John Hansen

Undeclared

Lightning strikes twice for Apatow with ‘Undeclared’ (2001-02)

One-season wonders (TV review): Judd Apatow’s second acclaimed show was canceled as quickly as “Freaks and Geeks,” and it was just as great, in its own way.

A Daughter's a Daughter

‘A Daughter’s a Daughter’ (1952) presages ‘Gilmore Girls’ ’ generational clashes

Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): In a spiritual sequel to “Unfinished Portrait,” Christie sorts through mother-daughter relationships.

Thor 4

‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ (2022) spectacular, insubstantial

Superhero Saturday (Movie review): However, it’s unlikely this fourth “Thor” installment will stick with audiences the way more serious superhero films do.

VHS 2

Novelty wears off fast in jerky sequel ‘V/H/S/2’ (2013)

Frightening Friday (Movie review): This series of packaged-together short horror films takes a step backward in quality with its second entry.

Peripheral book

Gibson meticulously imagines a future in ‘The Peripheral’ (2014)

Throwback Thursday (Book review): I like the TV show more, but it owes its foundation to William Gibson’s novel, a sort of rulebook for the series.

The Rose and the Yew Tree

‘The Rose and the Yew Tree’ (1948) explores minds, politics

Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): Agatha Christie’s fourth Mary Westmacott novel is a smart, gripping exploration of love and local political gamesmanship.

Doctor Strange 2

‘Doctor Strange’ enters ‘Multiverse of Madness’ (2022), and it looks familiar

Superhero Saturday (Movie review): The MCU’s Multiverse Saga is starting to play like lazy afternoon couch viewing more so than must-see superhero storytelling.

IKWYDLS novel

‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ (1973) didn’t start as a slasher

Frightening Friday (Book review): Fifty years ago, Lois Duncan wrote a gripping mystery novel for teens about guilt, responsibility and moving on.

Wonderfalls

‘Wonderfalls’ (2004) is a sad show that makes me happy

One-season wonders (TV review): Of course this would end up being a one-season wonder. But the Jaye-Eric romance and wise stuffed animals can’t be forgotten.

Bullet Train

Leitch’s ‘Bullet Train’ (2022) barely stays on the rails

Movie review: Action director David Leitch delivers good choreography in “Bullet Train,” but it’s ultimately too ridiculous to make an impact.