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:

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.

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:

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?

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!

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Spoiler-Free Review of “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” (2022) on Netflix: A Gory Blast

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

“Don’t run…”

Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022) released on February 18th 2022 on Netflix. The sequel of the 1974 original film stars Elsie Fisher, Sarah Yarkin, Jacob Latimore, Nell Hudson and Olwen Fouéré. It runs for an hour and twenty-three minutes.

Set 50 years after the original massacre, a group of influencers visit a small town in Texas and accidentally disrupt the life of Leatherface, leading to deadly consequences.

Here is the trailer:

Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022) delivers with plenty of gory kills that will have your stomach turning. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Gory kills galore!

If you’ve come for the gore, then you’re in the right place! The new film delivers and then some in this category. We get plenty of stomach-turning scenes and the infamous chainsaw does not disappoint!

Fast paced plot.

The film is on the short side and really doesn’t present us with too much fluff at all. The plot keeps things moving, which worked in the film’s favor. This film could have easily gone into a lot of backstory if it wanted to, but I think that the quick plot made this an enjoyable ride from start to finish.

A true sequel.

I liked that this film really felt like a sequel to the original. There will be no spoilers in this review, but fans of the original will have a lot to be excited about.

The Cons:

Glosses over character development…

The film is a slasher so I don’t need that many layers, but I do want to care about the characters. Since everything moved so quickly, we fast forwarded right through any real development here. We got some sprinkles of it here and there, but I wanted a little bit more so I could actually care about who lives and dies.

So am I in or out?

I’m in!

Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022) was a blast to watch! The gory kills were fantastic and the movie didn’t take itself too seriously, allowing fans of the franchise a chance to just sit back and enjoy the ride!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022) 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 “Scream” (2022) in Theaters: Fans have something to be excited about!

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

It’s always someone you know…

Scream (2022) released in theaters on January 14th 2022. The fifth installment of my favorite franchise of all time brings us back to Woodsboro as a killer dressed as Ghostface threatens the town once again. The slasher horror film stars Neve Campbell, David Arquette, Courtney Cox, Melissa Barrera, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Dylan Minnette, Jack Quaid, Jenna Ortega and Marley Shelton.

Sidney Prescott thought that she was done with Ghostface for good, but a new killer emerges twenty-five years later, targeting a group of teens in this new “requel.”

Here is the trailer:

Scream (2022) brings together our favorite characters from the original film while introducing a new generation to Ghostface, making us fear answering the phone once again. Does the new film deliver with gory whodunnit goodness? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

For the fans.

The fifth film gives fans of the original plenty to be really excited about. We have returning characters, some welcomed surprises, and lots of nods to some of our favorite moments in the films. I thought the film did an excellent job with this nostalgia without overdoing it.

It just worked effortlessly and I loved all of the Easter eggs along the way. Scream is my favorite movie of all time and this film honored that in an effective way.

I also thought that there was a seamless balance between the original story and the new one. Everything connected and just worked, making this film really entertaining.

Not afraid to make fun of itself.

I really loved the well placed humor sprinkled into the film and I loved that it didn’t take itself too seriously. It recognized its place in the franchise and gave us plenty of laugh-out-loud moments to appreciate.

Welcomed new characters keep you guessing.

I really thought that some of the new characters did an excellent job fitting in and some of them were scene-stealers for sure.

Stand-out performances: Jenna Ortega as Tara and Jasmin Savoy Brown as Mindy.

This made me like the film even more because I didn’t need Sidney to be on screen in every scene to be entertained. A lot of the new characters really held their own.

I thought that the film embraced its whodunnit mystery and kept the audience guessing for the most part. The kills had a different feel to them, but it still kept the vibe from the original going, which is important.

The Cons:

Some performances were lacking…

I thought that the cast did a great job for the most part, but there were some performances stronger than others. While I loved a lot of the new characters introduced to us, a lot of other characters felt mostly filler and I didn’t really care if they made it out or not.

