Earth Day Watchlist

By: Myriam Akbar

Today is the 56th anniversary of the global celebration of our planet, Earth Day. First held in 1970, it has become a day to promote environmental literacy, climate action, conservation, and reduction of pollution etc. Cities organize events such as tree planting, neighborhood clean-ups, and fundraisers. The theme for this year’s Earth Day is “Our Power, Our Planet.” So, I have compiled a short list of my favorite films and television episodes where we don’t have the power–nature does. Mostly horror and sci-fi, these works explore a range of themes such as: the unpredictability of nature, transformation, humanity’s negative impact on the environment, and the dread of impending disasters. 

The Ruins

The Ruins is a 2008 horror film written by Scott B. Smith and directed by Carter Smith, based on the novel of the same name. The plot follows two couples who travel to Mexico and meet two other tourists, joining them on a trip to find a Mayan temple. What begins with adventure and curiosity, ends with a fight for survival. Upon arrival, they’re met with indigenous villagers armed with weapons and all hell breaks loose. They seek shelter in the temple, now unable to leave it. However, those weren’t the only threats–to their shock, the vines are violent and seemingly intelligent. The Ruins is a unique, unnerving, and intense film that makes you think twice about entering unknown locations. It’s currently available to watch on Paramount+.

Creepshow, “The Lonely Death of Jordy Verrill”

Creepshow is a 1982 horror anthology film written by Stephen King, in his screenwriting debut and directed by George A. Romero. One of the segments, “The Lonely Death of Jordy Verrill” is based on King’s short story "Weeds.” It follows a man who watches a meteorite crash on his farm and after he touches it, things get ugly. This segment is gross and despairing, visually making you itchy all over. It’s currently available to rent on Amazon Prime and Fandango. 

Die Alone 

Die Alone is a 2024 post-apocalyptic horror film written and directed by Lowell Dean. The plot involves the outbreak of a virus that turns humans into plant-zombie-like hybrids. A man suffering from memory loss searches for his missing girlfriend, running into a violent encounter and being rescued by a woman also fighting for survival. Die Alone has layers of revelations throughout the film, as well as eye-catching practical effects used to create the plant-zombie hybrids. It has fluid pacing, convincing acting performances, and a plot twist that creates an unexpected ending. It’s currently available to watch on Tubi.

47 Meters Down

47 Meters Down is a 2017 survivor horror film directed by Johannes Roberts. The plot follows two sisters who while cage diving in Mexico, sink to the bottom of the ocean and are hunted by sharks. In my opinion, what sets this film apart from others tackling a similar concept is the story between the sisters. Kate is more adventurous and confident than Lisa, so she urges her to try something new by cage diving. Their dynamic is demonstrated during their fight for survival, playing a significant role later in the film. 47 Meters Down is cramped, nerve-racking, and surreal. It’s currently available to watch on Tubi.

Stay Out of the Basement (Goosebumps: Season 1, Episode 12 & 13)

“Stay Out of the Basement” is one of my favorite episodes of the television show Goosebumps, directed by William Fruet. The plot follows siblings Margaret and Casey who begin investigating their father’s behavior, after he starts spending too much time locked away in the basement. He’s a botanist who is experimenting with plants and like any mad scientist, takes things too far. For a child-friendly show, this episode is pretty creepy. It’s mysterious, paranoia-filled, and a little bit nasty. It’s currently available to watch on Tubi, marked as episode 9 and 10. 

Frozen

Frozen is a 2010 survival horror film written and directed by Adam Green. The plot follows three friends stuck on a ski chairlift after the operator neglects them and turns it off. Throughout the film they attempt to find a way down, challenged by unexpected guests that roam underneath them. Frozen is anxiety-inducing, dreadful, and will have you second-guessing your next trip to a snowy landscape. It’s currently available to watch for free on a handful of platforms, such as Tubi and Amazon Prime. 

