Smartly structured ‘Challengers’ breaks at love

December 12, 2024December 20, 2024 John Hansen Movies

Movie review: The plot is that of a soap opera, but the structure, style and psychological honesty put it on the short list of tennis-movie GOATs.

Teen TV looks to the past with ‘Cobra Kai,’ ‘Hysteria!,’ ‘Cruel Intentions’

November 23, 2024November 23, 2024 John Hansen Cobra Kai/Karate Kid

First episode impressions (TV reviews): “Cobra Kai” remains inspired, while the other two series almost begrudgingly go through the motions.

In ‘The Wrestling Women vs. the Aztec Mummy’ (1964), babes beat a bandaged bloke

November 8, 2024November 1, 2024 Tom Simmons Horror Movies

Frightening Friday (Movie review): Not quite horror, not quite horrible, the film’s standout feature is the wrestling action.

In ‘Abbott and Costello Meet the Invisible Man’ (1951), vaudeville pair confronts the unseen

September 13, 2024September 10, 2024 Tom Simmons Horror Movies

Frightening Friday (Movie review): It’s about invisibility, a pair of bumbling detectives, and hilarity. But mostly, it’s about boxing.

‘Cobra Kai’ eventually gets its kicks back in Season 6, Part 1

July 25, 2024July 25, 2024 John Hansen Cobra Kai/Karate Kid

TV review: The storytelling and characters are at black-belt level, but the fight choreography and camera work have fallen off.

Hitchcock takes a swing at boxing in ‘The Ring’ (1927)

June 26, 2024June 26, 2024 John Hansen Alfred Hitchcock

On a Hitchcock kick (Movie review): This silent film has some light comedic punch as it chronicles rivals for a title belt and a woman’s affections.