‘Elf’ (2003) is worth taking off the shelf every Christmas
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Pure of heart without being schmaltzy, Will Ferrell’s classic is like a spiritual palette cleanser.
‘Elf’ (2003) is worth taking off the shelf every Christmas
‘Atlanta’ Seasons 3-4 are a surreal snapshot of 2022
TV review: Donald Glover’s brainchild is like the Black Experience meets “Black Mirror” in 20 masterful episodes that close out the series.
‘Everyone Says I Love You’ (1996) celebrates heart’s desires
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.
‘Absent in the Spring’ (1944) a never-dull dive into one woman’s mind
Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): In her third Mary Westmacott novel, Christie holds a reader’s attention the whole way by exploring inner thoughts.
‘Rare Exports’ (2010) not naughty enough to be nice
Frightening Friday (Movie review): This Finnish-English language horror combo doesn’t do enough with its low-budget high concept.
‘Under the Banner of Heaven’ a ripping critique of religion
TV review: One of 2022’s best murder-mystery miniseries is also an honest study of how religion shapes people’s minds and lives.
Donner, Murray add nutmeg to a classic in ‘Scrooged’ (1988)
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): An unusual but effective blend of dark and light tones, Richard Donner’s film ultimately succeeds because of Bill Murray.
‘Don’t Drink the Water’ adapted poorly (1969) and, well, better (1994)
Woody Wednesday (Movie reviews): Neither version is outstanding, but if you watch one, definitely track down the 1994 movie that comes directly from Allen.
‘Giants’ Bread’ (1930) a tragedy of love, creative drive
Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): We take a temporary break from sleuthing to examine Agatha Christie’s excellent first Mary Westmacott novel.
‘Beavis and Butt-head’ more smartly stupid than ever in Season 9
TV review: Mike Judge’s now-iconic series expands its canvas to include multiple timelines as it makes fun of the lead duo and the world around them.