John Hansen

True Romance

‘True Romance’ (1993) a violent fairy-tale love story

Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Even coming out in the wake of “Glengarry Glen Ross,” the depth of acting talent in this Tarantino-Scott riff is incredible.

Ace in the Hole

‘Ace in the Hole’ (1951) plays a winning hand of satire

Wilder Wednesday (Movie review): As a portrayal of a single journalist’s power, it’s not particularly plausible, but the film is entertaining.

Sinners

Coogler, Jordan team up again for too-safe ‘Sinners’

Movie review: It ain’t no sin to be glad you’re alive, but it’s hard to imagine a worse place to exist than stressfully racist 1931 Mississippi.

TMNT Season 7

‘TMNT’ ‘Wises’ up for surprisingly strong Season 7 (1993, CBS)

‘TMNT’ flashback (TV review): David Wise delivers standouts “Night of the Dark Turtle,” “The Legend of Koji” and “Shredder Triumphant!,” plus fan favorite “Night of the Rogues.”

The Long Goodbye

Marlowe actually makes friends in ‘The Long Goodbye’ (1953)

Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): However, that doesn’t turn his life or his job into a breeze in Raymond Chandler’s meatiest novel.

Stendhal Syndrome

‘Stendhal Syndrome’ (1996) is stupid but rather engaging

Frightening Friday (Movie review): Asia Argento plays the least plausible cop ever, but her father Dario’s directorial style remains a high point.

French Connection II

‘French Connection II’ (1975) brings the hard-a** Drug War to France

Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Hackman actually improves on his Oscar-winning role in Frankenheimer’s more harrowing sequel.

Ninotchka

Wilder serves and learns from Lubitsch in ‘Ninotchka’ (1939)

Wilder Wednesday (Movie review): Writer Wilder would continue with this blend of comedy, romance and geo-politics/economics when he became a director.

TMNT Season 7

‘TMNT’ takes welcome ‘Vacation in Europe’ to start Season 7 (1993)

‘TMNT’ flashback (TV review): This batch provides a superficial respite from NYC, as the standard plots are simply transposed. But a couple episodes stand out.

House of Leaves

‘House of Leaves’ (2000) as fleeting as, well, a house of leaves

Book club book report: Still, the unusual format and decent character building make this bizarre, fantastical journey worth checking out.