Tag: TV

Spoiler-Free Review of “American Horror Stories” Game Over on FX on Hulu: Made for the Fans

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

“I just want to feel the energy of the house…”

American Horror Stories released its seventh episode, “Game Over” on August 19th 2021. The season finale is available to watch on FX on Hulu. Episode seven stars Dylan McDermott, Sierra McCormick, Kaia Gerber, Mercedes Mason, Paris Jackson and Tom Lenk. The episode runs for approximately 54 minutes.

A couple prepares to spend the night in the infamous Murder House, accepting an escape the house challenge, but they quickly learn that the horror is all too real.

American Horror Stories: Game Over returns to Murder House once again as we witness the conclusion of the first season of the spin-off anthology series. Does it do enough to keep us coming back for more? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of FX on Hulu

Epic guest stars.

I’m always excited when Dylan McDermott shows up on AHS. He is from the first season and it only makes sense for someone to bump into him eventually at Murder House. It was really fun seeing a lot of familiar faces in this episode, giving us a sense of nostalgia.

Made for the fans.

I thought that this episode felt like a tribute to the fans in a lot of ways. The couple goes into the Murder House because they are American Horror fanatics. I thought this was a clever way to bring something new to the table while also giving us a chance to celebrate the anthology series we have come to know and love over the years.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of FX on Hulu

Somewhat predictable ending…

I thought the initial reveal was a lot of fun, but as the episode continued I guessed exactly what was going to happen. The reveal was almost too obvious for me even though it was still a lot of fun. I also thought that this episode felt watered down in a lot of ways. We spent three episodes of the spin-off series devoted to Murder House and I guess I wanted something with a little more edge, but it was certainly a different take on things.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of FX on Hulu

I’m in!

The episode was a lot of fun and it gave me a Stay Alive vibe, which was entertaining. I didn’t think this episode was particularly scary in any way, but it allowed us to continue the story from earlier this season while introducing new elements to change things up.

I’m excited that American Horror Stories has been confirmed for a second season. While some episodes were stronger than others, this was an entertaining watch for me and I’m even more excited to watch American Horror Story: Double Feature now, which premieres on August 25th 2021!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on American Horror Stories 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 comes out October 7th 2021! 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 “Slasher: Flesh & Blood” Season 4 on Shudder: Knives Out with Gut-Wrenching Gore

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

“Sometimes families get complicated…”

Slasher: Flesh & Blood was released on August 12th 2021. While the first three seasons are available to stream on Netflix, season 4 is on Shudder. The first two episodes are available to stream now and the remaining ones will air weekly. There will be eight episodes in total.

The series stars Paula Brancati, Christopher Jacot, Sabrina Grdevich, Sydney Meyer, Rachael Crawford and David Cronenberg. Each episode runs for approximately 40-45 minutes.

A dysfunctional family gets together on a secluded island for a reunion, but things get complicated when they learn that the head of the family is dying. The family will compete in a series of deadly games to win the inheritance, but there is another masked killer on the loose to make things interesting.

Here is the trailer:

Slasher: Flesh & Blood has an interesting premise, reminding us of Knives Out, Harper’s Island, and Ready or Not, but does it do enough to earn a watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Shudder

A plot that draws you in immediately.

I am a huge fan of the Slasher anthology series and even though I find some seasons stronger than others, Slasher always has a way of drawing you in right from the start. I never look at the description before I start a season because I want to be surprised and as soon as I started up season 4, I was excited about the killer family plot on a secluded island.

Let’s just hope everything else lives up to the set-up because it’s a brilliant one.

Images courtesy of Shudder

Gruesome gore.

If you’re a fan of the show, then you know you are probably going to get gratuitous sex scenes and lots and lots of stomach-turning gore. Well, season 4 is off to a great start with this. The gore is extreme and there is a scene in the second episode that had my own stomach in knots.

If you’re here for bloody slasher fun, you’re in the right place. 

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Shudder

Unnecessary character development.

I don’t watch this show for the characters although there have been a few stand-out ones over the seasons. This group is clearly filled with ruthless, selfish people who are in for a rude and bloody awakening. So far, the first two episodes have spent a little bit too much time on character flashbacks and development.

Sure, the gory kills offset this to balance everything out, but I want to feel a more seamless connection between episodes and I’m not sure that we need the heavy character development to further the plot along.

