Tag: Thriller

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TV Series Review

Darby and Joan – Series 2 – Review

Darby and Joan Series 2 – Review

Darby and Joan Series 2 features intriguing mysteries and character development as Jack and Joan navigate personal journeys and unique cases across Australia.

First Reaction – Darby and Joan Series 2 is a delightful mystery series.

Where to Watch

Darby and Joan Series 2 arrives on DVD and digital on 28 July, alongside the bumper Series 1 & 2 Box Set.

Director: Jovita O’Shaughnessy, Grant Brown, Rachel Ward

Writer: David Hannam, Andrew Anastasios, Stephen Vagg, Sarah Smith (Screenplay)

Writer: Phillip Gwynne, Glenys Rowe (Creators)

Cast

Plot: Two lone strangers trekking on the road – a retired Australian policeman with a dog as his only company and widowed English nurse – meet each other and embark on an epic odyssey in the outback of northern Australia.

Runtime: 45 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Verdict on Darby and Joan Series 2

Episode 1

We return with former detective Jack Darby (Brown) and widowed nurse Joan Kirkhope (Scacchi) return on to their travels. Jack is still trying to prove his innocence in the death on the job and goes in search for the only person who can clear his name. However, on route, the pair stumble into a new mystery surrounding two brothers.

This returns with the bigger story having a few more hints to where things will go. It shows Jack needing to discover the truth before it is too late. However, the mystery the pair find themselves in feels a little lacklustre. The main focus storyline is the best part of the returning episode and keeps us wanting to return to the next episode. (3/5)

Episode 2

Jack and Joan go in search of a missing person who can clear his name. However, a rival cop has followed him. On their journey they discover a woman involved in car crash and investigate the accident. However, they discover a reputation she has and must understand who might have attack her. It takes them through the hospital staff and locals who spread a rumour about the victim.

This gives a new mystery which has plenty of suspects and keeps things about incidents, rather than a murder. It keeps us guessing and most importantly we keep the bigger story about Jack and his past. (4/5)

Episode 3

Joan arranges to meet up with her estranged sister Maxine. The pair travel to a luxury island for a getaway but things take a drastic turn. Elsewhere, Lizzy (Anderson) continues investigate the case against her father, as she notices a bigger cover up in play. Meanwhile, when one of the hosts is kidnaped, Jack and Joan investigate the case and make a discover about the other guests.

This gives us another fun mystery to solve and the building romantic tension between the two continues to grow. It shows more personal growth for Joan as each episode continues to offer this. As well as the bigger story around Jack’s case. It is coming together nicely with light-hearted mystery, that continue to step away from murder mystery. (4/5)

Episode 4

In the aftermath of the shocking events in the last episode, Jack and Joan face a difficult decision on where to go next. The pair visit a local vineyard for an event. However, an unexpected fire breaks out in the vines leading the pair to investigate what caused it. Jack begins investigating the bigger case, as the vines crime creates a bigger mystery.

We continue the bigger mystery about Jack’s former case. It has opened to a new direction which keeps us wanting to know how this will unfold. Meanwhile, the episode case is interesting and has a few twists and turns to make things click together nicely. Even if it isn’t the biggest one in the series. (3/5)

Episode 5

Joan receives an unexpected call from Maxine who reveals she has got engaged. However, her new fiancée is unknown to most and he collapses. Joan and Jack investigate what could have caused it and discover Maxine’s new life is more complicated.

This slows down the bigger story and puts more focus on Joan’s journey. We only get a small glimpse into Jack’s bigger case. However, the mystery has plenty of twists and turns along the way to keep us full invested. (3/5)

Episode 6

This episode begins with the location of the person who can clear Jack’s name. However, she reveals the bigger truth about how she survived and avoided capture. Only for the case to begin hitting closer to home, but the new clue could finally clear Jack’s name.

This brings the biggest case full circle as the clues could finally solve the bigger mystery. It intensifies the suspect pool, as Jack is more known to the potential killer or killers. This is a great conclusion to the series, which has kept us wanting more through every episode. (4/5)

Overall

The series maintains the quirky friendship between Jack and Joan as they travel around Australia. It does something different than most mysteries shows, where we rarely touch a murder case outside of the biggest one around Jack’s case. This keeps it refreshing for a mystery show. The chemistry between Bryan Brown and Greta Scacchi is excellent and it keeps us wanting to return for more.

Final Thoughts – Darby and Joan Series 2 is a delightful road trip mysteries series.

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Movie Review

Another Simple Favour (2025) Movie Review

Another Simple Favour – Movie Review

"Another Simple Favour" features murder and betrayal at a glamorous wedding, with Anna Kendrick’s performance uniquely shining amidst a convoluted plot.

First Reaction – Another Simple Favour tries to capture the same magic.

