Tag: Shining Vale

Spoiler-Free Review of “Shining Vale” Season 2 on Starz: Courteney Cox is in Control!

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

“I am no longer a danger to society…”

Shining Vale season two premiered on Starz on October 13th 2023 with the first episode. There will be eight episodes in total that will air weekly. The horror comedy series stars Courteney Cox, Greg Kinnear, Mira Sorvino, Gus Birney and Judith Light. Each episode runs for approximately 30-34 minutes.

After being checked into a mental hospital by her family, Pat attempts to change her outlook on life and banish her demons for good…but are they really gone?

Here is the trailer:

Shining Vale season one flew under the radar, but it was quirky, creepy, and absolutely delightful. Is season two worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Starz

Courteney Cox is back and better than ever!

She was absolutely brilliant in season one and had me laughing out loud quite a few times. Pat may have toned down her cursing with her new “rehabilitation,” but Courteney is still commanding the screen in the best way possible.

It took me a little while to warm up to the rest of the cast in season one, but already I am liking the new character dynamics and the ending of episode one left us  with a lot of ghostly potential already. More please!

The fun is only just beginning…

I was slightly worried about the direction for season two, but I think the season two premiere did enough to present us with some familiar plots while leaving the door open for more. I’m hopeful that we can explore more behind the actual hauntings this season and maybe even meet a few new creepy characters to keep us invested. Either way, I’m intrigued and I’m happy that the shorter episodes are here to stay because they work very nicely with the overall pacing of this show.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Starz

I needed a refresher course…

I definitely recommend watching the recap in the beginning. I probably should have binge-watched the first season again because I felt a little lost at first. Now that we’ve gotten through the initial set-up for season two, I’m hoping that we kick things into high gear because season one took a little while to hit its peak. I’m confident we’ll get there though.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Starz

I’m in!

The Phelps family is back…quirks and all!

Shining Vale was one of my favorite horror comedy series of last year and I’m excited to see where season two goes. 

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

**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 Horror of Dolores Roach” on Prime Video: A Tasty and Twisted Treat!

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

“I’m just like you if everything went wrong…”

The Horror of Dolores Roach released on Prime Video on July 7th 2023 with all eight episodes available to stream now. The horror dramedy series stars Justina Machado, Alejandro Hernandez, Kita Updike, Jessica Pimentel, and Cyndi Lauper. Each episode runs for approximately 26-30 minutes.

After getting out of prison, Dolores discovers that the home she knew and loved has changed drastically. She tries to turn her life around by becoming a masseuse, but things go horribly wrong when she resorts to extreme measures to keep her new life going.

Here is the trailer:

The Horror of Dolores Roach is loosely inspired by Sweeney Todd, bringing us plenty of shocking and disturbing moments and featuring an out of this world performance by Justina Machado. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Prime Video

Justina Machado is bloody fantastic!!!

I absolutely LOVED her in this and think it was her best performance to date. She was funny, extreme, relatable, and so incredible to watch in each episode. I normally don’t like voice-over narrations, but hers were actually spot on and perfect in this. She is flawless and I am a fan for life now!

I enjoyed the other characters as well and I really thought there was a strong dynamic between her and Luis.

Images courtesy of Prime Video

Bite-sized binge-worthy episodes.

I watched this series in one day. The shorter episodes worked and the pacing was spot on. This show was so addicting! I haven’t been this excited about a series in a long time. If you enjoy shows like Santa Clarita Diet, Shining Vale, and Based on a True Story, you’ll fall in love with this series.

I appreciated that it was not afraid to take us down a darker route. The balance of comedy/dramedy and horror worked seamlessly here. The series never took itself too seriously and that’s why it was so entertaining. It could have been a lot heavier (especially with some of the content), but I don’t think that would have translated as well.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Prime Video

I want more!

As soon as I finished this series, I wanted more. We were left with an insane cliffhanger and I truly hope that this series gets picked up for another season because I adored it.

As a note of warning, there were some stomach-turning moments sprinkled in here so be aware of that if that’s not your jam.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Prime Video

I’m in 100 percent!!!

The Horror of Dolores Roach is fresh, addicting, and muy loco!

The best new show you need to watch right now and certainly one of my favorites of the year already.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on The Horror of Dolores Roach 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 “Don’t Worry Darling” in Theaters: Florence Pugh is Perfection!

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

“What are we doing…changing the world…”

Don’t Worry Darling released in theaters on September 23rd 2022. Directed by Olivia Wilde, the psychological thriller film stars Florence Pugh, Harry Styles, Olivia Wilde, Chris Pine, and Gemma Chan. It runs for a little over two hours.

A 1950’s housewife has a picture-perfect life with her husband in a utopian community, but soon starts to realize that there may be dark secrets lurking beneath the surface, as she begins to question everything and everyone around her.

Here is the trailer:

Don’t Worry Darling is stunning to watch on screen with a fantastic cast and intriguing mystery at its core. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

Gorgeous cinematography and fashion.

This film was so bright and vibrant, creating so many beautiful images to swoon over. Florence Pugh’s wardrobe was absolutely breathtaking and I felt completely transported into another world with each new scene. 

