Month: June 2024

Spoiler-Free Review of “Stupid Games” on Mometu: Girl Power to the Max!

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

“Play stupid games…win stupid prizes…”

Stupid Games originally released on March 22nd 2024 and is now currently available to stream for free on Mometu. The supernatural horror film stars Cass Huckabay, Alyssa Tortomasi, Saad Rolando, Gage Robinson, and Ashwini Ganpule. It runs for an hour and twenty-six minutes.

The girls invite over three men for a dinner party, but things spiral out of control when they begin to play a game with deadly consequences.

Here is the trailer:

Stupid Games is a clever B-movie that maintains a decent level of intensity until the very end. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of V Channels

The girls rule!!!

OK, I absolutely loved these three. Cass Huckabay is absolutely delightful in this and I really liked the other female characters as well. In a lot of ways, this film reminded me of We Summon the Darkness. It successfully channeled that vibe in a killer way while still maintaining its own identity. Normally, I can’t stand set-up and fluff, but I actually really enjoyed the banter between these characters and thought the female characters were a lot of fun.

More please!

Twisted ending.

There was a lot of build-up in this one and I was actually on the edge of my seat. The last twenty minutes were fantastic and I really enjoyed the ending. This film didn’t hold back. It unleashed some insane moments that were well worth the wait. I loved how campy this was.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of V Channels

Takes a little while to get going.

This wasn’t a major con, but the second half of the movie was a lot stronger and really turned things up a notch. The first half was entertaining enough, but things really start to get going when we get to the actual game.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of V Channels

I’m in!!!

Stupid Games is wicked fun!

I love when lower budget horror films excel like this. I highly recommend this one if you enjoy horror B-movies. It’s worth indulging in.

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

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Spoiler-Free Review of “Amp House Massacre” on Demand: The Killer Price of Internet Fame

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

“I’m your biggest fan…”

Amp House Massacre released on demand on June 25th 2024. The horror slasher film stars Kara Royster, Pedro Correa, Chris O’Neal, and Ana Osorio. It runs for approximately an hour and twenty minutes.

While staying at an exclusive mansion, a group of influencers wind up caught in a deadly game that reveals each of their secrets to the others.

Here is the trailer:

Amp House Massacre has a fantastic premise for a slasher film, but does it translate well on the screen? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Mill Creek Entertainment

A premise I was super excited about!

I’ve seen plenty of horror films leaning into the influencer craze lately, but I really thought that this premise was exceptional. It put a Bodies Bodies Bodies spin on things and had the potential to be a bloody fantastic film. I’m always up for a low budget slasher!

Some inventive kills.

I wanted to see more gore and I think a few of the kills could have been dragged out a little more to really make an impact, but there were some creative options used here, which I appreciated as a slasher fan.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Mill Creek Entertainment

Takes a while to settle in…

This was a shorter film, but I found myself losing interest until the killer started to shake things up. I could have done without some of the excessive fluff personally.

Also, there was some CRAZY over-acting going on in this one. We got some random yelling and crying that was so bad, it was funny. I’ve seen some of these actors in other things so this was confusing. It just felt very amateur.

I started to like everything more as the killer games started, but I thought that the ending was a dud, which was disappointing.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Mill Creek Entertainment

I’m 50/50 on this one…

Amp House Massacre has a really cool premise for a slasher film, but it needed to flesh things out fully to bring the idea to life.

If you enjoy lower budget slashers, this is a quick enough watch with a few sprinkles of killer fun.

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

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Gil

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!

Spoiler-Free Review of “Blackwater Lane” on Demand: Minka Kelly Doesn’t Know Who to Trust…

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

“The only constant is change…”

Blackwater Lane released in limited theaters and on Demand on June 21st 2024. The horror suspense film stars Minka Kelly, Maggie Grace, and Dermot Mulroney. It runs for an hour and forty-eight minutes.

After witnessing a crime while driving during a storm, Cass begins to question her sanity as she starts to wonder if the crime is connected to her in some way.

Here is the trailer:

Blackwater Lane has a solid cast and a chilling mystery built into its plot, but is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Lionsgate

Great cast!

A horror movie starring Minka Kelly AND Maggie Grace?! Sign me up please! I was so excited when I saw that both of these talented ladies were in this one and Dermot Mulroney is no stranger to this genre after recently starring in Scream VI.

I think that everyone did a good enjoy with their roles, but I guess I was hoping for a different kind of movie here. That being said, I enjoyed seeing them together on screen and I hope to see Maggie and Minka in more horror movies in the future.

Images courtesy of Lionsgate

An eerie mystery that captured my attention.

This film didn’t waste too much time in the opening. We got right to the mystery at hand and I have to say that I was drawn in for the most part. I wanted to know what was happening and how it was connected to Minka Kelly’s character.

