Murray at his most curmudgeonly in lovable ‘St. Vincent’ (2014)
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): This under-the-radar gem has a standout cast as it tells of a bitter old man warming up to his decent neighbors.
Murray at his most curmudgeonly in lovable ‘St. Vincent’ (2014)
Nostalgic ‘Broadway Danny Rose’ (1984) doesn’t tug at heartstrings
Woody Wednesday (Movie review): “Broadway Danny Rose” is Woody Allen’s love letter to his standup comedy days. But the film didn’t totally connect with me.
Crichton opens a smart puzzle box in ‘Sphere’ (1987)
Michael Crichton Monday (Book review): Unlike most Crichton novels, “Sphere” is a puzzle box. On your first read, you don’t know what it’s about.
Christie expands sleuth roster with ‘Parker Pyne Investigates’ (1934)
Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): Christie struggles to come up with the right word for Pyne’s job. He’s like a life coach, except you pay by the situation.
‘Slither’ (2006) a fun small-town infestation romp
Frightening Friday (Movie review): “Slither” isn’t scary, but it is disgusting. Yet the gross-out imagery is so cartoonish that it’s more funny than gross.
Murray, Dreyfuss trade great turns in ‘What About Bob?’ (1991)
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Murray is not too showy as the titular neurotic, while Dreyfuss is delightfully over the top as his annoyed psychiatrist.
‘Stardust Memories’ (1980) shows absurdities of fame
Woody Wednesday (Movie review): Allen’s film takes a crack at Hollywood absurdities, fan behavior and love triangles.
‘Cruel Summer’ is sudsy and satisfying
First episode impressions (TV review): Bert V. Royal has crafted an engrossing mix of questions, accusations and interpersonal drama.
‘Eaters of the Dead’ (1976) digs into Viking lore
Michael Crichton Monday (Book review): Crichton takes a crack at making the “Beowulf” lore accessible for modern readers.
Whedon dreams up Victorian superheroes in ‘The Nevers’
First episode impressions (TV review): This is HBO, so there’s more nudity and violence than we’re used to, but “The Nevers” is recognizably Whedonian.