Goosebumps - Season 1 (2023)

Title: Goosebumps
Rating: TV-14
Run Time: 40 minutes
Release Date: October 13, 2023
Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Series
Production Co.: Factory Underground
Creator(s): Rob Letterman, Nicholas Stoller
Starring: Zack Morris, Isa Briones, Justin Long


Who would I recommend this to?
Grown-up '90s kids.

What is this about?
Freaky stuff happens to a group of teens and their teacher, after he moves into a house where a grisly death occurred.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Now. Spooky season.

Where does it take place?
Port Lawrence.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I'm a '90s kid who grew up on the Goosebumps books.

How did I like this?
It's so much fun! I adored how they mixed a bunch of different plots from the books into a semi-cohesive series about death and revenge!

Have you seen Goosebumps? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Five Nights at Freddy's (2023)

Title: Five Nights at Freddy's
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Release Date: October 27, 2023
Genre(s): Horror
Production Co.: Blumhouse Productions
Director: Emma Tammi
Starring: Josh Hutcherson, Piper Rubio, Elizabeth Lail


Who would I recommend this to?
FNaF fans. The normies won't get it.

What is this about?
A down-on-his-luck guys starts working as a security guard for a haunted pizzeria.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Now, spooky season, any time you want some fun.

Where does it take place?
Freddy Fazbear's Pizzeria.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I fell into the FNaF rabbit hole and can't get out.

How did I like this?
It's so fun! It's more focused on the human, emotional side than the horror side, which suited me fine. I'm a baby when it comes to Horror, so I'm glad this was more tame. Yes, there are jumpscares, but anyone familiar with the games will be expecting that.

Have you seen Five Nights at Freddy's? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

The Meg (2018)

Title: The Meg
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 1 hour 53 minutes
Release Date: August 10, 2018
Genre(s): Horror
Production Co.: Di Bonaventure Pictures
Director: Jon Turteltaub
Starring: Jason Statham, Bingbing Li Rainn Wilson


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of shark attack movies.

What is this about?
A group of scientists accidentally unleash a though to be extinct monster!

When would be a good time to watch this?
Anytime, really.

Where does it take place?
The Marianas Trench.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I like shark attack movies.

How did I like this?
It was fun! Less ridiculous than I was anticipating, but a good time! The dog survives, which is what matters!

Have you seen The Meg? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Haunted Mansion (2023)

Title: Haunted Mansion
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 2 hours 4 minutes
Release Date: July 28, 2023
Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Justin Simien
Starring: LaKeith Stanfield, Rosario Dawson, Owen Wilson


Who would I recommend this to?
Those with spooky hearts.

What is this about?
A mansion...that is haunted...

When would be a good time to watch this?
Now. Or anytime during Spooky Season.

Where does it take place?
New Orleans, Louisiana.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It's Disney. Halloween Disney at that.

How did I like this?
It's so much fun! It's like they took scenes right from the ride and expanded on them! The stretching room! The hatbox ghost! Constance! Gang's all here!

Have you seen Haunted Mansion? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

M3GAN (2022)

Title: M3GAN
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 1 hour 42 minutes
Release Date: December 28, 2022
Genre(s): Horror
Production Co.: Blumhouse Productions
Director: Gerard Johnstone
Starring: Allison Williams, Violet McGraw, Ronny Chieng


Who would I recommend this to?
Those who like creepy, but not actually scary movies.

What is this about?
A robot toy starts killing anyone who harms her girl.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever.

Where does it take place?
Oregon?

Why did I decide to watch this?
I like robots, and it was available on my flight home.

How did I like this?
 I'm so glad it wasn't scary, because I liked it a lot! I just can't rate it higher because there was no reason to kill the dog. There were plenty of other ways M3GAN could have gotten rid of him without murder.

Have you seen M3GAN? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Wednesday - Season 1 (2022)

Title: Wednesday - Season 1
Rating: TV-14
Run Time: 1 hour
Release Date: November 23, 2022
Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Series
Production Co.: MGM Television
Director: Tim Burton
Starring: Jenny Ortega, Christina Ricci,


Who would I recommend this to?
Everyone who likes their shoes creepy and kooky.

What is this about?
Wednesday Addams uncovers the dark secrets of her new school for outcasts.

When would be a good time to watch this?
ASAP.

Where does it take place?
Jericho, Vermont.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I love the Addams and Tim Burton.

How did I like this?
I really enjoyed it! The plot was fun, if predictable. I loved seeing Wednesday make friends while still being herself. Enid was totally fun! I wasn't too keen on the "romance" as neither boys were that interesting or seemed compatible.

