BLACK EYED SUSAN (2024)

Written & Directed By: Scooter McCrae

Cinematography: Anton Zion

Cast: Damian Maffei, Yvonne Emilie Thalker, Scott Fowler, Marc Romeo, Kate Kiddo, Vito Trigo

Desperate for work, Derek accepts a job replacing his recently-deceased friend at a tech startup. Continuing to develop the company’s innovative project means working intimately with Susan, a bleeding-edge BDSM sex doll meant to receive and appreciate punishment as an integral part of her evolving AI. Derek will soon test the limits of his own desires and explore the nature of man and woman, pleasure and pain, and life and death in a morally uncertain future world.


This is a tough film to talk about without spoilers

This is one of those films that almost dares you to describe it, because the moment you do, you risk ruining the very thing it’s built on: discomfort, surprise, and a slow, deliberate seduction of the viewer.

At first, it plays like something provocative for the sake of it teasing eroticism, brushing up against disgust, testing where your limits lie. But that tension feels intentional. The film isn’t just pushing buttons; it’s studying which ones you’re willing to let it press. Much like its title character, it lures you in with a kind of controlled intimacy, only to shift the ground beneath you when you think you understand the rules.

There’s a sneaky, almost anthology like quality to it, something that echoes the spirit of TALES FROM THE CRYPT mixed with THE TWILIGHT ZONE and throw in some BLACK MIRROR, but stripped of comfort and pushed further into psychological unease. It’s less interested in outright shock than in escalation. Every time it feels like the film might settle, it pivots. Every time you adjust, it sharpens.

Visually, it leans into its independent roots. There’s a rawness to the presentation that feels almost out of time reminiscent of early 2000s genre films, but the themes are distinctly modern, even uncomfortably so. The sci-fi elements are there, though used sparingly. When they do arrive, they land with purpose rather than spectacle.

What really anchors it, though, is the performance at its center. The actor behind Black Eyed Susan: Yvonne Emilie Thalker commits fully, there’s no visible safety net, no distance from the material. It’s the kind of performance that doesn’t just carry the film, it exposes it.

And make no mistake, this is not an easy watch. It’s meant to wear you down a little, to test your endurance as much as your curiosity. The film hits hard, pulls back just enough, then hits harder. Not always through violence, but through the creeping sense that it’s always one step ahead of your comfort.

The less you know going in, the better. Just understand that it’s a film built on provocation. One that invites conversation, maybe even confrontation, long after it ends.

Whether it’s worth the experience, that’s part of the question it leaves behind.

Grade: B 

SCARED SHITLESS (2024)

Directed By: Viveno Caldinelli

Written By: Brandon Cohen 

Cinematography: Rudolf Blahacek

Editor: Christopher Minns 

Cast: Steven Ogg, Daniel Doheny, Chelsea Clark, Marcia Bennett, Mark McKinney, Brynn Godenir, Don Tripe, Lorna Wilson 

A plumber and his germophobic son are forced to get their hands dirty to save the residents of an apartment building, when a genetically engineered, blood-thirsty creature escapes into the plumbing system.


This film stayed constantly entertaining even if at times it is in bad taste, but that is half the fun of the film where sometimes, it just feels so wrong that it’s right.

The film isn’t exactly something you’ve never seen before. It’s your typical monster film. Only it happens to involve a creature that mainly stays in the sewage system in a building’s toilets.

This would’ve been the type of trauma would’ve definitely put out back in the day or the type of midnight movie you’d see on USA’s up all night. This is the tyoenyoynaccisentoy discover in a video store or on Late night cable. Under the influence and go with it’s Off kilter appeal 

Luckily, at only 75 minutes it never overstays its welcome and seems a perfect length for its story and premise. It has its fair share of laughs and scares with plenty of shock comedy as most of the victims tend to be elderly people.

It feels more classic old school with its practical special effects and creature design throughout, but doesn’t give much explanation of why but you enjoy nonetheless.

Not surprised that this film is Executive produced by Steven Kostanski (PSYCHO GOREMAN, THE VOID) especially considering the material. 

Luckily, not as gross as one might expect, although a little nasty and somewhat graphic when it comes to the violence. 

It never runs out of fuel though of course leave room for a sequel which one wouldn’t mind. 

