Tag: I Still Know What You Did Last Summer

Spoiler-Free Review of “The Front Room” in Theaters: Brandy Takes on a Mother-In-Law from Hell!

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

“This is my house…”

The Front Room released in theaters on September 6th 2024. The psychological horror film stars Brandy, Kathryn Hunter, and Andrew Burnap. It runs for approximately an hour and thirty minutes.

Belinda agrees to let her husband’s stepmother move in with them, but when she begins to target her and her baby, she refuses to let her take over her house without a fight.

Here is the trailer:

The Front Room has a trippy and eerie vibe that lingers from start to finish, but does it do enough to earn a watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of A24

Brandy is back and better than ever!!!

I really missed seeing her on the big screen. She’s one of my favorite final girls in horror from I Still Know What You Did Last Summer so it was really fun to see her in another horror flick. She commanded the screen and then some in this role! I thought she was strong, bad-ass, and really funny too. Some of her expressions had me dying of laughter. I thought she played this role to perfection and I hope to see her in more films again soon.

Kathryn Hunter also played her role exceptionally well. She was so outrageous and gruesome. I may have some nightmares about her character for quite some time. She nailed the super creepy vibe and then some!

Images courtesy of A24

The eerie vibe worked.

From the lighting to the weird visions, I was definitely feeling the creepy tone here and it was effective for the most part. This film didn’t take itself too seriously, but there were certainly enough weird occurrences happening to draw me in.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of A24

Slow pacing.

The film was not very long, but I felt like I was watching it for over two hours. The pacing needed some work. While I loved Brandy and Kathryn Hunter’s performances, I wasn’t a huge fan of Andrew Burnap’s character. He was probably one of the worst husbands I’ve seen in a film, which was beyond frustrating.

I also could have done without a lot of the gross-out moments. There was way too much of this nonsense. I’d prefer some well-placed thrills instead.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of A24

I’m in about 75 percent…

The Front Room is creepy and campy, featuring two bold performances.

The film didn’t land for me in all aspects, but I enjoyed my watch and it was great to see Brandy on the big screen again!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on The Front Room 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…

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Ranking the “I Know What You Did Last Summer” movies from Best to Worst

“What you waiting for, huh? What are you waiting for?!”

I Know What You Did Last Summer 4

Images courtesy of Showtime

A question that all fans of IKWYDLS know all too well. The popular film franchise is based on the book by Lois Duncan, which I actually read before I saw the first film. If you haven’t read it yet, I definitely recommend it. Things happen differently in the book, which may allow some of your favorite characters to get some deserved redemption.

When I think about 90’s slasher movies, I automatically jump to films like Scream, IKWYDLS and Urban Legend. They are fun, entertaining, and they keep you on the edge of your seat. Humor and teen drama weaves its way in while we witness some pretty intense scares as well.

I was super excited that Showtime added the IKWYDLS films to its lineup, which gave me a chance to catch up on all three films. Yes, there are three films…we’ll get to that later. The deadly fisherman with a hook for a hand becomes all too real after four friends make a fatal mistake that will haunt them forever…or at least for the next few summers.

Please note some spoilers are ahead.

Without any further delay, let’s find out exactly how I ranked the I Know What You Did Last Summer films and why.

1

I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)

I Know What You Did Last Summer 1

Images courtesy of Showtime

The original film is the best one by a landslide. Released in 1997, it stars Jennifer Love Hewitt, Freddie Prinze Jr., Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Ryan Phillippe.

There is something really unsettling about this film in all the right ways. The villain is truly terrifying, the music is creepy, and some of the scares still haunt me till now. Seriously, I check my closet every single night before I got to sleep because of what happened to poor Helen (SMG).

I Know What You Did Last Summer 2

Images courtesy of Showtime

The characters are far from perfect. They make a terrible mistake that comes back to haunt them. The killer doesn’t just want to eliminate them…he wants to mess with them and make them question everything and everyone around them.

Standout Death: 

Spoiler alert. Do not read if you have not seen this movie!

