John Hansen

The Great Train Robbery movie

‘Great Train Robbery’ (1978) a sharp but stiff procedural

Michael Crichton Monday (Movie review): In faithfully adapting his own novel, Crichton makes a film with historical heft but little zest.

Double Sin and Other Stories

‘Double Sin’ (1961) puts Poirot in a Christmas mood

Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): “Double Sin and Other Stories” collects four Poirots, two Marples and a couple supernatural yarns.

Last Night in Soho

McKenzie, Taylor-Joy light up ‘Last Night in Soho’

Movie review: Edgar Wright lusciously mashes up genres and takes us on a wild ride through London’s neon-lit club sector.

Invasion 2005

First of the ‘Lost’ clones: ‘Invasion’ (2005-06)

One-season wonders (TV review): A stellar cast and a consistent mood of foreboding helps Shaun Cassidy’s series glow in a transitional time for TV.

Husbands and Wives

Grass is always greener in ‘Husbands and Wives’ (1992)

Woody Wednesday (Movie review): Allen blends relationship insights with creative storytelling tricks in the most effective way since “Annie Hall.”

Drug of Choice

‘Drug of Choice’ (1970) a pulpy ride of pharma paranoia

Michael Crichton Monday (Book review): In his sixth John Lange book, Crichton peppers big ideas about Big Pharma into the pulp template.

Army of Thieves

‘Army of Thieves’ a ‘safe’ ‘Army of the Dead’ prequel

Movie review: An appealing bunch of thieves makes this zombie-prequel-without-zombies into an enjoyable throwaway romp.

Crooked House movie

‘Crooked House’ (2017) captures novel’s chilliness

Sleuthing Sunday (Movie review): An excellent cast and luscious art design are the reasons to check out this adaptation of one of Christie’s best books.

Black Christmas 2006

‘Black Christmas’ (2006) descends chimney after classic

Frightening Friday (Movie review): The remake of the 1974 classic digs into Billy’s backstory. But it fails to breathe life into the sorority sisters.

Crisis in Six Scenes

Allen tackles TV with ‘Crisis in Six Scenes’ (2016)

Woody Wednesday (TV review): The 1960s setting is the biggest pleasure as Woody tries his hand at a six-episode Amazon Prime miniseries.