Month: August 2023

Spoiler-Free Review of “The Dive” on Demand: Solid Survival Thriller

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

“I still get a bit nervous every time…”

The Dive released on Demand on August 25th 2023. The survival thriller film stars Sophie Lowe and Louisa Krause. It runs for an hour and thirty-two minutes.

Two sisters go deep-sea diving in a remote location when a landslide sends rocks into the ocean, trapping one of them beneath the surface, as the other must figure out a way to save her before their air runs out.

Here is the trailer:

The Dive channels 47 Meters Down and Fall, giving us another extreme example of two women facing off against unlikely odds. Is it worthy of YOUR next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of RLJE films

Intense moments that will have you holding your breath!

I was on the edge of my seat for this one and there were plenty of moments that captivated my undivided attention. Similar to other well-done survival thrillers, this film never let the audience off the hook. While some of it may have been far-fetched, it definitely kept my adrenaline pumping and met my expectations in this department.

Images courtesy of RLJE films

Characters to cheer for.

I liked that they were sisters, which made me root for them that much more. There were so many possible moments of “giving up” and these two kept fighting. Their bond was apparent…even though I didn’t get too many details about their characters. That being said, both actresses put a lot into their performances and these dire circumstances made me care enough about what happened to them.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of RLJE films

The bite-sized flashbacks didn’t add much to the story…

They didn’t successfully add in any real details or layers to these characters and they were kind of confusing. I got that there was some kind of trauma involved in their past, but not enough of this was explained and it honestly wasn’t needed in the movie.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of RLJE films

I’m in!

A stimulating watch that held my attention from beginning to end with a satisfying conclusion.

This wasn’t as good as Fall, but I love these types of movies and this one had plenty going for it. If you enjoy survival thrillers, you’ll feel right at home during your watch.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on The Dive 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 “Killer Book Club” on Netflix: Spanish Slasher Attempts to Channel “I Know What You Did Last Summer”

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

“She will be the one to die…”

Killer Book Club (El Club De Los Lectores Criminales) released on Netflix on August 25th 2023. The Spanish slasher-horror film stars Veki Velilla, Ane Rot, Priscilla Delgado, and Carlos Alcaide. It runs for approximately 90 minutes.

A group of friends are targeted by a masked killer, who wants to pick them off one by one to expose their secret and finish their horror novel.

Here is the trailer:

Killer Book Club clearly gets its inspiration from 90’s slashers with a fun concept, but does it find its own identity or get lost in the imitation? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Killer premise with some welcomed gore.

When I first read the description for this film, I was beyond excited. A slasher involving a book club? It honestly sounded like a dream come true. I really want to see more movies bring back the 90’s slasher vibe so I appreciate the effort here.

There were also plenty of gory kills so that was a plus.

The pros stop there though…

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Tries too hard to imitate films like IKWYDLS and Scream.

They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but this film felt like really bad fan fiction. There were so many scenes that forced these comparisons and they didn’t come close to imprinting their own identity in the process, which was extremely frustrating to watch as a slasher fan.

Images courtesy of Netflix

The kills weren’t edgy enough.

I wanted some intense chase scenes here, but instead we got these watered down ones that had overpowering dramatic music playing over them and a weird voice-over narration. Look, I get that it was supposed to be similar to chapters in a book, but some of these scenes could have been a lot better if they had played out in a more organic way.

I couldn’t even appreciate the gore because of this.

Characters I could care less about…

There wasn’t one redeeming character. They all fell neatly into tropes and no one stood out to me. I found a lot of them to be really annoying and empty. They didn’t attempt to explore any character layers or growth so when they started to get picked off, I honestly didn’t care.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Netflix

Unfortunately I’m out on this one…

More slashers please, but not like this…

I really wanted to like this film and I was so excited about the concept behind it, but it relied too much on ripping off 90’s slashers and never quite found any ounce of originality, which was beyond disappointing.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Killer Book Club 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…

Scream Hunt is available here!

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Spoiler-Free Review of “Retribution” in Theaters: A Decent, but Familiar Thriller

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

“I need you to do your thing…”

Retribution released in theaters on August 25th 2023. The action film stars Liam Neeson, Jack Champion, Embeth Davidtz, Matthew Modine, and Noma Dumezweni. It runs for approximately an hour and thirty minutes.

