Month: August 2021

Spoiler-Free Review of “American Horror Stories” Game Over on FX on Hulu: Made for the Fans

*This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!*

“I just want to feel the energy of the house…”

American Horror Stories released its seventh episode, “Game Over” on August 19th 2021. The season finale is available to watch on FX on Hulu. Episode seven stars Dylan McDermott, Sierra McCormick, Kaia Gerber, Mercedes Mason, Paris Jackson and Tom Lenk. The episode runs for approximately 54 minutes.

A couple prepares to spend the night in the infamous Murder House, accepting an escape the house challenge, but they quickly learn that the horror is all too real.

American Horror Stories: Game Over returns to Murder House once again as we witness the conclusion of the first season of the spin-off anthology series. Does it do enough to keep us coming back for more? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of FX on Hulu

Epic guest stars.

I’m always excited when Dylan McDermott shows up on AHS. He is from the first season and it only makes sense for someone to bump into him eventually at Murder House. It was really fun seeing a lot of familiar faces in this episode, giving us a sense of nostalgia.

Made for the fans.

I thought that this episode felt like a tribute to the fans in a lot of ways. The couple goes into the Murder House because they are American Horror fanatics. I thought this was a clever way to bring something new to the table while also giving us a chance to celebrate the anthology series we have come to know and love over the years.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of FX on Hulu

Somewhat predictable ending…

I thought the initial reveal was a lot of fun, but as the episode continued I guessed exactly what was going to happen. The reveal was almost too obvious for me even though it was still a lot of fun. I also thought that this episode felt watered down in a lot of ways. We spent three episodes of the spin-off series devoted to Murder House and I guess I wanted something with a little more edge, but it was certainly a different take on things.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of FX on Hulu

I’m in!

The episode was a lot of fun and it gave me a Stay Alive vibe, which was entertaining. I didn’t think this episode was particularly scary in any way, but it allowed us to continue the story from earlier this season while introducing new elements to change things up.

I’m excited that American Horror Stories has been confirmed for a second season. While some episodes were stronger than others, this was an entertaining watch for me and I’m even more excited to watch American Horror Story: Double Feature now, which premieres on August 25th 2021!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on American Horror Stories in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

THIS COMPETITION IS KILLER…

When former friends, Shay and Adriana team up to participate in a Halloween scavenger hunt with a cash prize, they temporarily put their differences aside to outsmart their opponents. However, they soon start to realize that a dangerous threat is playing their own version of the game, stalking them during each hunt.

Winning is now a necessity as their lives are at stake. As old wounds and memories re-surface, Shay and Adriana attempt to unmask the threat before the night is over, but soon learn that Scream Hunt is not done with them just yet…

My new young adult horror thriller comes out October 7th 2021! I hope you enjoy!

Scream Hunt is available here!

**If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe.  Thanks for your support!

 

Spoiler-Free Review of “Brand New Cherry Flavor” on Netflix: Freaky and Bizarre

*This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!*

“There’s only one you…so who are you?”

Brand New Cherry Flavor premiered on Netflix on August 13th 2021 with eight episodes available to stream now. The limited revenge horror series stars Rosa Salazar, Catherine Keener, Eric Lange, Jeff Ward, and Manny Jacinto. Each episode runs for approximately 40-45 minutes.

The show centers around a young filmmaker named Lisa Nova, who has recently moved to L.A. to try and make her directorial debut with her eccentric short film. After being wronged by a rich movie producer, she makes a deal with a dangerous witch to get her revenge.

Here is the trailer:

Brand New Cherry Flavor initially feels like a dream come true with its talented lead actress and dark premise, but this may be the strangest show I have seen yet. Is it worth a watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Strong female leads.

Rosa Salazar and Catherine Keener are electric on screen. They both reel you in with their character portrayals. They are more than just believable. They are the best part of the show and they really committed to their roles and then some.

I’d love to see Rosa Salazar in more because she was truly fantastic!

Images courtesy of Netflix

Intriguing start.

I was immediately pulled into this show with the first few episodes. The plot gives off a dark noir vibe with some extreme body horror thrown in for shock value. There is a mystery surrounding the witch and what the consequences will be if Lisa makes a deal with her.