I Know What You Did Last Summer 5

Images courtesy of Showtime

Helen Shivers played by Sarah Michelle Gellar had the potential to be a fantastic Final Girl, but Julie James took that crown. However, her chase scene leading to her tragic death may be one of my favorite scenes in any slasher movie. I was rooting for her the entire time and the film really shook things up by killing her off. I’m still mad about it…

2

I Still Know What You Did Last Summer (1998)

I Still Know What You Did Last Summer 1

Images courtesy of Showtime

The sequel is really not that bad. Released in 1998, it stars Jennifer Love Hewitt, Freddie Prinze Jr., Brandy, and Mekhi Phifer. Julie James is back and wins a trip to the Bahamas with her roommate, Karla. Julie and Ray are on the rocks, but luckily our favorite fisherman shows up in a few clutch moments.

While some of this movie is slightly outrageous, we do get some fun characters, including one played by Jack Black. We witness a fun karaoke performance, a tanning bed nightmare, and a lot of rain to really add to the ambiance.

I Still Know What You Did Last Summer 3

Images courtesy of Showtime

Plus, there is a pretty big twist at the end which did help things.

Standout Death: 

I Still Know What You Did Last Summer 5

Images courtesy of Showtime

Not a death scene, but the tanning bed scene does come to mind. Julie decides to try and relax, but the killer locks the tanning bed, which is beyond terrifying.

3

I’ll Always Know What You Did Last Summer (2006)

I'll Always Know What You Did Last Summer

Images courtesy of Showtime

So, I had no idea for the longest time that this film even existed and after watching it, I know why. The film was released in 2006 and it stars Brooke Nevin, David Paetkau, and Torrey DeVito. None of the original cast appear in this film although we do get a brief mention about what happened to them when the new characters are researching our infamous fisherman killer, Ben Willis.

The beginning of this film is actually kind of interesting. The group of friends decide to play a prank on everyone that actually ends up deadly and they try to cover it up.

That’s pretty much the only interesting part of the movie. The acting is horrible, the kills are gory, but eh, and the twist at the end is so ridiculous that you may think you actually fell asleep during the movie. I won’t reveal the twist here, but wow…and not in a good way.

Standout Death: 

The tractor scene comes to mind, but honestly nothing really sticks out on this one.

I almost wish this movie had come out with a different name. It really doesn’t do the franchise any favors.

While there have been talks about an IKWYDLS television series, I haven’t seen too much on this. I would honestly love to see IKWYDLS take a page out of Scream’s book and give us a film with the original characters while introducing us to a new set of potential victims. Maybe Ben’s son had a son…or daughter? Just a thought…

Which I Know What You Did Last Summer films did YOU enjoy most?

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on the IKWYDLS films in the comments section below. Thank you so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

If you enjoy the IKWYDLS movies, you may enjoy Dash and Seek! I would love it if you would check it out in the link below. Thank you so much!

PLAY BY THE RULES…STAY ALIVE…

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READ IF YOU DARE…

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Ranking the top 5 moments from “The Passage” season 1 episode 6: “How About a Horror Movie?”

Happy Tuesday TV fans!  After watching Fox’s The Passage season 1 episode 6, Brad reminded Amy that “even when things get scary…stay calm.”  But that’s easier said than done when you have a dangerous vampire on the loose.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In last night’s episode, “I Want to Know What You Taste Like,” we learn more about Dr. Sykes’s past friendship with Shauna.  Meanwhile, Amy attempts to help track down Winston, Clark begins to show signs that he may not be completely on board with Project Noah, and Lila has a close call.  My top 5 moments from The Passage season 1 episode 6 are:

5

“Cause what you’re saying is insane.”

During the episode, Dr. Jonas Lear is reunited with his wife, Elizabeth.  Elizabeth’s mind has healed, but he comes clean with her about everything.  Elizabeth understands that she may turn within 48 hours, which is confusing and hard to deal with.  It also doesn’t help that Fanning continues to pay her visits in her mind, luring her toward the darkness.  Jonas is desperate to find a cure for Elizabeth and he hopes that Dr. Sykes will find a way to use Amy’s blood to counteract Fanning’s serum.  However, it’s not looking too good for Elizabeth.

4

“I’m sorry I got you into this.”