Watch Another Simple Favour on Prime Video

Director: Paul Feig

Writer: Jessica Sharzer, Laeta Kalogridis (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: Stephanie Smothers and Emily Nelson reunite on the island of Capri, Italy, for Emily’s extravagant wedding to a rich Italian businessman, which is interrupted by murder and betrayal.

Runtime: 2 Hours  

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Another Simple Favour starts when Stephanie Smothers (Kendrick) has made a career in the aftermath of the events. Emily Nelson (Lively) is released from prison and wants Stephanie to be her Maid of Honour at her wedding in Italy.

However, Emily’s ex-husband Sean (Golding) dies under mysterious circumstances. Stephanie decides to investigate the death, leading her down a dangerous path with Emily’s new family.

Verdict on Another Simple Favour

Recap

The movie follows Emily, who is released from prison and reconnects with Stephanie. She forces her to be her maid of honour for a glamorous Italian wedding. However, a new death leads to a new battle for control.

Best Parts

The movie gives us a new mystery to solve, with the added uncomfortable feeling between the pair. It uses the idea that people can become rich from tragedy. Anna Kendrick is fun throughout the film in a role you could only really see her play.

Worst Parts

The film tries so hard for an extra twist along the way and feels more forced. It never does enough to achieve this or hints at anything in the previous film.

Final Thoughts –Another Simple Favour is saved by Anna Kendrick’s quirky performance.

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Movie Review

40 Acres (2024) Movie Review

40 Acres – Movie Review

40 Acres will be in UK Cinemas from 1st August and Digital Download from 4th August.

First Reaction – 40 Acres has a series of disturbing moments, in a post-apocalyptic nightmare.

Where to Watch

40 Acres will be in UK Cinemas from 1st August and Digital Download from 4th August.

Director: R.T Thorne

Writer: R.T. Thorne, Glenn Taylor (Screenplay)

Cast

  • Danielle Deadwyler (Till)
  • Kataem O’Connor
  • Michael Greyeyes (Firestar)
  • Milcania Diaz-Rojas
  • Leenah Robinson (Monkey Beach)

Plot: In a post-apocalyptic world with food scarcity, a Black family of Canadian farmers descended from American Civil War migrants defend their homestead against cannibals trying to seize their resources.

Runtime: 1 Hour 53 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: 40 Acres starts in a post-apocalyptic world, where food killed for. Hailey Freeman (Deadwyler) lives on a remote farm with her family, Emanuel (O’Connor), Galen (Greyeyes), Raine (Robinson) and Danis (LeBlanc). They have supplies and communication with other communities in the same situation.

However, a new threat is heading their way, a large community of cannibals who have been wiping out communities. The family must prepare for an invasion, knowing what the consequences will be if they are discovered.

Verdict on 40 Acres

Recap

The movie follows a family living in a post-apocalyptic world where food is a scarcity. They begin facing a new threat when a new group of cannibals have been reported near them. The family must prepare for the threat and decide more who they can trust in the world.

Best Parts

The idea of this post-apocalyptic world shows the devastation of illness, rather than a zombie outbreak. It feels empty, but connected from a distant. The performances are strong throughout and the disturbing situations the cannibals have created hit hard.

Worst Parts

The movie takes much longer than it needs to get going considering how easily the world is created. Elsewhere, it feels like some of the family make naïve mistakes which would have been driven into the family’s heads over the years.

Final Thoughts –40 Acres has intense, disturbing moments.

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Movie Review

Virus (1980) Movie Review

Virus – Movie Review

Virus depicts a post-apocalyptic scenario where Antarctic survivors unite against a deadly virus, showcasing human conflict and resilience.

First Reaction – Virus is a chilling reflection of viral outbreak.

Watch Virus on Tubi.

ABC Film Challenge – Disaster Movies – V

Director: Kinji Fukasaku

Writer: Koji Takada, Kinji Fukasaku, Gregory Knapp (Screenplay)

Writer: Sakyo Komatsu (Novel)

Cast

Plot: After a virus devastates the global human population, survivors in Antarctica desperately try to find a cure and save the human race.

Runtime: 1 Hour 49 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Virus starts when a virus is unleashed in the world. It devastates the population with only the residents of Antarctica surviving the outbreak. The survivors are in different stations run by different nations and must learn to survive and work together. However, not every country wants to play fair.

As the countries come together, they face new threats but know they must keep their numbers up and stay away from the virus. However, the supplies will run out and finding the best solution causes tension.

Verdict on Virus

Recap

The movie follows the world after a deadly virus wipes out most of the population. It follows a small group of survivors living in Antarctica who must put aside their differences to survive. However, they face bigger risks that put everything in danger.

