Month: October 2024

Spoiler-Free Review of “Caddo Lake” on Max: Over-Complicated Thriller

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

“What happened will always be a part of you…”

Caddo Lake released on October 10th 2024 on Max. The mystery thriller film stars Dylan O’Brien, Eliza Scanlen, Diana Hopper, and Lauren Ambrose. It runs for approximately an hour and forty-two minutes.

When an eight-year-old girl goes missing near a lake, a series of past disappearances begin to connect to the mystery as two protagonists search for answers. 

Here is the trailer:

Caddo Lake features some eerie moments and a solid mystery at its core, but is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Max

Solid performances.

I thought that both Dylan O’Brien and Eliza Scanlen did a good job here. They were convincing and they put forth some compelling emotions. I wish we had gotten a chance to peel back some more layers for their characters, but the intention was there and it kept me invested in the outcome of this film.

Eerie mystery.

I really was intrigued by this mystery and wanted to know more as soon as the hook was introduced. The lake was the perfect backdrop for this film, channeling some chilling and trippy vibes. The first half of this film really drew me in, but unfortunately it lost steam as things continued…

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Max

Gets lost in its reveal…

I didn’t see the twist coming, but I really wasn’t feeling it. Honestly, it just confused me. Everything felt so messy and over-complicated. The transitions between the two main characters were sloppy and I lost all interest by the time I got to the end. This really frustrated me because we had a simple enough mystery to lure us in and I was perfectly fine with accepting it as that. Sometimes less is more when it comes to these types of thrillers…

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Max

I’m 50/50 on this one…

Caddo Lake sets the stage for an eerie thriller and has some redeeming elements, but it ultimately goes off course with its messy and perplexing reveal.

I liked the actors in this one, but this was a confusing watch for me overall.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Caddo Lake 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 “Hold Your Breath” on Hulu: Sarah Paulson Inhales Too Much Dust

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

“There’s always a storm coming…”

Hold Your Breath released on October 3rd 2024 on Hulu. The psychological horror drama film stars Sarah Paulson, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Amiah Miller. It runs for approximately an hour and thirty-four minutes.

Set in 1930’s Oklahoma, a woman is convinced that a sinister presence is threatening her family during a series of dust storms.

Here is the trailer:

Hold Your Breath features a solid performance by Sarah Paulson, giving us some eerie vibes to appreciate, but is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Hulu

Sarah Paulson delivers.

This really should come as no surprise. Sarah Paulson is exceptional in absolutely everything. I thought she had a strong presence in this film, elevating the plot in so many ways. She could have easily gone off the rails with this character, but she remained convincing and compelling, holding my attention until the very end.

Images courtesy of Hulu

Creepy moments.

This film did a solid job with its terrifying elements. I’m always a fan of the moments that don’t reveal everything out in the open and I thought this film effectively channeled that for the most part. While I had my theories about what was going on, there were some scenes that really went for it without holding back, luring me into the bizarre madness circling this family.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Hulu

Predictable reveal.

Be prepared for a slow burn here. There were some pacing issues to deal with, but I was hoping we would get a mind-altering reveal. The reveal was fine, but I could see it coming a mile away, which was disappointing. Sarah Paulson was really good in this so I guess I just wanted a better movie for her. This wasn’t awful by any means, but it never really ignited a spark of brilliance and I think it could have with a little more effort behind the plot.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Hulu

I’m in about 75 percent…

Hold Your Breath effectively creates some eerie and terrifying moments with Sarah Paulson front and center, but it loses steam as everything is revealed.

This film was decent enough for a watch, but I’m not sure that I would go back to it again.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Hold Your Breath 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 “Spin the Bottle” on Demand: A Game Gone Wrong We’ve Seen Before

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

“I have a great game for us to play…”

Spin the Bottle released on Demand on October 4th 2024. The supernatural horror film stars Tanner Stine, Kaylee Kaneshiro, Ali Larter, and Justin Long. It runs for approximately two hours and five minutes.

Years after a brutal massacre, a group of teens play spin the bottle and accidentally release an evil entity that targets them all one by one.

Here is the trailer:

Spin the Bottle is the latest film to take a party game and turn it into something sinister. Is it worthy of YOUR next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Paramount Pictures

Make way for horror royalty!

Justin Long and Ali Larter are no strangers to horror and it was great to see them show up in this film. I just wish they got a little more screen time! Justin Long elevates whatever he’s in and definitely helped this film out a little bit. Things felt very serious, but he had a few moments to lighten the mood.

Images courtesy of Paramount Pictures

A premise with potential.

Sure, the games gone wrong for teens theme has been done a million times, but it’s a guilty pleasure genre that I enjoy and I thought this one had some serious potential. There was definitely some 2000’s horror nostalgia here. If you enjoyed the recent film, Tarot, this flick had a similar vibe.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Paramount Pictures

Way too long…

This movie was just over two hours long, which was completely unnecessary. Films like this should be no more than 90 minutes. The pacing was slow at certain points and I really had to power through a lot. Some of the dialogue was terrible (although I kind of expected that) and this film didn’t present us with anything new in this genre.

