Tag: Thriller

Categories
Movie Review

High Rollers (2025) Movie Review

High Rollers – Movie Review

High Rollers is an entertaining heist film featuring a master thief facing rival criminals and FBI pursuits to save his lover.

First Reaction – High Rollers is an entertaining crime caper.

Where to Watch

On digital 16 June 2025.

Director: Randall Emmett

Writer: Chris Sivertson (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: A master thief must pull off a dangerous casino heist when his nemesis kidnaps his lover. Caught between rival criminals and FBI pursuit, he risks all to save her and score big.

Runtime: 1 Hour 41 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: High Rollers starts when Mason Goddard’s (Travolta) team is discovered by his rival, Salazar (Pardo). His men take Amelia (Gershon), demanding that Mason and his team complete an elaborate casino heist.  The team decide on the casino and puts their plan together.

Mason plays a billionaire gambler who befriends the owner and target of the heist, Zade Black (Castro). However, he faces a few problems en route, leading to his need to think on his feet. Can they get the job done and save their loved ones?

Verdict on High Rollers

Recap

The movie follows master thief Mason Goddard and his team as they need to complete another job before he can escape the life of crime. However, his enemies are tracking him down and making his quest for freedom challenging.

Best Parts

The heist side of the movie is a lot of fun; it entertains and keeps up with the mystery behind what is wanted. It has nice flair used to keep things flowing, too, with John Travolta making a great lead.

Worst Parts

This wants to bring the magic of Ocean’s Eleven to life, but doesn’t hit the spark. Also, if you haven’t seen the original movie, you might not get a lot of the references and decisions. However, it is still a fun watch for anyone who enjoys and heist movie.

Final Thoughts – High Rollers is a fun, entertaining heist movie.

Categories
Movie Review

Mythica: Stormbound (2023) Movie Review

Mythica: Stormbound – Movie Review

Mythica: Stormbound offers a thrilling fantasy experience, focusing on trust and secrets among strangers facing a new evil threat.

First Reaction – Mythica: Stormbound is an interesting journey back to the universe.

Where to Watch

Mythica: Stormbound is available on Digital Platforms 16 June. Distributed by Signature Entertainment.

Director: Jake Stormoen

Writer: Justin Partridge (Screenplay)

Writer: Jason Faller, Kynan Griffin (Creators)

Cast

Plot: Years after Szorlok’s devastation and the Red Thorns’ victory, a new evil will threaten the world and new heroes will rise to fight it.

Runtime: 1 Hour 44 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Mythica: Stormbound starts years after Szorlok’s devastation. A Stranger (Kemp) travels the land filled with broken factions of society. A new evil has risen, and the Stranger must work with enemies Rhistel (Cartwright), Leyaris (Martinez) and Arlin (Bailey) to investigate the new threat.

Other strangers meet in a remote outpost, and the threats begin to pile up. However, the guests at the outpost all have secrets from a broken world. It becomes a battle to see who can be trusted during the night.

Verdict on Mythica: Stormbound

Recap

The movie follows a group of strangers who clash in a remote outpost. A storm is approaching, and a new evil has arisen after the last great threat was defeated. The strangers must come together to solve the latest threat and understand what is coming next.

Best Parts

This brings us back to the universe in the aftermath of the biggest battle. It does a good job of showing the fractures within the surviving society after the great evil is defeated. We are kept guessing about who the biggest threat is now, and it delivers surprises along the way. The performances a solid, and the connections to the original series keep us closer enough to the original creation.

Worst Parts

This does end up feeling more like a fantasy version of The Hateful Eight. With most of the movie taking place in the outpost, where nobody knows whom they can trust.

Final Thoughts –Mythica: Stormbound is a welcome return to the fantasy world.

Categories
Movie Review

Dream Hacker (2025) Movie Review

Dream Hacker – Movie Review

Dream Hacker explores AI dangers as neuroscientist Jennifer manipulates dreams, inadvertently causing complications and seeking to rectify her mistakes.

