‘2001: A Space Odyssey’ (1968) is as cold as space itself

May 13, 2021February 26, 2022 John Hansen Books

Throwback Thursday (Movie, book reviews): “2001: A Space Odyssey” influenced later works such as “Contact,” “Event Horizon” and “Ad Astra.”

Daniels shines in sweet ‘Purple Rose of Cairo’ (1985)

May 12, 2021June 5, 2021 John Hansen Movies

Woody Wednesday (Movie review): Featuring a nice early Jeff Daniels turn, the fantastical “Purple Rose of Cairo” demonstrates Woody Allen’s love for cinema.

Nostalgic ‘Broadway Danny Rose’ (1984) doesn’t tug at heartstrings

May 5, 2021June 5, 2021 John Hansen Movies

Woody Wednesday (Movie review): “Broadway Danny Rose” is Woody Allen’s love letter to his standup comedy days. But the film didn’t totally connect with me.

Allen gets mileage out of one joke in ‘Zelig’ (1983)

April 7, 2021June 5, 2021 John Hansen Movies

Woody Wednesday (Movie review): This faux documentary is appealingly dry as the situations become more extreme for Allen’s title character.

‘Lost in Translation’ (2003) is exquisitely sad

March 25, 2021April 17, 2025 John Hansen Movies

Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Director Sofia Coppola’s elite film wonderfully uses music, imagery and mood to create a magical Tokyo.

‘Manhattan’ (1979) another winner from Allen, Keaton

March 24, 2021June 17, 2021 John Hansen Movies

Woody Wednesday (Movie review): It’s not at the level of “Annie Hall,” but it’s nice to have Allen and Keaton back, sharing the spotlight with the city.

‘Seven’ (1995) is Fincher’s dirty, gorgeous masterpiece

March 18, 2021April 18, 2025 John Hansen IMDb Top 250 Movies

Throwback Thursday (Movie review): The director paints NYC as such a cesspool that there’s no way anyone would want to set foot there after seeing “Seven.”