Movie Review - Amsterdamned 2

Director: Dick Maas
Genre: Thriller/ Action/ Horror/ Crime
Runtime: 110 minutes
Year: 2025
Starring: Huub Stapel, Holly Mae Brood, Ruben Brinkman, Tatum Dagelet, Pierre Bokma, Pieter van der Sman, Patrick Stoof
 
Description: A killer is terrorizing the canals of Amsterdam, with young detective Tara Lee on the case. They call in the help of former detective Eric Visser, now retired, who dealt with a similar case over thirty years ago.
 
Review: In “Amsterdamned 2” there is yet another killer on the loose, taking his victims in the canals of Amsterdam. Detective Tara Lee is lead on the case. Retiree Eric Visser returns to Amsterdam to help out, since he dealt with a similar case in the 1980s.

This film didn’t need a sequel. This was made purely for nostalgic reasons. And although very entertaining and enjoyable, “Amsterdamned 2” is doing much of the same as the first film. The plot is weak and the conclusion is very unsatisfying.

Thr return of Huub Stapel is the highlight though, and he has great chemistry with Holly Mae Brood. Both performances are solid. Many nods to the original, with the humor and another canal chase scene.

“Amsterdamned 2” was not necessary, but still fun. You do need to have seen the first, to understand some plot points and some nods, but overall an enjoyable film if you liked the original.

Rating: 3/ 5

80s Movie Review - Amsterdamned

Director: Dick Maas
Genre: Action/ Horror/ Thriller/ Crime
Runtime: 114 minutes
Year: 1988
Starring: Huub Stapel, Monique van de Ven, Wim Zomer, Serge-Henri Valcke, Hidde Maas, Lou Landré, Tatum Dagelet

Description: A hard-boiled police detective (Huub Stapel) sets out to capture a gruesome serial killer terrorizing the canals in Amsterdam.

Review: The is a murderer terrorizing the canals in Amsterdam. Police detective Eric Visser is trying to find out who is killing all these innocent people.

“Amsterdamned” is considered a very “un-Dutch” spectacular, entertaining action thriller. It’s directed by Dick Maas, praised for its thrilling canal chase and atmosphere.

It’s an exciting story with a good whodunnit, but it is predictable at times. The performances by the main actors is solid, the supporting roles are a bit weaker.

It’s an entertaining film and a classic in Dutch cinema within its genre.

Rating: 3/ 5

Director: Rian Johnson
Genre: Mystery/ Thriller
Runtime: 144 minutes
Year: 2025
Starring: Daniel Craig, Josh O’Connor, Josh Brolin, Glenn Close, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Jeremy Renner, Thomas Haden Church, Mila Kunis, Cailee Spaeny, Jeffrey Wright, Daryl McCormack
 
Description: Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) returns for his most dangerous case yet.
 
Review: Director Rian Johnson has never made a secret of his deep-rooted love for old-fashioned murder mysteries. That make two of us. His “Knives Out” films, this being the third in the series, are a clear tribute to Agatha Christie, with the only regular being Benoit Blanc, as a contemporary Hercule Poiroit.

“Knives Out” became an instant all-time favorite, having rewatched it many times already. The second film, “Glass Onion”, took some time to get used to, mainly because the setting felt less Christie-esk, but loved the mystery jus as much. And I absolutely loved “Wake Up Dead Man”. This film feels a bit more like “Knives Out”, when it comes to vibes and atmosphere, and yet again a clever whodunnit with a stellar cast and lots of humor.

The atmosphere is grim and leans towards a gothic mystery, with a church in New York State as a setting. The script is great, full of humor, witty dialogue and social commentary (the Christian right wing and tolerance being highlighted).

That Daniel Craig is great as Benoit Blanc, is a given by now. I actually think this is his best role ever, and not James Bond. I know, a hot take. The star-studded cast deliver solid performances, such as Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Jeremy Renner and Kerry Washington. But Josh O’Connor as priest Jud is particularly noteworthy. His complex characters often steals the show and he forms a great duo with Blanc.

Some critics say it’s the best film in the franchise, or at least almost as good as the first film. Well, I am officially giving this film a 5-star rating, just like the other two. Making it a strong, solid, amazing murder mystery series. And I will be rewatching this film many time over.

