Month: June 2023

Spoiler-Free Review of “Cruel Summer” Season 2 on Freeform: The Dangerous Secrets Return

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

“You coming here has been the best thing that’s ever happened to me…”

Cruel Summer season two premiered on Freeform on June 5th 2023 (episodes also stream on Hulu) with the first two episodes. The series is set to air ten weekly episodes. It stars Sadie Stanley, Lexi Underwood, Griffin Gluck, and KaDee Strickland. Each episode runs for approximately 46-48 minutes.

The events we witness take place over one year from 1999-2000, involving a new set of characters and a new murder mystery to untangle.

Here is the trailer:

Cruel Summer is back and presents us with another mystery told from two perspectives across different timelines, but does it pack the same punch as the first season? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Freeform

Likable characters for the most part…

I’m not sure that anyone can outshine Jeanette and Kate from season one, but so far I like the characters of Megan and Isabella and I think the actresses are doing a good job with their portrayals. The friendship is a lot different this time around and so are the circumstances, which will make things feel fresh and new…even though it’s an already familiar premise.

I’m not a huge fan of the character of Luke, but I didn’t really like that actor on Locke & Key either so maybe that’s why. The other supporting characters aren’t really adding too much to the series yet. We need another Mallory to really shake things up…

I’m hopeful that we’ll get there.

The soundtrack is on point!

Similar to season one, season two is doing a solid job of bringing us back in time with some fantastic music. From Sugar Ray to Lit to The Spice Girls! The show is channeling this time well and I’m looking forward to the rest of the soundtrack in the remaining episodes. Some movie references would be nice too!

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Freeform

The mystery needs more edge.

Cruel Summer season one was so addicting and I had so many working theories throughout my watch, which made it a lot of fun. While we have lots of drama and scandal in season two, the mystery just feels kind of lukewarm. We need a lot more to live up to season one.

The time jumps are trippy once again and maybe even more so this time around. They also feel a little rushed since this series takes place over one year rather than three summers. 

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Freeform

I’m in about 75 percent…

Cruel Summer season two has some potential and is doing just enough to lure me back for more, but it doesn’t hold a candle to the mystery in season one.

Either way, it should make a fun summer watch to indulge in!

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

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

PLAY BY THE RULES…STAY ALIVE…

Main promo smaller

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 “The Idol” on Max: “Entourage” meets “Fifty Shades of Grey”

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

“Look at what she’s overcome…”

The Idol premiered on June 4th 2023 on HBO and Max with its first episode. There will be five episodes in total that will air weekly. The drama series stars Lily-Rose Depp, The Weeknd, and Rachel Sennott. Each episode runs for approximately 58-60 minutes.

After recovering from a nervous breakdown, a pop star named Jocelyn tries to get her career back on track when she begins a relationship with a contemporary cult leader named Tedros.
Here is the trailer:


The Idol has already stirred up a lot of controversy even before the premiere aired due to its sexually explicit and vulgar content, but is this show worth watching? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Max

Lily-Rose Depp steps into the role flawlessly.

She oozes style, perfection, and sex appeal and truly embraces this role. I’d love to see some more character layers and I’m hopeful that we will get there, but when you think about a pop star like Britney Spears (I assume that’s what they are going for), Lily-Rose Depp is checking off all the necessary boxes and then some.

She has been commanding the screen with her electric presence.

There are a lot of characters in this one so it’s hard to see who else could steal the show, but so far I am also loving Rachel Sennott (Bodies Bodies Bodies) and I think she could be a real contender if she gets enough screen time.

Images courtesy of Max

Something to talk about…

There has been a lot of controversy along with many negative reviews about this show even before it aired. Let’s be honest, that gives people something to talk about and the show is pushing enough envelopes to strike up a conversation with its audience. Whether it’s love or hate, this show will definitely be a topic of discussion for weeks to come.

On another note, I like the music so far and I also think that the series is shot in a stylish way. It needs a lot more than that to keep me coming back for more, but it has some potential. It actually started off pretty strong, but it did go off course as the episode continued…

I’d personally like to see the series focus more on Jocelyn and her rise to fame, but it looks like we are heading in a totally different direction.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Max

Contrived and vulgar…

The dialogue is atrocious and so crude. It feels forced and very unrealistic. This series is clearly trying to make a statement and be outrageous with its sexual content, but a lot of it is not coming off in an organic way, which makes it simply feel silly and shallow.

I also think that the series is focusing on the wrong things and it thinks it is edgier than it actually is. The premiere episode dragged for a while and if things don’t pick up soon, a lot of people will probably tune out.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Max

I’m 50/50 on this one…

This series is not as bad as critics are saying and it does have some glimmers of potential, but a lot more needs to happen to keep me tuning in each week.

