Book Review - The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones

Title: The Buffalo Hunter Hunter
Author: Stephen Graham Jones
Genre: Horror/ Historical Fiction
Published: 2025
 
Description: This chilling historical novel is set in the nascent days of the state of Montana, following a Blackfeet Indian named Good Stab as he haunts the fields of the Blackfeet Nation looking for justice.
 
It begins when a diary written in 1912 by a Lutheran pastor is discover within a wall in 2012. What is unveiled is a slow massacre, a nearly forgotten chain of events that goes back to 217 Blackfeet dead in the snow, told in the transcribed interviews with Good Stab, who shares the narrative of his peculiar and unnaturally long life over a series of confessional visits.
 
Review: The book begins in the year 2012. An academic finds an old diary hidden in a wall. This diary was written in 1912 by a minister named Arthur Beaucarne. The diary contains interviews with Good Stab, a Native American man from the Blackfeet tribe. He is also a vampire who cannot die. He hunts the men who killed the buffalo and his people. The story revolves around a real, horrific event in history: the Marias Massacre of 1870.
 
I love vampire stories, especially when they are a bit unusual. This one is original, wild, raw and connected to nature. But the real horror isn’t the blood-sucking, but the grim history of colonization. Stephan Graham Jones writes about this with great respect and cultural sensitivity.
 
Be prepared that this is a very bloody, gory book, with lots of violence and death. Jones does not shy away from it, but it somehow is necessary to depict the real horror of these events.
 
“The Buffalo Hunter Hunter” does require a lot of patience though. It’s a very slow book and given the almost 500 pages it takes some time to get through it. But trust me, it’s absolutely worth it. Once you get through the first 100 pages, you will thank me.
 
This is a heavy and dark book. It’s not a lighthearted story to read or one you pick up just for fun. If you love deep horror and history, you should definitely read this book. It’s a bloody but beautiful history lesson with strong horror elements. My favorite Stephen Graham Jones so far.
 
Rating: 4/ 5
 

Movie Review - The Mandalorian and Grogu

Director: Jon Favreau
Genre: Science Fiction/ Adventure/ Action
Runtime: 132 minutes
Year: 2026
Starring: Pedro Pascal, Jeremy Allan White, Sigourney Weaver, Martin Scorcese, Steve Blum
 
Description: Once a lone bounty hunter, Mandalorian Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and his apprentice Grogu embark on an exciting new Star Wars adventure.
 
Review: It’s always a dangerous thing to say, but when you have a most anticipated film of the year, it often doesn’t meet your expectations. Luckily “The Mandalorian and Grogu” did not disappoint and was the epic space adventure I was hoping for.
The film’s atmosphere is spot-on from the very first minute. Director Jon Favreau knows exactly what the fans want to see. You get stunning planets, epic battles, lots of action and many cute Grogu moments that will make you go “aaaw” constantly. The film is pure fun and entertainment for all ages. You don’t even need to have seen the series to follow the story.

The bond between Din Djarin and little Grogu is still the beating heart of the story. Grogu is cuter than ever. Thankfully, he still feels like a real character. His funny moments and his bond with Mando constantly put a smile on your face.

The action really pops off the big screen. The film really comes into its own, especially in an IMAX theater. Ludwig Göransson’s soundtrack is an absolute banger (not me immediately ordering the vinyl).  The music really amps up the energy during every action scene.

The film is great and everything I could have hoped for, but as a story, it sometimes feels more like a series of separate side missions than a cohesive story.

For fans of the “Star Wars” franchise and specifically the show “The Mandalorian”, this movie is a feast for the eyes. And I will definitely be rewatching this many times. Loved it!

Rating: 4,5/ 5

Book Review - Every Time I Go On Vacation Someone Dies by Catherine Mack

Title: Every Time I Go On Vacation Someone Dies (Vacation Mysteries #1)
Author: Catherine Mack
Genre: Mystery/ Fiction
Published: 2024
 
Description: All that bestselling author Eleanor Dash wants is to get through her book tour in Italy and kill off her main character, Connor Smith, in the Vacation Mysteries series. Is that too much to ask?
 
