Tag: dark and consuming watch

Spoiler-Free Review of “The Passenger” on Demand: Kyle Gallner is Absolutely Brilliant in this Gripping Horror-Thriller

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

“You should stop now…”

The Passenger (2023) released on Demand on August 4th 2023. The horror-thriller film stars Kyle Gallner, Johnny Berchtold, and Liza Weil. It runs for approximately an hour and thirty-five minutes.

Randy is used to living each day unnoticed at his job, but when one of his co-workers goes on a violent rampage, he must confront his past and figure out a way to stay alive.

Here is the trailer:

The Passenger is captivating and brutal, taking a dark and realistic look into actions that can alter our lives permanently. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Blumhouse

All hail our Scream King…

Kyle Gallner doesn’t get enough credit. He is one of the most versatile actors around and has appeared in plenty of horror flicks over the years. This may be my favorite role by him yet. He was charismatic, unfiltered, and deranged in such a compelling way. He really showed off so much range in this film.

I wouldn’t say that he was a character to root for given the circumstances, but he lit up the screen and made this film what it was. 

One of the most powerful performances I witnessed all year. Wow…

Images courtesy of Blumhouse

A horror deep rooted in reality…

These are the horror films that stick with me the most. The ones that could happen on any given day. They’re terrifying because they are so random and visceral, reminding you that you can’t ever know what’s going on inside of someone else.

I really loved the way this film analyzed how actions (intentional or not) can impact others in so many different ways. They can motivate us to be stronger or they can damage our moral compass permanently. And then there’s the most common way that past actions and trauma can impact us…through non-action…merely allowing things to just happen.

This film explored so many interesting psychological elements, taking us on an unconventional road trip of self-discovery under dire circumstances.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Blumhouse

Not your average fast-paced thriller…

This film never felt slow or sluggish to me. But it wasn’t what I expected. If you’re looking for a thriller jam-packed with action, this isn’t that film. That being said, it branched off into something even more spectacular, which held my attention the entire time. Just be aware that this is a different kind of movie.

Also, it should be noted that some scenes depicting gun violence may be triggering for some.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Blumhouse

I’m in!

Kyle Gallner gives the performance of his career in this dark and consuming watch that will stick with you long after it’s over.

This film was not what I was expecting, but I was completely drawn in by it.

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