‘Poirot’ Season 10 (2005-06) a mix of smart and ill-advised alterations
Sleuthing Sunday (TV review): Rewriting of Christie’s words helps one story and hurts another in this season when Ariadne Oliver makes her debut.
Family Drama
‘Poirot’ Season 10 (2005-06) a mix of smart and ill-advised alterations
We really need to talk about ‘We Need to Talk About Kevin’ (2011)
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Although the wait for answers is agonizing, strong visual storytelling and a late recovery makes it worthwhile.
‘The Book Thief’ (2005) is a beautiful novel about death and Nazis
Book club book report: Despite being narrated by Death during a very busy time, Markus Zusak’s YA novel is miraculously life-affirming.
‘Poirot’ works out math of love triangles in Season 9 (2003-04)
Sleuthing Sunday (TV review): The “dark years” – not necessarily in a bad way – start with four tragic episodes about unrequited love.
‘Black Moon’ (1934) juxtaposes family obligations with job demands of a voodoo-goddess
Frightening Friday (Movie review): Though outdated and often offensive, the film is almost worth watching due to Fay Wray’s small role.
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.
‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ (1946), but is it a wonderful movie?
Christmas movie flashback: Frank Capra’s classic must be the most widely beloved movie about the business of real-estate loans. (Plus: A look at the film’s influence on “Buffy” Season 3.)
Dave’s ‘The Night We Lost Him’ blends romance, mystery
Book club book report: The author draws us in with questions, and smoothly builds believable characters amid the quest for answers.
‘I Saw the TV Glow’ a mesmeric metaphysical journey
Movie review: Though a lack of a clear plot makes it sometimes slip from a viewer’s grasp, Schoenbrun’s film is loaded with feelings and ideas.