Month: December 2024

Ranking my Top 10 Television Shows of 2024: Which Shows Made The Cut?

It’s that time of year again! As we get closer and closer to approaching 2025, I thought it would be the perfect time to count down my Top 10 TV Shows of 2024. 

While some returning shows continued strong, others fell off slightly. Meanwhile, some other new shows completely hooked me, making their way into my top 10. There are also still a lot of amazing series I have not watched yet, but I’m hoping to catch up on them in early 2025 so keep those recommendations coming!

Without any further delay, let’s get to my list!

My Top 10 Television Shows of 2024 are:

10

Fool Me Once

Image courtesy of Netflix

It’s no secret that I love Harlan Coben series and Fool Me Once was a captivating mystery that started the year off strong for television. This wasn’t my favorite Harlan Coben series by any means, but it was engrossing enough and very fun to binge-watch!

9

Sweetpea

Image courtesy of Starz

Ella Purnell was bloody fantastic in this dark series that already got picked up for a second season. This one was such a great surprise. It reminded me a lot of Dexter and You, but it still had enough of its own identity to keep me coming back for more.

8

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder

Image courtesy of Netflix

I loved the book and I was so excited to watch this series. It did not disappoint! I thought it successfully captured the feel of the book and reeled in a new audience effortlessly with a layered mystery worthy our time.

7

Found (season 2)

Image courtesy of Peacock

One of my favorite series of 2023 was Found and season 2 started off with a bang! Each episode had a cliffhanger that kept me on the edge of my seat and the dynamic between Gabi and Sir has been insane! I can’t wait for new episodes to return in 2025, but the second season is already off to a promising start.

6

Tell Me Lies (season 2)

Image courtesy of Hulu

Probably the juiciest and most addicting series I have seen in a very long time! In a lot of ways, this series is a modern day 90210 or Melrose Place for me. I was literally counting the days each week for a new episode to arrive and I am so beyond thrilled that it got picked up for a third season. Let the toxic drama continue!

5

Only Murders in the Building (season 4)

 
Image courtesy of Hulu

My favorite season since season 1. Only Murders season 4 was as charming as ever and its cameos and guest stars really elevated everything for me. The mystery was compelling and I loved the offbeat humor even more this time around, making this such an enjoyable watch overall.

4

Agatha All Along

Image courtesy of Disney+

I was waiting for this series for a long time and it was so much fun. I love series about witches and this one didn’t hold back, bringing us dark humor, an AMAZING cast, and plenty of Easter eggs and references to be excited about. More please!

3

The Perfect Couple

Image courtesy of Netflix

Nicole Kidman always manages to star in guilty pleasure mysteries that are so much fun to indulge in. This series definitely stepped up to the plate and held its own. The cast was talented and I thought the mystery was so consuming and interesting. Keep starring in series like this, Nicole. We love to see it!

2

Squid Game (season 2)

Image courtesy of Netflix

I’m still thinking about the second season! It was brutal, addicting, and so intense! I watched all seven episodes in one day. This series is a binge-watcher’s dream. It doesn’t hold anything back and it continues to shock its audience with clever reveals and twists along the way. I’m counting the days until season 3 arrives. OBSESSED!

Drum roll please…

1

X-Men ’97

Image courtesy of Disney+

X-Men: The Animated Series was one of my absolute favorite series growing up and when I heard about this revival, I was so excited. Well, it exceeded my expectations and then some. It had some of the most captivating episodes I have ever watched on television and I am still heartbroken over a few key moments. I haven’t been this invested in a series since Buffy the Vampire Slayer. It was absolute perfection for me and deserves the top spot on my list without question.

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post some of YOUR favorite television shows of 2024. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing in the new year!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

Ranking my Top 10 Films of 2024: Which Movies Made The Cut?

It’s that time of year again! As we get closer and closer to approaching 2025, I thought it would be the perfect time to count down my Top 10 Films of 2024.

There are still a lot of movies that I have not seen yet, but I wanted to highlight some of my favorites of the year so far!

My Top 10 Films of 2024 are:

10

Late Night with the Devil

Image courtesy of Shudder

I went into the theater not knowing what to expect with this one and I was blown away by it. The late night show approach worked so well and I was completely captivated by the performances…and that ending…wow.

If you haven’t seen this yet, I highly recommend it. It was an absolute gem!

9

The First Omen

Image courtesy of 20th Century Studios

It’s rare for a prequel to make such a splash, but this film was original and chilling. It paid respect to its predecessor while still finding its own identity. There were so many shocking and stomach-turning moments in this. If you’re a horror fan, this is a must watch!

