Spoiler-Free Review of “Thanksgiving” in Theaters: A Delicious, Blood-Soaked Delight!

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

“There will be no leftovers…”

Thanksgiving released in theaters on November 17th 2023. The slasher-horror film (directed by Eli Roth) stars Patrick Dempsey, Nell Verlaque, Addison Rae, Rick Hoffman, Milo Manheim, and Gina Gershon. It runs for approximately an hour and forty-six minutes.

A year after a horrific tragedy on Black Friday, a masked killer begins to pick off those responsible one by one, leading up to a deadly feast.

Here is the trailer:

Thanksgiving successfully channels 90’s slashers to breathe new life into the genre, supplying us with plenty of fantastic chase scenes and gory kills. Is it worthy of YOUR next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Channels 90’s slashers in the best way possible!

I absolutely loved this aspect of the movie. It recognized the perfection of this era and borrowed from it in a clever and satisfying way. So many moments reminded me of films like Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer, but it wasn’t overdone. Thanksgiving still managed to find its own identity in the process, hopefully carving the way for more slashers to come.

Gore galore!

OK, so first off…that opening scene was jaw-dropping! But the gore didn’t stop there. Each kill was inventive, entertaining, and filled to the brim with seat-squirming moments. If extreme gore isn’t for you, I’d stay clear, but for those of you who can’t get enough of it, there’s plenty to enjoy here.

The Cons:

Predictable here and there…

This didn’t take away from the entertaining moments, but perhaps a little too much was revealed in the trailers. That being said, I still loved every second of it. I guess I just wanted a few unpredictable twists thrown in for good measure…

So am I in or out?

I’m in 100 percent!!!

A clever, entertaining slasher that delivers and then some!

Slashers are DOMINATING cinema right now and I’m absolutely loving it. More please!

I hope you enjoyed the review and please feel free to share your thoughts on Thanksgiving in the comments section!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

IN THE CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS, HER NIGHT FROM HELL HAS ONLY JUST BEGUN…

After working the night shift, Ashley becomes entangled in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse with a local street gang, forcing her to come up with a plan to survive the night by turning the tables on them.

Ashley must fight for her life and take them out one by one if she wants to make it to morning…

My young adult revenge thriller comes out November 30th 2023! I hope you enjoy!

Make it Through the Night 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 “Killer Book Club” on Netflix: Spanish Slasher Attempts to Channel “I Know What You Did Last Summer”

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

“She will be the one to die…”

Killer Book Club (El Club De Los Lectores Criminales) released on Netflix on August 25th 2023. The Spanish slasher-horror film stars Veki Velilla, Ane Rot, Priscilla Delgado, and Carlos Alcaide. It runs for approximately 90 minutes.

A group of friends are targeted by a masked killer, who wants to pick them off one by one to expose their secret and finish their horror novel.

Here is the trailer:

Killer Book Club clearly gets its inspiration from 90’s slashers with a fun concept, but does it find its own identity or get lost in the imitation? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Killer premise with some welcomed gore.

When I first read the description for this film, I was beyond excited. A slasher involving a book club? It honestly sounded like a dream come true. I really want to see more movies bring back the 90’s slasher vibe so I appreciate the effort here.

There were also plenty of gory kills so that was a plus.

The pros stop there though…

The Cons:

Tries too hard to imitate films like IKWYDLS and Scream.

They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but this film felt like really bad fan fiction. There were so many scenes that forced these comparisons and they didn’t come close to imprinting their own identity in the process, which was extremely frustrating to watch as a slasher fan.

The kills weren’t edgy enough.

I wanted some intense chase scenes here, but instead we got these watered down ones that had overpowering dramatic music playing over them and a weird voice-over narration. Look, I get that it was supposed to be similar to chapters in a book, but some of these scenes could have been a lot better if they had played out in a more organic way.

I couldn’t even appreciate the gore because of this.

Characters I could care less about…

There wasn’t one redeeming character. They all fell neatly into tropes and no one stood out to me. I found a lot of them to be really annoying and empty. They didn’t attempt to explore any character layers or growth so when they started to get picked off, I honestly didn’t care.

So am I in or out?