I also thought there were a few plot holes and some unnecessary tangents as well, but overall I was thoroughly entertained.

So am I in or out?

I’m in 100 percent!

I absolutely adored this film and I thought it did a great job of keeping the audience entertained. The film honored its fans with lots of nostalgia while giving us plenty of gory kills and surprises to be excited about!

A worthy entry to the franchise!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Scream (2022) in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

This competition is killer…

My new young adult horror thriller is out now! I hope you enjoy!

Scream Hunt is available here!

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Spoiler-Free Review of “Slumber Party Massacre” (2021) on Syfy: Slasher Comedy Gold!

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

“This is my kind of party…”

Slumber Party Massacre (2021) released on the Syfy channel on October 16th 2021. The re-imagining of the 1982 slasher film stars Hannah Gonera, Alex McGregor, Jane De Wet, Frances Sholto-Douglas and Rob van Vuuren. It runs for approximately 90 minutes.

A deranged killer with a power drill crashes a slumber party, hoping to turn it into a bloodbath.

Here is the trailer:

Slumber Party Massacre (2021) delivers plenty of gory fun, but does it do enough to be relevant with today’s audience? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Syfy

A fun take on things.

There will be no spoilers here, but there is a twist thrown our way during the movie. It’s a lot of fun and it really allows the ladies above a chance to truly shine. I absolutely loved the use of horror comedy in this film. If you don’t take it seriously, you will find yourself laughing constantly because it really takes a lot of common horror tropes and has some much needed fun with them.

That pillow fight scene though…

More please!

Gory kills!

The power drill proves to be a formidable weapon and we get plenty of over-the-top kills to satisfy slasher fans. Plus our villain is just the right amount of crazy which made this a blast to watch.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Syfy

On the short side.

The movie is pretty short and I was disappointed because I wanted just a little bit more. We could have had a few more interactions between the characters early on or maybe some extra chase scenes thrown in, but I thought that the movie wrapped up pretty quickly just when I was starting to really enjoy it.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Syfy

I’m in!

This movie accomplished what Black Christmas (2019) failed to execute. It gave us a gory campy re-imagining of the original movie with female characters to root for. It’s one of those movies where you can turn off your mind for a little while and just sit back and laugh your head off. I thoroughly enjoyed my watch!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Slumber Party Massacre (2021) in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

HAVE A KILLER HALLOWEEN…

My new young adult horror thriller is out now! I hope you enjoy!

Scream Hunt is available here!

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Spoiler-Free Review of “I Know What You Did Last Summer” (2021) on Prime Video: A Re-imagining Done Right

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

“You can never really know anyone…least of all yourself.”

I Know What You Did Last Summer premiered on Prime Video on October 15th 2021. The teen horror drama series (based on the Lois Duncan novel and the iconic film series) stars Madison Iseman, Brianne Tju, Ezekiel Goodman, Ashley Moore and Bill Heck. There are four episodes in season one available to stream now. The remaining four episodes will air weekly. Each episode runs for approximately 45-48 minutes.

After a fatal accident, a group of friends are stalked by a killer one year later, causing secrets to emerge and friendships to be tested.

Here is the trailer:

I Know What You Did Last Summer is the series I have been waiting for. It gives us some welcomed nostalgia for the original film series while finding a voice of its own, but is it worthy of YOUR next binge-watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

A solid twist on the original.

I’ve seen plenty of reboots and adaptations of films and I didn’t really know what I was going to get with this series, but I was pleasantly surprised by the twist thrown our way. There will be no spoilers in this review, but I thought that this show channeled the original vibe of one of my favorite films while finding a unique voice of its own.

You don’t mess with the original and this series understands that. Rather, it takes a new approach and a new setting to keep us entertained and it was the right call.

I also love that the series sprinkles in some Cruel Intentions and Cruel Summer vibes as well to give this series an edge.

Plenty of gore to satisfy the slasher fans.

