John Hansen

The Strangers

‘The Strangers’ (2008) puts suspenseful horror ahead of explanation

Frightening Friday (Movie review): We might learn more about the home invaders in the new film, but the O.G. entry is scary despite scant information.

The Casual Vacancy

Rowling’s stark ‘Casual Vacancy’ (2012) bridges Potter and Strike

Throwback Thursday (Book review): The “Harry Potter” scribe doesn’t have answers for folks in a non-magical world, but she does show observant compassion.

The Lodger

‘The Lodger’ (1927) shows Hitch can be Hitch without dialog

On a Hitchcock kick (Movie review): But modern viewers of this silent classic will likely appreciate the score laid down by Ashley Irwin in 1999.

QualityLand

‘QualityLand’ (2017) hits uncomfortably close to reality

Book club book report: Steady doses of humor make this a fun read, although the author understands the problems more than the solution.

Summer Movie Preview

Summer movie preview 2024: 10 films I wouldn’t mind seeing

Summer movie preview: Here’s a look at “MaXXXine” and nine other films to keep on your radar in the air-conditioning season.

Influencer

Twisty, creepy ‘Influencer’ (2023) is worth a follow

Frightening Friday (Movie review): Though it could’ve skewered influencer-driven advertising a bit more, this film is a wild modern mystery.

Catcher in the Rye

So what I did was, I re-read ‘Catcher in the Rye’ (1951)

Throwback Thursday (Book review): I wish you could’ve been there when I read it, but I’ll analyze this Salinger classic like a madman.

Bates Motel 1987

‘Psycho’ saga takes a truncated shot at TV with ‘Bates Motel’ (1987)

On a Hitchcock kick (TV review): It’s about as far away from Hitchcock’s classic as one can get, but this TV pilot is a bizarre curiosity.

Snack Shack

Coming-of-age story exhilarates in tasty ‘Snack Shack’

Movie review: Director Adam Rehmeier’s personal connection to 1991 Nebraska City shines through in one of 2024’s best films so far.

Ghostwatch

‘Ghostwatch’ (1992) a little-known but highly influential found footage horror film

Frightening Friday (Movie review): This Halloween 1992 BBC movie was a hugely controversial cultural phenomenon in Britain.