Unfortunately I’m out on this one…

More slashers please, but not like this…

I really wanted to like this film and I was so excited about the concept behind it, but it relied too much on ripping off 90’s slashers and never quite found any ounce of originality, which was beyond disappointing.

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

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

THIS COMPETITION IS KILLER…

When former friends, Shay and Adriana team up to participate in a Halloween scavenger hunt with a cash prize, they temporarily put their differences aside to outsmart their opponents. However, they soon start to realize that a dangerous threat is playing their own version of the game, stalking them during each hunt.

Winning is now a necessity as their lives are at stake. As old wounds and memories re-surface, Shay and Adriana attempt to unmask the threat before the night is over, but soon learn that Scream Hunt is not done with them just yet…

Scream Hunt is available here!

**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 “Choose or Die” on Netflix: Are you worthy?

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

“You are worthy…”

Choose or Die (CURS>R) premiered on Netflix on April 15th 2022. The horror film stars Iola Evans, Asa Butterfield, Eddie Marsan, and Robert Englund. It runs for approximately an hour and twenty-five minutes.

A coder finds an 80’s retro computer game with an unclaimed prize, but she soon realizes that she is actually playing for her own survival.

Here is the trailer:

Choose or Die has a fun premise with a retro feel, but does the film do enough to earn a watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Killer concept.

Similar to horror films like Stay Alive, Truth or Dare, and Would You Rather, this film takes on a game gone wrong to the extreme. I actually really dug the retro feel and I thought that the opening was really strong. There was an 80’s horror nostalgia present from a familiar voice to some well-placed posters, which made me feel right at home.

Doesn’t hold back in the gore department…

There were actually a lot of moments in this one that had my skin crawling. If you’re looking for gore, you’ll get some here. Most of the games end in some kind of overly bloody and disgusting demise but if gore is not your thing, you may want to steer clear.

The Cons:

Wishy-washy female lead…

I like to have a strong or even a flawed female lead to root for in horror films. She doesn’t have to be a complete bad-ass, but I have to like her. I just couldn’t connect to this main character at all. I just watched this film and her name already escapes me because she was just kind of bland.

Killer concept, but fails in the execution.

I was really looking forward to this movie and I was disappointed by the time I got to the end. The movie isn’t bad. It’s short enough to hold your interest but I wasn’t really a fan of the ending and once things were fully explained, I think the film tried to do a little too much. Sometimes less is more…

So am I in or out?

I’m 50/50 on this one…

I loved the concept and the 80’s nostalgia, but the film fell flat for me in a lot of ways, which was really disappointing. If you have nothing else to watch this weekend, you can give it a whirl but you’re better off re-watching Stay Alive instead.

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

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

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

“Don’t run…”

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

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

Here is the trailer:

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

The Pros:

Gory kills galore!

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

Fast paced plot.

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

A true sequel.

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

The Cons:

Glosses over character development…

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

So am I in or out?

I’m in!

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

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

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

PLAY BY THE RULES…STAY ALIVE…

A harmless night of fun turns deadly for six college friends but the game has only just begun. Take a mystery thrill ride right from your own living room. Dash and Seek is out now! I hope you enjoy!

READ IF YOU DARE…

Dash and Seek is available here!

**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 Witcher” Season 2 on Netflix: An Entertaining Adventure

*This is a spoiler-free review for season 2 so feel free to read on!*

“Toss a coin to your Witcher…”

The Witcher season 2 premiered on Netflix on December 17th 2021 with eight episodes available to stream now. The fantasy action series stars Henry Cavill, Freya Allan and Anya Chalotra.

Geralt of Rivia is back as he shows off his monster-fighting skills while trying to protect the young princess Ciri from countless threats.

Here is the trailer:

The Witcher provides us with plenty of monsters, magic, and gore while allowing its characters a chance at true self-discovery and redemption. ls season two worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Ciri shines!

I really loved the development of Ciri in season two. She felt like a plot device in season one for a lot of the time and I actually felt like I got to know her this time around.

Those training sessions reminded me of Buffy!

True character growth.

I didn’t think there would be a lot of growth for Geralt but boy was I wrong. I really loved the interactions between the core four characters and I thought we witnessed some true growth and transformation. Redemption was earned for some and others went through pain and loss.

