REVIEW: Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater (2025 Video Game) - On Playstation 5

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater revisits one of the most beloved entries in the franchise, retelling Naked Snake's Cold War mission with striking new visuals and modern refinements. Stealth, survival mechanics, and memorable encounters all return, bolstered by updated controls, persistent wounds, and an immersive camouflage system that reflects the gritty journey through jungles and Soviet bases. For newcomers, it's the most accessible way to experience the story, and for long-time fans, it offers a polished trip down memory lane.

Yet, for all the improvements, it remains rooted in 2004. The game feels dated in design, and despite the PS5 sheen, it doesn't reinvent or reimagine enough to be called a true remake. With a hefty 90GB install size and a £60 price tag, it's hard not to see this as a cautious remaster rather than a bold revival. It's faithful, it's beautiful, but it's also a reminder that sometimes preservation can come at the cost of ambition.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2025/08/review-metal-gear-solid-delta-snake.html

REVIEW: Sokobos 2 (2025 Video Game) on PC Steam

Sokobos 2 takes the classic block-pushing puzzle and gives it a clever, modern twist. You must load vases into a cart, but the catch is the cart moves too, turning simple puzzles into satisfying brain teasers. Objects interact in interesting ways: some float, some sink, and some can form temporary bridges when pushed into water. The game also includes gates, pressure plates, and other mechanics, all presented with clear instructions before trusting your problem-solving skills. Set in Ancient Greece, the story adds a touch of character, casting you as someone condemned by the Gods to collect vases for eternity.

The visuals are minimalist, keeping the focus firmly on the puzzles themselves. Sokobos 2 is approachable for newcomers, yet still offers challenges for veterans of the genre. Unlike the original Sokobos, which could feel overcomplicated with large levels, this sequel keeps things simple, tight, and satisfying. Launching on Steam on 19 September 2025 for $9.99 with a 15% discount, it runs on Windows, Linux, and Mac.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2025/08/review-sokobos-2-2025-video-game-on-pc.html

REVIEW: Relay (2025 FIlm) - Starring Riz Ahmed, Lily James and Sam Worthington

Ash is a covert fixer who brokers payoffs between whistleblowers and powerful companies while masking his identity through relay service calls and strict rules. After handling a tense Optimo case for Hoffman, he's contacted by Sarah Grant, who is being hunted over a report on dangerous side effects from Cybo Sementis wheat. Ash guides her through misdirection and dead drops, forwards a tracked payoff until the battery dies, and leverages the documents against an upcoming merger, all while juggling AA meetings with his sponsor Wash and a cache of client files hidden in a Newark warehouse.

As the noose tightens, Sarah is lured into a trap, Ash pulls a chaotic rescue at a concert hall, and then surrenders when Dawson's team seizes her. The real twist surfaces when Sarah reveals she is part of the operation sent to expose Ash and recover Hoffman's files. A showdown at the warehouse ends with police arrivals summoned by Ash, arrests for the team, and Ash choosing to trust Wash with the documents. Later he mails most of the payoff to the Tri-State Relay Service and departs by train as news of Optimo's crimes breaks, closing a tense story of secrecy, leverage and consequence.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2025/08/review-relay-2025-film-starring-riz.html

REVIEW: Jacked Up (2025 VR Game) For MetaQuest

Jacked Up is exactly the kind of VR oddity that sneaks up on you. The premise is absurd, you play as a ripped rabbit climbing a massive tower while your progress is streamed to an in-game audience, but the execution is spot-on. The bounce-based movement feels great, and every failed jump just makes you want to try again. With gyms acting as checkpoints and muscle-bound animals cheering you on, the game keeps its tongue firmly in cheek while delivering that one-more-go loop.

It isn't flawless. The graphics are basic and the gameplay can feel repetitive after a while, especially if you're hoping for variety beyond the climb. Motion sickness is also a genuine risk if you're sensitive. But for a penny under six quid, Jacked Up is funny, addictive, and refreshingly different. Right now it's a solid 7 out of 10, with potential to get even better as new challenges and mini-games arrive in future updates.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2025/08/review-jacked-up-2025-vr-game-for.html

Sky drops first-look teaser for The Iris Affair

Image: Sky TV Press

By Jon Donnis

Sky has unveiled the first teaser for The Iris Affair, a sleek new thriller that promises sunlit landscapes, shadowy secrets and a chase that never lets up. Set against the beauty of Italy, the series follows two sharp minds locked in a dangerous contest where the stakes grow darker with every move.

