Spoiler-Free Review of “Final Destination Bloodlines” in Theaters: A Fun Addition to the Franchise

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

“This dream is ruining my life…”

Final Destination Bloodlines released in theaters on May 16th 2025. The sixth entry to the horror franchise stars Kaitlyn Santa Juana, Richard Harmon, Teo Briones, Owen Joyner, Brec Bassinger, and Tony Todd. It runs for approximately an hour and fifty minutes.

After being plagued by a recurring nightmare connected to her grandmother’s horrific past, Stefani reunites with her family in order to stop death’s plan.

Here is the trailer:

Final Destination Bloodlines is a solid entry to one of my favorite horror franchises, filled with over-the-top gore and plenty of Easter eggs for fans of the previous films. Is it worthy of YOUR next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Killer opening!

Let’s be honest…the opening scenes of the Final Destination films are memorable and some of them have even influenced some of my own choices…especially when I see certain types of trucks on the highway.

I was very pleased with the opening to the sixth film. It was one of the strongest for me. I loved every second of it! Wow.

Connections to the other films.

It was both heartbreaking and amazing seeing Tony Todd on the screen one last time. He really is the face of this franchise and I loved that we finally got some answers this time involving his character. Sure, he was still cryptic and mysterious, but he ate up every minute of screen time and I loved it. RIP Tony Todd.

I just recently rewatched the previous five films so everything was fresh in my head. I loved the connections and Easter eggs here. I really love when sequels do this rather than abandoning what’s come before.

There were a few stand-out characters in this one for me. The 100’s Richard Harmon was a scene stealer. It felt like John Murphy was on the screen again and I hope he gets cast in more movies because he’s great!

The actress playing Stef was decent enough, although I preferred the majority of the leads who came before her.

The Cons:

A little longer than it needed to be…

The rest of the films were all about 90 minutes so I’m not sure why they decided to make this one longer. There were some parts in-between everything that felt like unnecessary fluff and dragged things out more than they needed to be. I thought the ending was also kind of ok…but I still enjoyed everything overall.

So am I in or out?

I’m in!!!

Final Destination Bloodlines is a solid entry to the franchise, featuring gory outrageous kills, a few unexpected twists, and a proper sendoff to a legend.

I went into this one with low expectations and I actually thoroughly enjoyed my watch.

My updated ranking to the Final Destination films would be:

Final Destination

Final Destination 3

Final Destination Bloodlines

Final Destination 2

Final Destination 5

The Final Destination

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

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

A VACATION TO DIE FOR…

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 island thriller!

Blood Rose Island is available here!

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Spoiler-Free Review of “DROP” in Theaters: My Kind of Thriller!

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

“It’s just a date…”

DROP released in theaters on April 11th 2025. The horror-thriller film stars Meghann Fahy, Brandon Sklenar, Gabrielle Ryan, Ed Weeks, and Violett Beane. It runs for approximately an hour and thirty-five minutes.

A widowed mother named Violet agrees to a first date at an upscale restaurant with the charming Henry, but things take an unexpected turn when she begins to receive threatening drops on her phone from a stranger.

Here is the trailer:

DROP is completely captivating with an intense premise and two likable leads. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Keeps you guessing.

Honestly, I am usually pretty good at figuring out who is behind everything in films like these, but this one stumped me. I was floored by the reveal and I loved the mystery angle. It really kept the audience on the hook, demanding our complete attention.

The setting worked really well here, keeping the focus on everyone surrounding Violet and Henry. In a lot of ways, this film reminded me of Red Eye in the best way possible. That’s one of my favorite thrillers of all time so this one is definitely in good company!

Characters to root for!

Meghann Fahy has been on my radar for a little while now. She was fantastic in this one and very believable. I was rooting for her the entire time.

The supporting characters in this were a blast as well. The server is a SCENE STEALER! He had me laughing until my sides hurt. This was so appreciated because the film did cover some heavy material at times so it still kept things light and entertaining enough.

The Cons:

I don’t have any…

I LOVED every part of this movie. I really don’t have anything negative to say about it. While it may not be for everyone, it definitely checked off every single box for me. I adore clever and intense thrillers like this and I also really liked the character layers and elements. They didn’t feel forced or gimmicky. They just worked effortlessly, helping me connect to our main girl that much more.

So am I in or out?

I’m in 100 percent!!!

DROP is a heart-pounding and clever thriller from start to finish!

My favorite film of the year so far!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on DROP 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 “The Bondsman” on Prime: Kevin Bacon Shines!

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

“You’re supposed to be dead…”

The Bondsman premiered on Prime on April 3rd 2025 with all eight episodes of season one available now. The horror thriller comedy series stars Kevin Bacon, Beth Grant, Jennifer Nettles, Damon Herriman, Maxwell Jenkins, and Jolene Purdy. Each episode runs for approximately 30 minutes.

