John Hansen

3 Body Problem

‘3 Body Problem’ a wondrous yet grounded exploration of humans’ place in cosmos

TV review: The Netflix series looks at tech big and small, inward and outward, to examine the flaws and strengths of the human race.

Lifeboat

Hitchcock’s ‘Lifeboat’ (1944) reminds us that Nazis are evil

On a Hitchcock kick (Movie review): One of Hitchcock’s most stripped-down movies is also among his least surprising.

Omen TV series

‘The Omen’ TV pilot (1995) is a rightly forgotten branch of the lore

Frightening Friday (TV review): Although it didn’t go to series, “The Omen” – which has little to do with the same-named hit film — did air as an NBC TV movie.

Lovewrecked

Bynes’ ‘Lovewrecked’ (2005) is a cheaply made wreck

Throwback Thursday (Movie review): There are only so many Amanda Bynes movies out there, so fans will likely come across this one. Unfortunately.

I Confess

‘I Confess’ (1953) derives suspense from one man’s silence

On a Hitchcock kick (Movie review): Normally a flawless character is boring, but this tale of an upstanding priest is an exception to that rule.

Troubled Blood

Rowling warms up a cold case in fifth Strike novel, ‘Troubled Blood’ (2020)

Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): Rowling’s prose is so good that she’s able to keep a mystery fascinating at quadruple the page count of a typical genre piece.

Sabotage

‘Sabotage’ (1936) puts Hitchockian traits in a tidy package

On a Hitchcock kick (Movie review): With its vibrant setting amid the London streets, this is an energetic and entertaining Thirties suspenser.

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder

‘A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder’ (2019) introduces young readers to the genre

Book club book report: Despite its basic nature, Holly Jackson’s debut novel is a page-turning whodunit for adults, too.

‘Crazy/Beautiful’ (2001) adds earthy appeal to the ‘troubled teen’ subgenre

Throwback Thursday (Movie review): This is one of Kirsten Dunst’s many standout turns from the era, and Jay Hernandez and Bruce Davison are also crazy-good.

Man Who Knew Too Much

Hitchcock improves on his own ‘The Man Who Knew Too Much’ (1934, 1956)

On a Hitchcock kick (Movie reviews): Hitchcock knew a lot more about moviemaking by the time he took a second crack at this story of an average family thrown into international intrigue.