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Farfallina78
Reviews
The Final (2010)
Some of y'all weren't paying attention
I just saw this movie while randomly scrolling. The premise has been given by most other reviews, so I'll start by saying: The three dudes in the woods were triplets! They were NOT the same dudes inside--Dane, Andy and whatshisname. They just wore similar costumes and we're the look-outs. Did you not see the mask pulled off each time and it was the same face? Did you NOT catch the final triplet rev his motorbike engine at school at the very end? Yeah, bc he got away! None of the popular kids inside knew he was there. It could probably be inferred since his brothers were dead, but no proof. That's who Kurtis exchanges looks with. Pay attention if you're going to write pressed like panini reviews.
Anyway, I thought this movie was watchable. Since I became disgusted by the misfits in the end (agree with those who said the violence was way OTT for their "crimes." The movie didn't paint the populars as more than average snobs and a**holes. Nothing extreme) I didn't sympathize at all. They repulsed me more than the populars. Ravi didn't need to die. Maybe only the Emily character was fleshed out enough and the only character to have any sense in the very least.
Deadly Invitations (2024)
Talentest, were you watching?
That was the neighbor who overheard the daughter telling Mr Smile about meeting Julia, not the mom. The neighbor, as we find out, who was already onto him. (**You're welcome Talentest! Lol)
This Tubi original was not so bad. I'm surprised Lifetime didn't grab it first.
To be honest, for much of the movie I thought there were indeed 2 separate male characters. Edited to add: That is, until the wine and chocolate scene.
What I didn't love was that the plot about the husband/dad went nowhere. So it was "just a suicide." It would have been a fantastic twist if the dad was bidding on women, too. Or at least they could have had him as a guy wanting to stop it all. Nope. Nothing burger. All in all a decent thriller if you're bored and enjoy Lifetime and Tubi fare.
Stranger in the Woods (2024)
Incel "Nice Guys" Don't Like This
This movie is a low budget indie and I think it exceeded my expectations. Acting was decent, the cast was diverse.
Olivia's friends take her for a weekend getaway to the woods after she supposedly attempted suicide. Her friend/crush Sam's brother Clayton owns the cabin they rent and he lives in the adjacent one. Clayton is seemingly the "odd brother" in a Survival off the grid way.
Olivia's dog disappears and she soon suspects Clayton. The others try to let Olivia know she's being paranoid and kind of "crazy", especially after her suicide attempt. But Olivia insists she never tried to end her life and someone tried to murder her.
I'm not going to give away spoilers even if I think many fans of this genre could figure things out. My only real gripe is yet again in a horror/thriller, police are called yet never arrive. It's obvious at least an hour passes. But this isn't a problem unique to this film.
At an hour and 20 minutes I think this is an easy watch and it's actually quite on topic with a situation many women experience.
Decent indie, many females will relate.
Tall, Dark, and Dangerous (2024)
Pass on this
First, the actress playing Alice needs coaching to lose her heavy Midwestern accent as it's distracting. She also needs some acting lessons.
Anyway, Alice's friend intervenes on her behalf on a dating app, shooting a heart at ...Tom Sandoval(??) and when it comes to the date, a totally different guy turns up, named Chris.
This movie is completely unbelievable, as Chris proceeds to stalk Alice and her boss (Eric Roberts), her friend and family, yet she says nothing. Of course she can handle everything herself! /sarcasm.
Alice finally goes to a detective (played by Jackeé) who is completely useless. The usual improbable Lifetime events unfold right up to the end.
The actor playing Chris is kind of a ham, as he's been in several other Lifetime movies including playing the decent guy in the recent Talk, Dark and Dangerous.
Skip unless completely bored.
My Doctor's Secret Life (2023)
Nepo baby Castro
I agree with the first reviewer in that many "Lifetime things" don't make sense like Psychologist vs Psychiatrist and breaking into homes in broad daylight or stabbing someone out in the open on the front walkway (even in the evening, it's a risk!)
The baddie in this movie, Brianna, is portrayed by Taylor Castro...sub par actress and cast because her mother, Barbie Castro, is exec producer, as she is for many MarVista movies. The character is annoying more than anything, and the actress overdoes it with the "troubled weirdo" type.
In short, the Dr (Jessica Morris, the best thing about the movie) has a big secret she doesn't reveal despite preaching to patients that telling the truth sets you free. Once she meets Brianna things start going awry (typical Lifetime trope): Internet exposés, staff quitting etc, but the Dr suspects everyone else except the obvious.