While driving his two kids to school, Matt Turner receives a call from an unknown enemy who informs him that there is a bomb under his car and he must do what he says to keep him and his children alive. 

Here is the trailer:

Retribution is your standard Liam Neeson film with solid pacing and plenty of intense moments, but does it do enough to earn a watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Lionsgate

A quick watch.

I’ve seen my fair share of Liam Neeson movies and some are a lot better than others. But I always love seeing him in these action-thrillers and I appreciated that this one didn’t mess around with unnecessary fluff or set-up.

We got right into things and I didn’t look at the time once. There were plenty of edge-of-your-seat and intense moments built into this one, making it an entertaining thriller…although don’t expect it to do anything too extraordinary.

Images courtesy of Lionsgate

Believable performances.

I expect Liam Neeson to be amazing even in mediocre movies. After all, that’s what keeps me coming back to the movies for more. He delivered in this one and met my expectations.

The kid characters were actually really likable, which surprised me. I thought they both did a good job and they helped me connect to the movie a little more.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Lionsgate

Predictable…

I think that the previews revealed a little bit too much. Some moments might have been a bit more shocking if they hadn’t been included in the trailer. We did get a twist thrown our way, but I wouldn’t say it was that shocking and everything just felt a little bit too safe and standard.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Lionsgate

I’m in about 75 percent…

I’m in for Liam Neeson and this was a good enough thriller, but I guess I was expecting a little bit more here. We’re still chasing after another Taken and I’m not sure that any of his new thrillers will ever come close to that, but maybe we need some more shock value added in to throw us for a loop.

Either way, if you like Liam Neeson movies, you’ll get what you expect in this one.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Retribution 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 “Who Is Erin Carter?” on Netflix: A Soapy Spy Thriller with a Bad-Ass Female Lead!

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

“I think you’ve mistaken me for someone else…”

Who Is Erin Carter? premiered on August 24th 2023 on Netflix with all seven episodes available to stream now. The action-thriller limited series stars Evin Ahmad, Sean Teale, Indica Watson, Douglas Henshall, and Charlotte Vega. Each episode runs for approximately 45-55 minutes.

A school teacher named Erin gets caught in the middle of an armed robbery at a supermarket, but when one of the robbers recognizes her, her past comes back to haunt her, threatening her new suburban life.

Here is the trailer:

Who Is Erin Carter? is a satisfying mix of Desperate Housewives and Nikita, featuring a strong female lead to root for. Is it worthy of YOUR next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Addicting and guilty pleasure worthy!

I watched all seven episodes in one day. I was completely hooked on this series from start to finish. The first episode did an excellent job of setting the tone for the entire series. Usually it takes me a few episodes to adjust to a new show, but this one started off with a bang and never slowed down.

The fight scenes were INCREDIBLE and really inventive. I also thought the balance of guilty pleasure drama and action worked in this particular show. The reveals were well placed and each episode did enough to hook you at the end for more.

Images courtesy of Netflix

Our lead character elevates every scene to the max!

I was not too familiar with Evin Ahmad before this, but it’s safe to say that I am now a huge fan. She was bad-ass, funny, and so entertaining. I absolutely loved her character!

In a way, she reminded me a lot of Sameen Shaw’s character on Person of Interest portrayed by Sarah Shahi. The actresses look similar and those edgy and naturally bad-ass qualities of Sameen were also found in Erin, which I truly enjoyed. It was so easy to root for her. She was far from perfect, but she felt real and relatable.

Even when some of the dialogue felt slightly cliché or silly, she helped me move past that immediately with the intention behind her performance. She made this series what it was and I hope to see her in more series soon.

The rest of the cast did a great job too. The actress playing her daughter made her character really likable and Charlotte Vega went all out with her suburban housewife portrayal.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Netflix

A show I’ve seen before…

I’m not going to pretend that this series did anything that new in the female spy category. A lot of the reveals were pretty predictable and the premise was one I’ve seen before.

That being said, this series was still entertaining and Evin Ahmad helped this one stand out against similar shows.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Netflix

I’m in 100 percent!!!

Edgy, entertaining, and exactly what I want from a Netflix series!