All of the emotions were real and I really loved the bonds formed between some of the characters. It connected me to the show that much more and really elevated it in a lot of ways.

The Cons:

A lot of sub-plots to keep track of…

I had the same issue with the first season. The pacing works for the most part and there is enough action to keep you entertained, but when I started to actually think about what was going on with some of the sub-plots, I felt a bit lost.

I thought the first half of the season had a darker tone, but the fun picked up starting in episode four and I thought the pacing stayed on track from there, however.

So am I in or out?

I’m in!

I thoroughly enjoyed season two and I think it’s safe to say that I am a fan for life of The Witcher. The characters are really the best part of the show for me and I absolutely loved going on this journey with them!

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

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

This competition is killer…

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

Scream Hunt is available here!

**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 “Wrong Turn” 2021: Chilling Redemption for the Franchise

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

“Strangers don’t get to leave…”

Wrong Turn 2021 was originally released back in January 2021. The film is currently available to stream on Showtime. The reboot is the seventh entry to the franchise.

Wrong Turn (2021) stars Charlotte Vega, Adain Bradley, Matthew Modine, Emma Dupont and Bill Sage. The film runs for approximately an hour and fifty minutes.

A group of friends set off to hike the Appalachian Trail in unfamiliar territory as they quickly learn the dangers of straying off the path.

Here is the trailer:

Wrong Turn 2021 could have easily gotten lost in the shuffle of the six prior movies, but it does attempt to present us with something new and different. Does the reboot deserve a watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Characters worth your time.

While some of the characters left a lot to be desired, others really stood out and proved their worth as we approached the second half of the film. As the audience, you genuinely feel sympathy for the characters and root for certain ones against all odds.

It’s difficult to achieve this in these types of movies so I was impressed with the believable performances and layered characters. This was a nice touch and helped elevate the film above the other entries…although the original film will always be iconic for me.

Unsettling and disturbing reveals…

I thought I knew what I was going to get with this film and it really did surprise me in a good way. The film took several unexpected turns and attempted to channel some folk horror as well, which I thought was a bold choice.

While the original film really captured the thrilling run for your life premise, the other films fell flat and just tried to repeat what we had already seen before. This film is completely aware of that and knows the audience is as well, so I thought it was a smart choice for it to go off in a different direction for the reboot, creating a new kind of fear along the way.

Brutal kills.

Like, really brutal! I had to turn away a few times because the kills were extremely violent in this film. If you are here for lots of gore, you will not be disappointed. The horror we witness is terrifying on a whole new level.

The Cons:

Attempts to do a lot…

This film jams a lot into two hours. While some of it translated really well and completely shocked me, other moments didn’t really add up for me. The writers were stretching a lot and creating a dialogue, which is a good thing, but sometimes less is more and this film was slightly short of pure perfection for me because it attempted to do a little too much.

So am I in or out?

I’m in!

While the original film of the franchise is still my favorite, the reboot really made a valiant effort to provide us with a terrifying entry that truly shocked me and kept me on the edge of my seat. I was completely invested from start to finish and I think this film successfully created something unique for the audience. It felt like more of a standalone film and I didn’t see many connections with the other movies, but I still enjoyed it just the same.

I honestly loved this movie and I highly recommend for horror fans to give it a chance.

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

PLAY BY THE RULES…STAY ALIVE…

A harmless night of fun turns deadly for six college friends but the game has only just begun. Take a mystery thrill ride right from your own living room. Dash and Seek is out now!

Play if you dare…

Dash and Seek is available here!

**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 Witcher” on Netflix: Monsters, Magic and Melody

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

The world of a dark fantasy can be somewhat confusing, but with Henry Cavill’s portrayal of Geralt of Rivia, all bets are off. We are quickly immersed into a world filled with terrifying nightmares, dark magic, and war, as we are reminded quite often about the importance of destiny while bursting into some welcomed song.

The Witcher began streaming episodes on Netflix as of December 20th 2019 and currently features eight episodes for season one. Each episode is about an hour, so leave plenty of time to watch this. It stars Henry Cavill, Freya Allan, and Anya Chalotra. If you are worried about the cliffhanger ending at the end of season one, fear not!

