Tag: Julia Garner

Spoiler-Free Review of “The Royal Hotel” on Demand: A Vacation Gone Wrong

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

“You’re here on vacation?”

The Royal Hotel released in limited theaters on October 6th 2023 and is currently available to stream on demand as of October 23rd 2023. The thriller-drama film stars Julia Garner, Jessica Henwick, Hugo Weaving, Toby Wallace, James Frecheville, and Daniel Henshall. It runs for approximately 90 minutes.

Hanna and Liv are having the time of their lives vacationing in Australia, but when they wind up short on cash, they agree to take a temporary job bartending in a remote Outback mining town that puts them in danger.

Here is the trailer:

The Royal Hotel features two gripping performances in a chilling setting, but does all the buildup lead to anything worthwhile? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Neon

Two worthy leads.

The best part of this film was the two strong performances by Julia Garner and Jessica Henwick. They were both very believable and portrayed some heavy stuff in tense situations. I wish they were given a little bit more content to work with here, but I enjoyed their performances and they elevated this film in a lot of ways.

A setting and premise with loads of potential.

When I first saw the trailer for this film, I was so beyond excited to watch it. It screamed vibes of Wolf Creek and Brokedown Palace. We had a really good set-up and some intense moments built in, but the end result wasn’t what I was expecting…

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Neon

Not sure why this was billed as a thriller?

Sure, there were some intense moments here and there, but I was super frustrated with this film because it felt like we were building up to an insane climax and then the end result was lukewarm at best. It just never really went anywhere…

This really should have been billed as a drama instead. I think that it will disappoint an audience looking for an actual thriller. The drama wasn’t bad, but setting up that expectation made this a confusing watch for me.

Lacked necessary character layers.

I didn’t need that many, but some would have been nice, especially since our two leads are incredibly talented and basically carried this movie. I needed to know more about why they were in Australia in the first place and maybe some crucial moments between them in their past could have explained some of the tension building throughout the film.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Neon

I’m 50/50 on this one…

I think that people will either love or hate this film. I’m somewhere in the middle of that. It wasn’t bad by any means and I actually thoroughly enjoyed the performances by our two main leads, but I wanted SO MUCH MORE!

Julia Garner needed to unleash her inner Ruth Langmore from Ozark to give this movie some serious edge.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on The Royal Hotel 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 “Ozark” season 4 Part 2 on Netflix: It all comes down to this…

*This is a spoiler-free review for season 4 (part 2) so feel free to read on!*

“If we don’t get out clean, they’ll never forgive us…”

Ozark season 4 (Part 2) released on Netflix on April 29th 2022 with the final seven episodes available to stream now. The crime drama series stars Jason Bateman, Laura Linney, Julia Garner, Sofia Hublitz, Skylar Gaertner and Felix Solis. Each episode runs for 55-60 minutes.

The Byrde family attempts to make one final clean break without losing their family in the process. 

Here is the trailer:

Ozark season 4 (Part 2) brings us seven final episodes filled with lots of intense moments, but does it end the way it should? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Fast-paced episodes.

Wow, I got through these last seven episodes so quickly! After that shocking moment at the end of part 1, part 2 keeps the pace going through every single episode. This was important because there was a lot to cover, but I never felt bored with the moments in-between. Every single interaction was necessary and important.

Images courtesy of Netflix

Ties up loose ends…

The last seven episodes did a decent job with this. There were a lot of blanks that were filled in and it answered some questions I had from previous seasons. I thought this was necessary and satisfying in a lot of ways. It’s not easy answering every unanswered question in a final season, but Ozark made a valiant effort here.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Not a fan of the ending…

We deserved a better conclusion in my opinion. There will be no spoilers in this review, but I was really annoyed by this finale. After the disappointing Killing Eve series finale, I was hoping for the best with Ozark and it failed to deliver for me. 

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Netflix

I’m in for the series but I’m out on the ending…

Overall, the final season was really intense and brutal. We witnessed some incredible performances and I think this was such an entertaining series, but we deserved a satisfying ending!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Ozark season 4 (Part 2) in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

This competition is killer…

Scream Hunt 5

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

Scream Hunt is available here!

