Tag: 1980's

Spoiler-Free Review of “Hysteria!” on Peacock: Bruce Campbell and Julie Bowen Star in this Bizarre Series

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

“Let’s Be Satanists…”

Hysteria! premiered on October 18th 2024 on Peacock with all eight episodes available to stream now. The horror thriller series stars Bruce Campbell, Julie Bowen, Anna Camp, Emjay Anthony, Kezii Curtis, and Chiara Aurelia. Each episode runs for approximately 50-55 minutes.

When a football player goes missing, a small town begins to blame anyone influenced by the occult, including a Satanist rock band made up of teens.

Here is the trailer:

Hysteria! has a fun cast and a decent enough premise just in time for Halloween, but is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Peacock

Starts off with lots of potential.

This series is set in the 1980’s and I loved the soundtrack. I thought the opening was really creepy and weird, drawing me in to another place and time. I also really liked how this show drew from other iconic movies in the horror genre. It paid tribute to this era in a fun way and I enjoyed the band’s songs!

Images courtesy of Peacock

Bruce Campbell and Julie Bowen…

They’re the reason I tuned in and the reason I stuck with this series as long as I did. I love both actors and it was great to see them together in this. Anna Camp is always fun as well (although I’ve seen her play this exact same character before in True Blood).

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Peacock

Misused its best players…

As much as I love Bruce Campbell and Julie Bowen, I had mixed thoughts about their characters. I really missed Bruce Campbell’s sarcastic charm and humor and I think this series should have let him shine in that department. He did a solid job as the sheriff, but it also felt really flat at times. I liked Julie Bowen’s character, but even here I was searching for something more. It might have just been the content, but I was left feeling disappointed.

Extremely slow with too much fluff.

I hate when series do this. I think that this show was trying to be the next Stranger Things and it failed to reach anything close to that. There were some fun and dark moments, but it took long to get anywhere. I was fine with the ambiguous ending (although I have mixed thoughts on it), but I was completely drained of energy by the time I got there. The episodes were WAY too long and there were too many of them in my opinion, dragging things out unnecessarily.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Peacock

I’m 50/50 on this one…

Hysteria! is a confusing watch, but it does have some darker fun moments sprinkled in if you’re looking for something to binge-watch during spooky season.

I really wanted to like this one, but it went in too many different directions without ever really hooking me.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Hysteria! 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 “MaXXXine” in Theaters: It’s Mia Goth’s World and We’re All Just Living In It!

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

“I always wanted to be famous…”

MaXXXine releases in theaters on July 5th 2024. The slasher horror film is the third installment of the X franchise and it stars Mia Goth, Kevin Bacon, Michelle Monaghan, Moses Sumney, Halsey, and Elizabeth Debicki. It runs for approximately an hour and forty-five minutes.

Six years after surviving a massacre in Texas, Maxine Minx gets her big break in 1980’s Hollywood. However, when a serial killer named the Night Stalker targets young women in the city, Maxine’s bloody past is brought back to the present.

Here is the trailer:

MaXXXine once again allows Mia Goth to shine in this bloody fantastic world, channeling classic horror films in a stylish and entertaining way. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of A24

Transports us to another place and time with style!

Everything screamed 80’s perfection from the bubble gum pop font in the opening credits to the music. The fashion was on another level and I want Maxine’s boots for obvious reasons…

I loved the crime noir feel. It was nice to see that Ti West took the time to truly depict how this world was in such an aesthetically pleasing way. It made my watch so much better and reminded me why I absolutely love the 80’s.

Much like X, this film also successfully paid homage to classic films in a fun way without overdoing it. It was fantastic to see as a horror fan.

Images courtesy of A24

Mia Goth does it again!

This should really come as no surprise since I think she is exceptional in everything she does. She was on another level in Pearl and she gave us an electric performance now in MaXXXine.

I loved that we got the chance to truly experience Maxine’s story this time around. There were hints of this in X, but we didn’t have time to explore it. This movie definitely answered all those questions I had in a satisfying way.

Mia Goth is a modern scream queen in the best way possible and she really poured everything she had into this role with twisted charisma. I loved her performance.

Some brutal kills!

There weren’t as many of them in this movie, but the ones we witnessed will be haunting me for some time to come. Especially that one scene…yikes!

The Cons:

Images courtesy of A24

Phones it in with the plot…

My only issue with this film was that it didn’t take the time to flesh out the plot. I was actually really interested in certain aspects of the mystery killer and I think we glossed over some opportunities here.