Clearly, because when an attempt is made on the real Connor’s life, the handsome but infuriating con man she got mixed up with then years ago and now can’t get out of her life, Eleanor’s enlisted to help solve the case.
 
Contending with literary rivals, rabid fans, a stalker and even her ex Oliver, theories are bandied about, and rivalries, rifts, and broken hearts are revealed. But who’s really trying to get away with murder?
 
Review: “Every Time We Go On Vacation Someone Dies” is a fresh, humorous whodunit set against the beautiful backdrop of Italy. We follow Eleanor Dash, a murder mystery novelist who is stuck with her arrogant ex-boyfriend Connor (and the main character of her books) during a book tour. When an actual assassination attempt is made on him, Eleanor must use her own detective skills to find the culprit.
 
The biggest strength of this book is its pace. Author Catherine Mack writes fluidly, the chapters are short, and the Italian atmosphere practically jumps off the pages. The concept is cleverly conceived: a murder mystery packaged as a satirical look at the book world and influencer culture. As the narrator, Eleanor regularly speaks directly to the reader through footnotes, which creates a very fun and unique dynamic.
 
The humor is very present and sometimes teeters on the edge of being too cynical. As the main character, Eleanor is quite sarcastic (which I loved about her) and self-centered (which I hated about her). While that is part of the book’s charm, it sometimes makes it hard to really empathize with her. The central murder case gets a bit buried under the constant bickering between the characters and the many subplots, causing the tension to drop half-way through.
 
“Every Time I Go On Vacation Someone Dies” is a delightful, unpretentious beach read for fans of whodunits with humor and a healthy dose of sarcasm and slightly chaotic characters.  
 
Rating: 3,5/ 5

Movie Review - Project Hail Mary

Director: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller
Genre: Science Fiction/ Adventure/ Action
Runtime: 156 minutes
Year: 2026
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Sandra Hüller
 
Description: A science teacher (Ryan Gosling) wakes up alone on a spaceship. As his memory returns, he uncovers a mission to stop a mysterious substance killing Earth’s sun, and realizes that an unexpected friendship may be the key.
 
Review: “Project Hail Mary is an absolute triumph for modern science fiction cinema. Directors Phil Lord and Christoper Miller succeed in transforming Andy Weir’s complex, scientific source material into a visually stunning cinematic spectacle that excels in both scale and pure humanity. The film strikes a fabulous balance between the cosmic grandeur of “Interstellar” and the optimistic humor of “The Martian” (which was also based on a book by Andy Weir). Maybe an unpopular opinion and a very rare statement, but I think the film is better than the book.

Ryan Gosling plays the cynical yet resourceful scientist Ryland Grace. He effortlessly carries the film and he is at his best in “Project Hail Mary”. He manages to make the existential loneliness of space palpable, while simultaneously retaining his irresistible, dryly humorous charm.

The introduction of the alien Rocky elevates the film to a masterful level. The interaction and communication through musical tones is exceptionally creative. It results in one of the most heartwarming, believable, and memorable friendship in film history.

Greig Fraser’s cinematography makes space feel as terrifying as it is beautiful. The mix of physical effects and CGI ensures that Rocky never feels artificial.

The flashbacks on Earth provide the film with the necessary context. Sandra Hüller shines as the cool, pragmatic Eva Stratt, which serves as a perfect contrast to the more relaxed, emotional tone in space.
In the final fifteen minutes, the film leans a bit to heavily on feel-good sugar coating. A bit too Hollywood for me and the only reason I couldn’t give it a full 5-stars.

“Project Hail Mary” is the ultimate science fiction experience of 2026. It redefines the classic space film by wrapping a pitch-black scenario in a hopeful, moving, and at times hilarious adventure about universal connection. An absolute must-see for every sci-fi.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

Book Review - Parable of the Talents by Octavia E. Butler

Title: Parable of the Talents (Earthseed # 2)
Author: Octavia E. Butler
Genre: Science Fiction/ Fiction
Published: 1998
 
Description: It continues the story of Olamina in socially and economically depressed California in the 2030s. Convinced that her community should colonize the stars, Lauren and her followers make preparations. But the collapse of society and rise of fanatics result in Lauren’s followers being enslaved, and her daughter stolen from her. Now, Lauren must fight back to save the new world order.
 