But things start to get really weird after that…

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Extremely gross and weird…

This show is not for those with a weak stomach. Do not watch this show while eating. You’ll thank me later. I’ve seen a lot of weird shows before, but this one may take the cake. Things were weird from the start and really disgusting, but as the show continued, things got even stranger.

I mean, really strange.

The plot goes off the rails.

Even with all of the extreme body horror and weird things going on, I was initially drawn into the plot and the performances made it worthwhile to stick around. However, as things continued, the plot started to really fall apart for me. I thought that the extreme gross moments started to become the center of the series as the plot lost its way.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Netflix

I’m 50/50 on this one…

The performances of Salazar and Keener were honestly the best part of the series. I think that this show would have worked better as a movie rather than a limited series. It started off strong for me, but it almost felt like it ran out of ideas and just started to throw in disgusting nonsense to keep the audience there until the end reveal, which was just all right for me.

I really enjoyed watching Rosa Salazar on screen and I think that if anyone else had played this part, I probably would have tuned out much sooner.

This show will most likely get a lot of viewers because it is quickly getting a reputation for being the grossest thing that Netflix has ever released. They may be on to something here because I’m not sure if I will be able to keep my lunch down after watching this…

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Brand New Cherry Flavor in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

DON’T TAKE THE JOB…

It was only supposed to be temporary…but when Olivia Crewe accepts a new position that seems too good to be true, she soon discovers that twelve other girls previously had the same job as her. Only none of them lasted for more than thirty days. No notice. Nothing…right before they mysteriously disappeared without a trace.

My new supernatural thriller Girl Number Thirteen is out now! I hope you enjoy!

Girl Number Thirteen is available here!

**If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe.  Thanks for your support!

Spoiler-Free Review of “Don’t Breathe 2” in Theaters: A Worthy Sequel

*This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!*

“Now you’ll see what I see…”

Don’t Breathe 2 is the sequel to Sam Raimi’s Don’t Breathe, which came out in 2016. The sequel premiered in theaters on August 13th 2021. The film stars Stephen Lang, Madelyn Grace, Brendan Sexton III, and Stephanie Arcila. It runs for approximately an hour and forty minutes.

The original film was absolutely fantastic. It really nailed the suspense vibe while presenting the audience with some terrifying moments that had your heart beating right out of your chest. While the original film focused on the not so bad guys breaking in, the sequel presents us with a role reversal to switch things up.

Here is the trailer:

Don’t Breathe 2 has a lot to live up to and it’s difficult for a sequel to have the same impact with its audience since they know what to expect the second time around. Does Don’t Breathe 2 do enough to earn a watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Sony Pictures

The role reversal works!

If you were concerned about the role reversal in the sequel, you can rest assured that it translates very well. I had my doubts as well, but I knew it would be difficult for the sequel to capture the same suspenseful feel the second time around since we knew what Norman was capable of.

In a way, the films reminded me of the first two Purge movies. The first Purge movie worked because it was this creepy home invasion story and The Purge: Anarchy moved things out into the open to show us the chaos going on beyond the four walls of someone’s home.

Don’t Breathe 2 managed to follow this successful formula so that it didn’t become stale or overdone. The suspense is still there, but in a different way, which worked in the film’s favor.

Images courtesy of Sony Pictures

Lots of brutal violence to go around.

This film doesn’t hold anything back. I thought that it successfully balanced moments of suspense with edge-of-your-seat action that allowed us to witness some very bloody kills and attacks along the way. It wasn’t overdone, but it was extremely effective in my opinion.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Sony Pictures

Mixed thoughts about our anti-hero.

I can’t ignore the fact that Norman is a murderer and a rapist, but yet we are supposed to root for him in this film. That being said, the sequel did a good job of helping us change our minds somewhat, even though it can’t really change the monster he used to be. The people he is up against are despicable human beings, he’s an animal lover, and we also have the young girl he is trying to protect, which tips the scale.