Catherine Zeta Jones is not a good Morticia. I was worried about her casting but still held on to hope. But nope. Not good. Everyone else is great though. Although I do think Luis Guzman was holding back a bit.

Have you seen Wednesday? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Night Teeth (2021)

Title: Night Teeth
Rating: TV-14
Run Time: 1 hour 48 minutes
Release Date: October 20, 2021
Genre(s): Horror
Production Co.: Netflix
Director: Adam Randall
Starring: Jorge Lendeborg Jr., Debby Ryan, Lucy Fry


Who would I recommend this to?
Vampire aficionados.

What is this about?
A guy chauffeurs around a pair vampires for the night.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Spooky Season.

Where does it take place?
Boyle Heights, Los Angeles.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Vampires.

How did I like this?
Why did this remind me of Grand Theft Auto?! It made me want a version of GTA with supernatural elements!

Other than that, I found this movie pretty boring. I liked Benny, but the plot never really interested me. I honestly didn't watch most of it.

Have you seen Night Teeth? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Nightbooks (2021)

Title: Nightbooks
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 43 minutes
Release Date: September 15, 2021
Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror
Production Co.: Catchlight Studios
Director: David Yarovesky
Starring: Winslow Fegley, Lidya Jewett, Krysten Ritter


Who would I recommend this to?
Scaredy cat Halloween fans or those who just like family-friendly spooky films.

What is this about?
A boy is held captive by a witch and must write her a new scary story every night...or die.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Spooky season, or a dark and stormy night.

Where does it take place?
New York.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It's a new family friendly spooky film.

How did I like this?
I did not get why the witch was keeping him if she was just going to shoot down every story he wrote. I mean, I guess there was the theme of believing in yourself and your talents, but...Natasha's attitude didn't really work. Just kill him and move on, or shut up and listen to the stories that you asked for! She was annoying.

I like Lenore, the cat. And the ending was cool, but the rest was odd.

Have you seen Nightbooks? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

 

There's Someone Inside Your House (2021)

Title: There's Someone Inside Your House
Rating: TV-MA
Run Time: 1 hour 36 minutes
Release Date: October 6, 2021
Genre(s): Horror
Production Co.: Atomic Monster, Netflix
Director: Patrick Brice
Starring: Sydney Park, Theodore Pellerin, Ashja Cooper


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of teen slasher flicks or fans of the book.

What is this about?
Someone is taunting then murdering a bunch of teens...with secrets.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Spooky Season.

Where does it take place?
Osborne, Nebraska.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I read the book, didn't like it, but thought they could fix the issues in movie form.

How did I like this?
I still didn't. It was quite cringe-worthy but some of my main issues with the source were tweaked to make more sense. At least it was a condensed version of the book.

Have you seen There's Someone Inside Your House? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Toy Story of Terror (2013)

Title: Toy Story of Terror
Rating: TV-G
Run Time: 26 minutes
Release Date: October 16, 2013
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy, Horror
Production Co.: Pixar Animation Studios, Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Angus MacLane
Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack


Who would I recommend this to?
Toy Story fans!

What is this about?
The toys have to survive the night in a potentially haunted motel!

When would be a good time to watch this?
Spooky season, or when you need a quick Toy Story fix.

Where does it take place?
A random motel somewhere.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It's Spooky Season and I love Toy Story.

How did I like this?
I loooved it! I can't believe I hadn't seen this until now! I think it's great that we got to explore Jessie's trauma and see her overcome it! Plus, I loved seeing more of Trixie! Mr. Pricklepants is the absolute worst in the best possible way! And meeting Combat Carl was a total treat! This was just an all-around great short about our favorite toys.

Have you seen Toy Story of Terror? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Bit (2019)

Title: Bit
Rating: TV-MA
Run Time: 1 hour 34 minutes
Release Date: May 24, 2019
Genre(s): Horror, LGBTQ+
Production Co.: Provocator
Director: Brad Michael Elmore
Starring: Diana Hopper, Nicole Maines, Zolee Griggs


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone who likes vampire movies, especially those with antiheroes.

What is this about?
A girl moves to LA and falls in with some vampires who kill bad men.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Anytime really, but Spooky Season adds an extra something.

Where does it take place?
Los Angeles, California.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because vampires. And there was quite the buzz about the MC being trans, so yay representation!

How did I like this?
It's actually really good, but I was distracted while watching. I wish I wasn't, so I could fully enjoy it. I am all here for queer girl vampires not taking crap!

