Spoiler-Free Review of “The Blackening” in Theaters: So Much Fun!

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

“We are all alone…in a cabin in the woods…”

The Blackening released in theaters on June 16th 2023. The horror comedy film stars Grace Byers, Sinqua Walls, Melvin Gregg, X Mayo, Dewayne Perkins, and Jermaine Fowler. It runs for approximately an hour and thirty-seven minutes.

A group of friends meet up for a reunion weekend, but things go terribly wrong when they are forced to play a deadly game to survive the night.

Here is the trailer:

The Blackening is a brilliant horror comedy that is spot on with its satire and outrageously funny. Is it worthy of YOUR next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Laugh-out-loud funny and fun references for horror fans.

In a way, this was a smarter version of Scary Movie (which I absolutely love). It created the perfect balance of super funny moments with tons of slasher fun, making this stand out in the horror comedy genre and I think it’s safe to say I’ll be re-watching this one again and again.

The humor worked really well for the most part and I loved the horror references and Easter eggs sprinkled into the mix. It took on horror tropes we have seen again and again in a fun and entertaining way.

Great characters!

Everyone really held their own, but my favorite character was Dewayne for sure. I loved the chemistry and banter between everyone, which made this film even more entertaining in a lot of ways. Sure, there are a lot of silly and unbelievable things that happen, but as long as you just go with it, you’ll have an absolute blast.

The pacing worked really well and I LOVED that opening!

The Cons:

The twist is predictable…

I don’t think this took away anything from the movie, but I saw the twist coming a mile away. You could say that it just added to the silly take on the horror tropes so maybe it was intentional, but since we did experience some solid slasher moments in this, I was also hoping for a touch more in terms of this. That being said, I still enjoyed the execution of it so this wasn’t a major con.

So am I in or out?

I’m in!!!

The Blackening is a witty and delightful horror comedy!

I was so excited to watch this film and it exceeded my expectations in the best way possible.

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

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

THIS COMPETITION IS KILLER…

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

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

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

Scream Hunt is available here!

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Spoiler-Free Review of “The Innocent” on Netflix: “The Stranger” has finally met its match!

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

“The first day of the rest of your life…”

Harlan Coben’s The Innocent (El Inocente) premiered on Netflix on April 30th 2021. The Spanish mini-series features eight episodes available to stream now. It stars Mario Casas, Aura Garrido, Alexandra Jiménez and Juana Acosta. Each episode runs for approximately 55-60 minutes.

After an accidental killing, Mateo Vidal is released from prison and thinks that he can start his life over when he meets the love of his life. Years later, a disturbing phone call tangles him in a dangerous and deadly web of deception involving the murder of a young nun.

Here is the trailer:

The Innocent immediately submerges us back into the brilliant and mysterious world of Harlan Coben, as his novel comes to life on the small screen. While many of his shows have delivered in the past, can any show measure up to The Stranger? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Netflix

A captivating mystery that lures you in.

Harlan Coben is so talented at creating such a layered mystery and he does it over and over again with his books. In this latest adaption of his novel, we are immersed into this new mystery that immediately hooks us from the very first episode.

It was so engrossing and well done. Much like The Stranger, I was on the edge of my seat and I could not stop watching this series. It is that good!

Inspiring characters.

The characters were developed so well and as soon as I thought I had my mind made up about someone, something drastic would happen to change my mind completely. I became so invested in the well-being of each character and even the flashbacks were really interesting and held my attention the entire time.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Netflix

A lot of sub-plots.

This should come as no surprise because it is always listed as my con for any Harlan Coben series and at this point, I’m used to it. That being said, you have to invest a lot of time and energy into this series. If you stop paying attention, you will miss something important that will connect later on.

I also thought that the opening episode was so incredibly strong and then when we switched narratives in the second episode, it was really jarring and I almost thought I was watching a different show.

However, the payoff is worth it and I recommend that you stick around even if these initial subplots and narrative changes seem confusing.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Netflix

I’m in 1000 percent!!!!!

