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Spider-Man: Brand New Day Review

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on August 3, 2026| Leave a Comment »

By LaTaeya Lane

Spider-Man: Brand New Day, directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and starring Tom Holland, Zendaya, Jon Bernthal, Mark Ruffalo and Sadie Sink, follows a lonely, heartbroken Spider-Man as he navigates the aftermath of his life-altering decision to make everyone forget him.

This adrenaline-spiked, thrill-seeking film takes you on a journey deep into Peter Parker’s heart.

Spider-Man manages to keep the city safe despite the many challenges he faces, until a new unseen threat surfaces to destroy everyone in its path. Spider-Man seeks help from some of the Avengers while establishing an alliance with the unlikely hero, Frank Castle, aka The Punisher.

As Spider-Man attempts to battle yet another villain, he struggles to keep his personal promise to stay distant from his two best friends, MJ and Ned. In the process, he discovers that he is changing—evolving into something more.

Peter Parker/Spider-Man realizes that he must embrace his weaknesses in order to build upon his strengths and abilities.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day is one of the best Spider-Man franchise films to date. The action and fight scenes display a fluid vision of grace, beauty, and creative innovation.

The special and visual effects present a strikingly realistic quality that allows moviegoers to feel like they are part of Spider-Man’s mirage of experiences.

Despite everything we see Spider-Man/Peter Parker go through, Brand New Day ultimately leads to the introduction of Jean Grey. Instead of answering questions and revealing truths related to the Multiverse, we are left with even more questions.

Overall, the plot sequence is strong enough to leave fans wanting more.

Once again, Tom Holland delivers a stellar performance as the young superhero battles and overcomes his emotional and physical challenges.

Zendaya and the supporting cast help hold the film together, while appearances by the Avengers tighten the universe’s storyline.

The vault of villains is impressive, while Jon Bernthal’s portrayal of The Punisher does not disappoint as a heroic counterpart. The chemistry between Spider-Man and The Punisher makes for an entertaining partnership throughout the film.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day is a fun, action-packed sequel filled with reality-bending visuals, thrilling action scenes, and emotionally captivating storytelling.

I gave this film 5 stars!

Check out the trailer below:

L.L.

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The Odyssey 2026 “Review”

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on July 20, 2026| Leave a Comment »

by LaTaeya Lane

The Odyssey (2026) - IMDb

The Odyssey, directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Jon Bernthal, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, John Leguizamo, and Zendaya, is an epic mythological adventure that follows Odysseus, the Greek hero and King of Ithaca, portrayed by Matt Damon, as he embarks on a perilous journey home after the Trojan War.

During his journey, Odysseus and his crew face the wrath of the gods and a host of mythological monsters, battling forces far beyond their strength while relying on courage, resilience, and quick wit to survive.

This reimagined adaptation of Homer’s classic epic poem is brought to life in a powerful way, pushing the boundaries of innovation, creativity, and storytelling through breathtaking visuals that leave a lasting impression on moviegoers.

From beginning to end, The Odyssey pulls out all the stops to deliver a thrilling theatrical experience that deserves to be seen on the biggest screen possible.

This all-star cast is unforgettable. Matt Damon’s portrayal of Odysseus is nothing short of Oscar-worthy, capturing both the warrior’s determination and humanity. Tom Holland delivers a raw and natural performance as his son, while Anne Hathaway brings quiet strength and emotional depth to Penelope. Jon Bernthal once again proves why he remains one of Hollywood’s most commanding actors, bringing intensity and excitement to every scene he appears in.

The supporting cast further elevates the film, with each performance adding depth, emotion, and energy to this unforgettable adventure.

It was also exciting to see so many actors from The Walking Dead appear throughout the film. Jon Bernthal, Ryan Hurst, Jimmy Gonzales, Samantha Morton, and Corey Hawkins each left a memorable impression with their character portrayals, making their appearances an unexpected treat for longtime fans of the series.

The costume design and breathtaking sets are visually stunning, while the immersive sound design heightens every mythological encounter, drawing audiences deeper into the story’s magical world.

The Odyssey is a spectacle of epic proportions. This is a must-see and undoubtedly Oscar-worthy, delivering the grand adventure, breathtaking action, and unforgettable visuals that fans of Homer’s timeless story have been waiting to experience on the big screen.

This is the summer blockbuster we’ve been waiting years to see. Shot entirely with IMAX cameras, The Odyssey is destined to be remembered as one of the greatest action-adventure films ever made, setting a new standard for epic filmmaking.

I gave The Odyssey ★★★★★ for its breathtaking cinematic experience, riveting storytelling, and unforgettable performances.

Check out the trailer below.

L.L.

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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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Masters of the Universe 2026 “Review”

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 8, 2026| Leave a Comment »

by LaTaeya Lane

Masters of the Universe, directed by Travis Knight and starring Nicholas Galitzine, tells the story of Prince Adam and his ascent to becoming the most powerful hero in the universe.

This thrilling new adaptation of He-Man’s origin story opens the door to Adam’s world while giving audiences a full experience of the mystical realm of Eternia, its heroes, and its mutant inhabitants.

Masters of the Universe is an exciting and visually stunning adaptation of the classic 1980s animated series. The story stays true to the legend of He-Man while adding new elements that help strengthen and expand the narrative for modern audiences.