First Reaction – Dream Hacker is a great look at the dangers or AI and technology we don’t understand

Where to Watch

ON DIGITAL AND ON DEMAND JUNE 10

Director: Richard Colton

Writer: Richard Colton, Sue Kingsley (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: When neuroscientist, Jennifer Connelly, invents a device to explore and manipulate dreams, her first experiment leads her to a surprising discovery: an AI named “Adam” inhabiting her dream world, opening doors to the unknown.

Runtime: 1 Hour 45 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Dream Hacker starts when neuroscientist Jennifer (Hanson) is pushed into trying her new dream-manipulating device. When she begins her experiment, she is transferred into another person’s body on the other side of the world.

However, Jennifer accidentally causes problems for the woman whose body she transferred to, Candy (Bendz). She wants to fix the situation, but her decisions continue to make things worse. Meanwhile, her mentor faces a dilemma about the machine, which could ruin her research.

Verdict on Dream Hacker

Recap

The movie follows a scientist who manages to create a device capable of entering people’s dreams. She ends up in the body of a dancer, leaving her in trouble. The scientist must fix what she has created and solve the problems before it is too late.

Best Parts

The movie does a great job of showing us the conflict that technology and AI can create. It provides a complex storyline, which puts us in the shoes of a woman trying to fix their mistake she created with their technology. The performances are strong throughout the movie.

Worst Parts

This offers an interesting journey through what could happen with technology. However, it would have been even more twisted if we could have gone deeper into the options to show why it might not be the best choice.

Final Thoughts –Dream Hacker is an interesting journey through a new technology.

Categories
Movie Review

Straw (2025) Movie Review

Straw – Movie Review

Straw is a gripping thriller about a single mother facing dire circumstances, leading to unexpected chaos and public suspicion.

First Reaction – Straw is an excellent thriller with a killer sting in the tail.

Watch Straw on Netflix now.

Director: Tyler Perry

Writer: Tyler Perry (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: A single mother navigates a series of unfortunate events, leading her down an unforeseen path where she becomes embroiled in a situation she never envisioned, finding herself at the center of suspicion in an indifferent world.

Runtime: 1 Hour 45 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Straw starts when struggling single mother Janiyah Wiltkinson (Henson) sees her day spiral out of control. She needs money to feed her daughter at school, keep her apartment and deal with an abusive boss. Her day goes from bad to worse after clashing with an off-duty racist police officer.

However, things get worse, and a series of events lead her to become public enemy number one in a ruthless hostage standoff. She just wants her day to go back to normal, but nobody will listen to her.

Verdict on Straw

Recap

The movie follows a single mother who does everything to keep a roof over her sick daughter’s head. However, today, the world goes against her, and the catalyst of events leaves her in an unexpected position.

Best Parts

The movie does an excellent job of portraying the daily struggles people face to make ends meet. It makes a point that people don’t want to listen to stories or show sympathy to anyone around them. The performances are brilliant and they show the difference of opinions between everyone involved. It also examines the police state being broken with different standards from people from different backgrounds. This keeps us on edge as we are left guessing to how the situation will end.

Final Thoughts –Straw is an excellent thriller that keeps you guessing.

Categories
Movie Review

Uninvited (2024) Movie Review

Uninvited – Movie Review

"Uninvited is a thrilling tale of a mother seeking revenge on her daughter's murderer, blending suspense with emotional depth throughout."

First Reaction – Uninvited is a tense thriller from start to finish.

Watch Uninvited on Netflix now.

Director: Dan Villegas

Writer: Dodo Dayao (Screenplay)

Cast

  • Vilma Santos
  • Nadine Lustre
  • Aga Muhlach
  • Tirso Cruz III
  • Mylene Dizon

Plot: Lilia Capistrano seeks revenge on billionaire Guilly Vega for killing her daughter. Disguised as Eva Candelaria, she attends his party with a vengeful plan.

