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Archives for : thriller

SALTBURN Interview w/ Academy Award Winner Emerald Fennell

Emerald Fennell won her first Oscar for the 2020 mystery, drama “Promising Young Woman”. Now she brings us another twisted story, this time about a lower-class outsider, desperate to fit in with his rich classmates. I had the opportunity to speak with Fennell about her new thriller, “Saltburn”.

“Saltburn” opens in theaters November 17.

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Movie Review: “Five Nights at Freddy’s”

This week I review “Five Nights at Freddy’s”. It’s about a security guard who begins working at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza and discovers the animatronic costumes that reside there, aren’t just robots. They are alive. Find out if I think the film is a fun thriller.

“Five Nights at Freddy’s” is playing in theaters and streaming on Peacock.

Rating: D+

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THE WATCHER Interview – Naomi Watts, Jennifer Coolidge, Mia Farrow, Margo Martindale, Noma Dumezweni

“The Watcher” is the newest Netflix mini-series based on the shocking true story of a family that moved into their dream home only to be terrorized and threatened by stalker immediately after. This week I spoke with 5 of the stars of the horror/mystery, Naomi Watts, Jennifer Coolidge, Mia Farrow, Margo Martindale, and Noma Dumezweni. We discussed the things in their homes they don’t want messed with, what makes them feel safe in their house and more!

“The Watcher” is currently streaming on Netflix.

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Movie Review: “Don’t Worry Darling”

This week I review one of the most talked about movies of the year. Drama has surrounded “Don’t Worry Darling” on and off the screen, but is there more to this movie than all the gossip? I share my thoughts on the thrilling new drama in the video below!

“Don’t Worry Darling” is currently playing in theaters.

Rating: B-

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“Infinite Storm” Interview with Naomi Watts & Malgortzata Szumowska

“Infinite Storm” tells the powerful, true story of Pam Bales, a climber who encounters a stranded stranger during a blizzard and must get them both down a mountain before they freeze to death. I got the chance to speak with the star of the film, Naomi Watts and director Malgortzata Szumowska about the movie. They discuss why an act of kindness from strangers can have a lasting effect, the person in their life that had the biggest positive impact, and more.

“Infinite Storm” opens in theaters on March 25, 2022.

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Movie Review: “The Outfit” is a Stylish Thrill

Zoey Deutch (left) stars as “Mable” and Mark Rylance (right) stars as “Leonard” in director Graham Moore’s THE OUTFIT, a Focus Features release. Courtesy of Focus Features

All is not what it appears to be in Graham Moore’s directorial debut, “The Outfit”.

The Academy Award winning writer takes a stab behind the camera and cuts out an intriguing gangster saga. “The Outfit” follows a quiet Englishman, Leonard (Mark Rylance), who tailors to the mob. His Chicago tailor shop is a “drop spot” location for the local mob Boyle Crime Organization, run by an intimidating senior boss, Roy Boyle (Simon Russell Beale).

Just when you think Leonard’s “business” is running smoothly, the contents of a simple envelope lead to an unexpected turn of events. Leonard witnesses an incident that now has him caught in an unfortunate situation. Now, if he wants to live, he must outwit the dangerous group of mobsters that won’t let him or his innocent secretary (Zoey Deutch) leave the store.

“The Outfit” does have a bit of a slow start. Moore has also co-written a film (Alongside Johnathan McClain) that almost reads like a stage play. The entirety of the movie takes place at the tailor shop, which at the beginning makes things a little stagnant. However, once two of the regular mobsters, Richie (Dylan O’ Brien) and Francis (Johnny Flynn), rush into the shop after Richie has been injured, things pick up really quick. From there the story keeps you on the edge of your seat and you can really see the fine threading in the plot. Every detail shot and written is well delivered. The film is a refreshing take on a beloved genre we rarely see anymore.

The shining elements to this dapper film are Moore and McClain’s sharp screenplay, AND the phenomenal performances by the entire cast. Dylan O’ Brien does a wonderful job as Richie, a cocky son of the boss, who’s constantly competing with his dad’s favorite employee. Johnny Flynn as Francis is witty, pompous, and terribly frightening. Zoey Deutch is fantastic as Mable, the secretary who knows more of the mystery than she lets on. And Mark Rylance as Leonard is a smooth operating tailor who masterly weaves the actions of that tragic night.

The less you know about “The Outfit” the better. Just sit back and enjoy this clever, nail-biting, twisted thriller.

“The Outfit” opens in theaters March 25, 2022.

Rating: B+

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Rapid Review: “Fresh” is a Deliciously Good Time


Mimi Caves directorial debut serves a familiar dish, but with a “fresh”, new taste. 

I hate to spoil anything about Fox Searchlight Pictures’ “Fresh”, so I’m going to keep it brief. 

The film follows, Noa (Daisy Edgar-Jones), a young woman whose tirelessly looking for love through dating apps. The opening scene of the movie is an awkward, horrible first date. Noa is left feeling hopeless, and thinking that she’ll ever find a good guy. Her best friend, Mollie (Jojo T. Gibbs) is always by her side to console her and tell her she doesn’t need a man, but Noa still hopes for that special someone. 

On a random evening at the grocery store, a handsome, charming man named Steve (Sebastian Stan) hits on Noa by the produce section. Sparks fly and they begin to date. They seem to have a true romantic connection. After a few dates, Steve suggests taking Noa away for the weekend. Unfortunately, this dream vacation quickly turns into an unthinkable nightmare.  

