Less is more in understated ‘Shadow of a Doubt’ (1943)
On a Hitchcock kick (Movie review): The thin plot actually serves as a red carpet rolled out so Cotten and Wright can shine.
Mystery
Less is more in understated ‘Shadow of a Doubt’ (1943)
‘True Detective’ Season 4, ‘Death and Other Details,’ ‘Fool Me Once’ ask whodunit
First episode impressions (TV reviews): There’s some danger of murder-mystery fatigue as 2024 begins, but a new season of “True Detective” is always welcome.
Reeve, Hannah make ‘Rear Window’ (1998) better than it should be
On a Hitchcock kick (Movie review): Proving that a quadriplegic can get a decent role, this remake of a perfect film has its own reason for existing.
Mean-girl mystery ‘She Started It’ (2023) a killer start to career
Book club book report: Though it’s obviously a debut novel, Sian Gilbert shows a knack for mystery plotting and insight into narcissists.
‘Vertigo’ (1958) a surreal, maybe unreal, masterpiece
On a Hitchcock kick (Movie review): Although it’s arguably imperfect, and certainly has imperfect people in it, it’s perhaps the most fun Hitch film to talk about.
Hollywood takes three shots at ‘Maltese Falcon’ (1931-41)
Sleuthing Sunday (Movie reviews): The 1941 Bogart-starrer is the most famous and best of these adaptations.
‘Rear Window’s’ (1954) views on privacy, spying remain relevant
On a Hitchcock kick (Movie review): This classic is timeless in the way it comments on human nature and societal standards.
John’s top 10 movies of 2023
2023 movies: Action movies had grand finales, superhero fatigue drove off audiences, and horror and comedy became niche genres in a wild year in film.
John’s top 10 TV shows of 2023
2023 television: A couple of old-school network shows break into the streaming-dominated list of my favorite series of the year.
‘Dead End’ (2003) is darkly comedic Christmas horror
Frightening Friday (Movie review): A strong cast portrays the universal holiday family sniping in a mostly effective mix of comedy and weird horror.