We also didn’t spend enough time with other characters, which was a miss in my opinion. We had such a spectacular cast here and I get that this is Maxine’s movie, but this needed some work so we would actually care about who lived or died…

This isn’t really a con, but this movie didn’t feel like the third installment of a franchise. It felt like more of a spin-off with Maxine’s character in another world. This isn’t a bad thing and I think it worked effortlessly for the most part, but I guess I was expecting some kind of bloody finale here and I’m not sure that it pulled that off.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of A24

I’m in!!!

MaXXXine carves its way into the spotlight with sex, style, and blood galore, featuring an unforgettable and electric performance by Mia Goth.

While probably my least favorite film of the franchise, MaXXXine still has plenty of fantastic moments to appreciate and is well worth the watch.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on MaXXXine 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 “Lisa Frankenstein” in Theaters: Charmingly Twisted

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

“You need socialization…”

Lisa Frankenstein released in theaters on February 9th 2024. The horror comedy film stars Kathryn Newton, Cole Sprouse, Liza Soberano, and Carla Gugino. It runs for approximately an hour and forty minutes.

Set in 1989, a misunderstood teen accidentally awakens a Victorian corpse, as the two set out to find love and happiness in unconventional ways.

Here is the trailer:

Lisa Frankenstein is everything I hoped it would be, featuring a romance that is anything but ordinary. Is it worthy of YOUR next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Universal Pictures

Cole Sprouse and Kathryn Newton are electric together.

Honestly, they were so much fun to watch in this one. In a lot of ways, this movie had a Warm Bodies meets Jennifer’s Body kind of vibe and I loved it. For not saying much, Cole Sprouse really stole the show and I think that Kathryn Newton is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with in the horror genre.

I couldn’t help but smile when the two of them were on screen together, which made this such a delightful and effortless watch for me.

Images courtesy of Universal Pictures

Loved the 80’s vibe!

The music and fashion were fantastic in this one and I loved the use of bright colors throughout it. Everything just popped and it worked. This film never took itself too seriously and the time frame complimented the outrageous points of the plot really well.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Universal Pictures

Needed a touch more blood and gore in certain parts.

This may come down to preference, but I wanted a little more here since this movie wasn’t afraid to dabble into horror territory. Don’t get me wrong, we had some, but it felt very watered down. I don’t think it hindered the quality of this film in any way, but it would have been an added bonus.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Universal Pictures

I’m in!!!

Lisa Frankenstein is a love letter to those of us who never quite fit in and were the better for it.

Quirky, offbeat, and wickedly delightful!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Lisa Frankenstein 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 “Totally Killer” on Prime Video: A Feel Good Slasher Flick

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

“It’s not 1987 anymore…”

Totally Killer released on Prime Video on October 6th 2023. The horror comedy film stars Kiernan Shipka, Olivia Holt, Troy Leigh-Anne Johnson, Liana Liberato, Lochlyn Munro, and Julie Bowen. It runs for approximately an hour and forty-five minutes.

The “Sweet Sixteen Killer” returns 35 years after murdering three teens around Halloween. When Jamie faces off against the killer, she winds up accidentally time traveling back to 1987, teaming up with her teenage mother to take the killer down.

Here is the trailer:

Totally Killer successfully channels vibes from Happy Death Day and The Final Girls while finding its own identity along the way, presenting us with fantastic music, welcomed references, and some bloody fun. Is it worthy of YOUR next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Prime Video

Kiernan Shipka and Olivia Holt are incredible!

Wow…what a team up! I honestly LOVED the entire cast and thought that even the supporting characters were a lot of fun. There were plenty of familiar faces in this one, but Kiernan Shipka and Olivia Holt stole the show.

They were both so fantastic and I hope to see them both in some more horror films soon because they kick ass and then some!

Images courtesy of Prime Video

A self-aware slasher.

It’s no secret that my favorite genre is the slasher one and I love when films like this recognize what they are and just embrace their identity fully. The movie references were so much fun and they didn’t overdo them, which I was initially slightly worried about. 

The music was an absolute blast and there was a good balance of dry humor and slasher fun, which worked seamlessly.

Plus, that opening scene was INCREDIBLE!!!

Please make more films like this!

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Prime Video

Loses a touch of steam in the middle.

The pacing was mostly on point, but I thought that the opening and ending were the strongest parts. We fell off a little bit somewhere in the middle, but I wouldn’t say this was a major con.