Whether you love him or hate him, you’ll find yourself rooting for him during key parts. He doesn’t hold anything back in this film and his skills are pretty extraordinary. Seriously, don’t mess with this guy!

I don’t think that the slate can be wiped clean for him, but I like a good anti-hero arc to change things up.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Sony Pictures

I’m in 100 percent!

This movie was intense, brutal, and filled with edge-of-your-seat moments!

It was very entertaining and a solid sequel. It changed the tone of things quite a bit, but I thought it all worked well, allowing us to experience something new to keep us on our toes.

*There will be no spoilers in this review, but I recommend sticking around until after the ending credits.* 

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Don’t Breathe 2 in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

THIS COMPETITION IS KILLER…

When former friends, Shay and Adriana team up to participate in a Halloween scavenger hunt with a cash prize, they temporarily put their differences aside to outsmart their opponents. However, they soon start to realize that a dangerous threat is playing their own version of the game, stalking them during each hunt.

Winning is now a necessity as their lives are at stake. As old wounds and memories re-surface, Shay and Adriana attempt to unmask the threat before the night is over, but soon learn that Scream Hunt is not done with them just yet…

My new young adult horror thriller comes out October 7th 2021! I hope you enjoy!

Scream Hunt is available here!

**If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe.  Thanks for your support!

Spoiler-Free Review of “Wrong Turn” 2021: Chilling Redemption for the Franchise

**This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!**

“Strangers don’t get to leave…”

Wrong Turn 2021 was originally released back in January 2021. The film is currently available to stream on Showtime. The reboot is the seventh entry to the franchise.

Wrong Turn (2021) stars Charlotte Vega, Adain Bradley, Matthew Modine, Emma Dupont and Bill Sage. The film runs for approximately an hour and fifty minutes.

A group of friends set off to hike the Appalachian Trail in unfamiliar territory as they quickly learn the dangers of straying off the path.

Here is the trailer:

Wrong Turn 2021 could have easily gotten lost in the shuffle of the six prior movies, but it does attempt to present us with something new and different. Does the reboot deserve a watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Showtime

Characters worth your time.

While some of the characters left a lot to be desired, others really stood out and proved their worth as we approached the second half of the film. As the audience, you genuinely feel sympathy for the characters and root for certain ones against all odds.

It’s difficult to achieve this in these types of movies so I was impressed with the believable performances and layered characters. This was a nice touch and helped elevate the film above the other entries…although the original film will always be iconic for me.

Images courtesy of Showtime

Unsettling and disturbing reveals…

I thought I knew what I was going to get with this film and it really did surprise me in a good way. The film took several unexpected turns and attempted to channel some folk horror as well, which I thought was a bold choice.

While the original film really captured the thrilling run for your life premise, the other films fell flat and just tried to repeat what we had already seen before. This film is completely aware of that and knows the audience is as well, so I thought it was a smart choice for it to go off in a different direction for the reboot, creating a new kind of fear along the way.

Brutal kills.

Like, really brutal! I had to turn away a few times because the kills were extremely violent in this film. If you are here for lots of gore, you will not be disappointed. The horror we witness is terrifying on a whole new level.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Showtime

Attempts to do a lot…

This film jams a lot into two hours. While some of it translated really well and completely shocked me, other moments didn’t really add up for me. The writers were stretching a lot and creating a dialogue, which is a good thing, but sometimes less is more and this film was slightly short of pure perfection for me because it attempted to do a little too much.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Showtime

I’m in!

While the original film of the franchise is still my favorite, the reboot really made a valiant effort to provide us with a terrifying entry that truly shocked me and kept me on the edge of my seat. I was completely invested from start to finish and I think this film successfully created something unique for the audience. It felt like more of a standalone film and I didn’t see many connections with the other movies, but I still enjoyed it just the same.

I honestly loved this movie and I highly recommend for horror fans to give it a chance.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Wrong Turn (2021) in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

PLAY BY THE RULES…STAY ALIVE…

A harmless night of fun turns deadly for six college friends but the game has only just begun. Take a mystery thrill ride right from your own living room. Dash and Seek is out now!

Play if you dare…

Dash and Seek is available here!

