Westmacotts wrap with intriguing triptych ‘The Burden’ (1956)
Sleuthing Sundays (Book review): Agatha Christie wraps her Mary Westmacott sojourn with a three-person character study and the slightest touch of mystery.
Romance
Westmacotts wrap with intriguing triptych ‘The Burden’ (1956)
Lightning strikes twice for Apatow with ‘Undeclared’ (2001-02)
One-season wonders (TV review): Judd Apatow’s second acclaimed show was canceled as quickly as “Freaks and Geeks,” and it was just as great, in its own way.
‘A Daughter’s a Daughter’ (1952) presages ‘Gilmore Girls’ ’ generational clashes
Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): In a spiritual sequel to “Unfinished Portrait,” Christie sorts through mother-daughter relationships.
‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ (2022) spectacular, insubstantial
Superhero Saturday (Movie review): However, it’s unlikely this fourth “Thor” installment will stick with audiences the way more serious superhero films do.
‘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.
‘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.
‘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.
‘Rifkin’s Festival’ (2020) sees romance as ageless
Woody Wednesday (Movie review): Allen’s writing and directing skills are still sharp in his seventh decade of filmmaking.