8

Carry-On

Image courtesy of Netflix

Die Hard meets Red Eye! This Netflix thriller checked off all the boxes for me and was such a welcomed surprise. Jason Bateman was a convincing and captivating villain worth talking about. I adore simple and fast-paced thrillers like this.

7

Don’t Move

Image courtesy of Netflix

These are my favorite kinds of thrillers! I love cat-and-mouse survival thrillers with a simple, but effective approach and a small cast. This film was so intense! My heart was racing the entire time and I was rooting for our lead until the very end.

6

Smile 2

Image courtesy of Paramount Pictures

This sequel exceeded the first film! Naomi Scott gave my favorite performance of the year. Smile 2 was creepy, shocking, and completely unnerving. I was so impressed by this film and loved Naomi Scott’s wardrobe! I’m obsessed with those white boots!

5

The Beekeeper

Image courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios

Jason Statham can do no wrong! He kicked ass! This was one of the first films I watched in 2024 and I’m still talking about it. It was brutal, fast-paced, and filled to the brim with amazing action. I loved every second of it!

4

Alien: Romulus

Image courtesy of 20th Century Studios

Talk about stomach-turning horror…this film had so many moments that made my skin crawl. Adrenaline-filled, terrifying, and one of the best films of the franchise! This film exceeded my expectations!

3

Deadpool & Wolverine

Image courtesy of Disney

I had high expectations for this film and it absolutely delivered. It was fun, hilarious, and had plenty of exciting cameos. This is one of those films that you can re-watch over and over again. More please!

2

Your Monster

Image courtesy of Vertical

Every now and again, I fall completely in love with a film that moves me to tears and this was that film for 2024. Your Monster was offbeat, unique, and beyond brilliant. Melissa Barrera was fantastic and took my breath away. I’m still thinking about that jaw-dropping ending!

Honorable Mentions:

Heretic

Longlegs

Strange Darling

Oddity

Blink Twice

The Substance

Speak No Evil

Drum roll please…

1

Abigail

Image courtesy of Universal Pictures

I can’t remember the last time I saw a movie multiple times in the theater, but I had to keep going back for more on the big screen. This film is the definition of CINEMA for me. It had a killer cast that I will be talking about for a long time. It was so much fun and filled with bloody entertaining moments. I didn’t have to think twice about what my favorite film was for the year.

This one blew the others out of the water and is now one of my favorite horror films of all time!

I hope to see more films from 2024 soon, but I hope you enjoyed the list!

Did you have a favorite film of 2024? If so, drop it in the comments!

I wish you all a happy and healthy new year and can’t wait to review more new films in 2025! Happy viewing!

Spoiler-Free Review of “Squid Game” Season 2 on Netflix: Welcome Back to the Game!

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

“You can hide all you want, but I swear I’ll find you…”

Squid Game 2 premiered on Netflix on December 26th 2024. The Korean survival thriller series stars Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Wi Ha-jun, Kang Ae-sim, Lee Seo-hwan, and Jo Yuri. There are seven episodes in season 2 available to stream now. Each episode runs for approximately 55-65 minutes.

After winning the deadly tournament, player 456 is fixated on finding the games again to stop them once and for all, but he ends up caught in another deadly set of games during his quest for justice.

Here is the trailer:

Squid Game 2 once again manages to hook its audience with insane and brutal moments, making the second season so entertaining to binge-watch. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Just as addicting!

I was worried that some of the intensity would fade away since this is the second season, but that was not the case! I was completely hooked by the time I got to the end of episode one and I watched all seven episodes in one day! That’s how I know I’m watching a truly exceptional series.

Sure, some things went completely off the rails, but I loved every bloody second of it and I am a Squid Game fan for life! This show doesn’t disappoint. It continues to push the limit and isn’t afraid to make bold decisions, truly making this an effortless show to binge-watch.

Images courtesy of Netflix

Some fantastic twists!

Season 2 turned things up a notch with its wild twists and turns. We got to see things from different perspectives, which worked really well so that things didn’t feel stale the second time around.

Player 456 was amazing once again and we got some worthy new characters to cheer for. I think I was a little more emotionally invested in the characters in season 1, but there were a few stand-out ones in season 2 that I was rooting for the entire time.

You have to care about the characters in shows like this or the outcomes are meaningless. I felt like I was part of some of these teams and I laughed and cried during key moments because of the incredible performances by the cast. 

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Initial pacing concerns.

The first two episodes dragged slightly. Don’t get me wrong…I was still interested in what was transpiring, but I thought the pacing drastically improved once we got back to the game. 

There was also a little too much time spent on side-plots. It seemed like the writers were trying to jam-pack in as much as possible, which was exhausting at times.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Netflix

I’m in 100 percent!!!!!!!

Squid Game season 2 is a consuming and brutal watch that manages to hold on to the momentum from the first season, exploring new angles and twists along the way.