I also wanted a little bit more in the slasher department. We got some decent kills, but this film definitely leaned more toward the comedy side of horror comedy.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Prime Video

I’m in!!!

Totally Killer is a bloody good time!

Effortless fun and a cast to die for.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Totally Killer 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 “Cocaine Bear” in Theaters: An Absolute Blast!

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

“This is your brain on drugs…”

Cocaine Bear released in theaters on February 24th 2023. The thriller-horror-action film (directed by Elizabeth Banks) stars Keri Russell, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Alden Ehrenreich, Ray Liotta, and Margo Martindale. It runs for approximately an hour and thirty-five minutes.

After a bear consumes a large amount of cocaine, it goes on a killing spree in a Georgia forest.

Here is the trailer:

Cocaine Bear is a bloody delight with plenty of insane violence and humor that actually lands. Is it worthy of YOUR next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Universal Pictures

The perfect balance of gore galore and laugh out loud moments.

I don’t know about you, but I LOVE when a movie can accomplish this without skipping a beat. This movie was so much fun to watch from start to finish. It didn’t hold back in the violence department, but it also knew not to take itself too seriously at all, making this such an effortless watch.

Images courtesy of Universal Pictures

The best ensemble I’ve seen in a while!

It didn’t matter how small their part was…EVERY single character was a lot of fun. The actors did a great job with the content. Usually in films like this, I’m not really rooting for anyone, but I actually cared about quite a few characters, which had me more invested.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Universal Pictures

Don’t expect an amazing plot…

There were quite a few people in my theater who did not seem too thrilled with this film and I even saw a couple actually leave. I don’t know what they expected with this movie, but you won’t get a well-layered plot.

As long as you go into this understanding that this film is meant to be silly and outrageous, you’ll have a good time though.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Universal Pictures

I’m in!!!

Bloody, bonkers, and an absolute blast!

I couldn’t ask for anything more with a film like this.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Cocaine Bear 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 “She Came from the Woods” in Theaters: Campy Fun

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

“You have to make the threat feel real..”

She Came from the Woods released in theaters on February 10th 2023. The horror-comedy film stars Cara Buono, Clare Foley, Spencer List, and William Sadler. It runs for approximately an hour and forty minutes.

Set in the 1980’s, a summer camp celebrates the end of its season by conducting a blood ritual, but things go horribly wrong when they accidentally unleash an evil spirit who hunts them down one by one.

Here is the trailer:

She Came from the Woods has a super fun premise and some bloody entertaining moments, but is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Mainframe Pictures

The horror-comedy moments are brilliant!

The best parts of this film involved the campy moments. There were some parts that had me laughing out loud. This film wasn’t afraid to be a little darker with its comedy, which worked in its favor. I loved the overuse of gore and the banter was actually a lot of fun once the film found its groove.

Strong second half.

I much preferred the second half of this movie to the first. It was really entertaining and even though some of the twists and reveals were a little out there, I just went along for the ride and enjoyed it. This film wasn’t afraid to kill off characters and it really put forth a valiant effort to channel films like Friday the 13th and Sleepaway Camp while still finding a voice of its own.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Mainframe Pictures

Takes itself too seriously at times…

I personally loved the horror-comedy aspects of this film and even the trailer made it seem like this would be a campy good time. It did have moments of this, but the film also went off on several tangents and tried to be too serious. 

The first half of this film was also really slow-moving. The dialogue was painful and the acting wasn’t great, but thankfully things picked up once the evil was unleashed…

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Mainframe Pictures

I’m in about 75 percent…

B-movie campy horror fun with plenty of entertaining moments.

This film was far from perfect, but I think horror fans have a lot to enjoy with this one. I just wanted it to fully embrace the horror-comedy angle because that’s where the magic was, but overall I enjoyed my watch.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on She Came from the Woods 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 “My Best Friend’s Exorcism” on Prime Video: YA Friendly “Jennifer’s Body” has some Potential

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

“We’ll always be friends…”

My Best Friend’s Exorcism released on Prime Video on September 30th 2022. Based on the novel of the same name, the teen horror comedy stars Elsie Fisher, Amiah Miller, Chris Lowell, and Rachel Ogechi Kanu.

Set in the 1980’s, the friendship between Abby and Gretchen is tested when one of them gets possessed by a demon.

Here is the trailer:

My Best Friend’s Exorcism has a cute premise with a killer soundtrack, but does it do enough to earn a watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Prime Video

Fun idea with a great soundtrack!

