‘The Book Thief’ (2005) is a beautiful novel about death and Nazis
Book club book report: Despite being narrated by Death during a very busy time, Markus Zusak’s YA novel is miraculously life-affirming.
Family Drama
‘Poirot’ works out math of love triangles in Season 9 (2003-04)
Sleuthing Sunday (TV review): The “dark years” – not necessarily in a bad way – start with four tragic episodes about unrequited love.
‘Black Moon’ (1934) juxtaposes family obligations with job demands of a voodoo-goddess
Frightening Friday (Movie review): Though outdated and often offensive, the film is almost worth watching due to Fay Wray’s small role.
John’s 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.
John’s 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.
‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ (1946), but is it a wonderful movie?
Christmas movie flashback: Frank Capra’s classic must be the most widely beloved movie about the business of real-estate loans. (Plus: A look at the film’s influence on “Buffy” Season 3.)
Dave’s ‘The Night We Lost Him’ blends romance, mystery
Book club book report: The author draws us in with questions, and smoothly builds believable characters amid the quest for answers.
‘I Saw the TV Glow’ a mesmeric metaphysical journey
Movie review: Though a lack of a clear plot makes it sometimes slip from a viewer’s grasp, Schoenbrun’s film is loaded with feelings and ideas.
‘The Immortalists’ (2018) examines life through lens of death
Book club book report: Come for the hook (a fortune teller predicts death dates) but stay for the four siblings’ journeys through life.
‘Night of the Hunter’ (1955) is influential … but is it good?
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Ingenious or merely experimental, it can’t be denied that Charles Laughton’s only directorial work made its mark.