‘Space Cadet’ launches an underachiever into … space!

July 18, 2024July 17, 2024 Tom Simmons Movies

Movie review: “Houston has a new problem.” Only Emma Roberts’ party girl is not a problem, she’s a heroine. And a funny one at that.

‘A Princess of Mars’ (1912) crumples under weight of what came later

July 18, 2024June 27, 2024 John Hansen Books

Throwback Thursday (Book review): But readers interested in the chain of imaginative writings that led to “Star Wars” will want to check out Burroughs’ classic.

‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ is No. 1 among the trilogy

July 5, 2024July 5, 2024 John Hansen Horror Movies

Movie review: While the mythology doesn’t expand much, this “I Am Legend”-esque prequel serves up sympathetic silent survivors.

‘Spaceballs’ (1987) remains a pitch-perfect parody of ‘Star Wars’

June 27, 2024April 17, 2025 John Hansen Movies

Throwback Thursday (Movie review): The makers of “Spaceballs 2” will have their work cut out for them as they follow Mel Brooks’ classic.

‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ goes bananas with character creation

June 25, 2024January 23, 2025 John Hansen Movies

Movie review: Kevin Durand and Peter Macon are especially great as the “Apes” saga launches a new dystopian storyline.

‘Godzilla Minus One’ (2023) is Japan’s ‘Independence Day’

June 5, 2024June 5, 2024 John Hansen Movies

Movie review: Takashi Yamazaki’s character-driven prequel to 1954’s “Godzilla” illustrates the changing Japanese culture after WWII.

‘Grave Encounters 2’ (2012) goes humorously meta

May 31, 2024May 31, 2024 John Hansen Horror Movies

Frightening Friday (Movie review): The Vicious Brothers write a smart sequel commenting on their own work and the genre as a whole, but scares are sacrificed.