Watch if bored, but don't expect the best thriller ever.
Breaking Girl Code (2023)
So bad, so unrealistic
Aside from the bad acting, the whole ending of the movie made me sick. In no universe would women just forgive and "understand" the woman who trafficked them! We are to believe just because the woman "never got any attention" the women...(friends!) she lured into trap after trap would just forgive her? Two women died, also thanks to her! One of the most absurd lines was one of the roofied women telling her "I understand, I've dated bad boys too." What?? This movie is such an insult to people's intelligence.
Also, you could see from a mile away the supposed "nice guy" of the group was not, in fact, nice.
Bad even for MarVista and Lifetime.
The Tutor (2023)
Ok, but one review missed a huge point...
While I also thoroughly enjoyed the first 45 minutes more than the rest, one reviewer missed a large piece of the story. No, the home where Ethan, the tutor, went to work with Jackson was NOT the sprawling estate Jackson grew up in. They literally show us this when Ethan discovers he's been tutoring in a different home the entire time (because as he returned to chew Jackson out, a family just back from holiday arrived and had to idea who TF he was or why he was there. Jackson set this up with his friend...the same girl from the pics. She even winks so it's not hard to understand.) So no, Ethan would NOT have recognized the home--as we find out he had an affair with Jackson's mother years prior.
In any case the movie turned into dramatic Lifetime type fare which I didn't hate, yet expected more based on the first half. The last 10 minutes were rushed and like I said, the very end was especially Lifetime-esque.
Acting was a bit hammy, but overall I was entertained enough to pass an afternoon. Recommend for those who like Lifetime/Tubi thrillers and don't expect anything Oscar level.
Rooming with Danger (2023)
Awful
Same old tired psycho roommate plot, even worse actors. I'm sorry, but the Villarreal actress (who plays the best friend) needs to hang it up. It's the second time I've seen her stink up an already dumb movie. She's so robotic and barely moves her mouth. The lead actress and the rest aren't much better.
What happens when a woman in a bad relationship gets a new roommate? On Lifetime it means said roommate becomes obsessed, plants cameras/mics in the bedroom and takes out all competition. Rinse and repeat. It's been a while since they've done a closing shot of the psycho in prison still acting psycho, so there's that...
Do not recommend.
Twisted Sister (2023)
Not bad, especially the acting
It's not a coincidence using a real accredited actor, like Mena Suvari, helped.
Emily (Suvari) is the CEO of a PR firm that she inherited from her deceased parents. She's married to Kyle, though their marriage is on the rocks.
Emily advertises for a babysitter for their daughter, and Lily shows up to interview. Only Lily admits early on that she is Emily's sister, and that her parents sent her away at a young age.
Basic Lifetime plot: strange and dangerous things start happening, Kyle seems suspicious, Emily doesn't know what to believe ... Is Lily really a twisted sister or is Kyle behind the trouble?
This movie entertained me and even the other actors aside from Mena Suvari held their own. To me, the difference is actually notable compared to LMN/Lifetime usual fare. Also notable is the casting of a larger sized woman to play the role of the sister and not the "funny fat friend", which is not something you see often. Overall not a bad way to pass an hour and a half.
The Strays (2023)
So much promise, and yet...
I was looking forward to this film from the previews. I love a Jordan Peele type of commentary, but this was not it. To start, I had to rewind the opening 10 minutes twice because it didn't hold my attention, yet I knew it would be essential to understanding the plot. So, the plot:
"Cheryl" is a frustrated young mixed race mother with mounds of unpaid bills who picks up and just walks away from her babies and (evidently abusive) boyfriend. Flash forward to her new tony life as "Neve", married to a successful white husband with 2 teenage children. She works as the head of a posh private school and seems to have it all.
The Jordan Peele aspect comes in when 2 young black people show up and seemingly follow her. Are they her imagination? No, they're real, and are brother and sister (Carl and Deon), slightly older than Neve's kids. (Casting didn't do the best, I assumed the man was Neve's age!) Anyway, you might see where this is going....
Carl and Deon are Neve/Cheryl's children that she abandoned years ago...and they are out for revenge. They insert themselves in the lives of the other kids and this is where things just lose the way. You see, Neve's family had no idea about her secret past life. After Carl and Deon discover this, they still hash out their revenge on the entire family which makes no sense. Although they seem to be portrayed as completely insane at this point, which could be the only explanation. Their tipping point was Never/Cheryl trying to buy them off and make them go away with a check for 20k. You see, Neve still only thinks of herself. And you will see it even more in the final scene (which was a poor choice in writing/plot, IMO) which I won't completely spoil.
