John Hansen

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.

Free Guy

‘Free Guy’ (2021) mulls ideas as it romps through game

Movie review: This Ryan Reynolds comedy-actioner is mostly for fun, but it does think about the value and rights of artificial intelligences.

Blade Runner 2019 Volume 1

‘Blade Runner 2019: Los Angeles’ (2019) vibrantly expands saga

PKD flashback (Comic book review): It took until the year “Blade Runner” takes place, but the movie finally gets a comic continuation, and it’s outstanding.