Rating: 5/ 5

Book Review - The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Title: The Great Gatsby
Author: F. Scott Fitzgerald
Genre: Classic/ Fiction
Published: 1925
 
Description: There was music from my neighbour’s house through the summer nights. In his blue gardens men and girls came and went like moths among the whispering and the champagne and the stars’. Everybody who is anybody is seen at the glittering parties held in millionaire Jay Gatsby’s mansion in West Egg, east New York. The riotous throng congregates in his sumptuous garden, coolly debating Gatsby’s origins and mysterious past. None of the frivolous socialites understands him and among various rumors is the conviction that he killed a man. A detached onlooker, Gatsby is oblivious to the speculation he creates, but always seems to be watching and waiting, though no one knows what for. As the tragic story unfolds, Gatsby’s destructive dreams and passions are revealed, leading to disturbing consequences.
 
Review: “The Great Gatsby” is considered a timeless classic. I has an atmospheric description of the decadent age of the 1920s and F. Scott Fitzgerald’s poetic writing style.
 
The characters a lively and complex and Jay Gatsby himself is the ultimate, naïve dreamer. The books shows a cynical view of the American Dream, social classes, illusion vs. reality and the destructive power of dreams.
 
The book has a very slow start. It was hard to get into it. And for a book that is under 200 pages, that’s an issue. The start was a bit boring to me as well. The love story was too sentimental and Gatsby saying “old sport” every three sentences really annoyed me as the story went on.
 
I understand the reason why it’s a classic, why people love it. I just don’t think it’s the literary masterpiece people claim it to be. It’s a hot take, but I believe it’s a tad overrated.
 
Rating: 3/ 5

Movie Review - One Battle After Another

Director: Paul Thomas Anderson
Genre: Thriller/ Crime/ Action/ Drama
Runtime: 161 minutes
Year: 2025
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Benicio Del Toro, Chase Infinity, Regina Hall, Teyana Taylor
 
Description: When their evil enemy resurfaces after 16 years, a group of ex-revoltionaries reunite to rescue the daughter of one of their own.
 
Review: There are few director-screenwriters whose every film is a hit. Think of Denis Villeneuve and Christopher Nolan. Paul Thomas Anderson certainly belongs on that list. With the political satire “One Battle After Another”, he adds another gem to his oeuvre. The film is so compelling and layered that you hardly notice it last 160 minutes.

Left-wing revolutionary Bob Ferguson, also know as Ghetto Pat, joins the radical action group French 75 – named after the explosive cocktail – led by the wild, untamable Perfidia. He falls for her, and together they begin a passionate relationship. During a liberation action to free migrants from a detention camp, Perfidia humiliates Colonel Steven J. Lockjaw, who gets a sexual kick out of it. From that moment on, he tries to dominate her and believes he succeeds. Later, Bob and Perfidia have a daughter, Willa, but Perfidia refuses to take on the role of mother.

Sixteen years later, single father Bob takes care of teenage Willa. All this time, he was a dormant revolutionary who filled his days with alcohol, drugs and watching old classic films about revolutions such as Battle of Algiers. When Lockjaw reappears, the threat flares up again. He wants to join a club of white supremacists who worship Santa Claus. In order not to jeopardize his membership, Lockjaw must do everything he can to erase all evidence of sexual contact with a black woman. He organizes a raid and leads a militia to the place where Bob and Willa are hiding.

Paul Thomas Anderson is an intelligent filmmaker who refuses to be put into one genre, always trying something new and striving for originality and complexity. In that respect, “One Battle After Another” is no exception to his earlier masterpieces. Anderson was inspired by the book “Vineland”, the absurdist thriller by Thomas Pynchon.

Anderson’s film is set in the present and depicts recognizable situations from the current US, but visually and thematically refers to the 1970s. The whole thing feels both retro and modern at the same time: as if time has stood still and nothing has changed.

The film is so rich that you spend hours analyzing it. On one level, it’s a story about a child caught between two superegos: one radically left-wing, the other radically right-wing and extremely racist. On another lever, it is the quest of a disillusioned father who has lost his way but wants to regain his last shred of humanity – his daughter. And on yet another level, the films works as a metaphor for a weary left that must contend with stupid extreme right-wingers and racism.

