All Posts

Rowling warms up a cold case in fifth Strike novel, ‘Troubled Blood’ (2020)

As Robert Galbraith’s (J.K. Rowling) Cormoran Strike books climb to 944 pages for the fifth entry, “Troubled Blood” (2020), it raises the question of whether

READ MORE

‘Sabotage’ (1936) puts Hitchockian traits in a tidy package

If you want an early Alfred Hitchcock film that shows his core traits and skills in a tight 76-minute package, try “Sabotage” (1936). This film

READ MORE

‘A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder’ (2019) introduces young readers to the genre

For her high school capstone project, Pippa Fitz-Amobi decides to go over a closed murder investigation from five years in the past, believing the late

READ MORE

‘Crazy/Beautiful’ (2001) adds earthy appeal to the ‘troubled teen’ subgenre

“Crazy/Beautiful” (2001) is one of the elite entries in the subgenre of cute and rich teen girls being provocative to see what they can get

READ MORE

Hitchcock improves on his own ‘The Man Who Knew Too Much’ (1934, 1956)

“The Man Who Knew Too Much” (1934, 1956) is a rare film remade by its own director, and it’s a pretty good one … after

READ MORE

‘Family Plot’ (1976) is a diamond to close Hitchcock’s career

Alfred Hitchcock proves he has his filmmaking faculties intact at age 77 with his impressively engrossing final movie, “Family Plot” (1976). While his prime may

READ MORE

According to me, ‘According to Greta’ (2009) is Duff’s best film

Some actresses gravitate toward sitcoms and lighter fare, and we have to accept that’s how it is. But at least Hilary Duff gave us one

READ MORE

‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’ expands Godzilla lore

The novelty of a TV series that bobs and weaves among the established lore of a pricey film series isn’t what it used to be.

READ MORE

Mix of romance, psychology, mystery leaves a viewer ‘Spellbound’ (1945)

Alfred Hitchcock’s seventh American feature, “Spellbound” (1945), is a fascinatingly successful crossroads film. It blends a sweeping score and romance like we might find in

READ MORE

‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ (1941) should break up over being unfunny

In “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” (1941), the Master of Suspense proves he can make a comedy. Unfortunately, he doesn’t prove he can make a good

READ MORE