Month: August 2023

Spoiler-Free Review of “Mother, May I?” on Demand: Kyle Gallner and Holland Roden Deliver in this Eerie Slow Burn Drama-Thriller

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

“Have you repressed your pain?”

Mother, May I? released on demand on July 21st 2023. The drama-thriller film stars Kyle Gallner, Holland Roden, and Chris Mulkey. It runs for approximately an hour and forty minutes.

When his fiancée begins to act like his recently deceased mother, Emmett must cope with his past trauma in order to free them both from this possession.

Here is the trailer:

Mother, May I? is not your average possession film, but it channels plenty of creepy and disturbing vibes while tackling the complicated struggles involved in a relationship. Does it do enough to earn a watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Dark Sky Films

A Creepy and Trippy premise that draws you in…

From the choice of music, to the setting, to the drastic transformation of Holland Roden’s character…the creepiness level was through the roof on this one. This film didn’t hit you over the head with typical possession tropes. It managed to create an overall feeling of uneasiness, making this a disturbing watch deep rooted in trauma.

Images courtesy of Dark Sky Films

Rousing and tense performances.

I expect nothing less from Kyle Gallner, who was incredible in this film. There will be no spoilers in this review, but that last shot of him was so emotionally stirring. It took my breath away!

Holland Roden was really incredible in this as well. She went all in with some crazy and erratic scenes. She committed to her character and then some!

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Dark Sky Films

Sluggish pacing at times.

This wasn’t a major con, but there were some moments in-between that felt like they were dragging slightly. I expect this with slow burn films so I can’t fault it too much. This film is labeled as a thriller, but I think it transcended past that genre and was really more of an emotional drama.

The ending is also left open in a way, which worked enough for me, but I had a few unanswered questions that were never addressed.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Dark Sky Films

I’m in!

A freaky concept with some chilling moments and two note-worthy performances!

This film fell under the radar, but I’m so glad I discovered it because it really was a unique possession film that branched off into realistic aspects of grief, trauma, and identity and I recommend that you give it a watch!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Mother, May I? 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 “What Comes Around” on Demand: An Intriguing Watch!

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

“You don’t really know this guy…”

What Comes Around released on Demand on August 4th 2023. The drama-thriller film stars Kyle Gallner, Grace Van Dien, Summer Phoenix, and Jesse Garcia. It runs for approximately 85 minutes.

An internet love affair spirals out of control when Eric decides to show up at Anna’s house to surprise her for her birthday, leading to an unpredictable game of cat-and-mouse.

Here is the trailer:

What Comes Around is an unconventional romantic thriller that kept me guessing until the end. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of IFC Films

A juicy twist!

Wow…I did not see that coming! At first glance, this film seemed like a modern day version of Fear (starring Mark Wahlberg and Reese Witherspoon), but it took an unexpected turn and went in a completely different direction.

It was shocking and really interesting. 

Images courtesy of IFC Films

Kyle Gallner does it again!

I just recently watched him in The Passenger (a fantastic performance) and here he goes again with this film! He always immerses himself into whatever role he is playing and I think he elevated this film in a lot of ways.

I’m not sure if I would have liked it as much without him. He really draws you in and makes you think with his performances. There were a lot of moving parts to this particular movie and I think he poured a lot into his character to keep the audience invested until the end.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of IFC Films

Needed a little more edge…

There were so many little moments in this film that felt like they were building up to something else. While I didn’t need it to go full Lifetime here, I thought we were going to get some deranged moments, but they never really came.

That being said, I appreciate that this film decided to stay true to its intention, focusing more on the consequences of past actions while using a realistic approach to show the impact of the ending. 

I guess I was just expecting something a little more explosive, but it still worked. 

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of IFC Films

I’m in!

A unique and realistic thriller that makes you contemplate the impact one’s past actions can really have on others.

This film was not what I was expecting, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on What Comes Around 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 “Only Murders in the Building” Season 3 on Hulu: They’re Back!

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

“Who are we without a homicide?”

Only Murders in the Building season three premiered on Hulu on August 8th 2023. The comedy crime series will have ten episodes in total. The first two episodes are available to stream now and the remaining eight will air weekly. The show stars Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez. Each episode runs for approximately 30-35 minutes.

Mabel, Charles, and Oliver are back to solve a new murder mystery involving some talented new players behind the scenes of a Broadway show.

Here is the trailer:

Only Murders in the Building is the most addicting television series on right now, featuring the perfect blend of mystery goodness and fun humor. Will the new mystery in season three measure up to the first two seasons? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Hulu

More focus on character development.

