‘Some Like It Hot’ (1959), and everyone likes it funny
Wilder Wednesday (Movie review): Lemmon’s comedic chops and Curtis’ variety of characters make this the all-timer among gender-switch films.
Romance
‘Some Like It Hot’ (1959), and everyone likes it funny
‘Notorious’ (1992) has the nerve to take on one of Hitch’s best-crafted films
On a Hitchcock kick (Movie review): Jenny Robertson shines in the Ingrid Bergman role in this too-languid update of the 1946 gem.
‘Poirot’ works out math of love triangles in Season 9 (2003-04)
Sleuthing Sunday (TV review): The “dark years” – not necessarily in a bad way – start with four tragic episodes about unrequited love.
This time, De Palma’s Hitchcock ‘Obsession’ (1976) doesn’t pay off
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Sometimes a screenplay’s interesting ideas don’t coalesce into a compelling film. Such is the case in this “Vertigo” riff.
John’s top 10 movies of 2024
2024 movies: A remarkable number of filmmakers this year delved into metaphysical issues, appropriate for this weird time we live in.
John’s top 10 TV shows of 2024
2024 television: Network shows held on to some viewers thanks to diversity of main characters and premises, but streaming and premium channels continued to dominate.
‘The Apartment’ (1960) is worth renting, maybe even owning
Wilder Wednesday (Movie review): The Oscars were right: Lemmon and MacLaine are delightful in this light-touch, heartfelt romantic dramedy.
‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ (1946), but is it a wonderful movie?
Christmas movie flashback: Frank Capra’s classic must be the most widely beloved movie about the business of real-estate loans. (Plus: A look at the film’s influence on “Buffy” Season 3.)
‘Edward Scissorhands’ (1990) a too-thin slice of heartfelt weirdness
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): For many Burton fans, this Christmastime film is a cut above, but I find it slices too thin.
Dave’s ‘The Night We Lost Him’ blends romance, mystery
Book club book report: The author draws us in with questions, and smoothly builds believable characters amid the quest for answers.