Tag: Kyle Gallner

Spoiler-Free Review of “Smile 2” in Theaters: A Superior Sequel!

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

“Do you believe in like weird stuff?”

Smile 2 premiered in theaters on October 18th 2024. The supernatural psychological horror film stars Naomi Scott, Rosemarie DeWitt, Dylan Gelula, Peter Jacobson, and Kyle Gallner. It runs for two hours and seven minutes.

A pop star named Skye Riley is trying to make her upcoming tour a success after battling substance abuse and surviving a car accident, but when she witnesses a horrifying event that she can’t explain, she begins to lose control of her life and sanity.

Here is the trailer:

Smile 2 is a chilling, terrifying, and unhinged trip that will have you on the edge of your seat the entire time. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Paramount Pictures

Scream QUEEN, Naomi Scott!

Wow, she was absolutely fantastic in this! I didn’t think that anyone could top Willa Fitzgerald’s performance in Strange Darling, but Naomi Scott just gave the performance of her life and I loved EVERY SECOND OF IT! She was fierce, captivating, and willing to give this film her all. She just became one of my favorite scream queens of all time with that performance and I hope she appears in more horror films in the future.

Favorite performance of the year!

Seriously, I have chills.

Images courtesy of Paramount Pictures

So creepy and disturbing!

Similar to the vibe of the first film, the sequel had plenty of terrifying moments. It was fun seeing this in a packed theater. There were so many moments that had people jumping. This film descended into darkness a lot quicker than the original one, which was fantastic to experience. I loved the psychological elements and that ending was jaw-dropping in the best possible way!

OK and can we talk about that music?! I loved it!

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Paramount Pictures

A few unanswered questions.

This wasn’t a major con and I actually think it will create an interesting discussion among fans, but I had a little trouble piecing together what was actually happening in this film at times (which I think was the point). I was along for the ride and willing to go with it, but I had a few questions by the time I got to the end that were never fully addressed.

Maybe we’ll get a part three?

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Paramount Pictures

I’m in 100 percent!!!

Smile 2 is a frightening and trippy experience that will leave your heart pounding. Naomi Scott just gave the best performance of the year and I truly hope she’s recognized for it!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Smile 2 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!

**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 “Strange Darling” in Theaters: Love Hurts in this Captivating Cat-and-Mouse Thriller

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

“Are you a serial killer?”

Strange Darling released in theaters on August 23rd 2024. The American thriller film stars Willa Fitzgerald, Kyle Gallner, and Barbara Hershey. It runs for approximately an hour and thirty-six minutes.

A one night stand spirals out of control into a serial killer’s vicious murder spree.

Here is the trailer:


Strange Darling is a dangerously fun and inventive thrill ride featuring two worthy performances. Is it worthy of YOUR next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Magenta Light Studios

Willa Fitzgerald gives her best performance to date!

I’ve been a fan of hers since she starred on MTV’s Scream series, but this was something truly special. She went all out with her performance and it deserves to be talked about for a very long time. She was PERFECTION in this role.

I reserved my ticket for Kyle Gallner and he was nothing short of remarkable per usual. He’s been starring in a lot of unique horror gems lately and it was great to see him in this one. Keep them coming!

Images courtesy of Magenta Light Studios

The non-linear approach to revealing the story was refreshing and unique!

This was not your average thriller by any means. It had welcomed twists with edge that were revealed in such an effective way. You really had to pay attention during this one to fully appreciate it. The vignette style kept me invested, redefining expectations in horror and thriller films. I loved this approach and I think it really paid off, making this such a treat for viewers.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Magenta Light Studios

Predictable at times.

Don’t get me wrong…there were some wild twists in this one. You should go into the film without knowing much. I didn’t watch a single trailer for this and I was the better for it. That being said, I was able to predict the twist right away. It didn’t make it any less incredible, but you can piece together everything without that much effort.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Magenta Light Studios

I’m in!!!

Strange Darling is a mind-blowing cinematic experience for viewers, breaking away from the mold of standard serial killer thrillers with its visionary approach.

This film is truly something special!

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

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

A VACATION TO DIE FOR…

Blood Rose Island Ad

When sisters, Nina and Gemma are vacationing in Hawaii with their friends, they get invited to an exclusive party on a private island that seems too good to be true. There’s only one rule…they can’t miss their ferry at midnight or they’ll have to wait until morning to leave the island. Only they didn’t realize that breaking this rule meant they would be hunted down on the island one by one.