The Witcher has already been confirmed and renewed for season two by Netflix.

Based on the popular video games and book series, The Witcher follows Geralt of Rivia on his monster hunting quest, as he tries to find his own purpose in the world while battling the forces of evil on a daily basis. His destiny is linked to Princess Ciri, who ends up on the run during the war, and to Yennefer of Vengerberg, a powerful mage with her own inner demons.

Does The Witcher measure up to all the hype? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

The Witcher Netflix 1 — Images courtesy of Netflix

Wonderful characters and performances.

If you were worried about Henry Cavill, don’t be. He’s absolutely fantastic! Once you get over his tone of voice, you will thoroughly enjoy his performance. Some of my favorite moments include the dynamic between him and the bard, giving us a lot of unexpected comedy and fun banter.

My favorite character is definitely Yennefer of Vengerberg, however. Her story is so intriguing and interesting. I got some Melisandre vibes from Game of Thrones, but that is not a bad thing at all. I’m always more interested in the darker anti-hero rather than a character who is so obviously good.

Gore, action, and passion.

The Witcher is definitely not for the faint of heart. The battle scenes are intense and there are some disturbing images and moments that I am still cringing over. Of course these moments are also balanced out with a lot of sex scenes, but that’s to be expected. I don’t think that anything was overdone or over-the-top, however.

The Cons:

The Witcher Netflix 2 — Images courtesy of Netflix

A lot of characters and time jumps.

So, when you play a video game, you get a guide to reference and I often felt like I needed one of my very own to keep track of everyone. There is a lot jam-packed into eight episodes and you really need to pay attention.

I also thought the time jumps were slightly confusing. I didn’t get any text clues as to where we were in time and I had to figure it out on my own. Again, I don’t really think this was a huge issue, but I did feel like I needed to take notes to figure out some things…

So am I in or out?

The Witcher Netflix 3 — Images courtesy of Netflix

I’m in 100 percent! Wow, this may be one of the best shows I have watched all year. I’ll be honest, I went into this show expecting to be confused and overwhelmed. I am familiar with the video games and books, but I wouldn’t say that I am that well versed in either.

From my understanding, the show fits in somewhere between these plots while giving us enough of a unique story, but you can watch this show without knowing anything about either one. Trust me.

If you are a fan of shows or movies like Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings, and Merlin, you will feel right at home, but I will say that you don’t need to be a fantasy fan to enjoy this series. The story weaving is so intricate and well done and this show is beyond addicting. Even though the episodes are long, I finished it in two days and as soon as I got to the end, I wanted more!

I highly recommend this show and I hope you enjoy it!

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

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

[twitter-follow screen_name=’TV_Fanatic_Girl’]

The Dreaming of Wonderland Book Series is available here!

**Do you love television shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Once Upon a Time, Lost, Charmed, The Vampire Diaries, and Supernatural? Do you enjoy dark 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!

Free Instant Preview of The Search for Alice 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!

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!

Spoiler-Free Review of “Scream: Resurrection” Season 3 on VH1: I’m Feeling Woozy Here!

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

“Do you like scary movies?” I actually do and my favorite movie of all time is Scream. I have probably seen this movie over 30 times now and I never get tired of watching it. I love everything related to Scream…up until now. It’s been about three years since Scream season 2 released on MTV and I was pretty shocked to discover that we were finally getting a season 3. Only it’s a new network, a new cast, and a new story-line. We were left with a cliffhanger in Scream season 2, but I was ready to give this season a chance and I was hoping for the best.

Along with the series, we currently have four movies in the Scream franchise so far, which makes me smile because I think about how Randy pointed out the rules of a trilogy, but I’m always up for more slasher fun in Scream. Scream Resurrection features six episodes, which aired as a three-night event on VH1, premiering on July 8th 2019. It stars RJ Cyler, Jessica Sula, Giorgia Whigham, Tyga, and Keke Palmer.

Our main protagonist, Deion, lost his brother when he was young after they went out trick-or-treating together. In present day, Deion ends up getting detention with several other students, forming their own version of The Breakfast Club. They rename it, The Deadfest Club, and are quickly targeted and stalked by a killer wearing the infamous Ghostface mask, as they realize that perhaps the killer is hiding in plain sight.

