‘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.
History
‘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.
‘Radio Days’ (1987) a trip back to medium’s heyday
Woody Wednesday (Movie review): Understated yet deftly crafted, Allen’s film gives us a good grounding in the ubiquity of radio in the 1930s and ’40s.
Daniels shines in sweet ‘Purple Rose of Cairo’ (1985)
Woody Wednesday (Movie review): Featuring a nice early Jeff Daniels turn, the fantastical “Purple Rose of Cairo” demonstrates Woody Allen’s love for cinema.
‘Eaters of the Dead’ (1976) digs into Viking lore
Michael Crichton Monday (Book review): Crichton takes a crack at making the “Beowulf” lore accessible for modern readers.
Whedon dreams up Victorian superheroes in ‘The Nevers’
First episode impressions (TV review): This is HBO, so there’s more nudity and violence than we’re used to, but “The Nevers” is recognizably Whedonian.
Crichton takes new track in ‘Great Train Robbery’ (1975)
Michael Crichton Monday (Book review): The author trades science fiction for historical fiction and gives an eye-opening look at 1850s London.
Allen gets mileage out of one joke in ‘Zelig’ (1983)
Woody Wednesday (Movie review): This faux documentary is appealingly dry as the situations become more extreme for Allen’s title character.
‘Midsummer Night’s Sex Comedy’ (1982) an amusing riff
Woody Wednesday (Movie review): Allen’s nod to Shakespeare is an enjoyably light take on ideas we’ve seen him explore before.