**If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe.  Thanks for your support!

Spoiler-Free Review of “Slasher: Flesh & Blood” Season 4 on Shudder: Knives Out with Gut-Wrenching Gore

**This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!**

“Sometimes families get complicated…”

Slasher: Flesh & Blood was released on August 12th 2021. While the first three seasons are available to stream on Netflix, season 4 is on Shudder. The first two episodes are available to stream now and the remaining ones will air weekly. There will be eight episodes in total.

The series stars Paula Brancati, Christopher Jacot, Sabrina Grdevich, Sydney Meyer, Rachael Crawford and David Cronenberg. Each episode runs for approximately 40-45 minutes.

A dysfunctional family gets together on a secluded island for a reunion, but things get complicated when they learn that the head of the family is dying. The family will compete in a series of deadly games to win the inheritance, but there is another masked killer on the loose to make things interesting.

Here is the trailer:

Slasher: Flesh & Blood has an interesting premise, reminding us of Knives Out, Harper’s Island, and Ready or Not, but does it do enough to earn a watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Shudder

A plot that draws you in immediately.

I am a huge fan of the Slasher anthology series and even though I find some seasons stronger than others, Slasher always has a way of drawing you in right from the start. I never look at the description before I start a season because I want to be surprised and as soon as I started up season 4, I was excited about the killer family plot on a secluded island.

Let’s just hope everything else lives up to the set-up because it’s a brilliant one.

Images courtesy of Shudder

Gruesome gore.

If you’re a fan of the show, then you know you are probably going to get gratuitous sex scenes and lots and lots of stomach-turning gore. Well, season 4 is off to a great start with this. The gore is extreme and there is a scene in the second episode that had my own stomach in knots.

If you’re here for bloody slasher fun, you’re in the right place. 

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Shudder

Unnecessary character development.

I don’t watch this show for the characters although there have been a few stand-out ones over the seasons. This group is clearly filled with ruthless, selfish people who are in for a rude and bloody awakening. So far, the first two episodes have spent a little bit too much time on character flashbacks and development.

Sure, the gory kills offset this to balance everything out, but I want to feel a more seamless connection between episodes and I’m not sure that we need the heavy character development to further the plot along.

That being said, I’m confident that Slasher will not disappoint with its future episodes. Every season has shocked me and I know that we are in for some surprises, twists, and crazy reveals.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Shudder

I’m in!

I love this series and I am so excited that it has returned. Slasher doesn’t hold back when it comes to its gruesome kills and plot twists. I’m always thrown for a loop and I can’t wait to see what reveals come our way with the new season.

The pacing needs some work, but I’m hoping that the later episodes pick up speed so we can fully enjoy the show. I’m confident that we will get there!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Slasher: Flesh & Blood in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

PLAY BY THE RULES…STAY ALIVE…

A harmless night of fun turns deadly for six college friends but the game has only just begun. Take a mystery thrill ride right from your own living room. Dash and Seek is out now!

Play if you dare…

Dash and Seek is available here!

**If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe.  Thanks for your support!

Spoiler-Free Review of “American Horror Stories” Feral on FX on Hulu: Deeply Disturbing…

*This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!*

“You excited to go camping?”

American Horror Stories released its sixth episode, “Feral” on August 12th 2021. The episode is available to watch on FX on Hulu. Episode six stars Cody Fern, Aaron Tveit, Tiffany Dupont, and Blake Shields. The episode runs for approximately 40 minutes.

A young couple and their son decide to go camping in a national state park to find some much needed relaxation, but they soon discover that something terrifying is lurking in the woods.

American Horror Stories: Feral reminds us why it’s never a good idea to go camping in a horror movie as we discover something beyond disturbing, even though it was somewhat predictable. Is it worth a watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of FX on Hulu

Creepy setting and premise.

Sure, horror entries involving the woods have been overdone, but there is something so genuinely sinister and creepy about them. I thought that the camera effects in the beginning of the film really worked and the opening scene was genuinely scary.

Images courtesy of FX on Hulu

Cody Fern is a lot of fun!

