‘Great Train Robbery’ (1978) a sharp but stiff procedural
Michael Crichton Monday (Movie review): In faithfully adapting his own novel, Crichton makes a film with historical heft but little zest.
History
‘Great Train Robbery’ (1978) a sharp but stiff procedural
Allen tackles TV with ‘Crisis in Six Scenes’ (2016)
Woody Wednesday (TV review): The 1960s setting is the biggest pleasure as Woody tries his hand at a six-episode Amazon Prime miniseries.
A twist: ‘Death Comes as the End’ (1944) set in ancient Egypt
Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): Christie ventures outside of contemporary England to tell an ancient Egyptian story – albeit one with familiar parallels.
‘Cloud Atlas’ (2012) has epic rebellious streak
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): The Wachowski sisters and Tom Tykwer invigoratingly tell of rebellions big and small in six time periods.
‘Timeline’ (1999) exists much more in past than future
Michael Crichton Monday (Book review): This is more of a historical novel than an SF novel. Fans of the medieval era will love the attention to detail.
Donner’s ‘Timeline’ (2003) clashes with Crichton’s
Michael Crichton Monday (Movie review): The meeting of two legends results in a forgettable film. As a PG-13 project, it didn’t have much of a chance.
‘Café Society’ (2016) beats ‘La La Land’ to punch
Woody Wednesday (Movie review): “Café Society” was overshadowed by “La La Land,” but Allen’s film is likewise a worthy love letter to show business.
‘13th Warrior’ (1999) a mellow take on ‘Eaters of the Dead’
Michael Crichton Monday (Movie review): This fairly tame adaptation of “Eaters of the Dead” is technically impressive, especially in the battles.
‘Wonder Wheel’ (2017) a stagy, gorgeous drama
Woody Wednesday (Movie review): Kate Winslet has the showy role, but Juno Temple is a vision even against the vibrant 1950s backdrop.
‘Magic in the Moonlight’ (2014) has fleeting charm
Woody Wednesday (Movie review): The shortage of sparks between the leads hurts, but a middling Allen rom-com is still better than the average rom-com.