Category: Horror

Spoiler-Free Review of “Knock at the Cabin” in Theaters: Moving and Engrossing Watch

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

“Our choices make our destiny…”

Knock at the Cabin released in theaters on February 3rd 2023. The M. Night Shyamalan thriller stars Dave Bautista, Ben Aldridge, Jonathan Groff, Abby Quinn, and Rupert Grint. It runs for approximately an hour and thirty-nine minutes.

A young girl and her parents are taken hostage by four strangers while vacationing at a remote cabin in the woods. They are told that they must make an impossible choice in order to avoid the apocalypse.

Here is the trailer:

Knock at the Cabin is a thrilling and emotional roller-coaster ride, creating an effective story that hooks you right from the start. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Universal Pictures

Doesn’t mess around…

This film gets straight to the point without any unnecessary fluff or set-up. I was pulled in immediately and I thought that the pacing worked really well. I never felt like I was watching this one for too long and I was completely captivated by it.

This was such an intense story and premise and I think it executed everything perfectly. It was a lot better than I anticipated, which was a nice surprise.

Images courtesy of Universal Pictures

Emotional and touching.

I was really invested in this film because the chosen family was so convincing and believable. The flashbacks sprinkled into the film worked seamlessly and created necessary layers for these characters so that we actually cared about what happened to them without ever overdoing it. It just worked naturally, giving this film a solid balance that helped it surpass your average thriller.

The performances were chilling and top-notch.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Universal Pictures

Predictable at times…

This wasn’t a huge con, but I saw certain outcomes coming a mile away. We didn’t really get any insane twists thrown at us either, which was actually kind of refreshing since M. Night Shyamalan movies are usually hit or miss for me because of this very reason. If you’re looking for crazy twists, you won’t necessarily find them here, but I think as long as you manage your expectations, you’ll still enjoy your watch.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Universal Pictures

I’m in!

A thriller that will stay with you well after it’s over!

This movie really makes you think a lot about things and it explores a chilling concept that will have you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

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

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Spoiler-Free Review of “Infinity Pool” in Theaters: Trippy and Bizarre

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

“I actually came here looking for inspiration…”

Infinity Pool premiered in theaters on January 27th 2023. The sci-fi horror film stars Mia Goth, Alexander Skarsgård, and Cleopatra Coleman.

A struggling writer and his wife meet a fan of his work, as she convinces them to go on a day-trip outside of the resort gates, leading to a horrifying crime that has unspeakable consequences.

Here is the trailer:

Infinity Pool is unsettling and mind bending with chilling performances and shocking moments sprinkled in. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Neon topic Studios

Mia Goth can do no wrong…

After her incredible performances in both X and Pearl last year, she shows us once again why she is a force to be reckoned with in the horror genre. I thought that Alexander Skarsgård was really exceptional as well in this, but Mia Goth was a scene-stealer and then some. She was the BEST part of this film and I was truly impressed by her range. Perfection!

Images courtesy of Neon topic Studios

Aesthetically pleasing…

The setting was gorgeous and I loved the use of color in the beginning of the film. It felt like we were being transported into a watercolor painting and that ending frame was absolutely breathtaking.

A dark concept left up to interpretation…

I was personally really intrigued by the real meaning of this film. It explored interesting aspects of morality and what makes someone tick with an ambiguous ending. I think that the creative minds behind this film really put forth a valiant effort to allow this idea to manifest on screen, allowing the audience to contemplate things on their own as well, which I appreciated.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Neon topic Studios

Missing layers…

Even though I really liked the concept of this film, it was lacking in story. We knew why our main character was at the resort, but I personally felt like this needed to be explored a little bit more.

The film also went off on several trippy tangents filled with sex galore and oozing gore that is not for the squeamish. I personally didn’t mind this (although some of it seemed slightly unnecessary), but the flashing light sequences made me dizzy and could have been toned down a little bit…

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Neon topic Studios

I’m in about 75 percent…

By the time I finished this film, I was unsure if I had actually liked it or not. It does create an interesting dialogue and I think it has a lot going for it, but I needed just a touch more.

