Spoiler-Free Review of “Time Cut” on Netflix: Hits Us Over the Head with 2000’s Nostalgia

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

“One single moment in time can change everything…”

Time Cut released on Netflix on October 30th 2024. The sci-fi slasher film stars Madison Bailey, Antonia Gentry, and Griffin Gluck. It runs for approximately an hour and thirty minutes.

A teenage girl in 2024 accidentally time travels back to 2003 right before the “Sweetly Slasher” murders her sister, giving her a chance to set things right and save her life.

Here is the trailer:

Time Cut is yet another entry into the time travel horror genre, but does it come close to films like Totally Killer and Happy Death Day? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Cute concept.

OK, so it’s been done before, but I’m still always up for a feel-good slasher film overloaded with bubble gum pop and this one fit the bill. Time Cut was on point with the 2000’s nostalgia (although they did force it down our throats on more than one occasion). However, I can’t fault any character who has a Buffy the Vampire Slayer poster displayed in her room and the fashion and music complimented the vibe well.

Images courtesy of Netflix

Stronger second half.

I was having some trouble connecting to this one initially, but I have to say that the second half was a lot stronger and redeemed itself in a lot of ways. There was more action and a twist thrown in (although I saw it coming a mile away). The ending was fine as well.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Needed more violence and gore.

This film is billed as a slasher and I was expecting it to deliver in this department to give us a nice balance, but everything felt so watered down. There were barely any scenes with the killer and the ones we got were just kind of meh. I didn’t need a complete gore fest, but other films within this genre did a much better job here.

Bland characters.

The acting was just kind of OK in this one and I wasn’t really connected to either character. I appreciated the bond between sisters, but this could have been fleshed out a lot more to make us more invested. We glossed over some layers that had some potential, but they never made a real impact on me.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Netflix

I’m 50/50 on this one…

Time Cut should have been an absolute blast, but it felt like a watered down knock-off of Totally Killer. There was some solid 2000’s nostalgia, but ultimately I needed this film to dig a little deeper and lean more into the slasher side of things to keep me invested.

It’s fine for a quick watch, but it paled in comparison to similar films in this genre.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Time Cut 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 “Cruel Summer” Season 2 on Freeform: The Dangerous Secrets Return

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

“You coming here has been the best thing that’s ever happened to me…”

Cruel Summer season two premiered on Freeform on June 5th 2023 (episodes also stream on Hulu) with the first two episodes. The series is set to air ten weekly episodes. It stars Sadie Stanley, Lexi Underwood, Griffin Gluck, and KaDee Strickland. Each episode runs for approximately 46-48 minutes.

The events we witness take place over one year from 1999-2000, involving a new set of characters and a new murder mystery to untangle.

Here is the trailer:

Cruel Summer is back and presents us with another mystery told from two perspectives across different timelines, but does it pack the same punch as the first season? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Freeform

Likable characters for the most part…

I’m not sure that anyone can outshine Jeanette and Kate from season one, but so far I like the characters of Megan and Isabella and I think the actresses are doing a good job with their portrayals. The friendship is a lot different this time around and so are the circumstances, which will make things feel fresh and new…even though it’s an already familiar premise.

I’m not a huge fan of the character of Luke, but I didn’t really like that actor on Locke & Key either so maybe that’s why. The other supporting characters aren’t really adding too much to the series yet. We need another Mallory to really shake things up…

I’m hopeful that we’ll get there.

The soundtrack is on point!

Similar to season one, season two is doing a solid job of bringing us back in time with some fantastic music. From Sugar Ray to Lit to The Spice Girls! The show is channeling this time well and I’m looking forward to the rest of the soundtrack in the remaining episodes. Some movie references would be nice too!

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Freeform

The mystery needs more edge.

Cruel Summer season one was so addicting and I had so many working theories throughout my watch, which made it a lot of fun. While we have lots of drama and scandal in season two, the mystery just feels kind of lukewarm. We need a lot more to live up to season one.

The time jumps are trippy once again and maybe even more so this time around. They also feel a little rushed since this series takes place over one year rather than three summers. 

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Freeform

I’m in about 75 percent…

Cruel Summer season two has some potential and is doing just enough to lure me back for more, but it doesn’t hold a candle to the mystery in season one.

Either way, it should make a fun summer watch to indulge in!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Cruel Summer (season two) 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…

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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!

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