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Posts Tagged ‘Amazon Author LaTaeya Lane’

Evil Dead Burn “Review”

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on July 13, 2026| Leave a Comment »

by LaTaeya Lane

Evil Dead Burn Review

Evil Dead Burn, directed by Sébastien Vanicek and starring Souheila Yacoub, Luciane Buchanan, Hunter Doohan, and Erroll Shand, follows a family’s hauntingly dark history as they mourn the tragic loss of a loved one.

This fast-paced gore fest will leave Evil Dead fans disturbed and with a thrilling thirst for more.

The Evil Dead universe expands once again with the franchise’s sixth installment. Tied to Bruce Campbell’s and Sam Raimi’s classic Evil Dead films, we discover that a young man’s research and curiosity lead him down a path consumed by the unleashed Deadites. One by one, family members are possessed by a dark presence determined to devour every ounce of goodness within them.

For those familiar with the complex backstory of the Book of the Dead, this film takes us even deeper into the mythology. However, there were moments where the plot felt inconsistent with the classic Evil Dead narrative. I also noticed a few plot holes related to the timeline and certain story elements that didn’t quite connect.

The special effects were spot on, and the kill scenes were creative, brutal, and exciting. However, there were a few moments when the heavy use of effects overshadowed the horror rather than enhancing it.

Despite the plot holes and the lack of truly memorable performances, Evil Dead Burn was still an enjoyable horror experience. Fans invested in the franchise will definitely want more, and I’m looking forward to what I hope will be a satisfying conclusion with Evil Dead Wrath. I’m especially excited to see how the idea that “good will prevail” ultimately unfolds.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Check out the trailer below.

L. L.

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Disclosure Day Review

Posted in Fantasy literature, New Movie reviews, Reviews, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 15, 2026| 1 Comment »

By LaTaeya Lane

Disclosure Day, directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Emily Blunt, follows weather reporter Margaret Fairchild and AI operator Dr. Daniel Kellner, portrayed by Josh O’Connor, as they uncover secrets and plan to expose a 75-year-old UFO cover-up that extends beyond the boundaries of the United States government.

This high-energy, fast-paced sci-fi film opens with the exchange of life-changing contents hidden within a backpack. This moment sets the tone for an adventure filled with questions, revelations, and eye-opening truths.

This film had a little bit of everything. From spectacular Indiana Jones-style action sequences to thrilling X-Files-inspired moments, it kept audiences engaged from beginning to end.

The storyline focused on familiar UFO themes while making strong connections to the Ancient Astronaut Theory.

The main cast held the story together with strong performances. The visual effects were captivating, and the computer-generated imagery was clean, realistic, and authentic in its presentation.

Overall, this was a good film with a strong story, solid acting, and impressive visuals that draw you in. I am not sure whether this is intended to be a standalone film or the beginning of a larger franchise, but I hope it makes a lot of noise at the box office.

If you are a fan of, or a believer in, the Ancient Astronaut Theory, then this movie is for you.

I gave Disclosure Day a strong 4 out of 5 stars.

Check out the trailer below.

L.L.

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They Will Kill You (Review)

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on March 31, 2026| Leave a Comment »

by LaTaeya Lane

They will kill you, a psychological thriller directed by Kirill Sokolov (No Looking Back, 2021) and starring Zazie Beetz (Joker, 2019), Patricia Arquette (Stigmata, 1999), and Tom Felton (Harry Potter Films), follows a woman after she accepts a position as a housekeeper in a historical high-rise building in New York City.

Things spiral into horror as Asia stumbles onto the sinister secrets lurking within the establishment’s walls.

Asia learns that she has been recruited into a dark realm, with eternal consequences for her and her sister.

No longer accepting the role of a victim, Asia gives off (The Bride) (Kill Bill) vibes as she protects herself and tries to defend her sister from the building’s demonic inhabitants.

This film was an exciting good time. A little bit of comedy blended with a lot of action. The fight sequences were impressive. Beetz’s onscreen performance was definitely memorable, while the storyline caught my attention. The supporting cast was a good fit. Patricia Arquette’s role (Lilith) could have been more developed, but the writers have a lot to work with if they decide to make this a franchise.

The special effects and kill scenes gave me a nostalgic, old-school feeling while still blending elements of modern horror-movie magic.