The teen series takes a page out of Slasher’s book and presents us with plenty of gore and nudity galore. I’m not sure it needed all of that, but the gory kills are pretty solid and it helps balance out a lot of the teen melodrama you can expect in this type of show.

The Cons:

The killer needs to toy with them more…

I appreciate that this series is finding its own way with a different story, but if we are going to put up a message on a mirror, then I would also like to see the killer really mess with the group more. So far we have seen some horrific kills and some text messages pop up, but I want more.

Part of what made the original film so terrifying for me was the way that the killer lurked around and made the characters question everything and everyone around them. Someone already chopped off their hair without the killer’s help and while the pilot episode makes an attempt at this, I think that it could really add to the vibe of the show without copying the original film too much.

I also think that the characters seem to cope really easily with the death of those around them. I want to connect to all of them and it sometimes makes them come off as completely heartless, but I think that some of them are going to end up showing true remorse so I’ll see how this plays out in the next four episodes.

So am I in or out?

I’m in!

I was genuinely impressed at how well this show executed everything. The twist worked and it really helped me connect to this show. It balanced the perfect amount of nostalgia from the original film while presenting us with something new and really addicting!

There are some rough edges to work through, but overall this is a really entertaining series and it is delivering with plenty of gore, twists, and reveals.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on I Know What You Did Last Summer 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…

My new young adult horror thriller is out now! I hope you enjoy!

Scream Hunt is available here!

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Spoiler-Free Review of “Slasher: Flesh & Blood” Season 4 on Shudder: Knives Out with Gut-Wrenching Gore

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

“Sometimes families get complicated…”

Slasher: Flesh & Blood was released on August 12th 2021. While the first three seasons are available to stream on Netflix, season 4 is on Shudder. The first two episodes are available to stream now and the remaining ones will air weekly. There will be eight episodes in total.

The series stars Paula Brancati, Christopher Jacot, Sabrina Grdevich, Sydney Meyer, Rachael Crawford and David Cronenberg. Each episode runs for approximately 40-45 minutes.

A dysfunctional family gets together on a secluded island for a reunion, but things get complicated when they learn that the head of the family is dying. The family will compete in a series of deadly games to win the inheritance, but there is another masked killer on the loose to make things interesting.

Here is the trailer:

Slasher: Flesh & Blood has an interesting premise, reminding us of Knives Out, Harper’s Island, and Ready or Not, but does it do enough to earn a watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

A plot that draws you in immediately.

I am a huge fan of the Slasher anthology series and even though I find some seasons stronger than others, Slasher always has a way of drawing you in right from the start. I never look at the description before I start a season because I want to be surprised and as soon as I started up season 4, I was excited about the killer family plot on a secluded island.

Let’s just hope everything else lives up to the set-up because it’s a brilliant one.

Gruesome gore.

If you’re a fan of the show, then you know you are probably going to get gratuitous sex scenes and lots and lots of stomach-turning gore. Well, season 4 is off to a great start with this. The gore is extreme and there is a scene in the second episode that had my own stomach in knots.

If you’re here for bloody slasher fun, you’re in the right place.

The Cons:

Unnecessary character development.

I don’t watch this show for the characters although there have been a few stand-out ones over the seasons. This group is clearly filled with ruthless, selfish people who are in for a rude and bloody awakening. So far, the first two episodes have spent a little bit too much time on character flashbacks and development.

Sure, the gory kills offset this to balance everything out, but I want to feel a more seamless connection between episodes and I’m not sure that we need the heavy character development to further the plot along.

That being said, I’m confident that Slasher will not disappoint with its future episodes. Every season has shocked me and I know that we are in for some surprises, twists, and crazy reveals.

So am I in or out?

I’m in!

I love this series and I am so excited that it has returned. Slasher doesn’t hold back when it comes to its gruesome kills and plot twists. I’m always thrown for a loop and I can’t wait to see what reveals come our way with the new season.

The pacing needs some work, but I’m hoping that the later episodes pick up speed so we can fully enjoy the show. I’m confident that we will get there!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Slasher: Flesh & Blood 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!

