainerd Dispatch, Oct. 23, 2003
- ['The Practice' Season 8 review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/the-practice-season-8/) - John's "The Practice" Season 8 (episodes 1-13) review, Brainerd Dispatch, Jan. 29, 2004
- ['Desperate Housewives' Season 1 review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/desperate-housewives-season-1/) - "Desperate Housewives" Season 1 (2004-05, ABC), episodes 1-8 – Marc Cherry's "Desperate Housewives" (8 p.m. Sundays on ABC) has one central mystery: Why did one of the housewives (Brenda Strong, who provides all-knowing voiceovers) kill herself in the series' opening scene? "Housewives" is the weakest of these three shows because the characters aren't as likable
- ['Invasion' first episode impressions](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/invasion-first-episode-impressions/) - “Invasion” (2005-06, ABC), episode 1 – Last week’s season premieres of “Lost” and “Invasion” (8 and 9 p.m. Wednesdays on ABC) featured a level of suspense above and beyond “What’s in the hatch?” and “What are those glowing lights?” The big question was: At what point will the local affiliate interrupt with coverage of the tornadoes ripping
- ['Threshold' first episode impressions](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/threshold-first-episode-impressions/) - "Threshold" (2005-06, CBS), episode 1 – "Threshold" (8 p.m. Fridays on CBS) is about the Insiders. It's what "The X-Files" would have been if we saw the point of view of the government coverup. But we root for these cover-uppers, because they are pressed into alien-analysis duty under threat of imprisonment, and one of them is
- ['Surface' first episode impressions](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/surface-first-episode-impressions/) - "Surface" (2005-06, NBC), episode 1 – "Surface" (7 p.m. Mondays on NBC) is about the Outsiders. The premiere played like one of those Peter Benchley miniseries about sea monsters rising from the deep, complete with shallow characterizations. But "Surface" isn't a miniseries (at least not intentionally), and previews suggest it will move into "X-Files" territory soon. By
- ['Zoey 101' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/zoey-101/) - John's "Zoey 101" series overview, Brainerd Dispatch, May 1, 2008
- ['Swingtown' first episode impressions](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/swingtown-first-episode-impressions/) - John's "Swingtown" first episode impressions, Brainerd Dispatch, June 19, 2008
- ['Andy Richter Controls the Universe' Season 2 review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/andy-richter-controls-the-universe-season-2/) - "Andy Richter Controls the Universe" Season 2 (2002-03, Fox) – This was the savior for sitcom fans who hadn't seen anything they liked since "Seinfeld" ended. It was deliciously weird on the surface while sneaking some insightful satire through the back door. – John Hansen, “State of Television address,” Brainerd Dispatch, May 22, 2003
- ['Judging Amy' Season 4 review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/judging-amy-season-4/) - "Judging Amy" Season 4, (2002-03, CBS) – This family and law drama blend is a decent choice for people still going through "Once & Again" withdrawal. The outstanding cast (notably Richard T. Jones as Bruce and Tyne Daly as Maxine) makes the familiar stories better than they should be. – John Hansen, “State of Television
- ['The Practice' Season 7 review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/the-practice-season-7/) - "The Practice" Season 7 (2002-03, ABC) – Despite some miscalculations in characterization, David E. Kelley's show is still an important forum for addressing the ills of the justice system. The show will get a cast overhaul next year, as dead weight like Dylan McDermott, Kelli Williams, Lisa Hamilton and Lara Flynn Boyle will be gone.
- ['Joan of Arcadia' Season 1 review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/joan-of-arcadia-season-1-review/) - "Joan of Arcadia" Season 1 (2003-04, CBS), episodes 1-6 – Barbara Hall's "Joan of Arcadia" (7 p.m. Fridays on CBS) chronicles teenager Joan Girardi (Amber Tamblyn), who sees God in the form of the average man or woman on the street. God metes out assignments that Joan embarks on after token whining: She gets a job,
- ['Medium' Season 2 review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/medium-season-2/) - "Medium" Season 2 (2005-06, NBC), episodes 1-6 – CBS was no doubt quick to get "Ghost Whisperer" on the air after "Medium" (9 p.m. Mondays on NBC) became an out-of-nowhere hit last winter. Although the mysteries are often thin (Patricia Arquette's Allison Dubois is simply following her dream-visions, after all), "Medium" remains compelling viewing because
- ['Vanished' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/vanished/) - "Vanished" (2006, Fox), episodes 1-7 – Who kidnapped the senator's wife, Sara Collins, and why? Who exactly is Sara Collins? And, for that matter, what is the senator not telling us about his past? "Vanished" piles questions upon questions, but because we like the characters - particularly Gale Harold as the case's gritty lead agent
- ['The O.C.' Season 1 review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/the-o-c-season-1/) - Brainerd Dispatch: TV review Great cast treads familiar ground in ‘The O.C.’ By JOHN HANSEN Aug. 21, 2003 With its beautifully filmed shots of beautiful people mingling along beautiful California beaches (backed by the kinda beautiful strains of Phantom Planet), it was apparent from Fox’s previews that “The O.C.” would at least succeed as a
- ['Falcon Beach' Season 1 review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/falcon-beach-season-1/) - “Falcon Beach” Season 1 (2006, ABC Family) – Want a Minnesota-based drama? You can scour the annals of the small screen and won’t find one. That’s why we should celebrate ABC Family’s “Falcon Beach” (8 p.m. Mondays). No, it’s not filmed or set here. It’s filmed on the shores of Winnipeg, Manitoba, and is set
- ['Beyond the Break' Season 1 review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/beyond-the-break-season-1/) - “Beyond the Break” Season 1 (2006, The-N), episodes 1-7 – Traditional summer viewing comes from “Beyond the Break” (8:30 p.m. Fridays), which is filmed and set in Hawaii. That’s also the home of “Lost,” but there’s no danger of confusing the two shows. On “Beyond the Break,” it never rains. IT’s always hot, and that
- ['South of Nowhere' Season 1 review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/south-of-nowhere-season-1/) - “South of Nowhere” Season 1 (2005-06, The-N) – “South of Nowhere,” about a conservative religious family that moves from Ohio to Los Angeles, has gotten a lot of press for main character Spencer Carlin (natural talent Gabrielle Christian) and her liberal approach to which gender she dates. That makes for good TV-pundit copy, sure, but
- ['The Best Years' Season 1 review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/the-best-years-season-1/) - “The Best Years” Season 1 (2007, The-N), episodes 1-10 – The summer's most impressive new series, “The Best Years,” is enough to cure any doldrums. The hour-long drama airs on The-N, so it's mostly ignored by mainstream TV media, but the adventures of Samantha Best (Charity Shea) at fictional Charles University will provide breezy fun
- ['Life' Season 1 review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/life-season-1/) - “Life” Season 1 (2007, NBC) – “Life” stars two unconventionally attractive leads – Damian Lewis (“Band of Brothers”) as Charlie Crews, freshly released after being wrongfully imprisoned for 12 years; and Sarah Shahi, who looks like Sandra Bullock's cuter sister, as Crews' tightly wound partner Dani Reese, who seriously unwinds when she's off shift. Crews,
- ['Pushing Daisies' Season 1 review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/pushing-daisies-season-1/) - “Pushing Daisies” Season 1 (2007, ABC) – Respected producer Bryan Fuller's latest effort is as sugary as the pies Ned the Pie Maker (Lee Pace of “Wonderfalls”) specializes in. Ned's baked goods are extra tasty because he used his super-powered touch to revive rotting fruit before sticking the pies in the oven. The kitchen of
- ['The Mothman Prophecies' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/the-mothman-prophecies-review/) - “The Mothman Prophecies” — After a fascinating first hour, enhanced by expertly creepy sound design and cinematography, the film runs out of ideas and limps to an overdone conclusion. The script, based on true events, includes some interesting commentary on humans’ place in the universe. “Have you ever tried explaining yourself to a cockroach?” says
- ['Valentine' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/valentine-review/) - NDSU Spectrum: Movie review ‘Valentine’ delivers holiday-themed horror By JOHN HANSEN Feb. 9, 2001 “Valentine” is not your typical date movie. It is, however, your typical horror movie (but in a good way). Although director Jamie Blanks (“Urban Legend”) doesn’t venture much beyond genre expectations, it does an expert job of delivering the basics —
- ['Cherry Falls' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/cherry-falls-review/) - “Cherry Falls” — This horror movie delights in satirizing two of pop culture’s funniest things — sex and violence — as a psycho starts offing virgins in Cherry Falls, Virginia. Although smartly-made with a good cast, it holds back on too many jokes to be truly memorable. —John Hansen, NDSU Spectrum, Feb. 9, 2001
- ['Lost Souls' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/lost-souls-review/) - NDSU Spectrum: Movie review ‘Lost Souls’ offers a beautifully bleak spin on reality By JOHN HANSEN Oct. 27, 2000 The basic elements of “Lost Souls”—exorcisms, God and the Devil, possession, the end of the world, devout Christians versus atheists—have been used in many films, but they’ve never been put together quite like this before. Director
- ['Shriek If You Know What I Did Last Friday the 13th' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/shriek-if-you-know-what-i-did-last-friday-the-13th-review/) - NDSU Spectrum: Movie review ‘Shriek’ offers a few jokes not found in ‘Scary Movie’ By JOHN HANSEN Oct. 27, 2000 “Shriek If You Know What I Did Last Friday the 13th” isn’t quite in the same league as “Scary Movie,” but it taps into the same irreverent spirit and connects on enough jokes to keep
- ['Jeepers Creepers' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/jeepers-creepers-review/) - NDSU Spectrum: Movie review Little-known actors save ‘Jeepers Creepers’ By JOHN HANSEN Sept. 7, 2001 “Jeepers Creepers” has one of the best opening 10 minutes you’ll ever see. A brother and sister are driving home for spring break on a highway in the middle of nowhere. A rusty old van with vanity plates that read
- ['Session 9' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/session-9-review/) - “Session 9” — A group of workers goes in to clear asbestos from an abandoned insane asylum. One of the workers becomes obsessed with old tape reels of doctor-patient conversations. You’d think it would be a can’t-miss premise for a horror movie, but there’s only one genuinely creepy scene in the film. Most of the
- ['28 Days Later' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/28-days-later-review/) - “28 Days Later” – This new British horror classic starts with a killer premise -- a guy wakes up in a hospital to discover he's (seemingly) the last man on Earth. It eventually turns into a creepy, gritty, and often disgusting zombie flick. The last act is silly, but the post-credits “what if?” segment makes
- ['The Faculty' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/the-faculty-review/) - John's "The Faculty" flashback review, Dec. 25, 2020 “The Faculty” – Teacher creatures attempt to take over Herrington High, but the students fight back in Robert Rodriguez’s film that gives an extra chill to the phrase “Please report to the principal’s office.” The film blends all the elements of a good horror thriller: a mysterious
- ['Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/book-of-shadows-blair-witch-2-review/) - NDSU Spectrum: Movie review ‘Book of Shadows’ deepens the Blair Witch mythology By JOHN HANSEN Nov. 3, 2000 When a film makes $140 million and is called “scary as hell” by Peter Travers, everyone has to clock in with their opinion, and they tend to be extreme. Either you loved “The Blair Witch Project” or
- ['Hollow Man' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/hollow-man-review/) - “Hollow Man” – There are two things that make an invisible man movie intriguing – the intellectual aspect and the visual aspect. Screenwriter Andrew Marlowe and director Paul Verhoeven only pay lip service to the theme of being hollowed out emotionally. Scientist Sebastian Caine (Kevin Bacon) is already a bit mad before he becomes invisible,
