Scares diminish, but ‘Grudge 3’ (2009) is rather sweet
Frightening Friday (Movie review): Although not very scary, “G3” is quite watchable thanks to a cute little family unit led by Johanna Braddy.
Mystery
Scares diminish, but ‘Grudge 3’ (2009) is rather sweet
‘Yellowjackets’ soapier than I’d like, but has some sting
First episode impressions (TV review): This miniseries has a great premise of teen girls thrown into an extreme situation, but it’s also a little soapy.
‘Funerals are Fatal’ (1953), especially in this family
Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): Christie doesn’t reinvent anything here, but this family-based mystery does offer a few wrinkles.
‘Brahms: The Boy II’ (2020) all dolled up for silly scares
Frightening Friday (Movie review): Katie Holmes takes over for Lauren Cohan in a sequel that’s more basic than the inventive original.
‘Curse of the Jade Scorpion’ (2001) a mildly jazzy jaunt
Woody Wednesday (Movie review): Hurt by loose editing and some miscast roles, this 1940-set mystery-comedy isn’t what it could’ve been.
‘Last Séance’ (2019) gathers Christie’s spooky stuff
Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): This collection gathers Agatha’s supernatural yarns in one place, including the rare “Wife of the Kenite.”
Keaton back for cozy ‘Manhattan Murder Mystery’ (1993)
Woody Wednesday (Movie review): The last Allen-Keaton team-up shares DNA with “Only Murders in the Building” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm.”
‘Hallowe’en Party’ (1969) can’t capture spirit of season
Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): Although it doesn’t have the spooky vibe I hoped for, there are things to like about this Poirot novel.
‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ has bizarre, sharp edge
First episode impressions (TV review): This miniseries shows that what teens are doing now is decidedly different from what they did in 1973 or 1997.
‘Murder with Mirrors’ (1952) novel-length sleight of hand
Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): This is a gripping page-by-page read with an engaging theme. But does Christie play fair with the reader?