The Unwanted – Tubi

Horror

A group of ghost hunters, known as the Southsea Paranormal Investigators, are dedicated to digging up the truth and the lies of the deceased.

This movie started out pretty funny. These “paranormal investigators” were total con-artists. The fake medium was so over the top—it was great. I thought the film was gonna take it and run with it.

But then there was bullshit.

That bullshit being the only black person—an intern— is not only discriminated against by the leader of this group, she is then “accidentally” killed by her. The leader covers it up. The murdered girl then goes on a ghostly revenge spree, blah blah blah.

Maybe it’s me, but a horror movie in 2022 that kills off their only black character as the inciting incident is bullshit. There was zero reason for it. I honestly think the filmmakers thought her getting revenge was a triumph—it’s not. If you can kill any other cast member instead and wind up at the same place at the end, why then choose the only black person in the movie?

I am so fucking tired of this. If filmmakers don’t have—or don’t care to have—the sensitivity a diverse cast requires, then I’d prefer they stop having diverse casts. 1 star.

 

Live – Tubi

Horror · Thriller · Mystery

A private detective discovers disturbing secrets and two suspects after taking on the case of a woman who was abducted in a live stream on Facebook.

A newly divorced woman joins Facebook and overshares. If you’ve seen Megan is Missing, it’s a similar punch to the gut. Pretty heavy-handed in the fear mongering around oversharing on Facebook, while simultaneously pointing fingers to her abusive ex-husband.

Disturbing and thoroughly scary. 4 stars.

 

 

 

Cryo – Tubi

Mystery · Sci-Fi · Thriller

When five scientists awaken from cryosleep with foggy memories, they discover that they’re stuck behind an airlock and there’s a killer on the loose.

I’m pretty sure this movie was written backwards. The ending was excellent – love it, didn’t see it coming, original—just *chef’s kiss* perfect.

Unfortunately, how we got there was less than compelling. The opening was interesting, but then the movie lost momentum, never got it back and limped along to that killer ending.

Five people wandering around going “who are you” and getting violent with each other was done much better in Dark Matter.

Best part is the ending. 2.5 stars.

 

Escape Room – Tubi

Horror

A group of friends partaking in an escape room find themselves trapped in a sadistic killer’s game, with only 60 minutes to solve the puzzle or die.

Yanno, when someone tells you a demon lives in a box, maybe take their word for it? Guy steals said box and puts it in his Escape Room thinking it will somehow save his business. Talk about not thinking things through. Maybe just buy another ad?

Usually in these movies the folks have to escape from a succession of rooms, each more funky deadly than the last. But not here. It’s just one room and that made it much, much worse.

I’ve seen my share of Escape Room movies and this is the one that warns me off ever going into one. Nope. No thank you!

Creepy and scary. 4 stars.

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That’s it for this week.

Until next time!