Review Death Whisperer 3 a.k.a. Tee yod 3 (2025): Still entertaining but not in the same way as the predecessors.

genre: action, adventure, horror

Writer/director Taweewat Wantha wasn't involved with this third part. Seems to me he was the driving force behind the franchise, and he knew what the franchise was about. 

Death Whisperer 3 almost forsakes the previous film except for copying the forest bits that arguably were the worst in the film. So why repeat these sequences? These would not have been a problem had they been creepy and scary. Except, apart from a few scenes, most of the events are loud and bombastic. I found some of them amusing because of the main characters and how they deal with these events. 

But it is as if the characters haven't learned anything from their previous encounters. Apparently, it is very easy for these evil spirits to put people out of commission by using their whisper to numb and paralyze people. Why don't these people have earplugs or other tools to remedy this? When Yak and his brothers are crossing the river, it doesn't take long for one of the brothers to feel a presence. After what they had been through, I myself wouldn't doubt or question the brother, but now they were acting as if he was being paranoid. Set aside the fact that he had every right to be so; why didn't they take him seriously? And how realistic is it that people would act as if their previous predicaments never happened? I am sure this can be credited to a studio wanting to milk this franchise. And I have no problems with that as long as you bring back the elements that made this franchise fun to begin with. It's more than having Yak shirtless and flexing his muscles. Yes, he has an impressive physique and undoubtedly will make most people gasp for air. But he has always been a smart character. Now he was less so.

Even the conclusion felt lackluster. Instead of tying events up nicely, they are sequel-baiting hard. This is only acceptable if they bring back the scares and the energy of the second part. Overall, it is still entertaining but not in the same way as the predecessors. 

Also check:

- Death Whisperer a.k.a. Tee yod (2023)

- Death Whisperer a.k.a. Tee yod 2 (2024)

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Review Lee Cronin's the Mummy (2026): I can't really recommend this one!

genre: horror

This is going to be a tough one to review, since it's been a few months since I last saw this. But I do remember having mixed feelings about it.

Apparently, The Mummy is a reboot where the approach to the mummy is vastly different. This is straight horror, no place for comedy or adventure. It really had me going for some time until it was failing to deliver. It's where I lost interest and was barely paying attention. I liked the premise and what could have been done with. The things the poor grandma has to go through are truly horrid. The grandma is played by Veronica Falcón, whom I know from Queen of the South. In that show, she plays a tough-as-nails mob boss. So it's such a big contrast to the role she is playing here.

I don't know why, but at one point, the dark, gritty atmosphere and tension are dropped in favor of grossness and gore. This usually only works if the result is scary and/or comedic. Here it's neither. Just gross. That might impress someone who has never seen horror films before, but I am a veteran in that regard. You really have to bring something special to the table. And that isn't the case.

As I stated before, I lost interest. Despite the gory imagery. I don't know about you, but that can't be good. I really had hoped that after the abysmal Evil Dead Rise, Lee Cronin would have learned from his mistakes and improved upon them. But I guess he hasn't. Overall, I can't really recommend this one.

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Review Maryam: The Untold Story a.k.a. Maryam: Janji dan Jiwa yang Terikat (2025): Not scary but very effective drama!

genre: horror, drama

Maryam has lived in the shadow of perpetual terror since childhood. Mysterious letters frequently appear to her, unknown to the sender. Even after being burned or thrown away, the letters always return, as if with a will of their own.

It is stated that the terror comes from the King of Djinns, Irfit, because he is the only one allowed to be by her side. Actually, worse. She is possessed by him and will act out against anyone whom he deems a threat. Maryam is at her wits' end and can't bear the guilt of people getting hurt and killed by the Djinn. But a few people reach out to her to have faith in God, as God is by her side. Not going to lie, this story is more heartbreaking than scary. Maryam is innocent. The one entity she used to regard as a friend turns on her, and she seems to be doomed. What can she do? Several times, we see Maryam give up and be ready to kill herself. Only to be stopped by her mother, priest, and the ones who believe. It's up to God (Allah) who dies or not. And she should remain to have faith in him. 

Now, if you are skeptical, this could be seen as nothing but religious propaganda. And sure, that is definitely true. However, the way it was presented was very effective. You could replace the religion with another, and the message will remain the same. In that regard, I viewed this as a sincere and positive story about the last line of defense. Who will be there for you in your hour of need?

Overall, the ending is a bit questionable but speaks in favour of faith. And its purpose. It serves as deep consolation. Far from perfect but sometimes all you need. This is one I can recommend!

Also check:

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Review Sukma (2025): Don't bother with this one!

genre: mystery, horror, thriller

Arini, who moved to a small town to start a new life, instead faces terror after finding an ancient mirror in a secret warehouse.

The film opens with a harrowing scene and then cuts back to the past. Arini (played by Luna Maya) has to deal with a mentally unstable husband who is a threat to her and her son. He leaves. Soon after, she marries someone else and moves to a new place. This new place is an old, mysterious house where things start to happen. The film has the right idea about building suspense. But the execution of this idea is heavily flawed. It takes too long for the dread to occur. This remains an issue throughout the whole film. 

But you do feel for Arini since she is subjected to events that are definitely too much for a person to deal with. Although I do want to point out that Arini, in my opinion, is overreacting. She should take a minute and compose herself. Instead, she is in full panic mode after a few seconds when she realizes that things concerning her son might not be in order. Arini also isn't that bright. After finding out something important, instead of being cautious, she looks up the danger. And I would have been fine if this resulted in something positive for her. Unfortunately, this leads her to further trouble. I wished some other characters were smarter too. They are undoubtedly going to aggravate you.

