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.
Science Fiction
Crichton’s directorial career begins in not-so-hot ‘Pursuit’ (1972)
Michael Crichton Monday (Movie review): The author starts his pursuit of a directorial career, but it’s not exactly hot pursuit in this bland thriller.
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.
First of the ‘Lost’ clones: ‘Invasion’ (2005-06)
One-season wonders (TV review): A stellar cast and a consistent mood of foreboding helps Shaun Cassidy’s series glow in a transitional time for TV.
‘Drug of Choice’ (1970) a pulpy ride of pharma paranoia
Michael Crichton Monday (Book review): In his sixth John Lange book, Crichton peppers big ideas about Big Pharma into the pulp template.
Crichton masters the conspiracy thriller in ‘Coma’ (1978)
Michael Crichton Monday (Movie review): “Coma” may not be Crichton’s most original work, but it’s an outstanding example of a ’70s conspiracy thriller.
‘Blade Runner’ makes stylish move to TV with ‘Black Lotus’
First episode impressions (TV review): Through two episodes, the anime assets are in place for a visually and aurally evocative adventure.
Slow-burn ‘Dune’ illustrates imperial machinations
Movie review: Villeneuve’s film is homework more than entertainment. But it’s interesting to see how “Star Wars” was influenced by “Dune.”
‘Next’ (2006) a weirdly engineered novel about genetics
Michael Crichton Monday (Book review): Crichton experiments with structure, making “Next” as much a scrapbook as a plotted story.
In tense ‘A Quiet Place Part II,’ story is secondary
Movie review: This is yet another apocalyptic film, but it’s gripping as Millicent Simmonds grows into a rare hearing-impaired movie star.