I’ve seen this movie a million times before and executed a lot better.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Paramount Pictures

I’m 50/50 on this one…

Spin the Bottle had potential to shine as a b-horror film with some familiar faces, but it failed to do anything that new or exciting.

We don’t need to make every party game into a horror movie…although I’ll probably keep watching them!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Spin the Bottle 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 “House of Spoils” on Prime Video: Ariana DeBose Shows Off Her Insane Culinary Skills

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

“You said you can handle it…”

House of Spoils released on Prime Video on October 3rd 2024. The supernatural horror film stars Ariana DeBose, Barbie Ferreira, and Arian Moayed. It runs for approximately an hour and forty-two minutes.

A chef accepts a new opportunity at a remote estate, but a haunting presence begins to sabotage her inventive meals, threatening her job and sanity.

Here is the trailer:

House of Spoils features a noteworthy performance by Ariana DeBose, but its bewildering and chaotic plot goes off course. Is it worthy of YOUR next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Prime Video

Ariana DeBose gives it her all!

She literally CARRIED this film. Honestly, I would have tuned out a lot sooner, but I thought she gave a convincing performance. Her character was not without flaws, but she really portrayed someone with a fiery passion for her craft and I think it worked well here. I also really liked the witchy elements. I just wish we got more of them to give this film the creepy boost it needed.

Images courtesy of Prime Video

The food prep and presentations were actually interesting!

I felt like I stumbled across a bizarre version of The Bear. I actually really liked the food prep scenes. Horror films have been dipping into the culinary world more recently with films like The Menu and What You Wish For. Both of those films were exceptional and I can see why others would want to try their hand at this genre.

I’m not sure that the supernatural aspects worked, but there were some interesting moments sprinkled in here.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Prime Video

Goes completely off the rails!

And not in a good way. The movie was a slow burn, but once it revealed its intention, I was really confused. The suspense really wasn’t there and everything just felt so chaotic and silly by the time I got to the end, which was disappointing. I’m not sure what the writers were smoking here…

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Prime Video

I’m 50/50 on this one…

House of Spoils gives Ariana DeBose another opportunity to shine, but its plot spirals out of control, making this a confusing and uneventful watch overall.

If you’re looking for a twisted take on the cooking world, I’d recommend What You Wish For instead.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on House of Spoils 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 “It’s What’s Inside” on Netflix: Twisted Fun!

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

“I want this to be a special night…”

It’s What’s Inside released on Netflix on October 4th 2024. The dark comedy horror film stars Alycia Debnam-Carey, Brittany O’Grady, James Morosini, Devon Terrell, and David W. Thompson. It runs for approximately an hour and forty-four minutes.

A pre-wedding reunion goes horribly wrong when a mysterious suitcase arrives, unleashing a psychological nightmare on all of its participants, threatening friendships and relationships.

Here is the trailer:

It’s What’s Inside is a bonkers watch filled with lots of fun and shocking reveals that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Is it worthy of YOUR next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Super fun!

This film definitely channeled Bodies Bodies Bodies in a lot of ways. While not all of the humor landed for me personally, I liked that it didn’t take itself too seriously. The vibe worked in this trippy flick and I dug the sci-fi/psychological elements as well, almost reminding me a little bit of Flatliners.

We had some familiar faces in this one and I’ll always watch whatever Alycia Debnam-Carey is in. She’s an underrated scream queen and deserves more attention.

Images courtesy of Netflix

A shocking moment that kicked things up a notch.

There will be no spoilers in this review, but there was a huge moment that gave this film the deliciously dark edge it needed. My jaw dropped and I was hooked immediately. If you’re thinking of tuning out because of the fluff in the beginning, stick around. This film truly went for it and embraced its trippy plot without holding back.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Messy and over-complicated toward the end.

I really dug this movie, but it did start to spiral out of control by the end. I was slightly confused and had to go back a few times to fully piece everything together. It definitely went for something unique here, but I’m not sure that it fully stuck the landing.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Netflix

I’m in!!!

It’s What’s Inside is fresh and original with a satisfying hook that delivers with brilliant madness.

I was so hyped to watch this film and I think it absolutely delivered!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on It’s What’s Inside 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 “Salem’s Lot” (2024) on Max: Has Some Bite!

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

“It’s one of a kind…”

Salem’s Lot (2024) premiered on Max on October 3rd 2024. The supernatural horror film (based on the Stephen King novel) stars Lewis Pullman, Makenzie Leigh, Alfre Woodard, Bill Camp, and Jordan Preston Carter. It runs for an hour and fifty-four minutes.

Author, Ben Mears returns to his home town for inspiration, but soon discovers that the people there are turning into vampires.

Here is the trailer:

Salem’s Lot (2024) is the third adaptation of Stephen King’s novel, but does it do enough to set itself apart from other vampire films? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Max

Entertaining cast and setting!

I really like Lewis Pullman and it was great to see him in another horror film. I think the cast did a decent job here. The characters were likable enough and there were a few stand-outs to root for. I always love being transported to another place and time and I loved exploring this town through a new lens.

Images courtesy of Max

Some eerie and unsettling scenes!