Overall, this was a movie that will make you laugh, jump in fear, and make you believe you can fight like the one and only “John Wick”.

I gave this film 3 stars for fun energy and thought-provoking storytelling.

Check out the trailer below.

L.L.

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Avatar: Fire and Ash (Review)

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on December 21, 2025| Leave a Comment »

by LaTaeya Lane

Avatar: Fire and Ash, directed by James Cameron (Titanic, 1999) and starring Sam Worthington and Zoë Saldaña, is a breathtaking visual spectacle that continues Jake Sully’s story and that of the Na’vi as they navigate the aftermath of the tragic loss of their younger son.

Still torn by grief, Jake and his family have fully integrated into the aquatic community. However, adversaries from the past return to wreak havoc on the Na’vi people, forcing Jake to confront the dangers that threaten his family and their way of life.

Despite relentless fighting, heartbreak, and overwhelming challenges, Jake and his family manage to overcome adversity. Their faith—rooted in resilience, love, and unity—becomes the heartbeat of this cinematic world.

Each uniquely developed character embarks on their own journey, with their stories seamlessly interwoven to create a powerful connection that only this cast can deliver. The lens through which James Cameron directs captures an essence that makes the magic feel profoundly real.

Fire and Ash is one of the best theatrical experiences I have ever witnessed on the silver screen. The story’s emotional depth and the performances delivered by each character are simply brilliant. The world-building and technological innovation used to create Pandora and its people have evolved beyond any creative scope imaginable. The special effects are breathtaking, once again transporting us into a realm of infinite possibility.

Worthington and Saldaña deliver performances worthy of Hollywood royalty, while the supporting cast offers strong, grounded portrayals that further strengthen an already compelling storyline. A standout new addition is Varang (portrayed by Oona Chaplin), the leader of the volcanic Fire Clan. Her villainous presence is captivating—dark, edgy, and utterly mesmerizing.

The score beautifully complements the film’s energy, though I did wish Miley Cyrus’s “Dream as One” had appeared at least once within the movie itself.

This is an adventure that must be experienced in theaters. I give Avatar: Fire and Ash five stars for its thrilling visual narrative and stunning effects.

Check out the trailer below.

L. L.

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Jurassic World: Rebirth (Review)

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on July 10, 2025| Leave a Comment »

by LaTaeya Lane

Jurassic World: Rebirth directed by Gareth Edwards (Godzilla 2014) starring Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow 2021) and Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton), takes place 5 years after the events of Dominion. A team of scientists and military explorers set out to return to the deserted Theme Park to extract DNA from 3 of the most ferocious dinosaurs, to use for groundbreaking medical research.

It was great to see Scarlett Johansson in this role, however compared to the action portrayed in some of her past films, I was a bit underwhelmed by her part and the movie as a whole. There were exciting scenes but I think that this franchise has overdone it with too many sequels. There is only so far you can take the concept of genetically engineered dinosaurs and it think this is the end of the line for the franchise or at least it should be.

The supporting cast wasn’t anything out of the ordinary and the special effects were average considering a film at this caliber. Visually the movie impressed with world building and mood. It was an added bonus to see it in 3D, but it is worth watching via streaming service. Despite having some issues with writing and the repetitive storyline, it was still a fun movie that families will enjoy.

Overall I gave this film 3 stars.

Check out the trailer below:

L.L.

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28 Years Later “Review”

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 24, 2025| Leave a Comment »

by LaTaeya Lane

28 Years Later, directed by Danny Boyle and starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ralph Fiennes, and Jodie Comer, tells the story of how a group of people have survived on a Scottish island since the initial Rage Outbreak over twenty years ago.

The film opens with father and son, Jamie and Jimmy, trekking through treacherous and unstable terrain as Jamie teaches Jimmy how to defend himself against the Infected. Jimmy is on a mission to learn how the world works while attempting to stay safe and be fully aware of his surroundings. Eventually, the actions of the father and son, in conjunction with their family dynamic, set the stage for Jimmy to venture beyond the borders of their small island in search of answers to aid his ailing mother.

This movie felt completely disconnected and seemed more like a stand-alone film, rather than part of a franchise. There were so many elements that went wrong. The beginning was off to a decent start. By the time we explore the middle of the film, we are lost in the concept of ridiculous storytelling. Jimmy, played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson, was underdeveloped as a character, while Dr. Kelson, played by Ralph Fiennes, was just bizarre.