The acting was ok, although those playing Carl and especially Deon were the weakest links IMO. What could have been a good story was ruined by plot holes and just bad/unrealistic ideas.
If you've got time to kill, it isn't the worst film out there. Just don't go in with any real expectations.
My Landlord Wants Me Dead (2023)
So bad
The plot was ridiculous. I had hopes based on the description, bit the entire thing made no sense.
"Maddie" drops/flunks out of college and goes to stay at her aunt's free place. The aunt is having issues with her husband (Paul) and also tells her there is no tv, internet (really?) or cell service. But there is a landline!
Blah blah boring plot with a creepy Paul lurking, a "hot" neighbor and typical Lifetime plot. And how did the aunt get back from Africa so quickly?! Lol
I'm sorry to say this, but the actress Emily Villarreal is AWFUL. With a valley girl voice bordering on Britney Spears twang and just poor skills, she made the movie worse. Just bad The actor playing Paul was ridiculous. So over the top, almost a cartoon villain.
I usually like the "so bad they are good" Lifetime movies, but this was just bad. Do not recommend.
Accused: Scott's Story (2023)
Makes you think
The premise of this show chronicles ordinary people in a courtroom introducing the accused. Only we have no idea yet why they are there and what they might have done. Through the episode we learn what events brought them there from the accused's POV. That's what sets this series apart. Episode one is a very topical matter about school shootings...yet it still catches you by surprise. You might think one thing happened, only for the scenario to be completely different.
It was nice seeing Jill Hennessy and Michael Chickless again. In fact each episode so far has interesting guest stars involved in the different cases.
Goodnight Mommy (2022)
Poor remake, worse direction
This is a remake of an Austrian film-- that's much darker, nastier and doesn't make the "twist" so obvious, as opposed to this. Straight out of the gate in this version, you can see one child is constantly ignored, disregarded, not even an attempt is made to make him appear part of the scenes when the parents are on screen.
Naomi Watts has done the remake to death and has been making poor film choices in general lately. She isn't awful in this; the film is just bad. Instead of leaving some doubt throughout if "mommy" is who she claims, like in the original, here there is no question. They outright show us not even midway through. Watts' "mommy" is glowing and lovely. In the original, the actress lumbers about and isn't so present, making her identity less obvious and more ominous.
I'm not sure why they went for such a hollow and diluted version. I'm not sure why they chose to remake this in general!
Devil in Ohio (2022)
Good until the end but people...
People on here are stupid AF. I swear you are all 14 years old. "Teens don't talk like that." Sorry "besties", you can't have, like....totally like, everything either, like, mad "cheugy" or "fire." Is this series not "giving?" Is it not "vibing" with Gen Z ?
The acting was very good. The plot was solid and interesting until the last ep. This is where it unraveled. Hard to believe the mom would ditch the family for Ms cray cray. If people were looking for actual satanic rituals I'm not sure what they expected? It was billed as a mystery/thriller and it built suspense ("Is Mae as innocent and unassuming as thought?") up until the end. Unfortunately the end turned into a cheesy American Horror Story cliché fest that didn't resolve anything or seem plausible.
Put down your phones and watch your screens. One can tell most of the bad reviews missed huge pieces of the story.
Where's Rose (2021)
Decent twist
Not sure why the good reviews are getting bot down votes. The movie is low budget, but decent! I wavered in my thinking who the real monster was, and in the end, my gut was right.
Only by then I assumed the movie had gone in a very different direction. It might seem like the same old "Changeling" type of movie, but if you stick with it til the end you'll likely be surprised.
The acting is fine, nothing that stands out as either fantastic or awful.
I don't want to spoil the plot so I'll end here, hopefully within the new required character minimum needed for reviewing. There's not much else to say, aside from the fact there are no real jump scares nor stomach turning effects.
Evil Lives Here: The Face of My Torturer (2019)
Tragic story
I just want to address people criticizing the brother/narrator. Unless you live through such a situation, you don't know what it does to you. He was abused just as well. Take his mental state into consider before passing judgement. Some people want to deny things happened, some eventually identify with their captor (because this rotten excuse for a mom was like a captor, them being hostages in their own home.) This is another case, too, where mental illness is left untreated. She displayed signs of paranoid schizophrenia and likely used alcohol to self-medicate. An awful situation all around.
Also, what type of CPS interviews kids in front of their accused abuser?? Perhaps this is how it was years ago, but CPS failed those kids before anyone else.
