John Hansen

By the Pricking of My Thumbs

T&T still have game in ‘By the Pricking of My Thumbs’ (1968) 

Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): Agatha Christie returns to the spousal sleuths after a 27-year hiatus, and she hasn’t forgotten how to write them.

Halloween Ends

‘Halloween Ends’ by digging into shape of evil

Movie review: The “H40” sequel trilogy takes a surprising turn, but the pulpy vibe and delicious Carpenter score make for a holiday celebration.

Cabin Fever 2003

‘Cabin Fever’ (2003, 2016) splatters screen with contagion fears 

Frightening Friday (Movie review): Eli Roth’s name gets on the fear-flick map with this gore-centered body horror. Also: thoughts on the remake.

Omen IV

Devil menaces next gen in ‘Omen IV: The Awakening’ (1991) 

Six weeks of ‘The Omen’ (Movie review): Damien is dead, but oddly, the franchise isn’t. It continues with this repetitive and unnecessary TV movie.

Mr. Harrigan's Phone

‘Mr. Harrigan’s Phone’ not quite great, but worth picking up 

Movie review: In this year of telephone-based psychological thrillers from Stephen King’s family, this Netflix film beats “The Black Phone.”

Alaska Daily

‘Alaska Daily’ puts spotlight on modern investigative reporting 

First episode impressions (TV review): “Spotlight” was a thank-you letter to probing journalism; now “Alaska Daily” shows why it’s still important.

And Then There Were None

‘And Then There Were None’ (1939) an early slasher classic

Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): Widely regarded as one of Christie’s best novels, it deserves more credit as a progenitor of slasher horror.

Kolchak Volume 3

Another lost TV episode found in ‘Kolchak’ Volume 3

‘Kolchak’ flashback (Comic book review): Moonstone effectively resurrects “Eve of Terror,” but the new story “Lambs to the Slaughter” isn’t as strong.

Goodnight Mommy

‘Goodnight Mommy’ remake scrapes by on mood, twist 

Movie review: The story is simple yet watchable, with a decent twist. But this remake doesn’t achieve the tragic poignancy it aims for.

Omen III

Damien grows up (fast) in ‘The Final Conflict’ (1981) 

Six weeks of ‘The Omen’ (Movie review): Inexplicably 32 years old a decade after being born, the son of Satan makes his big play for world domination.