Tag: theories

Spoiler-Free Review of “The Weekend Away” on Netflix: Leighton Meester stars in Netflix’s latest Guilty Pleasure Thriller

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

“It’s your holiday too…”

The Weekend Away released on March 3rd 2022 on Netflix. The mystery thriller film based on the novel of the same name stars Leighton Meester, Christina Wolfe, Ziad Bakri, and Luke Norris.

During a girls’ weekend in Croatia, Beth wakes up with no memory of the night before and soon discovers that her best friend is missing. As she starts to put the pieces back together again, she discovers a shattering secret, revealing several different possible suspects…including herself.

Here is the trailer:

The Weekend Away checks off plenty of boxes for your next guilty-pleasure watch, but does it do anything to stand out in the genre? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

 

The Weekend Away Spoiler Free 1

Images courtesy of Netflix

Leighton Meester delivers a believable performance.

It was really great to see Leighton Meester on screen again and I thought that she did a decent job with her portrayal of Beth. I also really liked the other characters as well and I thought that everyone elevated this film as much as they could with their performances.

Enough twists and suspects to keep you interested.

If you enjoy guilty-pleasure thrillers, the twists in this one will keep you interested. This was a really quick watch for me and I thought that the pacing worked as well. I also thought the scenery was breathtaking, fitting into the vacation thriller sub-category that I adore so much.

The Cons:

The Weekend Away Spoiler Free 2

Images courtesy of Netflix

Predictable…

The last twist got me a little bit but I thought that the majority of the reveals were really predictable. In a way, this film reminded me of Alyssa Milano’s Brazen. We got a fantastic star and a really cool premise, but the execution seemed lazy at times. The dialogue was also really painful and generic during certain moments.

So am I in or out?

The Weekend Away Spoiler Free 3

Images courtesy of Netflix

I’m in!

The Weekend Away is far from perfect, but it fits the bill for a guilty-pleasure watch with just enough twists to make things interesting. This is the perfect film to watch on the weekend with a glass of wine (if that’s your thing). 

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

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

PLAY BY THE RULES…STAY ALIVE…

Welcome to the Game

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!

**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 “Ragdoll” on AMC: Killing Eve Style with Potential

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

“You’re gonna catch a serial killer…”

Ragdoll originally premiered on AMC+ back in November 2021 but AMC is now airing the six episodes weekly following Killing Eve. The first episode dropped on February 28th 2022. The crime thriller series stars Lucy Hale, Henry Lloyd-Hughes and Thalissa Teixeira. Each episode runs for approximately 45-52 minutes.

A game of cat and mouse begins between a troubled cop and a serial killer with a sadistic eye for detail.

Here is the trailer:

Ragdoll has a Killing Eve style that works to its advantage, but is the plot strong enough to keep viewers coming back for more? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of AMC

Good dynamic between characters.

I love Lucy Hale and she is probably the main reason why I tuned into this one. So far her character seems interesting enough and there is also some really great dark humor between the other main characters, which helps lightens the mood a great deal. The crimes we witness are truly horrifying but I’ve seen a lot of series like this before so I think it’s smart that there are decent character layers and fun banter to keep viewers intrigued.

Stylish visual effects.

The series is brought to us from the same production company that made Killing Eve and that should come as no surprise. I immediately got that type of vibe when I started watching and the network was smart to air these episodes right after Killing Eve to bring in a new audience.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of AMC

I’ve seen this plot before…

The pacing and plot need some work so far. I think there is enough potential to keep me coming back for more, but there was also a lot of set-up, which slowed down the overall pace for me. I’m confident that things will pick up steam over the six episodes but I don’t want this to fall into the generic crime thriller category because it has a great cast and a dark quality that I really like.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of AMC

I’m in about 75 percent…

Lucy Hale is always worth a watch and I think that there is a lot of potential here, but I’m hoping that the plot picks up steam soon so that I don’t lose interest.

Either way, I’d recommend checking it out after Killing Eve if you enjoy crime thrillers.

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

Checking in on “Killing Eve” Season 4: How will this delightful game of cat and mouse end?

