10 movies John wouldn’t mind seeing this summer (Commentary)

Here are my picks for 10 movies to check out this summer: “Maggie” (May 8) – This could be what “Cop Land” was to Sylvester Stallone years ago: The movie where critics respect Arnold Schwarzenegger’s acting performance. Or maybe not, but I already give the filmmakers credit for trying. In this mood piece, Arnold plays the

Movies, TV, books and comics John is looking forward to in 2015 (Commentary)

Here are 10 movies, TV series, books and comics I’m looking forward to in 2015: “Marvel’s Agent Carter” (TV show, Jan. 6, pictured) – While I’m not a huge fan of the Marvel movie franchise, I have found some things to like about the sort-of-Joss-Whedon-produced “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” This eight-episode ABC prequel has my interest

‘Machete Kills’ and 9 other films to consider seeing this fall (Movie commentary)

Here are nine movies I might consider seeing this fall, plus “Machete Kills,” which I might consider seeing about 10 times. (Links to trailers provided for your convenience.) 1. “Machete Kills” (Oct. 11) — Danny Trejo’s title character saying “Machete don’t tweet,” electrocuting a guy by using himself as the conduit, and throwing another guy into a helicopter

‘The Way, Way Back’ and 12 more summer movies I’m looking forward to (Commentary)

Even as soulless and redundant superhero movies headline the summer movie schedule, a deeper look at the lineup reveals some really smart-looking smaller flicks hiding beneath the surface. Perhaps the cynicism of the expensive movies has allowed the cheaper pictures to feel free to be risky and fun — and in some cases, funny. Or

Fall TV 2012: 5 new shows and 5 returning shows to watch (Commentary)

Ah, fall TV. And, in a nice old-school twist, the Entertainment Weekly Fall TV Preview issue highlighted a single show on its cover rather than using a collage (the featured show: “Homeland,” which seems worthy, although I’ve never seen it). The fall lineup isn’t particularly deep this year, but it’s pretty respectable at the top.