John Hansen

John Wick

‘John Wick’ (2014) is lean, brisk, and now a classic

Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Here’s a look at the surprisingly lean actioner that started the saga of four films and in-the-pipeline spinoffs.

Knock at the Cabin

Shyamalan’s ‘Knock at the Cabin’ not worth answering

Movie review: An unpleasant message and flat narrative make this adaptation a misfire, despite a strong Dave Bautista turn.

Slasher Season 5 Ripper

‘Slasher’ Season 5 ‘Ripper’ overly ambitious, but still brutal

First episode impressions (TV review): The kills are gore-ific and the mystery is respectable, but “Slasher” isn’t quite convincing as a period piece.

I See You

‘I See You’ (2019) consistently creepy, hurt by plot hole

Frightening Friday (Movie review): Director Adam Randall’s film goes deeper into the details of a haunted house than is the norm.

Firefly Life Signs

‘Firefly’ books show ‘Life Signs’ (2021) in Lovegrove’s latest

‘Firefly’ flashback (Book review): James Lovegrove’s fourth “Firefly” novel is his best, and it resolves a mystery fans had wondered about for 19 years.

Poker Face

Seventies-style howcatchem ‘Poker Face’ would make Columbo proud

TV review: Natasha Lyonne has the mannerisms of Columbo, but other aspects of Rian Johnson’s show establish a fresh identity.

Buffy Big Bad

‘Buffy: Big Bad’ (2022) a fun alternate-dimension romp

Book review: Lily Anderson makes a respectable Buffyverse debut by breezily presenting a neighboring dimension from Evil’s point of view.

Bloody Fool for Love

‘Bloody Fool for Love’ (2022) goes back to ‘Buffy’s’ good ole days

Book review: William Ritter doesn’t do anything new with Spike. But he does prove you can never go wrong with this great character.

John Dies at the End movie

‘John Dies at the End’ (2012) a flat adaptation, as expected

Frightening Friday (Movie review): Some books don’t translate well to film. Especially when the narrator’s wit disappears in the adaptation process.

John Dies at the End

‘John Dies at the End’ (2009) a passion project, despite myriad influences

Book club book report: David Wong’s comedic horror novel is written in such an entertaining manner that it almost doesn’t matter that the story is familiar.