Either way, I was pleased by the performances and if you’re looking for a film that really pushes the envelope, you’re in the right place.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Infinity Pool 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 “Wolf Pack” on Paramount+: Queen SMG is back on the small screen!

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

“The worst is over…”

Wolf Pack released on January 26th 2023 with its premiere episode. There will be eight episodes in total that will air weekly. The supernatural YA series (from the creator of Teen Wolf) stars Sarah Michelle Gellar, Rodrigo Santoro, Bella Shepard, and Armani Jackson. Each episodes is approximately 44-52 minutes.

After a wildfire in California, a supernatural creature emerges, changing the lives of a teenage girl and boy.

Here is the trailer:

Wolf Pack brings Sarah Michelle Gellar back to the supernatural world, but is there enough content here? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Paramount+

Solid opening.

I was expecting a whole bunch of fluff and introductory garbage since this is a YA supernatural drama, but I was pleasantly surprised by how this show actually opened. It started off with a bang and I absolutely loved it. 

The show needs to channel this vibe for the remainder of the episodes because I absolutely loved the pacing. More please!

Images courtesy of Paramount+

The Queen returns!

Well, in this show she’s an arson specialist investigating the fire, but I’ll take it! Anything to get Sarah Michelle Gellar back on the small screen. She is the MAIN reason why I tuned into this one and even though we didn’t get to see her too much in the premiere episode, I’m looking forward to exploring her new character.

So excited!

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Paramount+

Needs more bite…

The opening really packed a punch, but the rest of the premiere episode calmed down after that. I enjoyed it, but it needs to be careful about depending too heavily on YA tropes. I want to keep watching this one, but I hope it gives us more of an edge soon.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Paramount+

I’m in about 75 percent…

It’s safe to say that I’ll be sticking around for Sarah Michelle Gellar, but I’m also hoping that this series tips over toward the dark side, stripping away some of the tropes we typically see on The CW series and even Teen Wolf. I think it has a lot of potential, but let’s hope the fire doesn’t fizzle out on this one. 

Fingers crossed!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Wolf Pack 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 “Skinamarink” in Theaters: Not Much Going on…

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

“Are you hiding?”

Skinamarink released in limited theaters on January 13th 2023. The film will later release on Shudder on February 2nd 2023. The experimental horror film stars Jaime Hill, Lucas Paul, Ross Paul, and Dali Rose Tetreault. It runs for approximately an hour and forty minutes.

Two young siblings wake up in the middle of the night to discover that their parents are missing and the windows and doors have disappeared mysteriously.

Here is the trailer:

Skinamarink creates a different kind of horror movie, focusing more on feelings of fear and a setting rather than a story. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Shudder

Tries something different…

I’m all for filmmakers trying something unique and different with their movies. The camera effects took me a while to get used to, but I actually kind of liked them. I felt like I had stumbled upon an old security VHS tape and was trying to piece together what I was seeing. 

This film had a super low budget and that was apparent, but it did actually create some genuinely creepy moments and even one that actually made me jump so there’s that.

If you’re looking for a truly horrifying found-footage film, I’m not sure that you’ll get that here, but I appreciate the effort in this one. I’m just not sure that it translated that well at all…

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Shudder

So boring!

I think there was probably at least thirty minutes of the camera following around furniture. I was bored out of my mind and I was afraid to eat my popcorn in the theater because you could literally hear a pin drop. I think that this film could have been much shorter and only given us about five minutes of that material. There were actually people that got up and left in the middle of the movie so you may want to wait until this streams on Shudder so you can fast-forward to more of the creepy stuff.

The dialogue was so muffled and I’m not sure why we got subtitles during certain moments and it was absent in others. This didn’t make it scarier for me at all. I was just struggling to hear what was going on, which was super frustrating at times.

