Spoiler-Free Review of “In a Violent Nature” in Theaters: A Lot Of Walking…

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

“Stay out of the park…”

In a Violent Nature released in limited theaters on May 31st 2024. The slasher horror film (directed by Chris Nash) stars Andrea Pavlovic, Charlotte Creaghan, Ryan Barrett, and Reece Presley. It runs for approximately an hour and thirty-four minutes.

When a group of teens take a locket from an old fire tower in the woods, they unleash an undead killer who slaughters anyone he comes across.

Here is the trailer:

In a Violent Nature attempts to accomplish something different by presenting everything from the killer’s perspective. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Shudder

Tries something different…

This was an inventive concept. I really liked the idea of having everything shot from the killer’s perspective (although this wasn’t always consistent).

There was one extra gory kill in particular that grabbed my attention. This one is worth nothing, but the way it happened made me scratch my head. If they were going for shock value, they succeeded with this one scene.

The pros stop here though…

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Shudder

So boring!!!!

There was so much slow walking in this movie. It drove me absolutely bonkers and not in a good way. I would have much preferred for the killer to run around and just kill everyone. That would have been a lot more interesting. I get that this set the tone of the film, but it was painful to sit through. I was bored out of my mind!

Horrendous dialogue.

When we got up to characters actually speaking I was relieved, but then I changed my mind really quickly. This was some of the worst dialogue I have ever heard and the acting was atrocious. I was anxiously waiting for the killer to just break up the party and kill them all, but instead I had to sit through all of this fluff and wait until we got more walking…

At one point a character yelled out, “what are you waiting for?” (very IKWYDLS-esque) and I said: “for this movie to end!”

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Shudder

I’m out on this one…

This film is already getting a lot of hype and glowing reviews. I’m all for supporting lower budget slasher films and if you enjoyed this, then I support that. I’m glad you got something out of the movie. This just wasn’t for me…at all.

In a Violent Nature is dull, boring, and painfully slow. It put me to sleep. I’d rank it right there with Skinamarink, which is another movie that got way too much attention.

I did like that one kill though so kudos on that…

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on In a Violent Nature 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!

**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 “Cinderella’s Revenge” on Demand: A Slasher Fairy-Tale that’s more Confusing than Campy…

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

“This girl needs to go to a ball…”

Cinderella’s Revenge is a slasher horror retelling of Cinderella. It had a limited theatrical release on April 26th 2024 and is now available to stream on demand as of May 28th 2024. It stars Natasha Henstridge, Lauren Staerck, Stephanie Lodge, Megan Purvis, and Beatrice Fletcher. It runs for an hour and twenty-five minutes.

After Cinderella is pushed too hard by her stepmother and stepsisters, she seeks out assistance from her fairy godmother on how to get bloody revenge on them all.

Here is the trailer:


Cinderella’s Revenge attempts to give us a slasher spin on the classic fairy-tale, but does it do enough to earn a watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Quiver Distribution

Natasha Henstridge is a wicked fun fairy godmother!

OK, she was the one good part of this film. She was the only one who showed off any real acting skills and she lightened up the tone a lot, giving me a few moments of fun to relish in. I’m not sure why she signed on to this movie, but her presence certainly helped it. Just not enough…

Images courtesy of Quiver Distribution

The slasher adaptation had potential.

It took way too long to get to the slasher side of things, but we had some potential with this premise and a couple of bloody fun kills. I’m all for turning fairy-tales into horror films because they already dabble in this genre in many of the original stories. The intention was certainly there, but it just didn’t translate well as a whole.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Quiver Distribution

By the numbers for the first half.

It honestly felt like I was just watching a really bad reenactment for the first half of this movie. The story followed the fairy-tale events almost exactly. This would have been fine, but it was excruciating to sit through. The acting was horrendous and the execution was flat and boring. Things turned around at the forty-five minute mark, but it was too late at this point.

Too many random and odd choices.