If you enjoy female spy thrillers with a touch of juicy drama, you’ll find plenty to enjoy with this series. It was very easy to binge-watch and a lot of fun!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Who Is Erin Carter? 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 “Vincent” (2023): An Offbeat and Heartfelt Mystery-Drama

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

“I will find him…”

Vincent is an upcoming indie Nordic mystery-drama film starring Mikkel Vadsholt, Herman Knop, and Joachim Knop. It runs for approximately an hour and twenty minutes.

A bullied teenager forms an unlikely friendship with a strange Ice Cream Man from out of town, who may possess a few supernatural secrets.

Here is the trailer:

Vincent is far from your average watch, giving the audience plenty of emotional and relatable moments with an intriguing mystery beneath the surface. Does it do enough to earn a watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Invictus Film

Gorgeous cinematography.

This film was beautifully shot. The use of lighting felt so natural. I honestly expected something lacking in this department, but I was pleasantly surprised by how well executed this was, elevating the quality of this film that much more. Most impressive!

Highlights an unlikely friendship that is beyond moving.

I didn’t think I would get so attached to two characters, but I was nearly in tears at the end of this film. The friendship was unconventional and definitely strange, but there were a lot of life lessons built into this film. The two leads put their hearts into this one and it showed in the best way possible.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Invictus Film

Dabbles with several different genres.

I don’t really mind when films do this, but I guess I was initially unsure of this one’s intention. I didn’t know if this was supposed to be a coming-of-age story or some kind of supernatural mystery. Looking back at it now, I’m not sure that it matters because it was a beautiful and strange story, but it’s difficult to pinpoint what genre it truly belongs to.

I also had a few unanswered questions by the time I got to the end, but this wasn’t a major con because it added to the overall mystery of the film.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Invictus Film

I’m in!

An emotional and unconventional film that truly captivated me from start to finish!

This film was really unique and it reminded me why I love cinema so much.

Special thanks to the Vincent team for this advanced screening! Follow @TheVincentMovie on Twitter X for all updates regarding the release.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Vincent (2023) in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

A VACATION TO DIE FOR…

Blood Rose Island Ad

When sisters, Nina and Gemma are vacationing in Hawaii with their friends, they get invited to an exclusive party on a private island that seems too good to be true. There’s only one rule…they can’t miss their ferry at midnight or they’ll have to wait until morning to leave the island. Only they didn’t realize that breaking this rule meant they would be hunted down on the island one by one.

Who will make it off the island alive?

I hope you enjoy my new island thriller!

Blood Rose Island 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 “Subject” on Screambox: A Trippy and Creepy Concept

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

“How would you like an alternative sentence?”

Subject released on Screambox on August 22nd 2023. The supernatural horror film stars Tristan Barr, Cecilia Low, and Gaby Seow. It runs for approximately an hour and seventeen minutes.

A convicted criminal on the way to prison is approached by a government agent, who offers him the opportunity to participate in a secret experiment in exchange for commuting his sentence.

Here is the trailer:

Subject features an inventive idea with some genuinely disturbing moments. Is it worthy of YOUR next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Cineverse

A plot that pulls you in.

I absolutely LOVED the idea behind this. It sort of reminded me of the Dharma Initiative experiments in LOST if they were to go full horror. The film didn’t waste any time with unnecessary fluff. The audience went along for the ride and character layers were reveled later on through flashbacks, which worked well here. Too much set-up would have slowed down the pacing so I thought this was the right approach.

The ending was really disturbing!

I didn’t know where we were going with this, but I was pleasantly surprised by the ending. There will be no spoilers here, but it was the best part of the movie by far and it revealed quite a bit of skin-crawling moments that were well worth the wait.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Cineverse

The dialogue felt a little forced.

Look, it’s not easy carrying a film by yourself. Tristan Barr (who is also the Director of this film) did a good job with everything and held my attention overall. That being said, I wish the dialogue was a little bit more natural and organic. Sometimes it felt like the actor was explaining things to the audience rather than revealing real moments of self-reflection and truth in his video diaries.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Cineverse

I’m in about 75 percent…

Subject is deranged and disturbing!

It took a scary concept and built on it, leading up to some real moments of suspense.

Overall, I enjoyed this film and it did enough to earn a watch.