The ending of the movie was really bizarre and while I did look up several interpretations, I can’t say that it really helped fill in the blanks at all…

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Shudder

I’m 50/50 on this one…

Normally I would be out on this, but I appreciate what the filmmakers tried to accomplish and I’m always supportive of any kind of Indie film. This was a really cool concept, but I’m not sure where all the hype came from. There were a few flickers of potential, but I was hoping for a lot more.

I did like that phone though…

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Skinamarink 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 “Candy Land” on Demand: Gutsy, Grindhouse-Style Slasher Delivers

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

“Repent…”

Candy Land released on Demand on January 6th 2023. The slasher-thriller film stars Olivia Luccardi, Owen Campbell, Sam Quartin, Eden Brolin, and William Baldwin. It runs for approximately an hour and thirty-two minutes.

A devout woman leaves her family behind and finds herself at a truck stop, where she befriends a group of sex workers who may be targeted by an unknown killer.

Here is the trailer:

Candy Land is obscene and disturbing with brutal violence, taking a dark look into an unforgiving world. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Roxwell Films

Raw and unfiltered.

This film doesn’t hold anything back. It takes a dark and realistic peek into a world that may seem sexy and glamorous, but is actually filled with emptiness and desperation. We are introduced to characters who are likable and sympathetic. We aren’t given too much of a backstory on them, but I think it works in the film’s favor, giving us a real glimpse at what their lives have now become.

There is the fantasy/illusion on the outside and the depressing reality of what their days actually look like. The film never fully grabs hold of the slasher or thriller genre completely, but it does dabble toward each and provides plenty of shocking and violent moments. The magic of the film goes deeper than that; however, creating something truly gritty and unpleasant.

Images courtesy of Roxwell Films

Olivia Luccardi is making a name for herself in the horror world.

I’ve seen her in quite a few horror films now and she recently really terrified me in Soft & Quiet. She shows off her range and goes to another extreme in this film. I thought she was the best part of the movie and I was floored by how much she committed to this particular character. Wow…

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Roxwell Films

Some pacing issues…

The overall run-time of the movie was fine, but it did take a while for this film to get going. There was plenty of content, but a lot to sift through until the threat was revealed. If you’re looking for a typical slasher, this isn’t your movie. There are elements of the genre, but it takes a different route. That being said, the film is still effective, but not what you might be expecting.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Roxwell Films

I’m in!

A dark and consuming watch filled with plenty of shocking and extreme moments.

This film was not what I was expecting, but I was drawn in all the same.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Candy Land 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 “Sick” on Peacock: A Smart, Self-Aware Slasher

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

“There’s somebody in the house…”

Sick released on Peacock on January 13th 2023. Written by Scream’s Kevin Williamson, Sick is a slasher-horror film that stars Gideon Adlon, Bethlehem Million, and Dylan Sprayberry. The films runs for approximately an hour and twenty-three minutes.

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, a killer targets two friends quarantining at their family lake house.

Here is the trailer:

Sick channels Scream in the best way possible, giving horror fans a new slasher to be excited about. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Peacock

Uses the pandemic in an effective way.

Since 2020, I have seen a number of horror films that used the pandemic in the background, attempting to give us a new horror entry in a unique setting. Some of the films really worked, but others fell flat.

Sick may be my favorite film featuring the pandemic (other than Host). I think it helped having Kevin Williamson write this, but this film was smart and funny, while still giving us plenty of slasher gore and terrifying moments to enjoy. Everything it highlighted from the pandemic was actually spot on and the premise was terrifying because people in extreme conditions can be dangerous and volatile.

