John Hansen

I Know 2025

‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ ’25 struggles to set its hook

Movie review: Though not without its good points, the fourth film in the saga raises an empty net in its final-act execution.

Teaching Mrs Tingle

Coughlan goes to head of the class in ‘Teaching Mrs. Tingle’ (1999)

Throwback Thursday (Movie review): In his schizophrenic dark comedy, Williamson understands (and perfectly casts) the teens more than the adult.

Imaginary Strangers

‘Imaginary Strangers’ (2024) excitingly internalizes the mystery-thriller

Book club book report: Minka Kent convincingly brings us into the mind of a nonviolent sociopath who pursues clues that her children are in danger.

Dreadful Lemon Sky

McGee takes on the Drug War in ‘Dreadful Lemon Sky’ (1974)

Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): Under the pen of John D. MacDonald, even a case the media loses interest in becomes a page-turner.

Phantom of the Paradise

‘Phantom of the Paradise’ (1974) is De Palma’s ambitious pop opera

Frightening Friday (Movie review): Some will get into the groove of this “Phantom of the Opera” for the ’70s, others will be bored. I was somewhere in between.

Happy Gilmore 2

Sandler fans will be ‘Happy’ with ‘Gilmore 2’

Movie review: It’s not merely a hangout film; the comic actor finds something to say about the absurdity of modern sports entertainment.

American Beauty

This is how it is in suburbia: ‘American Beauty’ still does 1999 proud

Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Even in a year of “Office Space” and “American Pie,” “American Beauty” stands out as something beautiful.

TMNT 2003

‘TMNT’ goes wildly off track with Season 5’s ‘lost’ episodes (2008)

‘TMNT’ flashback (TV review): The final season directly overseen by Peter Laird proves that more (a bigger threat) can turn out to be less.

Marple Season 2

Jane gets nosy in ‘Agatha Christie’s Marple’ Season 2 (2006)

Sleuthing Sunday (TV review): I know some people see her as an interfering old biddy, but even so, it’s ridiculous that she intrudes in two non-Marple stories.

Mother of Tears

Argento finally wraps trilogy with ‘Mother of Tears’ (2007)

Frightening Friday (Movie review): This capper to the “Three Mothers” trilogy unfortunately gives way to Aughts trends, but it’s better than no movie at all.