Grade: C+ 

YOUR VICE IS A LOCKED ROOM AND ONLY I HAVE THE KEY (1972)

Directed By: Sergio Martino

Written By: Sauro Scavolini, Ernesto Scavolini and Adriano Balzoni

Story By: Sauro Scavolini and Luciano Martino

Based On the story “THE BLACK CAT” By: Edgar Allan Poe 

Cinematography: Giancarlo Ferrando 

Editor: Attilio Vincioni

Cast: Edwige French, Anita Strinberg, Luigi Pistilli, Angela La Vorgna, Ivan Rassimov, Daniela Giordano, Ermelinda De Felice, Enrica Bonaccorti 

A string of murders are committed near the estate of a degenerate author, whose abusive relationship with his wife is further complicated by the arrival of his manipulative niece.


Always a fan of longer movie titles as they come across poetic and almost like the log line or heart of the film. Then again it could just be the translation of the title in English from Italy. When actually it’s based on a line from the film’s director Sergio Martino’s earlier and much better film THE STRANGE VICE OF MRS. VARDH 

This twisted erotic thriller that has giallo implications. Only other than the beautiful lead Anita Strinberg everything else comes across not glamorous and even ugly. Not as stylish as it seems to try to be. Though the film can be sexy at times and has at least one memorable seductive sex scene. The females amongst the cast are the only beauty this film ends up having other then maybe production design. 

One can see why the leading man played by Luigi Pistilli is mad throughout. He’s A suspect in a few murders of female companions and lusting after Edwige French’s character. Who is supposed to be his niece. She is not only ravishing but She seems to have sex with every other character except for him at least for most of the film

No, as the film and lead are so abusive and misogynistic it’s hard to see where exactly the movie is going or care about most of the characters.

Only one main character approaches any sympathy the only other decent characters are supporting or die way too soon

No, the film is abuse and violence as foreplay as the main couple have a dysfunctional, almost S&M relationship not that the fetish factor makes it dysfunctional as that can be normal. Their relationship has just too many problems throughout.

The lead characters, horrible teeth don’t exactly help sell them as likable or even handsome maybe in a rugged British or masculine manly way that was more in vogue at the time, but once the story does come back into focus and spells it out a little more and you feel the same

The film isn’t stylish enough to really impress or make an audience take notice. The soundtrack isn’t really that impressive either as it becomes more annoying at times as it goes along and even at a little over 90 minutes, this film could’ve been shorter, but that would take away from the films atmosphere that keeps trying to build

The inclusion of an African-American character only to be fetishized and brutalized quickly, but that is how the film treats most of the female characters, including random ones only one of them ever truly takes command to make sure she doesn’t stay that way well the other one tries

The ending makes up for it, but it takes so long to get to it to showcase and explain why certain actions needed to be taken and the relationships between certain characters

Ms. French is no slouch, but not as grand. Even as a moral conniver. If one has seen enough of these movies for all the twists and surprises the filmmakers try to give. You can figure out the ending pretty easily. As it reminds you of a TALES FROM THE CRYPT  episode that guy was on for too long and isn’t as fun though perfectly fits.

Though that is also where the film truly gets interesting while offering an Edgar Allan Poe type ending. Which upon research is what the film is based on. 

Grade: C 

PULSE (1988)

Written & Directed By: Paul Golding 

Cinematography: Peter Lyons Collister 

Editor: Gib Jaffe 

Cast: Joey Lawrence, Cliff De Young, Roxanne Hart, Bill Durham, Dennis Redfield, Matthew Lawrence, Robert Romanus, Myron D. Healy

A visiting son tries to warn his father and stepmother that they are being menaced by a living and intelligent pulse of electricity that moves from house to house and terrorizes the residents therein.


What is interesting is that This film works sort of like the FINAL DESTINATION movies where there is no real villain. It’s like that happening. It’s just happenstance or recurrent that is focused yet random something you can’t really fight against as it has no face or human form. The people who are affected have very little defense, other than just general survival.

So that we watch the deterioration of a family that is affected by this that was already rather fragile, though at the heart of the film it also shows the strength of the family as they discover the problem and try to come together to survive and hopefully solve or defeat what is attacking them

I would say this film is more an introductory horror film as it’s a little too gruesome for children, but it plays almost like a family film with some heart elements. There is one death in the film, but it’s off screen, though the film is filled with a lot of tension.