- ['The Blair Witch Project' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/the-blair-witch-project-review/) - “The Blair Witch Project” – This low-budget film from Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sanchez has a seemingly can’t-miss premise: Three student filmmakers venture into the Maryland woods to research the legend of the Blair Witch, they disappear and their raw footage (the movie itself) is found one year later. The absence of a detailed script,
- ['Lake Placid' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/lake-placid-review/) - “Lake Placid” – “Halloween H2O” director Steve Miner cranks out another horror film that cuts corners whenever possible. Hardly anyone lives on the lake being terrorized by the 30-foot crocodile, so the “dangerous situations” seem contrived. Solid actors like Bill Pullman can’t overcome the script’s weak characterization, and there’s not much theme, mystery or energy
- ['Nightwatch' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/nightwatch-review/) - My "Nightwatch" review, NDSU Spectrum, Oct. 2, 1998
- ['End of Days' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/end-of-days-review/) - My "End of Days" review, NDSU Spectrum, November 1999
- ['House on Haunted Hill' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/house-on-haunted-hill-review/) - My "House on Haunted Hill" review, NDSU Spectrum, October 1999
- ['The Last Broadcast' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/the-last-broadcast-review/) - My "Last Broadcast" review, NDSU Spectrum, 1999
- ['Pitch Black' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/pitch-black-review/) - My "Pitch Black" review, NDSU Spectrum, Feb. 25, 2000
- ['Stir of Echoes' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/stir-of-echoes-review/) - My "Stir of Echoes" review, NDSU Spectrum, September 1999
- ['Supernatural' Season 1 review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/supernatural-season-1/) - "Supernatural" Season 1 (2005-06, WB), episodes 1-7 – A WB honcho must've noticed that young people flock to theaters weekly to catch the latest Hollywood horror flick and figured, "Why not give 'em a horror movie every week for free?" "Supernatural" (8 p.m. Tuesdays) chronicles two brothers (Jared Padalecki from "Gilmore Girls" and Jensen Ackles from
- ['Napoleon Dynamite' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/napoleon-dynamite-review/) - My "Napoleon Dynamite" review, Brainerd Dispatch, Sept. 16, 2004
- ['Spanglish' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/spanglish-review/) - My "Spanglish" review, Brainerd Dispatch, Dec. 16, 2004
- ['The Village' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/the-village-review/) - My "The Village" review, Brainerd Dispatch, Aug. 5, 2004
- ['The 40-Year-Old Virgin' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/the-40-year-old-virgin-review/) - My "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" review, Brainerd Dispatch, Aug. 25, 2005
- ['Assault on Precinct 13' (2005) review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/assault-on-precinct-13-2005-review/) - My "Assault on Precinct 13" review, Brainerd Dispatch, Jan. 27, 2005
- ['The Skeleton Key' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/the-skeleton-key-review/) - My "Skeleton Key" review, Brainerd Dispatch, Aug. 18, 2005
- ['Little Miss Sunshine' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/little-miss-sunshine-review/) - John's "Little Miss Sunshine" flashback review, johnvhansen.com, Dec. 17, 2012 "Little Miss Sunshine" - There's nothing particularly original about this story of a family that road-trips to the titular beauty pageant that daughter Olive (Abigail Breslin) wants to enter. However, it's nice to see a big-hearted comedy about real, troubled people every now and then. The humor
- ['Knocked Up' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/knocked-up-review/) - My "Knocked Up" review, Brainerd Dispatch, June 7, 2007
- ['Journey to the Center of the Earth' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/journey-to-the-center-of-the-earth-review/) - My "Journey to the Center of the Earth" Completely Random Slice of Pop Culture column, Brainerd Dispatch, Sept. 4, 2008
- ['The Naked Gun' and 'Naked Gun 2 1/2' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/naked-gun/) - “The Naked Gun” (1988) and “Naked Gun 2 1/2: The Smell of Fear” (1991) — From the files of 1982’s six-episode run of “Police Squad” comes the big screen exploits of bumbling Lieutenant Frank Drebin (Leslie Neilsen). The first entry follows the character from a terrorist meeting in Beirut to a press conference for Queen Elizabeth to an
- ['Ace Ventura: Pet Detective' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/ace-ventura-pet-detective/) - “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective” — To quote Lisa Simpson, “Jim Carrey can make us laugh with no more than a frantic flailing of his limbs.” Before he decided he was a serious actor, Carrey delivered this tour-de-force of physical comedy in his search for a kidnapped dolphin. Best line: “It’s not Snowflake! It’s not Snowflake!” —
- ['Airplane!' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/airplane/) - “Airplane!” — With this classic, the “absurd dialogue delivered with a straight face” brand of comedy from David and Jerry Zucker and Jim Abrahams was unleashed on the masses, and Leslie Nielsen became the master of parodies. Best line: “The passengers had a choice between steak and fish.” “Yes, I remember. I had the lasagna.” —
- ['Tommy Boy' and 'Black Sheep' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/tommy-boy-black-sheep/) - “Tommy Boy” (1995) and “Black Sheep” (1996) — “Tommy Boy” was the first film to showcase Chris Farley’s comic genius, while “Black Sheep” is possibly the first film to fully realize the hilarity of an overweight man tumbling down a steep hill. In both films, David Spade is a perfect foil for Farley. Best line: “One of them
- ['Wrongfully Accused' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/wrongfully-accused/) - “Wrongfully Accused” — If ever there was a movie that deserved to be made fun of (besides “Top Gun”), “The Fugitive” was it. Leslie Nielsen may seem like an odd choice to play the Harrison Ford role, but that’s exactly why it’s so funny. Richard Crenna contributes a dead-on mockery of Tommy Lee Jones’s obsessed detective.
- ['Face/Off' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/face-off/) - “Face/Off” – Admittedly, the method by which Shawn Archer (John Travolta) and Castor Troy (Nicolas Cage) trade faces is absurd. However, it’s easy to accept this conceit as we get to see the good guy and the bad guy exploring each other’s worlds and the ways people react to the oddities displayed by “Archer” and
- ['Duel' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/duel/) - “Duel” – Steven Spielberg’s made-for-TV debut wrings maximum tension out of a simple premise: A beleaguered businessman (Dennis Weaver) cuts off a semi on the highway and is subsequently pursued throughout the film by the massive rig. The relentless chase is completely believable and at times very amusing. – John Hansen, “Best of the action
- ['The Peacemaker' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/the-peacemaker/) - “The Peacemaker” – Soldier George Clooney and presidential advisor Nicole Kidman attempt to stop a nuclear missile hijack in a film that pushes the boundaries of its seemingly haggard premise. Along with its charismatic leads, the film offers plenty of thrilling sequences, nice visuals and plot twists to keep things fresh. – John Hansen, “Best
- ['Moana' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/moana-2/) - Michael’s “Moana” review, Top 10 films of 2016, Medium, Feb. 27, 2017
- ['Weiner' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/weiner-2/) - Michael's "Weiner" review, Top 10 films of 2016, Medium, Feb. 27, 2017
- ['Hidden Figures' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/hidden-figures-2/) - Michael's "Hidden Figures" review, Top 10 films of 2016, Medium, Feb. 27, 2017
- ['Nocturnal Animals' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/nocturnal-animals-2/) - Michael's "Nocturnal Animals" review, Top 10 films of 2016, Medium, Feb. 27, 2017
- ['Hell or High Water' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/hell-or-high-water-2/) - Michael's "Hell or High Water" review, Top 10 films of 2016, Medium, Feb. 27, 2017
- ['Arrival' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/arrival-2/) - John's "Arrival" review, johnvhansen.com, Dec. 21, 2016 Michael's "Arrival" review, Top 10 films of 2016, Medium, Feb. 27, 2017
- ['Dunkirk' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/dunkirk/) - Michael's "Dunkirk" review, Top 20 films of 2017, Jan. 21, 2018
- ['Mother!' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/mother/) - Shaune's "Mother!" flashback review, May 9, 2019 Michael's "Mother!" review, Top 20 films of 2017, Jan. 21, 2018
- ['Ingrid Goes West' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/ingrid-goes-west/) - Michael's "Ingrid Goes West" review, Top 20 films of 2017, Jan. 21, 2018
- ['Brigsby Bear' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/brigsby-bear/) - Michael's "Brigsby Bear" review, Top 20 films of 2017, Jan. 21, 2018
- ['The Post' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/the-post/) - John's "The Post" review, Jan. 21, 2018 Michael's "The Post" review, Top 20 films of 2017, Jan. 21, 2018
- ['I, Tonya' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/i-tonya/) - John's "I, Tonya" review, March 28, 2018 Michael's "I, Tonya" review, Top 20 films of 2017, Jan. 21, 2018
- ['Baby Driver' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/baby-driver/) - John's "Baby Driver" review, johnvhansen.com, Dec. 12, 2017 Michael's "Baby Driver" review, Top 20 films of 2017, Jan. 21, 2018
- ['Molly's Game' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/mollys-game/) - Michael's "Molly's Game" review, Top 20 films of 2017, Jan. 21, 2018
- ['Lady Bird' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/lady-bird/) - John's "Lady Bird" review, March 9, 2018 Michael's "Lady Bird" review, Top 20 films of 2017, Jan. 21, 2018
- ['The Big Sick' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/the-big-sick/) - John's "The Big Sick" review, johnvhansen.com, Sept. 25, 2017 Michael's "The Big Sick" review, Top 20 films of 2017, Jan. 21, 2018
- ['The Disaster Artist' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/the-disaster-artist/) - John's "The Disaster Artist" review, March 31, 2018 Michael's "The Disaster Artist" review, Top 20 films of 2017, Jan. 21, 2018
- ['The Florida Project' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/the-florida-project/) - Michael's "The Florida Project" review, Top 20 films of 2017, Jan. 21, 2018
- ['The Shape of Water' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/the-shape-of-water/) - John's "The Shape of Water" review, Feb. 2, 2018 Michael's "The Shape of Water" review, Top 20 films of 2017, Jan. 21, 2018
- ['Get Out' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/get-out/) - John's "Get Out" review, johnvhansen.com, June 25, 2017 Michael's "Get Out" review, Top 20 films of 2017, Jan. 21, 2018
- ['Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/three-billboards-outside-ebbing-missouri/) - John's "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri" review, Feb. 25, 2018 Michael's "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri" review, Top 20 films of 2017, Jan. 21, 2018
- ['Call Me by Your Name' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/call-me-by-your-name/) - "Call Me by Your Name" – I know I'm in the minority here, but I was thoroughly, stridently unimpressed with this film. Yes, it is beautifully shot. The performances are great as well, but something about the film feels cold and detached, almost clinical in nature. The chemistry between Armie Hammer and Timothee Chalamet is
- ['Phantom Thread' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/phantom-thread/) - "Phantom Thread" – Auteur Paul Thomas Anderson's latest effort is every bit as pretty as it is pretty empty. Daniel Day Lewis does his level best to single-handedly save the film with his method-acting superpowers, but he's stranded spinning his wheels in a pretentious, go-nowhere mess that is not nearly as impressive as it obviously thinks
- ['Sideways' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/sideways-review/) - "Sideways" -- This road trip movie combines two character arcs (Paul Giamatti is a romantic dunce, Thomas Hayden-Church is a little too good at landing the ladies) with a passion for wine (which could stand in for a love of anything; I've never drank wine, and I still find Giamatti's rant about merlot hilarious). Great scene:
- ['Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles' Season 2 reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/terminator-the-sarah-connor-chronicles-season-2/) - John's "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles" Season 2 flashback review, johnvhansen.com, June 6, 2016 John's "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles" Season 2 review/fond farewell, johnvhansen.com, May 26, 2009