That being said, I’m confident that Slasher will not disappoint with its future episodes. Every season has shocked me and I know that we are in for some surprises, twists, and crazy reveals.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Shudder

I’m in!

I love this series and I am so excited that it has returned. Slasher doesn’t hold back when it comes to its gruesome kills and plot twists. I’m always thrown for a loop and I can’t wait to see what reveals come our way with the new season.

The pacing needs some work, but I’m hoping that the later episodes pick up speed so we can fully enjoy the show. I’m confident that we will get there!

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

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!

Play 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!

Review of “Riverdale” Season 5, Episode 11 on the CW: A New Team-Up

**Please note spoilers are ahead if you are not caught up with the series.**

“What the hell just happened?”

A good question for sure as new episodes of Riverdale finally return. It’s been a while since we last checked in on our favorite little town and a lot has happened. After the brilliant idea to flash forward into the future, our favorite characters may be older, but they haven’t really changed…

Even though this episode is right in the middle of season 5, it does serve as a mid-season premiere in a lot of ways, but does it do enough to keep us coming back for more?

Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of The CW

More Cheryl!

The Queen of Riverdale hasn’t really been in the spotlight lately so I appreciated that this episode devoted some well deserved screen time to her…along with Penelope Blossom. I don’t really buy Penelope’s new act and I’m also wondering how she convinced people to actually join her new ministry with promises of a realm filled with maple syrup?

As silly as it is, it gave our scene stealer a chance to shine although I think that the writers should come up with a better angle/story-line for our girl Cheryl. She deserves it and so do we!

Images courtesy of The CW

Tabitha and Betty make a great team!

I don’t know about you, but I always love the episodes where Betty teams up with another girl to kick some ass. Betty is Final Girl material to her core and so much more, but sometimes she needs someone else (Veronica or Cheryl) to back her up to add in a new dynamic.

Well, we have a new duo to talk about and that’s Tabitha and Betty. I actually really like Tabitha and she has been a welcomed addition to the series. After working with Jughead’s ex to figure out what happened to him combined with a crazy drug trip, it looks like Tabitha and Betty will be working together to find out what happened to the missing girls, which is the strongest story-line this season.

I can’t wait to see what they do next!

The Cons:

Images courtesy of The CW

Too much going on in one episode…

Riverdale is known for jamming multiple story-lines in at once, but this episode felt really chaotic and all over the place. We had the convicts on the loose, Hiram taken hostage, Veronica and Archie contemplating their relationship, a drug trip, and Jughead roaming around Sketch Alley. Sure, that sounds like a good place to visit…

Once we got to the random singing, I really couldn’t take it. I love the musical entries when they make sense, but this just seemed over-the-top and I expect a lot more from one of my favorite series…

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of The CW

I’m 50/50 on this one…

Season 5 has made some bold decisions and while I love some story-lines, others need to go. I really want to get back to the mystery surrounding Polly and the trucker, but it looks like we are going to have a Hiram origin story next week…

Overall, the episode felt all over the place but I’m confident that we can get back on track with the remaining episodes. It looks like we just have to get through some filler ones first.

Plus, I’m dying to find out what happens to Jughead now that he got on that truck…

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Riverdale 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 new 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 “Hit & Run” on Netflix: Engrossing Binge-Watch!

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

“Sometimes the truth just ends up causing more pain…”

Hit & Run premiered on Netflix on August 6th 2021. The Israeli-English series features nine episodes available to stream now. It stars Lior Raz, Sanaa Lathan, Kaelen Ohm, Moran Rosenblatt and Gregg Henry. Each episode runs for approximately 45-50 minutes.

After a man’s wife is killed in a hit and run accident in Tel Aviv, he suspects that her death may not have been an accident after all, leading him to New York City to discover the dangerous truth.

Here is the trailer:

Hit & Run immediately gives off a Harlan Coben-esque vibe with a touch of Taken mixed in, making it difficult to step away from the screen. Does it do enough to find its own identity? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Kick-ass action!

If you love movies like Taken, you will feel right at home with this one. Lior Raz is beyond brilliant as Segev. I was on the edge of my seat every single time he was on screen. I am also a huge fan of Sanaa Lathan and I thought she played her part extremely well.

While the show is centered around an addicting mystery of its own, the fight scenes and action really helped build up momentum at the center of the plot, which worked in the show’s favor.

Images courtesy of Netflix

The change of scenery worked.

