*This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!*
“We’ll take it…”
Abandoned (2022) originally premiered in June 2022, but released on Hulu on October 21st 2022. The psychological horror film stars Emma Roberts, John Gallagher Jr., and Michael Shannon. It runs for approximately an hour and forty minutes.
After moving into a farm house with a dark past, a mother suffering from postpartum depression begins to experience something horrifying, unlocking dark secrets while trying to figure out what’s real and what’s in her head.
Here is the trailer:
Abandoned has a stellar lead and a creepy premise, but does it do enough to earn a watch? Let’s find out…
The Pros:
Images courtesy of Hulu
Emma Roberts gives it her all…
She’s the main reason why I tuned into this one and I thought she really held her own. There aren’t too many characters in this, but that didn’t matter. She was very good in this and I hope to see her in more horror films in the future because she really is fantastic in them!
Unsettling premise.
The mystery behind the house was intriguing on its own, but I also really liked trying to figure out whether this was all real or not. The film kept the audience guessing right up until the end, which worked in the film’s favor.
The Cons:
Images courtesy of Hulu
Flips back and forth between genres…
I would have preferred this film to just pick a genre and stick with it. The psychological horror aspect worked, but when it tried to act like a haunted house film with silly jump scares, it lost some of its magic. The film was eerie enough on its own.
The middle dragged a lot for me and I wasn’t really a fan of the ending either. I was expecting something more and was slightly disappointed.
So am I in or out?
Images courtesy of Hulu
I’m 50/50 on this one…
An eerie premise with some potential, but things fizzled out by the time I got to the end.
I’m in for Emma Roberts, but I think this film could have been a lot better.
I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Abandonedin the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!
Best,
Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl
A VACATION TO DIE FOR…
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.
**This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!**
“Do you still love me?”
Tell Me Lies released on Hulu on September 7th 2022 with the first three episodes available to stream now. The remaining seven episodes will air weekly. Based on the novel of the same name and produced by Emma Roberts, the romance-drama series stars Grace Van Patten, Jackson James White, Catherine Missal, and Spencer House. Each episode runs for approximately 42-46 minutes.
Lucy becomes obsessed with a guy at college who has a few secrets of his own, as we follow a toxic relationship and how it impacts the lives of those around them.
Here is the trailer:
Tell Me Lies is a guilty pleasure slow burn that highlights just how dangerous some relationships can be while giving us a deadly secret to ponder over. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…
The Pros:
Images courtesy of Hulu
Lucy has layers.
I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of watching shows centered around a female character who is starry-eyed and naive about all the wrong things. Lucy is a darker character and really intriguing to watch. I liked Grace Van Patten in Nine Perfect Strangers and so far she is really captivating my attention in this series.
Stephen is a mystery and just when I think I have him figured out, we are thrown a curve ball at the end of episode three that has me anxiously waiting to find out more.
Well played!
Images courtesy of Hulu
Not your average love story…
I didn’t really know what to expect with this one and I haven’t read the book, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this from the start. I was drawn in completely to this bad romance with edge and I am loving every second of it. I can’t wait to see things unfold into something really dark and chaotic.
I also like that there is a mystery in the background and after that cliffhanger at the end of episode three, I need to know more about it immediately!
The Cons:
Images courtesy of Hulu
The supporting characters aren’t as interesting…
We’re spending some time on some of the other characters, but I’m honestly not that interested. I just want to know about Lucy and Stephen, but I don’t need that many details about the lives of everyone else unless it directly relates to them. The actors do a decent enough job, but I’ve seen enough college and teen dramas before and they aren’t doing anything that extraordinary. Our main characters are, however.
The hook-up scenes are a bit excessive. We pretty much get one with every new transition, but it hasn’t taken away from the main story that much so far.
So am I in or out?
Images courtesy of Hulu
I’m in!!!
An addicting and steamy romance with a dark edge!
It’s safe to say that I’m hooked and then some! I can’t wait to find out what happens next!
I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Tell Me Lies 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!
*This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!*
“Young love is a powerful thing…”
First Kill premiered on Netflix on June 10th 2022 with eight episodes available to stream now. The YA teen vampire series from executive producer, Emma Roberts, stars Sarah Catherine Hook, Imani Lewis, Elizabeth Mitchell, Gracie Dzienny, and Will Swenson. Each episode runs for approximately 46-52 minutes.
Juliette and Calliope begin to fall for one another, but soon realize that one of them is a vampire and the other is a vampire hunter, causing a feud between their families.
Here is the trailer:
First Kill features a LGBTQ+ power couple in this modern interpretation of Romeo and Juliet, but does it have enough bite? Let’s find out…
The Pros:
Images courtesy of Netflix
Undeniable chemistry.