Cody Fern plays an Australian park ranger with a quirky sense of humor that just lights up the screen. The movie follows the formula of your average B horror film, but Cody makes it entertaining for the viewer and gives us something to be excited about!

That ending…

There will be no spoilers in this review but that ending was beyond disturbing. It chilled me to my core and gave me something else to be afraid of. Well done, AHS!

The Cons:

Images courtesy of FX on Hulu

Camping by the numbers.

The majority of the episode followed a camping by the numbers formula. A couple goes into the woods, something creepy happens, and then we deal with the aftermath before investigating it further. While the performances were solid, there was something very predictable and uninspiring going on for the majority of the episode.

However, I thought that once Cody Fern showed up, things changed and then we were thrown several AHS curve balls along the way to grab our attention again.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of FX on Hulu

I’m in!

The episode wavered back and forth with its pacing, but once it took off, I was hooked until the end, which may give me nightmares for the rest of my life…

Another solid entry for American Horror Stories!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on American Horror Stories in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

THIS COMPETITION IS KILLER…

When former friends, Shay and Adriana team up to participate in a Halloween scavenger hunt with a cash prize, they temporarily put their differences aside to outsmart their opponents. However, they soon start to realize that a dangerous threat is playing their own version of the game, stalking them during each hunt.

Winning is now a necessity as their lives are at stake. As old wounds and memories re-surface, Shay and Adriana attempt to unmask the threat before the night is over, but soon learn that Scream Hunt is not done with them just yet…

My new young adult horror thriller comes out October 7th 2021! I hope you enjoy!

Scream Hunt is available here!

**If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe.  Thanks for your support!

Review of “Riverdale” Season 5, Episode 11 on the CW: A New Team-Up

**Please note spoilers are ahead if you are not caught up with the series.**

“What the hell just happened?”

A good question for sure as new episodes of Riverdale finally return. It’s been a while since we last checked in on our favorite little town and a lot has happened. After the brilliant idea to flash forward into the future, our favorite characters may be older, but they haven’t really changed…

Even though this episode is right in the middle of season 5, it does serve as a mid-season premiere in a lot of ways, but does it do enough to keep us coming back for more?

Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of The CW

More Cheryl!

The Queen of Riverdale hasn’t really been in the spotlight lately so I appreciated that this episode devoted some well deserved screen time to her…along with Penelope Blossom. I don’t really buy Penelope’s new act and I’m also wondering how she convinced people to actually join her new ministry with promises of a realm filled with maple syrup?

As silly as it is, it gave our scene stealer a chance to shine although I think that the writers should come up with a better angle/story-line for our girl Cheryl. She deserves it and so do we!

Images courtesy of The CW

Tabitha and Betty make a great team!

I don’t know about you, but I always love the episodes where Betty teams up with another girl to kick some ass. Betty is Final Girl material to her core and so much more, but sometimes she needs someone else (Veronica or Cheryl) to back her up to add in a new dynamic.

Well, we have a new duo to talk about and that’s Tabitha and Betty. I actually really like Tabitha and she has been a welcomed addition to the series. After working with Jughead’s ex to figure out what happened to him combined with a crazy drug trip, it looks like Tabitha and Betty will be working together to find out what happened to the missing girls, which is the strongest story-line this season.

I can’t wait to see what they do next!

The Cons:

Images courtesy of The CW

Too much going on in one episode…

Riverdale is known for jamming multiple story-lines in at once, but this episode felt really chaotic and all over the place. We had the convicts on the loose, Hiram taken hostage, Veronica and Archie contemplating their relationship, a drug trip, and Jughead roaming around Sketch Alley. Sure, that sounds like a good place to visit…

Once we got to the random singing, I really couldn’t take it. I love the musical entries when they make sense, but this just seemed over-the-top and I expect a lot more from one of my favorite series…

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of The CW

I’m 50/50 on this one…

Season 5 has made some bold decisions and while I love some story-lines, others need to go. I really want to get back to the mystery surrounding Polly and the trucker, but it looks like we are going to have a Hiram origin story next week…

Overall, the episode felt all over the place but I’m confident that we can get back on track with the remaining episodes. It looks like we just have to get through some filler ones first.