Special thanks to Continuance Pictures for this advanced screening! You can check out Subject now on Screambox!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Subject (2023) in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

A VACATION TO DIE FOR…

Blood Rose Island Ad

When sisters, Nina and Gemma are vacationing in Hawaii with their friends, they get invited to an exclusive party on a private island that seems too good to be true. There’s only one rule…they can’t miss their ferry at midnight or they’ll have to wait until morning to leave the island. Only they didn’t realize that breaking this rule meant they would be hunted down on the island one by one.

Who will make it off the island alive?

I hope you enjoy my new island thriller!

Blood Rose Island 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 “Bad Things” on Shudder: LGBTQ Version of “The Shining” Has its Ups and Downs

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

“It doesn’t seem that haunted…”

Bad Things released on Shudder on August 18th 2023. The supernatural horror film stars Gayle Rankin, Hari Nef, Annabelle Dexter-Jones, and Molly Ringwald. It runs for an hour and twenty-five minutes.

After inheriting an abandoned hotel, Ruthie and her friends decide to spend the weekend there, but they soon discover that there is another presence lurking on the property.

Here is the trailer:

Bad Things has an intriguing and chilling premise with ghostly potential, but does it do enough to be worthy of YOUR next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Shudder

The nods to The Shining work.

Bad Things clearly drew a lot of its inspiration from that iconic movie and I really loved those elements the most. The creepy hotel and the winter setting felt very much on point and there were a few strange characters that gave me plenty of nostalgia for that film in a positive way without compromising the identity of this modern film.

Images courtesy of Shudder

Well-executed cinematography.

Everything was shot really well. I particularly really liked the shots of the hotel hallway and I thought the muted color scheme channeled the eerie vibe this film was going for. The offbeat music also worked in its favor.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Shudder

Sluggish pacing.

This film was on the shorter side, but I felt like I had been watching it for a very long time and not in a good way. Some of the conversations between the characters felt completely unnecessary and they did nothing to add any layers to them, which was frustrating.

Odd ending.

I really wasn’t a fan of the ending. This film started off with so much potential, but I’m not sure that it ever quite found its way. There were some genuinely creepy moments that had me interested, but once we got to the end, I wanted something a lot more…

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Shudder

I’m 50/50 on this one…

Bad Things has a haunting concept with some freaky moments sprinkled in, but it loses its way at the end.

There were a lot of things that I liked about this one, but I just wanted a lot more from it.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Bad Things 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 “Harlan Coben’s Shelter” on Prime Video: An Addicting Mystery with Layers!

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

“I just want answers…”

Harlan Coben’s Shelter premiered on Prime Video on August 18th 2023 with the first three episodes available now. There will be eight episodes in total that will air weekly. The YA mystery thriller series stars Jaden Michael, Constance Zimmer, Sage Linder, and Adrian Greensmith. Each episode runs for approximately 45-55 minutes.

After undergoing a family trauma, Mickey moves in with his aunt in New Jersey and adjusts to his new life. Only things get complicated when he passes by a creepy house and an old woman tells him a secret that will alter his life forever, as he tries to piece together the truth with his new group of friends.

Here is the trailer:

Shelter is Harlan Coben’s first YA series adapted for television, featuring an intriguing mystery with enough moving pieces to keep you coming back for more. Is it worthy of YOUR next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Prime Video

Characters to root for!

I really like all of the characters so far, but especially this group shown above. In a way, this show has similar vibes to School Spirits and Stranger Things, but it’s got its own feel and mystery. It took me an episode or so to warm up to these characters, but now I can’t wait to see what they do next and I honestly care about what happens to them.

Images courtesy of Prime Video

A mystery that hooks you from the start.

I love the eerie vibe to this series. I’m always hooked by Harlan Coben mysteries, but this one is really interesting and I think it has a lot of potential already. We have a lot of moving pieces that will hopefully pay off in the end. I’ve got some working theories already and I can’t wait to see how the rest of this unfolds. 

Either way…I’m intrigued and ready for more.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Prime Video

The crazy subplots are back.

This should come as no surprise for a Harlan Coben series. You need to pay attention to these series because you’ll miss some minor detail that will make way more sense by the time you get to the end. 

That being said, the first episode felt a bit overwhelming, chaotic, and slightly messy, but I think it found its way by the time we got to episode two. So stick around if you’re feeling this way initially.