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Spoiler-Free Review of “Inventing Anna” on Netflix: Juicy and Intriguing Premise

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

“Everyone here wants something…”

Inventing Anna premiered on Netflix on February 11th 2022 with nine episodes available to stream now. The drama series based on a true story stars Julia Garner, Anna Chlumsky, Arian Moayed, Anders Holm and Laverne Cox. Each episode runs for approximately 60-70 minutes.

A journalist looks into the case of Anna Delvey, who stole money from New York elites while pretending to be a wealthy German heiress.

Here is the trailer:

Inventing Anna takes a true story and shows the audience different angles on how Anna Delvey became a well-known name. Is it worthy of your next binge-watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Showcases gorgeous fashion and settings.

There was so much fashion embedded in this series and I loved it! We also got to be transported to different places, focusing primarily on New York City. The series did a good job of capturing the vibe and feel of each setting, which really helped elevate this series in a lot of ways for me.

Images courtesy of Netflix

Worthy flashbacks.

Julia Garner put forth a valiant effort here and I thought the flashbacks were the strongest part of the series. It was really interesting seeing how Anna did what she did over time, connecting with different people throughout her journey. This probably could have been the main focus of the series because it was that intriguing.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Netflix

The journalist angle didn’t work…

I just couldn’t connect to this part of the show and I think it forced each episode to run longer than needed. Vivian was not likable at all for me as a character and I think that we spent way too much time focusing on her life rather than the interesting story we actually came to see…

That accent…

I thought I might get used to it after a while, but Julia Garner’s impersonation of Anna Delvey’s accent was so strange and off-putting. I’m sure she put a lot of thought and effort into it and I don’t want to knock her because I think she’s a great actress but it was really distracting.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Netflix

I’m in about 75 percent…

This series highlights an intriguing story worth watching and the fashion pieces alone are definitely worth your time. I personally would have preferred the series to just focus on the flashbacks more because they were really interesting. The episodes are super long and it took me a little while to get through this one, but I’d recommend giving it a whirl because it does have its moments.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Inventing Anna 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 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 “Ozark” season 4 Part 1 on Netflix: Intense Game Changer

*This is a spoiler-free review for season 4 so feel free to read on!*

“This is why I chose you…”

Ozark season 4 (Part 1) released on Netflix on January 21st 2022 with seven episodes available to stream now. Part 2 of the final season will release later in the year. The crime drama series stars Jason Bateman, Laura Linney, Julia Garner, Sofia Hublitz, Skylar Gaertner and Felix Solis. Each episode runs for 55-60 minutes.

After that major cliffhanger at the end of season 3, the Byrde family is back to figure out another impossible task to keep their family alive. 

Here is the trailer:

Ozark season 4 (Part 1) brings us to the beginning of the end, as we hang on to our seats for a final season that doesn’t seem to be holding back any punches. Part 1 is beyond intense, but will the series end on a high note? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Ozark Season 4 Part 1 Spoiler Free

Images courtesy of Netflix

Solid screen time for all characters.

Even though the show primarily follows Marty Byrd and his family, there are a lot of supporting characters on the series who deserve more screen time and I thought that season 4 did a decent job of balancing this out. Marty’s kids got a lot more to do this time around and it’s always great to see Ruth on screen no matter what.

I think it’s important to provide each character with some kind of appropriate closure or end since we are on the final season and I think that so far it is delivering.

Another jaw-dropping finale.

There will be no spoilers in this review, but I don’t know how this show manages to shock me the way it does. The intensity that pours into this show is incredible. From the brilliant performances we witness to the music and everything in-between, this show just knows how to keep you completely hooked. The episodes are on the long side, but it never feels like it is dragging.

After that ending, I don’t know what to expect but I hope part 2 releases soon!

The Cons:

Ozark Season 4 Part 1 Spoiler Free 2

Images courtesy of Netflix

Will it stick the landing?

I don’t really have any cons because I think this show is as close to perfection as it gets, but I am wondering if we have enough time to give this show a proper ending. I loved plenty of shows over the years and some of the series finales I witnessed really disappointed me. I’m remaining positive here, but I have a lot of questions after part 1. We’ll see how it goes!