**Please note spoilers are ahead if you are not caught up on this series.**

“Let me have a new life…”

Killing Eve season 4 premiered on BBC America and AMC on February 27th 2022. The final season will feature 8 episodes in total that will air weekly. The series stars Sandra Oh, Jodie Comer, Fiona Shaw and Kim Bodnia.

This deadly and delightful game of cat and mouse has gone on for quite a while between Eve and Villanelle, but what needs to happen in order for it to go out on a high note?

Images courtesy of BBC America

I think it’s safe to say that we have exhausted the cat and mouse routine now. Eve and Villanelle have come face to face many times, leading up to a major cliffhanger on a bridge where we see them collide in life once again.

However, season 4 decides to start things off with a time jump which could be hit or miss. Eve is working for a private security team and Villanelle is trying to find religion so that she can become a good person.

Images courtesy of BBC America

I’ve really loved witnessing the character growth and development of Villanelle over the seasons. We got to explore her back story and really see her try and find her humanity even though she has been a cold-blooded assassin for so long…

And yet, we still find her quest for identity and acceptance endearing. Jodie Comer is as magnificent as ever and I’d watch her in pretty much anything.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Eve has been declining into darkness for quite some time now. I think this show is so interesting because these two powerful characters came together and now have gone in totally opposite directions. Was it because of their encounters or was it because of something else?

I’d like to think that they both still have influence and power over one another even though Eve swears she’s a totally different person now. Sure…

The season premiere was a little slow for me. We got a lot of set-up surrounding their new lives and we also have someone hunting down the Twelve, which has been a major plot-line over the seasons so I’m sure we’ll get answers here.

I’m also curious to find out more about Carolyn’s own journey and where she will end up now as well.

Images courtesy of BBC America

I’m confident that the series will pick up steam as the episodes continue but I’m hoping that the time jump wasn’t a mistake because a lot of other shows have failed with this execution. We get something major that happens and then we decide to show things years or months later before returning to that moment to keep us hooked on the line.

So, how will the series end?

Images courtesy of BBC America

I’m not sure and there are a lot of ways that this can go. I don’t know that we’ll witness a happy ending but I’m hoping it will be satisfying because we have invested a lot of time in these characters and they deserve something truly spectacular.

Either way, I can’t wait to see more of Villanelle!

Stay tuned!

What do YOU want to see in the final season of Killing Eve? Feel free to post your own thoughts and theories 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 “Uncharted” in Theaters: An Entertaining Treasure Hunt

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

“If something’s lost, it can be found…”

Uncharted released in theaters on February 18th 2022. Based on the popular video game series, the action-adventure film stars Tom Holland, Mark Wahlberg, Antonio Banderas, Sophia Ali and Tati Gabrielle. It runs for approximately two hours.

A treasure hunter named Sully recruits Nathan Drake to help him track down the lost treasure of Ferdinand Magellan.

Here is the trailer:

Uncharted will remind you of films like Indiana Jones, Tomb Raider and Jungle Cruise, as it brings us a new origin story with lots of humor and action mixed in. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Sony Pictures

Fun dynamic between characters.

Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg were a dream team! The banter worked, the action scenes worked, and everything in-between! They really brought these video game characters to life with charm and finesse.

The other characters were terrific as well and I was really happy to see Tati Gabrielle on the big screen!

You don’t need to know anything about the game to enjoy this…

I was slightly worried that I would feel confused because I am familiar with the game series, but I wouldn’t say that I know that much about it other than the premise. I’m sure fans of the game will be happy with plenty of Easter eggs thrown their way and make sure you stick around for the couple of post credit scenes as well.

The treasure hunt action plot has been done a million times before, but I love movies like this and I thought this was a worthy entry and a lot of fun!

More please!

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Sony Pictures

Predictable.

There are plenty of twists and betrayals in this one, but most of them are really predictable and by the numbers. I don’t think this really took anything away from the film because I was still entertained, but I guess I wanted at least one twist that I didn’t see coming.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Sony Pictures

I’m in!

This film is fun for the whole family! You’ll get plenty of laughs and action to keep you entertained from start to finish. I loved the humor in this one and I’m ready for more treasure hunting adventures with Sully and Nate!