Have you seen Bit? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Sharktopus vs. Whalewolf (2015)

Title: Sharktopus vs. Whalewolf
Rating: TV-14
Run Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Release Date: July 19, 2015
Genre(s): Horror, Comedy
Director: Kevin O'Neill
Starring: Casper Van Dien, Catherine Oxenberg, Jennifer Wenger


Who would I recommend this to?
People I don't like.

What is this about?
Sharktopus returns to save humanity from the newly created Whalewolf!

When would be a good time to watch this?
When you want to rot your brain.

Where does it take place?
The Dominican Republic.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I love Sharktopus.

How did I like this?
I hated this movie when it premiered. I called it a mockery, and not in a good way. Sharktopus is the best and this movie did her a disservice. The German scientist was annoying as heck! Ray was annoying too. This is bad, because they're the main characters. Everything was just over-the-top in the worst way.

While I enjoyed seeing my favorite creature return to save the day, yet again, this movie was just bad.

Have you seen Sharktopus vs. Whalewolf? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Sharktopus vs. Pteracuda (2014)

Title: Sharktopus vs. Pteracuda
Rating: TV-14
Run Time: 1 hour 24 minutes
Release Date: August 2, 2014
Genre(s): Horror, Comedy
Production Co.: New Horizons Picture
Director: Kevin O'Neill
Starring: Akari Endo, Tony Evangelista, Robert Carradine


Who would I recommend this to?
SyFy appreciators.

What is this about?
Sharktopus' offspring must battle the newly created, escaped, and dangerous Pteracuda!

When would be a good time to watch this?
After Sharktopus.

Where does it take place?
Around the Pacific Ocean, somewhere.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because Sharktopus rules!

How did I like this?
It's not as epic as the first, but it's still a ton of fun! Sharktopus Jr. is the good guy! I actually love that. Why does the creepy looking monster have to be evil?! This sequel is a lot cheesier, which at times makes it more fun than the original, but at times it's also kind of cringey, but nothing too terrible.

I was concerned about how this supposed biologist didn't do any research about where Sharktopus came from or all of the horrors that his mother performed.

Have you seen Sharktopus vs. Pteracuda? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Sharktopus (2010)

Title: Sharktopus
Rating: TV-14
Run Time: 1 hour 29 minutes
Release Date: September 25, 2010
Genre(s): Horror, Comedy
Production Co.: New Horizons Picture
Director: Declan O'Brien
Starring: Eric Roberts, Kerem Bursin, Sara Malakul Lane


Who would I recommend this to?
Someone who can appreciate SyFy Channel Originals for what they are.

What is this about?
A shark-octopus creature goes on a killing spree after escaping from the US Navy.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Shark Week would be the best, but anytime is a good time for Sharktopus.

Where does it take place?
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I kept seeing promo for it and got so freaking excited, and I've seen it a billion times since then.

How did I like this?
I love this movie. It is the definition of ridiculous and fun. No, the special effects and acting aren't the best, but the movie has heart! While everyone was raving over Sharknado (also ridiculous and fun), I was firmly on team Sharktopus. There's something about seeing a Great White Shark prance around on eight legs.

Have you seen Sharktopus? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Dracula 2000 (2000)

Title: Dracula 2000
Rating: R
Run Time: 1 hour 39 minutes
Release Date: December 22, 2000
Genre(s): Horror
Production Co.: Dimension Films
Director: Patrick Lussier
Starring: Gerard Butler, Justine Waddell, Jonny Lee Miller


Who would I recommend this to?
Grown-up '90s kids.

What is this about?
Dracula has been let loose in the modern day!

When would be a good time to watch this?
Back in 2000-01.

Where does it take place?
London and New Orleans.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I saw it on Paramount+, hadn't heard of it before, saw Gerard Butler.

How did I like this?
What is this casting?! VITAMIN C...Omar Epps, that guy from Save the Last Dance, Hyde from That '70s Show, Gerard Butler, that guy from Scary Movie, Shane West...so random! I can definitely appreciate it though as a '90s kid.

Other than a ton of "Hey! I know you!" moments, this movie is not very good. I'm not quite sure what the plot was, and Dracula was a boring character. The best part was the ceiling sex.

Perhaps this was good 20 years ago.

Have you seen Dracula 2000? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Fright Night (2011)

Title: Fright Night
Rating: R
Run Time: 1 hour 46 minutes
Release Date: August 19, 2011
Genre(s): Horror, Comedy
Production Co.: Dreamworks
Director: Craig Gillespie
Starring: Anton Yelchin, Colin Farrell, David Tennant


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone who likes the Horror-Comedy genre and vampires.