Anderson provides the necessary perspective. As a satire, “One Battle After Another” is also rich in humor. Leonardo DiCaprio is the epitome of wit as Anderson’s version of the Dude (from “The Big Lebowski”) – bathrobe included. And Sean Penn deserves a medal for his portrayal of the most hideous and pathetic racist in years.

It is doubtful whether the whole of the US will embrace it. Despite the highly original car chase, this is clearly not a work that will appeal to fundamentalist, far-right viewers who have no sympathy for migrants and those who think differently. This will probably be my favorite film of the year.

Rating: 5/ 5

Book Review - Annie Bot by Sierra Greer

Title: Annie Bot
Author: Sierra Greer
Genre: Science Fiction
Published: 2024
 
Description: Annie Bot was created to be the perfect girlfriend for her human owner, Doug. Designed to satisfy his emotional and physical needs, she has dinner ready for him every night, wears the cute outfits he orders for her, and adjusts her libido to suit his moods. True, she;s not the greatest at keeping Doug’s place spotless, but she’s trying to please him. She’s trying so hard.
 
She’s learning too.
 
Doug says he loves that Annie’s artificial intelligence makes her seem more like a real woman, but the more human Annie becomes the less perfectly she behaves. As Annie’s relationship with Doug grows more intricate and difficult, she starts to wonder whether Doug truly desires what he says he does. In such an impossible paradox, what does Annie owe herself?
 
Review: This is the story of Annie, who is a cuddle bunny, which is a sort of sex robot called Stella. Really advanced android robots, that look exactly like a human being. You can’t tell the difference. They have three modes: nanny mode, maid mode and cuddle bunny mode. And also two settings: a regular mode, where they are basically robotic versions of a human who follow up the orders of their owner, or autodidactic mode to allow them to learn to be more like a human but still withing the restrictions of their owner. Annie is now an autodidactic cuddle bunny.
 
We learn from the start that Annie is servicing her owner Doug sexually every day and also learn that she was based on his ex-wife. While Doug was separated from her (not even divorced), he commissioned this Stella to look like his ex. Almost identical, because the company who makes these Stellas, don’t allow for people to recreate an actual person. So Doug made some changes. His wife was a black woman, Annie’s skin is lighter. And also lightened her eyes. But aside from that, she looks like his ex-wife. He turned his ex-wife into a whitewashed sex robot, essentially. And at this point, I was already alarmed.
 
Annie feels very human at the start of the book, even though you know she is not. She is programmed a certain way of course, but still acts like a human being within her programming. So much so, that people around her don’t realize she is a Stella. Because of this, there is not a lot of room for her to grow and at the end of the book, Annie doesn’t feel all that different.
 
Doug is the absolute worst, he is a terrible person throughout the entire book. And I simply don’t understand that people around him think he is a good man. And Annie, who does develop a sense of emotion throughout the story, seems to feel that too. I know she is programmed to please him, to serve him. But there is a moment in the book where she wants to get away from him. But after that, Annie still believes he loves her and that he is a good man. HOW? Doug is abusive, treats Annie like a slave, he gaslights her. An awful human. None of his behavior is okay. Even when talking about his relationship with his ex-wife, he didn’t seem to act very different from how he is now treating Annie.
 
I found it really hard to read about several of the abusive scenes in the book. Doug verbally and emotionally abuses Annie. And there was one particular scene, where he locks Annie up while turning her libido up to a maximum of 10. And Doug is constantly playing the victim, telling Annie how she hurt him. That was horrible to read.
 
I also hated the ending, which was meant to feel empowering and feminist, but turned out to be the exact opposite in my opinion.
 
I felt like this was the type of sci-fi book I would like, the premise sounded right up my alley. But I really hated it.  
 
Rating: 2/ 5

TV Review - Stranger Things (Season 5, Volume 1)

Season: 5 – Volume 1
Genre: Thriller/ Drama/ Fantasy/ Horror
Number of episodes: 4
Year: 2019
Starring: Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Joe Keery, Sadie Sink, Priah Ferguson, Bret Gelman, Maya Hawke, Cara Buono, Linda Hamilton, Nell Fisher, Jamie Campbell Bower

Description: November, 1987. The gang evades the military to scour the Upside Down for Vecna, but fails to notice a threat lurking closer to home.
 