The Pros:

The original Ghostface mask and voice actor return.

I thought this was really cool and it gave me a lot of Scream nostalgia hearing voice actor, Roger Jackson, again, bringing back all of my “Surprise Sidney” feels! It was genuinely scary and creepy hearing the OG Ghostface over the phone, so this really helped elevate some of the threats for me.

Tony Todd is awesome.

You gotta love seeing Candyman and I absolutely welcomed his small role on the series, which provided me with some genuinely entertaining moments. Tony Todd is fantastic in everything and he knows how to really creep out an audience and he didn’t disappoint here!

The Cons:

Scream resurrection 5 — Image courtesy of VH1

The dialogue is bloody terrible.

I don’t think that I have sat through a show with dialogue this bad in a very long time and I was really working hard to sit through this, but some of these conversations had me pulling my hair out. The jokes didn’t work and everything just felt so forced and uninspiring. Even the pickup lines and pointless hookup scenes made you wish for some cheesy guy to come up to you and ask you if there is a mirror in your pocket. That’s how bad they were.

The characters leave a lot to be desired.

The characters on season 3 even made it a point to say that they all fit into certain labels or stereotypes, like the goth or the jock. However, even though they were aware of this, they didn’t do anything to actually separate themselves from these dull and tired stereotypes. Deion’s backstory was just kind of meh and I found myself really struggling to connect with anyone.

Beth (Giorgia Whigham from The Punisher) and Kym (Keke Palmer from Scream Queens) had some glimmers of potential, but it simply wasn’t enough. When you watch a horror or slasher movie, you want to have someone to root for and I simply did not care about what happened to any of the characters…at all.

So am I in or out?

Sidney Prescott called and she’s out and so am I! Everything just felt so forced and dull. There were even several attempts to chat about horror movies and different rules, but they didn’t work them in seamlessly, which made these references kind of pointless. The kills were just OK and the reveals and twists at the end were just whatever for me and why did we keep calling the killer, “Ghostface,” like that was his or her real name? Just call him or her the killer!

I was honestly so disappointed with this and I don’t recommend it to anyone unless you want to have a good laugh and if you do, watch Scream Queens instead, which is actually really clever and well done. If you are looking for some slasher fun and gore, I would recommend watching Slasher on Netflix instead. You might as well have a Scream movie marathon or even watch the first two seasons of MTV’s Scream, rather than waste your time on this.

Seriously, anything other than watching this. VH1 was smart about turning this into a three night event or else I probably would have tuned out after the premiere. I’m hoping that this doesn’t taint the Scream franchise because I am a huge fan, but I was just looking for so much more and unfortunately I didn’t get it here.

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

Do you love television shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Once Upon a Time, Lost, Charmed, The Vampire Diaries, and Supernatural? Do you enjoy dark 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!

The Dreaming of Wonderland Book Series is available here!

Free Instant Preview of The Search for Alice 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 “Slasher: Solstice” Season 3 on Netflix: Gore and Gratuitous Sex Scenes Galore

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

“We all hate someone. We just need to find someone who hates enough to kill.” Well sure…that makes sense. But it doesn’t necessarily make it any easier to pinpoint the killer in Slasher: Solstice, as Netflix has finally released season three. So who is the Druid Killer? Think you already have it figured out? Maybe not, as season three genuinely keeps you guessing until the very end. If you are craving some slasher happy fun, you are in the right place.

Slasher is a horror anthology series. Each season follows a different killer and premise, but many of the actors take on different roles in each season, giving you an American Horror Story feel, while channeling I Know What You Did Last Summer and Scream. While the show is still far off from these slasher films, it does provide horror fans with plenty of creative kills and gore.

Season three features 8 episodes, all streaming on Netflix as of May 23rd 2019. It stars Dean McDermott, Joanne Vannicola, Baraka Rahmani, Mercedes Morris, and Salvatore Antonio. The opening episode starts off at some kind of Solstice rave and we cut right to the chase and witness a brutal murder by the Druid Killer. One year later, the Druid Killer returns and begins targeting the initial victim’s neighbors from the apartment building. Everyone is a suspect and no one is safe, as each episode reveals bits and pieces about their linked past, reminding us that standing by and doing nothing can have severe consequences.