Knowing 

Knowing is a 2009 sci-fi thriller film directed by Alex Proyas, with a story by Ryne Douglas Pearson. The plot follows a scientist who discovers that a note left in a time capsule is actually a record of predictions concerning massive disasters. While investigating the truth behind the note, he attempts to prevent future catastrophes. The film explores a range of themes such as: science versus faith, religious allegory, the inevitability of death, predestination, cosmic intervention, dealing with grief, and the cycle of life. Knowing is esoteric, lively, and has some stunning CGI scenes. It’s currently available to rent on Fandango and Apple TV.

The Midnight Sun (Twilight Zone: Season 3, Episode 10)

“The Midnight Sun” is an episode of The Twilight Zone involving the Earth becoming dangerously close to the sun. A woman and her landlady struggle against the extreme heat, relying on a radio for updates. Due to police officers fleeing the city, citizens are faced with an increase in looting and things get chaotic. The episode is panicky, claustrophobic, and twisty. It’s currently available to watch on Tubi.

Source for Images: IMDB.com 

Creator Highlight: Megan Loucks

By: Myriam Akbar

Meet Megan Loucks from Michigan! She’s known on social media as @wondermeg_ and is a member of the Michigan Movie Critics Guild. She was born and raised there, admitting that she wouldn’t pick anywhere else to live. Loucks has her own website, wonderwatchlist.com and has been on over 100 podcast episodes as a guest speaker. Content creation didn’t come naturally for her, she says that she just wanted a space to talk to people about the things she loves. The inspiration behind having her own corner of the internet came from her love of MySpace. In 2019, she began posting videos on YouTube and Instagram about collectibles, comics, and eventually film.

Loucks attributes her love for television and film to her family. Growing up, her parents worked a lot and often did opposite shifts. However, they always made time for movie nights. “I found myself watching movies all the time, anything from True Lies to Hercules. I don’t know if my parents thought it would have that big of an impact on me, but it did,” she says. “I’m really an open-minded person with genres! If you ask any of the editors I work with, they’ll tell you the same,” she adds. Loucks gravitates towards monster and comic book films, fantasy, and anything directed by a femme person. As long as it sounds interesting, she says she’s willing to give it a chance. Her current top four on Letterboxd are Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, Sorry, Baby, Excalibur, and The Bride of Frankenstein. These films capture what she loves most about cinema, a film’s ability to transport audiences into perspectives and stories that allow them to escape for a couple of hours. Additionally, she adores anything by Ridley Scott and emphasizes that her Twilight phase never truly ended. In terms of television, Loucks enjoys Game of Thrones, The Wire, and The Sopranos. 

When asked what the best parts of making content were, Loucks lists a handful of aspects. She highlights designing posts and trying to improve each time, as the most fun part of the experience. She says having her work recognized by her followers and other creatives makes her feel that she’s doing something right. She also treasures seeing comments and messages from people who speak various languages and come from different cultures. “It’s nice when something you post goes viral, or a review you spent a lot of time on gets compliments. Nothing has to be perfect right away, part of the fun is seeing how far you’ve come in writing, designing, or producing,” she says. Loucks shares that due to social anxiety, she has met many of her friends on the platforms where she makes content and has found opportunities to do collaborations. For example, in 2022 she went to New York Comic Con with Comic Book Resources and interviewed some of her favorite comic creators, including Todd McFarlane. As a collector, she had always wanted to go to a large convention to see all the new items coming to shelves. She had never been on a plane or went to a big city, other than Detroit. “Needless to say I was really nervous, but I look back at that moment with pride. It was a pinch me moment and I’m very proud of myself for doing it,” she says. 

Another moment that was peak for Loucks was working with people from around the world to advocate for the American Foundation For Suicide Prevention. In 2020 and 2021, she and two other women (The Nerd Queens) made their own online convention called Justice Con. They used their voices, time, and resources to celebrate Zack Snyder’s journey to getting the Snyder Cut released. They chatted with members of the AFSP, Ray Fisher, and Snyder himself. The convention raised thousands for charity, while giving people stuck in quarantine a few days of fun. “It wasn’t perfect, but it was born from love and respect for the art of filmmaking,” Loucks says. 