Images courtesy of Peacock

Keeps it small…

This film could have featured an infamous house party (similar to Scream), but I actually really liked that there were very few characters in this. There was this isolating fear that made perfect sense during this time. Even though we didn’t know too much about our main characters, they did a great job of dominating the screen and creating some truly suspenseful moments.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Peacock

Takes a little while to get going…

The opening scene was fantastic and really channeled Scream in a lot of ways. I loved it! There was some fluff to sit through after this, however. It wasn’t terrible, but I was really glad that things finally picked up and they didn’t slow down from there. The movie was on the shorter side so this didn’t impact the pacing too much.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Peacock

I’m in!!!

The slasher genre is making a bloody comeback with this clever addition that has so much going for it. Sick is absolutely well worth the watch!

I loved it!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Sick 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 “Mayfair Witches” on AMC: Enchanting Potential

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

“I have very good instincts…”

Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches released on AMC on January 8th 2023 with its premiere episode. The supernatural thriller series (based on the novel series, Lives of the Mayfair Witches) features eight episodes in total that will air weekly. The show stars Alexandra Daddario, Jack Huston, Harry Hamlin, and Annabeth Gish. Each episode runs for approximately 52-58 minutes. 

Rowan searches for answers about her biological family when she realizes that she may be able to kill people with her mind, leading her to New Orleans.

Here is the trailer:

Mayfair Witches has a great lead and a bewitching setting, but does it do enough to reel viewers in? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of AMC

A lead with potential.

I like Alexandra Daddario as an actress and I’m crossing my fingers that she can really unleash the bad-ass witch within her. So far I’ve seen glimmers of potential, but I’m confident that she can get there as the episodes progress. I think the premiere jam-packed in a little too much, but once we start to peel back the layers of Rowan, hopefully we’ll like what we see.

Great setting.

The series will end up branching off into New Orleans, which is the perfect setting for this kind of show. Already I’m getting some vibes from The Originals and I hope that continues. This series has the potential to show off some dark magic, which works well with this setting as well.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of AMC

A little unfocused…

I’m not a fan of jumping timelines and squeezing in way too many characters in a series premiere. It makes things slightly confusing and I’m worried that things can get lost in the shuffle. If the series focuses more on Rowan, it will translate better. So far the series isn’t doing anything that unique to set itself apart from other series about witchcraft, but there’s enough content here to keep me invested for now…

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of AMC

I’m in about 75 percent…

The series premiere may not have been pure magic, but there is certainly a lot of spellbinding potential here.

I’m just hoping we get to witness some truly dark powers soon to keep me coming back for more.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Mayfair Witches 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 “M3GAN” in Theaters: Your New Bestie has Arrived

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

“I’ll never let anything harm you…ever again…”

M3GAN released in theaters on January 6th 2023. The horror film stars Allison Williams, Violet McGraw, Jen Brown, and Ronny Chieng.

After a tragedy in Cady’s life, she moves in with her Aunt Gemma, who has been working on a lifelike doll with artificial intelligence.

Here is the trailer:

M3GAN is a blast to watch with just the right balance of thrills and comedy, giving horror fans something to be excited about.

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Universal Pictures

A doll to root for!

M3GAN can easily join the group of killer dolls from hell in horror films. She was creepy, twisted, and really entertaining to watch. I love that the film didn’t take itself too seriously at times. There were a few brutal kills in there and M3GAN’s reactions made them that much more disturbing.

Good balance.

The struggling bond between Cady and Gemma was believable and layered enough to keep the audience invested. I thought that the supporting characters were a lot of fun too, giving this film the exact right balance. The pacing was on point for the most part, leading up to an ending that was predictable, but also really satisfying in a lot of ways.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Universal Pictures

Reveals a little too much in the previews…

Once again, this is one of those films that I absolutely loved, but I think too much was shown in the previews so I couldn’t enjoy certain moments as much as I should have. There was also one scene in particular that I could have personally done without. The film doesn’t do anything that unique in terms of this genre, but it was still really entertaining so I’m perfectly fine with that.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Universal Pictures

I’m in!!!