While I love the magic between this trio, I appreciate that the new season is looking at who they are as individuals. There are some important changes and decisions for them to make and I think this will only help them grow more together. It also prevents the show from feeling too repetitive. 

Images courtesy of Hulu

The new guest stars are a lot of fun!

Paul Rudd is already a scene stealer and Meryl Streep is as fabulous as ever! We’ve also got Ashley Park (Joy Ride) in the mix and some other new potential suspects who should liven things up. More please!

Images courtesy of Hulu

Simplifies things…

Season two was still enjoyable, but it felt a little bit chaotic and tried to do too much. It seems like season three is already going back to a more simple who-dun-it formula, which is working so far. I already have a few suspects and I can’t wait to see how this new mystery unfolds!

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Hulu

The tone feels slightly off…

This isn’t a major con and I understand that it’s hard to top the first season, but the shift in setting for a lot of the set-up takes some getting used to. I’m willing to give it a shot, but I’m hoping we get to spend more time in the Arconia because that’s where we fell in love with this trio.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Hulu

I’m in 100 percent!

One of my favorite series is back with lots of potential already!

This new quirky mystery has a lot going for it and I’m confident that Mabel, Charles, and Oliver will deliver!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Only Murders in the Building season 3 in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

Spoiler-Free Review of “The Passenger” on Demand: Kyle Gallner is Absolutely Brilliant in this Gripping Horror-Thriller

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

“You should stop now…”

The Passenger (2023) released on Demand on August 4th 2023. The horror-thriller film stars Kyle Gallner, Johnny Berchtold, and Liza Weil. It runs for approximately an hour and thirty-five minutes.

Randy is used to living each day unnoticed at his job, but when one of his co-workers goes on a violent rampage, he must confront his past and figure out a way to stay alive.

Here is the trailer:

The Passenger is captivating and brutal, taking a dark and realistic look into actions that can alter our lives permanently. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Blumhouse

All hail our Scream King…

Kyle Gallner doesn’t get enough credit. He is one of the most versatile actors around and has appeared in plenty of horror flicks over the years. This may be my favorite role by him yet. He was charismatic, unfiltered, and deranged in such a compelling way. He really showed off so much range in this film.

I wouldn’t say that he was a character to root for given the circumstances, but he lit up the screen and made this film what it was. 

One of the most powerful performances I witnessed all year. Wow…

Images courtesy of Blumhouse

A horror deep rooted in reality…

These are the horror films that stick with me the most. The ones that could happen on any given day. They’re terrifying because they are so random and visceral, reminding you that you can’t ever know what’s going on inside of someone else.

I really loved the way this film analyzed how actions (intentional or not) can impact others in so many different ways. They can motivate us to be stronger or they can damage our moral compass permanently. And then there’s the most common way that past actions and trauma can impact us…through non-action…merely allowing things to just happen.

This film explored so many interesting psychological elements, taking us on an unconventional road trip of self-discovery under dire circumstances.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Blumhouse

Not your average fast-paced thriller…

This film never felt slow or sluggish to me. But it wasn’t what I expected. If you’re looking for a thriller jam-packed with action, this isn’t that film. That being said, it branched off into something even more spectacular, which held my attention the entire time. Just be aware that this is a different kind of movie.

Also, it should be noted that some scenes depicting gun violence may be triggering for some.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Blumhouse

I’m in!

Kyle Gallner gives the performance of his career in this dark and consuming watch that will stick with you long after it’s over.

This film was not what I was expecting, but I was completely drawn in by it.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on The Passenger 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 “Meg 2: The Trench” in Theaters: Nothing Can Stop Jason Statham on a Jet-Ski…

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

“That’s the biggest Meg I’ve ever seen…”

Meg 2: The Trench released in theaters on August 4th 2023. The sci-fi thriller sequel stars Jason Statham, Sophia Cai, Wu Jing, Skyler Samuels, Sienna Guillory, Cliff Curtis, and Page Kennedy.  It runs for approximately an hour and fifty-six minutes.

Jonas is back again to lead a research team on a dive in the deepest part of the ocean, but their lives are put in immediate danger when they wind up coming into contact with prehistoric sharks.

Here is the trailer:

Meg 2: The Trench takes a while to kick into gear, but once it embraces some campy chum-filled fun, it gives us enough entertaining moments. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

The last forty-five minutes are a lot of fun!

The first half of the movie didn’t do much for me, but thankfully it found its groove and went with it. Was it far-fetched and ridiculous? Absolutely! But it was also a lot of fun and it’s hard not to root for Jason Statham taking on these “apex predators” in insane ways.

Images courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

Returning characters add to the charm!

While not all of the surviving characters made an appearance in the sequel, enough of them did and they got more screen time this time around, which was great to see. We also got a few new characters who really held their own.

