No shadow of a doubt that ‘Step Down to Terror’ (1958) is inferior
On a Hitchcock kick (Movie review): Despite being a step down in quality from Hitchcock’s classic, Keller delivers a crisp, watchable version.
Family Drama
No shadow of a doubt that ‘Step Down to Terror’ (1958) is inferior
‘RoboCop’ (2014) drops the satire for slick, familiar sci-fi
‘RoboCop’ redux (Movie review): This remake has perhaps the best cast ever assembled for a movie you’ll forget almost immediately.
‘Poirot’ Season 11 (2008-09) runs into adaptation challenges
Sleuthing Sunday (TV review): Despite some bizarre scripting choices, the series’ production values have never been higher.
If ‘Shadow of a Doubt’ (1991) doesn’t leave, I’ll kill it myself
On a Hitchcock kick (Movie review): This TV-movie remake of Hitch’s favorite of his catalog illustrates how the script requires the master’s touch to be effective.
‘Poirot’ Season 10 (2005-06) a mix of smart and ill-advised alterations
Sleuthing Sunday (TV review): Rewriting of Christie’s words helps one story and hurts another in this season when Ariadne Oliver makes her debut.
We really need to talk about ‘We Need to Talk About Kevin’ (2011)
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Although the wait for answers is agonizing, strong visual storytelling and a late recovery makes it worthwhile.
‘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.
‘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Frightening Friday (Movie review): Though outdated and often offensive, the film is almost worth watching due to Fay Wray’s small role.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.