Donner, Murray add nutmeg to a classic in ‘Scrooged’ (1988)
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): An unusual but effective blend of dark and light tones, Richard Donner’s film ultimately succeeds because of Bill Murray.
Family Drama
Donner, Murray add nutmeg to a classic in ‘Scrooged’ (1988)
‘Don’t Drink the Water’ adapted poorly (1969) and, well, better (1994)
Woody Wednesday (Movie reviews): Neither version is outstanding, but if you watch one, definitely track down the 1994 movie that comes directly from Allen.
‘Giants’ Bread’ (1930) a tragedy of love, creative drive
Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): We take a temporary break from sleuthing to examine Agatha Christie’s excellent first Mary Westmacott novel.
‘Anna and the Apocalypse’ (2017) is fun … until the end
Frightening Friday (Movie review): “High School Musical” meets “The Walking Dead” in this riff that starts off fun but chooses the wrong tone later.
‘Unaccompanied Minors’ (2006) are unaccompanied by laughs
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): The setup of five unsupervised kids in an airport has potential and holiday spirit, but the script forgets the ho-ho-hos.
‘Where the Crawdads Sing’ manipulative but undeniably pretty
Movie review: Although too beautiful to be a shunned “Marsh Girl,” Daisy Edgar-Jones steals hearts in this adaptation of a Sixties-set murder-mystery novel.
‘Unexpected Guest’ (1999) a basic but enjoyable puzzle
Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): Charles Osborne’s second novelization of an Agatha Christie play showcases her mystery-puzzle plotting mastery.
With ‘Westworld’ canceled, ‘Peripheral’ smoothly slides in
First episode impressions (TV review): Scott B. Smith returns to prominence with “The Peripheral,” the latest visionary sci-fi show to hit streaming.
‘Urban Legends’ trilogy limps to end with ‘Bloody Mary’ (2005)
Frightening Friday (Movie review): “Urban Legends” turns its attention to the Bloody Mary myth, but you’d be better off rewatching “Candyman.”
Sorvino magnetically ridiculous in ‘Mighty Aphrodite’ (1995)
Woody Wednesday (Movie review): It includes a lot of Allen staples, but Mira Sorvino’s unusual Oscar-winning performance makes this film stand out.