The setting was aesthetically pleasing and there were some genuinely spooky moments…although I wouldn’t say that anything was that scary. This really felt like more of a psychological thriller than a horror suspense flick.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Lionsgate

Way too long.

I felt like I was watching this film for an exceptionally long time. While the opening got right to the mystery, things started to spiral off and really drag after this. There was A LOT of unnecessary fluff to sift through. The musical score put me to sleep and I thought that the end reveal was kind of predictable. It wasn’t horrible, but I guess I wanted more of a twist here.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Lionsgate

I’m 50/50 on this one…

Blackwater Lane starts off with mysterious potential, but it settles for a safe reveal.

I really wanted to like this movie with that cast, but it needed a serious boost and a better twist to really sell me on it.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Blackwater Lane 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 “Trigger Warning” on Netflix: Jessica Alba Gives it Her All…

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

“I can’t stay…”

Trigger Warning premiered on Netflix on June 21st 2024. The action thriller film stars Jessica Alba, Mark Webber, Gabriel Basso, Tone Bell, Jake Weary, and Anthony Michael Hall. It runs for an hour and forty-five minutes.

After returning to her hometown after the news of her father’s death, a special forces commando suspects that a violent local gang may be responsible.

Here is the trailer:

Trigger Warning is a familiar thriller by the numbers, but Jessica Alba tries her best to elevate it as much as she can. Is it worthy of YOUR next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Jessica Alba kicks ass!

OK, she’s the main reason why I tuned into this one and she was absolutely bad-ass. She didn’t just elevate this film…she CARRIED it. It was a lot of fun seeing her on the screen again and I hope she gets the chance to star in more action thrillers, because this is where she shines.

Can we also talk about how she hasn’t aged a day? I feel like I’m watching Dark Angel right now!

There were some cool fight scenes and some decent action as well, but don’t expect anything that new or exciting here…

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Slow moving at times with painful dialogue.

I prefer fast-paced action thrillers and while this film had enough of these moments sprinkled in, it also felt really slow at times. Jessica Alba was fantastic, but some of the dialogue was cringe-worthy. Everything also felt very safe and predictable. I was hoping for a bit more here. I’m all for B movie action thrillers with a female lead, but I just wanted this film to break out into something truly raw and brutal.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Netflix

I’m in about 75 percent…

Trigger Warning is very much a “movie of the week” action thriller.

If you’re looking for a quick weekend watch, there is enough here and Jessica Alba is absolutely worth the watch. I just wanted some more substance.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Trigger Warning 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 “Scream Therapy” on Demand: A Decent Horror Comedy

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

“We are kidnapping you for the weekend…”

Scream Therapy released on demand on June 18th 2024. The horror comedy film stars Harley Bronwyn, Claire Dellamar, Mandie Cheung, Brian Flaccus, and Skyler Bible. It runs for approximately an hour and twenty minutes.

Five friends head out on a weekend trip to the desert when they cross paths with a group of men who plan to sacrifice them before the sun comes up.

Here is the trailer:

Scream Therapy is an entertaining horror comedy that actually delivers with some of its banter and movie references, leaning more on the comedy side of the genre. Is it worthy of YOUR next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Treehouse Productions

Believable friendships.

I actually really appreciated that this film took the time to flesh this out. We didn’t get too much background on any of the characters, but you could tell that they were all close friends from their interactions. It helped me root for them that much more.

A lot of the jokes actually landed for me.

Not all of them, but I was surprised by how much I actually laughed during this one. I loved the banter and the movie references as well. It didn’t feel forced, which was really refreshing.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Treehouse Productions

Needed to lean more into the horror side of things.

I loved the cheesy comedy and the premise of this film, but I wish it dipped a little bit more into the horror side of things. Some over-the-top gore would have been a nice touch. This film clearly had a lower budget, but this would have really sold me on it.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Treehouse Productions

I’m in about 75 percent…

Scream Therapy is mindless fun!

This film was far from perfect, but it was A LOT better than I thought it would be.

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

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Gil

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!

Spoiler-Free Review of “The Watchers” in Theaters: “The Woods are Lovely, Dark and Deep…”

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

“They say it draws in lost souls…”

The Watchers released in theaters on June 7th 2024. The supernatural horror film (written and directed by Ishana Night Shyamalan) stars Dakota Fanning, Georgina Campbell, Oliver Finnegan, and Olwen Fouéré. It runs for approximately an hour and forty-two minutes.

A young artist gets lost in a mysterious forest in Ireland. While looking for shelter, she unknowingly traps herself with three strangers who are being stalked by mysterious creatures when the sun goes down.

Here is the trailer:

The Watchers presents the audience with a layered mystery containing lots of chilling potential, but does it do enough to earn a watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

Breathtaking scenery.

