John Hansen and Michael Olinger review movies, TV, books and comics
The idea of “summer movies” is already past its time, as “Black Panther” and “Avengers: Infinity War” prove that “summer” is now year-round in the movie business. Still, old habits die hard – such as my annual Summer Movie Preview post. Here are one blatantly obvious and nine not-so-obvious films on the summer schedule that I wouldn’t mind seeing:
Here are 10 TV shows and movies I have high hopes for in the new year:
“The X-Files” (TV show, 8 p.m. Eastern Wednesdays, starting Wednesday, Fox) – OK, so I’m not as big on the mythology episodes lately (Haven’t we seen it all before?), but I do love me some Monster of the Weeks. And I won’t say no to an occasional Darin Morgan comedy hour either. With 10 episodes this time around (compared to six in 2016), there’s bound to be a good variety.
Continue reading “10 movies and TV shows John is looking forward to in 2018 (Commentary)”
There are more good TV shows than ever before – so much so that TV overload has become an issue for even the biggest TV geeks – but they premiere throughout the calendar year now. As such, Fall TV ain’t what it used to be. Still, there’s something traditional and nostalgic about getting that Entertainment Weekly Fall TV Preview in the mail. Not willing to wait any longer for mine to arrive so I can research the offerings, here are my picks for one new show and five returning shows to watch (all times Eastern):
These are 10 movies I wouldn’t mind seeing this summer:
Continue reading “10 movies John wouldn’t mind seeing this summer (Commentary)”
Here are 10 movies and TV shows I’m looking forward to as a new entertainment year begins:
Continue reading “Movies and TV shows John is looking forward to in 2017 (Commentary)”
The Fall 2016 season is Exhibit A in the case that TV is running low on original ideas: “MacGyver”(8 p.m. Fridays, CBS, Sept. 23) is a straight-up relaunch with a new cast, hoping to capture some of the popularity of the ’80s hit. Even though the movie franchise petered to a close 18 years ago with the fourth entry, “Lethal Weapon” (8 p.m. Wednesdays, Fox, Sept. 21) is coming to TV, complete with the movie’s logo flashed across the trailer every few seconds, apparently to bring up warm thoughts of the films.
Here are the 10 movies I think look the best out of the summer lineup:
“Elstree 1976” (May 6) – This Kickstarter-funded documentary features interviews with “A New Hope” (and “The Empire Strikes Back,” as Jeremy Bulloch is featured) supporting actors, convention clips, re-enactments and archival footage. It looks like a treasure trove for Lucas-era “Star Wars” buffs.
Continue reading “10 summer movies John wouldn’t mind seeing (Commentary)”
Here are some movies and TV shows on my radar in the year ahead:
“The 5th Wave” (movie, Jan. 22) – Chloe Grace Moretz stars in this “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” riff. While the preview – as with most movies nowadays — gives too much away, this still looks like a compelling family survival drama amid an alien invasion. “It Follows” breakthrough star Maika Monroe is in the cast, too, and she’ll also be in the year’s other big alien film, “Independence Day: Resurgence” (see below).
Continue reading “Movies and TV shows John is looking forward to in 2016 (Commentary)”
The laboratories of innovation are churning away in the world of TV. Competition from cable, pay cable and – most recently and importantly – Internet streaming has led to the formerly unheard-of sight of network TV launching a comic-book superhero show (“Supergirl” on CBS), a horror-comedy (“Scream Queens” on Fox) and a Philip K. Dick adaptation (“Minority Report” on Fox). I still think today’s elite shows fall short of the best from 10 or 15 years ago, but the potential for good TV has never been higher. But which shows will emerge as this year’s best? Here are some contenders (all times Eastern):
The ax fell fairly lightly on TV shows at the end of last season, and as a result we have a nice selection of returning shows to choose from. Here are the six I’m most looking forward to, ranked in order of my anticipation for them:
Continue reading “Fall TV preview: 6 returning favorites worth checking out (Commentary)”