Movies and TV shows John is looking forward to in 2019 (Commentary)
These are the movies and TV shows I’m looking forward to in the new year:
HBO
John’s top 10 TV shows of 2018
It’s never before been so hard to pick the 10 best shows of the year, as streaming services deliver strong short series on a regular basis, and cable and network TV have mostly kept pace […]
First episode impressions: ‘Sharp Objects’ (TV review)
“Sharp Objects” (9 p.m. Eastern Sundays on HBO) takes a familiar genre – a crime journalist investigating small-town murders – and turns it into a gilded-frame French painting. The miniseries is stacked with talent at […]
Catching up with ‘Big Little Lies’ Season 1 (TV review)
“Big Little Lies” (which aired earlier this year on HBO, and can now be found on HBO Go or at Redbox) is the best thing I’ve seen from David E. Kelley, and also by far […]
‘Westworld’ Season 1 (2016) blends SF, Western, mystery
TV review: Along with Wood in the lead, a big reason why “Westworld” entertained me is because it bounces between the sci-fi and Western genres.
7 big ideas on ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ (TV commentary)
I intended to round out my top 20 “Curb Your Enthusiasm” issues with seven “big issues.” But really, are these issues bigger than the 13 bits of minutiae explored in my previous post? When you boil it […]
13 classic ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ conundrums (TV commentary)
“Seinfeld” was one of the best shows of the ’90s because it explored minutiae; “Curb Your Enthusiasm” was one of the best shows of the Aughts (and will continue to be a top show of the ’10s) […]
What I like about ‘True’: A review of ‘True Blood’ Season 1 (TV review)
“True Blood” makes it look easy. Start with sharply written characters, mix in a plot that’s never predictable, try a few new things here and there, and you have a tasty concoction.
A ‘True Blood’ primer for ‘Buffy/Angel’ fans: 10 differences between the vampire mythologies (TV commentary)
I’ve watched most of the first season on DVD, and I can safely say I’m a fan of “True Blood.” Being a huge “Buffy/ Angel” fan, I have trouble liking other vampire stories because I compare them to Joss Whedon’s […]