John’s top 10 movies of 2024
2024 movies: A remarkable number of filmmakers this year delved into metaphysical issues, appropriate for this weird time we live in.
John’s top 10 TV shows of 2024
2024 television: Network shows held on to some viewers thanks to diversity of main characters and premises, but streaming and premium channels continued to dominate.
Hitchcock gets transported to space in ‘Lifepod’ (1993)
On a Hitchcock kick (Movie review): This TV movie makes good use of its strong cast with sharp themes, future tech and a whodunit.
‘Alien: Romulus’ is saga’s best follow-up since ‘Aliens’
Movie review: Alvarez reminds us of the pleasures of a legacy sequel done right as he taps into 1979 futurism while also respecting Scott’s glossy “Prometheus” concepts.
‘A.I. Rising’ (2018) a surprisingly splendid sexbot story
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Critics have compared it to “Ex Machina,” but a more interesting comparison might be made to “Cast Away.”
‘Space Cadet’ launches an underachiever into … space!
Movie review: “Houston has a new problem.” Only Emma Roberts’ party girl is not a problem, she’s a heroine. And a funny one at that.
‘A Princess of Mars’ (1912) crumples under weight of what came later
Throwback Thursday (Book review): But readers interested in the chain of imaginative writings that led to “Star Wars” will want to check out Burroughs’ classic.
‘Spaceballs’ (1987) remains a pitch-perfect parody of ‘Star Wars’
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): The makers of “Spaceballs 2” will have their work cut out for them as they follow Mel Brooks’ classic.
‘John Carter’ (2012) shows the property’s influence on ‘Star Wars’
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): The first lavish big-screen adaptation of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ saga stands as a fun romp in its own right.
Summer movie preview 2024: 10 films I wouldn’t mind seeing
Summer movie preview: Here’s a look at “MaXXXine” and nine other films to keep on your radar in the air-conditioning season.