Who will make it off the island alive?

I hope you enjoy my new island thriller!

Blood Rose Island 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 “Mother, May I?” on Demand: Kyle Gallner and Holland Roden Deliver in this Eerie Slow Burn Drama-Thriller

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

“Have you repressed your pain?”

Mother, May I? released on demand on July 21st 2023. The drama-thriller film stars Kyle Gallner, Holland Roden, and Chris Mulkey. It runs for approximately an hour and forty minutes.

When his fiancée begins to act like his recently deceased mother, Emmett must cope with his past trauma in order to free them both from this possession.

Here is the trailer:

Mother, May I? is not your average possession film, but it channels plenty of creepy and disturbing vibes while tackling the complicated struggles involved in a relationship. Does it do enough to earn a watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Dark Sky Films

A Creepy and Trippy premise that draws you in…

From the choice of music, to the setting, to the drastic transformation of Holland Roden’s character…the creepiness level was through the roof on this one. This film didn’t hit you over the head with typical possession tropes. It managed to create an overall feeling of uneasiness, making this a disturbing watch deep rooted in trauma.

Images courtesy of Dark Sky Films

Rousing and tense performances.

I expect nothing less from Kyle Gallner, who was incredible in this film. There will be no spoilers in this review, but that last shot of him was so emotionally stirring. It took my breath away!

Holland Roden was really incredible in this as well. She went all in with some crazy and erratic scenes. She committed to her character and then some!

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Dark Sky Films

Sluggish pacing at times.

This wasn’t a major con, but there were some moments in-between that felt like they were dragging slightly. I expect this with slow burn films so I can’t fault it too much. This film is labeled as a thriller, but I think it transcended past that genre and was really more of an emotional drama.

The ending is also left open in a way, which worked enough for me, but I had a few unanswered questions that were never addressed.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Dark Sky Films

I’m in!

A freaky concept with some chilling moments and two note-worthy performances!

This film fell under the radar, but I’m so glad I discovered it because it really was a unique possession film that branched off into realistic aspects of grief, trauma, and identity and I recommend that you give it a watch!

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

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

A VACATION TO DIE FOR…

Blood Rose Island Ad

When sisters, Nina and Gemma are vacationing in Hawaii with their friends, they get invited to an exclusive party on a private island that seems too good to be true. There’s only one rule…they can’t miss their ferry at midnight or they’ll have to wait until morning to leave the island. Only they didn’t realize that breaking this rule meant they would be hunted down on the island one by one.

Who will make it off the island alive?

I hope you enjoy my new island thriller!

Blood Rose Island 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 “What Comes Around” on Demand: An Intriguing Watch!

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

“You don’t really know this guy…”

What Comes Around released on Demand on August 4th 2023. The drama-thriller film stars Kyle Gallner, Grace Van Dien, Summer Phoenix, and Jesse Garcia. It runs for approximately 85 minutes.

An internet love affair spirals out of control when Eric decides to show up at Anna’s house to surprise her for her birthday, leading to an unpredictable game of cat-and-mouse.

Here is the trailer:

What Comes Around is an unconventional romantic thriller that kept me guessing until the end. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of IFC Films

A juicy twist!

Wow…I did not see that coming! At first glance, this film seemed like a modern day version of Fear (starring Mark Wahlberg and Reese Witherspoon), but it took an unexpected turn and went in a completely different direction.

It was shocking and really interesting. 

Images courtesy of IFC Films

Kyle Gallner does it again!

I just recently watched him in The Passenger (a fantastic performance) and here he goes again with this film! He always immerses himself into whatever role he is playing and I think he elevated this film in a lot of ways.

I’m not sure if I would have liked it as much without him. He really draws you in and makes you think with his performances. There were a lot of moving parts to this particular movie and I think he poured a lot into his character to keep the audience invested until the end.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of IFC Films

Needed a little more edge…

There were so many little moments in this film that felt like they were building up to something else. While I didn’t need it to go full Lifetime here, I thought we were going to get some deranged moments, but they never really came.

That being said, I appreciate that this film decided to stay true to its intention, focusing more on the consequences of past actions while using a realistic approach to show the impact of the ending. 

I guess I was just expecting something a little more explosive, but it still worked. 

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of IFC Films

I’m in!