Evil Lives Here: He Was a Good Man to me (2019)
Interesting episode, but...
Was this episode (hopefully) aired to put this woman on blast? Show her for the sociopath she also seems to be? Otherwise there is no point. The interesting aspect of this episode is seeing someone not only in denial when crimes were happening (like many on this show), but STILL in denial and wanting to defend this guy! She didn't care women were murdered. That was "before" they were together, she said. He was "good" to her. As if that absolves him of his crimes. This one will infuriate just about anyone who watches.
Evil Lives Here: I Found His Confession (2022)
Sad
This was a sad situation. Another case of a child having rage issues but nothing concrete is done to help anyone, including him. It had to be tough on the family walking on eggshells around him. Cops called, arrested, threats...and it ends with the parents being massacred. What could have been done to prevent this? The justice system in Canada should reflect on cases like this.
Evil Lives Here: Under His Thumb (2019)
No victim, again.
Trash. Painting this woman as a victim is unforgivable. Why did the show gloss over the death of her son at the hands of ANOTHER "boyfriend." This woman was just a bovine baby making machine and did zero to protect her children. A guy you are dating is on the sex Offender registry and you just believe his lie!?? And she had young girls! This entire episode was a mess and it's hard feeling sorry for the subject given all of her awful choices just to have a man in her bed.
Evil Lives Here: Evil Undercover (2019)
Frustrating
So many signs...but first of all, why does anyone believe someone is a federal agent? Lol. Do you not know how much schooling and training that takes? Do you not ask for ID? Not only did this guy almost kill his own kid (and the kid said so, but she didn't believe him), his uncle randomly disappears (and leaves a blood stained couch along the way) and then her daughter disappears?!? Meanwhile this guy gets arrested multiple times and she buys his "wink wink, it's just my undercover work." Ridiculous! I don't have patience for such stupidity and it's her own damn fault her daughter got murdered. #sorrynotsorry. Stop being d*¢kmatized, ladies.
Evil Lives Here: A Special Place in Hell (2022)
She's no vic
Hard time feeling sorry for a woman who put a man above everything, including her children. Then to blame her dad bc he didn't stop their marriage? What? This guy sat there and tried to kill himself by blowing up the house via gas oven, WITH her kids there. And she's just like "ok." ??? Then he tells her the family would be better with 2 kids (theirs) rather than 4 (2 from her other men) and she simply gets annoyed? This episode was so frustrating to watch because I had little sympathy for this woman.
Evil Lives Here: He Should Have Died Sooner (2022)
Meh
Like the other review stated, sometimes you have a hard time feeling that sorry for the "victim." She did some questionable things herself. Also, it's common knowledge that if someone wants to hurt animals they are likely a sociopath.
Forever Summer: Hamptons (2022)
Easy Summer binge
For anyone who loved Laguna Beach back in the day, this is the GenZ version. Yet not that annoying lol. You really have to like this type of throwaway "reality" type of show, but there's nothing awful about it. A bunch of early 20-somethings living their non-guido summer lives. Some drama never changes from generation to generation. Nice shots of the Hamptons, the homes and perfect to mindlessly watch with a cold cocktail. Ilan is a good looking guy and his father even moreso.
American Horror Stories: Game Over (2021)
Put down your phones and pay attention
This episode was not that bad. It was clearly an inside joke and based on a video game. The ending makes you think that yeah...something is lurking after all.
Took off stars bc Kaia Gerber is an absolutely crap actress and Cindy must have paid a lot to get her a running gig. Paris Jackson is not so bad. She plays a b*tchy teen well. Big Red is also annoying and that her fathers weren't shown was a plot fail.
Not the best ep, not the worst (e.2 was, IMO)
A Baby at Any Cost (2022)
I actually liked this one
Let me start by saying the acting was decent and the plot was just a bit more intriguing than most "psycho nanny" movies.
A couple has a baby via surrogate-- a young woman named Lily (who kind of looks like Misha Barton) who has supposedly been a surrogate once before. They found her while she was doing temp work for the husband. The wife, Monica is a lawyer and has a difficult past with her sister Jen and is also representing her in her custody battle. Jen has been acting erratically and has a hot temper, so Monica and her husband choose Lily to also be the baby's nanny.
Strange things occur, including a near fatal accident. Is Jen that jealous and spiteful or is someone else (or more than one...?) plotting against Monica?
This is not a cinematic masterpiece but it kept me entertained more than usual due to the strange dynamic between a few of the characters.