John Hansen

Unexpected Guest

‘Unexpected Guest’ (1999) a basic but enjoyable puzzle 

Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): Charles Osborne’s second novelization of an Agatha Christie play showcases her mystery-puzzle plotting mastery.

See How They Run

Rockwell, Ronan make ‘See How They Run’ a comedic delight

Movie review: Great actors team up with a sharp screenplay by Mark Chappell that understands the humorous side of Agatha Christie’s whodunits.

Rings

‘Rings’ (2017) might be a mess, but it’s an intriguing one

Frightening Friday (Movie review): The producers wait too long to make the third installment of the “Ring” trilogy, but it’s better than you might guess.

My Best Friend's Exorcism

‘My Best Friend’s Exorcism’ has neither laughs nor scares

Movie review: By not settling on a tone, this mix of comedy, horror and legitimate teen drama falls flat in every category.

Smile

Film will make you ‘Smile’ if you like tried-and-true horror

Movie review: The film isn’t as clever as its marketing, but a sense of mood and a strong lead turn by Sosie Bacon keep it watchable.

Sweet and Lowdown

Penn starrer ‘Sweet and Lowdown’ (1999) turns out sour

Woody Wednesday (Movie review): Penn and Morton are decent, but where are the laughs in this faux-historical piece that’s structured like a comedy?

Don't Worry Darling

Pugh elevates oddly regressive ‘Don’t Worry Darling’

Movie review: Olivia Wilde’s latest film thinks it’s better than it is. On the other hand, Florence Pugh does make every movie she’s in better.

Passenger to Frankfurt

‘Passenger to Frankfurt’ (1970) is a globe-trotting mess 

Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): Late in her career, Agatha Christie reaches a dubious achievement: a novel that’s worse than “The Big Four.”

The Peripheral

With ‘Westworld’ canceled, ‘Peripheral’ smoothly slides in

First episode impressions (TV review): Scott B. Smith returns to prominence with “The Peripheral,” the latest visionary sci-fi show to hit streaming.

Urban Legends Bloody Mary

‘Urban Legends’ trilogy limps to end with ‘Bloody Mary’ (2005) 

Frightening Friday (Movie review): “Urban Legends” turns its attention to the Bloody Mary myth, but you’d be better off rewatching “Candyman.”