I have seen a review where it was stated that the twist was nice and surprising. That must have come from someone who has never seen other mystery horror films before, since all of the twists and turns in this film are predictable. There is one character in this film who is hardly subtle. You even get to see this character in action in the opening scene, telling the audience this person can't be trusted. Why did they do this? It had me thinking that everything is not what it seems and that more surprises were on their way. It's not.

The ending is immensely unsatisfying. I don't mind dark endings if it really has an impact. But it doesn't. The people involved were very optimistic and probably were going for a sequel. I don't think that is in the cards. Don't get me wrong, with better pacing and direction, this could have been a better viewing experience. Thanks to the actors, except Christine Hakim, Sukma is relatively decent. But to me, it looked like Christine doesn't want to be there. Like it is beneath her. I am aware she is an icon in Indonesia. But her role was of such significance that she had to give it more effort than she did. Still, I could have overlooked all of this had the film delivered horror goodness. But it's barely there. Don't bother with this one!

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Review Michael (2026): Light biopic but fun!

genre: biography, drama, music

After having watched Michael, we had a lot to say. So much so that we had to cut it extensively. We might post a longer video in the future, but for now this will have to do.

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Review Backrooms (2026): We hated it!

genre: horror, thriller, science fiction

So yes, compared to the fans, we know very little of The Backrooms, but if you are going to introduce a general audience to this topic, you should pique the interest of people. The idea of getting stuck in a liminal space forever is a very scary notion. Seems ideal for a horror film. Except Backrooms fails to deliver in almost every aspect we look for in a horror film.

Please watch/listen to our thoughts on the film.

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Review In the Grey (2026): Entertaining but forgetable.

genre: crime, heist, action

In the Grey is like what is left over from The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare and Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre, and then scraped together.

While the film shouldn't be taken seriously one bit. Everything is played in a way that you should. This is supposed to be a clever heist film, but instead of getting twist after twist, everything plays out as you predicted. So if you are hoping to be surprised, then this film won't be for you. If you are expecting typical Guy Ritchie dialogue scenes, then this won't be for you. It's not there. What you do get is decent action.

It takes a while for that to start. But once it does, you will be entertained. In that regard, it's a better film than Operation Fortune. However, this film does demonstrate that A Guy Ritchie without humour doesn't work. I know some people are tired of Guy Ritchie doing his early films over and over again. But without his signature style, the films aren't really that compelling. Granted, I had fun while it lasted but didn't think about it for even a second after I was done. Hence, I forgot to do the review.

Overall, it's definitely light on many things, but it has decent action, and sometimes, that could be enough!

Also check:

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Review Masters of the Universe (2026): It's Fun!

genre: fantasy, science fiction, adventure, comedy

Apparently, Masters of the Universe underperformed at the box office. While we do acknowledge some issues, like the overall pacing, there were some things we did like. Want to know what they were?

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My thoughts on Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden (XBOX SERIES X): It's OK but has some major flaw that will get in the way of enjoyment.

genre: action RPG

Hunt ghosts as two memorable characters in a story-driven action-RPG where your decisions have dramatic consequences. Solve haunting cases and battle supernatural forces, combining Antea's spiritual powers and Red's arsenal.

The Banishers is a decent game that is more of an adventure game with combat in it. Some people have complained about the combat being repetitive. I agree with this. There are RPG elements where you improve your weapons and skills, but to be honest, the progression takes too long and is not that different compared to how you start. I didn't even bother changing up my gear. I am sure those matter in some way, but OG gear is good enough. But it's something I can live with.

What is unforgivable is the backtracking. The map is big, with lots to explore, but is it worth exploring?  A lot of locations have a samey feel. This also goes for the enemies btw. There are fast travel points, but even with these it's pretty hard to find the locations. And if you do have an idea where you need to go, you probably are prevented since it requires a case or activity to be activated. It's padding of the worst kind.

After finishing the main game, there is no new game plus. The game does warn you of the point of return, so you'd better save if you still feel like exploring and solving the haunted cases that are left. I don't know. I used to love these narrative games where you had to solve mysteries. Actually, deep down I do still love them but not like this. After a while, even the compelling haunted cases feel samey. And with the immense backtracking and illogical navigation, it will take you a while to finish them.

Forza Horizon 6, this game and some others were the reason to subscribe to Game Pass again for two months. And I am glad I did. I really would have felt bamboozled if I had purchased this for 30 euros. Don't get me wrong. I was liking the game until I realized how much time you need to invest in order to progress. That would have been worth it if the investment was worth it. It's not.

I think The Banishers doesn't go deep enough about the afterlife. Actually, the main characters who should know more are also clueless. They don't even dare to mention certain terms. Probably to keep it universal. But by doing this, it kind of destroys the impact of the events that occur. The game also doesn't give you enough background on the main characters. There is one boss towards the end which should have been an emotional fight for Antea, but it ends just like another enemy you have to beat to get back to New Eden.

Overall, The Banishers could be worth it if you have a lot of patience and time. If not, forget about it!

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Review The Furious (2025): Even casual fans will love this!

genre: martial arts, action

For a while now, The Furious has been hyped like crazy. Knowing some of the actors/martial artists, I had no doubt that this film would come through. But is it really worth the hype?

Please watch/listen to our thoughts in this review.

Also check:

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