A murdered bounty hunter is resurrected by the devil to track down demons who have escaped from Hell, giving him the opportunity to make amends for his past mistakes with the help of his family.

Here is the trailer:

The Bondsman is a delightful mashup of Ash vs Evil Dead and Stan Against Evil while creating its own story along the way. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Kevin Bacon is bad-ass and A LOT of fun in this!

Kevin Bacon had one of his first starring roles in Friday the 13th and he proves to be an absolute legend in the horror genre all these years later. I thought he was so much fun as Hub. He had lots of sarcasm and charisma, making it very easy to root for him.

Beth Grant playing his mother, Kitty, was an absolute scene-stealer. She had me laughing out loud. These two made a fantastic team together. I liked the rest of the cast as well and enjoyed the character dynamics.

Short episodes.

It was such a nice and refreshing change to have bite-sized episodes for this. It made it very easy to binge-watch, mirroring the light and fun approach to demon hunting going on. I was able to finish all eight episodes in one day.

The series had a similar plot to the 2013 film R.I.P.D., but I thought that this series was a lot better than that.

It really understood the assignment and just had fun with it, making this so breezy and enjoyable. I loved the vibe similar to shows like Ash vs Evil Dead and Stan Against Evil, working in dark comedy that actually landed. Hub could definitely work together with Ash and Stan and there were even some elements of Supernatural going on, which I LOVED.

The Cons:

I want more!

The end of season one had a major cliffhanger so I really hope that people watch this show because I need more as soon as possible! There’s a lot more left to explore so I hope this show gets the attention it deserves.

My only other con is that this show is nothing new. I’ve seen this plot in numerous series before, however; the execution of it made it stand out, making it a welcomed addition to the genre so I’m really not complaining here.

So am I in or out?

I’m in 100 percent!!!

The Bondsman is a HELL of a good time!

This show exceeded my expectations and then some. Even if this isn’t your typical genre, I’d still recommend checking it out because it has something in it for everyone.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on The Bondsman 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 “Only Murders in the Building” Season 4 Premiere on Hulu: Our Favorite Trio Goes to Hollywood!

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

“We’ve been very lucky with people dying in our building…”

Only Murders in the Building season four premiered on Hulu on August 27th 2024. The comedy crime series will have ten episodes in total. The first episode is available to stream now and the remaining nine will air weekly. The show stars Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez. Each episode runs for approximately 30-35 minutes.

Mabel, Charles, and Oliver are back to solve a new murder mystery after that season three finale cliffhanger, but they’ve also branched out to Hollywood as they learn that someone is interested in turning their podcast into a movie.

Here is the trailer:

Only Murders in the Building season 4 tries out another change of scenery to liven things up. Will the trio continue to entertain us with their quirky charm? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

The chemistry between our three main leads is still as brilliant as ever!

It’s why the show works so well and it’s funny to see Hollywood getting some aspects spot on and others way off. Charles, Mabel, and Oliver may be an unconventional trio, but that’s also why they are so dynamic together. The banter had me chuckling once again and I’m looking forward to seeing them work together with this new murder mystery.

Fun cameos!

Ever wonder who would play Charles, Mabel, and Oliver in a film adaptation? Well, we find out in the season premiere and it was awesome to see so many familiar faces. I’m a huge fan of Eva Longoria so this was a lot of fun.

We also get an adorable scene stealer in the season premiere to help our trio out.

The Cons:

Homesick for the Arconia!

I get that we need to change things up each season, but I found myself missing the Arconia setting quite a bit. That’s where I fell in love with this trio and while the Hollywood gimmick is a lot of fun, it’s also a little overwhelming and I’m not sure that our trio will thrive here as much. The Arconia is still the scene of another murder so I’m hoping we return to the place we know and love for the future episodes.

So am I in or out?

I’m in!!!

While it may not have as captivating as a hook as the first season, this trio is still magic together and we’re off to a promising start for season 4!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Only Murders in the Building season 4 in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

My performance of the week ending 1/11/20 on TV goes to…

Marlo Kelly as Beth Cassidy on USA Network’s Dare Me.

There’s a new mean girl in town and she can already give Regina George and Heather Chandler a run for their money. Throw in some over-competitive cheerleading, dark secrets, obsession, and a possible murder, and she may just be crowned the new Queen Bee.

**Please note spoilers have been left out for your convenience.**

Dare Me has aired two episodes so far and I am already completely captivated by Beth Cassidy, played brilliantly by Marlo Kelly. While a lot of the other characters have potential as well, there is something almost magnetic about Beth. Her wide eye stares and dangerous actions make her a potential modern day femme fatale, but there’s also several layers beneath this tough appearance.

