John Hansen

Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes

‘Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes’ (1927) a spooky conclusion to Doyle’s canon

Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): Rather than resting on his laurels, the author tries new things with topics and point-of-view.

My Bloody Valentine 2009

‘My Bloody Valentine’ (2009) adds dimension to the franchise

Frightening Friday (Movie review): This remake embraces the late-Aughts 3D boom and crafts a fun mystery while splashing the screen with gore.

The Net

‘The Net’ (1995) is a scarier, computer-age ‘North by Northwest’

Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Irwin Winkler uploads one of his best films as a director in this relevant thriller about identity theft.

Ball of Fire

‘Ball of Fire’ (1941) a delightful early gem from Hawks, Wilder

Wilder Wednesday (Movie review): Enjoy the star power of Gary Cooper and Barbara Stanwyck, and as a bonus learn the slang of 1941.

Step Down to Terror

No shadow of a doubt that ‘Step Down to Terror’ (1958) is inferior

On a Hitchcock kick (Movie review): Despite being a step down in quality from Hitchcock’s classic, Keller delivers a crisp, watchable version.

His Last Bow

‘His Last Bow’ (1917) gathers Holmes’ penultimate adventures

Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): Doyle and his detective build up to the Great War in this second-to-last Sherlock collection.

My Bloody Valentine 1981

‘My Bloody Valentine’ (1981) joins lineup of holiday slashers

Frightening Friday (Movie review): Though you might not desire a long-term relationship with this Canadian movie, it’s deserving of one date.

Irma la Douce

‘Irma la Douce’ (1963) another sweet mix of comedy, chemistry

Wilder Wednesday (Movie review): Although the film’s running time is strangely miscalibrated, Lemmon and MacLaine are cute and funny.

Anora

‘Anora’ (2024) runs a rom-com through the ‘Fargo’ filter

Movie review: You never know what genre – or plot swings — you’re gonna get in this Sean Baker film that spins “Pretty Woman” through a blender.

So Long at the Fair

‘So Long at the Fair’ (1950) a delightful riff on ‘Lady Vanishes’

On a Hitchcock kick (Movie review): In this film drawn from the same urban legend, a brother vanishes and a sympathetic leading lady carries us through the mystery.