At the centre is Iris Nixon, played by Niamh Algar (Mary & George, The Virtues), a brilliant but elusive figure who cracks a series of intricate online puzzles. Her trail leads her to Florence, where she encounters Cameron Beck, a smooth-talking entrepreneur played by Tom Hollander (The White Lotus, Feud: Capote vs. The Swans). He lures her into his orbit with the promise of working on a powerful secret technology. Intrigued, Iris agrees, only to uncover just how dangerous the device could be. She flees with the journal that holds the key to unlocking it, setting off a hunt that spans Sardinia, Rome and beyond.

What follows is a cat-and-mouse pursuit across Italy, with Iris determined to stay one step ahead while Cameron refuses to let her slip away. The teaser hints at high-stakes confrontations, sweeping locations and the unnerving question of who can truly be trusted when both sides are willing to deceive.

Created, written and showrun by Neil Cross (Luther), The Iris Affair brings together directors Terry McDonough (Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul) and Sarah O'Gorman (A Gentleman in Moscow, The Witcher) to deliver a series that looks as stylish as it is tense.

With sun-drenched piazzas, remote hideouts and the thrum of pursuit through city streets, The Iris Affair sets up a gripping story of intellect, betrayal and survival. It arrives this autumn on Sky and streaming service NOW.

REVIEW: Altheia: The Wrath of Aferi (2025 Video Game) on PC (Steam)

Altheia: The Wrath of Aferi is a fantasy adventure from MarsLit Games, drawing inspiration from the animation style of Studio Ghibli and Studio Chizu. The story follows Lili, a reluctant would-be Guardian who has no desire to take on her mother's legacy, and Sadi, a determined Monk-in-training who believes their partnership is the only way to defeat the Void. Together they must journey across Atarassia, taking on dungeons filled with puzzles, corrupted shrines, and monstrous enemies, all while learning what it truly means to be Guardian and Monk.

The game shines in its art direction and storytelling, with a beautiful hand-painted style and emotional themes of loss and reluctant duty. Yet technical problems hold it back, with frequent bugs, clunky controls, and inconsistent audio design creating frustration. With only days to go before its release, it feels more like an early access title than a finished product. There is plenty of potential here, but the game will need major updates to deliver the experience its striking visuals and strong concept promise.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2025/08/review-altheia-wrath-of-aferi-2025.html

REVIEW: Recharge (2025 Video Game) - Early Access Release on PC

Recharge delivers a sim-cade take on RC racing, combining physics-based handling with the accessible fun of arcade gameplay. The visuals are impressively detailed, with authentic RC car behaviour that captures the feel of the real thing. From precise steering to the crunch of gravel under the wheels, every race feels engaging and satisfying. Single-player and cross-platform multiplayer modes keep the action varied, and extensive customisation lets players tailor both the look and performance of their cars.

While the game is already fun to play, it's still in early access and comes with a few rough edges. The menu system lacks certain quality-of-life options like disabling motion blur, and controller mapping could use more polish. Even so, the planned additions, from split-screen and custom tracks to drift mode, open-world exploration, and combat racing, point to a bright future. As it stands, Recharge is a promising RC racer with the potential to become a standout in its niche.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2025/08/review-recharge-2025-video-game-early.html

REVIEW: The Karters 2: Turbo Charged (2025 Video Game - A Kart Racer Built for Speed and Skill

The Karters 2: Turbo Charged is a fast-paced, skill-based kart racer from Pixel Edge Games that's already making waves in early access. With drift mechanics inspired by Crash Team Racing and a reserve system that lets you push speed without limits, it delivers thrilling, high-stakes racing moments. The game comes packed with sixteen tracks, six battle arenas, and inventive modes like Road Breaker and Quick Cut, alongside more than 1,500 mods via Steam Workshop, all browsable in-game. Multiplayer options are extensive, with split-screen for up to six players, online support, ranked matchmaking, dedicated servers, and ghost races to test yourself against top players.

Despite not being fully released, the game feels highly polished, offering smooth controls, strong visuals, and plenty of content to keep players hooked. A single-player challenge campaign, cups of up to 24 rounds, replay and photo modes, and a range of competitive leaderboards add to its replay value. With a Story Mode and in-game track editor on the way, The Karters 2 is already a standout in a crowded genre, and the planned updates could make it one of the most feature-rich kart racers on PC.

Full Review on

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2025/08/review-karters-2-turbo-charged-2025.html

REVIEW: The Death of Snow White (2025 Film) - Starring Sanae Loutsis, Chelsea Edmundson and Tristan Nokes

The Death of Snow White takes the familiar fairy tale and drags it deep into the world of brutal horror. Jason Brooks leans hard into the B-movie energy, filling the screen with blood, black magic and some outrageous kills that are more inventive than they have any right to be. Chelsea Edmundson steals much of the film as the Evil Queen, a twisted monarch whose obsession with beauty leads to blood rituals, human sacrifice and a castle that looks like a serial killer's scrapbook. The film doesn't shy away from going all-in on its gore, from skull crushing and axe decapitations to poison-induced hallucinations, and the Seven Dwarves are reimagined as ruthless assassins with their own signature methods of murder.