Originally this film was meant to be a big summer release of 1988 after the executive in charge was replaced by Don Steele side of the studio. She’s seemingly did not want to really have to deal with his slate films that were left so this was released in certain territories in the Midwest before being buried on cable and then video stores whereas originally the promotion was to be a big summer release for the studio with plenty of money and budget behind. It’s promotion.

So far, this is one of the better  movies I’ve seen that Joey Lawrence has a big Role in and even managed to find a role for his younger brother Matthew, where they don’t play as related.

Well, this film might be a little more tame for a modern audience. This could’ve easily been one of the more scarier ambulance type movies where adults are involved, but it’s mostly the kids were on screen and experiencing things and there is a chance of danger for them as ambulance films play more to the adventure angle.

It does feel a little familiar to poltergeist in some ways, as well as having an older man character again, who feels reminiscent of a character from poltergeist, only dressed in Indiana Jones‘s wardrobe, for whatever reason

Is a film that does show a lot of originality and imagination, even if it doesn’t have a flare for the dramatics, nor is it as show off as it could’ve been it stays grounded, which helps it feel a little more reality based. 

Grade: C+

THEY WILL KILL YOU (2026)

Directed By: Kirill Sokolov

Written By: Kirill Sokolov And Alex Litvak

Cinematography: Isaac Bauman

Editor: Luke Doolan

Cast: Zazie Beetz, Myha’la, Patricia Arquette, Tom Felton, Heather Graham, Paterson Joseph, Willie Ludik, Angus Sampson 

A woman takes a job as a housekeeper in a NYC high-rise, unaware of the building’s history of disappearances. She soon realizes the community is shrouded in mystery.


Zazie Beetz is clearly a star and hopefully this leads to not only more roles but more action leading roles. I wish I could say a star is born, but she has been working for quite a while and always had the talent. Though here she has finally gotten a role to show it and prove it 

This film Reminds one of the director Kirill Sokolov previous film WHY DON’T YOU JUST DIE! (Which I was a big fan of) though not as good. This one has a bigger budget, cast and star power. 

It has the Same contained action and single location though working with a much bigger canvas and the space offering more inventiveness. 

While Not as action packed as expected. It still has thrills all through the film and it feels like a rollercoaster ride. So that it stays fun for the audience. 

The film’s  first half is awesome then it calms down. it keeps trying to stay captivating but seems to run out of steam halfway through. it stays entertaining but seems to Keep saying or presenting the same thing. Even as we learn more about characters and motivations through flashbacks.

The film is  Obvious in its Quentin Tarantino influences. As it does feel like a combination of other movie influences. Though making itself an original. 

The film is Very over the top violent. As Each new scene adds some layers to th film. As we get flashbacks that fill in the background 

We need to get more films like this, that are genre mixed but also have an excitement about them that you can tell by the filmmaking. That audiences are hungry for that feels Familiar but original and not an extension of a franchise. That can also have some depth to back them up and be more than artistic genre exercises. Though also adds some fun into it all while having a craft 

It feels like a film made for film fans and general audiences alike and both can appreciate fo various reasons.

Watching the film it. Makes me kick myself for not taking to Zazie Beetz or at least acknowledging I knew who she was and saying hello to her in the comic book store FORBIDDEN PLANET years ago right around the time she was announced to be in DEADPOOL 2, As the character Domino. She is as beautiful and awesome Im Person as she is on screen. Her and Nathalie Emmanuel are needed in more leading roles stat.

Extra Points: for the Playing Ryan Gosling’s band DEAD MAN’S BONES song LOSE YOUR SOUL on the soundtrack, Still hoping they do another record, love the album. 

GRADE: B-

WAKE UP (2023)

Directed By: Anouk Whissell & Yoann-Karl Whissell

Written By: Alberto Marini

Based on A story/idea By: Martin Soudan 

Cinematography: Leo Hinstin

Editor: Joris Laquittant and Francois Simard 

Cast: Turlough Convery, Benny O. Arthur, Jaqueline More, Thomas Gould, Alessia Yoko Fontana, Kyle Scudder, Aidan O’Hare, Charlotte Stobier 

In an attempt to draw attention to the environmental crisis, young activists decide to invade and vandalize a furniture store. The protest quickly turns into a massacre when they find themselves trapped with a hunting-obsessed night guard.