Beth clearly has a weakness for her best friend, but we all know that obsession can be a deadly game, especially when someone gets in her way. While the cheesy montages are a little bit much, Marlo nails every scene with unsettling perfection. This may be her break-out role because she is destined for stardom.

In addition, Beth clearly has some family issues going on. Her father moved in with his mistress across the street and their daughter is also on the squad, which causes even more drama during games and practice. Being on top of the pyramid is not just a privilege…it’s a necessity, and Beth is willing to take out the competition while keeping a smile planted on her face.

Beth is already set up to face off against our main protagonist, Coach Colette French (Willa Fitzgerald), but will she be able to put her personal agenda aside for the good of the team? I personally am looking forward to more interactions between these two because the tension is intense.

Coach Colette French does not initially seem to be intimidated by Beth, but she is not an ordinary teenage girl. There is clearly this jealousy and rage brewing inside of Beth, but she is able to appear so calm and in control on the surface. Sometimes, that can be even more dangerous; however, as Beth even keeps certain secrets from her best friend, Addy. Beth is manipulative and calculating and yet we can’t turn away from her.

Marlo Kelly fearlessly embraces this beautiful dark role with perfect poise. She is a scene stealer for sure and the main reason why I keep coming back for more every single week.

What’s next for Beth? Well, there is this mystery unfolding slowly week after week and you have to wonder if Beth is behind a possible crime, but is she the obvious choice? Beth has already demonstrated that she is not afraid to break the rules to get what she wants, but how far will she go?

I can’t wait to find out!

Stay tuned for a recognized performance on TV each week!

Have a performance on TV that you think is simply outstanding? Feel free to contact me with your nomination for the week by Friday at midnight!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

[twitter-follow screen_name=’TV_Fanatic_Girl’]

The Dreaming of Wonderland Book Series is available here!

**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!

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

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Spoiler-Free Review of “Dare Me” on USA Network: Dark Sensational Potential with Spirit Fingers

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

“Cheerleading equals death,” according to Torrance’s hilarious younger brother in Bring It On and he may have been spot on when it comes to USA Network’s new teen drama. Teenage girls can be dangerous, especially when the captain’s spot on her beloved squad is threatened, as secrets slither into the open, luring us into a promising slow burn thriller.

After watching the Pilot episode, the show already reminds me of Bring It On combined with some dark cult comedy greats like Heathers and Jawbreaker, which could be the formula for a fantastic new show.

Dare Me is based on the novel of the same name by Megan Abbott, following the plot of a cheerleader who seeks revenge on the squad that betrayed her. The show premiered on the USA Network on December 29th 2019 and will feature 10 weekly episodes. It stars Willa Fitzgerald (Scream), Marlo Kelly, Herizen Guardiola, Erika Prevost, and Taveeta Szymanowicz.

The show seems like it may have been better suited for a slot on Freeform and a mid-season premiere can be problematic, but the show could be a diamond in the rough.

Does Dare Me do enough to capture our full attention in its Pilot episode? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Dare Me USA Network 1 — Images courtesy of USA Network

Strong and interesting characters.

I am already a fan of Willa Fitzgerald and she is definitely making waves as the new coach of this cheerleading squad. Marlo Kelly is also proving to be quite the scene stealer as the mean girl captain with a bitter sweet tooth for revenge. More please!

Cheerleading can be brutal.

I absolutely love the concept of this show and we are immersed into a competitive world where these girls will do anything to be the one on top of the pyramid. The dark and sadistic hints are enough to hold my attention, as we begin to explore the secrets leading up to some kind of unspeakable crime.

I have a lot of questions already, but that just means this show is doing a good job of keeping me invested so far.

The Cons:

Dare Me USA Network 2 — Images courtesy of USA Network

Super long montages and lots of fluff.

The show is already coming across as a slow burn thriller, which means we will need to invest some time into it before we get any major reveals. There is a lot of set-up in the pilot episode to really introduce everything, but I could have done without the numerous montages. Seriously, it seemed like they were endless.

So am I in or out?

Dare Me USA Network 3 — Images courtesy of USA Network

I’m in for now, but I’m not completely convinced as of yet. The show has a lot of promise and potential to become something truly dark and magnificent, but I just need things to speed up slightly so that I don’t lose interest too quickly.

When a show airs weekly episodes, they need to do enough to keep viewers coming back and I think they have, but we need to keep up the pace and introduce more dark secrets involving this major crime to prevent us from losing interest.

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

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

[twitter-follow screen_name=’TV_Fanatic_Girl’]

The Dreaming of Wonderland Book Series is available here!

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

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