Bring on season 3!!!!!

I’ve seen some mixed reviews on this so far, but I absolutely loved the second season. Sure,it wasn’t as good as the first one, but I don’t think you can realistically expect it to measure up to that because of the shock value component. Now that we know what’s going on, the plot needed to adapt and I think it did in a very compelling way. 

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Squid Game 2 in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

This competition is killer…

Killer Halloween Scream Hunt

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 “Heretic” in Theaters: Hugh Grant Delivers an Extremely Unsettling Performance!

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

“The more you know, the less you know…”

Heretic released in theaters on November 8th 2024 and is currently available to stream on Demand as of December 10th 2024. The psychological horror film stars Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher, Chloe East, and Topher Grace. It runs for approximately an hour and fifty minutes.

Two young Mormon missionaries become caught in a deadly game of cat and mouse when they are invited into a home where their faith is tested.

Here is the trailer:

Heretic weaves together a thought-provoking and unnerving story filled with plenty of chilling moments. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of A24

Hugh Grant delivers a stellar performance.

I’m used to seeing Hugh Grant in some of my favorite rom-coms, but he showed off his exceptional range in this film. He was so creepy, elevating any stale content to something extraordinary and compelling by his mere presence. He should seriously get an award for this one. He held my attention the whole time, keeping me on the edge of my seat.

I love that Sophie Thatcher is appearing in more horror films. She is one to watch for sure and I thought that Chloe East gave a convincing performance as well. This was a small cast, but everyone put forth believable performances that really lured the audience into these four walls in such an effective way.

Images courtesy of A24

Unsettling from start to finish…

There wasn’t much going on in this film and at the same time, there was SO MUCH going on. The tension was insane in this one. I didn’t think I would care for this film, but I was really intrigued by the debate going on within these four walls. Everything was executed in such a poetic and subtle way. There was just this endless feeling of being uncomfortable throughout the entire film. It worked so well, bringing me along for the ride, and I was thoroughly satisfied by the final act.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of A24

Sluggish pacing at times.

Be prepared for a slow burn. This one did have some issues with initial pacing, but Hugh Grant kept me invested enough that I didn’t really mind. I think as long as you go into this one understanding that, you’ll still enjoy the film…although I’m not sure that it’s for everyone.

The characters made some terrible decisions at times, but then we wouldn’t have a movie if they didn’t…

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of A24

I’m in!!!

Heretic is a unique and captivating watch that will stick with you long after it’s over!

This movie was such a fantastic surprise and I was blown away by Hugh Grant’s performance.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Heretic 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 “Dexter: Original Sin” Premiere on Paramount+ with Showtime: A Prequel with Potential

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

“I’ve experienced death so many times…”

Dexter: Original Sin premiered on December 13th 2024 on Paramount+ with Showtime. The prequel series will feature ten new episodes that will air weekly. The show stars Patrick Gibson, Molly Brown, Christina Milian, Christian Slater, Patrick Dempsey, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Michael C. Hall as the voice of Dexter. Each episode runs for approximately 52-55 minutes.

A young Dexter Morgan begins to execute the code that his father taught him, transitioning into a serial killer who punishes the guilty.

Here is the trailer:

Dexter: Original Sin gives fans another chance to learn even more about their favorite serial killer as past layers are explored and familiar characters return with new faces. Does Dexter: Original Sin do enough to earn a watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Showtime

Enough nostalgia for fans of the original series.

Hearing Michael C. Hall’s voice again is all I need to to be effortlessly transported back to one of my favorite shows of all time. It was fun hearing the same theme song as well. This may be a prequel series, but there are enough familiar moments in it to lure fans in with a decent hook.

We’re also getting the chance to explore even more aspects of Dexter’s character. We got plenty of layers in the original series, but it is interesting learning about how he first became a serial killer (although I’m not sure there is enough here for ten episodes).

I thought that most of the new cast successfully embodied the characters they are portraying and of course there are a few new characters to be excited about…Sarah Michelle Gellar’s in particular!

Images courtesy of Showtime

The Dark Passenger is as compelling as ever.

I thought I had seen my fair share of Dexter Morgan’s kills, but the first episode did a fantastic job of putting a new spin on this. The original series always had such a compelling and almost poetic feel to it and I think we can get there with the prequel series, but it needs to dig a little deeper. I’ve seen a few glimmers of it so I’m confident it will find its way through the next few episodes.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Showtime

A few key details seem off…

Dexter always had such a vibe around it and I’m not sure that the prequel series is capturing that magic just yet. While it’s wonderful hearing Michael C. Hall’s voice, Patrick Gibson has very big shoes to fill and I’m not sure that he’s doing it. I need to see a lot more from him.