Runtime: 1 Hour 33 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Uninvited starts when Lilia Capistrano (Santos) learns her daughter has been murdered by billionaire Guilly Vega (Muhlach). However, he has escaped punishment, leading her to go undercover as Eva Candelaria to pull off a vengeful plan.

Lilia attends the party with her plan which has stewed in her since the murder. However, she begins to question herself when she learns about the inner circle of people trapped under his control as well. Will she follow through with her plan?

Verdict on Uninvited

Recap

The movie follows a grieving mother considering the consequences of her daughter’s death. She is torn about what to do, as her plan for revenge takes her up close and personal with the person responsible.

Best Parts

The movie does an excellent job of keeping us wondering who we can trust. It also highlights how a grieving parent could go to extreme lengths for their revenge. Vilma Santos is brilliant in the leading role, as she maintains her calm through the party, despite being broken inside. It is an excellent thriller which keeps us on the edge of our seats throughout.

Final Thoughts –Uninvited is a tense, suspenseful thriller, keeping us on edge throughout.

Categories
Movie Review

Underground Orange (2024) Movie Review

Underground Orange – Movie Review

Underground Orange explores unlikely friendships among a group of actors in Argentina, blending humor and crime in a captivating journey of connection.

First Reaction – Underground Orange a great journey in unlikely friendships and connections in the world.

Where to Watch

Sexy, Genderqueer Political Crime Comedy Underground Orange (Bajo Naranja) Kicks Off Star-Studded 9 City North American Theatrical Tour Beginning June 5th.

Director: Michael Taylor Jackson

Writer: Michael Taylor Jackson (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: A Californian backpacker becomes entangled in a polyamorous relationship with a gang of young actors who plot to kidnap the US Ambassador to Argentina.

Runtime: 1 Hour 25 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Underground Orange starts when Yankee (Jackson) is robbed in Argentina. He is left with no identity or place to stay, until Paty (Castiglione) and her friends welcome him into their circle. Yankee learns about their friendship and dreams of becoming actors.

However, they have other plans to kidnap the US Ambassador to Argentina. Yankee becomes caught in the middle of their plans and torn between joining them on their battle.

Verdict on Underground Orange

Recap

The movie follows an American citizen who gets robbed and stranded in Argentina. He is welcomed in by a small community of actors, who show him friendship and connection unlike anything he has experienced before. However, they have a bigger plan, and he is unsure whether to join in.

Best Parts

The movie shows how you can make friends with open groups from different cultures. It shows a mutual bond can unite anyone and people can enjoy their lives. The performances are strong throughout and show the free spirits unleashed on the world.

Worst Parts

The crime side seems to take a lot more of a back burner than it suggests, which is a mixed bag. Firstly, it does put more focus on the friendships made, but their goal, like a ‘Point Break’ doesn’t get enough time.

Final Thoughts –Underground Orange is a great story about friendship and exposing a truth.

Categories
Movie Review

Sunfall (2024) Movie Review

Sunfall – Movie Review

"Sunfall features scientists and activists racing to prevent disaster as the sun approaches Earth, but suffers from poor execution and effects."

First Reaction – Sunfall great idea but needed some more care.

Watch Sunfall on Tubi.

Director: Tyler-James, Ben J Williams

Writer: Sam Gurney (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: Trevor and his scientist colleague Nick discover that the sun has been pushed towards Earth, causing all sorts of fire-related disasters as the planet begins heating up rapidly.

Runtime: 1 Hour 14 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Sunfall begins when two scientists discover that the sun has started moving towards the Earth. Their invention can prevent global disaster, but they need the right people to help make it a success.

They join forces with a wealthy playboy and a group of global warming activists. It becomes a race against time to prevent disaster, and they must overcome a host of problems in their mission.

Verdict on Sunfall

Recap

The movie follows a group of scientists, activists and the wealthy teaming up to prevent a global disaster. It follows the sun heading towards the Earth and a race against time to prevent it.

Best Parts

This is another movie with a wonderful concept that would make an interesting, entertaining disaster movie.