I really felt such an electric charge between these two from the very first moment we saw them interact with one another. I was super excited to see a LGBTQ+ couple shine on a vampire series and it was easy to root for these two against all odds. More please!
Images courtesy of Netflix
Fantastic cast and stand-out characters!
I am a huge Elizabeth Mitchell fan and I was so beyond thrilled to see her on this show! She does a fabulous job and I really liked the majority of the characters.
Gracie Dzienny is a scene-stealer as Elinor! Wow, what a character. I’d love to see her have her own show because she is deliciously wicked.
The Cons:
Images courtesy of Netflix
Contrived at times with painful dialogue…
Don’t get me wrong, I really enjoyed this series, but I couldn’t take it too seriously. It’s more of a guilty pleasure watch. I’m already seeing a lot of comparisons to Buffy, but this series felt more like a PG-rated version of True Blood to me.
The dialogue was really bad at times (“You bit me. You staked me!”). This made it harder to connect even though I genuinely liked the characters. The plot wasn’t bad, but there were too many characters involved, which over-complicated things. I also could have done without the overdone and overused voice-over narration. There were just so many elements that felt really contrived and I wanted some more edge, even though we saw glimmers of it at times.
It will be interesting to see where we go from here if we get a second season, especially since we got a few cliffhangers at the end.
So am I in or out?
Images courtesy of Netflix
I’m in!!!!
Love at first bite!
This series is really entertaining as long as you don’t take it too seriously. If you enjoy vampire series, you’ll find enough to be excited about with this one and a new ship to swoon over!
I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on First Killin the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!
Best,
Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl
A Halloween they’ll never forget…
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!
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)
Images courtesy of Miramax
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.
Images courtesy of Miramax
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.
Images courtesy of Miramax
I mean, she did want to be in the sequel…
2
Scream 2 (1997)
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…
Images courtesy of Miramax
We still love seeing her anyway though!
3
Scream 4 (2011)
Images courtesy of Miramax
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)
Images courtesy of Miramax
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!
**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!
Do you love horror series? Of course you do! Please also check out 12 Nights of Horror Series Coming Soon. It’s your home for everything you need to know about new and returning horror television series including new trailers, premiere dates, reviews, recaps, and renewals!
Happy Halloween TV fans! After watching the FX network’s American Horror Story: 1984 season 9 episode 7, I learned that one should be careful about signing any kind of contract…especially if it’s with the devil. Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the latest episode yet.
In last night’s episode, “The Lady in White,” we say hello to some familiar AHS alum faces and they are ready to stir up some trouble. Meanwhile, we flash back to the 1940’s and learn more about Benjamin’s past and Brooke shows us her Final Girl potential while rocking it at a roller rink. My top 5 moments from American Horror Story: 1984season 9 episode 7 are:
5
“She stole my life.”
Brooke and Donna make quite the tag team during this episode. Donna reveals that she swapped out the lethal injection, explaining why Brooke is really alive right now. Donna claims she is trying to make things right, knowing all too well what’s waiting on the other side if she continues down the wrong path.
Now that Brooke is finally free, will she be able to pull out all the stops as our Final Girl? Let’s hope so!
4
“What about your stranger policy?”
Hey Dylan McDermott! It’s always great to see him on AHS, although his character certainly seems shady. After meeting Brooke and Donna at the roller rink, he claims he needs a ride to go see his girlfriend, but things get a little suspicious on the ride there, suggesting that perhaps they just picked up a serial killer stranger. What are the odds?
3
“They couldn’t erase the evil.”
Dylan McDermott isn’t the only familiar face on this week’s episode of AHS 1984, as Lily Rabe also shows up, playing Benjamin’s mother. We flash back to 1948 when Camp Redwood was known as Camp Golden Star, discovering that Benjamin’s mother worked there and he and his brother were campers. After his mother told him to keep an eye on his brother, Benjamin lost sight of him for a moment and his brother ended up being brutally killed by the engine of a boat.
Benjamin’s mother has a nervous breakdown and decides to take her rage out on everyone, revealing the first real massacre here. After Benjamin ended her life, her blood seeped into the campgrounds, which would explain why there is a curse here. It’s clear that she may be the cause of all of this and it also explains why she hates camp counselors, since she blames them partially for her son’s death, giving us some Friday the 13th nostalgia.
Benjamin’s mother also blames him, but can he make things right? Well, I’m not sure he will get the chance since he is killed by…himself? I’m not really too sure about this part. Was this supposed to be a projection of his brother or just the killer version of his own ghost? Either way, this version of Benjamin may be a worthy match for the Night Stalker, Ramirez.