Review: “Parable of the Talents” is the sequel to Octavia E. Butler’s “Parable of the Sower”. That was one of the most compelling dystopian novels in modern literary history. The first book emphasized the journey and survival in a collapsed America, this second book focuses on the daunting task of reconstruction, the preservation of humanity, and the destructive power of ideological blindness.
 
The story picks up in the early 2030s. Lauren Olamina has founded a thriving and peaceful community in Northern California called Acorn. Here, she puts into practice the principles of her self-developed philosophy and religion, Earthseed: the belief that God is change, and that humanity must seek its ultimate destiny among the stars. However, the fragile peace is brutally disrupted by political shift in the country. The new, populist president, Andrew Steele Jarrett, is gaining popularity with the promise to restore order and purge America of sin. His followers, organized into violent Christian fundamentalist militias, begin hunting down anyone who doesn’t fit their mold. Acorn becomes a target, with catastrophic consequences for Lauren and her loved ones.
 
Butler’s depiction of a polarized America, including the literal campaign slogan “Make America Great Again” of the dictatorial President Jarrett, demonstrates her unparalleled sociological insight. This book was written in 1998. She predicted the rise of populist nationalism and religious extremism twenty years before it dominated the world news.
 
Unlike the first book, which consisted purely of Lauren’s diaries, this book introduces multiple perspectives. The most significant addition is that of her daughter, Larkin (Asha Vere). Her bitter, retrospective comments cast a critical light on Lauren’s actions. This creates a moral conflict: was Lauren a visionary savior of humanity, or an obsessed mother who abandoned her own child for a higher cause?
 
Butler spares neither her characters, nor the reader, at any moment. The chapters describing the occupation and systematic abuse in Acorn are extremely raw, graphic, and depressing. This heavy tone means the book at times pushes the limits of what is bearable. It’s not an easy read. But it’s absolutely essential.
 
Rating: 4,5/ 5

Book Review - The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward

Title: The Last House on Needless Street
Author: Catriona Ward
Genre: Horror/ Thriller
Published: 2021
 
Description: This is the story of a serial killer. A stolen child. Revenge. Death. And an ordinary house at the end of an ordinary street.
 
All these things are true. And yet they are all lies…
 
You think you know what’s inside the last house on Needless Street. You think you’ve read this story before. That’s where you’re wrong.
 
In the dark forest at the end of Needless Street, lies something buried. But it’s not what you think…

Review: “The Last House on Needless Street” is an intriguing, yet at times frustrating , psychological thriller. The book excels in atmosphere but loses momentum due to an overabundance of plot twists.
 
We meet Ted, a lonely man who lives in a boarded-up house at the edge of a wild forest with his daughter, Lauren, and his talking cat, Olivia. Dee, a woman driven by vengeance, moves in next door. Dee is convinced that Ted is responsible for the disappearance of her younger sister, who vanished from a nearby lake eleven years earlier. 
 
The story’s strength lies in its unique narrative structure and its gloomy atmosphere. Catriona Ward creates an oppressive world surrounding the protagonist Ted, his daughter Lauren and the talking cat Olivia. The characters are untrustworthy, which creates constand underlying tension and a sense of disorientation for the reader. The gothic, dark setting, centered around the dilapidated house at the end of the street, on the edge of the forest, is beautifully described.
 
However, the structure is also the novel’s weakness. The book relies so heavily on mysteries and deception that the plot begins to drag halfway through. The constant shifting of perspective and the surrealistic elements make the story unnecessarily confusing at times. Although the final resolution ingeniously puts all the pieces of the puzzles in place, the build-up to it feels like an emotional battle of attrition that doesn’t remain equally engaging throughout.
 
It’s a daring and original horror story, at the end you will be wondering what the hell you just read. It’s a psychological puzzle, but the pace in the middle section and the overkill of plot twists keeps it at a solid three stars.
 