- ['X-Men: First Class' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/x-men-first-class-reviews/) - John's "X-Men: First Class" review, johnvhansen.com, June 13, 2011 John's "X-Men: First Class" flashback review, johnvhansen.com, June 11, 2014
- ['X-Men: Days of Future Past' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/x-men-days-of-future-past-reviews/) - John's "X-Men: Days of Future Past" review, johnvhansen.com, May 27, 2014 John's "X-Men: Days of Future Past -- The Rogue Cut" review, johnvhansen.com, Aug. 9, 2015
- ['X-Men Origins: Wolverine' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/x-men-origins-wolverine-reviews/) - John's "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" review, johnvhansen.com, May 4, 2009 John's "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" flashback review, johnvhansen.com, June 12, 2014
- ['Us' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/us-reviews/) - Summer's review, May 12, 2019 John's review, June 20, 2019
- ['Upgrade' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/upgrade-reviews/) - Michael's "Upgrade" review, June 1, 2018 John's "Upgrade" review, Sept. 4, 2018
- ['The Predator' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/the-predator-reviews/) - Shaune's review, Sept. 19, 2018 John's review, Dec. 27, 2018
- ['The Phantom Menace' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/the-phantom-menace-review/) - John's "Phantom Menace" 10th anniversary commentary, johnvhansen.com, May 19, 2009 John's "Phantom Menace" 3D release review, johnvhansen.com, 2012
- ['The Greatest Showman' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/the-greatest-showman-reviews/) - John's "The Greatest Showman" review, April 10, 2018 Michael's "The Greatest Showman" review, Dec. 30, 2017
- ['The Dark Knight' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/the-dark-knight-review/) - John's "Dark Knight" flashback review, Jan. 21, 2019 John's "Dark Knight" Completely Random Slice of Pop Culture column, Brainerd Dispatch, Aug. 7, 2008
- ['The Dark Knight Rises' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/the-dark-knight-rises-reviews/) - John's "The Dark Knight Rises" review, July 24, 2012 John's "The Dark Knight Rises" flashback review, Jan. 28, 2019
- ['The Adjustment Bureau' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/the-adjustment-bureau-reviews/) - John's review, March 7, 2011 John's flashback review, Feb. 11, 2020
- ['Terminator Salvation' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/terminator-salvation-reviews/) - John's "Terminator Salvation" review, johnvhansen.com, May 24, 2009 John's "Terminator Salvation" flashback review, johnvhansen.com, June 4, 2017
- ['Superman II' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/superman-ii-reviews/) - John's "Superman II" Lester Cut (1981) versus Donner Cut (2006) comparison, Dec. 7, 2019 John's "Superman II: The Donner Cut" (2006) review, Nov. 22, 2017
- ['Scream 4' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/scream-4-reviews/) - John's "Scream 4" review, April 17, 2011 John's "Scream 4" flashback review, Oct. 31, 2019
- ['Prometheus' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/prometheus-reviews/) - John's "Prometheus" review, johnvhansen.com, June 9, 2012 John's "Prometheus" flashback review, johnvhansen.com, Oct. 14, 2012
- ['Pitch Perfect 3' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/pitch-perfect-3-reviews/) - Michael's "Pitch Perfect 3" review, Dec. 30, 2017 John's "Pitch Perfect 3" review, April 4, 2018
- ['Office Space' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/office-space-review/) - John's "Office Space" flashback review, Feb. 21, 2019 “Office Space” – Social satirist Mike Judge brilliantly skewers the absurdities of the workplace environment. After undergoing hypnotherapy, Peter (Ron Livingston) finally accepts that he hates his desk job at Initech, so he decides he’s just going to stop showing up for work. As a result, he
- ['Kick-Ass' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/kick-ass-reviews/) - John's "Kick-Ass" flashback review, Dec. 14, 2019 John's "Kick-Ass" short review, June 17, 2010
- ['Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/harry-potter-and-the-half-blood-prince-reviews/) - John's "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" review, johnvhansen.com, July 15, 2009 John's "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" flashback review, Jan. 11, 2018
- ['Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/harry-potter-and-the-deathly-hallows-part-2-reviews/) - John's "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2" review, johnvhansen.com, July 18, 2011 John's "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2" flashback review, Jan. 13, 2018
- ['Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/harry-potter-and-the-deathly-hallows-part-1-reviews/) - John's "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1" review, johnvhansen.com, Nov. 19, 2010 John's "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1" flashback review, Jan. 13, 2018
- ['Guardians of the Galaxy' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/guardians-of-the-galaxy-reviews/) - John's "Guardians of the Galaxy" review, johnvhansen.com, Jan. 3, 2015 John's "Guardians of the Galaxy" flashback review, May 27, 2018
- ['Glass' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/glass-reviews/) - Shaune's review, Jan. 20, 2019 John's review, April 16, 2019
- ['Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/fantastic-beasts-and-where-to-find-them-reviews/) - John's "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" review, johnvhansen.com, Dec. 1, 2016 John's "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" flashback review, Jan. 15, 2018
- ['Deadpool' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/deadpool-2/) - John's "Deadpool" review, johnvhansen.com, June 13, 2016 Michael's "Deadpool" review, Top 10 films of 2016, Medium, Feb. 27, 2017
- ['Creed II' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/creed-ii-reviews/) - Shaune's "Creed II" review, Nov. 22, 2018 John's "Creed II" review, Nov. 28, 2018
- ['Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/batman-v-superman-dawn-of-justice-reviews/) - My "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" review, johnvhansen.com, March 28, 2016 My "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" flashback review, johnvhansen.com, Nov. 16, 2017
- ['A Quiet Place' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/a-quiet-place-reviews/) - Michael's "A Quiet Place" review, April 21, 2018 John's "A Quiet Place" review, June 30, 2018
- ['Mystery Men' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/mystery-men-review/) - “Mystery Men” – In this remarkably dull superhero parody, Captain Amazing is kidnapped and it’s up to the “other guys” to save the day – among them Mr. Furious (Ben Stiller), whose power is to get really, really mad. “Mystery Men” has a solid premise, good actors and impressive visuals, but the writing is pitiful.
- ['Hulk' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/hulk-review/) - John's "Hulk" review, Brainerd Dispatch, June 26, 2003 John's "Hulk" flashback review, Nov. 14, 2020
- ['Mutant X' Season 1 review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/mutant-x-season-1/) - “Mutant X” Season 1 (2001-02, syndication), episodes 1-5 — "Mutant X," the first branch of the “X-Men” tree to become a live-action show, is as guilty of theft as "Smallville" and "Alias." The syndicated show is using the same story “Dark Angel” used last year: genetically-engineered kids on the run from a corrupt organization that wants
- ['Heroes' Season 1 review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/heroes-season-1/) - "Heroes" Season 1 (2006-07, NBC), episodes 1-6 – Remote-control voters have already made a winner out of this globe-spanning drama about novice superheroes (and supervillains and massive conspiracies). The best characters are the cheerleader (Hayden Panettiere), who can walk through fire, and the put-upon police detective (Greg Grunberg), who can hear other people's thoughts. –
- ['Revenge of the Sith' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/revenge-of-the-sith-reviews/) - John's "Revenge of the Sith" review, Brainerd Dispatch, May 20, 2005 John's "Revenge of the Sith" flashback review, johnvhansen.com, Sept. 6, 2016
- ['Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/star-wars-episode-viii-the-last-jedi/) - Michael's "Star Wars: Episode VIII -- The Last Jedi" review, Top 20 films of 2017, Jan. 21, 2018
- ['Coyote Ugly' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/coyote-ugly-review/) - “Coyote Ugly” — Aspiring songwriter Violet Sanford (Piper Perabo) takes a job at the titular Big Apple bar. Along with attractive women dancing on bar counters, the film also features a sweet romance, a nice father-daughter story and LeAnn Rimes as Violet’s voice. —John Hansen, NDSU Spectrum, Jan. 19, 2001
- ['School of Rock' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/school-of-rock-review/) - My "School of Rock" review, Brainerd Dispatch, Oct. 9, 2003
- ['Sing Street' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/sing-street-2/) - Michael's "Sing Street" review, Top 10 films of 2016, Medium, Feb. 27, 2017
- ['La La Land' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/la-la-land-2/) - Michael's "La La Land" review, Top 10 films of 2016, Medium, Feb. 27, 2017
- ['Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/terminator-3-rise-of-the-machines-reviews/) - John's "Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines" review, Brainerd Dispatch, July 3, 2003 John's "Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines" flashback review, johnvhansen.com, July 6, 2015
- ['The X-Files' Season 7 reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/the-x-files-season-7/) - John's "The X-Files" Season 7 flashback review, johnvhansen.com, March 19, 2011 “The X-Files” Season 7 (1999-2000, Fox), episodes 1-7 – “The X-Files” has recovered a bit after a sluggish start to its seventh, and probably last, season. Chris Carter's brainchild has earned its place as a cultural icon, featuring great chemistry between FBI agents Fox
- ['The X-Files' Season 8 reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/the-x-files-season-8/) - John's "The X-Files" Season 8 flashback review, johnvhansen.com, April 9, 2011 NDSU Spectrum: TV review Patrick has saved ‘The X-Files,’ now Duchovny will spice it up By JOHN HANSEN Feb. 23, 2001 With his gruff voice, his business-like approach to solving cases and his willingness to at least be open-minded towards paranormal explanations, Agent John
- ['The X-Files' Season 9 reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/the-x-files-season-9/) - John's "The X-Files" Season 9 flashback review, johnvhansen.com, June 12, 2011 NDSU Spectrum: TV review Sundays at 8 will never be the same … By JOHN HANSEN Jan. 25, 2002 For the last few months, there’s been a lot of talk about how “The X-Files” (8 p.m. Sundays on Fox) has become so much worse
- ['X2: X-Men United' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/x2-x-men-united-reviews/) - John's "X2: X-Men United" review, Brainerd Dispatch, May 8, 2003 John's "X2: X-Men United" flashback review, johnvhansen.com, June 16, 2014
- [John's top 10 movies of 2001](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/top-10-movies-of-the-year/top-10-movies-of-2001/) - 2. “61*” Fargo has the unique distinction of being one of only three cities (along with New York and L.A.) to screen Billy Crystal’s made-for-HBO film about Roger Maris’ stellar season. Bonds wasn’t the only Barry cranking homers this year: Barry Pepper gives a dead-on performance as Maris. Meanwhile, Thomas Jane’s portrayal of Mickey Mantle
- [John's top 10 TV shows of 2001](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/top-10-tv-shows-of-the-year/top-10-tv-shows-of-2001/) - 2. “Gilmore Girls” (Seasons 1-2, The WB) Amy Sherman-Palladino’s drama takes advantage of the rapport between mother Lorelai (Lauren Graham) and daughter Rory (the criminally cute Alexis Bledel). Lorelai and Luke (Scott Patterson), who’s perfect-for-each-other status is evident to everyone in town except Lorelai and Luke, are TV’s current hot couple. 3. “The Simpsons” (Seasons
- [John's top 10 movies of 2000](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/top-10-movies-of-the-year/top-10-movies-of-2000/) - 2. “Loser” In this sad but sweet take on the “geek gets the girl” fable, Paul (Jason Biggs) is in love with the adorable but distracted Dora (Mena Suvari). “Loser” attains a new level of cuteness. 3. “X-Men” Rogue (Anna Paquin) and Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) are scene-stealers in this faithful and fun comic book movie.