On the other hand, like with most creators, there’s challenges. Loucks lists time management, comparing herself to others, and finding motivation after a long day of work to be the biggest obstacles. “It’s easy to see others doing things like going to festivals or conventions, and think–why not me? Social media fuels a negative algorithm towards creators and although we try to foster a positive feed, it still impacts us,” she admits.

Loucks tries not to think too far ahead due to the state of the world; however, she shared a few of her goals moving forward. She plans to spend more time perfecting her work, putting more pieces on her site, delving into opinion-styled writing, and doing guides on how to get into film. Like many content creators, she also has aspirations to quit her day job and do film reviews as a full time job. 

2026’s The Raven: Starring Horror Icon, Tony Todd in Posthumous Release

By: Myriam Akbar

Anthony Tiran Todd (commonly known as Tony Todd) was born on December 4, 1954 in Washington D.C., although he grew up in Hartford, Connecticut. He was an alumnus of the Artists Collective, Inc. and also attended the University of Connecticut. He then went on to study theater at the Eugene O’Neill National Actors Theatre Institute, as well as, the Trinity Repertory Company in Rhode Island. Todd’s career reflects his versatility as an actor in Broadway, television, film, and audio narration.   His extensive filmography spans over 40 years, having over 100 roles. He is known mostly for his work in Horror, Sci-fi, and Fantasy. His striking yet distinct voice made for memorable performances, positioning him as a dominating force on screen. Todd’s roles in Night of the Living Dead, Candyman, Wishmaster, and The Final Destination franchise lead him to become an icon in the horror genre. 

In 2025, Todd reprised his role in Final Destination: Bloodlines (posthumous release) and gave an unscripted performance that served as a farewell to fans. He says, “I intend to enjoy the time I have left and I suggest you do the same. Life is precious. Enjoy every single second.” He starred in Werewolf Game and Cutter’s Club, which were also released after his passing. The Raven (2026) is credited as Todd’s final performance; however, he stars in The Pitchfork Retreat, which so far has only been shown at festivals and limited screenings. 

The Raven is a gothic horror film written and directed by Gregori J. Martin, currently available to watch for free on Tubi. Inspired by the works of Edgar Allen Poe, the plot follows a man’s descent into madness after the passing of his lover. It involves themes of grief, regret, guilt, and acceptance of death. Todd plays Father Reginald/The Messenger, gracing the screen within the first couple minutes. He uses his deep and raspy, hauntingly seductive voice to create a brooding atmosphere at a funeral. His tone gives Father Reginald a wise and commanding personality, as he offers advice on grief to the main character. 

Todd’s legacy will remain impactful on the horror genre, as he is a pivotal contributor to many well-loved franchises. His role as Candyman serves as culturally significant to African-American community–a film that examines themes relevant to society, such as racism, social injustice, and community. He also is cherished among fans of Final Destination, a franchise that will be continuing without him. It will be hard to ignore the lack of presence and he will be greatly missed. 

Sources: Wikipedia.com 

Images: IMDB.com 

Juice: A Hood Horror Film

By: Myriam Akbar

Juice is a 1992 crime thriller film, directed by Ernest R. Dickerson. It stars Tupac Shakur, Omar Epps, Jermaine Hopkins, and Khalil Kain.  The plot follows four high schoolers living in Harlem and their day-to-day activities, as well as their struggles to survive in their neighborhood. In many ways this film acts as a coming of age or cautionary tale, demonstrating the way one’s environment can influence identity and behavior. My fiancé suggested that I watch it because he views it as a horror film and wanted my opinion. Given that I am constantly emphasizing how expansive and misunderstood the genre is, I instantly accepted the opportunity. I will argue that while crime thriller is a fitting label, viewing Juice through the lens of horror is nuanced and absolutely suitable. It’s no more a hood horror tale than a segment of my favorite horror film, Tales From the Hood. 

