John’s top 10 TV shows of 2020
2020 television: Like everything else, TV took a hit in this year of the pandemic, but networks felt the impact more so than streaming and premium.
Pratfalls, lovable kid drive ‘Home Alone 3’ (1997)
Hughes Day Tuesday (Movie review): Alex D. Linz gives an endearing turn as 8-year-old Alex Pruitt in a three-quel that’s actually not horrible.
Endearing chimp stars in Preston’s ‘Jennie’ (1994)
Preston & Child flashback (Book review): Preston’s nonfiction career starts with a heartfelt tale (based on true stories) of a chimp raised in a human family.
‘Murder at Hazelmoor’ a loaded wintry chiller (1931)
Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): Christie crams perhaps too many characters into this novel also known as “The Sittaford Mystery.”
‘Wonder Woman 1984’ an overwrought ‘Monkey’s Paw’ riff
Movie review: While this sequel is overlong and meandering, the action scenes are top-shelf and it builds Diana’s character.
‘The Faculty’ (1998) a slick product with a point
Frightening Friday (Movie review): Williamson’s riff on “Body Snatchers” explores serious issues in public schooling, but it’s all in good fun.
‘Last Christmas’ (2019) has its heart in right place
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): It will stay in your head because of the title it shares with the song. It may or may not stay in your heart.
In the holiday spirit: All 10 Shane Black films, ranked
Movie rankings: Just in time for Christmas, here are my rankings of the 10 films written and/or directed by Shane Black.
Nolan’s ‘Tenet’ a confusing time-travel experiment
Movie review: Nolan’s films are always imaginative. But this time, a viewer spends more time wondering what’s happening than being entertained.
‘Miracle on 34th Street’ (1994) has spirit and schmaltz
Hughes Day Tuesday (Movie review): Lovable Attenborough and Wilson drive Hughes’ simple update of the classic Christmas film.