Child’s ‘Utopia’ (2002) a thrilling debut
Preston & Child flashback (Book review): Set in a cutting-edge amusement park, Child’s solo debut recalls Crichton’s “Westworld” and “Jurassic Park.”
Science Fiction
Child’s ‘Utopia’ (2002) a thrilling debut
‘Firefly: Watch How I Soar’ a flighty nod to Wash
Comic book review: I don’t know if we needed a second Wash tribute (after “Float Out”). Then again, I’m not gonna say no to a second Wash tribute.
Preston takes on God in ‘Blasphemy’ (2008)
Preston & Child flashback (Book review): It’s not blasphemously bad. But if one were to rank Preston’s work, this would not be among his Good Books.
‘Tyrannosaur Canyon’ (2005) a rip-roaring thriller
Preston & Child flashback (Book review): Unlike Crichton, Preston doesn’t resurrect dinosaurs. Yet the spirit of the great lizards permeates this tale.
Lebbon’s ‘Firefly: Generations’ teases Earth-That-Was
Book review: Unfortunately, it mostly remains a tease in this fourth “Firefly” novel, which also hints at the backstories of River and the Hands of Blue.
‘Greenland’ carries weight of (the end of) the world
Movie review: “Greenland” makes disaster flicks cool again. Killer asteroids haven’t been this much fun since the summer of 1998.
Valerian makes surprise return in ‘Future is Waiting’ (2019)
‘Valerian and Laureline’ flashback (Comic book review): Mezieres and Christin deliver one last gift to fans with Volume 22 of the saga.
John’s top 10 movies of 2020
2020 movies: This unusual year nonetheless offered some movies worth celebrating. Here are my top 10 films of 2020.
Endearing chimp stars in Preston’s ‘Jennie’ (1994)
Preston & Child flashback (Book review): Preston’s nonfiction career starts with a heartfelt tale (based on true stories) of a chimp raised in a human family.
‘The Faculty’ (1998) a slick product with a point
Frightening Friday (Movie review): Williamson’s riff on “Body Snatchers” explores serious issues in public schooling, but it’s all in good fun.