‘Vertigo’ (1958) a surreal, maybe unreal, masterpiece
On a Hitchcock kick (Movie review): Although it’s arguably imperfect, and certainly has imperfect people in it, it’s perhaps the most fun Hitch film to talk about.
‘Vertigo’ (1958) a surreal, maybe unreal, masterpiece
Hollywood takes three shots at ‘Maltese Falcon’ (1931-41)
Sleuthing Sunday (Movie reviews): The 1941 Bogart-starrer is the most famous and best of these adaptations.
Savini’s ‘Night of the Living Dead’ (1990) a remake worth doing
Frightening Friday (Movie review): Director Tom Savini adds action and pace, while George Romero himself beefs up the screenplay.
‘Fetch’ didn’t happen, but at least ‘Mean Girls’ (2004) did
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): A stellar cast drives a teen comedy that struggles to balance laughs with a serious issue.
‘Rear Window’s’ (1954) views on privacy, spying remain relevant
On a Hitchcock kick (Movie review): This classic is timeless in the way it comments on human nature and societal standards.
John’s top 10 movies of 2023
2023 movies: Action movies had grand finales, superhero fatigue drove off audiences, and horror and comedy became niche genres in a wild year in film.
John’s top 10 TV shows of 2023
2023 television: A couple of old-school network shows break into the streaming-dominated list of my favorite series of the year.
‘Strange Days’ (1995) rings in a future of untrustworthy institutions, virtual socializing
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): In terms of tech details, this Kathryn Bigelow-directed film might be James Cameron’s most prescient screenplay.
‘Dial M for Murder’ (1954) … or for masterpiece
On a Hitchcock kick (Movie review): This unusually stylish “filmed stage play” features one of the most twisty and compelling mystery plots ever devised.
‘Barbie’ doesn’t fully exploit culture-clash humor
Movie review: Greta Gerwig’s gorgeously set-designed Mattel-produced film nonetheless goes surprisingly deep into making fun of itself.