- [John's top 10 movies of 2002](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/top-10-movies-of-the-year/top-10-movies-of-2002/) - 2. “City by the Sea” This straightforward tale of a grizzled New York policeman whose estranged son gets in trouble with the law is boosted by outstanding performances from Robert DiNiro as the cop, James Franco as the son, and Eliza Dushku as the son’s girlfriend. It’s an excellent window into characters who have shut
- [John's top 10 TV shows of 2002](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/top-10-tv-shows-of-the-year/top-10-tv-shows-of-2002/) - ABC publicity photo 2. “Once and Again” (Season 3, ABC) The understated performances and sweeping emotions of Edward Zwick and Marshall Herskovitz’s masterpiece are sorely missed on TV since its cruel cancellation by ABC. The three struggling and/or forbidden romances of the final weeks were among the series’ best plot lines. Sela Ward, Shane West,
- [John's top 10 movies of 1999](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/top-10-movies-of-the-year/top-10-movies-of-1999/) - 1. "The Phantom Menace" 2. "The Green Mile" 3. "Deep Blue Sea" 4. "American Pie" 5. "American Beauty" 6. "8MM" 7. "Office Space" 8. "Big Daddy" 9. "Idle Hands" 10. "Teaching Mrs. Tingle" John's top 10 movies of 1999, NDSU Spectrum, January 2000
- [John's top 10 movies of 1998](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/top-10-movies-of-the-year/top-10-movies-of-1998/) - 1. "Armageddon" 2. "The Faculty" 3. "Mighty Joe Young" 4. "Psycho" 5. "Sphere" 6. "Disturbing Behavior" 7. "Soldier" 8. "Apt Pupil" 9. "The Waterboy" 10. "Patch Adams" John's top 10 movies of 1998, NDSU Spectrum, January 1999
- [John's top 10 movies of 1997](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/top-10-movies-of-the-year/top-10-movies-of-1997/) - 1. "Alien Resurrection" 2. "The Lost World" 3. "Event Horizon" 4. "Contact" 5. "Titanic" 6. "The Relic" 7. "Breakdown" 8. "Face/Off" 9. "Anaconda" 10. "Scream 2" John's top 10 movies of 1997, NDSU Spectrum, Jan. 16, 1998
- [John's top 10 movies of 2004](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/top-10-movies-of-the-year/top-10-movies-of-2004/) - 1. "Garden State" 2. "Napoleon Dynamite" 3. "Miracle" 4. "Mean Creek" 5. "Friday Night Lights" 6. "The Village" 7. "Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story" 8. "Team America: World Police" 9. "The Grudge" 10. "National Treasure" John's top 10 movies of 2004, Brainerd Dispatch, Dec. 23, 2004
- [John's top 10 movies of 2005](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/top-10-movies-of-the-year/top-10-movies-of-2005/) - 1. "Serenity" 2. "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" 3. "Walk the Line" 4. "Crash" 5. "Batman Begins" 6. "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" 7. "Cinderella Man" 8. "Sin City" 9. "Pizza My Heart" 10. "Everything You Want" John's top 10 movies of 2005, Brainerd Dispatch, Dec. 15, 2005
- [John's top 10 movies of 2006](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/top-10-movies-of-the-year/top-10-movies-of-2006/) - 1. "V for Vendetta" 2. "United 93" 3. "Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan" 4. "The Hole Story" 5. "Little Miss Sunshine" 6. "The Last Kiss" 7. "Snakes on a Plane" 8. "Sweet Land" 9. "The Prestige" 10. "The Break-Up" John's top 10 movies of 2006, Brainerd Dispatch, Dec.
- [John's top 10 movies of 2007](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/top-10-movies-of-the-year/top-10-movies-of-2007/) - 1. "Knocked Up" 2. "Superbad" 3. "Futurama: Bender's Big Score" 4. "The Simpsons Movie" 5. "Zodiac" 6. "Grindhouse" 7. "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" 8. "Hot Fuzz" 9. "Blades of Glory" 10. "The Condemned" John's top 10 movies of 2007, Brainerd Dispatch, Dec. 27, 2007
- [John's top 10 TV shows of 2003](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/top-10-tv-shows-of-the-year/top-10-tv-shows-of-2003/) - 1. "24" (Seasons 2-3, Fox) 2. "Gilmore Girls" (Seasons 3-4, The WB) 3. "Angel" (Seasons 4-5, The WB) 4. "Law & Order" (Seasons 13-14, NBC) 5. "Miss Match" (Season 1, NBC) 6. "Futurama" (Season 5, Fox) 7. "The Simpsons" (Seasons 14-15, Fox) 8. "Andy Richter Controls the Universe" (Season 2, Fox) 9. "Lizzie McGuire" (Season
- [John's top 10 TV shows of 2004](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/top-10-tv-shows-of-the-year/top-10-tv-shows-of-2004/) - 1. "Angel" (Season 5, The WB) 2. "The Office" (Christmas Special, BBC) 3. "Gilmore Girls" (Seasons 4-5, The WB) 4. "Law & Order" (Seasons 14-15, NBC) 5. "Arrested Development" (Seasons 1-2, Fox) 6. "The Simpsons" (Seasons 15-16, Fox) 7. "24" (Season 3, Fox) 8. "Veronica Mars" (Season 1, UPN) 9. "Lost" (Season 1, ABC) 10.
- [John's top 10 TV shows of 2005](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/top-10-tv-shows-of-the-year/top-10-tv-shows-of-2005/) - 1. "Veronica Mars" (Seasons 1-2, UPN) 2. "Family Guy" (Season 4, Fox) 3. "Prison Break" (Season 1, Fox) 4. "The Office" (Seasons 1-2, NBC) 5. "The Inside" (Season 1, Fox) 6. "Arrested Development" (Seasons 2-3, Fox) 7. "Lost" (Seasons 1-2, ABC) 8. "My Name is Earl" (Season 1, NBC) 9. "Surface" (Season 1, NBC) 10.
- [John's top 10 TV shows of 2006](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/top-10-tv-shows-of-the-year/top-10-tv-shows-of-2006/) - 1. "The Office" (Seasons 2-3, NBC) 2. "Veronica Mars" (Seasons 2-3, The CW) 3. "Friday Night Lights" (Season 1, NBC) 4. "Gilmore Girls" (Seasons 6-7, The WB/The CW) 5. "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip" (Season 1, NBC) 6. "Help Me Help You" (Season 1, ABC) 7. "Family Guy" (Seasons 4-5, Fox) 8. "Monk" (Seasons
- [John's top 10 TV shows of 2007](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/top-10-tv-shows-of-the-year/top-10-tv-shows-of-2007/) - 1. "quarterlife" (Season 1, quarterlife.com) 2. "Veronica Mars" (Season 3, The CW) 3. "Side Order of Life" (Season 1, Lifetime) 4. "Family Guy" (Seasons 5-6, Fox) 5. "The Simpsons" (Seasons 18-19, Fox) 6. "Gilmore Girls" (Season 7, The CW) 7. "The Office" (Seasons 3-4, NBC) 8. "Friday Night Lights" (Seasons 1-2, NBC) 9. "The Best
- [John's top 10 movies of 2003](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/top-10-movies-of-the-year/top-10-movies-of-2003/) - 1. "School of Rock" 2. "Lost in Translation" 3. "Shattered Glass" 4. "Matchstick Men" 5. "Bend It Like Beckham" 6. "Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines" 7. "28 Days Later" 8. "Anything Else" 9. "Pieces of April" 10. "Freaky Friday" John's top 10 movies of 2003, Brainerd Dispatch, Dec. 31, 2003
- ['Smallville' Season 1 reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/smallville-season-1/) - "Smallville" Season 1 (2001-02, WB), episodes 1-3 — The most blatant example of trying to steal an audience comes from the WB’s “Smallville.” Last season, the WB canceled the Fox-produced “Roswell,” which deals with aliens with superpowers who are trying to hide their identities, and brought in a new show with the same story. But the
- ['Hearts in Atlantis' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/hearts-in-atlantis-review/) - NDSU Spectrum: Movie review ‘Hearts in Atlantis’ is Stephen King at his best By JOHN HANSEN Oct. 5, 2001 There once was a time when getting an adult library card, playing ball with friends and watching “The Lone Ranger” on TV could fill a mind with excitement. There was a time when saving up for
- ['Apt Pupil' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/apt-pupil-review/) - “Apt Pupil” – Fascinated by Hitler’s Germany, a young student (Brad Renfro) discovers the nature of evil from an ex-Nazi. Bryan Singer’s film is a deliciously depressing tale about a fascinating subject, bursting with themes on the nature of evil: “How and why does a person become evil?,” “Do we all have the potential for
- ['The Langoliers' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/the-langoliers/) - “The Langoliers” – Directed by Tom Holland, “The Langoliers” is among the elite TV movies, Stephen King movies and time-travel movies. It works much like a mystery: The plot twists and turns like a roller coaster and clues are dropped throughout as we, like the passengers on the transcontinental flight, try to figure out what
- ['The Simpsons Movie' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/the-simpsons-movie-review/) - “The Simpsons Movie” – This mid-summer "Simpsons" fix is essentially an extra-long, extra-good episode that sends the family on the run to the snowy northwest ("Clap for Alaska!") after Homer's latest gaffe causes Springfield to be covered by a dome. Marge and Homer deal with the biggest bump in their marriage, and Homer and Bart
- ['The Simpsons' Season 13 review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/the-simpsons-season-13/) - "The Simpsons" Season 13 (2001-02, Fox), episodes 1-12 — Matt Groening’s “The Simpsons” (7 p.m. Sunday, Fox) has been the funniest show on TV for every one of its 13 seasons (and yes, that’s including the years it competed with “Seinfeld”). But the show has evolved substantially. When it started, it focused on the title family.