The beginning of the series takes place in Tel Aviv. We got plenty of set-up and an initial horrific crime to hook us right from the start, but I really liked that this series decided to change things up and head to New York City. There was plenty going on in Tel Aviv, but I thought it really ramped up the mystery and brought more characters into play without ever skipping a beat.

Binge-watch friendly.

Each episode did enough to draw you in for more. Even though some episodes were longer than others, I kept finding myself pressing play immediately because I wanted to know what was going to happen next. We got bits and pieces of the puzzle with each episode and while there were some side plot-lines going on, they weren’t as confusing or as involved as some of the ones we see in the Harlan Coben mysteries.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Slow moving at first.

Don’t get me wrong, the first episode starts off with a bang, but some of the initial set-up in the first two episodes dragged a little bit for me. That being said, once I got to episode three, I was completely hooked and the pacing changed drastically.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Netflix

I’m in 100 percent!

Hit & Run is beyond worthy of your next binge-watch. This show was so addicting in all the right ways. That cliffhanger left me wanting more so I hope we get to see a season two, but wow what a show!

If you enjoy Taken, The Innocent, and Who Killed Sara, you are in for a real treat! While there were some similarities, this show found its own groove and took us on a wild ride without holding back.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Hit & Run 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 “American Horror Stories” BA’AL on FX on Hulu: All Hail Billie Lourd!

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

“I guess a little magic couldn’t hurt…”

American Horror Stories released its fifth episode, “BA’AL” on August 5th 2021. The episode is available to watch on FX on Hulu. Episode five stars Billie Lourd, Ronen Rubinstein, Virginia Gardner and Vanessa Williams. The episode runs for approximately 50 minutes.

After Liv and her husband try multiple times to get pregnant to no avail, a young woman at a fertility clinic presents Liv with a magical fertility totem. One year later, Liv has a newborn baby, but things start to go horribly wrong when she suspects that a demon may be after her child.

Here is the trailer:

American Horror Stories: BA’AL channels classics like Rosemary’s Baby while taking things to a new extreme. Is it worth a watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of FX on Hulu

Billie Lourd is magnetic on screen!

The cast is really great in this episode, but I have to give it up for our AHS queen, Billie Lourd. She is so convincing in her roles and she really went all out in this entry. The premise was creepy enough, but her believable reactions really had me on the edge of my seat.

Twists you won’t see coming.

I thought I knew what I was going to get from this episode and then it shattered all of that completely and presented us with something even more horrifying. I am still going through everything in my head because it was that good.

More please!

The Cons:

Images courtesy of FX on Hulu

I don’t have any…

I’ve enjoyed all of the entries to American Horror Stories, but this episode was the strongest by far. It created a different kind of fear and really kept me guessing. I guess my only con is that I want to see Billie Lourd in more AHS episodes because she really is fantastic!

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of FX on Hulu

I’m in 100 percent!

This episode may be the one of the best I have ever witnessed from the entire franchise. It basically could have been a standalone movie. The cast was great, the creepy fear weaving its way through the plot was fantastic, and I still can’t get over those twists! I highly recommend this one!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on American Horror Stories 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 comes out October 7th 2021! 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 “Kung Fu” Season Finale on The CW: This Show Just Became a Contender

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

“Look beyond the duality of good and evil…”

Kung Fu premiered on The CW on April 7th 2021. Season one features thirteen episodes and the season finale aired on July 21st 2021. The series stars Olivia Liang, Shannon Dang, Gavin Stenhouse, and Tzi Ma. Each episode runs for approximately 42 minutes.

Inspired by the 1972 series of the same name, The CW’s Kung Fu introduces us to Nicky Shen, who ends up running away from her family to become a Shaolin monk. After her mentor is killed and a mysterious sword is stolen, Nicky returns home and encounters several new threats along the way while trying to make things right with her family.

Season one brought us a good balance of epic fight scenes, the mystery behind the great power, and some welcomed family drama and levity. The episodes were entertaining, but followed a new weekly case/mission style, which meant that you could easily skip an episode and then return to the show without skipping a beat.

However, as we got toward the later episodes of the season, the mystery behind Nicky’s destiny became more and more intriguing, leading up to the season finale. But does the season finale of Kung Fu do enough to bring us back for season two? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of The CW

The Shen family can hold their own!

Sure, Nicky Shen may be the warrior of the family, but everyone consistently proves their worth and I thought the season finale did a good job of still reflecting Nicky’s family values and connections without overshadowing everything else going on.

