John Hansen

Phenomena

‘Phenomena’ (1985) won’t bug Argento acolytes

Frightening Friday (Movie review): But even with Jennifer Connelly as an insect whisperer, the film doesn’t diverge from his formula.

Hoosiers

Hackman’s ‘Hoosiers’ (1986) has the winning touch

Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Sometimes cliches play well in a movie, as this loose telling of the 1954 Indiana state hoops champs proves.

Love in the Afternoon

‘Love in the Afternoon’s’ (1957) May-December romance feels 8 months long

Wilder Wednesday (Movie review): The age gap is a talking point, but the real issue is this rom-com isn’t romantic or funny enough.

Alfred Hitchcock Hour

Hitchcock mulls truth, POV, memory in hourlong episodes (1957-62)

On a Hitchcock kick (TV review): Hitchcock directs one episode each of three NBC series he produced: “Suspicion,” “Startime” and “The Alfred Hitchcock Hour.”

The Big Sleep 1946

‘The Big Sleep’ (1946) goes from elite novel to respectable film

Sleuthing Sunday (Movie review): Though it won’t cause narcolepsy, Hawks’ film is too hampered by censorial limitations to totally capture Chandler’s vibe.

Tenebrae

‘Tenebrae’ (1982) a brainy exploration of human violence

Frightening Friday (Movie review): And don’t worry, it’s bloody too, as Argento keeps up with trends in the slasher genre he helped popularize.

Starship Troopers 3 Marauder

Neumeier sharply returns for ‘Starship Troopers 3: Marauder’ (2008)

Throwback Thursday (Movie review): OK, so it’s full of bugs (not in a good way), but if you can forgive the cheapness, it has the original’s spirit.

Breakfast of Champions

‘Breakfast of Champions’ (1973) is easily digestible American satire

Book club book report: To the benefit of the novel’s shelf life, but not to the benefit of humanity, Vonnegut’s classic remains relevant.

Prom Night III and IV

Stand up these dates: ‘Prom Night III: The Last Kiss’ (1990) and ‘Prom Night IV: Deliver Us from Evil’ (1991)

‘Prom Night’ saga (Movie reviews): The third time is not the charm for this Canadian slasher franchise. Nor is the fourth, although it’s a tad better.

Hello Mary Lou Prom Night II

‘Hello Mary Lou: Prom Night II’ (1987) a hidden slasher gem

‘Prom Night’ saga (Movie review): No Jamie Lee? No problem, as this sequel has everything else, and somehow it’s a wild ride more so than a dumpster fire.