- ['Scream 3' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/scream-3-review/) - John's "Scream 3" review, NDSU Spectrum, February 2000 John's "Scream 3" flashback review, Oct. 24, 2019
- ['First Blood' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/first-blood/) - John's "First Blood" flashback review, Sept. 19, 2019 “First Blood” – More than just a great action movie, the first entry in the “Rambo” series – directed by Ted Kotcheff – is a powerful anti-war opus. John Rambo (Sylvester Stallone) is a war machine who has had all human emotion stripped away by the horrors
- ['The Relic' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/the-relic/) - John's "The Relic" flashback review, Sept. 27, 2020 “The Relic” – The book by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child is the scariest novel ever written, so there was really no way director Peter Hyams could fail. “The Relic” stands apart from its genre brethren with the mystery that runs parallel to the scares and the
- ['Planet of the Apes' (2001) reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/planet-of-the-apes-2001-review/) - John's "Planet of the Apes" (2001) flashback review, April 13, 2018 “Planet of the Apes” — Director Tim Burton and writer William Broyles’s re-imagining of the 1968 sci-fi classic isn’t exactly an intellectual exercise, but by summer blockbuster standards, it’s pretty good. Mark Wahlberg crash lands on an ape-dominated planet after going through a time
- ['Planet of the Apes' (1968) reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/planet-of-the-apes-1968/) - John's "Planet of the Apes" flashback review, April 3, 2018 “Planet of the Apes” – With apologies to “Forbidden Planet” and “2001,” “Planet of the Apes” is the best sci-fi movie of the pre-“Star Wars” era. This dystopian parable from “Twilight Zone” creator Rod Serling is as meaningful today as it was in 1968. An
- ['Impostor' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/impostor-reviews/) - NDSU Spectrum: Movie review ‘Impostor’ does a nice imitation of a classic sci-fi theme By JOHN HANSEN Jan. 11, 2002 Cloning is perhaps the hottest ripped-from-the-headlines movie theme of recent years. Schwarzenegger made “The 6th Day,” Van Damme made “Replicant,” the cloned dinosaurs returned for “Jurassic Park III” and in May “Star Wars” will get
- ['The Lone Gunmen' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/the-lone-gunmen/) - John's "The Lone Gunmen" flashback review, johnvhansen.com, May 8, 2011 NDSU Spectrum: TV review ‘Lone Gunmen’ finds its niche in comedy By JOHN HANSEN May 5, 2001 At first, “The Lone Gunmen” didn’t seem like an obvious choice for a spinoff series. After all, while Byers (Bruce Harwood), Frohike (Tom Braidwood) and Langly (Dean Haglund)
- ['Side Order of Life' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/side-order-of-life/) - John's "Side Order of Life" (episodes 1-6) review, Brainerd Dispatch, Aug. 23, 2007
- ['Privileged' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/privileged/) - John's "Privileged" flashback review, johnvhansen.com, July 10, 2011 John's "Privileged" review/fond farewell, johnvhansen.com, May 26, 2009 John's "Privileged" (episodes 1-8) review, Brainerd Dispatch, Nov. 6, 2008
- ['The Paper' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/the-paper/) - John's "The Paper" (episodes 1-4) review, Brainerd Dispatch, May 8, 2008
- ['Miracles' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/miracles/) - John's "Miracles" flashback review, johnvhansen.com, Jan. 17, 2011 "Miracles" (2003, ABC), episodes 1-6 – This was a soothing balm for sci-fi/horror fans going through "X-Files" withdrawal symptoms. Skeet Ulrich, his charismatic boss and his hot young sidekick investigated weird events to determine if it was a message from God or Satan, all the while piecing
- ['Miss Match' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/miss-match/) - John's "Miss Match" flashback review, johnvhansen.com, July 27, 2017 "Miss Match" (2003, NBC), episodes 1-5 – Darren Star's "Miss Match," starring Alicia Silverstone as divorce attorney-cum-matchmaker Kate Fox, tries to solve the mysteries of the human heart. This is infinitely more interesting (and sometimes just as disturbing) than solving crimes. True, Kate works at her father's
- ['Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/studio-60-on-the-sunset-strip/) - "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip" Season 1 (2006-07, NBC), episodes 1-6 – It's unlike anything else on TV, taking us behind the scenes of a fictional "Saturday Night Live"-style show. NBS is a thinly veiled stand-in for NBC; you gotta give the network credit for letting Aaron Sorkin poke fun at their ratings obsession
- ['Help Me Help You' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/help-me-help-you/) - "Help Me Help You" Season 1 (2006-07, ABC), episodes 1-6 – Ted Danson is doing his "Cheers" shtick again, this time as a group-therapy leader, resulting in plenty of quick-hitting knee-slappers (Contemplating a bottle of champagne he and his ex-wife had set aside, he says, "We were saving this for our 50th anniversary." A split-second
- ['The Nine' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/the-nine/) - "The Nine" (2006-07, ABC), episodes 1-5 – This appropriately unconventional follow-up to "Lost" has fun with its structure. In the opening hour, we see the before and after of a two-day bank heist gone bad, and as the series progresses, we'll learn the full story of what happened to the hostages. Mystery No. 1: Is
- ['Jack & Bobby' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/jack-bobby/) - “Jack & Bobby” Season 1 (2004-05, WB), episodes 1-7 – “Jack & Bobby’s” mother (Christine Lahti) is a living, breathing stereotype of a liberal college professor who feels out of sorts in Small Town, Missouri. In the show’s second episode, she invites students to smoke marijuana and open their minds in her living room, which
- ['Love Monkey' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/love-monkey/) - “Love Monkey” (2006, CBS) – Sorry, “Ed” fans, but this was the role Tom Cavanagh was born to play: a youthful-looking yet experienced record company executive who trolls New York looking for talent (he finds Teddy Geiger – I mean “Wayne” – in the first episode) and trades quips with his friends. It’s a perplexing
- ['The Bedford Diaries' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/the-bedford-diaries/) - John's "The Bedford Diaries" flashback review, johnvhansen.com, Sept. 26, 2016 “The Bedford Diaries” (2006, WB) – It was about a college course on human sexuality, but with Tom Fontana producing, it wasn’t as one-note as the premise sounded. It had likable characters (you gotta dig snappy Milo Ventimiglia as the newspaper editor) and a way
- ['Miss Guided' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/miss-guided/) - “Miss Guided” (2008, ABC), episodes 1-3 – If you're like me, the writers' strike – combined with the fact that it was an uninspiring season to begin with – changed your TV habits. As in: You're not watching as much of it. But don't overlook “Miss Guided,” which airs at 7 and 7:30 p.m. Thursdays
- ['Once and Again' Season 3 reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/once-and-again-season-3/) - “Once and Again” Season 3 (2001-02, ABC), episodes 1-18 — "Once and Again" (9 p.m. Mondays, ABC), in its third and unfortunately last season, includes enough characters to make Robert Altman blush — the show doesn’t even bother with an opening credits sequence. Zwick and Herskovitz are essentially making two shows in one, with the adults
- ['The Office' Season 4 review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/the-office-season-4/) - "The Office" Season 4 (2007-08, NBC) – Jim and Pam are still cute, but "The Office" went wrong by giving too much screen time to Worst Boss Ever Michael and henchman Dwight. The dinner party, where we get an inside look at the horror of Michael's home life with Jan, was particularly harrowing, but not in a
- ['About a Boy' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/about-a-boy-review/) - “About a Boy” — This is the latest film adapted from a novel by witty Brit Nick Hornby (“High Fidelity”). Featuring Hugh Grant as a 30-something layabout, “About a Boy” features even more of Hornby’s wry humor than “Fidelity,” and great backing music by Badly Drawn Boy. Eschewing the book’s subplot about Kurt Cobain and
- ['Lost' Season 1 review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/lost-season-1/) - "Lost" Season 1 (2004-05, ABC), episodes 1-11 – I was hooked on "Lost" (7 p.m. Wednesdays on ABC) from the get-go. The pilot came complete with a plane crash and a monster; if it had been a summer blockbuster, it'd be topping my year-end movie list. But "Lost" is a TV series, and the key to
- ['Lost' Season 2 first episode impressions](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/lost-season-2-first-episode-impressions/) - "Lost" Season 2 (2005-06, ABC), episode 1 – "Lost" is not the best show on TV (it's not even the best show in its time slot). The weaknesses became apparent last season when Claire (Emilie de Ravin) was kidnapped and Jack (Matthew Fox) and his gang couldn't be bothered to seriously search for her even
- ['Lethal Weapon 4' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/lethal-weapon-4-review/) - John's "Lethal Weapon 4" flashback review, June 25, 2020 “Lethal Weapon 4” – There’s something about the “Lethal Weapon” films that puts them above criticism, and that something is the attitude. You know what you’re going to get from this series: characters first, action second, laughs third. Plot is considerably lower on the list, but
- ['Law & Order' Season 12 review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/law-order-season-12/) - John's "The Practice" Season 6/ "Law & Order" Season 12 review, , NDSU Spectrum, Feb. 8, 2002
- ['Law & Order' Season 13 review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/law-order-season-13/) - "Law & Order" Season 13 (2002-03, NBC), episodes 1-3 — In its 13th year, “Law & Order” (9 p.m. Wednesdays, NBC) still surprises me every time I tune in. How can such a mainstream, plot-based show be so compelling? For one thing, it moves lightning-fast. For another, the actors are great — the weak links from
- ['Law & Order' Season 18 review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/law-order-season-18/) - "Law & Order" Season 18 (2007-08, NBC) - As long as crime exists, there's no reason for Dick Wolf's masterpiece to end. This season, three newcomers slid into the lineup as if they had always been there. Jeremy Sisto plays a cop with a soft side (he adopts a dog - awww) and Anthony Anderson is
- ['Law & Order' Season 17 review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/law-order-season-17/) - Brainerd Dispatch: TV review 'Law & Order' deserves a positive verdict By JOHN HANSEN April 26, 2007 “Law & Order” isn't just what Chuck Norris calls his right and left legs. It's also the name of NBC's oldie-but-goodie, cops-and-courts drama, which – despite telling timely stories every week – apparently isn't timeless. In what some
- ['quarterlife' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/quarterlife/) - “quarterlife” (2007-08, quarterlife.com, NBC) – Yet another Marshall Herskovitz/Edward Zwick TV series has been canceled by a network, but this time, it's not bothering me or other fans one bit. In fact, many fans of “quarterlife” probably didn't even tune in to NBC's one-and-done airing of the show on Feb. 26 because they had already
- ['Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/indiana-jones-and-the-kingdom-of-the-crystal-skull-reviews/) - John's "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" Completely Random Slice of Pop Culture column, Brainerd Dispatch, May 29, 2008 John's "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" flashback review, johnvhansen.com, Aug. 14, 2015
- ['The Haunting' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/the-haunting-review/) - “The Haunting” – The second adaptation of Shirley Jackson’s novel “The Haunting of Hill House” has Liam Neeson conducting an experiment on the nature of fear under the guise of an insomnia study. The twist is that Hill House might actually be haunted. The lavish sets and creepy sound effects carry the film for a
- ['Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/harry-potter-and-the-order-of-the-phoenix-review/) - “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” – Perhaps the most challenging book of J.K. Rowling's series to adapt, "Phoenix" ends up being the best "Potter" movie so far. The cinematography is rich and dark (starting with an evocative Dementor attack on Harry), it moves at a brisk clip, it welcomes back old favorites
- ['Gossip Girl' Season 1 review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/gossip-girl-season-1/) - "Gossip Girl" Season 1 (2007-08, CW) - Sure, these Upper East Siders' personal dramas are small compared to the world's. But in their world, prep school power struggles and cash-driven courtships are everything - and uber-blogger Gossip Girl knows it. To stay sane while viewing, latch onto Dan Humphrey, a solid fellow who hails from the
- ['Gilmore Girls' Season 5 reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/gilmore-girls-season-5/) - John's "Gilmore Girls" Season 5 flashback review, johnvhansen.com, Sept. 17, 2014 "Gilmore Girls" Season 5 (2004-05, WB) – I can't say Rory was entirely likable this season, but I did enjoy seeing the junior Gilmore girl squirm during the first day of her newspaper internship. No writing staff does "awkward" better. And the last 10 minutes
- ['Futurama: Bender's Big Score' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/futurama-benders-big-score-review/) - “Futurama: Bender's Big Score” – I had forgotten how much I missed Matt Groening's hilariously satirical take on the future before viewing this first of four straight-to-DVD movies. It's a decent story - despite featuring time travel and nude alien villains - but the real joy is being reunited with sexy Leela, bubble-headed Amy, put-upon