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Spoiler-Free Review of “Fear Street Part 2: 1978” on Netflix: Groovy Gory Perfection

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

“It’s happening again…”

Fear Street Part 2: 1978 is a supernatural slasher film that premiered on July 9th 2021 on Netflix. It is the second entry to the trilogy which will take place over the next three weeks. The film stars Sadie Sink, Emily Rudd, Ted Sutherland, Ryan Simpkins, Gillian Jacobs and Kiana Madeira. It runs for approximately an hour and fifty minutes.

Inspired by the R.L. Stine book series, the second film brings us back to 1978 as a dangerous killer makes their presence known at Camp Nightwing in Shadyside.

Here is the trailer:

Fear Street Part 2: 1978 takes a stab at a different decade as Deena and the remaining survivors attempt to learn more about what happened back in 1978 when a similar curse terrorized the town. We are introduced to new characters and a new setting, but does it do enough to keep the story going? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Nails the setting.

While Fear Street Part 1: 1994 channeled Scream and 90’s slashers, Fear Street Part 2: 1978 brings us back to the world of Friday the 13th and Sleepaway Camp. Other horror series have taken the summer camp setting and done quite well with it. The second season of Slasher and AHS: 1984 both featured summer camps and there’s just something about this setting.

I loved the music soundtrack even more in this film and it really did a great job of immersing us into this world without ever skipping a beat.

Believable chemistry between the characters.

My biggest con with the first installment was that it was lacking a little bit of chemistry between all of the characters. Well, that problem has been solved in the second film. I loved every single character and cared about their well being. It was nice to see Sadie Sink step into the spotlight and she played the role extremely well. I thought that the sister vibe really worked and there was even a little bit of humor sprinkled into the mix that translated much better in the second film.

Seamless transition into the main story.

As a standalone, this film is just pure magic. There is a lot of gore and terrorizing moments, but you find yourself rooting for all of the characters even though you know you are witnessing a past event. That being said, I thought that the seamless transition back into the main plot was really effective and I was drawn into the story that much more as we unlocked missing pieces to the puzzle.

The Cons:

We need more!

I don’t have a single con for the second film. I thought it was perfect and I loved it from start to finish. I just wanted to spend even more time at Camp Nightwing because it was that good.

So am I in or out?

I’m in 100 percent!

I enjoyed the first film, but this one really stepped things up a notch. There was a perfect blend of summer camp slasher nostalgia along with some really compelling moments. The performances were believable and this really elevated the overall story. I can’t wait for the final film!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Fear Street Part 2: 1978 in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

THIS COMPETITION IS KILLER…

My new young adult horror thriller comes out October 7th 2021! I hope you enjoy!

Scream Hunt is available here!

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Ranking the “I Know What You Did Last Summer” movies from Best to Worst

“What you waiting for, huh? What are you waiting for?!”

Images courtesy of Showtime

A question that all fans of IKWYDLS know all too well. The popular film franchise is based on the book by Lois Duncan, which I actually read before I saw the first film. If you haven’t read it yet, I definitely recommend it. Things happen differently in the book, which may allow some of your favorite characters to get some deserved redemption.

When I think about 90’s slasher movies, I automatically jump to films like Scream, IKWYDLS and Urban Legend. They are fun, entertaining, and they keep you on the edge of your seat. Humor and teen drama weaves its way in while we witness some pretty intense scares as well.

I was super excited that Showtime added the IKWYDLS films to its lineup, which gave me a chance to catch up on all three films. Yes, there are three films…we’ll get to that later. The deadly fisherman with a hook for a hand becomes all too real after four friends make a fatal mistake that will haunt them forever…or at least for the next few summers.

Please note some spoilers are ahead.

Without any further delay, let’s find out exactly how I ranked the I Know What You Did Last Summer films and why.

1

I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)

Images courtesy of Showtime

The original film is the best one by a landslide. Released in 1997, it stars Jennifer Love Hewitt, Freddie Prinze Jr., Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Ryan Phillippe.