2
“Your hitchhiking days are over.”
After the stranger in the car takes out a cop, he reveals that he is a serial killer and he’s actually trying to catch up to the Night Stalker by adding to his kill list. Brooke is presented with a choice: she can either save herself and drag Donna to her death or be killed.
Brooke says she is choosing herself, but ends up throwing the car in the reverse. Brooke and Donna work together and leave the stranger on the side of the road, but cut off some fingers to prevent him from hitching a ride.
Brooke is now the bad-ass girl I have been waiting for and I can’t wait to see this tag team see it through until the end!
1
“When you sign a contract with the devil, you better understand the fine print.”
The Night Stalker shows up and actually kills Kajagoogoo, claiming he already has his autograph after he signed a contract with the devil. The rest of the tour bus is found dead as well, but what about Billy?!
The Night Stalker has arrived and he’s ready to leave his mark, but I’m very excited to see the final showdown.
Overall, the episode was all right. I thought that the time jumps were slightly unnecessary, but I loved seeing some familiar faces on the show and right now, Brooke’s journey to become the Final Girl is the only thing keeping me invested. I’m hoping she can get everything back on track for us because I don’t want to lose the 80’s slasher vibe that hooked me on to the new season in the first place. Stay tuned!
American Horror Story: 1984 episode 7 MusicSoundtrack Highlights:
Def Leppard – Armageddon It
Deniece Williams – Let’s Hear It for the Boy (Official Video)
Alice Cooper – Poison (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
**Do you love television shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Once Upon a Time, Lost, Charmed, The Vampire Diaries, and Supernatural?Do you enjoydark fantasy,fairy-tale retellings,paranormal romance, horror, and mystery? Then you may like my book series, Dreaming of Wonderland…available on Amazon! Thank you for taking the time to check it out and I appreciate any feedback as well. I really hope you enjoy!
**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!
Do you love horror series? Of course you do! Please also check out 12 Nights of Horror Series Coming Soon. It’s your home for everything you need to know about new and returning horror television series including new trailers, premiere dates, reviews, recaps, and renewals!
Happy Thursday TV fans! After watching the FX network’s American Horror Story: 1984 season 9 episode 6, I learned that sometimes “being bad feels really good,” but that doesn’t mean that we should throw our moral compass out the window. Or does it? Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the latest episode yet.
In last night’s episode, “Episode 100,” we time jump quite a bit for the 100th episode of AHS, bringing us a killer soundtrack and some new plot twists. Meanwhile, Xavier and Montana adjust to life being dead, Brooke is on death row, and Margaret is living the good life. My top 5 moments from American Horror Story: 1984 season 9 episode 6 are:
5
“Take a picture. It will last longer.”
I guess it didn’t take Xavier and Montana too long to adjust to life being dead at Camp Redwood, as they enjoy some “bitchin kills” along the way. Ray is still trying to do what is right, but they remind him that there are no more consequences.
Xavier and Montana seem to be hot and heavy, but they have a real passion for murder, but it looks like they may have bigger fish to fry when Margaret shows up for the Halloween concert.
4
“Old habits die hard.”
Margaret seems to be living the good life and surprise…Trevor is actually still alive and is now her cokehead husband. We learn that Trevor remembers everything all too well and tries to blackmail Margaret, but she decides to strategically make him her husband so that he can never testify against her. I guess that’s the next best thing to having a sugar mama.
Margaret has made her wealth by investing in real estate for properties that have had major massacres or horrible things take place, but it looks like her diamond in the rough is returning to Camp Redwood. Let’s see how this works out.
3
“That bitch needs to die.”
Margaret announces some kind of Halloween concert at Camp Redwood, which will feature…Billy Idol! Well, we know that the Night Stalker is going to want to be in attendance, but Margaret’s presence has also stirred up a need for revenge among all the undead spirits residing there.
I always love the Halloween episodes of AHS, so I’m eager to see how this turns out and hopefully we will get some more amazing songs featured as well! Will Billy make an actual appearance?
2
“Welcome back to the land of the living.”
Poor Brooke is about to be executed even though she is innocent and she ends up running into the Night Stalker in prison. The Night Stalker says his master sees potential in her and reminds her that she can still say “yes” to Satan, but she decides to respond with, “F*ck off.”
Brooke stays strong through it all and spits on the window, realizing that Margaret is there about to watch her die. Brooke says that she is innocent one last time before she receives the lethal injection, but our favorite final girl gets a lucky break.
Fake Rita/Donna/Dee Dee shows up and injects her with something, bringing her back to life. Brooke is back to the land of the living and I can’t wait to see her take her rightful revenge. Go Brooke!