Warner Bros. Pictures

My favorite performance by Florence Pugh!

Wow, she was so incredible in this movie. I was completely captivated by her character and I thought she portrayed everything in such a convincing way, reeling me in more and more. I was able to forgive some of the plot holes because of her stellar performance. She is on another level!

Images courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

Channels Sylvia Plath and Charlotte Perkins Gilman in a modern and effective way!

There were some obvious nods at both of these authors, bringing the theme of female hysteria to light once again with a more modern approach. I’m seeing this theme pop up again more and more with series like Shining Vale (starring Courteney Cox) and now with Don’t Worry Darling. 

As the major reveal unfolded, I was actually really impressed by how well this was executed.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

So many unanswered questions…

I was totally fine with a lot of elements in this film, including the ambiguous ending, but when the movie finished, I was left with way too many unanswered questions. A LOT was not explained. I appreciate that this movie was not longer than it needed to be, but I was confused by a lot and slightly frustrated that certain things were never addressed again…

That being said, this film had so many positive qualities and I still enjoyed it, but this film could have reached utter perfection if it would have taken the time to flesh everything out properly.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

I’m in!!!

Clever and intriguing with an extraordinary performance by Florence Pugh, pulling the audience into a bright, stylistic world with dark elements threatening its existence in a satisfying way.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Don’t Worry 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!

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Spoiler-Free Review of “The Baby” on HBO Max: A new horror comedy with potential

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

“It’s a lot all the time…forever…”

The Baby premiered on HBO and HBO Max on April 24th 2022 with its first episode. There will be eight episodes in total that will air weekly. The horror comedy series stars Michelle de Swarte, Amira Ghazalla, Shvorne Marks, Patrice Naiambana and Isy Suttie. Each episode runs for approximately 30 minutes.

Natasha starts to feel isolated and frustrated when all of her closest friends begin having babies. Soon after, she gets an unexpected bundle of joy thrown her way, which may be completely evil.

Here is the trailer:

The Baby introduces us to a child that is far from innocent while tackling the very real issues of motherhood. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of HBO Max

A likable female lead.

Natasha is quirky and sarcastic. She doesn’t get the obsession over babies, which makes her latest circumstances that much more amusing. Already I am really liking her as a character and I’m looking forward to watching her on this horror filled journey.

The balance between horror comedy and the frightening aspects of motherhood works…

Much like Starz’s horror comedy, Shining Vale (which I absolutely loved), The Baby also balances out its horror comedy with something real and relatable. It prevents the horror content from becoming stale because this is obviously a recycled plot, but it’s bringing something new to the table with its approach.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of HBO Max

Do we have enough content for eight episodes?

I like the idea and so far it’s a lot of fun, but I don’t know if there is enough here for eight episodes yet. That being said, I’m all for giving it a chance because I really liked the premiere and I think we have a lot of potential here.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of HBO Max

I’m in!

I love that we’re seeing more horror comedies in the mix and I think this series has some real potential. I’m looking forward to the remaining episodes and hopefully we’ll get some delightfully wicked surprises along the way!

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

**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 “Shining Vale” on Starz: Courteney Cox Moves into a Haunted House

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

“Women are also twice as likely to be possessed by a demon…”

Shining Vale premiered on Starz on March 6th 2022 with the first two episodes. There will be eight episodes in total that will air weekly. The horror comedy series stars Courteney Cox, Greg Kinnear, Mira Sorvino, Gus Birney and Judith Light. Each episode runs for approximately 30 minutes.

To save her marriage, a writer moves into a house in Connecticut with her family, but soon discovers that it may actually be haunted.

Here is the trailer:

Shining Vale is a delightful mashup between Santa Clarita Diet and Ghosts, creating its own story along the way with lots of ghostly potential. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Starz

Courteney Cox shines!

It’s fantastic seeing Courteney Cox back on television and after just watching her in the latest Scream movie, I’m all for a series centered around her moving into a haunted house. So far she is a lot of fun to watch and I think that once the show really kicks into high gear, she will really embrace this role with flair.

The rest of the cast are likable enough and so far I’m most intrigued by the potential spirits roaming around the property.

Plus, the dog is a scene stealer!

Clever use of female authors…

Courteney Cox plays a writer but there are also several nods at Sylvia Plath and Charlotte Perkins Gilman. These female authors wrote stories surrounding women suffering from some kind of mental illness while being driven mad by the walls surrounding them so I’m curious to see this theme portrayed in the modern world. I think that this will be way more than your typical ghost story. It looks like it will also be taking on the female role in society, which gives this story a unique edge already.

The episodes are also super short which makes this easy to binge-watch and the dry dark humor is a nice touch.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Starz

Slow start…

The opening episode felt a little unsure of itself. I was intrigued, but not really sold until the very end. Episode two was a big improvement and I thought the humor landed better as well. I think that once we get to episode three or four, this show will really find its way. I’m remaining positive that we’ll get there.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Starz

I’m in!

I think this show already has a lot of potential and I’m curious to see some of the other themes really take off because I think we could witness pure magic!

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

**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!