I feel like Deb’s character was completely miscast. Sure, she’s cursing a lot, but she doesn’t seem like Deb to me and I’m worried about how much time we’re going to spend on her character. Dexter’s relationship with Deb is extremely important to the series, but rescuing her from parties seems overdone and stale.

The choice of music also felt very odd. I get that the series is trying to remind us that this prequel takes place in a different era, but it seemed cheap and gimmicky, moving away from the elegant dark madness I loved in the original series.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Showtime

I’m in about 75 percent…

Dexter: Original Sin has plenty of nostalgia and killer potential, but it needs to find its dark passenger in a hurry to keep things fresh and entertaining.

I think there’s enough here, but I’d like to see a lot more from this series as the episodes continue.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Dexter: Original Sin 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 “Carry-On” on Netflix: Fans of “Die Hard” and “Red Eye” just got a Real Treat!

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

“One bag for one life…”

Carry-On released on Netflix on December 13th 2024. The action thriller film stars Taron Egerton, Jason Bateman, Sofia Carson, Theo Rossi, and Logan Marshall-Green. It runs for approximately two hours.

A TSA agent is blackmailed by a passenger who threatens to sneak a dangerous package on a plane during the Christmas Eve rush.

Here is the trailer:

Carry-On is a captivating holiday themed action flick that will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time. Is it worthy of YOUR next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Netflix

So intense!!!

Once the table was set, everything presented on screen was so captivating! I could not look away. I was completely engrossed in the best way possible. I love action thrillers that can achieve this. I honestly haven’t been this excited about an action-thriller since Red Eye and I thought both films had very similar vibes.

Oftentimes, films like this can try to do too much, but this one kept things simple, making this an effortless and entertaining watch.

Images courtesy of Netflix

Recognizable cast!

There were so many familiar faces in this and I thought everyone played their part extremely well. The banter between Bateman and Egerton was fantastic and it was really fun seeing Bateman step out of his typical comedy roles. He was a great villain and kept me guessing.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Netflix

A touch too long.

I don’t have many cons for this movie. I think it could have been cut down to an hour and forty minutes. Some of the introductory fluff seemed unnecessary to me. The pacing improved drastically once everything was out in the open and I was along for the ride after that completely!

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Netflix

I’m in 100 percent!!!

Carry-On is the perfect mash-up of Die Hard and Red Eye, making this an engrossing watch from start to finish.

I was honestly surprised by how much I liked this one. I went into it with lower expectations and it shocked me in the best way possible. I will definitely be re-watching this one again and again!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Carry-On 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 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 “Werewolves” (2024) in Theaters: Frank Grillo Proves He’s the Ultimate Bad-Ass Once Again!

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

“Bite me…”

Werewolves (2024) released in limited theaters on December 6th 2024. The action horror film stars Frank Grillo, Ilfenesh Hadera, Katrina Law, and Lou Diamond Phillips. It runs for approximately an hour and thirty-five minutes.

Two scientists must work together to stop a mutation that turns people into werewolves a year after they were exposed to a super-moon.

Here is the trailer:

Werewolves (2024) is bad-ass B-movie fun with lots of action and outrageous bloody moments. Is it worthy of YOUR next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Briarcliff Entertainment

Frank Grillo is back and better than ever!

It’s no secret that Frank Grillo is one of my favorite actors. I loved him in The Purge films and he never disappoints when it comes to executing brutal and entertaining fight scenes. Well, he delivered in this film and then some. I was rooting for him the entire time. This guy doesn’t age and continues to be an unstoppable force. Let’s get him in some more horror flicks soon because he rocked this role and then some!

OBSESSED!

I was also happy to see Arrow’s Katrina Law in this flick and Ilfenesh Hadera was fantastic as well.

Images courtesy of Briarcliff Entertainment

Impressive werewolves!

I was actually really blown away by the werewolves in this flick. They did a great job with the design. The fight sequences were bloody and gory (although I would have liked a touch more) and there were plenty of adrenaline-filled moments to keep you on the edge of your seat.

I love when films like this keep it simple. They could have done a lot more to explain what was going on, but I honestly didn’t need it. I just wanted to turn my mind off and enjoy it and that’s what I was able to do.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Briarcliff Entertainment

Silly dialogue at times.

Don’t expect to be blown away by the plot. This is a B movie and it understands that completely, which I loved. Sure, there were some details missing and some flat dialogue, but once the action kicked in, I could honestly care less. As long as you manage your expectations here, you’ll still have a blast.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Briarcliff Entertainment

I’m in!!!

Werewolves is basically The Purge with werewolves, which sounds like a dream come true…and it was! Frank Grillo delivers in this campy movie filled with absurd bloody fun.

I had such a blast watching this one!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Werewolves (2024) in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

**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!