1
“I thought I could be free but I’ll never be free.”
Even though Mr. Jingles made a deal with Satan, he is looking for redemption. He ends up getting the Night Stalker thrown in jail and decides to make a fresh start for himself in Alaska because you know, that’s where everyone goes for a clean slate in movies. Mr. Jingles/Benjamin/Donald now works at a Videoshack and even comes up with the famous “Be Kind, Rewind” slogan for Blockbuster, which gave me a lot of fun nostalgia.
Mr. Jingle nows has a wife (former prostitute) and an infant son, but the Night Stalker shows up to take everything away from him after asking his master for a chance at immortality. The Night Stalker brutally murders his wife and he decides to leave his baby with their neighbor. Mr. Jingles realizes now that he can never be free and decides to end this once and for all. It looks like we have all of our players in place now so we’ll have to see who ends up surviving.
Overall, I was slightly underwhelmed by AHS’s 100th episode. I guess I was hoping for some more familiar Easter eggs and AHS did what it always does around episode 5 or 6, where it decides to take this weird turn with the plot. I really enjoyed the simple slasher formula so I’m not sure that we needed all of this excess fluff, but I’m eager to see Brooke and Mr. Jingles take their revenge. Stay tuned!
I also enjoyed this music soundtrack the most out of all the episodes so far and hope you enjoy the highlights from it below!
American Horror Story: 1984 episode 6 MusicSoundtrack Highlights:
Billy Idol – Flesh For Fantasy (Official Music Video)
Black Sabbath “Paranoid”
REO Speedwagon – Can’t Fight This Feeling
Mötley Crüe – Home Sweet Home (Official Music Video)
The Smiths – How Soon Is Now? (Official Music 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
**Do you love television shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Once Upon a Time, Lost, Charmed, The Vampire Diaries, and Supernatural?Do you enjoydark fantasy,fairy-tale retellings,paranormal romance, horror, and mystery? Then you may like my book series, Dreaming of Wonderland…available on Amazon! Thank you for taking the time to check it out and I appreciate any feedback as well. I really hope you enjoy!
**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!
Do you love horror series? Of course you do! Please also check out 12 Nights of Horror Series Coming Soon. It’s your home for everything you need to know about new and returning horror television series including new trailers, premiere dates, reviews, recaps, and renewals!
Happy Thursday TV fans! After watching the FX network’s American Horror Story: 1984 season 9 episode 2, we learned that you can “refuse to let fear dictate your life” and “if you imagine the worst, that’s all you see.” But what if everyone really is out to get you? Do you let the fear in or do you use everything in your power to fight it? Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the latest episode yet.
In last night’s episode, “Mr. Jingles,” more secrets are unlocked, as we get a glimpse into Brooke’s past, while Xavier gets a disturbing visit in the present. Meanwhile, Margaret continues to do “God’s work,” as she meets the Night Stalker, but it seems like there are some supernatural forces present at Camp Redwood. My top 5 moments from the American Horror Story: 1984season 9 episode 2 are:
5
“Mr. Jingles will not survive me.”
After receiving a warning about Mr. Jingles escaping the mental institution, Margaret does not seem to be fazed at all. In fact, she almost treats it like a challenge, explaining that she will not live her life in fear. While this seems commendable in some ways, you have to wonder why Margaret is willing to put the lives of others in danger by keeping Camp Redwood open?
I had a feeling that something was off with Margaret from last week’s episode, but it looks like we still have a lot left to discover about her. I guess the jingling will continue as scheduled.
4
“I just wanted everything to be perfect.”
We don’t have to wait too long to get a glimpse into Brooke’s past, as we learn that she was supposed to get married last summer, which isn’t much of a shock since we did see her looking at the engagement ring in her jewelry box in last week’s episode. However, Brooke’s fiance, Joey allowed his jealousy to rule his actions, as he decided to begin shooting people at the wedding, including himself.
It’s understandable why Brooke is beyond traumatized, but is there more to the story here? Brooke opens up to Montana during this revelation and Montana proceeds to kiss her, but Brooke breaks it up before anything can go too far. Fingers crossed that we get to see more of this!
3
“Gay for pay, baby.”
Xavier also seems to be hiding something and during this episode, he gets a visit from his pimp? I guess that’s what he is, as someone named Blake (but call him Daddy) shows up to blackmail Xavier. He claims that he found Xavier as a junky and cleaned him up to make him a star in gay porn, but Xavier has real dreams about being an actor. Xavier claims that he can find someone even better for his movies and poor Blake certainly gets an eyeful when he spies on the guys in the shower…oh and he gets stabbed in the eye too.