The zombies were beyond terrible. This film attempted to convey a sense of evolutionary nature within them. The first type of zombie we see is the basic rage zombie; however, these zombies were completely nude, which didn’t make sense. I could see tattered clothes, but just running with nothing on was just over the top. Then we have another type, which is just an overweight crawling zombie. Their origin was explained, but it was so pointless that I can no longer recall how they came to be.

Unfortunately, this movie was a waste of time and a big disappointment.

I gave this film 1 star.

Check out the trailer below:

L.L.  

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Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Movie Review

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on September 8, 2024| Leave a Comment »

by LaTaeya Lane

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, directed by Tim Burton and starring Michael Keaton, Winona Rider, Cathrine O’Hara, William Dafoe, and Jenny Ortega, follows the story of Spiritual Medium and Paranormal Investigator Lydia Deetz as she deals with her father’s death, which opens the door to a past of unfinished business with the haunting ghoul Beetlejuice.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice was a lot of fun to experience, and it was especially refreshing to explore the Afterlife further through Tim Burton’s lens. With the theme of death at the forefront of the storytelling process, the theme of family and elements of forgiveness, acceptance, and living are interwoven into the tapestry of a great Horror Comedy that is bound to end in a promising trilogy.

The plot is layered with multiple storylines that make the film entertaining and engaging from the very start. The special effects, costume design, and creature design create a captivating allure that only Tim Burton could deliver. Michael Keaton’s performance as Beetlejuice was comedy gold that brought me back to that 80s kid.

Winona Rider’s complex character gave way to an even deeper persona that presented a softer and more elevated side to her character. The addition of Astrid, portrayed by Jenny Ortega, created a rich family extension. Cathrine O’Hara did a great job reprising her role as the family matriarch while maintaining the spotlight and evolving her part in the story. The supporting cast kept the plot going in a fun way, while all the other components, including the score, added to the film in a meaningful way.  

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is the perfect film to kick off the Halloween movie season. It’s great fun for the family and has lots of laughs, thrills, and chills. I gave this film 5 stars.

Check out the trailer below:

L.L.

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The Ones Who Live Episode 6 Review

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 3, 2024| Leave a Comment »

by LaTaeya Lane

Warning mild spoilers below.

TWD: The Ones Who Live was an epic ending to an epic love story.

Rick and Michonne head back to the CRM to obtain the dossier and to sabotage the Echelon Briefing. Each is responsible for their mission. Determined to return home, Rick is fueled with the hope of what he once was as he embarks on getting into the CRM to change things from the inside.

As their journey expands and their personalities shift into more complex individuals, we can still see the Rick and Michonne that we fell in love with in previous seasons of The Walking Dead.

Rick and Michonne overcome many obstacles throughout their journey while closing in on their most significant victory. The power couple beats all the odds to complete their mission. Rick nervously embraces his new lease on life and quickly reconnects with the people he loves.

The Ones Who Live intensely focused on Rick’s trauma and the CRM’s position and purpose in society. Michonne’s journey is centered on her love for Rick, who created a force of nature to change their world and the world beyond them.

The Ones Who Live was a masterpiece, as it continued to tell the whole story of Rick Grimes. Starting from the day he was shot and woke up from a coma, Rick’s intent to “find his family” and protect them has been at the forefront of his arc. Rick’s journey has led him to find his family and “focus on the future.” Rick’s desire to “thrive and fortify” will forever be etched into the astounding theme that love conquers all, and love is what makes people thrive and fortify. Rick has been through many trials and tribulations, but the one thing that has gotten him through is the love he shared with Michonne and his love for all the people who have come and gone throughout this time. Since Morgan saved him, Rick’s life has been shaped by each person who has played a role in his story.

Rick was born to lead.

Leadership is part of Rick’s DNA. As a Sheriff’s Deputy, the Leader of the Survivors, the town Leader of Alexandria, and a sergeant of the CRM, we see how much Rick’s Leadership has evolved. Rick’s personality is complex yet gentle. He is also edgy, determined, fierce, powerful, haunted, broken, hurtful, doubtful, and hopeful. He is a character who will heal from his pain but will always be a powerhouse in the world of The Walking Dead.