Plus, Tom Holland gets major points for those bartending skills!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Uncharted 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 “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” (2022) on Netflix: A Gory Blast

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

“Don’t run…”

Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022) released on February 18th 2022 on Netflix. The sequel of the 1974 original film stars Elsie Fisher, Sarah Yarkin, Jacob Latimore, Nell Hudson and Olwen Fouéré. It runs for an hour and twenty-three minutes.

Set 50 years after the original massacre, a group of influencers visit a small town in Texas and accidentally disrupt the life of Leatherface, leading to deadly consequences.

Here is the trailer:

Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022) delivers with plenty of gory kills that will have your stomach turning. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Gory kills galore!

If you’ve come for the gore, then you’re in the right place! The new film delivers and then some in this category. We get plenty of stomach-turning scenes and the infamous chainsaw does not disappoint!

Fast paced plot.

The film is on the short side and really doesn’t present us with too much fluff at all. The plot keeps things moving, which worked in the film’s favor. This film could have easily gone into a lot of backstory if it wanted to, but I think that the quick plot made this an enjoyable ride from start to finish.

A true sequel.

I liked that this film really felt like a sequel to the original. There will be no spoilers in this review, but fans of the original will have a lot to be excited about.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Glosses over character development…

The film is a slasher so I don’t need that many layers, but I do want to care about the characters. Since everything moved so quickly, we fast forwarded right through any real development here. We got some sprinkles of it here and there, but I wanted a little bit more so I could actually care about who lives and dies.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Netflix

I’m in!

Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022) was a blast to watch! The gory kills were fantastic and the movie didn’t take itself too seriously, allowing fans of the franchise a chance to just sit back and enjoy the ride!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022) in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

PLAY BY THE RULES…STAY ALIVE…

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!

**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 “Inventing Anna” on Netflix: Juicy and Intriguing Premise

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

“Everyone here wants something…”

Inventing Anna premiered on Netflix on February 11th 2022 with nine episodes available to stream now. The drama series based on a true story stars Julia Garner, Anna Chlumsky, Arian Moayed, Anders Holm and Laverne Cox. Each episode runs for approximately 60-70 minutes.

A journalist looks into the case of Anna Delvey, who stole money from New York elites while pretending to be a wealthy German heiress.

Here is the trailer:

Inventing Anna takes a true story and shows the audience different angles on how Anna Delvey became a well-known name. Is it worthy of your next binge-watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Showcases gorgeous fashion and settings.

There was so much fashion embedded in this series and I loved it! We also got to be transported to different places, focusing primarily on New York City. The series did a good job of capturing the vibe and feel of each setting, which really helped elevate this series in a lot of ways for me.

Images courtesy of Netflix

Worthy flashbacks.

Julia Garner put forth a valiant effort here and I thought the flashbacks were the strongest part of the series. It was really interesting seeing how Anna did what she did over time, connecting with different people throughout her journey. This probably could have been the main focus of the series because it was that intriguing.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Netflix

The journalist angle didn’t work…

I just couldn’t connect to this part of the show and I think it forced each episode to run longer than needed. Vivian was not likable at all for me as a character and I think that we spent way too much time focusing on her life rather than the interesting story we actually came to see…

That accent…

I thought I might get used to it after a while, but Julia Garner’s impersonation of Anna Delvey’s accent was so strange and off-putting. I’m sure she put a lot of thought and effort into it and I don’t want to knock her because I think she’s a great actress but it was really distracting.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Netflix

I’m in about 75 percent…

This series highlights an intriguing story worth watching and the fashion pieces alone are definitely worth your time. I personally would have preferred the series to just focus on the flashbacks more because they were really interesting. The episodes are super long and it took me a little while to get through this one, but I’d recommend giving it a whirl because it does have its moments.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Inventing Anna 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 new 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 “Bel-Air” on Peacock: “The Fresh Prince” gets Flipped-Turned Upside Down

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

“This town will try to make you forget where you came from…”

Bel-Air released on February 13th 2022 with the first three episodes available to stream now on Peacock. The remaining seven episodes will air weekly. The re-imagining of the iconic 90’s television sitcom series, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, is a drama starring Jabari Banks, Olly Sholotan, Adrian Holmes, Coco Jones and Cassandra Freeman. Each episode runs for 45-55 minutes.