I’ve been seeing a lot of film entries lately set in Ireland and each time, I am presented with some of the most gorgeous scenery ever. Everything in this movie was visually striking. I felt like I was stepping into a watercolor painting filled with mystery and intrigue. Simply magnificent to look at on the big screen!

Images courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

The lore and mystery were really interesting.

I thought the first half of this movie was so well done. It grabbed my attention and I really wanted to find out what was going on. Certain aspects of this movie reminded me of LOST. It was truly interesting to watch unfold and I found myself getting invested in the outcome.

Oh, and the bird was a scene-stealer and my favorite character by far…

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

The first half was a lot better than the second half…

I still found it interesting enough, but I think it attempted to do a little too much. It went completely off the rails in the final act. I’m all for wild twists and reveals, but this one felt overstuffed with them, which ultimately took away from the eerie build-up in the first half of the film.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

I’m in about 75 percent…

The Watchers explores a layered mystery with chilling potential, but it loses steam with its excessive reveals.

This was a complex and intriguing watch overall, but it didn’t stick the landing.

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

Spoiler-Free Review of “What You Wish For” on Demand: The Perfect Thriller for Fans of The Menu

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

“Nice gig…”

What You Wish For released on demand on May 31st 2024. The horror thriller film stars Nick Stahl, Tamsin Topolski, Penelope Mitchell, and Juan Carlos Messier. It runs for approximately an hour and forty minutes.

After fleeing the country to avoid paying back his gambling debt, a chef assumes the identity of an old friend and takes on a gig as a private chef for the wealthy. However, when he finds out the agency’s true motives, he desperately tries to find a way out of his new circumstances.

Here is the trailer:

What You Wish For features an exceptional performance by Nick Stahl in this enthralling thriller that was beyond shocking. Is it worthy of YOUR next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Magnet Releasing

Visually striking.

This film was so gorgeous to look at from the scenery to the food to the lighting. It was very pleasing to the eye despite all of the horrific things that were happening, which enhanced the overall message of the film in a lot of ways.

Nick Stahl gives a worthy performance.

He felt very relatable in this role and I was drawn in by him completely. This was a smaller cast, but everyone did a great job with what they were given. I loved the performances, but Stahl was a stand-out for sure.

Images courtesy of Magnet Releasing

Hooked me right from the start!

Although the first fifteen minutes were a little slow, it quickly turned things around and hooked me with so many shocking reveals. I honestly couldn’t look away. Each shocking moment was so well placed and I really loved that ending.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Magnet Releasing

Go into it blind.

This isn’t really a con, but definitely a recommendation. It’s better if you go into this movie without knowing much about it. It will make the reveals that much more shocking. The trailer gave away a little bit too much in my opinion.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Magnet Releasing

I’m in!!!

What You Wish For is a dark and consuming thriller well worth your time.

I was so pleasantly surprised by this one and highly recommend it, especially if you enjoyed The Menu.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on What You Wish For 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 “Under Paris” on Netflix: My Kind of Shark Flick!

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

“I know where it is…”

Under Paris (Sous la Seine) released on Netflix on June 5th 2024. The French horror thriller film stars Bérénice Bejo, Nassim Lyes, Léa Léviant, and Anne Marivin. It runs for approximately an hour and forty-three minutes.

When a shark finds its way into the Seine, a scientist must face her tragic past in order to stop it from feasting on swimmers in the upcoming triathlon.

Here is the trailer:

Under Paris steps up to the plate as a decent shark flick, channeling Jaws, Deep Blue Sea, and The Meg, while having some bloody, outrageous fun. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Plenty of shark screen time!

I’ve seen way too many shark films lately where the shark barely shows up. Let’s be honest…we’re watching these films for the sharks so we need them to actually appear from time to time…right? Well, have no fear…there is plenty of shark action in this one. I LOVED IT!

Sure, some of it was so absurd and ridiculous, but I didn’t care. This is what I came to see and it delivered in that aspect.

That scene in the Catacombs was BLOODY FANTASTIC!!!!!!!

Images courtesy of Netflix

A lot of fun!

OK, I loved the nods at Jaws and Deep Blue Sea here. This film understood the assignment and just went with it. It wasn’t a rip-off of either of those movies. It had its own story to tell and its own identity, but it also showed some respect to its predecessors, which I appreciated as a shark film fan.

As long as you don’t take things too seriously or try to make sense of stuff, you will enjoy this one. It’s silly and bonkers, but it’s also awesome to watch unfold. I was never bored at all.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Netflix

A little longer than it needed to be…

I think we could have accomplished the same result in just under 90 minutes. This movie dragged a little bit in certain spots, but this wasn’t a major con. The CGI is also really bad at times, but I was having so much fun that I didn’t really care about this…

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Netflix

I’m in!!!

Under Paris is a blast to watch with plenty of bite. Just go with it and you’ll be thoroughly entertained.

Finally, a shark movie that delivers!

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