I’ll start with some basics. This film focuses on the killings committed by a man out for blood, who often pops up like the Boogeyman. There’s a dark tone and use of ominous sound in several scenes. While a good chunk of the film isn’t reliant on these elements, many slashers start off with a good ol’ time. Juice begins with world and character building, setting the story up. Think summer camp counselors partying or friends having a lakeside reunion. Then after one murder, the spree begins. I think many would argue this isn’t a horror film simply because the killer doesn’t wear a mask and uses a gun as his weapon of choice. John Kramer, Freddy Krueger, Candyman, and the killer from Hush are examples of maskless horror villains. The Town That Dreaded Sundown, Ms. 45, Terrifier, and some of the Scream franchise involve gun usage. It can be done. 

Now, the conceptual aspects of the film. On the surface, Juice examines betrayal in friendship and the fatal consequences of earning street credibility through violence. However on a deeper level, it explores the dangerous impact of toxic masculinity and desire for power. This is shown through Bishop’s descent into madness, often explored in psychological horror films. We see him transform from someone who enjoyed laughing and watching television with his friends, to someone who wanted to kill and frame them. Environmental stress, paranoia, and harmful ideologies of what it means to be a man all contribute to his dark turn. 

Often people argue that in order for a film to be horror, it needs to be “scary” and I know this will be a top subject of analysis with Juice. I argue that the idea that a horror film needs to be scary to the general public is a narrow and outdated assertion. Defining what’s scary is not only subjective, but heavily influenced by an individual’s personal life experiences. For example, one’s own triggers or phobias. I personally found Bishop and his actions to be frightening, specifically due to the quick and unexpected nature of the escalated events. He’s brutal and relentless when he commits murder, turning to manipulation and intimidation afterwards–a menacing switch in personality from the beginning of the film. As someone who has seen this happen to people in real life, I’d say the film is scary. 

Lastly, I want to point out the significance of considering the feeling of fear experienced by the characters in the story–not just the audience. When Bishop kills Raheem, Steel and Q are filled with terror. After threatening to do the same to them if they don’t follow his orders, that feeling of dread follows them everywhere they go. His behavior creates an anxiety inducing situation for the characters and viewer–if you’re like me and imagined yourself in their shoes. 

This question has inspired me to analyze other films that can be viewed through the lens of horror, which will be a challenge because I can't think of any off the top of my head. Regardless of its label, I will say that Juice was worth every minute of my time. It's star-studded, culturally relevant, makes an impact through its themes, has memorable acting performances, and showcases top-notch fashion.

Prime’s Addictive Series 56 Days Offers Closure to Twisted Fans

By: Myriam Akbar 

In 2013, a teen mystery thriller television series premiered on ABC Family. It was created by Adam Milch and had a solid cast, including: Avan Jogia, Denise Richards, Sam Robards, and Maddie Hasson. The plot follows a teen returning to society after being released from juvenile detention for confessing to killing his aunt. The series poses the question: did he really kill her and if he did, why? Can his childhood friends trust him or is he dangerous to be around? After one season and a gripping finale, the series was cancelled due to poor viewership. Despite the dropping in ratings, there were a ton of loyal fans who were crushed by the news that there wouldn’t be a second season. I was one of them and revisit the show from time to time. The finale had a major cliffhanger that essentially left us fans without closure and we bond over our frustration on social media when the topic of cancelled shows comes up. 

Fast forward 12 years, I'm scrolling on TikTok when I see a video from Jogia’s account and he’s promoting a new series that he’s starring in. I’ve been a fan of his since Victorious, so I was instantly intrigued. However I became obsessively impatient to watch, after hearing him say that in his mind 56 Days is what happens from where Twisted left off. I needed to know what he meant by that. This Amazon Prime series follows a quick-paced romance that becomes intertwined in a murder mystery, offering much more under the surface. 

I watched 56 Days in one night, only getting up to grab snacks and use the restroom. The similarities were easily identifiable, which created a mind bending experience because Jogia truly brought the same energy from Twisted. It’s equally addictive, scandalous, and full of curveballs. It keeps you hooked from the beginning and acts like a rollercoaster ride you don’t want to end. Although the most important questions were answered in Twisted, the story is clearly incomplete due to the cliffhanger. All mysteries are solved in 56 Days, with a clever and unique story that effectively accomplishes its intentions. So, if you still find yourself thinking about that ABC Family series that never got the run it deserved–Amazon Prime has gifted you with a second chance.  

