‘Yellowjackets’ soapier than I’d like, but has some sting
First episode impressions (TV review): This miniseries has a great premise of teen girls thrown into an extreme situation, but it’s also a little soapy.
‘Yellowjackets’ soapier than I’d like, but has some sting
Slow-burn ‘Dune’ illustrates imperial machinations
Movie review: Villeneuve’s film is homework more than entertainment. But it’s interesting to see how “Star Wars” was influenced by “Dune.”
‘Next’ (2006) a weirdly engineered novel about genetics
Michael Crichton Monday (Book review): Crichton experiments with structure, making “Next” as much a scrapbook as a plotted story.
‘Funerals are Fatal’ (1953), especially in this family
Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): Christie doesn’t reinvent anything here, but this family-based mystery does offer a few wrinkles.
‘Brahms: The Boy II’ (2020) all dolled up for silly scares
Frightening Friday (Movie review): Katie Holmes takes over for Lauren Cohan in a sequel that’s more basic than the inventive original.
‘Harvard Man’ (2001) tries to gimmick up a crime yarn
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Sarah Michelle Gellar again goes against type in an edgy role, but this one is less memorable than “Cruel Intentions.”
‘Curse of the Jade Scorpion’ (2001) a mildly jazzy jaunt
Woody Wednesday (Movie review): Hurt by loose editing and some miscast roles, this 1940-set mystery-comedy isn’t what it could’ve been.
‘Zero Cool’ (1969), 4th Lange novel, has zero originality
Michael Crichton Monday (Book review): Crichton is already recycling old ideas as his vacationing stand-in gets roped into a crazy adventure.
‘Last Séance’ (2019) gathers Christie’s spooky stuff
Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): This collection gathers Agatha’s supernatural yarns in one place, including the rare “Wife of the Kenite.”
‘Final Destination 5’ (2011) saves the best for last
‘Final Destination’ Week (Movie review): The series goes out on a high note with a great blend of comedy and thrills, plus a cool twist at the end.