Category: Netflix

Spoiler-Free Review of “The Takeover” on Netflix: Modern Version of “The Net” has some thrills

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

“How long have you been at this?”

The Takeover premiered on November 1st 2022 on Netflix. The Dutch action-thriller film stars Holly Mae Brood, Géza Weisz, and Frank Lammers.  It runs for approximately an hour and twenty-eight minutes.

Framed for murder after uncovering a privacy scandal, a hacker must track down the criminals who framed her and prove her innocence.

Here is the trailer:

The Takeover (2022) is a quick action-thriller with a lot going for it. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Netflix

A simple formula that works…

This thriller didn’t try to do too much, which I appreciated. It embraced its identity and just went with it. The pacing was solid and there wasn’t too much set-up to weigh things down. Everything worked seamlessly and I enjoyed the action as well. If you’re looking for one of those films where you can just turn your brain off for a while, this one fits the bill.

Strong lead to root for.

I really liked our main character. She was uncomplicated and fearless. I wanted to see more of her hacking skills in action, but I thought she did a great job with the role and elevated this film in a lot of ways with her performance.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Predictable…

Even though I enjoyed this film, it followed its safe formula and stuck with it. It reminded me a lot of The Net starring Sandra Bullock and didn’t stray too far from that familiar plot. I would have liked for it to have found its own identity separate from that film, but it was still a lot of fun to watch.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Netflix

I’m in!

A quick action-thriller with a strong female lead to root for. 

If you enjoy films like The Net and Double Jeopardy, you’ll find plenty to like in this one.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on The Takeover 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 “The Good Nurse” on Netflix: Intense from start to finish!

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

“I can help you…”

The Good Nurse premiered on Netflix on October 26th 2022. The crime drama (based on a true story) stars Jessica Chastain, Eddie Redmayne, and Kim Dickens. It runs for two hours and three minutes.

A nurse assists with a police investigation involving one of her colleagues, who may be responsible for the murder of over a dozen patients.

Here is the trailer:

The Good Nurse lures you in from the get-go, featuring two compelling performances. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Award-worthy performances.

Jessica Chastain is brilliant in everything and this film was no exception. She poured so much into her character and kept me emotionally invested even during the small moments. Redmayne kept up with her a chilling way. All of the performances were decent, but these two should receive some award nominations. They were that good!

Images courtesy of Netflix

Gripping story.

This film is based on a true story, which made this watch that much more disturbing. I was horrified by what was happening on screen and shocked by how much slipped through the cracks. These types of films really make you think. The story was told in such an effective and gripping way, captivating my complete attention. I seriously could not stop watching this film.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Heavy content to deal with.

This wasn’t really a con, but I did have to be in the right state of mind to watch this. I think the film could have also been a touch shorter, but I was still satisfied with how everything was presented.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Netflix

I’m in!!!

Jessica Chastain is mesmerizing!

This film was such an intense watch and well worth your time.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on The Good Nurse 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 “The Stranger” (2022) on Netflix: An Engrossing Watch

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

“What I care about is you being honest with me…”

The Stranger (2022) premiered on Netflix on October 19th 2022. The Australian crime drama (loosely based on real events) stars Joel Edgerton and Sean Harris. It runs for an hour and fifty-seven minutes.

An undercover cop strikes up a friendship with a murder suspect, attempting to get a confession out of him while risking both of their lives.

Here is the trailer:

The Stranger is a captivating watch from start to finish with compelling performances and so much intensity. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Two incredible performances.

Both actors really went all in for this film. I was blown away by how convincing they were. Sometimes movies transport you somewhere else and that’s what this film did. My eyes were glued to the screen because they were two powerful forces with so much range. I was already a fan of Edgerton, but wow was this performance incredible!

Images courtesy of Netflix

A different kind of intensity…

This isn’t your typical crime thriller or drama. The moments of intensity are more subtle, but they still have the same impact. The conversations between these two men and the moments leading up to the end truly had me completely hooked.

Images courtesy of Netflix

Beautifully shot.

The use of lighting worked very well in this film. So many scenes were absolutely breathtaking. Even for the darker moments, the muted and grayish lighting worked as well. Everything just came together brilliantly.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Heavy at times.

This film had a darker tone to it and some moments were really heavy. I wouldn’t say this is a con, but I needed to be in the right mindset to watch and truly appreciate this film.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Netflix

I’m in!!!

Engrossing, well-performed, and intense!

This film was done so well and it deserves a lot of praise and recognition.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on The Stranger (2022) 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 “The School for Good and Evil” on Netflix: Jam-Packed Fantasy has its moments

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

“Some wishes are too powerful to take back…”

The School for Good and Evil released on Netflix on October 19th 2022. The fantasy drama based on the book series stars Sophia Anne Caruso, Sofia Wylie, Charlize Theron, Kerry Washington, and Michelle Yeoh. It runs for approximately two hours and thirty minutes.

Best friends wind up becoming rivals when they are magically transported to a school where fairy-tale heroes and villains are trained to fulfill their true destinies.

Here is the trailer:

The School for Good and Evil is a mashup of Harry Potter and Once Upon a Time, filled with plenty of magical moments. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Cute concept and gorgeous scenery.