Best Parts

The idea behind the viral spread hits a lot harder now than it did when the film was first released. It shows the panic and devastation left behind and the helplessness people faced. The bleak future is chilling and the fact people will fight for the remaining resources shows the primal behaviour of the human race. We get a massive cast who get their moments to shine through the destruction.

Worst Parts

Despite having a massive cast, we get left wanting even more from the story. It feels like this could be turned into a mega long dealing with the subject matters unfolding.

Final Thoughts –Virus is a captivating journey through a viral outbreak.

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Movie Review

Futra Days (2024) Movie Review

Futra Days – Movie Review

Futra Days explores time travel through a man romantically engaging with his future self's girlfriend, but lacks depth in execution.

First Reaction – Futra Days brings an interesting idea to life, but doesn’t challenge the concept enough.

Where to Watch

On digital 21 July from Reel 2 Reel Films.

Director: Ryan David

Writer: Ryan David (Screenplay)

Cast

  • Tania Raymonde (Deep Blue Sea 3)
  • Brandon Sklenar (Midway)
  • Rosanna Arquette (Pulp Fiction)
  • Jordan Christian Hearn (Inherent Vice)
  • Emily McEnroe (Hi Mom)

Plot: After undergoing an experimental time travel “process” that sends a man into his future, he investigates the man he has become, by engaging in a romance with his future self’s girlfriend in a mind-bending reality.

Runtime: 1 Hour 39 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Futra Days starts when Sean (Sklenar) begins an experimental time travel process with Dr Felicia Walter (Arquette). He travels to his future life, seeing his future self with Nichole (Raymonde). Sean decides to meet his future girlfriend and begins a wild romance, his future self has let slip.

While it begins positively, things spiral out of control when Sean doesn’t know more important details. However, he continues to live this new life, meeting his old friends and new, but the time will come when the future self-returns home.

Verdict on Futra Days

Recap

The movie follows a man who travels to the future to see the life his future self-life. He steps into his shoes and begins a romance with his future girlfriend, but the rippling consequences come to light.

Best Parts

The concept of stepping into your future self’s life is interesting. It creates an interesting debate and series of consequences for getting involved in getting involved with time travel in your own life. The performances are strong by the two leads.

Worst Parts

While this has in interesting concept, it doesn’t seem to do that much with it. It tries to play into the idea of giving advice, understanding mistake and prepare your future self for a better life. There are moments that are trying to be mind-bending but things can get stuck in place too.

Final Thoughts –Futra Days is a brave concept that doesn’t quite deliver.

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Movie Review

Wall to Wall (2025) Movie Review

Wall to Wall – Movie Review

"Wall to Wall" depicts Woo-seong's financial struggles and tormenting noises in his apartment, leading to a shocking outcome.

First Reaction – Wall to Wall is a disturbing series of events with a surprising outcome.

Watch Wall to Wall on Netflix now.

Director: Kim Tae-joon, Sharon S Park

Writer: Kim Tae-joon (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: Woo-seong, a man who finally saves up enough to buy an apartment, only to have it turn into a nightmare with financial ruin and mysterious noises from neighboring floors

Runtime: 1 Hour 58 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Wall to Wall starts when Woo-seong (Ha-neul) discovers his apartment isn’t worth the value he paid for it. He struggles with the everyday work grind and is facing financial ruin. To make matters worse he finds himself tormented by noise from his neighbours.

When Woo-seong gets an offer to get rich quick, he jumps at the opportunity. However, he must wait for the money and the apartment begins driving him even more insane.

Verdict on Wall to Wall

Recap

The movie follows a young man in his first apartment trying to survive under new financial ruin. He wants to get rich quick, but his apartment is giving him nightmares, and a constant noise leaves him questioning the neighbours.

Best Parts

The reflection between hard working people not having ends meet and turning to drastic measures. It also uses the mystery around who is making the noise in a big apartment complex to create tension between the residents. This creates a mystery with plenty of twists and turns, leaving you truly shocking outcome. There are some disturbing outcomes and directions this goes. Elsewhere, the performances are great, playing into the paranoia the characters experience.

Worst Parts

The movie takes us in plenty of different directions, which at times can become misleading to where we end up going.

Final Thoughts –Wall to Wall is a disturbing, surprising and shocking thriller.

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Movie Review

Bury Me When I’m Dead (2025) Movie Review

Bury Me When I’m Dead – Movie Review

"Bury Me When I’m Dead" explores a husband's struggle to fulfill his wife's last wish amidst chaos, betrayal, and grief.

First Reaction – Bury Me When I’m Dead is a slow path to understanding a final wish.