Worst Parts

The problem are the budget, which is too low for the ambition presented in the concept. It has poor effects for the disaster moments, the performances are not great, with the cast struggling to show any chemistry. The world never feels in threat outside of the small group, who mostly run around with something bad near them. I can see we are trying to grab the same attention Asylum had with their low-budget disaster movies, but sadly it never comes to life.

Final Thoughts –Sunfall struggles to have any intensity in the peril presented.

Categories
Movie Review

A Widow’s Game (2025) Movie Review

A Widow’s Game – Movie Review

A Widow’s Game is a suspenseful murder mystery where a young widow, Maje, becomes the prime suspect in her husband’s murder investigation.

First Reaction – A Widow’s Game has plenty of twists and turns along the way.

Watch A Widow’s Game on Netflix Now.

Director: Carlos Sedes

Writer: Ramon Campos, Gema R Neira, David Orea, Jon de la Cuesta (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: A murder mystery about a young widow who is the prime suspect in her husband’s stabbing death.

Runtime: 2 Hours 2 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: A Widow’s Game starts when Eva (Machi) begins an investigation into a murder. The prime suspect is his widow, Maje (Baquero), who is known to have been cheating on her husband. However, the investigation dives into the complicated life Maje were living.

As Maje begins searching for a way to get away with the crime, we dive into her motivation. The secrets of her life become clearer and the way she pushed men into helping her with her husband.

Verdict on A Widow’s Game

Recap

The movie follows a young woman trapped in an abusive relationship whose husband gets murdered. She becomes the prime suspect, but it becomes clear that something else is going on, and her secret life becomes clearer.

Best Parts

The movie keeps us guessing and is filled with surprises. It shows how easily someone can become trapped in an abusive relationship and what lengths they will go to for an escape. We get strong performances throughout, which help understand the problems being faced.

Worst Parts

The movie does slip into only showing Maje’s life for too long of a time. It takes away from the investigation into the murder and it almost becomes an afterthought.

Final Thoughts – A Widow’s Game keeps you guessing throughout the movie.

Categories
Movie Review

Amongst the Wolves (2025) Movie Review

Amongst the Wolves – Movie Review

Amongst the Wolves explores the struggles of homelessness through characters Danny and Will, blending themes of hope, trauma, and redemption.

First Reaction – Amongst the Wolves uses the raw aspects of homelessness to create a thriller in search of hope.

Where to Watch

Amongst The Wolves will be available on Digital Download from 2nd June.

Director: Mark O’Connor

Writer: Luke McQuillan, Mark O’Connor (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: Danny, an ex-soldier homeless in Dublin, meets Will, a teen fleeing a drug gang. Their encounter forces them to confront their pasts while navigating the harsh realities they face.

Runtime: 1 Hour 42 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Amongst the Wolves starts when a troubled homeless man, Danny (McQuillan), tries to go about his day. He stumbles upon a young man, Will (Fee), who has been caught up with a local drug gang by Power (Gillen).

Danny tries to reflect on his life and recover to spend time with his son. However, his ex-wife doubts he will be able to fight his demons. Meanwhile, Will is forced into action he never wanted to take to clear his debts, and Danny decides to help him, but at what cost?

Verdict on Amongst the Wolves

Recap

The movie follows a homeless ex-soldier who is trying to get his life back together. However, his nightmares are haunting him, and regrets hold him back. Meanwhile, he meets a troubled young man who is being controlled by a drug gang and decides to help him out of his troubled life.

Best Parts

The movie does an excellent job of showing the struggles of the homeless. It has a blend of a traumatised soldier who never recovered from what he saw. Elsewhere, it shows the controlling nature that drug gangs have on them, too, using their situation to their advantage. This feels like a message to support, understand and listen to homeless people’s stories. It proves people can work towards a better life, but a lot can hold them back. The performances are great, and the world we enter shows us the bleak future they face.

Final Thoughts –Amongst the Wolves is a brilliant reflection on finding a new life.