Rating: 3/ 5

Book Review - The Body by Stephen King

Title: The Body
Author: Stephen King
Genre: Fiction/ Thriller
Published: 1982
 
Description: It’s 1960 Castle Rock. Ray Brower, a boy from a nearby town, has disappeared, and twelve-year-old Gordie Lachance and his three friends set out on a quest to find his body along the railroad tracks. During the course of their journey, Gordie, Chris Chambers, Teddy Duchamp and Vern Tessio come to terms with death and the harsh truth of growing up in a small factory town that doesn’t offer much in the way of the future.
 
Review: I have read Stephen King’s “The Body” before, but this time I decided to listen to the audiobook narrated by Wil Wheaton. One of my favorite movies, “Stand By Me”, is based on this novella and Wheaton plays Gordie Lachance.
 
Although Stephen King is known as the “King of Horror”, but he proves with this novella that he is the absolute master at capturing the human soul and the bittersweet transition from childhood to adulthood.
 
Four boys go looking for a dead body along the railroad tracks. It sounds simple, but it’s a deep, emotional journey filled with friendship, fear, and the realization that the worlds isn’t as safe as you hope it is as a child. The raw, honest way King describes the dynamics between the boys remains unmatched.
 
Wil Wheaton is the perfect choice as a narrator. He brings a vulnerability and sincerity to the text that perfectly matches the book’s melancholic tone. If anyone aside from King himself, knows this story, it’s Wheaton.
 
This book is an ode to friendship. Whether you’re familiar with the film or not, this book is a must-read for anyone who loves compelling characters development and atmospheric storytelling. A timeless classic that will stay with you long after you’ve closed the book.
 
Rating: 5/ 5

Movie Review - Remarkably Bright Creatures

Director: Olivia Newman
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 111 minutes
Year: 2026
Starring: Sally Field, Lewis Pullman, Alfred Molina, Colm Meany, Kathy Baker, Beth Grant, Joan Chen, Sofia Black-D’Elia
 
Description: Through unlikely bonds formed during night shifts at a local aquarium, Tova (Sally Field), an elderly widow, learns of a life-changing discovery that may bring her joy and wonder once again.  
 
Review: There are movies you watch, and movies you experience. “Remarkably Bright Creatures” undoubtedly belongs to the latter category. Director Olivia Newman has succeeded in translating the complex emotions from Shelby Van Pelt’s bestsellers into a visually stunning and deeply moving drama that lingers in your mind for days. The beating heart of the film is the extraordinary bond between 70-year-old Tova Sullivan and Marcellus, a giant octopus at the Sowell Bay Aquarium.

Sally Field plays Tova with a fragile strength that immediately touches you; her loneliness following the loss of her husband and the disappearance of her son thirty years ago is palpable in every scene where she silently scrubs the floors of the aquarium. When she and Marcellus (with the masterful, gruff voice of Alfred Molina) find each other, a chemistry emerges that is almost magical. Marcellus is not a pet, but a highly intelligent being who observes humanity with a cynical eye. Except for Tova. Their silent understanding and the way Marcellus helps her unravel the truth about her past form one of the most original and moving friendships I’ve ever seen.

In addition to the connection with Marcellus, the arrival of Cameron (an excellent Lewis Pullman) drives the story forward. Cameron is a man in his thirties who cant seem to get his life together and ends up in Sowell Bay in search of answers about his origins. The dynamic between the dutiful, reserved Tova and the chaotic, searching Cameron is beautifully crafted. What begins as an awkward working relationship grows into a deep human connection. Tova sees in Cameron the potential he himself does not yet see, while Cameron unconsciously fills the void left by the disappearance of Tova’s son. The film sublimely demonstrates how two strangers can heal each other, simply by appearing in each other’s lives at the right moment.

Visually and emotionally balanced, the cinematography perfectly captures the misty, melancholic atmosphere of the Pacific Northwest, which forms a beautiful contrast with Marcellus’s colorful and almost otherworldly appearance.

“Remarkably Bright Creatures” is a rare film that both breaks your heart and mends it. It is an ode to the power of friendship, in whatever form it takes, and a reminder that it is never too late to find the truth to start over. With top-notch performances and a script that never misses a beat, this is an absolute 5-star must-see. Don’t you just love it when they get the book to movie adaptation right?