Sources: TheHollywoodReporter.com

Creator Highlight: Crystal Justine

By: Myriam Akbar

Meet Crystal Justine—a writer and content creator based in Nashville; however, she’s originally from Las Vegas. She’s the founder of TheCinemaNook.com and co-runs the website, writing both feature articles and film reviews. She’s been creating cinema-based content on social media for about 3.5 years now. Justine is passionate, driven, and focused—as shown through her work. 

Justine discovered her love of film at a young age. “I have fond memories of going to the video store with my parents and getting to pick out movies from the family section,” she says. She recalls watching An American Tail, The Goonies, and Hook. In elementary school, she’d watch Nick at Nite while her parents thought she was sleeping. In terms of television, she enjoyed watching Taxi and The Mary Tyler Moore Show. “I honestly don't think there's a genre of film or television that I dislike. I enjoy them all at different levels. I'm a very mood driven watcher,” Justine shares. The genres she’s drawn to the most are horror, thriller, and fantasy. A few of her favorite films are The Truman Show, Spirited Away, Parasite, and The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring. She highlights Game of Thrones, Supernatural, and Law & Order: SVU as some of her favorite shows. “What I love most about storytelling in film isn’t genre, it’s when commentary is being made. I love a story that has something deeper to say whether that's socially, psychologically, or philosophically,” she says. 

Justine says started making content on a whim, but became more passionate after considering the ability to build community and network. “I think a lot of people get into content creation with the ambition of becoming full-time influencers. I have always seen it as a vehicle to reach my dreams, while meeting and connecting with others along the journey,” she says. When asked to describe her experience, she emphasized the importance of prioritizing her own wellbeing to combat the impact social media has on our mental health. Justine explains that for her, posting on the internet is an act of giving herself and her energy. So she posts when it feels right for her, rather than when her content will get her the most views. “I personally create content to build connections. I may not post daily, but what I do share has been enough to open meaningful doors both professionally and personally. I've built solid business relationships and friendships I feel will last,” she shares. Along with networking and community, she has acquired opportunities like covering film festivals as press. In 2025, she covered SXSW, the Dallas International Film Festival, Fantastic Fest, and the Nashville Film Festival. She recently went to Austin, TX to cover SXSW again this year.

When asked what’s to come for her in the near future, Justine revealed that she’s starting a podcast this year called Lights Camera Lattes. It will be a solo project that she describes as a cozy space where she can not only talk about film and television, but the processes behind it. She will also be doing deep dives into the themes and commentaries within the stories. “I think with my background in Philosophy, writing, and film–I can bring something different and refreshing to the table,” she explains. 

Justine’s passion for filmmaking stems from childhood. “I've wanted to be a filmmaker since I saw Good Will Hunting. I don't know what about this film resonated with me at 11 years old, but I remember paying attention to it differently. The visuals, Robin William's monologue, and the heavy feeling of the story,” she says. Screenwriting is her favorite aspect of filmmaking, having written two short films that have been made. She’s currently writing everything from shorts and features, to television pilots. One short film is a horror, while the other is a drama. She’s also part of a group that participates in the Nashville 48 Hour Film Project annually towards the end of Summer. Currently, Justine is producing a feature length documentary, which has been in production since last year.

“My long-term goals are vast. My mind sees everything in scenes and stories,” Justine says, when asked where she sees herself down the line. Her plans  include: turning her film and television ideas into pieces of art for the world to see, continuing writing and producing, and directing a feature. She’s also taking the time to learn more about music, in order to create a score and all that goes on behind the camera. Most importantly, she’s on the hunt to find filmmakers and technicians that are passionate about the craft–to build a team of people to work with from project to project. “Movies take a village and finding my people is important to me,” she says. 