This film thought it was a lot more clever than it actually was. It took itself way too seriously at times and some of the updates to the classic story were beyond ridiculous. I’m also not sure what was with the random gratuitous sex scenes. They just felt really out of place and awkward. I almost thought I started another movie without realizing it.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Quiver Distribution

Unfortunately I’m out on this one…

Cinderella’s Revenge needed to go full camp and it definitely needed more Natasha Henstridge to truly deliver on its premise.

I really wanted to like this movie and I love low-budget slasher films, but this one seemed very confused about its actual intention, making this a puzzling and frustrating watch overall.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts on Cinderella’s Revenge 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 “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” in Theaters: Revenge Looks Good on Anya Taylor-Joy!

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

“Promise me you’ll find your way home…”

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga is a post-apocalyptic action film in the Mad Max franchise. It is a prequel to Mad Max: Fury Road. Furiosa released on May 24th 2024. The film stars Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Hemsworth, Tom Burke, and Charlee Fraser. It runs for two hours and twenty-eight minutes.

After being abducted as a child by a warlord named Dementus, Furiosa finds herself caught up in a never-ending battle as she tries to find her way home while seeking revenge on the person who took everything from her.

Here is the trailer:

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga gives us a layered prequel filled with plenty of fantastic moments, along with some gorgeous cinematography and two top-notch performances. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

Anya Taylor-Joy is perfection!

She never disappoints and she exceeded my expectations in this film. She was so captivating to watch. The actress who played the young Furiosa did a great job as well and I thought that Chris Hemsworth transformed himself into an almost unrecognizable villain, making him a worthy foe.

Images courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

Seamless balance of story-telling and action!

I thought this was executed exceptionally well. The story was so interesting and it really built so many important and necessary layers for Furiosa, which made this a satisfying prequel. The cinematography complimented the overall vibe so well and I felt like I was transported to another place and time.

Plus, we got plenty of action to keep up with Fury Road.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

On the longer side…

I really don’t have many cons for this film. I’m not a fan of movies that run over two hours, but everything in this one needed to be fleshed out so I’m not really complaining here. The film still held my attention the entire time.

I wouldn’t say that this film was as good as Fury Road, but it definitely held its own.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

I’m in!!

Furiosa is a satisfying revenge prequel that is brilliantly executed on the big screen.

Anya Taylor-Joy delivers a powerful performance worth talking about!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts on Furiosa 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 “Breathe” on Demand: A Waste of Air

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

“You need to support each other…”

Breathe released on demand on April 26th 2024. The sci-fi thriller film stars Jennifer Hudson, Milla Jovovich, Sam Worthington, and Common. It runs for approximately 93 minutes.

Maya and her daughter live in a bunker when the earth becomes uninhabitable due to lack of oxygen. When two people arrive seeking shelter with information on her missing husband, she must decide whether or not to trust them.

Here is the trailer:

Breathe has a decent cast and a premise with potential, but does it do enough to earn a watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Capstone Pictures

Recognizable cast.

One of the main reasons I tuned into this one was because of the cast. There were quite a few familiar faces and the premise had some potential. I’m getting a little tired of the post-apocalyptic genre, but I was hoping for a sci-fi version of Panic Room based off of the trailer.

We didn’t quite reach that level though…

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Capstone Pictures

Lacks suspense.

I really wanted to like this one, but it took itself way too seriously. The over-acting made everything laughable and outrageous. I was surprised by this because Milla and Sam have been in quite a few movies.

The movie was on the shorter side, but it felt like I was watching it forever.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Capstone Pictures

Unfortunately I’m out on this one…

Breathe (2024) had the opportunity to embrace a straightforward thriller premise, but it lost itself along the way with a flat story-line and minimal tension, which was disappointing.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Breathe 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 Strangers: Chapter 1” in Theaters: What was the point?

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

“Why are you doing this to us?”

The Strangers: Chapter 1 released in theaters on May 17th 2024. The slasher horror film stars Madelaine Petsch and Froy Gutierrez. It runs for approximately 90 minutes.

After their car breaks down in a small town in Oregon, a young couple is forced to spend the night in a remote cabin. They are soon terrorized by three masked strangers with no motive, as they desperately try to survive the night.