Xavier’s character comes into question here; however, as he seems more than willing to turn someone else in to get away. Will he do the same thing when he is faced with the killer? We’ll have to wait and see.
2
“How are you alive?”
After Brooke is on the run from the Night Stalker, he runs into a camp counselor, Jonas, and proceeds to kill him…more than once. The Night Stalker is beyond confused by this and so am I. The Night Stalker then has a really weird conversation with Margaret, who seems to be quite taken with him. We see a glimpse into the Night Stalker’s past and learn how he became a killer, but it looks like Brooke may be off the hook now, as the Night Stalker feels that Margaret truly sees him.
Margaret seems to be extremely sympathetic and understanding with the Night Stalker, which makes me question her motives even more. She comes face-to-face with Jonas, who died on the night Mr. Jingles killed everyone, but his spirit seems to be trapped in Camp Redwood somehow?
We’ll have to see how this plays out and while I’m thankful for some plot advancement, I’m not sure if it really fits in too well, but AHS has a way of seamlessly connecting all the dots for us, even if we don’t see it initially.
1
“He’s dead dead.”
So I actually really enjoyed the humor in this episode, as our group of characters all now realize that there is an actual killer on the loose after they stumble upon Blake’s corpse. Xavier hilariously screams out that they have to help him, but is told that he is “dead dead,” which had me laughing out loud.
I love that the show is truly paying homage to the 80’s slasher films we all know so well, while keeping things light with some campy horror fun. Now that the characters know that Mr. Jingles is there, what will they do next? I can’t wait to find out and it looks like we will be exploring Mr. Jingles’s past more next week. Stay tuned!
**Fun fact: Brooke sits on the dock and sees someone in the water underneath it, which is a fun throwback to Friday the 13th: Part III. Oddly enough, the character from the movie, Vera, is later shot through the eye by Jason and a one-eyed corpse is seen in Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter. Is this foreshadowing for what’s to come with Blake? Perhaps, but it was a fun throwback nonetheless.
American Horror Story: 1984 episode 2 MusicSoundtrack Highlights:
Billy Idol – White Wedding
Greg Kihn Band – Jeopardy
The Pointer Sisters – Jump (For My Love)
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
**Do you love television shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Once Upon a Time, Lost, Charmed, The Vampire Diaries, and Supernatural?Do you enjoydark fantasy,fairy-tale retellings,paranormal romance, horror, and mystery? Then you may like my book series, Dreaming of Wonderland…available on Amazon! Thank you for taking the time to check it out and I appreciate any feedback as well. I really hope you enjoy!
**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!
Do you love horror series? Of course you do! Please also check out 12 Nights of Horror Series Coming Soon. It’s your home for everything you need to know about new and returning horror television series including new trailers, premiere dates, reviews, recaps, and renewals!
Emma Roberts as Brooke on FX Network’s American Horror Story: 1984. So I was initially disappointed when I found out that both Sarah Paulson and Evan Peters would not be appearing in the ninth season of AHS, but after watching the premiere, I am confident that Emma Roberts can lead the way to another fantastic season.
I have always been a huge fan of hers and I am really excited that she is finally getting a chance to step out of the supporting role and into the lead. I loved her in Scream 4, she had me laughing hysterically in Scream Queens (please bring us that revival soon) and one of my favorite characters on television is Madison Montgomery from AHS: Coven/Apocalypse.
There are some big shoes to fill here, but I am already so invested in Brooke’s character and I believe that she has Final Girl potential…even though she may not be making the best decisions, but this is supposed to be channeling an 80’s slasher movie vibe after all. Please not some spoilers are ahead if you are not up-to-date on the series.
Brooke is already being targeted by the Night Stalker (AHS Hotel connection) and Mr. Jingles, but her camp counselor friends think that she needs to let loose and leave some of these hallucinations behind. Brooke desperately tries to get them to believe her, but I have a feeling that the bodies will need to start piling up before anyone will really listen to her.
We also see Brooke looking at an engagement ring in her jewelry box, which means we will probably get bits and pieces of her past sprinkled into the mix, but is there any connection here to either of the two killers?
I know that some fans were disappointed that we already learned about the killer’s identity in the season premiere, but that just means that there are some unexpected twists and turns heading our way and I wonder if perhaps Brooke isn’t as innocent as she may appear to be? It seems like a lot of the characters may have something to hide, but that just makes the show that much more entertaining, as we get to fill in the pieces together while the mystery unfolds.
What’s next for Brooke? We’ll have to wait and see, but I want to know more about her past and I want to find out why the killers seem to be targeting her specifically. Emma Roberts can play any character to perfection and I can’t wait to find out if she is my true Final Girl or if she is a villain in disguise. After all, she did surprise us all in Scream 4 so you never know!