There is something really unsettling about this film in all the right ways. The villain is truly terrifying, the music is creepy, and some of the scares still haunt me till now. Seriously, I check my closet every single night before I got to sleep because of what happened to poor Helen (SMG).

Images courtesy of Showtime

The characters are far from perfect. They make a terrible mistake that comes back to haunt them. The killer doesn’t just want to eliminate them…he wants to mess with them and make them question everything and everyone around them.

Standout Death:

Spoiler alert. Do not read if you have not seen this movie!

Images courtesy of Showtime

Helen Shivers played by Sarah Michelle Gellar had the potential to be a fantastic Final Girl, but Julie James took that crown. However, her chase scene leading to her tragic death may be one of my favorite scenes in any slasher movie. I was rooting for her the entire time and the film really shook things up by killing her off. I’m still mad about it…

2 I Still Know What You Did Last Summer (1998)

Images courtesy of Showtime

The sequel is really not that bad. Released in 1998, it stars Jennifer Love Hewitt, Freddie Prinze Jr., Brandy, and Mekhi Phifer. Julie James is back and wins a trip to the Bahamas with her roommate, Karla. Julie and Ray are on the rocks, but luckily our favorite fisherman shows up in a few clutch moments.

While some of this movie is slightly outrageous, we do get some fun characters, including one played by Jack Black. We witness a fun karaoke performance, a tanning bed nightmare, and a lot of rain to really add to the ambiance.

Images courtesy of Showtime

Plus, there is a pretty big twist at the end which did help things.

Standout Death:

Images courtesy of Showtime

Not a death scene, but the tanning bed scene does come to mind. Julie decides to try and relax, but the killer locks the tanning bed, which is beyond terrifying.

3 I’ll Always Know What You Did Last Summer (2006)

Images courtesy of Showtime

So, I had no idea for the longest time that this film even existed and after watching it, I know why. The film was released in 2006 and it stars Brooke Nevin, David Paetkau, and Torrey DeVito. None of the original cast appear in this film although we do get a brief mention about what happened to them when the new characters are researching our infamous fisherman killer, Ben Willis.

The beginning of this film is actually kind of interesting. The group of friends decide to play a prank on everyone that actually ends up deadly and they try to cover it up.

That’s pretty much the only interesting part of the movie. The acting is horrible, the kills are gory, but eh, and the twist at the end is so ridiculous that you may think you actually fell asleep during the movie. I won’t reveal the twist here, but wow…and not in a good way.

Standout Death:

The tractor scene comes to mind, but honestly nothing really sticks out on this one.

I almost wish this movie had come out with a different name. It really doesn’t do the franchise any favors.

While there have been talks about an IKWYDLS television series, I haven’t seen too much on this. I would honestly love to see IKWYDLS take a page out of Scream’s book and give us a film with the original characters while introducing us to a new set of potential victims. Maybe Ben’s son had a son…or daughter? Just a thought…

Which I Know What You Did Last Summer films did YOU enjoy most?

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on the IKWYDLS films in the comments section below. Thank you so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

If you enjoy the IKWYDLS movies, you may enjoy Dash and Seek! I would love it if you would check it out in the link below. Thank you so much!

PLAY BY THE RULES…STAY ALIVE…

READ IF YOU DARE…

Dash and Seek is available here!

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Ranking the “Scream” movies from Best to Worst

“What’s YOUR favorite scary movie?”

A timeless question for sure and the start of it all in the popular Scream franchise. With Courtney Cox’s recent announcement about confirming her role in Scream 5, I thought it would the perfect time to re-visit the other Scream films and rank them from best to worst.

There’s just something about Scream. It has it all. It nails the comedy, it gives us plenty of slasher horror scares, and it is just one of those movies you can watch over and over again. Trust me, it would alarm you how much I have actually watched these movies…

Please note some spoilers are ahead.

