Tag: London

Spoiler-Free Review of “Upgraded” on Prime: Camila Mendes is an Absolute Delight!

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

“This is what you wanted, right?”

Upgraded released on Prime on February 9th 2024. The romantic-comedy film stars Camila Mendes, Archie Renaux, Marisa Tomei, Lena Olin, and Anthony Head. It runs for approximately an hour and forty-five minutes.

A hard-working art intern is given the opportunity to travel to London to help her demanding boss when she meets a handsome stranger, which distracts her from her priorities.

Here is the trailer:

Upgraded successfully channels films like The Devil Wears Prada and Confessions of a Shopaholic, making this a charming treat for rom-com fans. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Prime

Cheers to Camila Mendes!

She’s an absolute dream in this film and she elevated it in a lot of ways. The Riverdale star definitely has a long career in front of her and I think she should continue to do films like this because she was likable and down-to-earth in her portrayal, making it very easy to root for her character.

The rest of the cast was great as well. I thought Marisa Tomei was hilarious (although her accent took a little getting used to) and I was so beyond excited to see Buffy the Vampire Slayer alum, Anthony Head in this! He was bloody fantastic!

Images courtesy of Prime

Believable chemistry.

I hate it when chemistry feels forced in films like this, but I was pleasantly surprised by how easily I fell in love with these two. I think what helped was that the main focus wasn’t on the new romance.

Rather, we learned more about Camila’s character as an individual and focused more on her challenges at work, which made the rest of the pieces fall together seamlessly. Adding in a charming romance was a bonus and while traditional rom-com fans may be looking for a little more in this department, it was the perfect amount for me.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Prime

Predictable at times…

I mean, but most rom-com films fall into some ounce of predictability so I can’t really fault it too much here. The film played it safe a lot, but I honestly couldn’t care less. I knew what I was getting when I started this film and it delivered and then some. Just don’t expect anything too shocking or unique here.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Prime

I’m in!!!

Upgraded is the artsy version of The Devil Wears Prada, delivering with super cute and charming moments worth indulging in.

I thoroughly enjoyed this film and I think it found the perfect balance of self-discovery and romance.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Upgraded 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 “You” Season 4: Part 1 on Netflix: A New Setting does wonders for Joe

*This is a spoiler-free review for season 4 (part 1) so feel free to read on!*

“It’s you…or nothing…”

You season 4 (part one) released on February 9th 2023 on Netflix with the first five episodes available to stream now. The remaining five episodes in part two will be available to stream on March 9th 2023. The thriller-drama series stars Penn Badgley, Tati Gabrielle, Charlotte Ritchie, Tilly Keeper, and Lukas Gage. Each episode runs for approximately 45-50 minutes.

Joe Goldberg attempts to make a fresh start as Jonathan Moore in London, but he winds up caught in the middle of a dangerous whodunnit mystery.

Here is the trailer:

You (season 4, part 1) is off to an entertaining start, luring us into Joe’s twisted world once again with a few new twists to liven things up. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

You season 4 part 1 no spoilers 1

Images courtesy of Netflix

Sometimes change is good!

After the explosive season three ending, Joe left the US to start over, but can he really leave his past behind? Well, probably not and it will most likely continue to haunt him, but he’s got a new gig working as a professor in London and a new identity. There are still some ghosts lingering from his past; however, and we’ll have to see what else emerges once part two releases, but I absolutely love some of the changes to the show already.

The setting works for the most part and we have a brand new bunch of characters that all have a secret or two. Joe is transforming more into an “anti-hero” this time around, playing the role of the amateur detective. I have to say that Joe’s voice-over narration has been so incredibly funny and entertaining. I used to find him a little whiny when he obsessed over someone, but change looks good on him so far and I was actually laughing out loud quite a few times.

I also absolutely LOVE that the writers decided to turn the tables on him in season four. It’s genius! It’s really allowing Joe to shine and it’s preventing things from feeling too repetitive.

Fantastic pacing!

I got through all five episodes in one day and it was a binge-watcher’s dream! I thought each episode did just enough at the end to lure us in for more. This was always such an entertaining show, but I’m loving all of the tweaks and improvements in this department. I never felt like I had to sit through too much fluff, which was great.

The Cons:

You season 4 part 1 no spoilers 2

Images courtesy of Netflix

We have to wait for the rest of the episodes!

I really don’t have many cons at all. I’m not a fan of some of the new characters, but overall I thoroughly enjoyed my watch and I can’t wait for the rest of the episodes to drop. This season is checking off all the boxes and then some!

So am I in or out?

You season 4 part 1 no spoilers 3

Images courtesy of Netflix

I’m in 100 percent!

You (season 4 part 1) is addictive in all the right ways with some clever new improvements.

I can’t wait to see what happens next!

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

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 “Last Night in Soho” in Theaters: An Alluring Mystery

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

“You have to pretend you’re someone else…”

Last Night in Soho released in theaters on October 29th 2021. The psychological thriller horror film stars Thomasin McKenzie, Anya Taylor-Joy, Michael Ajao, Matt Smith and Terence Stamp. The film runs for approximately an hour and fifty-five minutes.

