Tag: James Marsden

Spoiler-Free Review of “Paradise” on Hulu: A Twisty Thriller Worth Your Time!

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

“It’s the not knowing…”

Paradise premiered on Hulu on January 26th 2025. There are eight episodes in total that air weekly. The season finale will air on March 4th 2025. The political thriller series stars Sterling K. Brown, James Marsden, Julianne Nicholson, Sarah Shahi, Jon Beavers, and Krys Marshall. Each episode runs for approximately 48-56 minutes.

Secret Service agent, Xavier Collins has his life turned upside down when he discovers that one of the most powerful figures has been murdered, leading him to uncover a dangerous web of lies.

Here is the trailer:

Paradise is an engrossing watch featuring a layered whodunnit mystery that will keep you guessing. Is it worthy of YOUR next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Hulu

Plenty of twists and turns.

At first glance, this series didn’t really seem like it was for me. I’ve seen my fair share of political conspiracy thrillers so I didn’t initially add this to my watch-list. However, I did notice a buzz around this show and after a few recommendations from people I trust, I decided to give it a whirl.

It definitely shattered my initial impression and branched out into something truly intriguing. Each reveal and twist was executed brilliantly, leading up to some very intense episodes that kept me on the edge of my seat. There have been a lot of risks in this series so far, but I think they are paying off.

Images courtesy of Hulu

Strong cast.

Sterling K. Brown never disappoints and has done an exceptional job leading this cast. I always love seeing James Marsden and it was a pleasant surprise seeing Sarah Shahi in this from Person of Interest. Overall, there is a lot of talent in this cast and some characters worth rooting for, which made me invest that much more in my watch.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Hulu

Takes a little while to get going…

Even with the twist in the opening episode, I thought that episodes 1-3 were a little slow. The episodes are all on the longer side and there is a lot of fluff to deal with. I was actually thinking of tuning out, but I am happy to report that episodes 4-7 were exceptional. The pacing improved and the reveals continued to build and build, leading up to a jaw-dropping episode 7, which left me with a lot more questions for the season finale. I’m really hoping that it delivers!

I’ve also seen this type of show before. The content isn’t anything new, but I have to say that the execution of it helps it stand out. Some of the twists have been a little predictable and cheesy, but it still kept things entertaining so I’m not complaining too much here.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Hulu

I’m in!!!

Paradise is a captivating watch with a fresh approach, making this a unique entry to the political thriller genre with plenty of shocking moments that will keep you guessing.

This has been an unexpected roller coaster ride so far and I’m anxious to see if it can stick the landing! I’m confident it will.

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…

I hope you enjoy my young adult revenge thriller!

Make it Through the Night is available here!

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Spoiler-Free Review of “Disenchanted” on Disney+: Amy Adams Lights up the Screen Once Again

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

“What if I told you that ever after wasn’t the end of their story?”

Disenchanted premiered on Disney+ on November 18th 2022. The film is a sequel to 2007’s Enchanted. It stars Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, James Marsden, Idina Menzel, and Maya Rudolph. It runs for approximately two hours.

Years after finding her happily ever after, Giselle and her family move to the suburbs where they don’t really fit in, leading to her making an unexpected wish that may threaten both her community and the world of Andalasia.

Here is the trailer:

Disenchanted is the latest Disney sequel to air many years later. Does it still possess the charming magic of the original film while adding something new to the franchise? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Disney+

Amy Adams is better than ever.

You would think it was only yesterday that she portrayed the character of Giselle. Once again, Amy Adams gives us a magical performance that is well worth the wait. She’s a dream as Giselle and we even get to witness another side of her (courtesy of her wish), giving us some more layers this time around.

It was fun seeing some other familiar faces as well and the newcomers did a good job with what they were given. Maya Rudolph was perfectly cast for her role and was wickedly entertaining.

Images courtesy of Disney+

Clever premise.

I absolutely loved the idea of there being more to the story after happily ever after because of course there is. The whole premise was really clever and allowed us to see Giselle in a new kind of world so that things still felt fresh. Otherwise it would have been a very repetitive story.

There were definitely some Once Upon a Time vibes going on, which I loved. OUAT writer, Brigette Hales, created the Disenchanted script so of course that makes sense, but it honestly worked to the film’s advantage.

I also loved the pop of color throughout the film, making this a gorgeous watch from start to finish.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Disney+

Supporting characters weren’t given enough to do…

It honestly felt like Patrick Dempsey was a cameo. I forgot he was even in the film several times. I think he needed more to do here. I get that this wasn’t about their love story anymore, but he’s perfectly capable of commanding the screen so I was slightly disappointed with this.

James Marsden was fantastic as ever, but barely appeared in the film. Yvette Nicole Brown and Jayma Mays are both such funny actresses and I had high hopes for them in this, but they really weren’t given much to do here either.

I also felt like this film burst into song a little too much. I don’t remember there being THAT many songs in the original film or maybe those songs were just better? Either way, I felt slightly disconnected every single time a new song began.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Disney+

I’m in!!!

A clever spin on the original film with plenty of magic to go around.

This film was far from perfect and not as good as the original, but it still had enough entertaining moments to make me smile throughout my watch and that’s what I was hoping for.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Disenchanted 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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