Cave’s debut feature goes from rom-com to a dark, provocative horror. Audiences may think they’ve seen this story before, but it hasn’t been told quite like this. For starters, the film features a Grade-A cast. Stan’s character is unlike anything he’s played before. Between this film and “Pam and Tommy”, he’s proving his incredible versatility as an actor. And Edgar-Jones gives an unforgettable performance, as she brings a whole new level to the “damsel turns badass” story arc. 

Screenwriter, Lauryn Kahn carves out a sharp, witty, and thrilling script. Caves brilliantly brings Kahn’s words to life with her directing. The film’s images range from picturesque to beautifully grotesque. “Fresh” delivers the whole package. It’s a deliciously, twisted horror/comedy that leaves you craving more. 

“Fresh” is available to stream on Hulu on March 4, 2022.

Rating: A

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“Shattered” Interview with Cameron Monaghan

I got a chance to speak with Cameron Monaghan, star of the new thriller, “Shattered”. We discuss the film, how to know when to trust someone, and we play a rapid fire game!

The film opens in select theaters and OnDemand on January 14, 2022.

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Movie Review: “355” – Plenty of Action, Not Enough Excitement

It’s January; and in the movie world that means it’s “dump month”. After all the award contenders have released their films, a wave of big budget flops tend to make their debut. Don’t get me wrong, there’s the occasional good movie that makes it through. Unfortunately, Universal Pictures’ new action flick, “The 355”, is not one of them.

Jessica Chastain stars as “Mace”, a lonely CIA operative who has no loved ones in her life except for her partner, Nick (Sebastian Stan). They have been strictly platonic until one assignment, that has them playing husband and wife, abruptly gets them in bed together. Well, that assignment goes awry, and she loses an advanced technological device that must be kept out of enemy hands.

One thing leads to another and eventually, Mace teams up with her old friend Khadija (Lupita Nyong’o), an MI6 technological threats expert who used to be a field agent. Marie (Diana Kruger), a German operative who’s a tough, skilled fighter. And Graciela (Penelope Cruz), a Colombian police therapist, who accidently gets involved in this new mission.

Director and co-writer Simon Kinberg does a solid job shooting the film. There’s no shortage of action sequences and the movie looks great, but the screenplay (Co-written by Theresa Rebeck and Bek Smith) offers no excitement and there’s not enough depth to keep us invested in these characters. In fact, the one you care about the most is Graciela, who desperately just wants to home to her family. Cruz’s performance as an innocent and concerned mother makes hers the only relationship you hope gets a happy ending.

It’s easy to root for the team of women, who commit to their lackluster script, but they all deserved better. There are a lot of forced emotions between characters you don’t get to really know. Though Chastain, Nyong’o, Kruger, and Cruz do a fine job, the same cannot be said Sebastian Stan. He barely makes an effort with his character, Nick. There’s a lack of chemistry between him and Chastain, greatly due to his lethargic delivery.

There’s not much else to really say about the film and I don’t want to sit here and rip it apart. From the trailer, “The 355” looks like it will be a fun espionage thriller featuring an awesome, all-star cast. I’m sadden by the fact that it wasn’t. The film had all the right pieces to an underwhelming puzzle.

The powerhouse women in the movie are what make “The 355” a bearable watch, however, the story is forgettable and a missed opportunity with a talented cast.

Rating: C-

“The 355” opens in theaters January 7, 2022

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Movie Review: “The Night House” Gives Thrills & Chills


I’ll admit, I scare easily. Films that aren’t even scary (Boo! A Madea Halloween) make me jump. But when I watch a truly, good horror film, I am on the edge of my seat, holding my breath during the entirety of the film. The only breather breaks are my screams. In David Bruckner’s new horror, “The Night House”, I screamed three times. 

After her husband, Owen’s (Evan Jonigkeit) unexpected suicide, Beth (Rebecca Hall) is left alone in their large lake house, and suddenly haunted by a mysterious spirit. Beth heads down a dangerous rabbit hole as this leads her to digging into her husband’s dark secrets. 

What Bruckner captures here is a very real and painful portrayal grief and depression. It’s not an easy subject matter to tackle, but it’s handled so well here. From Beth’s drinking, re-watching old videos of her husband, to how she interacts with her colleagues and people around her. Owen’s death has consumed Beth and is affecting her daily life and personal relationships. 

If you saw Hall in the underrated drama, “Christine”, you already know how well she can portray a woman on the edge struggling with depression. So, it comes as no surprise that Hall’s performance as a grief-stricken widow is incredibly powerful. Your heart absolutely breaks for Beth as she asks the questions one would probably have if their husband chose to end their life: Why? Was he that unhappy? How was he so good at hiding it? Did I really know him at all? Was he a monster and I had no idea? These are just a few of the questions the film will answer. 

“The Night House” is shot and edited beautifully. Paired with Kathrin Eder’s unsettling production design and the eerie music by Ben Lovett, the film makes for an engaging and terrifying experience. 

Where the film falls short, is that it’s slightly over ambitious. Though questions are answered for the most part, there might be some confusion at the end, and there are a few small plot holes. But if you can piece together a narrative that satisfies you, then this may not be an issue. 

“The Night House” is a creative story with gripping visuals and captivating performances.  

Rating: B +