Here is the trailer:

The Strangers: Chapter 1 continues the violent franchise with this latest reboot, but does it do enough to separate itself from the original film? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Lionsgate

Look out for Madelaine Petsch!

I bought my ticket for her and she served with all she had! I’m a huge fan of hers from Riverdale and I think that she is a Scream Queen in the making for sure. I hope to see her cast in more roles soon. She was the best part of this movie and gave it all she had. Plus, I loved her nail polish color!

Froy Gutierrez wasn’t bad either and I thought they were believable as a couple for the most part.

There were a few suspenseful moments sprinkled in. I liked the scenes in the woods, which had an eerie vibe.

The pros stop here though…

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Lionsgate

Follows the original film VERBATIM!

I just did my re-watch of the 2008 film as well as The Strangers: Prey at Night (2018) and I couldn’t believe that this film followed the original one almost exactly. I’m fine with this being a reboot, but give us something new here! This was so incredibly frustrating to watch on screen and it dissolved any potential moments of suspense and tension because I already knew what was going to happen.

I’m not sure why we went in this direction and I have no idea why we need two more of these films if this is what we’re doing?

We can do a lot better here…

Images courtesy of Lionsgate

Dumb decisions!

As much as I like both of these actors, their characters made some of the worst decisions I’ve ever seen in a horror film. My favorite film of the franchise is The Strangers: Prey at Night because it’s fun and campy. But I will give The Strangers (2008) credit for creating a realistic and horrifying nightmare that still haunts me to this day. That feeling of authenticity was missing from this reboot and a lot of that came from the dumb decisions made by these characters.

There were so many opportunities to run or find a weapon and for some reason they wanted to have a precious moment together or just stare at the door willing the intruders to go away. Really? Do you think that’s going to work?

The ending felt so watered down and I could care less about the set-up at the end for the next film. I JUST WANT TO KNOW WHO TAMARA IS! Sigh…

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Lionsgate

I’m 50/50 on this one…

Look, I’m in for Madelaine Petsch, but she deserved a MUCH better film here and so did the audience.

The Strangers: Chapter 1 wasn’t horrible, but it was a pointless remake that had very little to say, which was beyond disappointing. I really hope that the next two films do something different.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on The Strangers: Chapter 1 in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

A Halloween they’ll never forget…

Scream Hunt Promo window

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!

Spoiler-Free Review of “The Last Stop in Yuma County” on Demand: Captivating in All the Right Ways!

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

“We’re famous for our pie…”

The Last Stop in Yuma County released on demand on May 10th 2024. The crime thriller film stars Jocelin Donahue, Jim Cummings, Richard Brake, Nicholas Logan, Faizon Love, Connor Paolo, and Sierra McCormick. It runs for approximately an hour and thirty minutes.

A traveling knife salesman and a waitress get thrown into a hostage situation when two bank robbers show up at a diner.

Here is the trailer:

The Last Stop in Yuma County is an entertaining and rewarding experience from beginning to end with a talented cast. Is it worthy of YOUR next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Well Go USA Entertainment

Will keep you on the edge of your seat!

The feeling of intensity and dread that this film created was so well done. I found myself glued to the screen the entire time. In a lot of ways, The Last Stop in Yuma County had a Tarantino vibe going on, but it also successfully found its own voice and branched out into something well beyond that. My heart was pounding during so many key moments, but I also loved how realistic this felt, making this watch so much more interesting for me.

Images courtesy of Well Go USA Entertainment

Successfully transports the audience to another time and place.

I love movies that can accomplish this and it’s no easy task. Even though it was never mentioned what time period we were in, it felt very much like the 1970’s. This film was impressively shot and I honestly felt like I was right there in the diner with everyone else.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Well Go USA Entertainment

With all the build-up, I wanted a touch more.

The wait definitely paid off, but I guess I just wanted a little more because it was incredible to watch unfold. The film also re-routed itself for the last twenty-five minutes or so, which wasn’t as satisfying as the rest of the movie. It was still interesting enough, however.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Well Go USA Entertainment

I’m in!!!