The last episode of Ones Who Live was a stunning example of how Rick’s story of survival can and will continue to live in the hearts of The Walking Dead Fandom. I’m still hoping for season 2 where we see Rick rebuild his life and reunite with Morgan, Daryl, Maggie, Carol, Ezekiel, Aaron, and even Negan. There is always more story to tell, and I would be honored to experience it again.

Check out The One’s Who Live on AMC+. Can’t get enough of The Walking Dead? Check out season 2 of Daryl Dixon coming Summer of 2024!

L.L.

Here is a sneak peek of season 2 of Daryl Dixon: The Book of Carol:

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Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny Review

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on July 3, 2023| Leave a Comment »

by LaTaeya Lane

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny directed by James Mangold, executive produced by George Lucas, and Stephen Spielberg, and starring Harrison Ford is the final adventure thrill ride in the treasure-hunting franchise.

This film takes place several years after the events of The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Indy is on the verge of retirement, and we now see a changed Indiana Jones as the result of a recent loss. Indiana’s journey begins as a fast-paced expedition that creates the perfect amount of thrill and balance throughout the movie.  Indiana’s past catches up with him as he attempts to obtain a legendary artifact that has the power to alter the course of history. He manages to fight his way out of the trenches of his lifelong enemy while remaining true to his code of ethics.  

They pulled out all the stops for this film. Fans of the film and franchise truly understand what it means by the phrase “age isn’t nothing but a number.”  Harrison Ford’s portrayal of the beloved character was fabulous.  The action, thrill, and adventure of the story were bigger and better than ever. The partnership between Indy and his goddaughter Helena, played by Phoebe Waller-Bridge worked well. The chemistry between the two was a nice progression and reflected the true nature of their on-screen relationship.

 The presence of old friends was a nice addition, and the entire film created a mood of non-stop action that made moviegoers feel and believe that we were part of the action too! The special effects were indeed special. From the youthful look of Indiana to all the action and fight sequences. It was amazing.  There is nothing like seeing Indiana Jones galloping on a horse through a subway and all you need is that classic theme song and you are in it. At least I was… I apologize for the spoiler, but that scene was by far one of the best, most thrilling, action-packed scenes that have ever graced the silver screen.

Indiana Jones took us to places we never dreamed existed.  He showed us things that made us think, question and believe. He made us open our hearts to the definition of what it means to go on an adventure. He made us fall in love with the idea of the “hunt.” He allowed us to see beyond what a great imagination can do. Indiana Jones never played by the rules and defined the laws of gravity, space, and time, all while giving us the adventure of a lifetime.

This movie is the perfect summer blockbuster and will go down in cinematic history as a spectacular end to the franchise. This is a five-star must-see.

Please check out the trailer below:

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Avatar: The Way Of Water Review

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on December 18, 2022| Leave a Comment »

by LaTaeya Lane

Avatar: The Way of Water, directed by James Cameron and starring Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Kate Winslet, Sigourney Weaver, Cliff Curtis, and Stephen Lange, takes place years after we see Jake Sully permanently assimilated into the world of Pandora. Now mated for life with partner Neytiri, portrayed by Zoe Saldana, we find that Jake is also the father of four children. However, the Sully family’s happiness quickly fades as Jake’s old enemy Quaritch, portrayed by Stephen Lange, takes the form of an Avatar to finish the war he started against Jake.

Jake and his family are no longer safe within the trees of their forest home, so he makes the tough decision to move his family out of the forest and into the water world to seek refuge among a new community of warriors. The Sully family begins a new life as they learn the ways of the Metkayina Tribe.

Avatar: The Way of Water is a cinematic masterpiece with a little bit of everything packed into the three hours plus film. This film made magic real for me as I took this magical thrill ride of adventure into another realm of imagination and wonder. The addition of new characters quickly became favorites while we were enthralled to explore how Jake and Neytiri’s world has evolved since we last saw them.

This movie was a visual spectacle on levels that are difficult to express. Experiencing it in 3D created a layer of dimension that only a movie theater could bring. The characters and the actors that brought them to life created an element of cohesiveness and chemistry that worked to maintain a balance that made the movie flow effortlessly. The storyline-maintained interest, while the score made me want something more to add to the theatrical experience. James Cameron has done it again with his directorial skills and deserves an Oscar nomination and win for best film and director.

Overall, I gave this film five stars. It is worth watching again. It is absolutely amazing!!

Check out the trailer below:

L.L

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