Tessa Smith

Tessa Smith

Freelance Writer

Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. She also runs the entertainment news website Mamas Geeky and is also a Freelance Writer. Tessa has been in the Entertainment writing business for ten years and is a member of several Critics Associations, including the Critics Choice Association.

About The Direct

The Direct is a leading independent entertainment news outlet covering the biggest franchises in pop culture. The Direct reaches over 10 million page views a month on its website, thedirect.com, and millions more on social media. Learn more about The Direct here!


Tessa Smith's Latest The Direct Articles

Pixar Reveals Its Next Movie, And It Looks Strikingly Similar To This 2024 Oscar-Winning Film

Pixar's new film was revealed at Annecy, and it bears quite a resemblance to a 2024 Oscar-winning film.

By Tessa Smith -


Pedro Pascal & Chris Evans' New Movie, Materialists, Is Deeper Than You Might Think (Review)

Materialists might be a romantic comedy, but it is much deeper and more meaningful than expected.

By Tessa Smith -


How To Train Your Dragon (2025) Is The Best Live-Action Adaptation To Ever Grace The Screen (Review)

How To Train Your Dragon (2025) is a speculative live-action adaptation, and other ones don't even come close.

By Tessa Smith -


Predator: Killer Of Killers Review: An Extremely Fun Addition To The Franchise

Predator: Killer Of Killers is a solid addition to the Predator franchise, delivering everything fans want.

By Tessa Smith -


Zootopia 2's Secret Villain Is a Major Character from Nick's Past According to Disney Movie Theory

The Zootopia 2 trailer gave fans a quick look at the film's villain, who could be someone from Nick's past.

By Tessa Smith -


Lilo & Stitch Live-Action Ending Explained (And Why The Animated Version Is So Much Better)

The Lilo & Stitch live-action ending features several key changes from the animated version.

By Tessa Smith -


Lilo and Stitch 2025 Post-Credit Scene Explained: How Disney Brings It All Together (Spoilers)

Does the live-action Lilo & Stitch have an end credits scene? Yes, and you don't want to miss it.

By Tessa Smith -


School Spirits Season 2 Episode 8 Review — Finale Twists Galore

The finale of Season 2 is filled with twists and turns, and doesn't disappoint.

By Tessa Smith -


School Spirits Season 2 Just Pulled an Extremely Rare Feat (Episode 7 Review)

Janet has a lot of explaining to do in this emotional installment of School Spirits.

By Tessa Smith -


Gladiator 2 Is Not Perfect, But You Will Be Entertained (Review)

Ridley Scott's Roman epic has plenty to bring to the table, even if stuff slips through the cracks.

By Tessa Smith -


My Hero Academia: You’re Next Is A Meaningful Addition To The Franchise (Review)

While My Hero Academia stands alongside the series, it is absolutely worth watching.

By Tessa Smith -


My Hero Academia: You're Next Movie's Dark Storylines Explained by Stars (Exclusive)

The Japenese and English voice actors talk about their newest film in the My Hero Academia series.

By Tessa Smith -