- ['Futurama' Season 4 review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/futurama-season-4/) - "Futurama" Season 4 (2001-02, Fox), episodes 1-6 — The only animated comedy in the same league as “The Simpsons” is Matt Groening’s 30th Century farce “Futurama” (6 p.m. Sunday, Fox). The first year was hit-and-miss, but in the past three seasons it has become a ridiculously witty, extremely fun show. The show’s biggest struggle is simply
- ['Futurama' Season 5 review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/futurama-season-5/) - John's "Futurama" Season 5 (episodes 1-9) review, Brainerd Dispatch, June 5, 2003
- ['Fringe' Season 1 review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/fringe-season-1/) - “Fringe” Season 1 (2008-09, Fox), episodes 1-6 – “Fringe” (8 p.m. Tuesdays, Fox) is developing into a cool series. In one episode, a bad guy flash-freezes a busload of people and our heroes – led by scientist-on-the-fritz Walter Bishop – tap into a guy's brain to track down the perpetrator. In another episode, they use
- ['Friday Night Lights' review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/friday-night-lights-review/) - “Friday Night Lights” – The film expertly pares down the book, but H.G. Bissinger's story, as sweeping as the west Texas oil country where it's set, is too big for a two-hour movie. Still, the key moments are there, including a dramatic coin flip to determine Permian's playoff fate. Hollywood wouldn't dream up anything that
- ['Friday Night Lights' Season 1 review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/friday-night-lights-season-1/) - "Friday Night Lights" Season 1 (2006-07, NBC), episodes 1-5 – This present-day adaptation of H.G. Bissinger's late-'80s expose on Texas high school football is more about the team than individuals. That's why episode one could focus on the stud quarterback and then, after he gets paralyzed on the gridiron, switch focus to the meek second-stringer
- ['Serenity' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/serenity-reviews/) - John's "Serenity" review, Brainerd Dispatch, Oct. 6, 2005 John's "Serenity" flashback review, johnvhansen.com, May 18, 2013
- ['Firefly' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/firefly/) - John's "Firefly" flashback review, johnvhansen.com, May 12, 2013 "Firefly" (2002-03, Fox), episodes 1-11 – As Joss Whedon slumped a bit with "Buffy" and "Angel," he launched a show that quickly became his best. He created a charming space Western with nine colorful -- and expertly cast -- characters aboard a smuggling ship. Aside from the immortal "Star
- ['The Fast and the Furious' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/the-fast-and-the-furious-review/) - John's "The Fast and the Furious" flashback review, May 16, 2020 “The Fast and the Furious” — The latest in the recent spate of car movies is quite stupid, but surprisingly, it’s also quite entertaining. The car race and chase scenes are pumped up by pounding techno and hard rock beats, and — in the
- ['2 Fast 2 Furious' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/2-fast-2-furious-review/) - John's "2 Fast 2 Furious" flashback review, May 17, 2020 John's "2 Fast 2 Furious" review, Brainerd Dispatch, June 12, 2003
- ['Fargo' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/fargo-review/) - My "Fargo" pro review, Brainerd Dispatch, March 16, 2006 My "Fargo" con review, Brainerd Dispatch, March 16, 2006
- ['Family Guy' Season 3 review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/family-guy-season-3/) - "Family Guy" Season 3 (2001-02, Fox), episodes 1-21 — Like “Futurama,” Seth MacFarlane’s “Family Guy” (7 p.m. Thursday, Fox) has been playing in the shadow of “The Simpsons” since its 1999 premiere. Many viewers may have dismissed it early on as a crass “Simpsons” rip-off, but they might want to give it another chance, especially since
- ['The Exorcist' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/the-exorcist-review/) - NDSU Spectrum: Movie review New footage makes ‘Exorcist’ scarier than ever By JOHN HANSEN Oct. 27, 2000 Like “Lost Souls,” “The Exorcist” works due to the mood set by the sound, visuals and pacing. But this 1973 horror classic—rereleased with 11 minutes of added footage—uses a slightly different tack to scare the crap out of
- ['Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/dr-horribles-sing-along-blog/) - John's "Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog" flashback review, johnvhansen.com, Sept. 13, 2016 John's "Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog" review, Brainerd Dispatch, Aug. 21, 2008
- ['Dawson's Creek' Season 6 review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/dawsons-creek-season-6/) - John's "Dawson's Creek" Season 6 (episodes 1-21) review, Brainerd Dispatch, May 1, 2003
- ['The Nice Guys' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/the-nice-guys/) - John's "The Nice Guys" flashback review, Feb. 27, 2020 Michael's "The Nice Guys" review, Top 10 films of 2016, Medium, Feb. 27, 2017
- ['Angel' Season 2 reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/angel-season-2/) - John's "Angel" Season 2 flashback review, johnvhansen.com, Jan. 17, 2012 John's "Buffy" Season 5/ "Angel" Season 2 review, NDSU Spectrum, Jan. 26, 2001
- ['Angel' Season 3 reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/angel-season-3/) - John's "Angel" Season 3 flashback review, johnvhansen.com, Feb. 27, 2012 “Angel” Season 3 (2001-02, WB), episodes 1-17 — "Angel" (8 p.m. Mondays, WB), in its third season, has delivered a focused, straightforward plot that contrasts with the more experimental “Buffy.” When we last left the gang at Angel Investigations, vengeance-seeking Holtz had run off to another dimension
- ['Angel' Season 4 reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/angel-season-4/) - John's "Angel" Season 4 flashback review, johnvhansen.com, April 20, 2012 "Angel" Season 4 (2002-03, WB), episodes 1-3 — Coming off a weak ending to last season, “Angel” (8 p.m. Sundays, WB) hit viewers with a crackerjack premiere. David Boreanaz has found an effortless edge in the lead role while Amy Acker has added some spunk to
- ['Angel' Season 5 reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/angel-season-5/) - John's "Angel" Season 5 flashback review, johnvhansen.com, June 16, 2012 John's "Angel" Season 5 (episodes 1-21) review/fond farewell, Brainerd Dispatch, May 13, 2004
- ['Blade Runner 2049' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/blade-runner-2049/) - John's "Blade Runner 2049" review, Jan. 23, 2018 Michael's "Blade Runner 2049" review, Top 20 films of 2017, Jan. 21, 2018
- ['90210' Season 1 reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/90210-season-1/) - John's "90210" Season 1 review, johnvhansen.com, May 23, 2009 John's "90210" Season 1 (episodes 1-6) review, Brainerd Dispatch, Oct. 2, 2008
- ['Psycho' (1998) reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/psycho-1998-review/) - John's "Psycho" (1998) review, NDSU Spectrum, December 1998 John's "Psycho" (1998) flashback review, Dec. 11, 2020
- ['Arrested Development' Season 1 review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/arrested-development-season-1/) - "Arrested Development" Season 1 (2003-04, Fox), episodes 1-5 – "Tru Calling's" Eliza Dushku is welcome to fill my 27-inch Sony whenever she wants, but so far, I've been enjoying the company of Jason Bateman, Portia de Rossi, David Cross and the other wackos on "Arrested Development" a bit more. "Arrested Development" no doubt will be canned
- ['American Dreams' Season 1 review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/american-dreams-season-1/) - "American Dreams" Season 1 (2002-03, NBC) – OK, I'm not going so far as to say this series is actually good, but the "American Bandstand" segments and pre-Vietnam innocence are charming enough that I'll continue taping it while watching "The Simpsons." And don't be fooled by the obnoxious NBC ads -- the show itself has
- ['24' Season 1 reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/24-season-1/) - John's "24" Season 1 flashback review, johnvhansen.com, March 1, 2016 "24" Season 1 (2001-02, Fox), episodes 1-4 — “24” (8 p.m. Tuesdays on Fox; reruns 9 p.m. Mondays on FX) promises to break new ground. The entire season takes place within one day, so, as the promos tell us, “every second counts.” It’s just a gimmick, of
- ['24' Season 5 review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/24-season-5/) - John's "24 reasons to watch 24" commentary (written after episodes 1-4), Brainerd Dispatch, Jan. 19, 2006
- ['24' Season 2 reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/24-season-2/) - John's "24" Season 2 flashback review, johnvhansen.com, April 18, 2017 John's "24" Season 2 (episodes 1-17) review, Brainerd Dispatch, April 3, 2003 "24" Season 2 (2002-03, Fox) – Even when it's cheesy, this show still drips coolness. Consider the roundtable vote to remove President Palmer (Dennis Haysbert) from office just because they didn't like a
- ['John Wick: Chapter 2' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/john-wick-chapter-2/) - John's "John Wick: Chapter 2" review, johnvhansen.com, Nov. 6, 2017 Michael's "John Wick: Chapter 2" review, Top 20 films of 2017, Jan. 21, 2018
- [John Hansen](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/website-information/about-us/john-hansen/) - Click here for John's resume/portfolio site. John's 10 favorite movies "Aliens" "Blade Runner" "Dumb and Dumber" "First Blood" "Garden State" "Ghost World" "Glengarry Glen Ross" "The Naked Gun" "The Nice Guys" "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles"
- [Shaune Redfield](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/website-information/about-us/shaune-redfield/) - A former technical writer and lifelong movie fan, Shaune Redfield was a regular contributor to RFMC in 2018-19 and he came up with the site's name. He watched horror movies at too young an age – and too late at night -- in his shag-carpeted, wood-paneled basement. Today, he still watches movies in his basement,
- [Michael Olinger](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/website-information/about-us/michael-olinger/) - Now living and working in Reno, Nev., Michael Olinger was a Weekend Digital Editor/Reporter for The Hilton Head Island Packet and Beaufort Gazette in South Carolina. He is also a rabid film buff who has 10 years of experience in various aspects of the entertainment industry and has worked as a film critic. Michael has
- ['Better Call Saul' Season 4 reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tv-reviews/better-call-saul-season-4-reviews/) - John's "Better Call Saul" Season 4 flashback review, Feb. 11, 2021 Shaune's "Better Call Saul" Season 4 review, Oct. 18, 2018
- [2020 Movie Guide](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movies-2020/) - Notable theatrical releases. Click on the title for the IMDB page. JULY July 31 “Summerland” – British indie film starring Gemma Arterton. AUGUST Aug. 7 “The Tax Collector” – Crime drama from David Ayer, starring Shia LaBeouf. Aug. 21 “Mulan” – Disney’s latest live-action remake of an animated favorite. (Moved to Sept. 4 on Disney
- [Fall TV 2020](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/fall-tv-2020/) - Premiere dates For network dramas and sitcoms, plus notable cable and streaming shows. Bold indicates new series; click on the title for the trailer. All times Eastern. Click here for John’s fall TV preview. Tuesday, Sept. 1 10 p.m. “Transplant,” NBC Thursday, Sept. 3 Streaming “A.P. Bio” Season 3, Peacock “Raised by Wolves,” HBO Max “Young Wallander,” Netflix
- ['Bad Times at the El Royale' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/bad-times-at-the-el-royale-reviews/) - Shaune's "Bad Times at the El Royale" review, Jan. 8, 2019 John's "Bad Times at the El Royale" flashback review, Sept. 24, 2020
- ['Score: A Film Music Documentary' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/score-a-film-music-documentary/) - John's "Score: A Film Music Documentary" review, March 6, 2018 Michael's "Score: A Film Music Documentary" review, Top 20 films of 2017, Jan. 21, 2018
- [Oscars 2020](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/oscars-2020/) - When are the Oscars on TV? The 92nd Academy Awards will air at 8 p.m. Eastern Sunday, Feb. 9 on ABC (and ABC.com and the ABC app). The event will be at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood, Calif. The red carpet coverage begins at 6:30 p.m. Eastern. Where can I find
- [Oscars 2019](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/oscars-2019/) - When are the Oscars on TV? The 91st Academy Awards will air at 8 p.m. Eastern Sunday, Feb. 24 on ABC (and ABC.com and the ABC app). The event will be at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood, Calif. The red carpet coverage begins at 6:30 p.m. Eastern. Where can I find
- [Oscars 2018](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/oscars-2018/) - When are the Oscars on TV? The 90th Academy Awards will air at 8 p.m. Eastern Sunday, March 4 on ABC (and ABC.com and the ABC app). Jimmy Kimmel will host the event at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood, Calif. The red carpet coverage begins at 6:30 p.m. Eastern. Where can
- [Fall TV 2019](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/fall-tv-2019/) - Premiere dates For network dramas and sitcoms, plus notable cable and streaming shows. Bold indicates new series; click on the title for the trailer. All times Eastern. Click here for John's fall TV preview. Tuesday, Sept. 3 10 p.m. “Mayans, M.C.,” FX Wednesday, Sept. 4 Streaming "Wu-Tang: An American Saga," Hulu Friday, Sept. 6 Streaming