Review: After the long wait (3,5 years), “Stranger Things” fans can finally travel back to Hawkins, Indiana. The final season is here, or at least the first 4 episodes. Here is my in depth review for Season 5, volume 1.

WARNING! THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS!

Like last time, Netflix decided not to drop the entire season at once. The first four episode dropped, another three will be available on Christmas, and the long awaited finale will be airing on New Year’s Day.

The first episode, “The Crawl” opens to when little Will was captured and stuck in the Upside Down. Every fan still remembers this. Weakly humming to “Should I Stay or Should I Go” in the Upside Down. Although this seems to be his only safe place, a Demogorgon soon finds him. After a blood-curdling chase, Will is dragged away, taken to Vecna. At the end of season 4, it became clear that Vecna was the one who created the Upside Down and had been present from the beginning. It was Vecna all along.

Then we flash-forward to the present. Vecna has blurred the line between the Upside Down and Hawkins, by opening giant portals that split Hawkins in two. The army decided to quarantine Hawkins.
Of course our beloved Hawkins crew adapted to this situation. Robin started a radio show. Dustin wants to restart Hellfire Club, honoring his late friend Eddie, much to the dissatisfaction of some of his class mates. Eleven is actively training to stay out of the hands of the army, but Hopper won’t let her take actual action yet. The urgency to defeat Vecna seems to have disappeared, but not for long. It soon becomes apparent that Robin is sending clues to the crew via cryptic radio messages, and they develop a plan for a “crawl”: a mission to bypass the army and find out where Vecna is. Hopper will try to get into the Upside Down.

Apocalyptic urgency is mixed with everyday problem. Dustin is bullied because he wants to bring back the Hellfire Club, Robin has a new romance, and Holly has an imaginary friend. Will, Mike and Lucas notice that Dustin is bullied, and try to remind Dustin of the shared goal: find Vecna.

In the second episode, “The Vanishing of….” Will gets a vision that Holly is the possible target of a Demogorgon. Nancy and Eleven race to the house, but find only seriously injured Karen and Ted, while Holly has disappeared. Holly is taken to the Upside Down, just like Will in season 1. But the question is, why Holly? Will tries to understand what his visions mean, with Robin’s help. A new friendship between Will and Robin starts here, something we didn’t know we needed. But this newfound bond between the two feels so sweet and pure. I love these two together. And Eleven has entered the Upside Down, to go after Holly.

Mike realizes that Holly imaginary friend, who she calls Mr. Whatsit, may be a clue to her whereabouts. And Will realizes that he can see through Vecna’s eyes and can see what he sees through his targets.
“The Turnbow Trap”, the third episode, brings a surprising twist. Holly is not in a wet, dark environment, but in the Creel house. She gets her favorite foods, toys and clothes, where Mr. Whatsit aka Henry Creel, is trying to manipulate her. And he has already found his new target, which Will is trying to figure out who, but overprotective mom Joyce doesn’t want Will to face any danger.

The crew comes up with the perfect plan to protect the next target, Derek Turnbow, a classmate of Holly. What follows is a blood-curdling action scene in which the crew tries to defeat the Demogorgon before it reaches its target. Flickering lights, 80s synthpop, and strong acting give the scene and almost Spielberg-like quality. The crew manages to rescue Derek and finds an entrance to the Upside Down. Meanwhile, Hopper and Eleven find each other in the Upside Down, and search for Holly. Their search hits an impenetrable wall, while the army is still active. And Holly is joined by Max, who is still in a coma, but seems to be stuck with Holly as well.

The final episode of volume 1, “Sorcerer”, brings the storyline to an absolute boiling point: Max devises a plan to escape Vecna’s dream world, Hopper and Eleven reach the army base and Will and Vecna have a confrontation. What follows is an episode that feels like a finale, but isn’t. It makes sense now, why the Duffer Brothers decided to split the season like this. Because volume 1 ends in a massive, epic cliffhanger. An absolute magnum opus of the series. And Noah Schnapp, who plays Will, shines in these final minutes of the episode. I always knew he was the heart of the show somehow, and this episode is the proof.

Ending on such a high note, I’m so excited to see what else the Duffer Brothers have in store for us. It will be difficult to surpass that final episode. Fast forwarding to Christmas….