M3GAN is so much fun with plenty of creepy and twisted moments to enjoy!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on M3GAN 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 Apology” on Shudder: Intense and Emotionally Brutal

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

“The hardest part is the not knowing…”

The Apology released on Shudder on December 16th 2022. The holiday horror-thriller film stars Anna Gunn, Linus Roache, and Janeane Garofalo. It runs for approximately 90 minutes.

Twenty years after the disappearance of her teenage daughter, a recovering alcoholic is preparing to host her family’s Christmas celebration when there is a knock at her door during a winter storm from an old friend with a secret.

Here is the trailer:

The Apology features a powerful and gripping performance by Anna Gunn with some edge-of-your-seat moments of intensity. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Shudder

Anna Gunn is beyond brilliant.

I tend to associate her with the annoying character of Skyler White on Breaking Bad, but wow was she incredible in this film. There weren’t too many characters in this so she needed to command the screen and she did so in a big way! She showed so many emotions and I thought her character was very believable, making you want to root for her that much more.

A simple, but effective premise.

I love simple revenge thrillers and I thought this film took on a different approach, which I actually really enjoyed. We could have had her character running around outside in the snow or finding different ways to call for help, but she mostly had to focus on her own wit and resources. The ending was powerful and even though there was quite a bit of talking in-between, it made the scenario seem that much more horrifying and realistic in a lot of ways.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Shudder

Reveals too much too quickly…

My biggest issue with this film was that we found out the hook way too soon. Sure, there were other details that needed to be revealed, but I would have liked for things to drag out a little bit more before we realized the situation that our main character was in. 

I also thought her character deserved a little bit more development, especially since Anna Gunn was so incredible in this role. It would have helped me connect with her character even more. Either way, I still enjoyed everything.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Shudder

I’m in!

A gut-wrenching emotional performance combined with a simple, but effective premise, making this a unique watch from start to finish.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on The Apology 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 Mean One” in Theaters: Campy Christmas Chaos

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

“You’re a monster…”

The Mean One released in theaters on December 9th 2022. The holiday horror film (inspired by How the Grinch Stole Christmas) stars David Howard Thornton, Krystle Martin, and Chase Mullins. It runs for approximately 90 minutes.

After witnessing the murder of her mother, Cindy returns to her hometown twenty years later when the monster responsible resurfaces.

Here is the trailer:

The Mean One turns a classic holiday tale into a campy slasher film, which does have a few redeeming qualities. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Sleight of Hand Productions

Fun twist on the story.

With Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey on its way for 2023, it seems like this may have paved the way for more classic tales to turn into mindless slasher films and so we have The Mean One, which is a slasher take on How The Grinch Stole Christmas. 

There have already been a few versions of The Grinch, but this one decided to really destroy all holiday cheer with a monster that will rip you to shreds if you even think about humming “Jingle Bells.”

Even though it was campy and silly, I liked the spin on the story and I’m always up for a campy slasher film.

Images courtesy of Sleight of Hand Productions

Violence galore.

The blood effects were pretty cheesy and poorly done, but there were actually a few decent kill scenes that were entertaining. David Howard Thornton brought his killer charm from The Terrifier and easily embraced this role, giving it as much as he could.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Sleight of Hand Productions

Shaky camera effects and poor quality…

I actually felt dizzy a few times watching this. The camera angles felt odd and really shaky. There was poor lighting and some of the worst transitions into scenes I have ever seen. The gore effects needed some work as well. 

The acting wasn’t really that great either, but the film did channel some campy fun. If you enjoy B-horror movies, you’ll find some things to enjoy. I just wanted this film to put in a little bit more effort in all departments. I also thought this film should have released exclusively on a streaming site like Shudder instead. My theater was practically empty on a Friday night…

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Sleight of Hand Productions

I’m 50/50 on this one…

The Mean One has some campy slasher fun with the classic holiday tale, but the poor quality got in the way several times.

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

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