John Hansen

Cassandras Dream

‘Cassandra’s Dream’ (2007) mulls moral cost of murder

Woody Wednesday (Movie review): Although not as crisp as “Match Point,” this is a strong crime drama thanks to the brotherly bond of McGregor and Farrell.

State of Fear

‘State of Fear’ (2004) has impeccable research, crazy plot

Michael Crichton Monday (Book review): Crichton illustrates that climate worries are overstated, and that the environmental movement has bad consequences.

N or M?

‘N or M?’ (1941) encapsulates life during World War II

Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): The T&T novels keep surprising me as being better than their reputation. I think “N or M?” is the best of the first three.

Crystal Lake Memories

‘Crystal Lake Memories’ (2013) indeed gives ‘Complete History of Friday the 13th’

Frightening Friday (Movie review): This 7-hour documentary digs into these mediocre-to-bad movies, and the serious approach makes it all the better.

Violet & Daisy

Bledel tries to go against type in ‘Violet & Daisy’ (2011)

Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Alexis Bledel starts off playing against type as stone-cold assassin Violet, but the film softens around her.

Scoop

Allen sticks around London for a sugar-free ‘Scoop’ (2006)

Woody Wednesday (Movie review): The previous year’s “Match Point” was so good that Allen can be forgiven a few middling trifles. “Scoop” is one of them.

ER Season 1

Crichton turns rejected screenplay into TV hit ‘ER’ (1994)

Michael Crichton Monday (TV review): Most of Crichton’s successes are in books and film, but his big TV success is nothing to sneeze at.

The Hollow

Christie dives into romantic minds in ‘The Hollow’ (1946)

Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): “The Hollow” is Christie’s elite piece of character writing to this point. As a bonus, it’s a strong Poirot potboiler too.

Darkness

Paquin’s ‘Darkness’ (2002) an artistic mood piece

Frightening Friday (Movie review): Fans of later gems such as “Hereditary” might want to peek into “Darkness,” a wrongly overlooked mood piece.

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2

‘Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2’ (2008) a lush sequel

Throwback Thursday (Movie review): The storylines are thin, but it’s nice to see these four talented actresses together again for a summer of adventures.