Book Review - Stranger Things: Worlds Turned Upside Down by Gina McIntyre

Title: Stranger Things: Worlds Turned Upside Down
Author: Gina McIntyre
Genre: Non-Fiction/ Horror
Published: 2018
 
Description: The official behind-the-scenes companion guid to the first two seasons of “Stranger Things” and beyond, featuring exclusive color photos and stunning concept art.
 
When the first season of “Stranger Things” debuted on Netflix in the summer of 2016, the show struck a nerve with millions of viewers worldwide and received broad critical acclaim. The series has gone on to win six Emmy Awards, but its success was driven more than anything by word of mouth, resonating across generations. Viewers feel personal connections to the characters. Now fans can immerse themselves in the world – or worlds – of Hawkins, Indiana, like never before.
 
Review: It’s “Stranger Things” season, so the perfect time to sit down with this behind-the-scenes look of the show. A show that has had me in its grip for almost a decade.
 
In “Stranger Things: Worlds Turned Upside Down” we take a deep dive into the first two seasons. The book offers a wealth of background information. It has detailed content, such as interviews, details about the costumes and sets, and insights into the inspiration for the series. It’s a must-have for any fan of the series.
 
Like the show, the books evokes a strong 1980s atmosphere, reinforced by a “worn” cover and the style of the interior. Is includes early concepts and talks in depth about the casting, characters and actors. It has some extras in the back, like a map of Hawkins and a Morse code table. Similar to those in the series.
 
This book is a perfect gift to any “Stranger Things” fan, as this book was also a gift to me from my good friend Merle. Devoured this book, really loved it. I’m hoping Gina McIntyre will also create books for the other 3 seasons, because I absolutely need them.
 
Rating: 4/ 5

Book Review - Het Laatste Verhaal van Jamie Gunn by Thomas Olde Heuvelt

Title: Het Laatste Verhaal van Jamie Gunn
Author: Thomas Olde Heuvelt
Genre: Horror/ Fiction
Published: 2025
 
Description: Jamie Gunn loves stories. His hero is his father, the best storyteller in the world. But then his father dies, and Jamie goes on a quest from strangers, to give meaning to his father’s death. He meets Sheila Higginbottom, a remarkable recluse who tells him the beginning of a life-threatening story. If you hear the end, you will die…
 
At a young age, Jamie breaks through as a bestselling author. His book is chilling, and spreads in unpredictable and unforeseen ways. When the disastrous effects of the book on its readings come to light, Jamie fears that the story is not yet done with him. Can he save them and himself from the end?
 
Whatever you do, don’t read the last page.
 
Review: Thomas Olde Heuvelt is a Dutch author, who became known for horror books like  “Hex” and “November” (recently released in English under the title “Darker Days”). “Het Laatste Verhaal van Jamie Gunn” (translated: The Last Story of Jamie Gunn) is his newest book, which hasn’t been released in English yet. I was already a fan of his work, but this book made me an even bigger fan. This is my favorite of his so far.
 
In “Het Laatste Verhaal van Jamie Gunn” we meet Jamie, who loves stories. His father is the best storyteller and that’s where het gets his love for stories from. When his dad passes away, Jamie needs to find a way to give his father’s death meaning. He goes to strangers and makes them tell him stories. When he meets Sheila Highbottom, she starts telling him the story that he cannot know the ending of. When Jamie grows up, he becomes a bestselling author. For his newest book he warns his readers; whatever you do, don’t read the last page. And the people who read it start seeing an entity, one that he is all to familiar with.
 
“Het Laatste Verhaal van Jamie Gunn” reads like you’re watching a film. It’s a brilliant, personal, and chilling book. It’s confusing, gruesome and ingenious. This story has so many layers and has many references to horror classics. It really challenges the reader. I found it very hard to put down. This book had me in its grip from start to finish, because of the suspenseful build-up and cliffhangers.  
 
The complex structure of the story, with layers, overlap and blur the lines between fiction and reality. You don’t always know what’s real and what’s not. Just like Jamie is experiencing. I like being challenged with my books, and this book did just that. With that, the story feels very personal. Especially after meeting Thomas Olde Heuvelt on his book tour. Because of that, I really empathized with Jamie on a deeper level.
 
