John Hansen

The Substance

Body-horror film ‘The Substance’ has plenty of it

Movie review: Both a throwback and a breakthrough, Coralie Fargeat’s dark comedy goes deep into self-confidence and self-sabotage.

Teacup

‘Teacup’ extends the ubiquity of Puzzle Box shows

First episode impressions (TV review): This short (?) and stout series is the latest in a genre with decreasing thrills and surprises.

Chinatown

‘Chinatown’ (1974) links two eras of film noir

Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Polanski blends an iconic Nicholson turn, a good political mystery and California water-utilities history in this classic.

Alien Romulus

‘Alien: Romulus’ is saga’s best follow-up since ‘Aliens’

Movie review: Alvarez reminds us of the pleasures of a legacy sequel done right as he taps into 1979 futurism while also respecting Scott’s glossy “Prometheus” concepts.

Secret Agent

‘Secret Agent’ (1936) serves up early, inconsistent spy gaming

On a Hitchcock kick (Movie review): The Master of Suspense is still learning his craft on this ambitious but muddy British picture.

Speak No Evil

‘Speak No Evil’ imports chillingly awkward horror

Movie review: Strong performances make this remake gripping, even if it doesn’t break new ground.

Beloved

‘Beloved’ (1987) makes brutal U.S. history achingly personal

Book club book report: The evils of Slavery become less abstract in Morrison’s psychologically rich Great American Novel.

Repulsion

‘Repulsion’ (1965) provides searing peek into a troubled autistic woman

Frightening Friday (Movie review): Polanski’s breakthrough English-language film retains strikingly modern insights into a neurodivergent brain.

Dressed to Kill

‘Dressed to Kill’ (1980) is De Palma’s Hitchcock master class

Throwback Thursday (Movie review): The writer-director expands on the filmmaking principles and themes of “Psycho” in a candidate for his best film.

78 52 Hitchcocks Shower Scene

‘78/52’ (2017) analyzes ‘Psycho’s’ Shower Scene, and makes a case for its obsession

On a Hitchcock kick (Movie review): This should be near the top of the list of documentaries for Alfred Hitchcock fans, as it’s not watered down in the least.