Without any further delay, let’s find out exactly how I ranked the Scream films and why.

1

Scream (1996)

The original film is the best one by far. It is actually my favorite movie of all time and I think that it really set the bar for slasher movies in the 90’s and the early 2000’s. The opening scene was so shocking the first time I watched it. I remember thinking that Drew Barrymore was going to be the star of the movie and then so much for that.

However, Neve Campbell was the perfect Final Girl as Sidney Prescott. I pretty much loved every single character in this movie and I still think that Tatum deserved better.

Matthew Lillard and Skeet Ulrich also made quite the tag team and I will be forever woozy watching them.

There’s just something about the original movie that stands the test of time for me. I find something new every single time I watch it and I am so impressed by all of the clever Easter eggs and references sprinkled in to give fans a sense of nostalgia while creating something iconic at the same time.

Standout Death:

Drew’s shocking demise in the opening scene of the movie is probably one of the most brutal and violent deaths. It still upsets me when I watch it now, but Tatum’s encounter with the garage door was also really memorable.

Scream Tatum — Images courtesy of Miramax

I mean, she did want to be in the sequel…

2

Scream 2 (1997)

Scream 2 Movie — Images courtesy of Miramax

The sequel actually really holds up. There is even a hilarious class discussion where sequels come up. It’s hard to live up to the original, but Scream 2 does a fantastic job of keeping up the pace.

We get a new environment for Sidney in this film. She’s in college now, which was a welcomed change as we got to meet new characters and say hello to some familiar faces as well. A copy cat killer is on the loose with the release of the movie, “Stab,” which actually ends up starring Tori Spelling. Well played!

There is a sense of maturity in the second film and some shocking reveals as well. Mickey, the creepy film student played by Timothy Olyphant, is a welcomed addition. We get a roommate for Sidney, a boyfriend, and some sorority sisters thrown into the mix. The second film really doesn’t hold anything back and wasn’t afraid to kill off a main character…even though I wish he would have stuck around.

Standout Death:

Sarah Michelle Gellar’s demise was unfortunate, but this scene was pretty epic. I still yell at the television screen and tell her to use her Slayer strength, but SMG doesn’t always luck out in horror movies…

Scream 2 Sarah Michelle Gellar — Images courtesy of Miramax

We still love seeing her anyway though!

3

Scream 4 (2011)

It’s been quite some time since we checked in on Sidney, Gale, and Dewey, but Ghostface is back and ready to shed some new blood. We get a new set of characters in the fourth film and are introduced to Sidney’s cousin, Jill, played by Emma Roberts.

As the familiar kills return, everyone is danger…including Sidney. We get a shocking twist in this film that made it worth the watch and a lesson about not “fucking with the original.” Well said!

Standout Death:

The word “clear” comes to mind for sure. Jill’s death was quite “shocking.” I also thought that Kirby deserved a lot better and really showed off her knowledge about horror films. There are some theories floating around that she could still be alive (similar to Stu) since we never actually saw her dead, but either way, she deserved better!

4

Scream 3 (2000)

Yeah, so on to the third film. It is my least favorite in the franchise. Courtney Cox’s micro bangs may have been the real horror of this film, but the third film always just fell a little flat. Part of that probably has a lot to do with the change in writer, but Scream 3 does have some entertaining moments.

I loved that we were able to see Randy on video with his rules about trilogies…even though Scream moved past the three films. There are some comedic moments between Gale and fake Gale along with Dewey, but the film just didn’t have the same balance of comedy and slasher fun that I was accustomed to.

Standout Death:

The explosion killing Tom was kind of shocking, but overall the death scenes were all just kind of okay in this movie…

Overall, the Scream franchise is iconic for me and it always will be. Let’s not forget that we also got a short-lived television series on MTV. The first two seasons were actually pretty decent, but the third one was all over the map. However, I do know some fans who actually enjoyed it and there were some fun cameos.

Scream 5 is looking to release some time in 2021, which would be the 25th anniversary of the films. I am looking forward to seeing it, but I also think that we need to shake things up and kill off another main character.

