John Hansen

The Retaliators

‘The Retaliators’ (2022) a ridiculously twisty yet effective revenger

Frightening Friday (Movie review): Though it probably won’t be an annual Christmas treat for many, it’s viscerally satisfying on one viewing.

Insomnia novel

‘Insomnia’ (1994) is long but not sleep-inducing

Stephen King flashback (Book review): Although it reads like an important novel to King, it for some reason is not a popular target for adaptation.

Foreign Correspondent

‘Foreign Correspondent’ (1940) lauds journalists but isn’t about journalism

On a Hitchcock kick (Movie review): The film is also notable for an action-film structure that fans of the modern “Mission: Impossibles” will recognize.

Blue Beetle

‘Blue Beetle’ should’ve been given the ‘Batgirl’ treatment

Movie review: The DCEU’s latest entry suggests there’s a decent movie under its carapace, but regularly hits wrong notes (except in its soundtrack).

The Thin Man

Hammett launches icons Nick and Nora Charles in ‘The Thin Man’ (1934)

Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): Misleading title aside, Nick Charles isn’t the Thin Man. But he is a helluva detective in the hardboiled tradition.

Lake Mungo

‘Lake Mungo’ (2008) a grief-laden mystery-horror classic

Frightening Friday (Movie review): In the year of “Talk to Me,” we look back at another chiller from Down Under, from one-and-done (?) helmer Joel Anderson.

Mission Impossible 7

‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One’ makes the end of the world thrilling

Movie review: It seems impossible, but the greatest action franchise of all time is still topping itself in its seventh film.

The Lady Vanishes 2013

‘The Lady Vanishes’ (2013) is a lovely dramatic counterpoint

On a Hitchcock kick (Movie review): Seventy-five years after the comedic original version, a fresh take showcases the mystery – and Tuppence Middleton.

Maltese Falcon

‘Maltese Falcon’ (1930) stands as definitive hardboiled mystery

Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): Dashiell Hammett only wrote five novels, but the influence outshines the output, especially with this Sam Spade starrer.

Shaun of the Dead

‘Shaun of the Dead’ (2004) the all-time elite zom-com

Frightening Friday (Movie review): Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg get on the map in a big way with a dry comedy that takes advantage of zombie lore.