John Hansen

Looker

‘Looker’ (1981) warns of the perils of perfection

Michael Crichton Monday (Movie review): “Looker” is one of the most smartly prescient of Crichton’s films that predict creepy technology.

Servant

Shyamalan helms engrossing ‘Servant’ Seasons 1-2 (2019-21)

Frightening Friday (TV review): He’s known as a filmmaker, but “Servant” makes a compelling case that Shyamalan’s skills translate to the TV format.

Blade Runner comic adaptation

Goodwin, Williamson squeeze ‘Blade Runner’ into 1982 comic

PKD flashback (Comic book review): At first blush, two issues doesn’t seem like enough to adapt “Blade Runner,” but it flows remarkably well.

Terminal Man movie

‘Terminal Man’ (1974) a methodical take on mind control

Michael Crichton Monday (Movie review): The film adaptation emphasizes the book’s procedural elements, but it’s still interesting for Crichton nerds.

Carrie 1976

‘Carrie’ (1976) not scary, but nonetheless great

Stephen King flashback (Movie review): De Palma and Spacek turn King’s novel into a stylish take on the twin hells of high school and religion.

Total Recall comics

‘Total Recall’ makes brief comic splashes in 1990, 2011

PKD flashback (Comic book reviews): The second-most-famous PKD-inspired franchise appeared in comics with a basic adaptation and a weak sequel.

Micro

Crichton, Preston present big adventure in ‘Micro’ (2011)

Michael Crichton Monday (Book review): It’s a shame Crichton died before his time. But Preston ably finishes his final novel, an adventure in miniature.

Carrie novel

King’s career starts with bloody bang in ‘Carrie’ (1974)

Stephen King flashback (Book review): King’s novel-writing career starts with a timeless classic of the teen-outsider genre.

Electric Ant

‘Electric Ant’ comic (2010) luxuriates in Dick’s themes

PKD flashback (Comic book review): By expanding the story, David Mack adds heart and immerses the reader in questions about humanity and reality.

Eternals

‘Eternals’ (2021) lacks the usual MCU fun, but has gravity

Movie review: “Eternals” is the weightiest, most sober MCU film. It doesn’t overcome that default setting despite an admirable try at character building.