I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)
A psychopathic killer toys with the nerves and lives of four young people who, the previous summer, caused a fatal car accident and tried to cover it up. This is the central plot of the 1997 slasher thriller that became a hit, spawning two sequels and a new installment coming in the summer of 2025.
From an objective, critical perspective, it’s a middling movie (with its fair share of highlights). However, watching it during my teen years, it’s become a guilty pleasure I can’t quite critique harshly.
Pros
It has a charm I can’t put my finger on; I never tire of rewatching it.
Jennifer Love Hewitt and Sarah Michelle Gellar steal the show.
The suspense is palpable, and some scenes are well-directed.
The plot toys nicely with the idea of punishing the characters before killing them.
It’s enjoyable and surprisingly engaging.
The pacing is brisk, making it an easy watch.
Sarah Michelle Gellar’s central scene? Loved it (no spoilers, promise).
Cons
Freddie Prinze Jr. and Ryan Phillippe’s performances are mediocre.
The third act on the boat falls short of expectations.
Some plot conveniences exist to move the story forward.
A handful of clichés and a lack of directorial risk-taking hold it back.
A few scenes stretch believability (crabs, anyone?).
Surprisingly little blood for a slasher film.
A Quiet Place: Day One
This spin-off of the Quiet Place franchise takes us back to the first day of the alien invasion that silenced the Earth. Does it manage to sustain the hype of its predecessors?
Pros
The cat steals the spotlight, hands down.
It uses the “silent formula” of the earlier films effectively.
Lupita Nyong’o delivers an exceptional performance.
Stunning direction with visually striking urban destruction scenes.
Setting the story in chaotic New York City breathes new life into the concept, creatively showcasing escape tactics.
A couple of well-timed jump scares.
Great atmosphere with carefully crafted suspense.
As expected, the sound design is top-notch.
Cons
At times, there’s unnecessary melodrama that didn’t work for me.
The tonal shift from horror to drama might alienate die-hard fans.
The script’s core idea may leave you unsatisfied—it’s hard to elaborate without spoilers.
Joseph Quinn’s (the terrified guy) character feels weak compared to his co-star.
Predictable at points, lacking the element of surprise.
Both films offer their own blend of thrills, but whether you’re after guilty pleasure nostalgia or a fresh take on survival horror, there’s plenty to chew on (or scream about).