The Last Stop in Yuma County brilliantly executes a straightforward premise, delivering a note-worthy cinematic experience.

We need more films like this!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on The Last Stop in Yuma County 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! 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 “Humane” on Demand: Enrico Colantoni is Bloody Entertaining

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

“Humanity is the opposing side…”

Humane released on demand on April 26th 2024. The horror thriller film stars Jay Baruchel, Sebastian Chacon, Emily Hampshire, Peter Gallagher, and Enrico Colantoni. It runs for approximately 93 minutes.

After the collapse of the global environment, the government resorts to extreme measures to reduce the world’s population.

Here is the trailer:

Humane has a thought-provoking and outrageous premise, but does it do enough to earn a watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Shudder

Interesting concept.

I’ve seen a lot of “end of the world” or post-apocalyptic depictions lately in film, but I really think this one stood out as a unique gem. The idea behind it all was very intriguing and it got me thinking about a lot. I had tons of questions, which made this an engaging watch overall. I think this film will definitely create some interesting discussions and I loved the use of gore. I hope to see more from this director soon.

Images courtesy of Shudder

Enrico Colantoni is the best part of the film!

I’m a huge fan of his from the Veronica Mars days and I really loved his dark humor and quirkiness in this one. He elevated this film in so many ways and as soon as it started dragging, I was thrown right into things again because of his reactions. I absolutely loved him in this!

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Shudder

I wasn’t fully invested in the rest of the characters…

For some reason, I just couldn’t connect to any of them so I didn’t care about what happened to them. I think we needed some more character development to actually root for anyone or see them interact more as a family. I didn’t need this movie to be that much longer, but there was some opportunity here for sure.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Shudder

I’m in about 75 percent…

Humane is fresh, bloody, and entertaining enough for your next watch.

It didn’t exactly stick the landing, but it did something different, which I appreciated.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Humane 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 “Pretty Little Liars: Summer School” on Max: Our Final Girls are Back and Better than Ever!

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

“A is out there…”

Pretty Little Liars: Summer School is the second season of Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin. Season two premiered on May 9th 2024 with the first two episodes on Max. The remaining six episodes will release weekly. The teen mystery drama series (based on Pretty Little Liars) stars Bailee Madison, Chandler Kinney, Maia Reficco, Malia Pyles, and Faran Bryant. Each episode runs for approximately 50-52 minutes.

After surviving a brutal killing spree, the girls are forced to attend summer school together while now being targeted by a killer named “Bloody Rose Waters.”

Here is the trailer:

Pretty Little Liars: Summer School stays true to its slasher spin, introducing us to some new characters and some fantastic music to indulge in. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Max

Love these Final Girls!

I didn’t know if this series really needed a second season since it pretty much wrapped up everything at the end of season one, but I’m so happy that each character is getting more screen time this time around. Original Sin centered primarily on Imogen and Tabby so it’s nice to see the other characters getting a chance to shine.

I also really like the way the series is exploring the aftermath of the events from Original Sin and how it is impacting the girls and their relationships with others. In a lot of ways, it reminds me of The Final Girl Support Group by Grady Hendrix.

We are learning more about each of the characters and getting a chance to see them grow. We’ve also got a few new potential love interests as well, which will keeps things fresh.

Images courtesy of Max

Hooked already.

I’ve been watching PLL since the original series and have seen every spin-off. I’m happy to report that I am just as hooked with this new season. It may not have been needed, but so far I’m digging the “hot girl summer” with a new masked killer on the loose. I hope we get some more epic chase scenes because they were really great last season.

I can’t wait to see how this all unfolds!

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Max

The sub-plots are a little boring so far…

I’m hoping this improves. PLL is known for having a balance of a solid killer mystery and juicy drama, but so far I’ve been a little bored during the fluff moments. I do like a few of the new characters and I’m sensing a spark between certain characters, but some of the transitions feel a little forced.

