John. P. Hanlon

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Articles by John. P. Hanlon

'Faster' Review: Over the Top … In Every Bad Way Imaginable

In case you don’t recognize the archetypes in the new film “Faster,” the filmmakers are kind enough to flash their roles across the screen when the main characters first appear. The main character, played by Dwayne Johnson, is the “Driver.”

'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows' Review: Disappearing Magic

Regardless of its quality, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I” will likely become a huge blockbuster. It’s the seventh film chronicling the long-running book series about a wizard named Harry Potter and his two best friends. The final

'For Colored Girls' Review: A Melodramatic Mess

Watching “For Colored Girls” is an ordeal. The film is so jam-packed with tragedies that it’s difficult to catch your breath between them. From a man abusing his girlfriend to a young woman having a back alley abortion, “For Colored

'Conviction' Review: Great Performances in Inspiring Story

Near the end of the new drama “Conviction,” Betty Anne Waters (Hillary Swank) says that “people don’t like to admit” to their own mistakes. The movie features a series of bad decisions made by law enforcement officials, jury members and

'You Again' Review: Hollywood Phones In Another Formulaic Comedy

According to Box Office Mojo, the comedy “You Again” has grossed a disappointing $17.8 million in its first two weeks of release. Those box office results are low considering that the movie’s strong cast includes Jamie Lee Curtis, Sigourney Weaver,

'The Social Network' Review: Impressive, but the Story Is Incomplete

After seeing “The Social Network,” it’s easy to dislike Mark Zuckerberg. Still in his 20’s, Zuckerberg is the billionaire creator of Facebook, a massively popular website that has changed how people use the Internet. “The Social Network” chronicles the creation

Review: 'Right 2 Laugh' Is Good Conservative Comedy

Several weeks ago, the “Right Network” premiered with many conservative programs in its lineup. I recently watched an episode of one of the network’s new shows entitled “Right 2 Laugh.” The stand-up comedy program featured a few strong conservative comics

'The Virginity Hit' Review: Dull, Unfunny & Repulsive

In his 1999 review of “American Pie,” film critic Roger Ebert wrote: As I swim through the summer tide of vulgarity, I find that’s what I’m looking for: Movies that at least feel affection for their characters. Raunchy is OK.

'Devil' Review: Unlikable Characters In a Solid Thriller

Although still a young filmmaker, M. Night Shyamalan has already received both widespread praise and derision for his work. After receiving praise early on for writing and directing movies like “The Sixth Sense” and “Signs,” Shyamalan’s faced a critical backlash

'Takers' Review: Catch This In Theatres While You Can

Several weeks ago, “Takers” was released in theaters and received mostly negative reviews. Despite that, it has done well even as it has faced some tough competition. The film features a hip young cast including Paul Walker, Hayden Christensen and

'Lottery Ticket': Another Degrading Comedy Flops

Several weeks ago, “Lottery Ticket” appeared and then quickly disappeared from movie theaters nationwide. It wasn’t around long enough to have a major box office impact but the film was bad enough to disappoint anyone who bought a ticket for

'Flipped' Review: Good Performances, Strong Story

In director Rob Reiner’s “Flipped,” two adolescents develop romantic feelings for one another. Unfortunately, they develop those feelings at different times in their lives. When she likes him, he ignores her and vice versa. Fortunately, viewers won’t have the same

A Few Surprises and No Politics at This Year's Emmy Awards

According to the LA Times, since the creation of the reality award category at the Emmys, one program has dominated the past seven years. However, this year, perennial winner “The Amazing Race,” ended its winning streak losing to “Top Chef.”

Preview: Emmy Awards Could Arrive with Some Surprises

This Sunday, the 62nd Primetime Emmy Awards will be handed out to some of the best shows and actors from the past year. Although some shows and performances were snubbed, there are numerous nominees that are worth rooting for during

'Piranha 3D' Review: Cliched but Highly Enjoyable

The new monster movie “Piranha 3D,” is packed with clichés. From the unloved dork who spends most of the movie trying to court and protect the girl he likes, to the quirky fish historian who knows a lot about piranhas

'Friday Night Lights': Abortion Storyline Flawed but Fair

In a recent interview with Connie Britton and Kyle Chandler from “Friday Night Lights,” Chandler discussed his onscreen marriage to Britton. According to Chandler, executive producer Peter Berg told him and Britton “that the relationship wasn’t going to break up

Film Review: Odd, Uneven 'Charlie St. Cloud' Misses the Mark

Near the beginning of the new film “Charlie St. Cloud,” the main character and his brother compete in a sailing race. The fast-paced scene could be interesting but instead of focusing on the race from one angle, the camera jumps

HBO Documentary 'For Neda' More Timely Than Ever

It has been over a year since the Iranian elections were held and a beautiful young woman was killed on that nation’s streets while protesting the election results. Since those public demonstrations, the same brutal Iranian regime remains in power.

Emmy Nominations: The Good, the Bad and the Controversial

Several weeks ago, the Emmy nominations were announced and many media outlets celebrated some of the great new programs that were nominated. For instance, USA Today’s Robert Bianco wrote that, “After years of recycling nominees and ignoring new shows, the

Don't Be Too Quick to Judge Abortion Episode of 'Friday Night Lights'

A recent episode of the fourth season of “Friday Night Lights” has caused some controversy for its depiction of a teenage girl, named Becky (Madison Burge), struggling with a pregnancy. The baby’s father, Luke (played by the understated Matt Lauria),

HBO's Upcoming Look at Al-Qaeda: There's Good and Bad News

In mid-April of this year, Variety reported on HBO Documentary Film’s purchase of a new documentary about Al-Qaeda entitled “My Trip to Al-Qaeda.” The article also noted that the movie “is a collaboration between [Alex] Gibney, who picked up an

FILM REVIEW: 'Knight and Day' Wastes a Terrific Tom Cruise

The story for Tom Cruise’s new action film “Knight and Day” opens at an airport where the two lead characters, Roy and June (played by Cruise and Cameron Diaz), bump into each other several times before getting on the same

FILM REVIEW: New 'Twilight' Entry Eclipses Predecessors

After seeing the third entry in the popular “Twilight” series, there’s good news for non-fans. This movie is almost watchable. Unlike the first film, which suffers from bland characters and a lame plot; and the second, which suffers from melodrama

REVIEW: First Two 'Twilight' Movies Disappoint–Will the Third?

In preparation for this week’s release of the third of the “Twilight Saga” films (entitled “Eclipse“), I recently watched the first two. The “Twilight” films (as well as the books they’re based upon) have become major blockbusters with many young

FILM REVIEW: 'Karate Kid' Kicks Butt Onscreen and Off

As the new “Karate Kid” movie opens, young Dre Parker looks at the height markings he has made on the wall of his room where he’s commemorated many past events, including the death of his own father. In this box