Either way, I am already impressed with Emma Roberts and I am confident that she will continue to capture our undivided attention. I can’t wait to see what she does next!
Stay tuned for a recognized performance on TV each week!
Best,
Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl
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Have a performance on TV that you think is simply outstanding? Feel free to contact me with your nomination for the week by Friday at midnight!
**Do you love television shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Once Upon a Time, Lost, Charmed, The Vampire Diaries, and Supernatural?Do you enjoydark fantasy,fairy-tale retellings,paranormal romance, horror, and mystery? Then you may like my book series, Dreaming of Wonderland…available on Amazon! Thank you for taking the time to check it out and I appreciate any feedback as well. I really hope you enjoy!
Happy Thursday TV fans! After watching the FX network’s American Horror Story: 1984 season 9 episode 1 last night, I remembered that perhaps we should listen to creepy gas attendants who tell us that there’s nowhere to run or hide. Or maybe we should go answer a payphone in the middle of the woods when a killer is on the loose. Let’s make some good choices and go back in time to enjoy some 80’s slasher fun with a killer soundtrack! Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the latest episode yet.
In last night’s episode, “Camp Redwood,” Brooke, Montana, Xavier, Chet, and Ray all meet at Perfect 10 Aerobics and decide to take summer jobs as camp counselors at Camp Redwood. We hear the campfire chilling story of the infamous killer, Mr. Jingles and it seems like anyone with a half a brain would stay clear of this camp, but where would be the fun in that? My top 5 moments from the American Horror Story: 1984 season 9 episode 1 season premiere are:
5
“I heard serial killers become more active in the summer months when it’s hot.”
Meet Brooke, played by the brilliant and amazing Emma Roberts, who seems to hit it off right away with Montana, played by Billie Lourd, at an aerobics class. Brooke appears to be somewhat of a shy loner and clearly has a past since we witness her looking at an engagement ring in her jewelry box, but I’m already invested in her character and Emma Roberts can do no wrong for me.
4
“You’re a bad-ass!”
So maybe Brooke should have taken her own advice about leaving windows open in her apartment. After initially turning down Xavier’s offer to go to Camp Redwood with them, an intruder breaks into her apartment and takes her jewelry. The stranger claims to be the Night Stalker and seems to heavily worship Satan. Connection to Hotel and Apocalypse?
I’m not sure if this attack was random or not, but Brooke makes excellent use of my favorite weapon of choice…a frying pan, which definitely makes her a bad-ass in my book! And so it’s off to Camp Redwood, since Brooke clearly doesn’t want to stay by herself for the summer.
3
“I have been fighting the lord’s fight against filth around the world for years.”
After our group hits a stranger in front of Camp Redwood with their car, they meet the head of Camp Redwood, Margaret, played by the hilarious and enchanting Leslie Grossman. Seriously, I love this fierce trio of ladies and I’m hoping they can bring the fire again this season.
Margaret seems to be a big fan of following rules and we know what happens when you don’t follow the rules in a slasher film. Margaret reminds them that girls wear red and boys wear blue and that they shouldn’t even try to make purple, which was another fun connection to Apocalypse. Margaret has a vision of making Camp Redwood into a safe and pure place for children, but I’m not sure one can ever really lose the reputation of being the site of the “worst summer camp massacre of all time.”
2
“He liked to kill and he was good at it.”
The opening of the episode flashes back to 1970 and we witness serial killer, Benjamin Richter (aka Mr. Jingles) brutally attacking and killing some camp counselors who were having some late night extracurricular activities together. In 1984, the group gathers around a campfire and Rita, played by Angelica Ross, fills them in on the history and questions why they are all really there.
Mr. Jingles apparently has a thing for collecting ears, which is beyond disturbing and we discover that Margaret is the only survivor from his massacre, showing off her missing ear. We also learn that Mr. Jingles has escaped the asylum he was in during present day (1984), grabbing a new set of keys, as he heads off to Camp Redwood.
Is he looking to eliminate Margaret once and for all or is he just looking to kill as he goes? I’m not sure just yet, but there has to be a lot more to this if we are revealing the identity of the killer in episode 1. Perhaps Margaret is in on it now? It’s an early theory of mine, but we shall see.
1
“It was him! I am not imagining all of this!”
After discovering the stranger from the road hung up on the back of a door, Brooke freaks out and takes off. She is able to escape, but her friends think she is imagining things, especially when the body has mysteriously vanished and the rain coat killer seems to just be a rain coat. Brooke is convinced that what she saw is real and decides to throw all caution out the window by answering a ringing payphone outside.