This feels like a pretty basic horror set up. Where the characters are pretty much put into place and the inciting incident that triggers the so-called beast or monster is unleashed. While we watch the core group get killed off in continuously gory and hopefully inventive even maybe shocking Ways.

This movie is under 90 minutes but feels longer for some reason. Even though it is pretty cut and dry. While it takes its time getting to the action.

What saves the film is the third act where it finally feels like it’s moving and trying to be creative. Especially as that is when the film chooses to humanize the victims, somewhat. So that the audience cares more than the type of characters we have been presented with. As when they do start to get eliminated there is very little to react to as we barely know them.

The only thing that humanizes them and truly reminds us that this shouldn’t be seen as fun and entertainment and tries to make the film that much more a tragedy, is when one character says “They’re just kids” 

The only problem is that the film seems to have so much fun at their dismissals. Including a quite cruel ending and a cynical bumper at the end. So that it seems half hearted or like a cynical joke. There only to up the ante for the audience. The filmmakers saying see it’s much worse then you think.

The cast is diverse, as they are disposed of equally. Though the main perpetrators and cowards seem to be the Caucasian characters. 

It’s a perfectly fine time waster but there is nothing that special about the film. It’s entertaining and realizes to not wear out it’s welcome.

Grade: C-

MARSHMALLOW (2025)

Directed By: Daniel Delpurgatorio 

Written By: Andy Greskoviak 

Cinematography: Flip Vandewal 

Editor: Andy Palmer 

Cast: Paul Soter, Corbin Bernsen, Pierson Fode, Giorgia Whigham, Kai Cech, Alysia Reiner, Amiya Cech, Maxwell Whittington-Cooper, Amanda Clayton, Max Malas, Samantha Neyland Trumbo 

When a once-fabled campfire tale becomes real, a group of campers uncover a profound secret that questions their very existence.


First off want to thank screen-centered.com aka Myriamtalksaloy  for her initial review and recommendation of this film 

A lot of movie fans say that there is no originality out there. Well, I am glad to say this film proves them wrong because what starts out as a typical summer camp/or film evolves into something totally different and original.

Which is why I would suggest watching the film blind, before reading this review, because there will be spoilers and hints towards what happens and where it goes.

I truly enjoyed this film, especially because of what it was able to do which was keep you guessing and throw me off quite a few times. It offers the traditional coming-of-age summer camp story, but then adds in something a bit different.

As the film plays like a horror film specifically for kids while being a typical summer camp horror film, with characters a bit younger than expected. Then it offers twist upon twists, that feed upon each other. that it could almost play or be a GOOSEBUMPS tale as I’m sure many will compare to an M night shamalayan film 

If you go, expecting something he’ll be able to pick up on the choice sooner and faster. One is quite surprised by some reactions.

As just because if it has a twist ending, doesn’t mean we should label it as instantly M night. Shamalayan rip off as this place is better that some of his film story wise.(though he has a better eye as a director and sensationalize his material a lot more. Which then makes you expect the twist.) 

This is a tricky film as it did surprise and entertain, but it didn’t amaze or offer the same level of production or direction as the film has a good idea in decent filmmaking, though it doesn’t come off as memorable

Now the film seems aimed at kids featuring very little violent, though there is violence and a little exploitation, as it does offer a sexy, no nudity and not as graphic as it could’ve been, but it’s there. As this comes off almost as a more violent AMBLIN movie type tale. Not necessarily distinct though the story is. Though the problem would be if it was more distinct, it might tip off the audience.

Why are so many complaining. it’s not stupid and backs itself up with its twist and turns as it goes in many directions sometimes opposing each other, but feel it is more growing in those create and show the pains of it. Which can happen in world building, though by the end it feels fresh and enjoyable tale.

The problem  is that we as movie goers and audience is complained. There is nothing new or that there’s no originality then when we get some bitch about the so-called plot holes and problems or nitpick it to death, yet support the same old stories only done more modern with bigger names behind the scenes, and we tend to pray over praise when something is decent and does its job as more and more today it seems such a rarity for a film really to be that way so that when something is good, we give it too much credit and treat it like it’s great when actually, it might be average at best. depending on your basis of what makes a good movie or what you score a movie on or by that would definitely recommend this film as it touches all the bases 

The film is modern yet seems more 1980s inspired. It switches gears with each new discovery, but does it with subtlety,

I’m going to need a sequel to this film ASAP before the characters and kids age out. Which should be easy based on what is hinted at in the finale.

