John Hansen

Fear Street Part One

‘Fear Street Part One: 1994’ is slick (and sick) product

Movie review: While it could’ve benefited from a deeper mystery, the characters are solid and the horror slick in this take on the “Fear Street” books.

Evil Dead 2013

Gory ‘Evil Dead’ (2013) strips away humor

Frightening Friday (Movie review): Like many 21st century sequels, the fourth “Evil Dead” film is an attempt to draw new fans.

Shaft 1971

At 50, Roundtree’s ‘Shaft’ (1971) is still a cool cat

Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Beyond “Shaft’s” music and stylish look, its main value is historical rather than entertainment.

Cafe Society

‘Café Society’ (2016) beats ‘La La Land’ to punch

Woody Wednesday (Movie review): “Café Society” was overshadowed by “La La Land,” but Allen’s film is likewise a worthy love letter to show business.

The 13th Warrior

‘13th Warrior’ (1999) a mellow take on ‘Eaters of the Dead’

Michael Crichton Monday (Movie review): This fairly tame adaptation of “Eaters of the Dead” is technically impressive, especially in the battles.

Nobody

Odenkirk’s ‘Nobody’ is somebody worth watching

Movie review: “Better Call Saul’s” Bob Odenkirk may have launched another iconic franchise with the Everyman badass hero in this “John Wick”-ian actioner.

Appointment with Death

‘Appointment with Death’ (1938) probes unhappy family

Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): Agatha Christie lets the reader play psychologist, as nearly every member of the Boynton family has a motive to murder.

Hellraiser III Hell on Earth

‘Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth’ (1992) expands canvas

Frightening Friday (Movie review): The third “Hellraiser” refreshingly takes place in the real world, but it eventually gets bogged down by Hell mythology.

The Fifth Element

Besson’s ‘Fifth Element’ (1997) an art-design paradise

Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Deliciously designed with a funny and adventurous story, this remains writer-director Luc Besson’s standout film.

Wonder Wheel

‘Wonder Wheel’ (2017) a stagy, gorgeous drama

Woody Wednesday (Movie review): Kate Winslet has the showy role, but Juno Temple is a vision even against the vibrant 1950s backdrop.