Plus, I’m dying to find out what happens to Jughead now that he got on that truck…

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Riverdale in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

DON’T TAKE THE JOB…

It was only supposed to be temporary…but when Olivia Crewe accepts a new position that seems too good to be true, she soon discovers that twelve other girls previously had the same job as her. Only none of them lasted for more than thirty days. No notice. Nothing…right before they mysteriously disappeared without a trace.

My new supernatural thriller Girl Number Thirteen is out now! I hope you enjoy!

Girl Number Thirteen is available here!

**If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe.  Thanks for your support!

Spoiler-Free Review of “Aftermath” on Netflix: Maybe now is not the best time to move…

**This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!**

“Give yourselves the gift of a new environment…”

Aftermath was released on August 4th 2021 on Netflix. The film stars Ashley Greene, Shawn Ashmore, Britt Baron and Freddie Basnight. It runs for approximately 1 hour and 54 minutes.

A young couple moves into a house with a bad history to give their marriage a chance, but a lot of disturbing things begin to happen once they move in.

Here is the trailer:

Aftermath is inspired by a true story, which makes this story even more terrifying. Netflix has been presenting us with a lot of horror entries lately, but is this one worth a watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Unsettling and disturbing moments.

I thought this film did a great job of building up suspense during its creepy moments. There were some scenes that had me clenching my nails into my palms. This is one of those films that will have you looking over your shoulder, which is a good thing if you like haunted house/home invasion horror films.

Let’s just say I won’t be changing my address any time soon…

Horrifying reveal.

Sometimes reality can be even more frightening than the supernatural and I thought this film had a seamless balance that made you question everything you were seeing. The reveal was well done and just as terrifying as the rest of the movie. The pay-off is worth it in my opinion so stick around if you aren’t completely convinced during your watch.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Dragged out drama.

This movie was almost two hours long, which is way too long for a horror film in my opinion. I think that if the film had cut out a lot of the unnecessary drama in-between, it would have been a lot better. There was just too much of it and it weighed down the overall pace of the film.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Netflix

I’m in about 75 percent…

The creepy and terrifying moments are worth it in this film. I really was on the edge of my seat and if you are looking for a new haunted house/home invasion type of film, this one fits the bill. You just have to get through a lot of the tedious drama in-between to get to it.

Overall, this was a genuinely scary film and a decent watch if you enjoy horror films.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Aftermath in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

PLAY BY THE RULES…STAY ALIVE…

A harmless night of fun turns deadly for six college friends but the game has only just begun. Take a mystery thrill ride right from your own living room. Dash and Seek is out now!

Play if you dare…

Dash and Seek is available here!

**If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe.  Thanks for your support!

Spoiler-Free Review of “Hit & Run” on Netflix: Engrossing Binge-Watch!

*This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!*

“Sometimes the truth just ends up causing more pain…”

Hit & Run premiered on Netflix on August 6th 2021. The Israeli-English series features nine episodes available to stream now. It stars Lior Raz, Sanaa Lathan, Kaelen Ohm, Moran Rosenblatt and Gregg Henry. Each episode runs for approximately 45-50 minutes.

After a man’s wife is killed in a hit and run accident in Tel Aviv, he suspects that her death may not have been an accident after all, leading him to New York City to discover the dangerous truth.

Here is the trailer:

Hit & Run immediately gives off a Harlan Coben-esque vibe with a touch of Taken mixed in, making it difficult to step away from the screen. Does it do enough to find its own identity? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Kick-ass action!

If you love movies like Taken, you will feel right at home with this one. Lior Raz is beyond brilliant as Segev. I was on the edge of my seat every single time he was on screen. I am also a huge fan of Sanaa Lathan and I thought she played her part extremely well.

While the show is centered around an addicting mystery of its own, the fight scenes and action really helped build up momentum at the center of the plot, which worked in the show’s favor.

Images courtesy of Netflix

The change of scenery worked.

The beginning of the series takes place in Tel Aviv. We got plenty of set-up and an initial horrific crime to hook us right from the start, but I really liked that this series decided to change things up and head to New York City. There was plenty going on in Tel Aviv, but I thought it really ramped up the mystery and brought more characters into play without ever skipping a beat.