In last week’s episode, Lila was abducted and we now learn that Clark’s men were sent to retrieve her because she is a liability.  After Winston takes a bite out of her driver, Lila escapes, but she continues to find trouble on her way.  Lila comes across a woman bit by Winston and tries to help her, but is shocked when the woman already shows signs of being impacted by the virus.  Luckily, Lila makes it out of there OK and she is reunited with Brad and Amy.  Brad apologizes for getting Lila involved and in a sweet moment, he drapes his arm around her, revealing that there may be hope for these two to get back together.  There is definitely a vibe between them, but they have faced so much heartbreak together and their marriage may not be easily salvaged.  However, I am definitely shipping these two together and somehow, I want them to have a happy family again with Amy.  A girl can dream.

3

“I want everything that matters to you to be mine.”

We get a glimpse into Dr. Sykes’s past and learn that she had a friendship with Shauna before she turned, approximately 6 months ago, during Project Noah.  We learn that Dr. Sykes has never seen a horror movie other than I Still Know What You Did Last Summer, which is absolutely hilarious.  Shauna bonds with Dr. Sykes and they even share a pizza together while watching The Fly.  Clark warns Dr. Sykes about Shauna and we see the beginning of their own relationship, as Clark bravely offers to accompany Dr. Sykes while she watches, A Quiet Place, so that she can fill Shauna in on the details.  It seemed like this was a sweet friendship and Shauna trusted Dr. Sykes, but everything changed when she turned.  In present day, Shauna finally pays Dr. Sykes a visit in her mind and tells her that she wants to take everything that matters to her and when she has everything, she wants to know what she tastes like.  Shauna clearly feels betrayed and hurt by Dr. Sykes, but she uses this to her advantage, manipulating Dr. Sykes and trying to threaten her.  Shauna later says, “It’s kind of funny you don’t like horror movies since you’re living in one,” and then tells Dr. Sykes that she will see her soon, leaving us with another ominous threat.  It’s only a matter of time before the vampires figure out a way to escape, but it looks like the subjects are taking everything personally and they will not stop until they get their revenge.

2

“I’m gonna find your book.”

Amy is upset when she leaves behind the book her mother gave her, A Wrinkle in Time, and is angry at Brad when he doesn’t go back to retrieve it initially.  Amy’s abilities are continuing to surprise everyone, as we learn that she can tap into Winston’s mind and see what he sees.  She helps the agents find Winston, proving to be extremely useful, but Brad is worried about what they will later do to Amy.  We know that “weaponizing Amy” is a goal, but Brad is not about to abandon her.  At the end of the episode, Brad and Amy share another heartwarming moment.  Brad explains, “I know what it’s like to lose someone,” and tells Amy about his own daughter.  Brad and Amy bond over their grief and Brad promises that he will get her book back.

1

“I’m the author of this horror.”

Dr. Lear takes full responsibility for Project Noah and is ready to kill all the vampires, including his former best friend.  He asks Dr. Sykes if she is in and she agrees, as Jonas begins to expose Fanning and the other subjects to intense amounts of light to destroy them.  We discover that when Winston was killed, all of the vampires he turned died along with him.  The same thing begins to occur now, as both Amy and Elizabeth show signs that they are in intense pain, revealing that they are linked to Fanning.  Dr. Sykes tells Jonas that he has to shut it down, as they are not about to kill Amy or Elizabeth in the process.  Now that we know that they are all linked, how will they be able to stop Fanning?

Overall, I thought this was another solid episode.  The connected past between Dr. Sykes and Shauna was revealing.  We didn’t get to see Lacey in this episode, but something tells me that she will be back before we know it.  Amy’s abilities are continuing to grow, but I am interested to see how Project Noah attempts to exploit this.  It looks like we will get to see Carter in next week’s episode and we know that he shared a bond with Amy previously.  Will Fanning use this to his advantage to try and turn Amy?  Stay tuned!

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

**I am so excited to announce that my book, The Search for Alice, is now available!  If you enjoy dark fantasy, 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!

The Search for Alice is available here!

The Search for Alice Feb 2019

**Goodreads Giveaway currently going on for The Search for Alice (100 copies available) from 2/21/19-3/14/19. Enter Goodreads Giveaway Here!

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

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

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