This film really felt like it was part of a fairy-tale storybook. The scenery and costumes were absolutely gorgeous. I think it effectively created this world for the audience, drawing us into a wickedly fun place full of imagination.

I haven’t read the book series, but I thoroughly liked the concept. I’m a fan of modernizing fairy-tales even if it may be overdone.

Images courtesy of Netflix

Great cast!

Charlize and Kerry were absolutely wonderful and the perfect choices for these roles. I also thought both of the main characters were very likable and I think they did a good job of making us believe the friendship between them, which was the core of the story.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Tries to do too much…

This film was way too long and I think it overstuffed it. There were some really great moments that I would have liked to have seen fleshed out more. Once we got to the big reveals, everything felt super rushed and I couldn’t sit back and appreciate it the way I’m sure I would have if I had read the book.

It’s clear that this film borrowed a lot from Harry Potter and Once Upon a Time, but I wanted it to find its own identity. There were definitely glimmers of it here and there and I think this film had a lot of potential, but it needed a little more to fully captivate me. I still enjoyed my watch, however.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Netflix

I’m in about 75 percent…

There are some magical moments and plenty for fans of the fantasy and fairy-tale genres to enjoy in this one. 

I’m not sure that the film did anything that unique to stand out from some of its predecessors, but it was fun all the same.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on The School for Good and Evil 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 “The Watcher” on Netflix: A Neighborhood full of Secrets

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

“Welcome…you know I will be watching…”

The Watcher premiered on Netflix on October 13th 2022 with seven episodes available to steam now. Created by Ryan Murphy and based on a true story, the series stars Naomi Watts, Bobby Cannavale, Jennifer Coolidge, Isabel Gravitt, and Mia Farrow. Each episode runs for approximately 44-47 minutes.

After a family moves into their dream home, they begin to receive threatening letters.

Here is the trailer:

The Watcher has an eerie premise with a terrific cast, but does it do enough to earn a watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Strong opening episodes…

The premise for this series was really creepy and when I know that things are based on a true story, it makes it even more terrifying. I thought the opening episodes of this series were really good and they hooked me completely. I had to know more and I immediately began to make a list of suspects. Seriously, all of those neighbors were completely crazy!

Images courtesy of Netflix

Great cast!

This was a really interesting cast. It felt very much like a season of American Horror Story in a lot of ways, bringing plenty of well-known faces into the fold. I thought Naomi Watts did a great job and it’s always fun seeing Jennifer Coolidge on screen.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Loses steam as the episodes continue…

This was really frustrating because I was completely hooked in the beginning of this series. In typical Ryan Murphy fashion, the series then goes off on several tangents and subplots that really dragged out the rest of the series. By the time I got to the reveals, I had lost a lot of interest. I really wasn’t a fan of the ending either.

I’m also not sure that there was enough content here for a seven episode series. This might have been better suited as a film. There was a film that came out in 2016 (which I haven’t watched yet), but I think that was the right approach.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Netflix

I’m in about 75 percent…

An intriguing and addicting premise with a stellar cast.

There’s enough here to enjoy, but this series started a lot stronger than it finished.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on The Watcher 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 “The Curse of Bridge Hollow” on Netflix: Spooky Family Fun!

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

“My family doesn’t do Halloween…”

The Curse of Bridge Hollow released on Netflix on October 14th 2022. The Halloween comedy stars Marlon Wayans, Kelly Rowland, Priah Ferguson, Lauren Lapkus, and Rob Riggle. It runs for approximately an hour and thirty-two minutes.

After moving to a new town filled with Halloween enthusiasts, a father and daughter must team up when something causes the Halloween decorations to come to life.

Here is the trailer:

The Curse of Bridge Hollow has something for everyone in the family, creating the perfect balance of spooky Halloween fun with comedy gold. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Has all the ingredients for the perfect family Halloween film!

I went into this film hoping for the best and it did not disappoint! It nailed the Halloween vibe and then some! I would honestly rank this film right up there with Hocus Pocus and Halloweentown and it’s absolutely going to become part of my yearly Halloween lineup. 

There was the perfect balance of heart and spooky fun in this. I absolutely loved the concept and all of the characters were so much fun! 

Images courtesy of Netflix

Marlon Wayans is hilarious!

This should come as no surprise since he’s so funny in everything he does, but I’m not sure that I would have liked this movie as much without him. Some of these films lack in the humor department even though they make a valiant effort (Hocus Pocus 2), but this film was laugh out loud funny and that was because of him.

I loved all of the other actors and characters as well. Everyone played the perfect role, adding to the fun!

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Netflix

I don’t have any…

I love Halloween. It’s my absolute favorite holiday and I felt like this film was made for true fans of the holiday. Hopefully it even convinced a few non-believers to join in on the fun! I don’t have any cons. This movie was everything I could have hoped for and more!

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Netflix

I’m in 100 percent!!!

Hilarious and so much fun!!!!

The Halloween movie I’ve been waiting for!

If you love Halloween, you’ll love this movie. Trust me!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on The Curse of Bridge Hollow 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!