Hammett launches icons Nick and Nora Charles in ‘The Thin Man’ (1934)

December 3, 2023December 3, 2023 John Hansen Books

Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): Misleading title aside, Nick Charles isn’t the Thin Man. But he is a helluva detective in the hardboiled tradition.

‘Lake Mungo’ (2008) a grief-laden mystery-horror classic

December 1, 2023December 1, 2023 John Hansen Horror Movies

Frightening Friday (Movie review): In the year of “Talk to Me,” we look back at another chiller from Down Under, from one-and-done (?) helmer Joel Anderson.

‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One’ makes the end of the world thrilling

November 30, 2023January 28, 2024 John Hansen Mission: Impossible

Movie review: It seems impossible, but the greatest action franchise of all time is still topping itself in its seventh film.

‘The Lady Vanishes’ (2013) is a lovely dramatic counterpoint

November 29, 2023November 22, 2023 John Hansen Alfred Hitchcock

On a Hitchcock kick (Movie review): Seventy-five years after the comedic original version, a fresh take showcases the mystery – and Tuppence Middleton.

‘Maltese Falcon’ (1930) stands as definitive hardboiled mystery

November 26, 2023November 26, 2023 John Hansen Books

Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): Dashiell Hammett only wrote five novels, but the influence outshines the output, especially with this Sam Spade starrer.

‘Shaun of the Dead’ (2004) the all-time elite zom-com

November 24, 2023November 24, 2023 John Hansen Horror Movies

Frightening Friday (Movie review): Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg get on the map in a big way with a dry comedy that takes advantage of zombie lore.

‘A Murder at the End of the World,’ ‘Fargo’ Season 5, ‘The Irrational,’ ‘The Spencer Sisters’

November 23, 2023November 23, 2023 John Hansen Fargo

First episode impressions (TV reviews): “A Murder at the End of the World” goes to the head of the fall class of long-form mysteries, while “The Irrational” might intrigue procedural fans.