So am I in or out?

Ozark Season 4 Part 1 Spoiler Free 3

Images courtesy of Netflix

I’m in!

Brilliant performances and brutal intensity that lingers well after the show is over!

I loved every moment of season 4 (Part 1) and I can’t wait to find out how it all ends!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Ozark season 4 (Part 1) in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

This competition is killer…

Scream Hunt 5

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 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 “Ozark” season 3 on Netflix: Edge of Your Seat Perfection

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

Netflix certainly has us covered with plenty of new shows, seasons, and movies to help us during social distancing, but they really hit it out of the park with the latest season of Ozark.

Ozark season 3 premiered on Netflix on March 27th 2020 with 10 new episodes (Approximately 60 minutes in length). It stars Jason Bateman, Laura Linney, Julia Garner, Janet McTeer, and Tom Pelphrey.

If you have never seen the show before, it channels a real Breaking Bad feel. Marty Byrde is forced to move his family from Chicago to the Missouri Ozarks in order to launder money for the drug cartel.

Each season focuses on different business ventures that Marty must obtain in order to successfully launder the money to appease his boss and protect his family, leading to scandal, murder, and secrets along the way.

I am a fan of the series and was eager to see where the Byrde family would invest their time and money next. A casino seemed like the perfect place, but we quickly learn that this may not be so easy when competitors and the FBI begin to stir up some trouble for the Byrde family.

The show is fantastic, but the episodes are super long and sometimes can drag here and there. However, season 3 absolutely picks up the pace while introducing us to some new characters. But does it do enough to stand out from its prior seasons? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Ozark Netflix 1
Images courtesy of Netflix

New character dynamics light up the screen.

I am a huge fan of Ruth Langmore and will continue to root for her against all odds. Seriously, she’s the best. However, I was beyond thrilled when we got some new characters on the show to really spice things up and to develop some of our other characters even more.

I am going to highlight Wendy’s brother, Ben, who comes to visit the Byrde family. Tom Pelphrey is beyond brilliant playing this role and he also helps us see even more layers from both Ruth and Wendy. Season 3, episode 9 was probably the best episode I have witnessed on the show and I think that both Pelphrey and Linney deserve an Emmy for their performances.

 I still have chills from it…

It was also nice to see other characters develop more. Charlotte and Jonah actual earn their own story-lines, which I appreciated, as they interact with Helen’s rebellious daughter, Erin.

The casino background is a nice change of scenery.

We’ve seen Marty invest in a restaurant and a strip club, but I thought the casino was really a bold choice.

Ozark Netflix 2
Images courtesy of Netflix

I have to say that Ruth did an amazing job running the floor and was not afraid to ruffle any feathers if anyone tried to mess with her.

Of course the casino captures the attention of the FBI, which makes things more complicated for the Byrde family, but I was thoroughly invested in all of the schemes and secrets behind the scenes here, which was a welcomed change of business for the Byrde family.

Fast paced edge of your seat moments and cliffhangers.

Every episode had something new and exciting. I was never bored throughout season 3 and the final moments of the last episode will leave you in complete shock. It’s that good. I really appreciated how much this show adapted to keep the pace going steady, as it had the tendency to slow down quite a bit in seasons 1 and 2.

Bravo!

The Cons:

Ozark Netflix 3
Images courtesy of Netflix

The Darlene and Wyatt scenes…

So, while I thought a lot of the new character relationships and dynamics were necessary and intriguing, we don’t need to pair everyone up and we don’t need unnecessary sex scenes with certain characters that really leave a bad taste in your mouth.

Sometimes I think certain characters should really just be abandoned if they don’t further the plot and we don’t need to have them in every scene for them to make a difference.

So am I in or out?

Ozark Netflix 5
Images courtesy of Netflix

I’m in! Since a lot of my favorite shows are delaying production and release, I was beyond pleased to be able to binge-watch Ozark season 3 all in one weekend. This series blends family drama and crime thrills seamlessly. Each episode leaves you wanting more and the finale gave us one of the most shocking cliffhangers I have seen in a while.

Season 3 was my favorite season yet! More please!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Ozark season 3 in the comments section below.  Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

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**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!

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