I’m not really sure this is the best decision, but it does give us a chance to see that the Night Stalker is also lurking in the shadows. Are there two killers on the loose or is this all connected? I’m not sure, but it looks like Brooke is our potential final girl and I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Overall, I thought the season 9 premiere was a lot of fun. It provided us with a lot of nostalgia and cleverly reminded us about the slasher movie trope, while keeping us invested in the main plot. It looks like I am planning on staying at Camp Redwood after all. How about you?
**Fun fact: Roy from “Roy’s Gas n Grab” warns our group of characters and tells them that they’re all going to die, which is a fun throwback to Crazy Ralph in Friday the 13thtelling the counselors they are all doomed.
American Horror Story: 1984 episode 1 MusicSoundtrack Highlights:
Bananarama – Cruel Summer
Rockwell – Somebody’s Watching Me 1984
Daryl Hall & John Oates – Private Eyes
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
**Do you love television shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Once Upon a Time, Lost, Charmed, The Vampire Diaries, and Supernatural?Do you enjoydark fantasy,fairy-tale retellings,paranormal romance, horror, and mystery? Then you may like my book series, Dreaming of Wonderland…available on Amazon! Thank you for taking the time to check it out and I appreciate any feedback as well. I really hope you enjoy!
**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!
Do you love horror series? Of course you do! Please also check out 12 Nights of Horror Series Coming Soon. It’s your home for everything you need to know about new and returning horror television series including new trailers, premiere dates, reviews, recaps, and renewals!
Happy Thursday TV fans! After watching the FX network’s American Horror Story: Apocalypse season 8 episode 6 last night, the episode we have all been waiting for has finally arrived and it was everything we could have asked for and more. Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the latest episode yet. In last night’s episode, “Return to Murder House,” Madison and Behold play house and are determined to find out more about Michael Langdon. Meanwhile, it’s like the high school reunion you actually want to attend, as we get to catch up with our favorite characters from season one and detect some fun Easter eggs along the way. My top 5 moments from American Horror Story: Apocalypseseason 8 episode 6 are:
5
“We look like the worst possible versions of Heidi Klum and Seal.”
In the beginning of the episode, Madison and Behold arrive at Murder House and are ready to temporarily move in to speak to the spirits residing there. Madison’s black ensemble when she first walks up the steps is absolutely fabulous and she is ready for her second chance. Madison and Behold’s partnership is absolutely delightful, as Behold reminds her that he had to put on khakis, so it’s a hard day for everyone. Seriously can we give these two their own show? After Madison hilariously exclaims that she is ready to make some babies in her new home, the realtor explains that he needs to disclose everything about the house, including the 36 murders that took place here before. I guess it will be a little crowded inside.
4
“So you’re like a shitty Miss Cleo?”
Madison and Behold perform a spell so that they are able to see and speak to the spirits in Murder House and it seems like it worked perfectly, as Madison detects a red ball rolling her way, reminding us that Beau is around and ready to say hi. They also quickly cross paths with the “psychic to the stars,” Billie Dean Howard, who predicted that the Antichrist would bring about the apocalypse back in season one. She knows that Madison and Behold are witches, but she keeps this information to herself. Is it that she doesn’t want to get involved or is there some other reason for her silence? Billie Dean also tells Madison that she has known other Montgomerys, potentially confirming that Madison is somehow related to Dr. Montgomery. Sarah Paulson has been quite busy directing and playing a number of characters, but she is keeping us all entertained for sure. We also cross paths with the maid, Moira O’Hara, who Constance is looking to get rid of. After finding her bones, Madison and Behold agree to bury her near her mother so that she can finally be at peace. Now on to some of our absolute favorites!
3
“I was born to be a mother.”
Jessica Lange definitely knows how to make an entrance. When Madison and Behold meet her, she greets them by saying, “I’m Constance Langdon and this is my f*cking house.” Constance seems willing to help Madison and Behold, but reminds them that “I don’t spill a drop of tea for free.” After removing Moira from the premises, Constance keeps up her end of the bargain and gives us a tell all about her past as Michael Langdon’s grandmother. Constance thought of Michael as a “chance for a do over” and further explains that “he was my destiny.” Constance began to detect that something was not right with Michael right away. She used to find dead insects and rodents by his crib, which she thought of as “presents.” She buried each dead thing in the garden and covered it up with a rose bush, until her yard was completely full of them. She mentions a dead babysitter as well and explains that at least she didn’t have to bury that one. I guess that’s a win? Constance reveals that one day she walked in and Michael had aged a decade over night. It’s like he was “in a hurry to get somewhere.” Constance felt that she was born to be a mother and Michael gave her the opportunity to feel like she truly mattered. She soon realized that Michael was done with her and decided to leave the world on her own terms, taking her life in Murder House so that she could be reunited with her family forever. We also get a glimpse of Constance’s fourth child, who she refers to as a “beauty queen,” but is missing her eyes. Jessica Lange is no stranger to putting on a fantastic show throughout the seasons and she has her grand “bon voyage”moment in the spotlight here, dancing and swirling around with star quality.