Grade: B

NIGHT OF THE REAPER (2025)

Directed by: Brandon Christensen 

Written By: Brandon Christensen and Ryan Christensen

Cinematography: Clayton Moore 

Cast: Jessica Clement, Ryan Robbins, Summer H. Howell, Matty Finochio, Ben Cockell, Keegan Connor Tracy, Savannah Miller, Bryn Samuel

College student Deena visits home and is roped into babysitting. The local sheriff is mailed a piece of evidence and is led on a scavenger hunt to reveal the killer of another babysitter.

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This is one of the streaming channel SHUDDER’s originals that comes from Canada. this film, please like a modern update of a slasher film though unfortunately it plays like a typical one, not a supernatural/more of the human variety that by the end one unmasked doesn’t really have a good enough or really tight reason for their actions but works just enough for the film.

The film offers a harder opening scene than usual in these films, or there is real threat of children being killed

When can appreciate the homage and throwback qualities of the film? While luckily the film manages to save itself and add some surprises in a third act because everything before it is kind of run of the mill. But what a third act, which is when the film truly becomes thrilling as it kind of saved the film and set it apart from others of its elk. As what team playing at first, but want to start cooking got spicy.

They said in a suburban town everything feels darker than it needs to be as far as atmosphere characters the luckily not visually. Is the film does offer a good set up

In the end, this film pretty much PLEASE still like a beginner horror film, but a little harder than most of the ones I usually suggest if only because of the violence, as this is a good film for those who wanna get into hard and haven’t seen that many.

Casting-wise wise the film is great. Though why Bella throne doesn’t get into these types of horror films escapes me. 

Grade: C 

DIRECTOR’S CUT (2024)

Written & Directed By: Don Capria

Cinematography: Bliss Bussant 

Editor: Noah Marks

Cast: Louis Lombardi, Lucy Hart, Tyler Ivey, Danielle Kotch, Brandy Ochoa, Louis Rocky Bacigalupo, Greg Poppa, Haley Cassidy, Darren Kickok 

Excited to shoot their first music video, a punk rock band ventures into the woods of P.A. never to return.


Should’ve known better going into this was hoping it would be more fun than it actually is as this seems like this should have been more of a Tubi premier horror film due to its nature and lower budget.

It’s not quite a failure, but it has issues and its problems. For instance One of the only Caucasian actresses in the film, of course ends up being the final group, which is rather disappointing not that the film has a big cast. But the only other Caucasian woman is a villain, so all the few people of color unfortunately might not make it to the end and then one has a partial sex or intimate scene that wasn’t needed which just shows the exploitation factor and while I’m not claiming racism, it just seems to Stay and remain in the same old tropes and stereotypical roles

Not that this offer that surprises or should really expect it to be anything different as it plays pretty much basic throughout Moore and exploitative B movie that while not quite tongue and cheek feels that way 

The film has an interesting concept, though you can see the so-called surprises coming easily . So the film place predictable and though desperate in their situation, you also feel the characters would know better.

As the film isn’t the most original, it doesn’t really offer too many surprises or anything to subvert the film in anyway which would be welcome. As the film does try to offer a bit of exploitation, but never quite gives enough.

The violence throughout seems to be more an afterthought. as again we see the application in the aftermath, but not necessarily the actual application of it

The film seems to have an hour of set up then in the last 30 minutes, decides to be violent and light torture porn as it seems to remember what type of film it’s supposed to b. The hour seems to want to set up the characters, their dilemmas, a few secrets, and the drama within the group. One only wishes they were more interesting as it is a very good looking cast not quite WB level, but very high catching.