Some of the dialogue is also a bit generic and cliché, but the actors are making the most of it.

I’m also not sure how I feel about the weekly episode approach. I’m used to these addicting series being on Netflix, where you can binge-watch the entire thing. Luckily we got three episodes at once for the release, but I wish all of them were available now.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Prime Video

I’m in!!!

The first YA Harlan Coben streaming series doesn’t disappoint!

Shelter is a consuming watch that already has me anxiously waiting for more episodes to drop.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Harlan Coben’s Shelter 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 “Live and Die in East LA” on Demand: A Crime Thriller with Grit

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

“How far are you willing to go?”

Live and Die in East LA released on August 4th 2023 on demand. The crime-thriller film stars Robert LaSardo, Richard Cabral, Cesar Garcia, and Corina Calderon. It runs for approximately an hour and twenty-five minutes.

A doctor is pulled into a world of gangs and street violence while trying to help an injured boy.

Here is the trailer:

Live and Die in East LA features some note-worthy performances with plenty of action and violence to keep you invested until the end. Is it worthy of YOUR next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Octane Multimedia

The violent crime elements are solid.

I was actually surprised at how well this was executed. It took a while to get there, but once the film hit the thirty minute mark, I found myself drawn in a lot more. The fast-paced action worked for the most part and I thought a lot of the scenes were really intense and well done.

Images courtesy of Octane Multimedia

Decent performances with a few familiar faces!

I was impressed to see some well-known actors in this. Normally with lower budget films, we don’t always know the actors (which isn’t a bad thing), but I really enjoyed the performance by Robert LaSardo in particular. I remember him from Nip/Tuck and he stepped right into this role seamlessly. The rest of the cast did a decent job too.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Octane Multimedia

The random fable narrations were odd and distracting.

I got the point of them, but they took away from the overall vibe of the movie and had disjointed transitions. I almost felt like I started watching a different movie without realizing it. I wasn’t a huge fan of these at all.

There were also some shaky camera effects to sit through, but I expect that with lower budget films so this wasn’t a major con.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Octane Multimedia

I’m in about 75 percent…

A fast-paced and violent watch.

I’m all for supporting lesser known films and I was honestly surprised by how much this movie hooked me once it found its way through some initial rough edges. I’m looking forward to seeing more entries from this director.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Live and Die in East LA 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 “Heart of Stone” on Netflix: Gal Gadot Stars in an Action-Thriller By The Numbers

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

“Everything’s under control…”

Heart of Stone premiered on August 11th 2023 on Netflix. The action-thriller film stars Gal Gadot, Jamie Dornan, Jing Lusi, Alia Bhatt, and Glenn Close. It runs for approximately two hours and five minutes.

An intelligence agent named Rachel Stone stands up against a powerful organization as she faces countless threats and betrayals along the way.

Here is the trailer:

Heart of Stone follows your standard formula of a female lead action thriller with some entertaining moments sprinkled in. Is it worthy of YOUR next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Flashy fight scenes and action.

If you’re here for action, there’s plenty to appreciate in this one. I wouldn’t say that any particular fight scene really stood out, but Gal Gadot showed off how bad-ass she can be with each scene. The action certainly helped the overall pacing of the movie.

Images courtesy of Netflix

Gal Gadot puts forth a valiant effort.

She’s the main reason why I tuned into this one and I thought she did a good job with what she was given. This film features a lot of girl power to the max and I thought she delivered in that department. I just wish she was given a little bit more to work with because she’s so talented.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Borrows too much from other action-thrillers…

I didn’t mind this, but this film really didn’t have its own identity, which was frustrating. I’ve seen too many Netflix action-thrillers that have lured us into this trap. A strong cast, flashy action, and a mediocre plot that becomes forgettable as soon as you turn the movie off.

This film was decent enough, but I thought it had the potential to be so much more. The twists were really predictable and as much as I love a film featuring female empowerment, I don’t need to be hit over the head with this…

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Netflix

I’m in about 75 percent…

Even though I knew what to expect with this movie, there were some moments worth watching and I really enjoyed the performances by Gal Gadot and Alia Bhatt, who both elevated this one as much as they could.

If you’re looking for a quick action-thriller, this one will check off enough boxes for you, but don’t expect anything truly extraordinary.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Heart of Stone 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!

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