Spoiler-Free Review of “Love & Death” on HBO Max: Candy Returns…

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

“I will drag you through this…”

Love & Death premiered on HBO Max on April 27th 2023 with three episodes available to stream now. There will be seven episodes in total that will air weekly. The limited drama series (based on the true story of Candy Montgomery) stars Elizabeth Olsen, Jesse Plemons, Krysten Ritter, Lily Rabe, and Tom Pelphrey. Each episode runs for approximately 54-58 minutes.

Just less than a year later, we get another rendition of the true crime story involving Candy Montgomery and her best friend, Betty Gore.

Here is the trailer:

Love & Death brings us another talented leading lady and a chilling case, but did we really need another series on this crime so soon? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Love & Death no spoilers 1

Images courtesy of HBO Max

Talented cast.

I’m a big fan of Elizabeth Olsen and the rest of the cast is very talented as well, which almost makes me want to re-watch a series that I’ve already seen again just to see their take on things. 

Fantastic soundtrack and vibe.

The music may be the best part of this series. It has been transporting me back in time seamlessly. I love the fashion and overall vibe as well. Even though I’m familiar with the plot and the ultimate outcome, I think I have been enjoying these aspects more in this series over Candy.

The Cons:

Love & Death no spoilers 2

Images courtesy of HBO Max

I’m not sure we really need this series…

If you haven’t seen Candy yet on Hulu, you’ll probably get more out of this series. Since I did watch that series less than a year ago, I feel like I already know everything that’s going to happen and I’m not sure that this series is doing anything that new or different this time around.

Also, as much as I love Elizabeth Olsen, I think I preferred Jessica Biel’s grittier portrayal. Elizabeth Olsen still seems so elegant and charming so I’m not sure she was the perfect match for this particular role. That being said, she’s still absolutely wonderful and talented. I’d watch her in pretty much anything…

The pacing is really sluggish so far. Candy only had five episodes and I was weighed down by that pacing as well, so having more episodes this time around that are longer is already problematic for me…

So am I in or out?

Loveo & Death no spoilers 3

Images courtesy of HBO Max

I’m in about 75 percent…

Elizabeth Olsen puts forth a valiant effort here and this is a fascinating case to see unfold on the screen, but the timing of this series seems odd and unnecessary. I’m in for now, but I’m hoping to see some drastic changes to keep me invested.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Love & Death 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 new 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 “WandaVision” on Disney+: Delightfully Intriguing

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

“My wife and her flying saucers…”

WandaVision premiered on Disney+ on January 15th 2021 with the first two episodes available to stream now. There will be nine episodes in total that will air weekly. The series stars Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany, and Kathryn Hahn. Each episode runs for approximately 30-35 minutes. 

If you are familiar with MCU, then you know that this series may initially seem strange and misplaced based on the events that occurred in the Avenger films. Nonetheless, we are presented with a sitcom series featuring Wanda (Scarlet Witch) and her husband, Vision. Things are not as they seem as we find ourselves trapped within a television-centric nostalgia that is not without its own unique charm and mystery.

Here is the trailer:

WandaVision may be the most unique release we have seen yet in MCU, paying its respect to timeless sitcom classics while presenting us with clever Easter eggs and the promise to unfold the mystery at hand, but does it do enough to keep viewers coming back for more? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

WandaVision Spoiler Free Review 1

Images courtesy of Disney+

Undeniable chemistry.

While I always noticed a spark between these two in the films, there really wasn’t enough time to devote to it with everything else going on. WandaVision gives us the chance to finally see just how charming these two can be together and I have to say that it’s even better than I could have imagined.

The love is believable and even though it’s clear that things are not as they seem, the connection between the characters keeps us invested in their well-being. Seriously, these two are adorable!

WandaVision Spoiler Free Review 2

Images courtesy of Disney+

Welcomed TV nostalgia.

The show really owes a lot to series like The Dick Van Dyke Show, Bewitched, and I Love Lucy, embracing all of these classic shows effortlessly without becoming stale in the process. I especially enjoyed the second episode and was actually really laughing at several parts, allowing myself to treat this show as what it is meant to be…a sitcom.

WandaVision Spoiler Free Review 3

Images courtesy of Disney+

Fantastic supporting characters and guest stars.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer alum, Emma Caulfield was fantastic and I always love watching Kathryn Hahn, who nailed the nosy neighbor vibe with flair. Pretty much every guest star has really added to the show and based on the cast listed, I can’t wait to see everyone else.

The Cons:

WandaVision Spoiler Free Review 4

Images courtesy of Disney+

Strange and confusing.

I’m all for strange and confusing and there have already been several well placed Easter eggs and hints at a bigger mystery going on, but it is really confusing at times. Perhaps we will get to everything in the later episodes, but I think that the series can take a page out of Pleasantville’s book and give the audience just a little bit more.

That being said, I am intrigued by the mystery and love the concept of being trapped inside a television sitcom (if that’s what is actually happening here), but I think some viewers may be turned off and lose interest if we aren’t given more hints soon.

So am I in or out?

WandaVision Spoiler Free Review 5

Images courtesy of Disney+

I’m in!

This show is really different and unique, but it also presents us with so much charming nostalgia. I can’t wait to watch the next episodes and I think that as long as the mystery picks up, this show will develop into something truly fantastic!

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