- [Summer Movies 2019](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/summer-movies-2019/) - Notable releases. Click on the title for the IMDB page. Click here for John's Summer Movie Preview. MAY May 3 “Long Shot” – Political rom-com with Seth Rogen and Charlize Theron. “UglyDolls” – Animated. “The Intruder” – Horror/thriller. May 10 “Pokemon: Detective Pikachu” – Live-action/CGI mix with Ryan Reynolds' voice. “The Hustle” – Comedy with
- [Top 10 movies of 2018](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/top-10-movies-of-2018/) - John's top 10 movies of 2018, Dec. 30, 2018 Shaune's top 10 movies of 2018, Dec. 31, 2018
- [Fall TV 2018](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/fall-tv-2018/) - Posts Fall TV Preview "American Vandal" Season 2 review "Better Call Saul" Season 4 review "Big Mouth" Season 2 review "Chilling Adventures of Sabrina" Season 1 review "The Haunting of Hill House" Season 1 review "Homecoming" Season 1 review "House of Cards" Season 6 review "The Little Drummer Girl" miniseries review "Making a Murderer" Season
- [Summer Movies 2018](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/summer-movies-2018/) - Blog posts John picks the top 10 movies to see this summer Gear up for "Avengers: Infinity War" and "Ant-Man and the Wasp" with Jared's picks for the best and worst Marvel Cinematic Universe movies Gear up for "Deadpool 2" with John's rankings of the 10 "X-Men" Universe movies Gear up for "Solo: A Star
- [Top 10 movies of 2016](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/top-10-movies-of-2016/) - John's top 10 movies of 2016, johnvhansen.com, Dec. 27, 2016 Michael's top 10 films of 2016, Medium, Feb. 27, 2017
- ['Black Panther' reviews](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/black-panther-reviews/) - Michael's "Black Panther" review, Feb. 17, 2018 John's "Black Panther" review, June 12, 2018
- [Top Movies of 2017](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/movie-reviews/top-movies-of-2017/) - John's top 10 movies of 2017, Dec. 31, 2017 Michael's top 20 films of 2017, Jan. 21, 2018

## Categories

- [Superman/Supergirl](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/superman-supergirl/)
- [Movies](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/movies/)
- [Superhero Movies](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/superhero-movies/)
- [Horror Movies](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/horror-movies/)
- [Television](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/television/)
- [Books](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/books/)
- [Buffy the Vampire Slayer/Angel](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/buffy-angel/)
- [Comic Books](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/comic-books/)
- [Star Wars (Disney)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/star-wars/)
- [Star Wars (Legends)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/star-wars-classic/)
- [DC Extended Universe](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/dc-extended-universe/)
- [Batman/Gotham](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/batman/)
- [Planet of the Apes](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/planet-of-the-apes/)
- [Rocky/Creed](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/rocky/)
- [Christmas](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/christmas/)
- [Philip K. Dick](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/philip-k-dick/)
- [X-Men](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/x-men/)
- [Family Guy/Cleveland Show](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/family-guy/)
- [Aliens/Predator](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/aliens-predator/)
- [Preston/Child](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/preston-child/)
- [Harry Potter/Wizarding World](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/harry-potter/)
- [Dawson's Creek](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/dawsons-creek/)
- [X-Files/Millennium](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/x-files-millennium/)
- [Terminator](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/terminator/)
- [24](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/24/)
- [Exorcist](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/exorcist/)
- [Fargo](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/fargo/)
- [Bates Motel/Psycho](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/bates-motel-psycho/)
- [This Is Us](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/this-is-us/)
- [Office, The](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/office/)
- [Mindy Project](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/mindy-project/)
- [Chilling Adventures of Sabrina](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/riverdale/)
- [Walking Dead/Fear the Walking Dead](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/walking-dead/)
- [Year/Decade in Review](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/year-in-review/)
- [Dollhouse](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/dollhouse/)
- [Star Trek](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/star-trek/)
- [Scream](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/scream/)
- [Independence Day](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/independence-day/)
- [Crazy Ex-Girlfriend](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/crazy-ex-girlfriend/)
- [Music](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/music/)
- [Hannibal](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/hannibal/)
- [Bunheads](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/bunheads/)
- [Jurassic Park](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/jurassic-park/)
- [Gilmore Girls](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/gilmore-girls/)
- [Veronica Mars](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/veronica-mars/)
- [Parks and Recreation](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/parks-and-recreation/)
- [Marvel Cinematic Universe](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/marvel-cinematic-universe/)
- [Chuck Klosterman](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/chuck-klosterman/)
- [Firefly](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/firefly/)
- [Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/tmnt/)
- [Parenthood](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/parenthood/)
- [Futurama](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/futurama/)
- [Killing, The](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/killing/)
- [Fringe](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/fringe/)
- [New Girl](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/new-girl/)
- [American Horror Story](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/american-horror-story/)
- [It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/its-always-sunny-in-philadelphia/)
- [Friday Night Lights](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/friday-night-lights/)
- [Law & Order](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/law-order/)
- [Life Unexpected](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/life-unexpected/)
- [Valerian and Laureline](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/valerian-and-laureline/)
- [My So-Called Life](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/my-so-called-life/)
- [Simpsons](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/simpsons/)
- [Curb Your Enthusiasm](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/curb-your-enthusiasm/)
- [Glee](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/glee/)
- [Gossip Girl](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/gossip-girl/)
- [Lost](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/lost/)
- [Video Games](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/video-games/)
- [Beverly Hills 90210/Melrose Place](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/beverly-hills-90210/)
- [Comedy (Stand-up)](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/comedy/)
- [Internet](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/internet/)
- [Preview](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/preview/)
- [Star Wars The Clone Wars](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/clone-wars/)
- [Horror TV](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/horror-tv/)
- [Stephen King](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/stephen-king/)
- [iZombie](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/izombie/)
- [Atlanta](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/atlanta/)
- [Nick Hornby](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/nick-hornby/)
- [Michael Crichton](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/michael-crichton/)
- [American Dreams](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/american-dreams/)
- [Once and Again](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/once-and-again/)
- [Freaks and Geeks](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/freaks-and-geeks/)
- [Arrested Development](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/arrested-development/)
- [Marvelous Mrs. Maisel](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/marvelous-mrs-maisel/)
- [Big Little Lies](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/big-little-lies/)
- [Good Place](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/good-place/)
- [Indiana Jones](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/indiana-jones/)
- [Brooklyn Nine-Nine](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/brooklyn-nine-nine/)
- [Goldbergs](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/goldbergs/)
- [Roswell](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/roswell/)
- [Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/dr-horribles-sing-along-blog/)
- [Alienist](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/alienist/)
- [Black Lightning](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/black-lightning/)
- [Lists and Rankings](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/lists-and-rankings/)
- [American Vandal](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/american-vandal/)
- [Mike's Movie Preview/Review Show](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/cold-bananas-show/)
- [Halloween](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/halloween/)
- [Dead Like Me](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/dead-like-me/)
- [Terror](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/terror/)
- [Westworld](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/westworld/)
- [Comic Book Men](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/comic-book-men/)
- [Slasher](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/slasher/)
- [Designated Survivor](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/designated-survivor/)
- [Haunting of Hill House](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/haunting-of-hill-house/)
- [Big Mouth](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/big-mouth/)
- [Mars](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/mars/)
- [Mission: Impossible](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/mission-impossible/)
- [Superhero TV](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/superhero-tv/)
- [Sharp Objects](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/sharp-objects/)
- [Black Mirror](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/black-mirror/)
- [Breaking Bad/Better Call Saul](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/breaking-bad-better-call-saul/)
- [Making a Murderer](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/making-a-murderer/)
- [David Mamet](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/david-mamet/)
- [Matrix](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/matrix/)
- [Roswell New Mexico](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/roswell-new-mexico/)
- [Cobra Kai/Karate Kid](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/karate-kid/)
- [Ghostbusters](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/ghostbusters/)
- [Punisher](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/punisher/)
- [Daredevil](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/daredevil/)
- [Spider-Man](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/spider-man/)
- [True Detective](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/true-detective/)
- [Rambo](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/rambo/)
- [Dark Angel](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/dark-angel/)
- [Stranger Things](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/stranger-things/)
- [Fast & Furious](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/fast-furious/)
- [Friday the 13th](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/friday-the-13th/)
- [James Bond](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/james-bond/)
- [Nightmare on Elm Street](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/nightmare-on-elm-street/)
- [Texas Chainsaw Massacre](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/texas-chainsaw-massacre/)
- [Die Hard](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/die-hard/)
- [Lethal Weapon](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/lethal-weapon/)
- [Back to the Future](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/back-to-the-future/)
- [Divergent Series](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/divergent/)
- [Conjuring Cinematic Universe](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/conjuring-cinematic-universe/)
- [Bad Boys](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/bad-boys/)
- [Tomb Raider](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/tomb-raider/)
- [John Wick](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/john-wick/)
- [Hellboy](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/hellboy/)
- [Bourne Series](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/bourne-series/)
