Ricci is devastatingly raw and true in ‘Prozac Nation’ (2001)
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): I thought Ricci and Biggs were great in “Anything Else,” but this unheralded gem is something else.
Journalism
Ricci is devastatingly raw and true in ‘Prozac Nation’ (2001)
‘Alaska Daily’ puts spotlight on modern investigative reporting
First episode impressions (TV review): “Spotlight” was a thank-you letter to probing journalism; now “Alaska Daily” shows why it’s still important.
Preston, Spezi probe ‘Monster of Florence’ (2008)
Preston & Child flashback (Book review): Journalists aren’t supposed to become the story. But in this bizarre chronicle, you’ll see they can’t be blamed.
‘Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom’ and 9 other movies John wouldn’t mind seeing in Summer 2018
The idea of “summer movies” is already past its time, as “Black Panther” and “Avengers: Infinity War” prove that “summer” is now year-round in the movie business. Still, old habits die hard – such as […]
‘The Post’ reviews
John’s “The Post” review, Jan. 21, 2018 Michael’s “The Post” review, Top 20 films of 2017, Jan. 21, 2018
‘Night Stalker’ reviews
John’s “Night Stalker” flashback review, johnvhansen.com, Feb. 1, 2011 “Night Stalker” (2005, ABC), episodes 1-4 – In its ads for “Supernatural,” WB recommends viewers turn off their lights to enhance the viewing experience. ABC, being a […]
‘The Paper’ review
John’s “The Paper” (episodes 1-4) review, Brainerd Dispatch, May 8, 2008
‘The Post’ fondly recalls the old days of a respected press, war protests (Movie review)
One of my bosses encouraged us to attend “The Post” (2017) – which recently got a wide theatrical release – to rekindle our passion for newspapering. The film encourages some of that spirit, no doubt, but […]
‘Shattered Glass’ review
“Shattered Glass” – I had already respected Hayden Christensen for his work on “Life as a House” and TV’s “Higher Ground” (and yes, even “Star Wars”), but his portrayal as Stephen Glass, an endearing psychopath […]
‘Spotlight’ is a crisply crafted thank-you letter to investigative journalism (Movie review)
“Spotlight” almost brought tears to my eyes with the way it respectfully portrays the Boston Globe’s 2001-02 investigation into the Boston Catholic church’s systemic sexual abuse of children by its priests. In the vein of “All […]