The warning to not read the last page obviously triggers you, just like all the readers in the book. I still haven’t read all of his books, but of the three I have read, this is Thomas Olde Heuvelt’s best to date. And hoping for all the horror readers outside The Netherlands, that it will be translated to English very soon.
 
Rating: 5/ 5

Movie Review - Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere

Director: Scott Cooper
Genre: Drama/ Music
Runtime: 119 minutes
Year: 2025
Starring: Jeremy Allen White, Jeremy Strong, Stephen Graham, Paul Walter Hauser, Odessa Young, David Krumholtz, Gaby Hoffmann, Grace Gummer
 
Description: Bruce Springsteen’s journey crafting his 1982 album Nebraska, which emerged as he recorded Born in the USA with the E Street Band.
 
Review: “Springsteen: Deliver me From Nowhere” is a biopic about Bruce Springsteen. But not the type of biopic you would usually get when a musician’s story is told. It’s not the story of his life and the rise of him as a musical artist. We follow a specific part of his life and career, where Springsteen was writing songs for the album we now know as “Nebraska”. A very personal album, that Springsteen needed to make, when everyone around him wanted him to make an album with hits.

Bruce Springsteen is one of the most influential musicians of our time. We know a lot about his music, his life, we think we know Bruce through his music. In “Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere” director Scott Cooper focuses on a more unknown part of his life. It delves into the creation of the album “Nebraska” and shows a different, darker side of Springsteen, separate from his energetic stage persona. That the film has a darker tone, is the reason why many people don’t like this. But I believe that’s the strength of this movie. We have all seen the same type of biopic about musicians. “Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere” dares to show the darker side of Springsteen’s life. It doesn’t shy away from the pain that lies at the heart of an artist and shows that Springsteen struggled with depression. It also shows the artistic integrity that Springsteen had. The meaning of his music was more important to him than having hits. And no one supported him, but his manager Jon Landau. Who was always in his corner, he trusted Springsteen and supported him, even when he thought it wasn’t the decision he would make. This film had an emotional impact on me, I found it deeply moving and honestly told. Especially that final scene really touched me.

Jeremy Allen White portrays The Boss and I have nothing but praise for him. He managed to capture Springsteen’s intensity, rather than just imitating him. White shows the struggle Springsteen had with success and with his past. The fact that he did all the singing himself and learned how to play the guitar, just adds to that. Close your eyes and it’s like you’re listening to Bruce. And he did look the part too, he resembled a young Bruce Springsteen. Jeremy Strong delivers a great performances as well, as John Landau. And I also want to highlight Stephen Graham, as Bruce’s father. I can never fault him, but the few scenes Graham is in, really impacted the story.

I was surprised that this film didn’t do that well at the box office, but also not so surprised. And the ratings are average. I feel like people expected a very Hollywood-like biopic, all sunshine and rainbows. The story of a young Bruce, who started making music and then breaks though. We’ve seen it way too many times, so I can only praise Cooper for showing the emotion, the depth, the darker side of the life of one of the most successful rock stars. Because the album this film focuses on, “Nebraska”, reflects this as well. To me it was a perfect movie and a must-see for every Bruce Springsteen fan. I saw it with my dad, who is a big fan, and he was amazed by the film. That says a lot for someone who only stays awake during war or action movies. Take it from me, this film did so much for me and I think “Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere” is one of the best films I’ve seen this year.

Rating: 5/ 5

Book Review - Home is Where the Bodies Are by Jeneva Rose

Title: Home is Where the Bodies are
Author: Jeneva Rose
Genre: Thriller/ Mystery
Published: 2024
 
Description: After their mother passes, three estranged siblings reunite to sort out her estate. Beth, the oldest, never left home. She stayed with her mom until the very end. Nicole, the middle child, has been kept at arm’s length due to her ongoing battle with a serious drug addiction. Michael, the youngest, lives out of state and hasn’t been back to their small Wisconsin town since their father ran out on them seven years before.
 
While going though their parents’ belongings, the siblings stumble upon a collection of home videos and decide to revisit those happier memories. However, the nostalgia is cut short when one of the VHS tapes reveals a night back in 1999 that none of them have any recollection of. On screen, their father appears covered in blood. What follows is a dead body and a pact between their parents to get rid of it, before the video abruptly ends.
 