Where to Watch

AVAILABLE ON DIGITAL + VOD FRIDAY, JULY 18th

Director: Seabold Krebs

Writer: Seabold Krebs (Screenplay)

Cast

  • Devon Terrell (Barry)
  • Charlotte Hope (Allied)
  • Makenzie Leigh (Salem’s Lot)
  • Roxanne Hart (Highlander)
  • Richard Bekins (Limitless)

Plot: After failing to keep his wife’s dying wish, a series of tragic events leads Henry to believe she’s returned to get revenge.

Runtime: 1 Hour 36 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Bury Me When I’m Dead starts when Henry (Terrell) and Catherine (Hope) receive devastating news. Catherine has cancer and doesn’t want to go through treatment. However, the pair agree to follow a plan to help them receive peace.

When Catherine passes away, Henry realises they didn’t follow her wishes. However, he begins seeing her from beyond the grave, pushing him to complete their final desires, causing chaos in Henry’s life.

Verdict on Bury Me When I’m Dead

Recap

The movie follows a grieving husband whose wife has passed away. He was going to follow a path to honour her wishes, but he struggled to. However, his wife returns to haunt him into following their plans.

Best Parts

The movie gives us a great example of reflecting on losing a loved one and the people left behind. It shows the daily struggles and the ugly side of family disagreements. The performances are strong too, which helps us understand the struggles they are going through.

Worst Parts

There is a lot of balance between what was wanted and what happened. That is the main source of conflict, and in places it feels a lot slower than you would imagine.

Final Thoughts –Bury Me When I’m Dead creates a nice reflection on expectations.

Categories
Movie Review

The Haunting of Prince Dom Pedro (2025) Movie Review

The Haunting of Prince Dom Pedro – Movie Review

The Haunting of Prince Dom Pedro is a thriller about students haunted by Prince Dom Pedro, learning to appreciate history.

First Reaction – The Haunting of Prince Dom Pedro is an oddball thriller with an interesting story.

Director: Don Swanson

Writer: Joe Fishel, Don Swanson (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: A modern-day fairy tale, The Haunting of Prince Dom Pedro is a story of how a group of high school Latin American History class students learn to regret their decision to not fully appreciate the Liberator of Brazil.

Runtime: 1 Hour 23 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: The Haunting of Prince Dom Pedro starts when a group of high school students learn about the legend of Prince Dom Pedro. However, Dom Pedro has returned to follow the students in hopes of teaching them to learn about him.

The students begin getting picked of by the Dom Pedro, who is determined to make sure his legacy is remembered. However, the students begin to fight back and learn what is important about history.

Verdict on The Haunting of Prince Dom Pedro

Recap

The movie follows a group of Latin American high school students. They are exploring the concept of becoming haunted by a legendary figure Prince Dom Pedro. It forces them to study more than they ever imagined stopping themselves becoming the latest victims of the curse.

Best Parts

The reflection of how students are not interested in history is shown here, with how they handle studying and become cursed. It shows hard work can help solve problems and give a better understanding of the problems. It has fun performances once things are unleashed too.

Worst Parts

The movie leans into comedy and like most comedy, it is only going to give a few people a strong reaction. It doesn’t get into enough details of the bigger picture and holds back on thew true fear of what is happening.

Final Thoughts – The Haunting of Prince Dom Pedro is an oddball mystery thriller.

Categories
Movie Review

Brick (2025) Movie Review

Brick – Movie Review

Brick is an intense mystery film about a couple trapped in their apartment, exploring challenges and their past to escape.

First Reaction – Brick is an intense mystery with plenty of potential to become even bigger.

Watch Brick on Netflix now.

Director: Philip Koch

Writer: Philip Koch (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: A couple whose apartment building is suddenly surrounded by a mysterious brick wall must work with their neighbors to find a way out.

Runtime: 1 Hour 39 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Brick starts when couple Tim (Schweighofer) and Liv (Fee) face a questionable future. When Liv plans to leave the couple discover themselves bricked into their apartment. The material doesn’t make sense to them and they begin to plan their escape.

With few options, the couple decide to explore the building for potential escape routes. However, each apartment offers a new challenge and forces the pair to face their problems from their tragic past.

Verdict on Brick

Recap

The movie follows a group of residents of an apartment building who wake up to discover themselves walled into their building. However, the material used doesn’t make sense and they must figure out how to escape. Or worse, what is happening on the outside.

Best Parts

The movie creates the concept of an escape room, with the panic of not knowing what is going on. It keeps us guessing to what is behind the sudden wall appearing. The performances keep us wanting to know more. Elsewhere, the deeper story behind the couple’s struggles becomes important between the chapters of the story.

Worst Parts

While there is a bigger mystery, it sometimes feels like you can see what is going to happen too easily. It also leaves too much to what is happening mentality, rather than capture the contain magic {REC} once had.

Final Thoughts –Brick is an intense, escape room-like thriller.