2
“And all who dwell on the earth will worship him.”
After speaking to Constance, Madison and Behold offer to help Ben Harmon, who spends his days crying and masturbating by the window, which has become “his thing.” Dylan McDermott is back and he reveals his own past with Michael, explaining that he thought of him like a son and that he was the “only light to come out of all this.” While Ben began bonding with Michael, Tate was not as receptive to him, telling him to “stay away from my shit.” Michael didn’t listen all too well; however, as he began putting on the Rubber Man suit and ended up killing a lesbian couple who moved in. Tate had been responsible for killing a gay couple in the suit back in the day. Ben was horrified by Michael’s actions here and then further explains that he didn’t just kill them, but he “made them cease to exist.” Ben walked away from Michael, explaining that he could have never helped him and Michael continued to turn toward darkness. Madison comments that “our new Supreme is pretty much pure evil” and in walks Vivian, played by the wonderful Connie Britton, who is ready to finally make amends with her husband and share some information as well. Vivian talks about the “Church of Satan” and we finally get to learn how Ms. Mead entered Michael’s life. They referred to him as “The Chosen One” and said he was born over the mouth of hell. After performing a dark mass ritual, Michael consumed the sacrifice and we see a shadow of Satan over his shoulders. Vivian explains that “he was born from the evil of this house and the source of darkness is his true father and he is here to destroy the world.” Behold later asks some important questions like “what if we can’t stop him and what happens then? I’m right there with you Behold, as Michael’s powers are coming from the source of all evil and I’m not sure that anyone is a match for him.
1
“Maybe you just need to see the truth for yourself.”
Have you ever wanted to re-write the ending for some of your favorite characters so that they can get the happy ending they deserve? Well AHS pretty much gave fans that very opportunity in last night’s episode. Madison actually tries to do some good and has a heart-to-heart talk with Violet. She recognizes the “romantic tragedy” right in front of her and tries to explain that the evil within Tate left once Michael did. Violet has trouble believing her and Madison magically helps her see the truth for herself. Violet and Tate share a beautiful moment together and embrace by the window, as fans cheer everywhere. Behold comments that Madison is “really nothing but a softie” and I am happy to see her finally doing some good for others. Even though we see a glimmer of a happily ever after for Violet and Tate, Madison and Behold know that there will be no more happy endings if they cannot stop Michael. Madison uses her powers to close the gates to Murder House with her mind, reminding me of Charmed,where we see Prue doing the same thing whenever closing the door to the Halliwell manor. We have closed the chapter on Murder House, but I have to say that it was an amazing episode and well worth the wait. Stay tuned!
P.S. fun fact:Naomi Grossman played Pepper in Asylum and is now featured as one of the Cardinals of Satan. She is the first character to ever cross over on the seasons, as her original character also appeared on Freak Show.
I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own theories and thoughts on American Horror Story: Apocalypsebelow in the comments section. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!
**I would love it if you would take a moment to check out my Whizbuzz Book page via the link below for everything you need to know about my new book, The Search for Alice, including my author bio page and links to my website and social media sites! Thank you!
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I am so excited to announce that my book,The Search for Alice, is now available!If you enjoy fairy-tale retellings, paranormal romance, horror, and mystery, then this might be the book for you or someone you know! Thank you for taking the time to check it out and I appreciate any feedback as well. I hope you enjoy!
When Kallie Bennett, a jaded teenage girl plagued by her alcoholic mother and her peers molded out of sheer bubble gum perfection, chases after Alice in Wonderland herself, she ends up lost in her own version of Wonderland, which forces her to face her utmost fears and introduces her to familiar characters with a dark twist. Among these characters is Ches, a gorgeous vampire with a conflicted conscience, who becomes Kallie’s guide and blossoming love interest. She also crosses paths with Queen Hartley, a manipulative witch who has the power to strip away one’s memories and imagination, which brings a bone chilling new meaning to “off with their heads.” In The Search for Alice, Kallie starts to realize that her Wonderland is just as frightening as her own reality and that she cannot always run away from her problems. She must figure out a way to defeat Queen Hartley and return home before it is too late, but she soon learns that escaping Wonderland means leaving Ches behind forever.
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