Episode two was a lot stronger than episode one so I’m remaining confident that we’ll get back on track with the mystery and I’d love to see some kills with a touch more gore sprinkled in to hold my attention.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Max

I’m in!

Pretty Little Liars: Summer School is just as addicting as season one, presenting us with a new mystery with lots of potential and some slasher fun for good measure.

It’s safe to say that I will be tuning in each week for this one!

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

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

A Halloween they’ll never forget…

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!

Spoiler-Free Review of “Something in the Water” on Demand: Sharks Crash a Girls Trip

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

“Take a deep breath…”

Something in the Water released on Demand on May 3rd 2024. The survival horror film stars Hiftu Quasem, Natalie Mitson, Lauren Lyle, Nicole Rieko Setsuko, and Ellouise Shakespeare-Hart. It runs for approximately an hour and twenty-five minutes.

Five best friends must fight to survive in open water when their vacation excursion turns into a nightmare.

Here is the trailer:

Something in the Water has a few suspenseful moments sprinkled in, but it would have benefited from some more shark appearances. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Samuel Goldwyn Films

Some genuinely suspenseful moments.

There definitely needed to be a lot more of them, but there were a few well-done scenes that had me on the edge of my seat. It’s no secret that the shark aquatic horror genre is one of my favorites and I did get invested here.

The setting was aesthetically pleasing and I’m always up for any kind of trip gone horribly wrong…so this film had a lot going for it on paper.

There were a few stand-out characters to root for as well. Usually I’m rooting for the shark in these types of films, but I actually did care about the outcome for a few of the girls.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Samuel Goldwyn Films

Minimal shark action…

This was probably my biggest con with this film. I think I would have liked it a lot better if more sharks had actually shown up.

It seemed like we were spending an eternity treading water and by the time we got to the more suspenseful moments, I had lost some interest.

I came for the sharks and I expected a lot more in this department…

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Samuel Goldwyn Films

I’m 50/50 on this one…

Something in the Water doesn’t offer the audience anything new here, but I’m addicted to shark films so I’ll keep coming back for more.

If you’re looking for a solid shark flick that isn’t Jaws or Deep Blue Sea, I’d recommend The Shallows, 47 Meters Down, or The Reef. For some silly fun, try Shark Bait.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Something in the Water 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 “Tarot” in Theaters: Gimmicky Version of Final Destination Feels Familiar

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

“I’ve never seen cards like this before…”

Tarot released in theaters on May 3rd 2024. The supernatural horror film stars Harriet Slater, Avantika Vandananapu, Jacob Batalon, and Adain Bradley. It runs for approximately an hour and thirty minutes.

A group of friends unknowingly unleash a curse on them when they conduct horoscope readings with a box of tarot cards they find.

Here is the trailer:

Tarot attempts to channel films like Final Destination and Stay Alive, but does it do enough to earn a watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Sony Pictures

2000’s horror nostalgia.

This film brought me back to films like Final Destination, Stay Alive, and One Missed Call. I wouldn’t say that it was as good as any of those, but the premise was fun and creepy enough. There were a few stand-out characters to root for and it didn’t waste too much time with unnecessary fluff.

Images courtesy of Sony Pictures

Investigating the lore behind it all was actually interesting.

I was honestly impressed by the background provided for what was causing the curse on the deck of cards. The film was based off of a 1992 novel named Horrorscope and that probably helped with this. It enhanced the premise a lot more and I was more invested in the outcome because of it.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Sony Pictures

Predictable with mostly cheesy scares.

There were actually a few well done scares toward the end, but the majority of them felt really watered down…especially in the beginning. This film needed some more edge and perhaps a decent twist to make it stand out. When it leaned more on twisted fun with its villains, it worked better. The dialogue wasn’t great and everything felt very rushed. I wish they would have spent a little bit more time on the lore because that was the most interesting part.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Sony Pictures

I’m in about 75 percent…

Tarot has 2000’s horror energy with some creepy moments built in, but it needed to embrace some twisted fun to make it truly shine. 

I wouldn’t say that you need to rush to the theaters to see this one, but it’s worth a quick watch when it comes to streaming.

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