‘Vertigo’ (1958) a surreal, maybe unreal, masterpiece
On a Hitchcock kick (Movie review): Although it’s arguably imperfect, and certainly has imperfect people in it, it’s perhaps the most fun Hitch film to talk about.
Mystery
‘Vertigo’ (1958) a surreal, maybe unreal, masterpiece
Hollywood takes three shots at ‘Maltese Falcon’ (1931-41)
Sleuthing Sunday (Movie reviews): The 1941 Bogart-starrer is the most famous and best of these adaptations.
‘Rear Window’s’ (1954) views on privacy, spying remain relevant
On a Hitchcock kick (Movie review): This classic is timeless in the way it comments on human nature and societal standards.
John’s top 10 movies of 2023
2023 movies: Action movies had grand finales, superhero fatigue drove off audiences, and horror and comedy became niche genres in a wild year in film.
John’s top 10 TV shows of 2023
2023 television: A couple of old-school network shows break into the streaming-dominated list of my favorite series of the year.
‘Dead End’ (2003) is darkly comedic Christmas horror
Frightening Friday (Movie review): A strong cast portrays the universal holiday family sniping in a mostly effective mix of comedy and weird horror.
Roth’s ‘Thanksgiving’ is an undercooked turkey
Movie review: But if the creativity of how the killer carves up his victims is the draw, Roth’s film does serve up some tasty morsels.
Hitchcock smartly threads theatrical ‘Rope’ (1948)
On a Hitchcock kick (Movie review): An updated version could wring more twists and tension, but Hitchcock’s is a fascinating experiment.
Hannah tries to get into the spirit with ‘Hercule Poirot’s Silent Night’
Book review: Unfortunately, this is the weakest of her first five Poirot books thanks to an implausible character’s unlikely actions.
‘Marple: Twelve New Mysteries’ (2022) honors, expands character
Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): A dozen modern authors write Marple with an ease that will make you cozy next to the fireplace; plus, we get mild surprises.