The Innocent is an engrossing mystery from start to finish. This series is so addicting and it will keep you guessing at every new reveal. I didn’t think that another Harlan Coben series could come close to The Stranger and The Innocent is giving it a run for its money. Wow!

It is the absolute perfect binge-watch and the show I have been waiting for!

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

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

DON’T TAKE THE JOB…

It was only supposed to be temporary…but when Olivia Crewe accepts a new position that seems too good to be true, she soon discovers that twelve other girls previously had the same job as her. Only none of them lasted for more than thirty days. No notice. Nothing…right before they mysteriously disappeared without a trace.

My supernatural thriller Girl Number Thirteen is out now! I hope you enjoy!

Girl Number Thirteen is available here!

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Spoiler-Free Review of “Little Fires Everywhere” on Hulu: Deliciously Deadly Suburbia

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

“If they’re saying something untrue, then you should change the story…”

Little Fires Everywhere premiered on Hulu on March 17th 2020 with 3 new episodes (Approximately 50 minutes in length). The remaining 5 episodes of the limited series will air weekly on Wednesdays. It stars Reese Witherspoon, Kerry Washington, Joshua Jackson, Lexi Underwood, and Gavin Lewis.

The show is based on the best-selling novel written by Celeste Ng. It follows a 90’s family living in the picture perfect suburban town of Shaker Heights. They cross paths with a mother and daughter who have just arrived in town, as secrets, dark pasts, and mysteries are revealed. Each character’s story is intertwined with another, creating a vortex of drama along the way.

This plot and setting may seem familiar, as it definitely channels some aspects of Big Little Lies, The Affair, and Desperate Housewives.

However, the connections and story lure you in right away, making this binge-watch friendly option entertaining. But does it do enough to stand out from its predecessors? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Little Fires Hulu 3 — Images courtesy of Hulu

Witherspoon and Washington are electric on screen.

Their characters certainly have an interesting dynamic and we can absolutely feel the awkward tension between them, as each mother comes from a different socioeconomic background. However, the performances of these two incredible actresses transform these intriguing characters into something far greater. I can’t get enough of them!

The rest of the supporting characters are actually terrific as well and I would like to spotlight Lexi Underwood, who plays Mia’s (Washington) daughter, Pearl.

A mystery that leaves you wanting more.

The opening scene of the series immediately draws you in, as we discover that Elena Richardson’s (Witherspoon) beautiful home is on fire. We know that this is not an accident and it certainly makes you suspect everyone we meet, as we try to get to the bottom of this mystery, while other secrets are exposed along the way.

Little Fires Hulu 2 — Images courtesy of Hulu

90’s nostalgia.

I don’t know about you, but I love a show that can transport me back to a time that I know very well. The show is set during the late 90’s and we get several mentions of this, but the pop culture references seamlessly mentioned really make you feel like you are turning back time.

The kids are seen watching Ricki Lake and The Real World. Elena’s daughter throws in some comments about Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and even compares her own high school relationship to Brenda and Dylan’s on Beverly Hills, 90210.

Once you get to the high school dance, the songs will absolutely make you smile. Seriously, one song after the next had me singing along from Chumbawamba’s Tubthumping to The Cardigans’s Lovefool to Savage Garden’s Truly Madly Deeply.

I was in 90’s music heaven and I still know all the words! Enjoy!

The Cons:

Little Fires Hulu 4 — Images courtesy of Hulu

Same Reese. Different show.

I wouldn’t say that this is really a con, but I have seen Reese Witherspoon play this character before. Elena Richardson is very much a mix between Bree Van de Kamp from Desperate Housewives and Madeline Martha Mackenzie on Big Little Lies, played by Witherspoon. I’ve seen Reese play this character obsessed with perfection many times and I was hoping for a different role for her.

That being said, she plays the role brilliantly, but I guess I was looking for some more layers from her.

So am I in or out?

