Stir of Echoes (1999) – David Koepp

Stir of Echoes got lost in the theatres when it went up against the ghost story The Sixth Sense. Based on the novel by Richard Matheson and adapted by Koepp who settled into the director’s chair as well, the film lets Kevin Bacon just shine, and features some well-executed visuals including the hypnotism sequence featuring…

A House with Good Bones (2023) – T. Kingfisher

T. Kingfisher aka Ursula Vernon has entertained and creeped me out with each of the books I’ve read by her; three to date, with A House with Good Bones being the latest. Once again she introduces us to a relatable character, in this case entomologist Samantha who, when her summer dig is cancelled, decides to…

Bone Tomahawk (2015) – S. Craig Zahler

Kurt Russell saddles up for another western, and though the basic premise of the story may sound familiar, where that narrative takes you may be a little too gruesome for some viewers, but it’s a helluva ride. Russell is Hunt, the sheriff of Bright Hope, and he and a couple of locals are about to…

The Equalizer (1987) – Suspicion of Innocence, and In the Money

Vincent D’Onofrio comes back for a second go-round with The Equalizer in Suspicion of Innocence. Written by Robert Eisele it first debuted on 30 September, 1987. Davey (D’Onofrio) is a mentally challenged young man who is happy with his job, he interacts well with his co-workers and likes his friend, Will (William Converse-Roberts). Things turn…

The Equalizer (1985) – Desperately, and Reign of Terror

Robert McCall (Edward Woodward) is feeling a little under the weather, but there’s always someone who needs help, desperately. Written by Charles Grant Craig, this episode first debuted on 4 December, 1985. A bored and neglected housewife, Alison Webster (Blanche Baker) heads into the city one day to spend it with her friend, Samantha (Tovah…

The House of the Devil (2009) – Ti West

Ti West films can be very divisive, you either love them or hate them, and I have to be honest, I fall firmly into the like them category. Having said that, the first time I sat through The House of the Devil, I was a little disappointed by it, people are right when they say…

The X-Files (2000) – Closure, and X-Cops

This episode tells us, in its opening credits to “believe to understand” instead of the usual “the truth is out there” as we dive into the conclusion of a two-parter which finally gives some resolution to Mulder (David Duchovny) in regards to his sister’s abduction. Written by series creator Chris Carter and Frank Spotnitz, this…

The X-Files (1996/1997) – Paper Hearts, and El Mundo Gira

Vince Gilligan pens Paper Hearts, one of the best episodes of season four according to stars David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson. It first aired on 15 December, 1996, and earned composer Mark Snow an Emmy nomination. Mulder (Duchovny) has been having very vivid dreams, dreams that lead him to the unmarked grave of a little…

Ready Player Two (2020) – Ernest Cline

Reading like a pop culture infused take on The Bride of Frankenstein, author Ernest Cline takes us back to the virtual realm of the OASIS in his follow-up to the bestselling novel, Ready Player One which delighted geeks planetwide with its quest story wrapped up in movie and culture references that shaped some of our…

The X-Files (1995) – End Game, and Fearful Symmetry

Frank Spotnitz who would become essential in helping to craft the mythology of The X-Files, wrote this episode that debuted on 17 February, 1995, and continued the story begun in Colony. Mulder’s (David Duchovny) sister, Samantha (Megan Leitch) is the cost for the Bounty Hunter (Brian Thompson) to release Scully (Gillian Anderson) after appearing in…