John Hansen

Magic in the Moonlight

‘Magic in the Moonlight’ (2014) has fleeting charm

Woody Wednesday (Movie review): The shortage of sparks between the leads hurts, but a middling Allen rom-com is still better than the average rom-com.

Disclosure book

‘Disclosure’ (1994) makes the office thrilling

Michael Crichton Monday (Book review): Setting aside sci-fi, Crichton makes a strong case that sexual harassment is about power, not gender.

‘Cards on the Table’ (1936) shows closed-room mystery mastery

Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): Agatha Christie’s closed-room mystery had me guessing till the end about which of the four suspects did it.

Supernova

‘Supernova’ (2000) spaces out on its big ideas

Frightening Friday (Movie review): “Supernova” isn’t as bad as its reputation, but it doesn’t live up to its potential as a deep-space fright flick.

Solaris 1972

Depressive ‘Solaris’ (1972) is the anti-‘2001’

Throwback Thursday (Movie review): This Russian sci-fi classic is even slower-paced than “2001.” But it offers more intellectual rewards.

Small Time Crooks

Ullman, Allen conspire in amusing ‘Small Time Crooks’ (2000)

Woody Wednesday (Movie review): Allen nicely pairs with fellow comedian-actor Tracey Ullman in an endearing rags-to-riches trifle.

Creepy new dino highlights ‘Camp Cretaceous’ Season 3

TV review: The Scorpius rex steals the show, but “Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous” Season 3 is a winner all around.

Rising Sun book

‘Rising Sun’ (1992) makes trade pacts thrilling

Michael Crichton Monday (Book review): Crichton mixes a hardboiled murder mystery with Japanese corporate intrigue. It’s outdated but engrossing.

Army of the Dead

Snyder back in zombie zone in ‘Army of the Dead’

Movie review: Zack Snyder’s “Army of the Dead” is a confident mix of charismatic characters and zombie-killing action.

Murder in Mesopotamia

Poirot all business in ‘Murder in Mesopotamia’ (1936)

Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): You could hand this Agatha Christie novel to a newbie and say “This is the template for a Poirot mystery.”