Beth, Nicole and Michael must now decide whether to leave the past in the past or uncover the dark secret their mother took to her grave.
 
Review: “Home is Where the Bodies Are” is a psychological thriller about three estranged siblings who return to their childhood home after they mother passes away. While cleaning out the house, they find a video tape from 1999 that shows their dad, who ran out on the family seven years ago, covered in blood and a dead body on the floor.
 
Thriller and horror books about family dynamics, estranged families or dysfunctional families, somehow always trigger me. I’m drawn to them, maybe because my own family is very close, I like reading about families who are the opposite of that.
 
I found the story very compelling and one that keeps you guessing until the end. I loved that. “Home is Where the Bodies Are” has a suspenseful family dynamic, a surprising ending, it’s a bit depressing, but it has some really good twists. Although I do believe you can predict the plot, it would have still been satisfying for me. The story takes some time to get going, but once they find that video tape, you won’t be able to put it down.
 
The story is told from different perspectives: the three siblings Beth, Nicole and Michael. The characters are believable and damaged, and very interesting to read about them. Probably because they are so flawed.
 
I didn’t expect to like this book this much, it’s a great thriller. Whether you will like it or not, depends on how surprising this book is for you. I wasn’t expecting most of the twists, thought they were well done. But there are people who predicted it earlier on, the reading experience might be different for them. I can just tell you that it’s not obvious or on the nose and I would recommend this to thriller readers.
 
Rating: 4,5/ 5

Movie Review - Frankenstein

Director: Guillermo del Toro
Genre: Horror/ Fantasy
Runtime: 149 minutes
Year: 2025
Starring: Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth, Christoph Waltz, Charles Dance, David Bradley. Lars Mikkelsen, Felix Kammerer, Ralph Ineson
 
Description: Dr. Victor Frankenstein (Oscar Isaac), a brilliant but egotistical scientist, brings a creature (Jacob Elordi) to life in a monstrous experiment that ultimately leads to the undoing of both the creator and his tragic creature.
 
Review: I think “Frankenstein” is one of the books with the most movie adaptations in its name. And if I could have chosen a director for the 2025 version, I would have definitely picked Guillermo del Toro. He is suited for this story, he knows how to visualize classics like “Frankenstein”. And I wasn’t wrong, because it’s so good.

We all know the story. Victor Frankenstein is an ambitious, somewhat egotistical scientist, who brings a creature to life. This eventually leads to the undoing of both him and his creation.

Guillermo del Toro manages to bring Mary Shelley’s gothic style to life. The visuals are stunning. The aesthetics, the sets, costumes and atmosphere are all spot on.  The film is layered, which is closer to Mary Shelley’s book and explores important themes such as creation, humanity and identity. The focus on the romantic connection between the monster and Elizabeth, and Victor’s resulting jealousy is an interesting addition to the original story.

The performances are really strong. The absolute star is Oscar Isaac, who portrays a layered Dr. Frankenstein and conveys his madness fantastically. Jacob Elordi is a surprising choice for the monster. He breaks through his “hunk” image he built up with previous roles. He plays the role credibly and vulnerably. Mia Goth and Christoph Waltz proves strong supporting roles and add extra color to the ensemble.

Many people criticize the slow pace, but they clearly never read the book. I think the pacing is perfect, taking time to tell the story and get to know the characters. It’s a long film, but I never felt that.
I absolutely loved this adaptation of “Frankenstein”.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

Movie Review - F1

Director: Joseph Kosinksi
Genre: Action/ Drama
Runtime: 155 minutes
Year: 2025
Starring: Brad Pitt, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem, Damson Idris, Tobias Menzies
 
Description: A Formula 1 Driver (Brad Pitt) comes out of retirement to mentor and team up with a younger driver (Damson Idris).
 
I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2025 MOVIE CHALLENGE
WEEK 45: A FILM WITH BRAD PITT
 
Review: For fans of Formula 1, this popcorn flick is a big treat. But even I, someone who has no interest in Formula 1 whatsoever, enjoyed it.

Brad Pitt plays Sonny Hayes, a professional driver who comes out of retirement to help the team of an old friend, which is on the verge of disappearing completely.