It’s nice to see Lewis Lombardi as the lead, even if the film doesn’t offer any real subtlety to the character and already seems to aggressive within their first meeting, whereas you would think you would be more nurturing, so it already rings the bell for the alarms of his true nature 

Towards the end, the film chooses to reveal a trans actress and it’s Just filmed and introduced in such a weird way as to add another level of inclusion

Grade: D 

28 YEARS LATER: THE BONE TEMPLE (2026)

Directed By: Nia DaCosta

Written By: Alex Garland

Cinematography: Sean Bobbitt

Editor: Jake Roberts 

Cast: Ralph Fiennes, Alfie Williams, Jack O’Connell, Erin Kellyman, Emma Laird, Chi Lewis-Parry, Mirren Mack, Louis Ashbourne Serkis, Connor Newall 

As Spike is inducted into Jimmy Crystal’s gang on the mainland, Dr. Kelson makes a discovery that could alter the world.


A sequel, the second film in a plan trilogy of 28 years later continues from where the last film left off with a refines still running his patch of land and dealing with the tree trunk Alpha zombie known as Sampson and strangely finding him as a savage companion. yet also trying to cure him. Yes again there is full frontal. 

the character of Spike is  introduced in indoctrinated into the gang of the Jimmy’s and violent apocalyptic cult based on the Teletubbies and the late disgraced comedian Jimmy Saville 

As they wear color coated, Adidas track suits and wigs the same color and style as Jimmy Savile lead by a self appointed leader, who says that Satan speaks to him, and that they are his hand to save and savage those they come across unless they can prove themselves in a fight, one on one, then they can join the gang

Two parallel plot lines that you know eventually are going to have to intersect, but getting there is quite brutal. This film is much more violent than the first 28 YEARS LATER, but is also kind of more savage did that film in on screen violence against uninfected, humans and psychologically.

That leads to question what is worse those who are infected, and don’t know any better going off what they believe their thoughts and mind is telling them or humans who choose to massacre and pillage by choice rather than necessity

It also shows the danger of idolatry and believing in false gods and how it can lead down a dark road, leaving you worse for where if not completely destroying you, as you do the bidding of the one you have faith in who has you commit things against your own morals for them getting your own hands dirty for their sins. 

As the Jimmy’s are all young, looking for survival and needing something to believe in and here comes this so-called leader who brainwashes them and use them for his own ends, giving way to darker impulses just as the real life Jimmy Savile was well beloved, but a monster who sexually abuse children and women in plain sight, but was so beloved no one dared think bad of him and even celebrated him.

Now, while all that is going on the film does keep up the tension, action and thrills throughout and director needed. DaCosta gets to build off of the world that was created by Danny Boyle in the first film working with the same Screenwriter Alex Garland here we get more of the desperate landscape away from the small village of the first film that we got glimpses and travel through, but now get a little more into the different settlements and mindset of those who have made it on this mainland for so long

Wow, this is certainly a thrill for fans of the franchise in those following discontinuing story. It still doesn’t feel a satisfactory as it’s supposed to be a continuation, though it feels more like a sequel. As for some this film will remind them of STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI after THE FORCE AWAKENS as well. It continues. The story of characters were introduced in the first film. It feels like a side step a side story or a level that the characters have to go through to make it to the next one the finale, though it also gains some new characters or at least one to continue onto the next one and eliminate some that were introduced in the first film. It also charged the evolution of the characters. Expanding the corners of the lands.

Though with all of this discovery, for some odd reason, it doesn’t come across as ultimately fulfilling it’s not worthy, but for some odd reason, it feels like there should be more, and I say this as a fan of the franchise and films.

At least this one has a little bit more of a slight sense of humor, even if dark at times as well as refines having more screen time and still managing to steal the movie

The middle of the film even has a long drawn out scene at a survival farmhouse that becomes a torture session that feels elongated. It might remind some viewers of the movie DETROIT only thankfully here it is more made up by Screenwriter, whereas unfortunately what happened in the movie DETROIT is based on historical fact.

It also has a few more pop, culture references, and music hits rather than any original score or soundtrack that was quite strong and helped support the first film of this current hopefully trilogy.

It hints at rather than opens up all these deep meanings, ideas and thoughts made. Truly giving you something to think about afterwards and more than just simple entertainment.

The cast is all excellent especially one of my favorite actors Ralph Fiennes, the scene stealer of the film is Erin Kellyman, as one of the rebellious jimmy’s 

The film is in a failure by any means and should delight most audience has messed up as it ends up being though it’s just not a total victory. But leaves you with plenty to think about if you choose to look past, the film has just entertain entertainment.

It also involves an ending that helps to bring the film’s full circle and stay connected. 

Grade: B-