John Hansen

The Carey Treatment

‘Carey Treatment’ (1972) wildly adapts ‘A Case of Need’

Michael Crichton Monday (Movie review): The filmmakers add a lot of hardboiled muscle but mostly keep the story in place in adapting “A Case of Need.”

Doctor Sleep

Flanagan’s ‘Doctor Sleep’ (2019) a slow burn, but worth it

Stephen King flashback (Movie review): Mike Flanagan finds the middle ground between Kubrick and King in this “Shining” sequel.

Peacemaker

James Gunn cuts loose in DCEU’s ‘Peacemaker’

First episode impressions (TV review): The first DCEU TV series focuses on the B-list Peacemaker, but Gunn wins me over with his humor.

Dust to Dust

‘Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep: Dust to Dust’ (2010) an emotional journey

PKD flashback (Comic book review): In this prequel to PKD’s novel, writer Chris Roberson examines the emotional makeups of androids and humans.

Dealing

Crichton brothers team up to do some ‘Dealing’ (1970)

Michael Crichton Monday (Book review): Michael and Douglas Crichton explore the early days of the drug war in a gritty thriller.

The Shining movie

Kubrick’s ‘Shining’ (1980) both simple and complex

Stephen King flashback (Movie review): Stanley Kubrick’s controversial take on King’s novel can function as a scare flick or whatever you want it to be.

Do Androids Dream comic

‘Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?’ comic (2009-11) immerses reader in PKD’s world

PKD flashback (Comic book review): Artist Tony Parker adapts every word of Dick’s most famous novel, but intimidation soon gives way to wonder.

Physical Evidence

‘Physical Evidence’ (1989) a tasty slice of 1980s noir

Michael Crichton Monday (Movie review): Crichton’s last directing credit has aged well because it hasn’t aged well. It’s wonderfully grounded in its time.

Cobra Kai Season 4

‘Cobra Kai’ Season 4 (2021) goes down to the wire

TV review: This latest batch of 10 episodes features many great characters, but it’s dinged slightly by not having one that stands out from the pack.

The Shining book

‘Shining’ (1977) makes bid as great American horror novel

Stephen King flashback (Book review): Mixing realism and metaphor, King taps into a family man’s descent into the hell of alcoholism.