What is this about?
A teen figures out that his new neighbor is a vampire and must save the neighborhood!

When would be a good time to watch this?
Spooky season.

Where does it take place?
New Mexico.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I saw it when it first came out because I was a huge Colin Farrell fan...and vampires.

How did I like this?
I can't remember what I though the first time, but this time: it's a fun movie. 100% predictable and not scary (just how I like my Horror!). It's not very memorable though. Jerry the vampire has almost no screen time which is quite disappointing. Vincent the vampire hunter is hilarious though.

Have you seen Fright Night? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

 

47 Meters Down (2017)

Title: 47 Meters Down
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 1 hour 29 minutes
Release Date: June 16, 2017
Genre(s): Horror
Production Co.: Tea Shop Productions
Director:  Johannes Roberts
Starring: Mandy Moore, Claire Holt, Matthew Modine


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone who likes not scary horror movies with killer animals...and Mandy Moore.

What is this about?
Sisters get stuck in a cage in the ocean with a great white shark and are running out of oxygen.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Shark Week.

Where does it take place?
Somewhere in the ocean near Mexico.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I like sharks.

How did I like this?
I wasn't expecting greatness, but this was a lot of blue screen and not enough shark attacks. It was actually quite boring. Despite the oxygen tank readings, there was no sense of urgency. It was all very flat and one-note.

Then in the last 20 minutes a lot of nonsense happened. Like, how are you going to go swimming around with sharks while bleeding out? And why are you talking so much when you have no oxygen? But that "surprise" shark flare was pretty cool. If only the entire movie had been more like that.

But that ending?! WTF?! I honestly did not see that coming and quite liked it.

Have you seen 47 Meters Down? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Fear Street Part Three: 1666 (2021)

Title: Fear Street Part Three: 1666
Rating: R
Run Time: 1 hour 54 minutes
Release Date: July 16, 2021
Genre(s): Horror, Fantasy, LGBTQ+
Production Co.:Chernin Entertainment
Director: Leigh Janiak
Starring: Kiana Maderia, Ashley Zukerman, Gillian Jacobs


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone who watched the first two parts, or like queer witchy horror.

What is this about?
We learn how Sarah Fier's curse began...

When would be a good time to watch this?
After the first two parts, but also immediately.

Where does it take place?
Old world Shadyside.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I liked the first two parts and needed to know how it ended...and began...

How did I like this?
It's much better than part two, and my favorite of the three. It's the gayest and the witchiest and the least gorey!

Have you seen Fear Street: 1666? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Fear Street Part Two: 1978 (2021)

Title: Fear Street Part Two: 1978
Rating: R
Run Time: 1 hour 49 minutes
Release Date: July 9, 2021
Genre(s): Horror
Production Co.: Chernin Entertainment
Director: Leigh Janiak
Starring: Sadie Sink, Emily Rudd, Ryan Simpkins


Who would I recommend this to?
Whoever liked the first one!

What is this about?
The surviving teens of the Shadyside Massacre seek help from the survivor of a previous massacre. She tells them her story...

When would be a good time to watch this?
When it's still daylight out, if you're a baby like me.

Where does it take place?
Camp Nightwing in Shadyside.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I liked the first part and needed to know what happened!

How did I like this?
This one took longer to get going than the first part and wasn't as scary. It was more...bloody though. It was missing the creepy factor. It felt more like a regular serial killer movie rather than a paranormal. At least until that ending...

Have you seen Fear Street 1978? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Fear Street Part 1: 1994 (2021)

Title: Fear Street Part 1: 1994
Rating: R
Run Time: 1 hour 47 minutes
Release Date: July 2, 2021
Genre(s): Horror, Fantasy, LGBTQ+
Production Co.: Chernin Entertainment
Director: Leigh Janiak
Starring: Kiana Madeira, Olivia Scott Welch, Benjamin Flores Jr.


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone who likes teen horror and the '90s.

What is this about?
A murderer is loose in Shadyside targeting teens!

When would be a good time to watch this?
Immediately. Or at least before the next two parts.

Where does it take place?
Shadyside.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I was a huge Fear Street fan as a kid and tween!

How did I like this?
It was wild good fun! I'm glad it wasn't actually scary or too jumpy. It's definitely bloody and violent though.

Do not split up! Never split up! There is no reason to split up! Ever! Stay together! Stay alive! That ending had me so nervous.

Have you seen Fear Street? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?