It’s part of what makes her who she is and it gives her something to fight for.

There were some really great moments and I have to say that I will always be rooting for the Shen family!

Images courtesy of The CW

All hail Zhilan!

I just need to take a moment to recognize how amazing Yvonne Chapman is at portraying the villainess, Zhilan. I thought that the later episodes of the season did a good job of developing her character more. She could have easily been molded into a typical “bad gal,” but there is a lot of complexity to her character and it actually really enhanced the whole “duality” plot even further.

I think she is truly fantastic and how does she always look so stunning?

Epic final battle.

I really love watching the fight scenes on this show. While most of them involve a pop music soundtrack in the background, the one in the season finale needed to feel different and I thought it was truly fantastic.

There was a true artistry to the choreography behind the fight scene and it was magical watching our two leading ladies face off on screen.

More please!

The Cons:

Images courtesy of The CW

Nice and neat.

I don’t want anything to happen to any of the characters on this show, but things felt a little too nice and neat by the end. A sacrifice needs to be made or something tragic needs to happen to keep Nicky’s fight relevant, but there is plenty of time for that in season two.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of The CW

I’m in!

I’ve truly enjoyed my watch of this show, but the season finale really stepped things up for me. I thought it was really entertaining and the set-up for season two looks like we’re heading in the right direction to keep this show going strong.

Nicky Shen is a warrior worth rooting for and I can’t wait to see what she does next!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Kung Fu 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 new 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 “American Horror Stories” Drive In on FX on Hulu: Let’s All Go to the Movies!

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

“Fear is the ticket…”

American Horror Stories released its third episode, “Drive In” on July 22nd 2021. The episode is available to watch on FX on Hulu. Episode three stars Rhenzy Feliz, Madison Bailey, Naomi Grossman, Adrienne Barbeau, and John Carroll Lynch.

A young couple decide to head to a present day showing of a brutal horror film called “Rabbit Rabbit,” that was the site of a bloody massacre back in 1986. After several warning signs are presented, things go horribly wrong…

Here is the trailer:

American Horror Stories: Drive In brings us back to the movies, as we witness horror off and on the screen. However, does the episode pack enough of a punch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of FX on Hulu

Drive In Nostalgia.

Drive In theaters don’t really get enough attention, but they have been making a comeback. Thinking back to films like Grease, it always seemed like the Drive In was the place to be and I immediately felt like I was being reeled into this story even more because of this clever setting.

Gory and brutal!

Wow, this film did not hold back. There was a lot of gore in this entry and there were a few scenes that had my stomach turning. You’ll know when you see it…trust me.

The episode did a great job of presenting us with horror on and off the screen as it showed us what would happen if a horror movie came to life right before our eyes. I was completely horrified by what was happening and I thought the two main stars did a good job of holding our attention.

And those guest stars were fantastic!

The Cons:

Images courtesy of FX on Hulu

I wanted more!

I was honestly really intrigued by the original massacre in 1986 and wanted to see more about this. Since these episodes are anthology style, we only get a certain amount of time to devote to each one, but AHS does a great job of circling back to potential stories so hopefully we will see more in the future. I really enjoyed this episode, but it felt a little bit too short and I wanted to witness more of the story.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of FX on Hulu

I’m in!

This episode was gory, brutal, and a lot of fun. It seamlessly balanced Drive In movie nostalgia with skin-crawling horror. So far I have been really pleased with all three episodes and I can’t wait to see what’s next!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on American Horror Stories 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 comes out October 7th 2021! 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 “American Horror Stories” Rubber Wo(man) on FX on Hulu: Home, Sadistic Home

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

“Ghosts aren’t real and curses aren’t real…”

American Horror Stories premiered on FX on Hulu on July 15th 2021 with the first two episodes: “Rubber Wo(m)an” parts 1 and 2. The remaining five episodes will air weekly, leading up to the premiere of American Horror Story: Double Feature (season 10). Each episode of the spin-off anthology series runs for approximately 45-48 minutes. The first two episodes star Matt Bomer, Sierra McCormick, Gavin Creel, Paris Jackson and Kaia Gerber.

The series will present us with different stories each week connecting to the original AHS universe. The first two episodes bring us back to the beginning. A new family moves into Murder House so they can flip the house and learn that they may be in over their heads.