A young fashion student from the country gets an exciting opportunity in London, but quickly finds herself being transported to the 1960’s as she uncovers a mystery surrounding a woman named Sandy.

Here is the trailer:

Last Night in Soho unravels a mystery in a unique way, creating a welcomed kind of chaos that will captivate your attention. Is it worthy of YOUR next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Focus Features

The music, the fashion, and the setting transport you somewhere else in the best possible way.

I always pay attention to the music soundtrack and the fashion in all films, but wow did this movie truly impress me. I honestly felt like I was going back in time and I loved every moment of it. The music was really powerful and it actually really enhanced the overall tone of the film. It wasn’t just background music…it complimented the scenes and really added an authenticity to them.

Images courtesy of Focus Features

Captivating performances.

I’m always so impressed by Anya Taylor-Joy and she truly was stunning and magnetic in this film. I was pleasantly surprised by the performance by Thomasin McKenzie. She was so incredible and I thought these two really had a great dynamic on screen.

A gripping mystery that hooks you from the start.

I could not take my eyes off the screen during this film. The mystery was so interesting and I thought that everything was revealed in such a different way. I’ve seen a lot of psychological thrillers, but this one was truly extraordinary. The reveals were well placed and the overall pacing was solid as well.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Focus Features

Chaotic at times.

I wouldn’t necessarily call this a con because it was a maddening chaos that I embraced. It added to the overall vibe of the movie, but it is one of those movies you need to pay attention to. I would recommend watching it all in one sitting or you may feel slightly disconnected to the overall story.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Focus Features

I’m in 100 percent!

A fascinating watch!

This movie was stylish, immersing, and riveting! 

It really struck a chord with me and I thought the unique story-telling really suited this film. The performances were incredible and this may have just become one of my favorite films of the year!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Last Night in Soho 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 Haunting of Bly Manor” on Netflix: Perfectly Splendid

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

“Everything yields to time…even the soul.”

The Haunting of Bly Manor is the second season of The Haunting of Hill House horror anthology series. Based on The Turn of the Screw by Henry James, the second season takes a fresh take on the classic ghost story. The Haunting of Bly Manor stars Victoria Pedretti, T’Nia Miller, Tahirah Sharif, Amelia Eve, Oliver Jackson-Cohen and Carla Gugino. The second season premiered on October 9th 2020 with nine episodes (approximately 55 minutes in length).

Dani is looking for a fresh start in London and comes across an ad for a live-in governess position at Bly Manor. Upon her arrival, she quickly discovers that there is a mystery surrounding the property, endangering the lives of the children as well as her own.

Here is the trailer:

The Haunting of Bly Manor has the potential to take this ghost story to the next level, but after the disappointing 2020 film, The Turning, it may need to do a lot more to keep its audience invested. Does The Haunting of Bly Manor live up to the welcomed scares of the first season? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

The Haunting of Bly Manor Dani 2

Images courtesy of Netflix

Chilling and intense scares.

I wouldn’t say that the second season scared me as much as the first one, but it was a different kind of fear building throughout the episodes. It was more of an unrelenting chill that wedged itself deep within my bones. While it was a different approach, the fear was real and there were some genuinely scary moments sprinkled in that will have you on the edge of your seat.

The Haunting of Bly Manor Rebecca

Images courtesy of Netflix

Incredible characters.

You will recognize some familiar faces in season two as many of the actors from the first season returned to reprise different roles, which was a lot of fun. Some of the newcomers were absolutely brilliant as well and I have to say that the characters all had so much depth.

I think that the women really stood out for me in the second season. Each character flashback or reveal was so powerful and it really helped me connect even more to the characters.

The Haunting of Bly Manor

Images courtesy of Netflix

Reveals that are worth the wait.

Each puzzle piece was threaded together with perfect execution. As soon as I thought I had something figured out, I was thrown for a loop. The slow burn build was extremely rewarding and well worth the wait. Even though the episodes were on the long side, I was completely mesmerized by every single scene.

The Cons:

The Haunting of Bly Manor Carla Gugino

Images courtesy of Netflix

I really don’t have one con to list. The only thing I will mention is that this may be more of a beautiful piece of gothic romance rather than a true ghost story. However, I thought that worked perfectly. What I witnessed transcended the need to classify this show to a specific genre. The presence of a storyteller really allowed the classic words to come alive across the screen while bringing in new elements to the story.

So am I in or out?

The Haunting of Bly Manor Dani

Images courtesy of Netflix

I’m in 1000 percent!!!!!!

This may be the best show I have watched all year. I thought that everything was executed perfectly. This show struck me to my core. I laughed, I cried, and I found myself beyond connected to all of these characters. There is something to be said about a piece of work that can resonate with you that much even after it’s over.

Perfectly splendid and then some!!!!!

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

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

If you have time, I would love it if you would check out my book, Dash and Seek in the link below. Thank you and I hope you enjoy!

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! I hope you enjoy!

READ IF YOU DARE…

Dash and Seek is available here!

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