Our Final Girl, Sidney Prescott, has certainly been through a lot over the years, but she will continue to be my favorite Final Girl of all time and I will always root for her.

Which Scream films did YOU enjoy most?

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

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

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Ranking the top 5 moments from “American Horror Story: 1984” season 9 episode 5: “Is That My Head in There?”

Happy Thursday TV fans! After watching the FX network’s American Horror Story: 1984 season 9 episode 5, I learned that “a darkness resides in everyone,” but that doesn’t mean that you have to tap into it. Should you willingly accept it or can you still make things right even from the other side? Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the latest episode yet.

In last night’s episode, “Red Dawn,” we dive more into Rita/Donna’s past, as she comes face-to-face with something she cannot explain. Meanwhile, Brooke makes an impulsive decision and Margaret tries to eliminate everyone one-by-one. My top 5 moments from the American Horror Story: 1984 season 9 episode 5 are:

“A hunger I can’t satisfy…”

In this episode, we dive more into Rita/Donna’s past and flash back to 1980. Donna was following her father because she thought he was cheating on her mother, but discovered something even more disturbing, learning that he was a serial killer. Donna’s father tried to explain that he had always been like this, but Donna tried to reach out to him right before he stabbed himself.

This explains Donna’s obsession with studying serial killers, but she is not sure she can rationalize what is happening in front of her now when the Night Stalker comes back to life. The Night Stalker claims that he is “evil” and Donna even sees her dead father talking to her, but is the Night Stalker a projection of Satan or something else?

“It’s your fault my future is in radio!”

Xavier continued to make me laugh out loud during this episode, beyond furious that his face is ruined. However, that doesn’t stop him from jumping right back into character to take down Mr. Jingles with his bow and arrow.

Too bad he’s stopping the wrong killer, but you gotta love his enthusiasm. Unfortunately, Margaret eliminates Xavier, but I have a feeling he will continue to bring on the campy horror laughs even in the afterlife.

“I don’t want to die when I don’t even feel like I’ve lived yet.”

Ray randomly shows up and has a heart-to-heart talk with Brooke…only we know that Ray is actually dead. To make things even more weird, Brooke loses her virginity to a ghost and they later discover Ray’s head in the fridge.

“Is that my head in there?” It’s clear that Brooke is beyond traumatized from this encounter, but Ray seems to be just as confused. I’d like to say that perhaps Brooke’s day might be improving now, but things are only going to get worse. Sorry Brooke!

“I’m gonna rip you apart.”

Margaret is not holding anything back now, as she starts to split the group up one-by one, determined to add more ears to her collection. Mr. Jingles is determined to stop Margaret once and for all, but of course Xavier gets in the way. After Montana and Brooke’s showdown, everyone is pretty much dead except for Brooke and Margaret, as a school bus of campers shows up with perfect timing.

Margaret puts her acting skills to the test and stabs herself in the leg, claiming that Brooke killed everyone. Brooke is taken away in handcuffs, but I hope this isn’t the end for either of them.

“We can be gods here!”

Montana is initially pissed off to be dead, but she embraces it pretty quickly, realizing that she can do whatever she wants and kill whoever she wants. She claims that they can be gods here and it looks like these ghosts are looking for some revenge, but we know that they cannot leave the campground. Only we see the Night Stalker and Mr. Jingles take off in a car headed to L.A. after Mr. Jingles apparently accepts Satan as the Night Stalker did.

Is this the reason why they can leave? I’m thinking so, but now I’m wondering what direction we are headed in for the remaining episodes. This felt like the end of something for me and yet we know that these spirits have some unfinished business, so I guess there is more to see. Stay tuned for the 100^th episode of AHS next week!

American Horror Story: 1984 episode 5 Music Soundtrack Highlight:

Amii Stewart – Knock On Wood – Official Video

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own theories and thoughts on American Horror Story: 1984 below in the comments section. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

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