Rating: 5/ 5

Book Review - Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

Title: Remarkably Bright Creatures
Author: Shelby Van Pelt
Genre: Fiction/ Contemporary
Published: 2022
 
Description: After Tova Sullivan’s husband died, she began working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, mopping floors an tidying up. Keeping busy has always helped her cope, which she’s been doing since her eighteen-year-old son, Erik, mysteriously vanished on a boat in Puget Sound over thirty years ago. Tova becomes acquainted with curmudgeonly Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium. Marcellus knows more than anyone can imagine but wouldn’t dream of lifting one of his eight arms for his human captors – until her forms a remarkable friendship with Tova. Ever the detective, Marcellus deduces what happened the night Tova’s son disappeared. And now Marcellus must use every trick his old invertebrate body can muster to unearth the truth for her before it’s too late.
 
Review: “Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt is a rare kind of debut novel: one that moves from the very first page, makes you laugh, and ultimately leaves you with a lump in your throat. It is a beautifully woven story that shows that hope and connection can be found in the most unlikely places.
 
The absolute star of the book is Marcellus, a headstrong and highly gifted giant octopus who lives in the Sowell Bay Aquarium. His observations of the human world are sharp, humorous, and surprisingly wise. Marcellus is not just an animal; he is a fully-fledged character with a voice of his own who compels the reader to look at the world and intelligence in a different way.
 
The human heart of the story is Tova Sullivan, a seventy-year-old widow who cleans the aquarium at night to dispel the silence in her life. Tova carries a heavy loss with her: the unsolved disappearance of her eighteen-year-old son Erik, thirty years ago. The bond that forms between Tova and Marcellus is one of the most heartwarming friendships I’ve read in a long time.
 
When the young Cameron arrives in Sowell Bay, the various storylines begin to come together in an ingenious way. Van Pelt carefully builds the tension and emotional release, allowing the reader to see every piece of the puzzle fall into place.
 
The book tackles heavy themes such as loneliness, grief, and aging, but does so with a light, almost magical touch. The town of Sowell Bay feels like a warm community you’d want to be a part of yourself. And besides to bond between Tova and Marcellus, Tova also forms a bond with Cameron, which I absolutely loved as well.
 
I have read many books where we follow several characters, but never have I read a story with chapters told from the perspective of an octopus. It could become silly, but Van Pelt makes Marcellus believable and unforgettable.
 
“Remarkably Bright Creatures” is an ode to the power of friendship and the ability to come to terms with the past. It’s a book you don’t just read, it stays with you long after you closed it. An absolute must-read for anyone looking for a story with soul. This is the ultimate feel-good read and it is now one of my all-time favorites.
 
Rating: 5/ 5

Movie Review - Apex

Director: Baltasar Kormákur
Genre: Action/ Thriller
Runtime: 95 minutes
Year: 2026
Starring: Charlize Theron, Taron Edgerton, Eric Bana
 
Description: A mountain climber (Charlize Theron) haunted by a fatal decision in Norway retreats to the Australian wilderness for isolation. Her journey turns into a desperate hunt when a deceptive local (Taron Edgerton) targets her as his next ritualistic prey in the bush.
 
Review: “Apex” is a thrilling survival thriller. Sasha is by herself in the wilderness of Australia, wanting some solitude. But a local starts hunting her, literally.

The film is just over 90 minutes and it’s a thrill ride. The story is simple yet original, but features some predictable plot twists. It has solid action and the tension is really present. It lacks depth, but somehow that isn't all that bothersome. We know just enough about Sasha to root for her.

I have to praise Charlize Theron for her physical commitment to the role and portrayal of the grieving, independent climber. Taron Edgerton shows a different side of himself. His performances sometimes balances on the edge of being too much, but he never crosses that line.

“Apex” is a cat-and-mouse game. The final half-hour is not as compelling as the rest, but it’s an exciting nail-biter of a thriller.

Rating: 3/ 5

Book Review - The Examiner by Janice Hallett

Title: The Examiner
Author: Janice Hallett
Genre: Mystery
Published: 2024
 
Description: The students of Royal Hastings University’s new Multimedia Art course have been trouble from day one. Acclaimed artist Alyson wants the department to revolve around her. Ludya struggles to balance her family and the workload. Jonathan has management experience but zero talent for art. Lovely Patrick can barely operate his mobile phone, let alone professional design software. Meanwhile blustering Cameron tries to juggle the course with his job in the City and does neither very well. Then there’s Jem. A gifted young sculptor, she’s a promising student… but cross her at your peril.
 