The Pros:

Season three keeps you guessing until the very end.

If you’re like me, you immediately start playing Nancy Drew to discover who the killer is. I have to say that every time I thought I had it all figured out, my suspect would be killed and I would have to start all over again. One of the reasons why I enjoy this show is because every season keeps me guessing. The ultimate twists are not obvious and are satisfying enough to keep your attention.

The gore is extreme.

If you don’t like to watch horror and gore, this show is definitely not for you and I was even turning my head away after several of the kills, as I think this season has provided us with the most gore by far. Some of the kills are so outrageous that you will begin laughing, but each kill is more extreme than the next and some of them will genuinely make your skin crawl. I personally like my fair share of gore and season three didn’t disappoint with this.

The acting is decent enough.

I thought that the performances were solid enough in season three and I was interested in several of the backstories of the characters we meet. Standout performance goes to Baraka Rahmani, who plays Saadia. She had enough layers to hold my interest, as the story continued. I have been impressed with the cast each season and it was fun to see some of the actors from previous seasons play completely different roles.

The Cons:

The borderline soft-core porn sex scenes are unnecessary.

Season three seemed to go completely overboard with the gratuitous sex scenes. It was almost to the point where I could count to three and see another sex scene if it had been a few minutes since we witnessed our last brutal murder. These scenes took away from the show and made it obvious that they were completely filler. I would have rather had shorter episodes, as this almost ruined the season for me. Luckily, the reveal of the killer was interesting enough, but it seemed like every single time I went to grab a snack, I walked in to another pointless sex scene, which just made the show seem desperate.

The underlying themes hit you over the head.

While I was intrigued by the idea of punishing those who do nothing, the show also dealt with racism, stereotypes, and the dangers of social media. It just seemed like the show didn’t know which message to focus on and was trying to do too many things at once. I think that if the show had subtly introduced these issues, while focusing on how to be a good neighbor, it might have delivered the message a little better.

So am I in or out?

I am a huge fan of the series even though I much prefer season one. Seriously, The Executioner still gives me nightmares and I thought that season one gave me a true I Know What You Did Last Summer and Scream nostalgia. I love slasher films and I was genuinely excited when I first learned about this series. Season two fell short for me and had more of a contrived And Then There Were None approach, but it still had enough redeeming moments.

I personally enjoyed season three more than season two, but it still didn’t live up to season one for me. If the Druid Killer reveal wasn’t as satisfying, I probably would have been completely out, but this saved it for me. If you are a horror fan and love your fair share of gore, you will enjoy this, but if you don’t like this genre, I would say to pass on it. Overall, I was underwhelmed by the season, but I got through the 8 episodes very quickly and now is the perfect time to watch, since so many other programs are taking a break from new episodes.

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

**Goodreads Giveaway currently going on for Book Two, Embracing the Looking-Glass (100 copies available) from 5/29/19-6/21/19 Enter Goodreads Giveaway Here!

The Dreaming of Wonderland Book Series is available here!

Free Instant Preview of The Search for Alice 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!

Ranking my top 5 Horror TV Shows: “Well good news I found a piece of pie with no blood on it. Anybody want a bite?”

Greetings TV Fans! With all of the excitement centered on the release of the trailer for the upcoming Halloween film, I started to really think about some of my favorite horror films of all time and then I realized that there are quite a few TV shows that fit the bill as well. Whether you enjoy campy horror, slasher suspense, or zombies galore, horror TV shows have been around for quite a while and still stand the test of time. For today, I am going to be ranking my absolute favorite horror TV shows. Please note that for this list I have decided not to include TV shows that overlap in fantasy, supernatural, and sci-fi. For example, shows like Supernatural, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Charmed, and True Blood will not be included because I think they have so many other layers with elements of horror. That being said, if you have read my blog before, you know that I am a huge fan of these shows, but I wanted the chance to let some other horror TV shows take the spotlight. Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch any of the series below yet. My top 5 horror TV shows are:

Slasher

I recently got the chance to binge-watch the first two seasons of Slasher on Netflix and I have to say that the show pulled me in right away. If you are a fan of slasher films like Scream, this is the show for you. The first season centers around the character, Sarah who finds herself caught in the middle of a series of murders that are very similar to the murder of her own parents. The opening episode is beyond terrifying featuring the killer, The Executioner, who will give you nightmares for sure. The second season follows a completely different story-line and has more of an Agatha Christie type feel, as we learn about a group of friends who were responsible for killing a girl many years ago and try to put together the missing pieces when they later return. Each season brings different elements to the table, but has a healthy dose of gore, mystery, and twists that are not that easy to guess, which is refreshing.

Scream Queens

I am a huge fan of campy horror and I thoroughly enjoy films like Shaun of the Dead, Tucker and Dale vs. Evil, The Evil Dead franchise, and The Cabin in the Woods. I think there is something to be said about the perfect blend of horror and comedy that is just pure genius. Even though Scream Queens only lasted two seasons, this show had me laughing out loud and screaming whenever the Red Devil made an appearance. The show follows a sorority who is targeted by the killer, but I have to say that Niecy Nash playing the security guard, Denise is the absolute best part of the show. While you may think you have seen a million movies like this before, Scream Queens really delivers and I was beyond disappointed when the show was cancelled.

Bates Motel

Have you ever wondered what turned Norman Bates into the infamous killer in Psycho? Bates Motel gave us the chance to really dive into the dark and creepy world of Norman Bates. The show is a prequel and we get a glimpse into Norman’s life as a teenager. The acting on this show is outstanding and the characters really draw you in, as you almost feel sympathy for Norman as you see the events that lead to his breakdown. The show has an eerie and mysterious feel, drawing the viewer in seamlessly. While we don’t see as much blood and gore in this particular show, Norman’s actions are bone-chilling and beyond creepy, which scare us in an entirely different way. When Norman dresses up as his mother, it’s scary how he is able to emulate her mannerisms and words to perfection. While the show answers many questions from Psycho, it also does a great job of paving its own identity, causing you to be on the edge of your seat at all times, never knowing what to truly expect from the Bates family.

Ash vs Evil Dead

Ash vs Evil Dead is another show that is the epitome of campy horror. Bruce Campbell is a genius and I have been a fan of the Evil Dead franchise for a long time. The show gave fans the chance to fall in love with Ash Williams, or “Ashy Slashy,” all over again, accepting that the only person who can stand in the way of evil is not afraid to deliver a well thought out pun just before destroying a deadite in grotesque and creative ways. The show also allows fans to get to know the Ghost Beaters, Kelly and Pablo, who team up with Ash against the she-devil, Ruby, played by the absolutely fabulous Lucy Lawless. The show recently aired its series finale, but provided fans with three seasons of fun, gore, comedy, and great music. You are seriously missing out if you do not check this show out. “Groovy.”

Some honorable mentions before revealing my number one pick are:

Scream
It
Are You Afraid of the Dark?
Twin Peaks
The Twilight Zone
Goosebumps
The Strain
Hannibal
The Walking Dead franchise

American Horror Story

It should be no surprise that my favorite horror TV show is FX’s American Horror Story. The show is created by Ryan Murphy and does an amazing job of covering every element of horror. Each season features a different premise with a new type of evil never lurking too far away. While each season is unique in its own way, my absolute favorites are Coven, Hotel, and Murder House. The show is not afraid to test boundaries and will have you on the edge of your seat the entire time. There have been some moments on the show that have been so frightening that I was not able to sleep without seeing Twisty the Clown appear in my nightmares. The show does a great job of bringing one’s fears to the surface, but it also really looks into the darkness that exists within society as well, which really elevates the show. The most recent season focused on a cult, proving that humanity can be just as capable of performing evil as spirits and vampires. I was also very intrigued by the comparison of each season to a circle of hell from Dante’s Inferno. Dante’s journey through each circle exposes him to different types of sin and evil that exist in the world and within society, which adds even more complexity to American Horror Story. I am beyond excited to see what the next season brings and what sins it will explore next.

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to share some of your own thoughts and comments on your favorite horror TV shows.

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

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!