John’s top 10 TV shows of 2021
2021 television: Mystery miniseries dominated 2021. But at least one reliable old standby cracks my list of the year’s 10 best TV shows.
Romance
‘You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger’ (2010) … but he’ll be familiar
Woody Wednesday (Movie review): Although this sounds like many other Allen films, the impeccable casting and British flavor make it engrossing.
Party vibe makes ‘Dead Man’s Folly’ (1956) a fun read
Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): As Ariadne Oliver and Poirot team up at a Fete gone awry, the mystery is compelling but the solution is hoary.
Matrix reboots for thrilling remix ‘Matrix Resurrections’
Movie review: Among the last decade’s spate of nostalgic reboots, a new “Matrix” film is perhaps the most appropriate. It’s also one of the best.
‘Night Before,’ (2015), ‘Office Christmas Party’ (2016) offer holiday chuckles
Throwback Thursday (Movie reviews): “The Night Before” and “Office Christmas Party” make for a solid double bill of modern Christmastime comedy.
‘Melinda and Melinda’ (2004) explores comedy-tragedy line
Woody Wednesday (Movie review): The interspersed stories don’t strike a viewer with bold conclusions. But the film has subtle appeal.
‘Take the Money and Run’ (1969) puts Allen on laugh radar
Woody Wednesday (Movie review): “Take the Money and Run” uses jokes Allen would repurpose for later classics. But maybe this one is a classic too.
Craig’s Bond bows out with uneven ‘No Time to Die’
Movie review: “No Time to Die” is a little better than 2015’s “Spectre,” but the best of the Craig Bonds remain in the past.
McKenzie, Taylor-Joy light up ‘Last Night in Soho’
Movie review: Edgar Wright lusciously mashes up genres and takes us on a wild ride through London’s neon-lit club sector.
Grass is always greener in ‘Husbands and Wives’ (1992)
Woody Wednesday (Movie review): Allen blends relationship insights with creative storytelling tricks in the most effective way since “Annie Hall.”