The year-long course is blighted by accusations of theft, students setting fire to one another’s art work, a rumored extra-marital affair and a disastrous road trip. But finally they are given their last assignment: to build an interactive art installation for a local manufacturer. With six students who have nothing in common except their clashing personal agendas, what could possibly go wrong?
 
The answer is: murder. When the external examiner arrives to assess the students’ essays and coursework, he becomes convinced that a student was killed on the course and that the others covered it up. But is he right? And if so, who is dead, why were they killed, and who is the murderer? Only a close examination of the evidence will reveal the truth. Your time starts now…
 
Review: Janice Hallett’s “The Examiner” is, as we’ve come to expect from her, a unique reading experience. Hallett remains the queen of the modern epistolary style; the story is told entirely through emails, text messages, transcripts, and official documents. Although this format is once again ingeniously crafter, this book managed to captivate me not as much as her earlier work, such as “The Appeal” and “The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels”.
 
The book follows six students pursuing a master’s degree in Art at the University of Royal Hastings. Their project is closely monitored by an external examiner, who soon notices that behind the artistic expressions lies a web of jealousy, passive-aggressive emails, and a dark secret.
 
It remains impressive how Hallett can weave a complex murder mystery using only digital communication. It feels very relatable and modern. The tension among the group of students is, at times, delightfully uncomfortable. The passive-aggressive tone in the group chats is spot-on.
 
Unlike her other books, I found it difficult to really connect with the characters. This time, they felt more like “types” than real people, which made the final resolution less impactful for me. The middle section drags a bit and it takes a while before the true stakes of the mystery become clear.

“The Examiner” is a solid whodunnit for lovers of the genre and fans of Hallett’s distinctive style. It’s a cleverly constructed puzzle, but for me it lacked the urgency and sharpness that made some of her previous books so spectacular. A good read, but not a standout.
 
Rating: 3/ 5 

Book Review - Half His Age by Jenette McCurdy

Title: Half His Age
Author: Jenette McCurdy
Genre: Fiction/ Romance
Published: 2026
 
Description: Waldo is ravenous. Horny. Blunt. Naïve. Wise. Impulsive. Angry. Forceful. Hurting. Perceptive/ Endlessly wanting. And the thing she want most of all: Mr. Korgy, her creative writing teacher with the wife and the kid and the mortgage and the bills, with the dead dreams and the atrophied looks and the growing paunch. She doesn’t know why she wants him. It is a passion? His life experience? The fact that he knows books and films and things that she doesn’t? Or is it purer than that, rooted in their unlikely connection, their kindred spirits, the similar filter with which they each take in the world around them? Or, perhaps it’s just enough that he sees her when no one else does.

Review: After the impressive “I’m Glad My Mom Died”, my expectations for Jenette McCurdy’s fiction debut were sky-high. Unfortunately, “Half His Age” is a massive disappointment that falls short in nearly every way. What works as a direct and honest voice in her memoir feels unpolished and repetitive here.
 
We meet Waldo, a 17-year-old girl who starts to show a special interest in her creative writing teacher, Mr. Korgy, who is 40.
 
Waldo is meant to be a complex character struggling with trauma and a shopping addiction. Instead she comes across mainly as insufferable and one-dimensional. Her obsession with her teacher lacks emotional depth. Mr. Korgy himself is a cliché and he is utterly uninteresting. Because you don’t connect with either of them, their destructive relationship feels more like a tedious repetition of tropes than a bold literary statement.
 
The book relies heavily on explicit, often vulgar scenes that push the boundaries of discomfort. Although McCurdy indicates that this discomfort is intentional, in practice it mostly feels like cheap shock value. There is one scene especially (if you read it, you know which scene I mean) that was so gross. The couple already gave me the ick, but that scene made it worse.
 
I love Jennette McCurdy, and I really wished I liked this book, but it lacks humor, nuance and sincerity that made McCurdy such an interesting voice. “Half His Age” is mainly a frustrating reading experience that I wouldn’t recommend to anyone.
 