After his life is put in danger in his home town of Philly, Will’s mother decides to have him move out to Bel-Air with his aunt and uncle for his own safety.

Here is the trailer:

Bel-Air takes an extreme approach to the idea of the “reboot” as it switches genres completely to paint a more realistic picture of Will’s coming-of-age journey. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Peacock

Talent and potential.

Banks is off to a great start with his portrayal of Will. He channels the original style in a lot of ways, but he really makes this role his own. I liked a lot of the nods at the original series and I thought that Banks was charming and likable. He is already bringing lots of layers to his character, which is important, since this is supposed to be a drama.

The other actors are doing a decent job too and I’m curious to see each character fleshed out more.

Tackles important issues.

The original series did this as well, but it was a sitcom, so there was a lot glossed over. This series is spending a lot more time on issues of racism, class, and drug abuse in a compelling and effective way. I also really appreciated that we got to spend a lot more time in Philadelphia this time, which we did not really see at all in the original sitcom series.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Peacock

Needs some more humor.

I get that this is supposed to be a drama, but everything is so serious and intense. This isn’t a bad thing, but even great dramas have some comedy sprinkled in here and there. We may get that more with Jazz in the mix, but so far it is emotionally draining at times.

What’s the hook?

The series is paying respect to the original series and there’s lots of potential here, but I want to really understand and feel the hook of this series to keep watching. Major issues can’t always be solved in an hour long episode. I’m hoping we get there, but the show needs to remember this so that its intention doesn’t get lost along the way.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Peacock

I’m in about 75 percent…

Bel-Air takes the idea of a re-imagining to a new level that has the potential to be pure genius, but it needs to smooth out its tone and intention to keep its audience coming back for more. We can absolutely get there, but I’m hoping this show can really push the limit with its content and step away from the original series to find its own magic.

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

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

PLAY BY THE RULES…STAY ALIVE…

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!

**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 Girl Before” on HBO Max: Erotic Thriller that will keep you Guessing

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

“It feels like it’s waiting for someone…”

The Girl Before originally premiered back in December 2021 on BBC One, but released on HBO Max on February 10th 2022. The limited series based on the book of the same name stars Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Jessica Plummer, David Oyelowo and Ben Hardy. There are four episodes in total, which are all available to stream on HBO Max. Each episode runs for approximately 58-60 minutes.

A woman moves into a modern day dream home with an interesting set of rules, as she soon begins to unlock secrets from the past that may put her life in immediate danger.

Here is the trailer:

The Girl Before presents us with a stunning setting and a thrilling mystery that will keep you guessing. Is it worthy of your next binge-watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of HBO Max

An apartment to die for…

I love when a mystery/thriller series has a setting that is just as interesting and layered as the characters. The modern apartment is stunning and sleek, but it has so many interesting features and rules, which really helped generate such an unsettling vibe throughout the series. 

Images courtesy of HBO Max

Believable performances.

I thought that Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Jessica Plummer were both so electric on screen. I felt their pain and rooted for them whenever possible. They portrayed real women in a type of thriller that didn’t stray too much from the ordinary, which made this series that much more horrifying and powerful for me. 

Unpredictable.

Just when I thought I had everything figured out, this show threw me for a complete loop in the best possible way. If you’re looking for a steamy thriller that you can easily binge-watch, you’re in the right place. 

I also really loved the way the story unfolded between the past and the present, which is not always easy to nail. This can sometimes become confusing, but the different timelines worked seamlessly, luring me in that much more.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of HBO Max

Pacing issues at times…

The show took a little while to get going for me and had some pacing issues here and there. After a while, I was completely hooked, but I’m wondering if this might have been better suited as a movie to remove some of the excess fluff.

That being said, I think the pace picks up enough to make this very easy to binge-watch over the weekend.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of HBO Max

I’m in!