I preferred the earlier scenes in this film. There was this tense and mysterious vibe that worked very well. Once things were out in the open, it felt a little forced and predictable. The ending scene was done very well; however, and I loved the change in scenery.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Max

Rushed and cheesy at times.

My biggest con for this film was that it felt super rushed. We didn’t get enough time to flesh out these characters, which was disappointing. I get that it’s difficult to jam-pack everything from a novel into two hours, but there was room for development here so that we could care more about the fate of each character. I think that Mike Flanagan did a much better job with his interpretation in Midnight Mass. Granted, that was a series, but this film needed more layers like that.

I also thought the vampire scares were a little cheesy and gimmicky. I much preferred the scenes where you didn’t see what was going on.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Max

I’m in about 75 percent…

Salem’s Lot (2024) is a watchable adaptation with some entertaining moments, filling in nicely as a quick “movie of the week.”

Ultimately, I don’t think it reached its full potential, but if you like vampire flicks, there’s enough here to enjoy.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Salem’s Lot 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 Halloween

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 “Speak No Evil” (2024) in Theaters: An Intense Ride!

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

“To new friends…”

Speak No Evil (2024) released in theaters on September 13th 2024 and is now available to watch on demand as of October 1st 2024. The psychological horror film (a remake of the 2022 Danish film of the same name) stars James McAvoy, Mackenzie Davis, Aisling Franciosi, and Scoot McNairy. It runs for approximately an hour and fifty minutes.

A relaxing weekend away turns into a nightmare when an American couple and their daughter visit a British couple they met on vacation.

Here is the trailer:


Speak No Evil (2024) takes a generic premise to the next level with exceptional performances. Is it worthy of YOUR next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Universal Pictures

James McAvoy and Mackenzie Davis are bloody fantastic!

I expected James McAvoy to excel in this role and he exceeded my expectations and then some. He ALWAYS understands the assignment. I loved him in Split and he put forth his deranged portrayal with twisted charm in Speak No Evil. He’s such a great actor and I love seeing him in films like this. More please!

Mackenzie Davis was a wonderful surprise. I absolutely loved her in this and thought she was inventive and bad-ass. I was cheering for her during so many key scenes.

Images courtesy of Universal Pictures

A well paced thriller that leads up to a shocking and satisfying conclusion!

Even though this film was a little longer than I like my thrillers, I never looked at the time once. It had a steady momentum and seamless transitions, making this an effortless watch. There were so many unsettling moments building toward something sinister and I was so excited when we actually got there. This did not disappoint! I dropped my jaw at that ending. Wow!

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Universal Pictures

Dumb decisions made by characters early on.

Luckily they got their act together, but it took them way too long to do so. There were a lot of moments that had me scratching my head. Seriously, why would you still be there? I mean, I guess we wouldn’t have a movie otherwise, but still…

The trailers also revealed a little too much in my opinion and I’m still not sure why they were played at literally EVERY single movie I went to see for months. I wish I had gone into this one blind. I didn’t see the Danish film (although I hear that was exceptional as well), but I think this would have been a five star watch for me without the excessive trailers.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Universal Pictures

I’m in!!!

Speak No Evil (2024) is a genuinely thrilling watch from start to finish. James McAvoy gives us unhinged perfection once again and I’m all for it!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Speak No Evil 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 Curse of the Necklace” on Demand: Nothing New Here…

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

“I think you’ll really like this…”

The Curse of the Necklace released on Demand on October 1st 2024. The supernatural horror film stars Sarah Lind, Violet McGraw, Madeleine McGraw, Henry Thomas, Roma Maffia, and Felix Solis. It runs for approximately an hour and forty minutes.

Set in the 1960’s, a mother tries to cope with separating from her husband, but when he gives her a cursed necklace that her daughter tries on for fun, a spirit wreaks havoc on her entire family.

Here is the trailer:

The Curse of the Necklace has an eerie enough premise and a recognizable cast, but does it do enough to earn a watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

The McGraw sisters have potential!

The McGraw sisters have been giving us some solid performances in horror so far. Madeleine starred in The Black Phone and Violet was recently in M3GAN. It was great seeing them appear together in a horror film. Obviously it made them more believable as sisters, but I think they have a lot of talent and a real future in this genre.

Also, Nip Tuck’s Roma Maffia was a scene stealer and prevented this movie from being a total dud.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

A movie I’ve seen a million times before.

Family trauma mixed with some kind of supernatural evil presence. It’s a formula I’ve seen over and over again and this film fell right into that trap, giving in too easily to tropes and presenting us with watered down scares. There were a few genuinely creepy and disturbing moments, but I had to really search for them.

The dialogue wasn’t great (even though we had a great cast) and the plot felt like it was slapped together last minute. Everything just felt very predictable and ultimately forgettable. This movie borrowed too much from other films and never really found its own way, which was disappointing.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

Unfortunately I’m out on this one…

The Curse of the Necklace had some glimmers of creepy potential, but it relied too much on watered down scares and a trope heavy plot.

The McGraw girls need to be in more horror films, however!

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

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!

Play if you dare…

Dash and Seek is available here!

**If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe.  Thanks for your support!