John’s top 10 TV shows of 2023
2023 television: A couple of old-school network shows break into the streaming-dominated list of my favorite series of the year.
‘Strange Days’ (1995) rings in a future of untrustworthy institutions, virtual socializing
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): In terms of tech details, this Kathryn Bigelow-directed film might be James Cameron’s most prescient screenplay.
‘Dial M for Murder’ (1954) … or for masterpiece
On a Hitchcock kick (Movie review): This unusually stylish “filmed stage play” features one of the most twisty and compelling mystery plots ever devised.
‘Barbie’ doesn’t fully exploit culture-clash humor
Movie review: Greta Gerwig’s gorgeously set-designed Mattel-produced film nonetheless goes surprisingly deep into making fun of itself.
‘Oppenheimer’ is an epic, but not quite the bomb
Movie review: Nolan’s film is so intent to avoid the obvious that it goes deep into the shadows of political maneuverings.
A look at ‘Firefly’s’ ‘Holiday Special’ (2021) and ‘20th Anniversary Special’ (2022)
‘Firefly’ flashback (Comic book reviews): The stockings are filled with old and new adventures for the Serenity crew.
Stupnitsky’s ‘No Hard Feelings’ is easy to like
Movie review: The director of “Good Boys” continues to make sweet-natured raunch-coms that straddle old and new sensibilities.
‘Dead End’ (2003) is darkly comedic Christmas horror
Frightening Friday (Movie review): A strong cast portrays the universal holiday family sniping in a mostly effective mix of comedy and weird horror.
Roth’s ‘Thanksgiving’ is an undercooked turkey
Movie review: But if the creativity of how the killer carves up his victims is the draw, Roth’s film does serve up some tasty morsels.
‘Love Actually’ (2003) hangs wide array of emotions on the Christmas tree
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Twenty years later, this incredibly cast film still boasts powerful moments illustrating every type of love.