Little Fires Hulu 5 — Images courtesy of Hulu

I’m in! This series is exactly what I need right now. The show keeps you on the edge of your seat and there are so many moments in-between the big ones that will take your breath away. Every character and plot point is important and Kerry Washington is out of this world. She’s truly incredible and she lights up the screen with Reese Witherspoon, as we unfold this mystery together.

While some of the suburban drama is predictable, the show has not let me down yet, surprising me with its reveals and twists. I can’t wait to watch the remaining episodes and I absolutely recommend this show.

It is the series to watch right now!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Little Fires Everywhere in the comments section below. 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 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!

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Spoiler-Free Review of “Are You Afraid of the Dark?” (2019) Reboot on Nickelodeon: The Midnight Society gives us a Halloween treat!

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

“I declare this meeting of the Midnight Society…”

Nickelodeon provides kids and adults with a fun Halloween treat, releasing the Are You Afraid of the Dark? (2019) reboot as a three part mini-series event.

Are You Afraid of the Dark? was a spooky anthology series that aired in the 1990’s for kids and I can tell you that I was absolutely a fan of this! The Midnight Society would gather around a campfire to share some creepy stories. When the narrator began their story, we would be transported to that actual story away from The Midnight Society, diving into a tale filled with terror and suspense.

Originally, the reboot was supposed to be a movie from my understanding, but they decided to go with the limited mini-series event for television instead. The reboot features three episodes (50-55 minutes in length) and began airing on October 11th 2019 on Nickelodeon. It stars Lyliana Wray, Sam Ashe Arnold, Miya Cech, Jeremy Ray Taylor, and Tamara Smart.

There is definitely room for this type of kids friendly horror, as we have recently seen Goosebumps and The House with a Clock in Its Walls provide us with some horror fun without scaring us to death. But where does the Are You Afraid of the Dark? reboot fit in? Let’s find out!

The Pros:

Are you afraid of the dark 10 26 2 — Images courtesy of Nickelodeon

The new Midnight Society still gives you a sense of nostalgia from the original show.

I love that we have a new Midnight Society for the kids of this generation, as they can discover this spooky adventure for themselves. Even though this is a reboot, I thought that the show captured enough of the feel from the original series, while presenting us with some new and welcomed additions.

I love that the new show decided to use the scary story as a starting point, but it actually became all too real for the characters of the Midnight Society, which made it more interesting, allowing the story to branch out over three episodes, truly coming to life.

Horror Easter eggs and discussions for adults!

If you are watching with your child, fear not! There is plenty for you to enjoy during this series. We get several references to well known horror movies and some discussions that will make you laugh, as the kids start breaking down the difference between horror and sci-fi and how to truly classify it. I thought this was super fun and it really helped me relate to the series that much more.

The characters are fantastic!

I was a little skeptical at first when I met the characters, but I loved seeing the friendship and bond between them grow as they all handled this threat together. I’m a fan of horror shows and movies that include a group of Scoobies and the new Midnight Society certainly makes the cut!

The Cons:

Are you afraid of the dark 10 26 3 — Images courtesy of Nickelodeon

The effects are really cheesy at times.

But I kind of expected that going into this since the show is targeted at a younger audience. The scares are not really scary, but there are some interesting foes and fears that come to light, which kept my attention.

The show ended so soon!

I know that this was meant to be a limited series, but there was a lot of setup in episode 1 and I didn’t start to really like the series until the following episode, which is tough since there are only three episodes in total. Once I got to the end of the series, I was so invested and I wanted to see the new Midnight Society take on some more scares and threats. These kids are fantastic and I want to see more!

So am I in or out?

Are you afraid of the dark 10 26 1 — Images courtesy of Nickelodeon

I’m in! I went into this show expecting to be underwhelmed and instead I was pleasantly surprised. The show balanced a nostalgia for the original series while creating a voice of its own, allowing a new generation of horror fans to emerge.

The release of the limited series works well with this spooky time of year and I think it’s the perfect addition for your family friendly Halloween lineup!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Are You Afraid of the Dark? (2019) in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

The Dreaming of Wonderland Book Series is available here!

Free Instant Preview of The Search for Alice is available here!

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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!