Here is the trailer:

American Horror Stories has the opportunity to bring us back to welcomed settings with familiar faces, but is the anthology spin-off worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of FX on Hulu

Back to the beginning…

I am a big fan of American Horror Story and I love that we encounter a new setting, story, and group of characters (with familiar faces) in each season. However, some seasons are much stronger than others and often I used to wonder about what would happen next at these infamous places of horror.

Well, American Horror Stories has managed to cure my curiosity by bringing us right back to the beginning with Murder House. American Horror Story: Apocalypse managed to sprinkle in a lot from the other seasons and this is basically a snapshot version of that, as we branch off into a new story with a new set of characters in a very familiar setting.

The “Amityville Horror on Crystal Meth” is back and so is the infamous rubber suit. Scarlett moves into the house with her two dads, who are determined to fix up the house and flip it.

I absolutely loved this return to the beginning. We get to see Murder House through a new set of eyes with a new darkness emerging through its walls.

Familiar faces.

Many AHS alum have signed on for the anthology series and I was excited to see Matt Bomer star in this one. I think this helps us remember that even though this is a spin-off, it’s still a part of the AHS universe ultimately and that wouldn’t feel the same if we didn’t see some familiar cast members along the way for our journey.

I’m excited to see who else is coming back! *No spoilers here.*

A plot that draws you in.

I actually really adored the plot right from the beginning. Even though there were familiar concepts, it felt new and fresh. Scarlett was great and I loved the love story emerging in the walls, giving me some Violet and Tate nostalgia.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of FX on Hulu

Goes off the deep end a little…

In true AHS fashion, the plot does go a little bit bonkers when we get into the second episode. I thought that the first episode was stronger than the second, but things did get a little bit silly toward the end. That being said, that’s part of AHS’s campy horror charm and as a fan of the series, I have come to expect that.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of FX on Hulu

I’m in!

As a fan of the series, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this spin-off. I didn’t really know what to expect at first, but I absolutely loved it. It was really fun seeing the Easter eggs and nostalgia weaved into the plot while still managing to do something unique and different with the new story.

AHS always brings us a great balance of twisted horror and humor. It somehow just works even though it may seem slightly ridiculous at times. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my watch of the first two episodes and I’m really excited to see the stories continue!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on American Horror Stories 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 comes out October 7th 2021! 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 “Gossip Girl” Reboot on HBO Max: Why So Serious?

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

“Been a minute…did you miss me?”

The reboot of Gossip Girl premiered on HBO Max on July 8th 2021 with the first episode. The remaining nine episodes will air weekly. Each episode runs for approximately 55 minutes. The reboot stars Jordan Alexander, Whitney Peak, Tavi Gevinson, Eli Brown, and Emily Alyn Lind.

Kristen Bell returns as the voice of Gossip Girl, but the rest of the original cast do not. The Upper East Side is back on display as we follow a new group of teenage elites and witness them go to scandalous measures to get what they want while attending Constance Billard. The original Gossip Girl website may have shut down, but a new source emerges to keep the dirt coming.

Here is the trailer:

Gossip Girl (2021) has a lot to live up to as the original series was an entertaining guilty pleasure to indulge in. Are we ready for a reboot of the series and does it do enough to find a voice of its own? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of HBO Max

A more diverse cast.

Much like the Saved by the Bell and Charmed reboots, we are presented with a more diverse cast for the reboot of Gossip Girl. I think this is a step in the right direction to be more inclusive this time around.

Sibling rivalry and a new Gossip Girl.

The main plot reminded me a little bit of One Tree Hill. We have half siblings who end up in the same school and drama is high as a result. I think this is the best part of the show so far and I’m interested to find out more about the true intentions of both siblings and how far they will go to keep up appearances.

We also get a twist on the new “Gossip Girl” and learn the identity right away. This takes us away from the outrageous reveal at the end of the original series and also gives us a chance to connect with a different set of characters that may see things a little bit differently. I’m intrigued by this so far.

Images courtesy of HBO Max

A familiar voice to put us at ease.

It wouldn’t feel right with anyone else narrating the show as the infamous “Gossip Girl” and hearing Kristen Bell’s voice made me feel right at home. Sure, the dialogue is a little outrageous, but there was a much needed nostalgia present as a result, especially since the rest of the cast is absent…even though we get plenty of reminders and name drops along the way to keep us tuned in.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of HBO Max

Don’t lose sight of what made the show work in the first place…

My biggest con with this reboot is that it takes itself way too seriously. The dialogue is beyond atrocious. I understand we are focusing on a new generation, but no one talks like this. While Riverdale presents us with some over-the-top dialogue as well, it still manages to keep us entertained because it knows when to lighten the mood even during some of the angst-filled melodrama.