This film was pretty much a mashup of Jennifer’s Body and Saved! If you enjoy those films, you’ll find some decent content here, but the scares are really watered down. I am a big fan of the author, Grady Hendrix, and I had high hopes for this one. It did have plenty of entertaining moments to enjoy even though the plot went off course as the film continued…

Images courtesy of Prime Video

Believable performances and a friendship to root for.

The friendship between Abby and Gretchen kept me around until the end. I thought both actresses did a really great job and Chris Lowell was a scene-stealer! Some of the issues seemed heavily based in tropes and you’ll get your typical high school drama in this one, but the friendship made it feel more authentic at times.

The Cons:

My Best Friend's Exorcism no spoilers 3

Images courtesy of Prime Video

Watered down scares…

I wouldn’t have minded the watered down scares so much since this was more of a YA film, but there were a few scenes that had the potential to be really incredible if they had gone a little bit darker with them. Don’t expect to see too much horror in this one, although there are some glimmers here and there.

The plot also went off the rails, which was disappointing, especially since it started off really strong and with a lot of potential. I think it still found its way in the end, but I’m not sure it really honored the novel as well as I wanted it to.

So am I in or out?

My Best Friend's Excorcism no spoilers 4

Images courtesy of Prime Video

I’m in about 75 percent…

A fun idea with a believable friendship, but it needed a little more edge at times. Overall, this was a decent watch, but I just wanted a lot more.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on My Best Friend’s Exorcism 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 Hardy Boys” on Hulu: A New Mystery to Uncover without all the drama

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

Welcome to Bridgeport…

The Hardy Boys premiered on Hulu on December 4th 2020 with thirteen new episodes available to stream now. The series stars Rohan Campbell, Alexander Elliot, Bea Santos, Keana Lyn, Riley O’Donnell, and James Tupper. Each episode runs for approximately 40-43 minutes. 

Based on the iconic book series, this new re-imagining of The Hardy Boys takes place in the 1980’s. After a family tragedy, Frank and Joe Hardy move in with their aunt as they try to piece together the mystery in front of them.

While the series may initially give off some Riverdale and Nancy Drew vibes, it manages to leave the majority of the teen drama behind, focusing on the mystery and the connection between these brothers.

Here is the trailer:

The Hardy Boys is following in the footsteps of modern takes on Nancy Drew and Riverdale, but its simple formula may actually set it apart. Does it do enough to stand out from its predecessors? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

The Hardy Boys Hulu 1

Images courtesy of Hulu

Smart choice of time and setting.

Unlike Riverdale and The CW’s Nancy Drew, which both take place in current times, The Hardy Boys takes place during the 1980’s. This actually works to its advantage, as we rely more on how to truly solve a mystery without using modern technology, channeling a lot of nostalgia from the original novels.

We also get a great soundtrack and a small town setting that has a lot of secrets to be uncovered.

Let the mysteries begin!

The Hardy Boys Hulu 2

Images courtesy of Hulu

Believable bond between the brothers.

I think this is important and much like the Winchester brothers on SPN, we get a really strong connection right away between Joe and Frank Hardy. It makes us that much more invested throughout their involvement in the mystery and we care about what happens to them.

There are also some stand-out characters like Biff, who really lit up the screen. While Biff was originally a male character in the book series, girls have some serious sleuth skills too!

The Cons:

The Hardy Boys Hulu 3

Images courtesy of Hulu

The mystery is just kind of okay…

It’s not bad, but I have to admit that some of the mysteries on both Riverdale and Nancy Drew have caught my attention more. I think that the mystery gets better in the later episodes, however.

Too many episodes.

I think that The Hardy Boys would have actually benefited more from running weekly episodes instead of having them all available at once. While I love a good binge-watch, there are thirteen long episodes and the mystery kind of dragged as a result of this. 

So am I in or out?

The Hardy Boys Hulu 4

Images courtesy of Hulu

I’m in about 75 percent.

While it took me a little longer than I would have liked to get into this show, I did start to become hooked around episode five. The characters started to really grow on me and the mystery reveals were well placed. I think that the show does enough to form its own identity separate from The CW shows, but I wouldn’t say that you need to move this one to the top of your watch-list just yet. However, it does make a fun watch when you have time.

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

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

DON’T TAKE THE JOB…

Girl Number Thirteen Lurking Promo

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 new 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!