A unique and realistic thriller that makes you contemplate the impact one’s past actions can really have on others.

This film was not what I was expecting, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on What Comes Around 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!

**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 “The Passenger” on Demand: Kyle Gallner is Absolutely Brilliant in this Gripping Horror-Thriller

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

“You should stop now…”

The Passenger (2023) released on Demand on August 4th 2023. The horror-thriller film stars Kyle Gallner, Johnny Berchtold, and Liza Weil. It runs for approximately an hour and thirty-five minutes.

Randy is used to living each day unnoticed at his job, but when one of his co-workers goes on a violent rampage, he must confront his past and figure out a way to stay alive.

Here is the trailer:

The Passenger is captivating and brutal, taking a dark and realistic look into actions that can alter our lives permanently. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Blumhouse

All hail our Scream King…

Kyle Gallner doesn’t get enough credit. He is one of the most versatile actors around and has appeared in plenty of horror flicks over the years. This may be my favorite role by him yet. He was charismatic, unfiltered, and deranged in such a compelling way. He really showed off so much range in this film.

I wouldn’t say that he was a character to root for given the circumstances, but he lit up the screen and made this film what it was. 

One of the most powerful performances I witnessed all year. Wow…

Images courtesy of Blumhouse

A horror deep rooted in reality…

These are the horror films that stick with me the most. The ones that could happen on any given day. They’re terrifying because they are so random and visceral, reminding you that you can’t ever know what’s going on inside of someone else.

I really loved the way this film analyzed how actions (intentional or not) can impact others in so many different ways. They can motivate us to be stronger or they can damage our moral compass permanently. And then there’s the most common way that past actions and trauma can impact us…through non-action…merely allowing things to just happen.

This film explored so many interesting psychological elements, taking us on an unconventional road trip of self-discovery under dire circumstances.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Blumhouse

Not your average fast-paced thriller…

This film never felt slow or sluggish to me. But it wasn’t what I expected. If you’re looking for a thriller jam-packed with action, this isn’t that film. That being said, it branched off into something even more spectacular, which held my attention the entire time. Just be aware that this is a different kind of movie.

Also, it should be noted that some scenes depicting gun violence may be triggering for some.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Blumhouse

I’m in!

Kyle Gallner gives the performance of his career in this dark and consuming watch that will stick with you long after it’s over.

This film was not what I was expecting, but I was completely drawn in by it.

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

**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 “Smile” in Theaters: Unsettling and Completely Terrifying!

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

“Before she died, she was smiling…”

Smile premiered in theaters on September 30th 2022. The supernatural psychological horror film stars Sosie Bacon, Kyle Gallner, Jessie T. Usher, Gillian Zinser, and Kal Penn. It runs for an hour and fifty-five minutes.

After witnessing a disturbing and traumatic event featuring one of her patients, Dr. Rose Cotter starts to think that she may be hallucinating when she sees and hears things she cannot explain, which threatens her own sanity.

Here is the trailer:

Smile delivers with atmospheric horror that will leave you completely petrified, channeling films like It Follows. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Paramount Pictures

Creepy AF!

This movie freaked me out in the best way possible. Those smiles were completely chilling and even the jump scares were well done. There was this disturbing vibe that slithered through the entire film. It never really faded away, making this a startling, but enjoyable watch.

Images courtesy of Paramount Pictures

Believable lead.

I thought that Sosie Bacon did a really good job with this. Her character was believable and she really went all in with her performance. I’m not sure that this film would have worked so well if she didn’t seem so utterly frightened and deranged all the time. She really committed to this role, making everything else flow together seamlessly, connecting to her character’s own past trauma in an effective way.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Paramount Pictures

Predictable at times and a little too long…

I saw the ending of this movie coming a mile away. That being said, I still thought it was a satisfying one. I usually prefer my horror movies to run just over 90 minutes and this one lasted a little bit too long in my opinion.

Even though I thoroughly enjoyed my watch, I can’t say that this film did something that new and extraordinary because it really borrowed a lot from It Follows. That being said, I still think there’s enough to enjoy with this one, especially if you’re a horror fan.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Paramount Pictures

I’m in!!!

Smile stirs up a feeling of dread and terror that latches on to the audience with full force. It’s a worthy entry to the horror genre with plenty of terror drenched moments to make you second guess that smile from across the way for quite some time…

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

**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!