John Hansen

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.

Family Plot

‘Family Plot’ (1976) is a diamond to close Hitchcock’s career

On a Hitchcock kick (Movie review): Barbara Harris, Bruce Dern and William Devane are a blast to watch in this thriller about dual criminal couples.