John’s top 10 movies of 2024
2024 movies: A remarkable number of filmmakers this year delved into metaphysical issues, appropriate for this weird time we live in.
John’s top 10 TV shows of 2024
2024 television: Network shows held on to some viewers thanks to diversity of main characters and premises, but streaming and premium channels continued to dominate.
‘Agatha Christie’s Poirot’ Seasons 7-8 (2000-02) are a joyful – if darker – return
Sleuthing Sunday (TV review): The show returns from a four-year hiatus with a last go-around of the ensemble format and one of the series’ best episodes.
You’ll go ‘Cuckoo’ trying to connect with this movie
Movie review: This is not phoned-in horror trash; it’s trying to be something cuckoo-bananas different. But it failed to make this viewer care.
‘Heretic’ a revelation of theological-discussion horror
Movie review: Three masterful performances and a razor-sharp screenplay from the “Boogeyman” guys (!) make this one of the year’s best horror films.
Beyond a reasonable doubt, ‘Juror #2’ isn’t half bad
Movie review: Although Eastwood’s film, perhaps accidentally, makes us want to throw the justice system in the garbage, a stellar Nicholas Hoult drives the suspense.
Preston & Child hop dimensions in ‘Angel of Vengeance’
Book review: The authors intriguingly wrap up their time-travel saga as their long-running protagonists and antagonists meet.
‘The Apartment’ (1960) is worth renting, maybe even owning
Wilder Wednesday (Movie review): The Oscars were right: Lemmon and MacLaine are delightful in this light-touch, heartfelt romantic dramedy.
‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ (1946), but is it a wonderful movie?
Christmas movie flashback: Frank Capra’s classic must be the most widely beloved movie about the business of real-estate loans. (Plus: A look at the film’s influence on “Buffy” Season 3.)
‘Valley of Fear’ (1915) does the multi-genre riff even better
Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): Doyle improves on “Study in Scarlet’s” blend of mystery and flashback in his final Sherlock Holmes novel.