All Posts

Curtis and burgeoning tropes go to ‘Prom Night’ (1980)

Outside of Halloween and Friday the 13th, both of which were already considered spooky days, probably the next holiday/annual event that slasher films tried to

READ MORE

It’s easy to stay alert for Chandler’s ‘The Big Sleep’ (1939)

I lament that there is only one Sam Spade novel and three short stories. I don’t know if Raymond Chandler lamented that Dashiell Hammett was

READ MORE

‘Inferno’ (1980) less fiery than ‘Suspiria,’ but still good

After being mesmerized by “Suspiria” (1977), I continued my journey through this world of secret witchcraft with the 2018 remake. Woopsie. After saying goodbye to

READ MORE

Legal puzzle awaits clownish lawman in ‘Hoppy Serves a Writ’ (1943)

“Hoppy Serves a Writ” (1943) is a playful romp of a film. That’s probably the best that can be said of it. It survives from

READ MORE

‘April Fool’s Day’ (1986) gets into the weeds of holiday horror

“April Fool’s Day” (1986) is a pretty good slasher movie if you’re in that zone with the filmmakers where you’re not taking things too seriously.

READ MORE

Be very suspicious of the 1988 remake of ‘Suspicion’

“Suspicion” (1941) is driven by two movie stars, Cary Grant and Joan Fontaine, acting the heck out of their roles in order to make an

READ MORE

‘Agatha Christie’s Poirot’ gets dark for Season 12 (2009-10)

By its penultimate Season 12 (2009-10, ITV, A&E), “Agatha Christie’s Poirot” had developed an emotional and thematic continuity, wherein Poirot is forced to confront the

READ MORE

It’s hard to break away from ‘Severance’ Season 2

“Severance” Season 2 (Apple TV Plus) requires a viewer to buy into the show’s three distinct purposes. Those who are into all three will love

READ MORE

Guadagnino overindulgently explores world of ‘Suspiria’ (2018)

As anecdotal evidence that movies used to be better in the old days, let me present Dario Argento’s “Suspiria” (1977) versus Luca Guadagnino’s “Suspiria” (2018).

READ MORE

‘WarGames’ ’ (1983) influence on hacking, AI movies remains strong

“WarGames” (1983) is one of the most influential films about hacking and artificial intelligence. Being almost a kids’ film, and appropriate enough for the whole

READ MORE