Rating: 1/ 5

Movie Review - Scream 7

Director: Kevin Williamson
Genre: Horror/ Thriller
Runtime: 114 minutes
Year: 2026

Starring: Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, Isabel May, Joel McHale, Anna Camp, Mason Gooding, Jasmin Savoy Brown, McKenna Grace, Asa Germann, Celeste O’Connor, Sam Rechner, Matthew Lillard, Ethan Embry
 
Description: When a new Ghostface killer emerges in the town where Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) has built a new life, her darkest fears are realized as her daughter becomes the next target.
 
Review: “Scream 7” feels more like a desperate attempt to artificially keep the franchise alive. Although Neve Campbell’s return as Sidney Prescott brings a touch of nostalgia, even her presence can’t save the shaky script.

Sidney is living a happy and calm life with her husband Mark and three kids. But Ghostface is back and is now after her daughter Tatum.

The film clings desperately to the familiar formula and barely dares to experiment, resulting in a predictable experience. I knew the minute a certain character was introduced, they were Ghostface.
Aside from Sidney and Gale, the new characters are flat and forgettable. The dynamic lacks the energy and humor that made the earlier installments so strong.

The reveal is very unsatisfying. Like I said, I predicted it and it feels forced and doesn’t make a lot of sense.

Despite its shortcomings, any film in this franchise will always be entertaining. And the kills are bloodier then the previous films in my opinion. And I did like the opening scene, set in Stu Macher’s house. Fan service for sure, but it does have the tension that the rest of the film is lacking.

“Scream 7” was not necessary at all. Fun time though.

Rating: 2/ 5

90s Movie Review - Mrs. Doubtfire

Director: Chris Columbus
Genre: Comedy
Runtime: 125 minutes
Year: 1993
Starring: Robin Williams, Sally Field, Pierce Brosnan, Harvey Fierstein, Lisa Jakub, Matthew Lawrence, Mara Wilson, Robert Prosky, Anne Haney, Polly Holliday

Description: After a bitter divorce, an actor (Robin Williams) disguises himself as a female housekeeper to spend time with his children held in custody by his former wife (Sally Field).

Review: “Mrs. Doubtfire” is universally acclaimed as a heartwarming family classic, carried by and iconic and award-winning performance by Robin Williams. A favorite for my family when I was a kid. Although the film is known for its slapstick humor, I always appreciated the serious undertones regarding divorce and parenthood.

Robin Williams plays Daniel Hillard, a divorces father who disguises himself as the British nanny Mrs. Doubtfire to be with his children. He is the heart of the film. The film dares to present an honest portrayal of the impact of divorce on children and fatherhood, without resorting to a standard “happy ending” where the parents get back together.

This film brings back so many memories and as an adult I can still appreciate this film.

Rating: 4 / 5

Book Review - King of Ashes by S.A. Cosby

Title: King of Ashes
Author: S.A. Cosby
Genre: Thriller/ Crime
Published: 2025
 
Description: Roman Caruthers left the smoke and fire of his family’s crematory business behind in his hometown of Jefferson Run, Virginia. He is enjoying a life of shallow excess as a financial adviser in Atlanta until he gets a call from his sister, Neveah, telling him their father is in a coma after a hit-and-run accident. When Roman goes home, he learns the accident may not be what it seems. His brother, Dante, is deeply in debt to dangerous, ruthless criminals.
 
And Roman is willing to do anything to protect his family. Anything.
 
A financial whiz with a head for numbers and a talent for making his clients rich, Roman must use all his skills to try to save his family while dealing with a shadow that has haunted them all for twenty years: the disappearance of their mother when Roman and his siblings were teenagers. It’s a mystery that Neveah, who has sacrificed so much of her life to hold her family together, is determined to solve once and for all.
 
As fate and chance and heartache ignite their lives, the Carithers family must pull together to survive or see their lives turn to ash. Because, as their father counseled them from birth nothing lasts forever.
 