- [John Hughes](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/john-hughes/)
- [Agatha Christie](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/agatha-christie/)
- [Beverly Hills Cop](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/beverly-hills-cop/)
- [One-Season Wonders](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/one-season-wonders/)
- [Blade Runner](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/blade-runner/)
- [IMDb Top 250 TV](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/imdb-top-250-tv/)
- [Woody Allen](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/woody-allen/)
- [IMDb Top 250 Movies](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/imdb-top-250-movies/)
- [New Releases](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/new-releases/)
- [Monsterverse](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/monsterverse/)
- [Paranormal Activity](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/paranormal-activity/)
- [Pitch Perfect](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/pitch-perfect/)
- [Cruel Summer](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/cruel-summer/)
- [Hellraiser](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/hellraiser/)
- [Kolchak The Night Stalker](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/kolchak-the-night-stalker/)
- [Omen](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/omen/)
- [Amityville](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/amityville/)
- [Insidious](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/insidious/)
- [Living Dead Series](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/living-dead-series/)
- [Alfred Hitchcock](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/alfred-hitchcock/)
- [Billy Wilder](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/billy-wilder/)
- [Sherlock Holmes](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/sherlock-holmes/)
- [Mad Max](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/mad-max/)
- [RoboCop](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/robocop/)
- [Dashiell Hammett](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/dashiell-hammett/)
- [Raymond Chandler](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/raymond-chandler/)
- [Dario Argento](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/dario-argento/)
- [Kevin Smith](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/kevin-smith/)
- [I Know What You Did Last Summer](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/i-know-what-you-did-last-summer/)
- [DC Universe](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/dc-universe/)
- [Featured](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/featured/)
- [Child's Play/Chucky](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/childs-play-chucky/)
- [Universal Monsters](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/universal-monsters/)
- [John Carpenter](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/john-carpenter/)
- [Mel Brooks](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/mel-brooks/)
- [Muppets](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/category/muppets/)

## Tags

- [Science Fiction](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/science-fiction/)
- [Space](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/space/)
- [CBS](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/cbs/)
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- [Netflix](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/netflix/)
- [CW](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/cw/)
- [Amazon Prime](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/amazon-prime/)
- [Oscars](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/oscars/)
- [Mystery](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/mystery/)
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- [Comedy](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/comedy/)
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- [Sports](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/sports/)
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- [Grindhouse](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/grindhouse/)
- [NBC](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/nbc/)
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- [AMC](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/amc/)
- [A&E](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/ae/)
- [Family Drama](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/family-drama/)
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- [Ray Garton](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/ray-garton/)
- [Elisabeth Massie](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/elisabeth-massie/)
- [Mel Odom](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/mel-odom/)
- [Christopher Golden](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/christopher-golden/)
- [Nancy Holder](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/nancy-holder/)
- [Christie Golden](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/christie-golden/)
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- [Alan Dean Foster](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/alan-dean-foster/)
- [Timothy Zahn](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/timothy-zahn/)
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- [Karen Miller](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/karen-miller/)
- [Ricky Gervais](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/ricky-gervais/)
- [Archie](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/archie/)
- [Hulu](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/hulu/)
- [James Luceno](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/james-luceno/)
- [David Sherman](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/david-sherman/)
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- [Yvonne Navarro](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/yvonne-navarro/)
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- [Veronica Roth](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/veronica-roth/)
- [Brian Duffield](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/brian-duffield/)
- [Akiva Goldsman](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/akiva-goldsman/)
- [Mark Bomback](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/mark-bomback/)
- [Rick Jaffa](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/rick-jaffa/)
- [Amanda Silver](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/amanda-silver/)
- [Derek Connolly](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/derek-connolly/)
- [Alex Garland](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/alex-garland/)
- [Aaron Covington](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/aaron-covington/)
- [John D'Arco](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/john-darco/)
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- [Ole Bornedal](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/ole-bornedal/)
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- [Stiles White](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/stiles-white/)
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- [Stephen Chbosky](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/stephen-chbosky/)
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- [Christopher Landon](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/christopher-landon/)
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- [Jules Verne](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/jules-verne/)
- [Brian Gunn](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/brian-gunn/)
- [Mark Gunn](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/mark-gunn/)
- [Richard Outten](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/richard-outten/)
- [Jay Duplass](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/jay-duplass/)
- [Mark Duplass](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/mark-duplass/)
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- [Billy Ray](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/billy-ray/)
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- [Bill Sienkiewicz](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/bill-sienkiewicz/)
- [Cindy Chupack](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/cindy-chupack/)
- [Holly Sorensen](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/holly-sorensen/)
- [Steve Miner](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/steve-miner/)
- [André Bormanis](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/andre-bormanis/)
- [Karen Janszen](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/karen-janszen/)
- [Ben Young Mason](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/ben-young-mason/)
- [Jonathan Silberberg](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/jonathan-silberberg/)
- [Justin Wilkes](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/justin-wilkes/)
- [Everardo Gout](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/everardo-gout/)
- [Paul Solet](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/paul-solet/)
- [Christopher Markus](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/christopher-markus/)
- [Stephen McFeely](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/stephen-mcfeely/)
- [Louis D'Esposito](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/louis-desposito/)
- [Stan Lee](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/stan-lee/)
- [Jack Kirby](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/jack-kirby/)
- [Maurissa Tancharoen](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/maurissa-tancharoen/)
- [Todd Slavkin](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/todd-slavkin/)
- [Darren Swimmer](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/darren-swimmer/)
- [Darren Star](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/darren-star/)
- [Davis Guggenheim](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/davis-guggenheim/)
- [Mindy Kaling](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/mindy-kaling/)
- [Charles McDougall](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/charles-mcdougall/)
- [Mark Mylod](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/mark-mylod/)
- [Christian Torpe](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/christian-torpe/)
- [Alex Barnow](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/alex-barnow/)
- [Marc Firek](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/marc-firek/)
- [Matthew Perry](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/matthew-perry/)
- [Thomas Schlamme](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/thomas-schlamme/)
- [Craig Gillespie](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/craig-gillespie/)
- [Josh Reims](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/josh-reims/)
- [Jared Hess](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/jared-hess/)
- [Jerusha Hess](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/jerusha-hess/)
- [Mike Scully](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/mike-scully/)
- [Dwayne Carey-Hill](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/dwayne-carey-hill/)
- [Callie Khouri](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/callie-khouri/)
- [R.J. Cutler](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/r-j-cutler/)
- [Elizabeth Meriwether](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/elizabeth-meriwether/)
- [Craig Silverstein](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/craig-silverstein/)
- [Greg Berlanti](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/greg-berlanti/)
- [Jon Harmon Feldman](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/jon-harmon-feldman/)
- [Scott McCabe](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/scott-mccabe/)
- [Tory Stanton](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/tory-stanton/)
- [Nancy Hult Ganis](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/nancy-hult-ganis/)
- [Jack Orman](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/jack-orman/)
- [Greg Daniels](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/greg-daniels/)
- [Troy Miller](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/troy-miller/)
- [Dean Holland](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/dean-holland/)
- [Aisha Muharrar](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/aisha-muharrar/)
- [Alan Yang](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/alan-yang/)
- [Matt Murray](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/matt-murray/)
- [Rick Singer](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/rick-singer/)
- [Paris Barclay](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/paris-barclay/)
- [Ben Queen](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/ben-queen/)
- [Justin Halpern](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/justin-halpern/)
- [Patrick Schumacker](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/patrick-schumacker/)
- [Bob Dearden](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/bob-dearden/)
- [Viet Nguyen](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/viet-nguyen/)
- [CW Seed](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/cw-seed/)
- [I. Marlene King](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/i-marlene-king/)
- [Norman Buckley](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/norman-buckley/)
- [Sara Shepard](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/sara-shepard/)
- [Joseph Dougherty](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/joseph-dougherty/)
- [Maya Goldsmith](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/maya-goldsmith/)
- [Marc Munden](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/marc-munden/)
- [Vincenzo Natali](https://reviewsfrommycouch.com/tag/vincenzo-natali/)