Old Hollywood meets film noir in ‘Paradine Case’ (1947)
On a Hitchcock kick (Movie review): The director closes out his pre-color period with a moody courtroom drama that’s not as strong as it could’ve been as a mystery.
Courtroom Drama
Old Hollywood meets film noir in ‘Paradine Case’ (1947)
‘Presumed Innocent’ a slick spin on the classic book/film
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.
‘Better Call Saul’s’ ending is more gray than great
TV review: The sixth and final season is frontloaded with thrilling episodes, but it ends in anticlimactic fashion.
‘Exorcism of Emily Rose’ (2005) puts Derrickson on map
Frightening Friday (Movie review): The “Black Phone” helmer launched his career with one of the scariest courtroom dramas ever made.
‘Law & Order’ rips from decade of headlines to launch Season 21
First episode impressions (TV review): NBC makes up for one of its biggest mistakes by bringing back the original NYC-based “L&O” after a 12-year hiatus.
‘Witness for the Prosecution’ (1957) an elite court drama
Sleuthing Sunday (Movie review): Billy Wilder’s adaptation of Christie’s play/story shows droll comedy and high drama can smoothly blend.
‘Witness for the Prosecution’ (1948) guilty of being great
Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): This collection of 11 short stories is filled with Agatha Christie gems, starting with the titular tale.
‘Sad Cypress’ (1940) a powerful Poirot potboiler
Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): Christie approaches this one from new angles: a court case, and relationships that seem real.
‘Disclosure’ (1994) makes the office thrilling
Michael Crichton Monday (Book review): Setting aside sci-fi, Crichton makes a strong case that sexual harassment is about power, not gender.
‘Better Call Saul’ Season 1 (2015) introduces our favorite lawyer
Blogging ‘Saul’ (TV review): “Saul” Season 1 is the epitome of 2010s slow-burn serials, but in a good way. In fact: S’all good, man.