In similar fashion, the original Gossip Girl worked because it was so outrageous and it embraced this. The cast really elevated the characters and made you care about them…even though they were horrible human beings!

Blair Waldorf is the iconic Queen Bee of television and even though Chuck Bass was beyond ridiculous, he was so entertaining to watch! The back-stabbing and twists just somehow worked because the show understood that it was meant to be a guilty pleasure teen drama.

The reboot is having an identity crisis and is taking itself too seriously, which makes the execution flat and uninspiring. I don’t care about any of the characters yet and it was honestly really difficult to watch a lot of the pilot episode, which is beyond disappointing.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of HBO Max

I’m 50/50 on this one…

I want to give this show a chance to get better because I am a fan of the original series. However, the majority of the pilot episode was painful to watch. I am going to give the show at least three episodes to change my mind, but it needs to really make some major changes if it wants to connect with a new generation and fans of the original series.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on the Gossip Girl reboot 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 “Kevin Can F… Himself” on AMC: Killer Concept

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

“I’ve been thinking…”

Kevin Can F Himself premiered on AMC on June 20th 2021 with the first two episodes. The remaining six episodes will air weekly and you can watch them earlier on AMC+. Each episode runs for approximately 42 minutes. The dark comedy show stars Annie Murphy, Eric Petersen, Mary Hollis Inboden and Raymond Lee.

The series mixes genres as it follows a traditional sitcom routine while balancing in some drama and dark comedy. Allison lives in Worcester, Mass. and is married to a complete idiot named Kevin. She starts to break out of her typical housewife role to determine what she really wants for herself…and it may include murdering her husband.

Here is the trailer:

Kevin Can F*** Himself has an amazing and unique premise that allows sitcom wives a chance at redemption, but does the execution of this killer idea fall flat? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of AMC

Allison and Patty rule!

I would expect the women on this show to kick ass and they do so. Annie Murphy is perfection and I am really intrigued by the character of Patty. I think the dynamic between them just works and I really enjoy seeing them on screen together. Even without a lot of set-up, you just automatically root for them and that’s part of what this show is about.

Images courtesy of AMC

The darker parts of the show are pure magic.

I wasn’t really sure what I was going to get with this show. This isn’t the type of show I would normally watch, but I was really intrigued by the trailers and I like Annie Murphy. I think she is a terrific actress. The show is partially a response to the Kevin James sitcom series, Kevin Can Wait, when they decided to kill off the wife without ever properly addressing it on the series.

I haven’t watch that show, but now I kind of want to go back to it and see what actually happened there. This isn’t the first time that a female character has been killed off without any real explanation and I think it’s about time the women have their revenge. The show is layered with several genres, but it works differently than WandaVision, which I absolutely loved!

In WandaVision, I fell in love with the sitcom nostalgia and enjoyed every part of the show, but on Kevin Can F Himself, the sitcom parts are actually really hard to sit through and I think that’s part of the point.

The comedy falls flat and Allison is forced to undergo this living hell…and so are we. It makes her character more sympathetic and when we get into the darker parts, they just work. I loved seeing her research at the library and the ending minutes of the pilot episode were pure perfection for me.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of AMC

The execution is wavering.

The supporting characters are forgettable and annoying and I found myself wanting more of the darker drama rather than the balance between this and the traditional sitcom. I get the point of it, but this is such a unique premise and I don’t want it to be over-complicated. Sometimes less is more.

The pacing also needs some work. I thought that the opening episode was stronger than the second one, but this show dragged a lot and it needs to pick up the pace so it doesn’t lose its audience because this show deserves a watch.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of AMC

I’m in about 75 percent…

I am actually really intrigued by this show and I think that Annie Murphy is putting forth a valiant effort here. The show is creating a necessary dialogue and it’s hard not to root for her. I think that the show needs to find its identity and not lose itself within the magic of the idea. It needs to deliver and I’m hoping that we get there in the next episodes.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Kevin Can F Himself 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 comes out October 7th 2021! I hope you enjoy!

Scream Hunt is available here!

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