Binge-watch friendly.

Each episode did enough to draw you in for more. Even though some episodes were longer than others, I kept finding myself pressing play immediately because I wanted to know what was going to happen next. We got bits and pieces of the puzzle with each episode and while there were some side plot-lines going on, they weren’t as confusing or as involved as some of the ones we see in the Harlan Coben mysteries.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Slow moving at first.

Don’t get me wrong, the first episode starts off with a bang, but some of the initial set-up in the first two episodes dragged a little bit for me. That being said, once I got to episode three, I was completely hooked and the pacing changed drastically.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Netflix

I’m in 100 percent!

Hit & Run is beyond worthy of your next binge-watch. This show was so addicting in all the right ways. That cliffhanger left me wanting more so I hope we get to see a season two, but wow what a show!

If you enjoy Taken, The Innocent, and Who Killed Sara, you are in for a real treat! While there were some similarities, this show found its own groove and took us on a wild ride without holding back.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Hit & Run in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

DON’T TAKE THE JOB…

It was only supposed to be temporary…but when Olivia Crewe accepts a new position that seems too good to be true, she soon discovers that twelve other girls previously had the same job as her. Only none of them lasted for more than thirty days. No notice. Nothing…right before they mysteriously disappeared without a trace.

My supernatural thriller Girl Number Thirteen is out now! I hope you enjoy!

Girl Number Thirteen is available here!

**If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe.  Thanks for your support!

Spoiler-Free Review of “American Horror Stories” BA’AL on FX on Hulu: All Hail Billie Lourd!

*This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!**

“I guess a little magic couldn’t hurt…”

American Horror Stories released its fifth episode, “BA’AL” on August 5th 2021. The episode is available to watch on FX on Hulu. Episode five stars Billie Lourd, Ronen Rubinstein, Virginia Gardner and Vanessa Williams. The episode runs for approximately 50 minutes.

After Liv and her husband try multiple times to get pregnant to no avail, a young woman at a fertility clinic presents Liv with a magical fertility totem. One year later, Liv has a newborn baby, but things start to go horribly wrong when she suspects that a demon may be after her child.

Here is the trailer:

American Horror Stories: BA’AL channels classics like Rosemary’s Baby while taking things to a new extreme. Is it worth a watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of FX on Hulu

Billie Lourd is magnetic on screen!

The cast is really great in this episode, but I have to give it up for our AHS queen, Billie Lourd. She is so convincing in her roles and she really went all out in this entry. The premise was creepy enough, but her believable reactions really had me on the edge of my seat.

Twists you won’t see coming.

I thought I knew what I was going to get from this episode and then it shattered all of that completely and presented us with something even more horrifying. I am still going through everything in my head because it was that good.

More please!

The Cons:

Images courtesy of FX on Hulu

I don’t have any…

I’ve enjoyed all of the entries to American Horror Stories, but this episode was the strongest by far. It created a different kind of fear and really kept me guessing. I guess my only con is that I want to see Billie Lourd in more AHS episodes because she really is fantastic!

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of FX on Hulu

I’m in 100 percent!

This episode may be the one of the best I have ever witnessed from the entire franchise. It basically could have been a standalone movie. The cast was great, the creepy fear weaving its way through the plot was fantastic, and I still can’t get over those twists! I highly recommend this one!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on American Horror Stories in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

THIS COMPETITION IS KILLER…

When former friends, Shay and Adriana team up to participate in a Halloween scavenger hunt with a cash prize, they temporarily put their differences aside to outsmart their opponents. However, they soon start to realize that a dangerous threat is playing their own version of the game, stalking them during each hunt.

Winning is now a necessity as their lives are at stake. As old wounds and memories re-surface, Shay and Adriana attempt to unmask the threat before the night is over, but soon learn that Scream Hunt is not done with them just yet…

My new young adult horror thriller comes out October 7th 2021! I hope you enjoy!

Scream Hunt is available here!

**If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe.  Thanks for your support!