History

‘Timeline’ (1999) exists much more in past than future

Surprising for a science fiction author, Michael Crichton wrote about the past (“The Great Train Robbery,” “Eaters of the Dead,” “Pirate Latitudes,” “Dragon Teeth”) a

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Donner’s ‘Timeline’ (2003) clashes with Crichton’s

Two late-20th century icons’ paths cross in “Timeline” (2003), director Richard Donner’s film based on Michael Crichton’s 1999 novel. The screenplay is faithful enough to

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‘Café Society’ (2016) beats ‘La La Land’ to punch

“Café Society” (2016), Woody Allen’s beautiful-looking ode to Old Hollywood, was overshadowed by “La La Land” a few months later. This is understandable, as “La

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‘13th Warrior’ (1999) a mellow take on ‘Eaters of the Dead’

“Eaters of the Dead” (1976) took the longest of any Michael Crichton novel to be adapted to film, likely because it’s the least commercial. But

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‘Wonder Wheel’ (2017) a stagy, gorgeous drama

I’m a sucker for movies set in amusement parks, which makes me both adore “Wonder Wheel” (2017) and judge it harshly. The colorful 1950s Coney

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‘Magic in the Moonlight’ (2014) has fleeting charm

“Magic in the Moonlight” (2014) is a middle-of-the-road Woody Allen rom-com, which still makes it better than most genre works — but leaves one thinking

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‘Radio Days’ (1987) a trip back to medium’s heyday

Having expressed his nostalgic feelings for Manhattan (“Manhattan”) and old-time cinema (“Play It Again, Sam” and “The Purple Rose of Cairo”), Woody Allen next pens

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Daniels shines in sweet ‘Purple Rose of Cairo’ (1985)

“The Purple Rose of Cairo” (1985) is a sweetly whimsical Woody Allen picture that demonstrates a love for cinema along with a healthy understanding of

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‘Eaters of the Dead’ (1976) digs into Viking lore

Michael Crichton might be the most versatile bestselling writer ever, but even by that standard, “Eaters of the Dead” (1976) is his most different novel.

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Whedon dreams up Victorian superheroes in ‘The Nevers’

In his first series since “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” (2013) and his first hands-on series since “Dollhouse” (2008), Joss Whedon returns to TV with “The

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