The sequel to The Last Policeman picks up with less than three months before the big asteroid is to make its devastating impact on Earth. Hank Palace is no longer a police officer, but that doesn’t mean he’s going to stop being a detective. With his dog, Houdini at his side, Palace finds himself…
The Rockford Files (1978) – The House on Willis Avenue
Season four of The Rockford Files comes to a close with this feature-length episode that aired 24 February, 1978, and was written by Cannell himself. The phone gag this time around features a call from the phone company, advising him that there is an end to his service coming… in two minutes. And I…
On The Waterfront (1954) – Elia Kazan
“You don’t understand. I coulda had class. I coulda been a contender. I coulda been somebody, instead of a bum, which is what I am, let’s face it.” Brando turns in a bravura performance in this, the next drama entry from the Great Movies – 100 Years of Film book. The film scored itself…
Interstellar (2014) – Christopher Nolan
Sure, it took me a while to get to this one, but it’s been a big month, and for me this is worth the wait. With recognizable influences from 2001: A Space Odyssey (the return of silence to space, and walking, talking robots that resemble the iconic Monolith) and Contact (not the least of…
Doctor Who (Patrick Troughton) – The Mind Robber
The Mind Robber picks up right after the ending of The Dominators, which sees the TARDIS being engulfed in lava! This five-part story was penned by Peter Ling and ran from 14 September to 12 October, 1968. The Doctor (Troughton) dematerializes the TARDIS, but also removes it from physical space, taking our heroes into…
Pal Joey (1957) – George Sidney
Frank Sinatra seems to be playing a version of Frank Sinatra in this highly enjoyable musical that is the next recommendation from my screening of The Jazz Singer for the Great Movies – 100 Years of Film book. Filled with great tunes, almost every single one of them I knew (included one I sang…
Magnum p.i. (1982) – One More Summer and Texas Lightning
It’s back to Hawaii for more fun with Thomas Magnum (Tom Selleck) and the gang. First up is One More Summer, which aired 11 February, 1982, and was written by Reuben Leder and Del Reisman. When a pro team arrives in Honolulu to train, an old friend from Thomas’ Navy football days reaches out…
Reliquary (1997) – Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child
The second novel in the Pendergast series from Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child serves as a direct sequel to 1995’s The Relic. Pendergast, Margo, Frock, D’Agosta and Smithback are all back with the addition of a few new characters including the tough, and very smart Hayward. And while the revelation in the final act…
The Rockford Files (1978) – The Competitive Edge and The Prisoner of Rosemont Hall
Rockford (James Garner) finds himself in a mental institution in the first episode of this week’s review. The Competitive Edge originally aired 10 February, 1978 and was written by Gordon T. Dawson. The phone gag this time around featured a call from Becker (Joe Santos) who knows Jim is deliberately not answering the phone because…
White Christmas (1954) – Michael Curtiz
Sure, we’re only part way through November, but this was the next title on the recommendation list from Great Movies – 100 Years of Film book following my screening of the Jazz Singer. Despite being set at Christmas, this isn’t an overly sappy holiday season movie, sure the signature song pretty much opens and…
