‘Lake Mungo’ (2008) a grief-laden mystery-horror classic

December 1, 2023December 1, 2023 John Hansen Horror Movies

Frightening Friday (Movie review): In the year of “Talk to Me,” we look back at another chiller from Down Under, from one-and-done (?) helmer Joel Anderson.

‘The Lady Vanishes’ (2013) is a lovely dramatic counterpoint

November 29, 2023November 22, 2023 John Hansen Alfred Hitchcock

On a Hitchcock kick (Movie review): Seventy-five years after the comedic original version, a fresh take showcases the mystery – and Tuppence Middleton.

‘Maltese Falcon’ (1930) stands as definitive hardboiled mystery

November 26, 2023November 26, 2023 John Hansen Books

Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): Dashiell Hammett only wrote five novels, but the influence outshines the output, especially with this Sam Spade starrer.

‘A Murder at the End of the World,’ ‘Fargo’ Season 5, ‘The Irrational,’ ‘The Spencer Sisters’

November 23, 2023November 23, 2023 John Hansen Fargo

First episode impressions (TV reviews): “A Murder at the End of the World” goes to the head of the fall class of long-form mysteries, while “The Irrational” might intrigue procedural fans.

Intrigue disappears behind comedy in ‘The Lady Vanishes’ (1938)

November 22, 2023November 22, 2023 John Hansen Alfred Hitchcock

On a Hitchcock kick (Movie review): This evocatively titled Hitchcock classic might surprise people by being a light comedy.

Wimsey shows how to catch ’em in Sayers’ ‘Strong Poison’ (1930)

November 19, 2023November 19, 2023 John Hansen Books

Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): Proving the innocence of the defendant is personal for Lord Peter Wimsey in his fifth novel.

‘Hell House LLC II: The Abaddon Hotel’ (2108) and ‘III: Lake of Fire’ (2019) are ambitious but cheap

November 17, 2023November 17, 2023 John Hansen Horror Movies

Frightening Friday (Movie review): Despite the success of “Hell House LLC,” we still don’t get to learn what the director could do with a big budget.