The visuals are impressive and realistic. The racing action scenes look fantastic. I can tell you that Formula isn’t that exciting in real life, but in this movie I was on the edge of my seat. I think this film would be a great experience on the big screen. The cinematography and camera work are amazing.
Brad Pitt’’s charm always wins me over. Even though he isn’t always very likeable, his team mate Joshua Pearce (played by Damson Idris)  is insufferable at times. Which makes Pitt’s Sonny Hayes the better and more believable character.

People are criticizing the predictability of the film. While I do see it, many things I expected to happen for sure, didn’t. So it’s a little bit of both.

Things I didn’t like, were mainly the length of the film. There was no need for it to be two-and-a-half hours long. With that, the number of product placements and sponsor mentions is extremely high, to the point where it bothered me.

Overall, I was surprised with how much I actually liked this film, as a non-Formula 1 fan. Brad Pitt is probably the main reason why I enjoyed is as much as I did. And the visuals made it into a great movie experience. If I liked it, most Formula 1 fans will eat this up.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

Book Review - The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean

Title: The Return of Ellie Black
Author: Emiko Jean
Genre: Thriller/ Mystery
Published: 2024
 
Description: It’s been twenty years since Detective Chelsey’Calhoun’s sister vanished when they were teenagers, and ever since she’s been searching: for signs, for closure, for other missing girls. But happy endins are rare in Chelsey’s line of work.
 
Then a glimmer: local teenager Ellie Black, who disappeared without a trace two years earlier, has been found alive in the woods of Washington State.
 
But something is not right with Ellie. She won’t say where she’s been, or who shes protecting, and it’s up to Chelsey to find the answers. She needs to get to the the bottom of what happened to Ellie: for herself, and for the memory of her sister, but mostly for the next girl who could be taken – and who, unlike Ellie, might never return.
 
Review: Detective Chelsey Calhoun’s life is turned upside down when she gets the call Ellie Black, a girl who disappeared years earlier, has resurfaced in the woods of Washington state, but Ellie’s reappearance leaves Chelsey with more questions than answers
 
“The Return of Ellie Black” is the debut thriller for author Emiko Jean. The book explores themes like trauma and its aftermath, in a very empathetic way, with a focus on the treatment of women in society. Especially the latter is what really spoke to me and makes this book stand out for me.
 
The book follows mostly women, strong and layered female characters. They have emotional depth, growth, complexity and all have something to say. The story is told from different perspectives, and the narrative is a raw exploration of trauma.
 
The plot is interesting and you ask yourself many questions along the way. One thing is for sure, the story is very unpredictable. It has many plot twists that I never saw coming or expected. Ellie Black is one of the most powerful and complex characters I read about this year. And Chelsey’s motivation to solve the case is reinforced by her personal history with a missing sister. That makes her a very interesting character to read about as well.
 
I never expected “The Return of Ellie Black” to be as good as it was. Or to love it as much as I did. The powerful female characters, surprising twists, and a compelling narrative style, make this a very original and strong thriller. If you’re a fan of the thriller genre, you should definitely pick it up.
 
Rating: 5/ 5

Movie Review - 28 Years Later

Director: Danny Boyle
Genre: Horror
Runtime: 115 minutes
Year: 2025
Starring: Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ralph Fiennes, Alfie Williams
 
Description: A group of survivors of the rage virus live on a small island. When on of the group leaves the island on a mission into the mainland, he discovers secrets, wonders, and horrors that have mutated not only the infected but other survivors.
 
Review: “28 Years Later” is the long-awaited sequel to “28 Days Later” (2002) and “28 Weeks Later” (2007). In my opinion, “28 Days Later” is one of the scariest films ever; ending up in a world like that is a nightmare. In “28 Years Later” we meet a group of survivors of the virus, who have started a civilization on a small island, that can only be reached at low tide.

The tension is there, the atmosphere is oppressive and brutal. And it is again terrifying. The performances are really strong. Jody Comer and Ralph Fiennes stand out, but it’s the young Alfie Williams that really impresses. He has a difficult role to play and he does it very well.

“28 Years Later” is a really good film, although very gory as well. Not for the faint of heart. It’s definitely not as good as “28 Days Later”, but I think it reached the same level as “28 Weeks Later”. Solid horror film.

Rating: 3,5/ 5