HEART EYES (2025)

Directed By: Josh Ruben 

Written By: Philip Murphy, Christopher Landon and Michael Kennedy 

Cinematography: Stephen Murphy 

Editor: Brett W. Bachman 

Cast: Mason Gooding, Olivia Holt, Jordana Brewster, Devon Sawa, Gigi Zumbado, Michela Watkins, Yoson An, Ben Black, Chris Parker, 

For the past several years, the “Heart Eyes Killer” has wreaked havoc on Valentine’s Day by stalking and murdering romantic couples. This Valentine’s Day, no couple is safe.

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This is a film that plays more like a romantic comedy that builds itself around a horror, film plot. It’s cute. It’s violin. It sometimes has a laugh or two and both sides with each other and against against each other. 

Whereas I wish you could be more like happy death day, which did have a comedy side and a horror side, but it also seemed to have its serious moments too. That made you care a little bit more. 

This film lacks that so that again the characters always feel exactly like that like characters rather than human beings, and why you worry about them in their peril the film, cynical, nature, almost every other character works against it as it seeks to be a dark comedy that reels a little bit more in violence 

If that is what you are seeking, you have found the perfect film for yourself and I will admit it stays entertaining through 90 minutes though after a while, it does becoming a bit predictable, though I will give it points for originality with ending to a certain extent 

No, again like a romantic comedy unfortunately the two leads who we follow are somewhat interesting, but not enough to hold your attention throughout the whole film where you really start to bond with them 

In fact, as a film where again some of the more supporting characters are way more interesting, and you had more screen time, but then it would probably require them to be either pulled into the plot story more killed. The audience would definitely want revenge on the slasher. 

I’m thinking, especially the best friend played by Gigi Zumbado, who the film could’ve benefited with her character being featured more or hell even being the lead character if they make a sequel to this film hopefully she will get that lead role

The film is enjoyable in a disposable way where your entertained while you watch it, but can’t see many watches and some of the scenes. Remind you so much of other horror films that either is paying two or based around. 

In fact, the only scene to me that was the most far would be that all these people are watching one of my favorite movies his girl Friday at a drive-in, even if it is Valentine’s Day.

It’s nice to see Jordana Brewster in any role that is not associated with the FAST & FURIOUS franchise 

Almost like rather than a comedy à la Simpsons episode where there’s a serial killer killing couples out and of course the city decides to still keep it Valentine’s Day celebrations going culminating and a driving and amusement park for lovers the slasher, a perfect opportunity of victims.

Not surprised that this film was also written, but some of the writers of the film’s FREAKY and IT’S A WONDERFUL KNIFE as well as TIME CUT. As this film has a similar feel. Where the concept is pushed more than anything else. Just as being directed by Josh Ruben who made WEREWOLVES WITHIN a mystery that seemed more to push the comedic elements more than the horror or mystery ones. 

Again, I don’t wanna make this film seem worse than it is as it does seem to be having a lot of fun and is made more for an audience. It’s just not a sharp as it seems to aim to be like fast food good in the moment, but overall not the best for you Nor noteworthy

Grade: C+

DANIEL ISN’T REAL (2019)

Directed By: Adam Egypt Mortimer 
Written By: Adam Egypt Mortimer & Brain Deleeuw
Based On the novel “IN THIS WAY I WAS SAVED” By: Brian Deleeuw 
Cinematography: Lyle Vincent 
Editor: Brett W. Bachman 

Cast: Miles Robbins, Patrick Schwartzenegger, Sasha Blane, Mary Stuart Masterson, Hannah Marks, Chukwudi Iwuji, Peter McRobbie

A troubled college freshman, Luke, suffers a violent family trauma. He then resurrects his charismatic childhood imaginary friend Daniel to help him cope, not realizing how dangerous Daniel is.


This is a film I truly looked forward to watching and I will say that it is the work of an original filmmaker. Who definitely has talent, unfortunately, the film never seems to rise to how strong it seems to lead. 

The film offers a tale of a schizophrenic That can be compared to or seen as a dual personality. Here that other personality corns across as a long-lost imaginary friend. Who comes back during a mental break though the film presents as more supernatural.

Though a film that is more willing to examine mental illness and the effects it can have not only on you but those around you and how it can be hereditary. 

Which leads the film to be a strong and tight thriller. As the other personality is more of a bad boy, yet comes across as a hipster jerk or A frat brother type you would think most would want to avoid. who comes across as charming to most of the female characters. 

Which makes him more believable as a sociopath. Eventually, the Film reveals why the other personality is so murderous. That might be one of the few parts of the movie that feels like it needed to be stronger or at least have a stronger explanation.

The film attempts to make the supernatural elements help to build a world. Though even once it is explained it feels a bit vague. As you want more information. Though it does leave you guessing as to whether it is truly him or a split personality or something else altogether 

One of the perks of the film is seeing Mary Stuart Masterson in a film again. Here she as usual is strong in her scenes. 

If looking for a psychological thriller that has originality and doesn’t walk the familiar beaten paths this is the film for you.

Grade: B