Spoiler-Free Review of “The Boogeyman” in Theaters: Shut that closet door!

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

“It’s the thing that comes for your kids when you’re not paying attention…”

The Boogeyman released in theaters on June 2nd 2023. The supernatural horror film (based on the short story by Stephen King) stars Sophie Thatcher, Chris Messina, and Vivien Lyra Blair. It runs for approximately an hour and thirty-eight minutes.

While trying to cope with the loss of their mother, Sadie and Sawyer begin to witness a dark presence after an unstable man wanders into their home and leaves behind something terrifying.

Here is the trailer:

The Boogeyman tackles issues of grief while presenting us with some horrifying scares along the way. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of 20th Century Studios

Characters to root for!

Usually when I watch a supernatural horror film featuring a frightening monster in the dark, I end up investing more in the scares and the characters are just kind of interchangeable.

However, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked the characters in this particular film. Sophie Thatcher (Yellowjackets) gave a gripping performance that was absolutely captivating. I really cared about what happened to her character and her sister, making this more than your average supernatural monster flick.

Images courtesy of 20th Century Studios

Well-placed scares.

There was this unsettling feeling of dread throughout the entire film that worked really well. The scares were well thought out and had me on the edge of my seat. I think I’ll be nailing my closet shut for the next few weeks…

There were also some heartwarming moments that balanced in very nicely. I was satisfied with the ending and the pacing worked for the most part, making this a very enjoyable watch from start to finish.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of 20th Century Studios

A movie I’ve seen before…

In a lot of ways, this film reminded me of Smile and Lights Out. I wouldn’t say that it presented us with anything that new or unique. That being said, it was still really enjoyable so I can’t fault it too much here.

On another note, it really bothers me when characters continue to walk around in the dark when there might be a monster in the shadows…

It just didn’t seem that practical. There were a number of times they could have just turned the lights on (at least in the beginning).

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of 20th Century Studios

I’m in!!!

The Boogeyman is a creepy and unsettling horror flick that is entertaining from start to finish!

I absolutely loved Sophie Thatcher in this and I hope to see her in more horror films in the future.

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

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 Invitation” (2022) in Theaters: Nathalie Emmanuel Shines

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

“I know you have big things ahead of you…”

The Invitation (2022) released in theaters on August 26th 2022. The supernatural horror film stars Nathalie Emmanuel, Thomas Doherty, Hugh Skinner, Alana Boden, Stephanie Corneliussen, and Sean Pertwee. It runs for approximately an hour and forty-four minutes.

After taking a DNA test to find any remaining family, Evie meets up with her long-lost second cousin, who invites her to a mysterious wedding in England.

Here is the trailer:

The Invitation has an alluring premise with a strong lead, but is it worthy of YOUR next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Sony Pictures

Nathalie Emmanuel is Final Girl worthy!

I am already a big fan of hers, but she really commanded the screen in this film. She brought a lot to her character, Evie, and I was rooting for her the entire time. I thought her character was sympathetic and extremely likable. She was the best part of this movie and I hope she stars in more horror films in the future!

Images courtesy of Sony Pictures

Stunning fashion and setting!

This film was absolutely gorgeous in so many ways. From the cast, to the setting, to the fashion. Seriously, I’d love to try on all of those dresses! They were to die for…literally. There was a Gothic quality to this film that I really liked and I thought it complimented the modern Brides of Dracula vibe in an effective way. The Easter Eggs were cute too.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Sony Pictures

Takes too long for things to happen…

There was A LOT of set-up in this film. I thought it was a little on the long side and I was just waiting for something to happen. That being said, there are plenty of dark and creepy moments to indulge in, but I was anxiously waiting for the reveal to unfold itself so that we could get to the action.

We eventually got there and I liked the twist to turn the tables, but I was also disappointed with a lot. I really wanted something more out of the page of Ready or Not’s book and this film never got to that level unfortunately. I wanted more blood and more fight scenes. By the time we got to the climax, I had a few crazy ideas for endings that would have really sold me on this, but the ultimate ending was a little lukewarm instead…

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Sony Pictures

I’m in about 75 percent…

Overall, I enjoyed this one and I thought Nathalie Emmanuel was stunning and bad-ass! I just wanted some more edge and a truly satisfying ending.

Either way, there is plenty to enjoy, but you have to sit through a lot before you get to the good stuff…

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