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

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl
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! I hope you enjoy!
READ 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 “The Boogeyman” in Theaters: Shut that closet door!

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

“It’s the thing that comes for your kids when you’re not paying attention…”

The Boogeyman released in theaters on June 2nd 2023. The supernatural horror film (based on the short story by Stephen King) stars Sophie Thatcher, Chris Messina, and Vivien Lyra Blair. It runs for approximately an hour and thirty-eight minutes.

While trying to cope with the loss of their mother, Sadie and Sawyer begin to witness a dark presence after an unstable man wanders into their home and leaves behind something terrifying.

Here is the trailer:

The Boogeyman tackles issues of grief while presenting us with some horrifying scares along the way. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of 20th Century Studios

Characters to root for!

Usually when I watch a supernatural horror film featuring a frightening monster in the dark, I end up investing more in the scares and the characters are just kind of interchangeable.

However, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked the characters in this particular film. Sophie Thatcher (Yellowjackets) gave a gripping performance that was absolutely captivating. I really cared about what happened to her character and her sister, making this more than your average supernatural monster flick.

Images courtesy of 20th Century Studios

Well-placed scares.

There was this unsettling feeling of dread throughout the entire film that worked really well. The scares were well thought out and had me on the edge of my seat. I think I’ll be nailing my closet shut for the next few weeks…

There were also some heartwarming moments that balanced in very nicely. I was satisfied with the ending and the pacing worked for the most part, making this a very enjoyable watch from start to finish.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of 20th Century Studios

A movie I’ve seen before…

In a lot of ways, this film reminded me of Smile and Lights Out. I wouldn’t say that it presented us with anything that new or unique. That being said, it was still really enjoyable so I can’t fault it too much here.

On another note, it really bothers me when characters continue to walk around in the dark when there might be a monster in the shadows…

It just didn’t seem that practical. There were a number of times they could have just turned the lights on (at least in the beginning).

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of 20th Century Studios

I’m in!!!

The Boogeyman is a creepy and unsettling horror flick that is entertaining from start to finish!

I absolutely loved Sophie Thatcher in this and I hope to see her in more horror films in the future.

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

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!

Review of “Nancy Drew” Season 4 Premiere on The CW: A Spooky Start to the Final Season

*Please note that some spoilers are ahead.*

“I work best under time pressure…”

Nancy Drew season 4 premiered on May 31st 2023 on The CW. The final season will feature 13 weekly episodes. It stars Kennedy McMann, Scott Wolf, Alex Saxon, Leah Lewis, Maddison Jaizani, Tunji Kasim, and Riley Smith. Each episode runs for approximately 42-46 minutes.

The final season of Nancy Drew opens up with a promising supernatural mystery involving missing bodies in a cemetery while Nancy works in her very own agency and tries to come to terms with the fate surrounding her and Ace.

Here is the trailer:

Nancy Drew is an underrated show that has had some fantastic moments along the way. The final season feels more mature, but also really promising. Can it stick the landing and wrap things up in a satisfying way for the fans? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of The CW

The mature feel is working.

Unlike Riverdale (which has had way too many time jumps), the progression of Nancy Drew feels a lot more natural. Nancy has her own agency, Ace is working at the morgue, and Bess is trying to make a name for herself on social media.

It almost had a Veronica Mars vibe, which I really liked. While there is still plenty of love drama to untangle here in the final season, it didn’t overwhelm the premiere and everything flowed at a natural and steady pace.

New characters.

The Drew Crew is amazing, but we already have a few new interesting characters in town. I’m not sure of their intentions just yet, but they could spice things up. A potential new love interest for Nancy could get in the way of her and Ace, but we’ll have to see how this unfolds. Either way, I’m intrigued.

Images courtesy of The CW

I LOVE the new mystery!

It really channels what this show is all about and is eerie and intriguing. It just feels very true to the series and I already have a few working theories. It has just the right amount of paranormal edge and I think it could lead this show to a worthy conclusion.

I can’t wait to find out more!

The Cons:

Images courtesy of The CW

The love curse could get old…fast.

Look, I get that we need to drag this romance out, but I just don’t want it to overpower the show. Nancy Drew thrives when it focuses more on the actual mystery and I just don’t want it to spend too much time on this will-they-won’t-they dilemma.

I’m all for Nancy and Ace winding up together in the end, but I want to enjoy my watch of the final season without it feeling weighed down by unnecessary drama.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of The CW

I’m in!!!

Season 4 started off with a lot of promise and I’m hopeful that our characters will all get a chance to shine because they deserve it.

I can’t wait to find out how it all ends and I highly recommend that you give this show a chance because it really is an absolute gem!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Nancy Drew (season 4) 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 young adult horror thriller is out now! 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!