If you’re looking for your next guilty-pleasure thriller, you’ve found it! The past and present story-lines centered around the stunning piece of architecture are really intriguing and there are plenty of moments and reveals that will shock you in the best possible way.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on The Girl Before 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 new 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 “Blacklight” in Theaters: Liam Neeson Gives it his All

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

“You’re gonna need more men…”

Blacklight released in theaters on February 11th 2022. The action film stars Liam Neeson, Aidan Quinn, Emmy Raver-Lampman and Taylor John Smith. It runs for approximately an hour and forty-five minutes.

An off-the-books government agent uncovers a deadly conspiracy within his own ranks as he teams up with a reporter to make things right. 

Here is the trailer:

Blacklight allows fans a chance to indulge in yet another Liam Neeson entry, which is always an entertaining ride, but does this film do enough to earn a watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Briarcliff Entertainment

Decent performances.

Liam Neeson basically plays his typical character, but I thought he did a good job with the obsessive-compulsive aspects as well. I’m not sure that the film really panned this out enough, but it’s nice to see him doing something a little bit different while still being the ass-kicking Liam Neeson we love to watch.

I also thought that Emmy Raver-Lampman presented us with a good performance as well and I liked the dynamic between these two.

Images courtesy of Briarcliff Entertainment

Entertaining fight scenes.

If you’re going to see a Liam Neeson movie, then you’re there for the fight scenes. There are plenty of decent ones sprinkled into this film and there was one in particular that really had me on the edge of my seat.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Briarcliff Entertainment

Painful dialogue…

Like, really painful. We had plenty of capable actors in this one, but the dialogue made me cringe. It just seemed like they were really phoning it in for this one, banking on the talent of Neeson to carry the film, but I thought this was a huge miss.

Lazy plot.

There’s nothing really wrong with the plot. It just felt really lazy at times and predictable. I think that this film had the potential to branch off into several interesting plot-lines and then it fizzled out along the way, which was really disappointing.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Briarcliff Entertainment

I’m 50/50 on this one…

I’m in for Liam Neeson, but he deserved a lot better. Sure, there are plenty of intense moments to remind you why you started watching this in the first place, but a lot of things miss the mark, which was really frustrating.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Blacklight 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 “Kimi” on HBO Max:  Modern take on the “Rear Window” Formula

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

“So you’re listening to everything?”

Kimi (KIMI) premiered on HBO Max on February 10th 2022. The tech thriller film stars Zoë Kravitz, Byron Bowers, Rita Wilson, Robin Givens, Devin Ratray and Erika Christensen. It runs for approximately 90 minutes.

A tech worker with agoraphobia stumbles upon a recording of a violent crime. After several failed attempts to report it, she decides to leave her apartment to seek justice for the woman on the recording, but soon finds herself in immediate danger.

Here is the trailer:

Kimi may initially seem to follow the Rear Window formula, but its electric female lead and modern tech style give watchers plenty to enjoy. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of HBO Max

A worthy performance…

Zoë Kravitz really delivers in this one and then some! I’ve seen a lot of movies like this before with some over-the-top performances that left a lot to be desired, but Kravitz’s portrayal of Angela is believable and chilling. She is broken in a lot of ways, but is also extremely capable and I thought she brought a charming/awkward quality to her character, which made me like her that much more.

The tech angle worked.

In some ways, this movie is like a mix of The Net and Rear Window. Our main character stares out plenty of windows at her neighbors, but the real mystery surrounds something she hears while doing her job. I was worried that the tech feel was going to feel forced to make this film seem more modern, but it actually worked to the film’s advantage and gave it an edge of originality.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of HBO Max

We’ve seen a lot of this set-up before…

I just recently watched the Kristen Bell parody/spoof series, The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window and I couldn’t help chuckling at some of the tropes and plot points that were presented once again in this film. The main character can’t leave her house and she has to channel her strength to actually face her fear. She copes with a past trauma and also has to deal with people not believing her. 

Sound familiar?

Well, yeah. It follows the Rear Window formula, but luckily Kravitz doesn’t keep handing out casserole dishes left and right. 

The plot follows a a very familiar path and the pacing is slow at first, but things do pick up and the ending is rewarding enough.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of HBO Max

I’m in!

The contemporary take on the Rear Window story delivers with a worthy female lead!

I may have seen this type of movie before, but I thought that it was really entertaining and I was glued to my seat the entire time. 

An intense watch!

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