Cracked Porcelain: Dolly Review

By: Myriam Akbar

Dolly is an indie slasher film written, produced, and directed by Rod Blackhurst. It’s based on his 2022 short film, Babygirl. The plot is contained, following a woman’s (Macy) journey of survival against a masked killer (Dolly) attempting to capture her and raise her as their child. It was a highly anticipated film among the horror community, who has been longing for a new slasher icon. Reviews were mixed for the most part, satisfying some and disappointing others. Many viewers found themselves in the middle. I was one of the people that was let down, yet also in the middle. I say let down, because slasher is one of my favorite subgenres and I truly wanted to love the film. However I found it to be a bit uninspired, despite gravitating towards and enjoying several aspects. Upon a second watch, I did go from thinking it's just "okay" to being a fan.

Spoilers Ahead…

Beginning with the Positives: 

My favorite part about Dolly is that the concept and killers’ aesthetic reminds me of my favorite television show, Pretty Little Liars. In both works, there’s a villain who kidnaps their victims and takes them to what looks like a life-size dollhouse. Dolly kidnaps Macy, taking her to dollhouse-like baby room and treats her like a baby. While in the show, the villain takes their victims to a life-size dollhouse inspired by their bedrooms and treats them like her own personal Barbie dolls. The use of dolls as a confusing scare tactic, being hung up or placed around is another similarity. The relentless and possessive nature of the motives in both works, adds a lair of terror because the mission of the villain isn’t to kill them right away—it’s to give them a prolonged experience. The ongoing torment and panic makes for an anxiety inducing watch. In terms of similarity in aesthetic–I’m referring to the use of red attire, blond hair, and a porcelain babydoll mask. Initially, I didn’t notice any connections. It wasn’t until I was about half way through and it was a pleasant surprise. The original Pretty Little Liars series never went full slasher, so it was satisfying to make the comparison and conceptualize a world in which this took place in the show. 

In general, I think Dolly is an impressive slasher villain and the most interesting part of the film. The name itself is catchy and memorable. Their large, towering build gives for a dreadful appearance similar to Rob Zombie’s version of Michael Myers or Jason Voorhees. They’re strong and ruthlessly violent, creating some unforgettable gory kill scenes. If you’re a fan of the original versions of The Strangers and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, I think you’ll enjoy this film due to its brutal and gritty nature. 

Another aspect of the film that worked for me is the themes of motherhood, in relation to Macy’s backstory and Dolly’s twisted behavior. Given that there’s minimal characters, this link is clever in its focus on Macy’s uncertainty of becoming a step-mother.

Why the Film Fell Short for me:

How much depth does a slasher film need? Does it need any at all? Does Dolly bring anything new to the slasher subgenre? I asked myself these questions after finishing the film, as I often do after watching a modern slasher film. I think this is because my favorites found a way to be inventive; for example, the mashing of genres in A Nightmare on Elm Street (slasher, supernatural, fantasy). Or, the unique and culturally relevant storytelling in Candyman. Outside of expectation and preference, Dolly certainly accomplishes what it set out to. It’s a self-aware film that was executed well and I don’t want my stance on that to be confused. However, I personally was hoping for more story and world-building. I said in my TikTok initial-quick-thoughts video that due to its simplicity, it would have made a better short film.  It wasn’t until after I rewatched and began my review writing process that I learned it’s actually based on one. Babygirl is available to watch for free on YouTube and it’s everything I like in a slasher short. 

It’s clear that the filmmaker’s vision for the full-length version came to life on screen. From the setting, to plot, to Dolly’s essence as this monstrous killer.

What’s the Future Look Like for Dolly? 

        I’d like a sequel and given the film’s ending, it’s likely there will be one. There’s scenes that attempt to give viewers some insight into Dolly’s family system, an upbringing that created the monster we see throughout the film. It’s there and I want to learn more, especially because I was yearning for that from this film. Despite my negative criticism, there’s potential for a franchise—I absolutely see that and think the sequel could be even better than the first.

Photo Creds: IMDB.com