My all-time favorite character (I’m sure you can figure out who that is) stole the film once again, but that should come as no surprise!

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

The first half of the movie took itself way too seriously…

While not everyone enjoyed The Meg, I did because it was so campy and silly. I expected the same vibe this time around with the sequel, but the first half of the film focused too much energy on figuring out who the bad guy was with too much drama. It wasn’t awful, but it just didn’t feel like the sequel to The Meg. I almost felt like I was watching another movie.

It was predictable and uninspiring, but things did pick up eventually. I also think that some of the previews spoiled a lot…

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

I’m in!

Not as good as the first film and far from perfect, but Meg 2: The Trench gives us enough toothy fun moments in the second half, making this an entertaining watch for fans of the first movie.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Meg 2: The Trench 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 “The River Wild” (2023) on Netflix: Doesn’t Compare to the OG but a Solid Thriller Nonetheless!

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

“Not on my river…”

The River Wild (River Wild) released on Netflix on August 1st 2023. Loosely based on the film starring Meryl Streep and Kevin Bacon from 1994, the adventure thriller remake stars Leighton Meester, Adam Brody, Taran Killam, Eve Connolly, and Olivia Swann. It runs for approximately 92 minutes.

Joey accepts her brother’s invitation to go whitewater rafting with a group, but when they end up in a dangerous situation, someone begins to sabotage their attempts at survival as secrets are revealed.

Here is the trailer:

The River Wild will get your heart racing with a solid cast and some shocking moments, but is it worthy of YOUR next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Fun cast!

Leighton Meester and Adam Brody are married in real life and both starred on two of my favorite series so I was excited to see them in this one. Leighton is making a comeback in Netflix thrillers!

It was going to be hard to top Meryl Streep and Kevin Bacon’s performances, but I thought this cast really held their own and I cared about what happened to these characters, which is important in films like this.

Images courtesy of Netflix

Gets more and more intense as the plot unfolds…

Things started off a little slow, but as the movie continued, I was quickly on the edge of my seat. Everything kept building more and more, making this a consuming watch. I’m not sure I’ll be attempting whitewater rafting any time soon, but this movie really got my adrenaline pumping and I felt like I was there!

It really made me want to re-watch the original film again, which you should watch immediately if you haven’t yet. Trust me…it’s fantastic!

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Should have been a standalone thriller to prevent comparisons…

The plots really have nothing to do with one another except for the fact that they are whitewater rafting and someone in their group means to do them harm. Other than that, this is a completely different thriller and I’m wondering why it was called the same name.

As a standalone film, this one checks off all the boxes for me as a fantastic “movie of the week.” It’s actually really solid and my only con is that it doesn’t come close to the original. This film was strong enough to have its own name and identity and I think sharing the name with the original film hindered it slightly.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Netflix

I’m in!!!

Leighton Meester shines in this intense and entertaining thriller!

If you enjoy quick survival thrillers, there’s plenty to appreciate in this one.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on The River Wild (2023) 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 “The Baker” in Theaters: Perlman Packs a Punch!

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

“Who the f*ck is this guy?”

The Baker is an action thriller film that released on July 28th 2023 in select theaters. The film stars Ron Perlman, Elias Koteas, Joel David Moore, and Harvey Keitel. It runs for an hour and forty-five minutes.

After learning that his son has mistakenly gotten himself mixed up with a drug cartel, a war veteran suffering from PTSD goes to find out what happened to him while trying to protect his eight-year-old granddaughter.

Here is the trailer:

The Baker features the perfect blend of bad-ass fight scenes and heartwarming moments. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Productivity Media

Bloody fantastic fight scenes.

If you’re planning on watching this film to see Ron Perlman kick some ass, then this is the movie for you. I loved the fight scenes and some of them were really inventive! I almost wish there were a few more of them.

Images courtesy of Productivity Media

Genuine heartwarming moments.

In a way, the dynamic here reminded me a little bit of Logan. I couldn’t help but smile during certain key moments. The relationship between Perlman’s character and his son’s daughter was the best part of the movie. It had so many different dimensions and it had me tearing up a few times as well. These two were terrific together on screen, which really helped me connect to the movie that much more.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Productivity Media

Drags things out a little bit…

I think this movie could have probably been about twenty minutes shorter. There were some pacing issues earlier on and some of the flashbacks could have been fleshed out a little bit sooner so that we could move on to the action we all knew was coming.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Productivity Media

I’m in!!!

The Baker is this year’s Nobody!

There’s plenty of action, intense moments, and a heartwarming plot at its core, making this an entertaining vigilante thriller.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts on The Baker 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!