Gibson meticulously imagines a future in ‘The Peripheral’ (2014)
Throwback Thursday (Book review): I like the TV show more, but it owes its foundation to William Gibson’s novel, a sort of rulebook for the series.
Gibson meticulously imagines a future in ‘The Peripheral’ (2014)
‘The Rose and the Yew Tree’ (1948) explores minds, politics
Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): Agatha Christie’s fourth Mary Westmacott novel is a smart, gripping exploration of love and local political gamesmanship.
‘Doctor Strange’ enters ‘Multiverse of Madness’ (2022), and it looks familiar
Superhero Saturday (Movie review): The MCU’s Multiverse Saga is starting to play like lazy afternoon couch viewing more so than must-see superhero storytelling.
‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ (1973) didn’t start as a slasher
Frightening Friday (Book review): Fifty years ago, Lois Duncan wrote a gripping mystery novel for teens about guilt, responsibility and moving on.
‘Wonderfalls’ (2004) is a sad show that makes me happy
One-season wonders (TV review): Of course this would end up being a one-season wonder. But the Jaye-Eric romance and wise stuffed animals can’t be forgotten.
Leitch’s ‘Bullet Train’ (2022) barely stays on the rails
Movie review: Action director David Leitch delivers good choreography in “Bullet Train,” but it’s ultimately too ridiculous to make an impact.
‘Unfinished Portrait’ (1934) peeks into Christie’s life
Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): It’s not Christie’s most twisty or polished piece of literature, but it’s perhaps her most autobiographical.
John’s top 10 movies of 2022
2022 movies: The horror genre enjoyed a particularly strong year, but I rallied toward the comedies as I ranked my favorites.
John’s top 10 TV shows of 2022
2022 television: The landscape of TV is being flattened – fewer episodes, but more shows. That makes narrowing this list to a mere 10 quite a challenge.
‘Black Adam’ a goofily fun but hypocritical superhero romp
Movie review: The Rock is nicely understated as a rare Middle Eastern superhero, but the setting feels more like a computer than reality.