Everything burns
 
Review: “King of Ashes” by S.A. Cosby is a gripping, gritty crime thriller that explores the boundaries of family loyalty and moral corruptions. Powerful yet tragic, though its explicit rawness requires a strong stomach. But if you read from S.A. Cosby you know what to expect.
 
The story revolves around Roman Caruthers, a successful asset manages in Atlanta who thought he had left the darkness of his hometown, Jefferson Run, Virginia, far behind him. When his father falls into a coma after a mysterious accident, Roman returns to the family business: a crematorium. He finds a mess, His brother Dante is deeply in depth to the violent Black Baron Boys gang, and his sister is struggling to keep the family together.
 
The raw and poetic style of Cosby is one of the reason why I love his stories so much. He describes Jefferson Run as a town slowly rotting away, which perfectly mirrors the characters’ inner struggles. The core of the book isn’t just action, but the traumas that have haunted the family for twenty years since their mother’s disappearance. The dynamics between the brothers and sister feel painfully real.
 
Roman is not your typical hero, but an intellectual anti-hero who uses his financial skills as a weapon in a deadly game of chess against criminals.
 
The book is extremely violent at times. Trigger warnings for readers who have a hard time reading about severe abuse and violence.
 
“King of Ashes” is a blood-curdling thriller about how far you’ll go for you own kin. It didn’t hit me as hard as “Razorblade Tears” and “All the Sinners Bleed” did, but if you’re a fan of S.A. Cosby, you should definitely pick it up.
 
Rating: 4/ 5

Book Review - Best Offer Wins by Marisa Kashino

Title: Best Offer Wins
Author: Marisa Kashino
Genre: Thriller/ Fiction
Published: 2025
 
Description: Eighteen months and 11 lost bidding wars into house-hunting in the overheated Washington, DC suburbs, 37-year-old publicist Margo Miyake gets a tip about the perfect house, in the perfect neighborhood, slated to come up for sale in one month. Desperate to escape the cramped apartment she shares with her husband Ian – and in turn, get their marriage, plan to have a baby, and whole life back on track – Margo becomes obsesses with buying the house before it’s publicly listed and the masses descend.
 
A little stalking? Harmless. A bit of trespassing? Necessary. As Margo infiltrates the homeowners’ lives, her tactics grow increasingly nhinged – but just when she thinks she’s won them over, she hits a snag in her plan. Undeterred, margo will prive again and again that there’s no boundary she won’t cross to seize the dream life she’s been chasing.
 
Review: With “Best Offer Wins” Marisa Kashino delivers a debut that is as timely as it is terrifying. While many thrillers rely on classic motifs such as jealousy and revenge, Kashino opts for a much more modern monster: the unattainable housing market. The result is a razor-sharp, unhinged page-turned that makes you reflect on the question: how far would you go for you dream home?
 
Margo Miyake is the kind of character you initially want to hug, but soon find yourself wanting to avoid at all costs. She is 37, successful in PR, but deeply unhappy because she just can’t seem to buy a home in Washington, D.C. After eleven failed bids, she’s at her wit’s end. When she gets a tip about a house that isn’t yet on the market, she becomes obsessed with the current owners. What starts as innocent online stalking spirals into a feverish nightmare of blackmail and violence.
 
Kashino, herself a former real estate reporter, knows exactly what she’s writing about. The strength of this book lies in its sharp social observations.  The way she describes the pretensions of the upper middle class is satirical gold.
 
In addition, Margo’s psychological decline is masterfully portrayed. As a reader, you’re drawn into her logic. But Margo is also highly unlikeable. This could be a reason for people to dislike the book. I just couldn’t put this book down because of how crazy this woman was, probably especially because I hated her.
 
The book begins as written social commentary, but it transforms in the second half into a blood-curdling thriller with a finale so bizarre that you never see it coming.
 
The transition from “desperate house hunter” to “full-blown sociopath” happens rather quickly toward the end of the book. While the escalation is entertaining, it requires a considerable dose of suspension of disbelief from the reader. Some plot twist, though very entertaining, feel a bit less credible than others.
 
“Best Offer Wins” is a really good thriller, and gave me exactly what I needed and I was missing in thriller lately. A must-read for thriller fans who want to get out of a reading slump, you will not be able to put this one down.
 
Rating: 4/ 5