Nicholas Galitzine was the perfect choice to portray Prince Adam. His earthbound, quirky personality made the character relatable and engaging. He did an excellent job bringing both Adam and He-Man to life on screen.

The supporting cast—including Man-At-Arms, Teela, the Sorceress, Ram-Man, Trap Jaw, and Roboto—were all strong casting choices that helped create balance within the story and added depth to Eternia’s world.

Jared Leto’s portrayal of Skeletor was surprisingly impressive. His performance gave the iconic villain a unique swagger and flair that made him both entertaining and memorable.

My one disappointment was Evil-Lyn, portrayed by Allison Brie. The performance never fully embodied the essence of the character for me. I felt the role lacked some of the commanding presence and mystique that have always defined Evil-Lyn.

The creature designs of many beloved characters showcased a deep appreciation for the creativity and imagination that have always been at the heart of He-Man. Combined with the impressive costumes, the visual presentation helped bring Eternia to life in spectacular fashion.

The special effects were outstanding, the battle sequences were epic, and Adam’s transformation into He-Man felt like the magic of childhood brought to life on the big screen.

Overall, Masters of the Universe is an action-packed adventure that pulls out all the stops to bring 1980s nostalgia into the modern era while honoring the legacy of the franchise.

As a lifelong He-Man fan, I give this movie 5 stars. The future of this franchise looks incredibly promising, and there are plenty of exciting surprises still to come.

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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Him (Review)

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

by LaTaeya Lane

Him, directed by Justin Tipping (Black Monday) and starring Marlon Wayans (White Chicks) and Tyriq Withers (I Know What You Did Last Summer, 2025), follows a Legendary football player as he attempts to recruit and train an upcoming football star.

Unbeknownst to him, Cameron Cade (Withers) is exposed to a series of tasks that lead to a dark and sinister cult within the world of football.

Him is a psychological horror that bends the realm of reality and fantasy. The imagery presented was dark and edgy; however, it was also distorted and confusing in the middle of the film.

The story itself had great potential but was inconsistent and fell flat in some areas.

The main cast had a good flow and chemistry throughout the film. The special effects were nothing out of the ordinary. Unfortunately, the fact that Jordan Peele has his name attached to this project is somewhat disappointing, considering his past filmography.

I have mixed feelings about this film. I didn’t hate it, but I also didn’t love it.

This is a decent movie for streaming if you like football.

I gave this film 3 stars for its intriguing nature.

Check out the trailer below:

L.L.

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The Conjuring: Last Rites (review)

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on September 7, 2025| Leave a Comment »

by LaTaeya Lane

The Conjuring: Last Rites, directed by Michael Chaves (The Nun II) and starring Vera Farmiga (The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do IT), Patrick Wilson (Annabelle Comes Home, and Mia Tomlinson (The Mediator) follows Ed and Lorraine Warren as they face the most impactful paranormal case that would eventually end their careers.

This film starts with a young expecting couple as they encounter a powerful demon on a case that would mark the family for the rest of their lives. In their fight to help and protect a family from the dark entities of a home, things go terribly wrong, and Lorraine goes into labor early.

After the traumatic birth of their daughter, Judy, the Warrens work hard to put their lives back together and move on. Judy has a psychic connection and works to manage her abilities with guidance from Lorraine.  It is not until Judy reaches her full psychic capacity that the entity that marks her returns in connection with a family she is drawn to help.

The story was well-written and presented a new chapter in the Warren world of the paranormal. The franchise has evolved in ways that have expanded the universe while allowing it to grow within the story without any fractures.

The visual and special effects opened the door to imagery, defining the meaning of creativity and imagination. The score was great and took me directly to my 80’ Playlist.

There were plenty of jump scares, creepy thrills, and intense moments invoking the feeling of uncertainty, mystery, and heart-pounding fear.

The new additions to the cast were a continuation of the legacy that the Conjuring Universe already carries. At the same time, the story, visuals, and all the other components are the perfect recipe for a fantastic start to the fall horror season.

The Conjuring: Last Rites is a 5-star Paranormal Adventure that horror fans will love as the final chapter in the Conjuring film Universe.

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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Mission Impossible- The Final Reckoning (Review)

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 25, 2025| Leave a Comment »

by LaTaeya Lane

Mission: Impossible- The Final Reckoning, directed by Christopher McQuarrie and starring Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Pom Klementieff, and Angela Bassett, is the eighth installment of the action-adventure franchise.

This movie follows super spy Ethan Hunt (Cruise) and his exceptional team as he accepts the mission to fight against an artificial intelligence system that aims to destroy humanity.

Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning is a mind-bending theatrical masterpiece that pushes the boundaries of human experience while blending elements of superhero characteristics within the main protagonist. Tom Cruise’s portrayal of Ethan Hunt is a manifestation of magnificence as he ventures off into a world of unknown dangers, searching for a way to defeat a computer-generated villain called The Entity.

The special effects and storyline were well done and delivered the elements of movie magic within every scene. The action sequences were phenomenal, and the supporting cast was filled with familiar faces that created a beautiful cinematic melody. The new additions to the cast danced with grace and fluidity throughout the film, all creating a cohesiveness that strengthened the plot and mood.

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: THE FINAL RECKONING delivered an impactful conclusion to the franchise while kicking off the summer blockbuster season.

This movie was a lot of fun. It has heartwarming, hold-your-breath moments, heart-stopping thrills, and shocking revelations.

I give this movie five stars!

Check out the trailer below:

L.L

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