It is a film that knows exactly what it is and embraces its low-budget charm. Yes, some of the visual effects wobble under the strain, but the creativity behind the kills and the gleefully over-the-top performances keep it entertaining. Snow White's arc from hunted princess to trained killer is satisfying, and the final battle delivers in both spectacle and savagery. For horror fans who enjoy their fairy tales soaked in blood and not afraid to be a bit camp, this is easily one of the most fun reimaginings in recent years.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2025/08/review-death-of-snow-white-2025-film.html

REVIEW: MAVRIX by Matt Jones on PC Steam - (Early Access)

MAVRIX by Matt Jones is an ambitious open world downhill mountain biking game, currently in early access, that offers players a huge 100 square kilometre playground of downhill race tracks, slopestyle lines and multiple bike parks. It aims to combine creative freedom with competitive racing, featuring authentic physics, dual stick controls, real world brand customisation, sponsorship contracts and online multiplayer with global rankings. The game encourages both casual exploration and high-level competition, whether you want to cruise with friends, find hidden challenges or chase rare unlocks through intense races.

While the foundation is promising, the game's long-term success will depend on the developers focusing on core stability and accessibility before expanding content. Players are calling for serious optimisation so it can run smoothly on a wide range of PCs, an offline single player mode to allow instant play, and the removal of unskippable scenes that slow down the action. If the basics are nailed first, MAVRIX could become a standout title in the MTB gaming space. If not, it risks squandering its potential under the weight of performance issues and poor design priorities.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2025/08/review-mavrix-by-matt-jones-on-pc-steam.html

REVIEW: The Naked Gun (2025 Film) - Starring Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson

The Naked Gun (2025) opens at full throttle, with Frank Drebin Jr foiling a bank robbery in a schoolgirl outfit, only to uncover a plot involving the theft of the P.L.O.T. Device. His chaotic policing leads to reassignment, a visit to his father's memorial, and an investigation into the suspicious death of software engineer Simon Davenport. The trail points to billionaire Richard Cane, whose sinister scheme is to unleash humanity's savage instincts while the wealthy hide underground.

The film delivers the same rapid-fire, absurd humour as the originals, with Liam Neeson's straight-man delivery amplifying the madness around him. Pamela Anderson shines as Beth Davenport, Danny Huston plays the suave yet deranged villain, and a string of surprise cameos add extra laughs. Packed with set-pieces from a self-driving car disaster to a bizarre living snowman, it's unapologetically silly and designed for fans of the franchise's classic comedic style.

Read the full review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2025/08/review-naked-gun-2025-film-starring.html

REVIEW: Killing Floor 3 (2025 Video Game) - On Xbox

Killing Floor 3 drops players into a brutal co-op shooter set in 2091, where a rebel group called Nightfall battles against Horzine's monstrous zeds. With six unique specialists to choose from, players fight through waves of enemies using class-specific weapons and abilities, while upgrading gear, triggering slow-motion Zed Time, and using tools like sentry guns and ziplines to survive. The combat can be intense, the visuals are strong, and the gore is satisfyingly over the top.

But the game feels unfinished. The difficulty is harsh for newcomers, early weapons are underpowered, and even with visual settings adjusted, motion sickness can still hit hard. Despite being a full release, Killing Floor 3 feels more like a beta, lacking content and polish. Tripwire promises updates, but right now, the console version especially feels rushed and underwhelming.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2025/08/review-killing-floor-3-2025-video-game.html

REVIEW: Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream (2025 Video Game)

Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream delivers a compelling stealth experience wrapped in a richly detailed Nordic city inspired by early 1900s Scandinavia. Players control Hanna and her allies as they navigate tense, story-driven missions using unique abilities to outsmart enemies and solve puzzles. The game's accessible controls and striking animations draw players into a world full of shadows and secrets.

While the game's linear structure limits free exploration, its personal story and challenging stealth gameplay more than compensate. The combination of strong narrative hooks and well-designed stealth mechanics make it stand out as one of the best isometric adventure stealth games of 2025, even for those not usually drawn to the genre.

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2025/07/review-eriksholm-stolen-dream-2025.html

REVIEW: The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025) - Starring Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn

Matt Shakman's The Fantastic Four: First Steps introduces a 1960s-styled reboot of Marvel's First Family, giving Reed, Sue, Johnny and Ben a new home on Earth-828. Set apart from the mainline MCU, the film leans into bright visuals and character-driven storytelling as the team faces off against the planet-eating Galactus and his conflicted herald, the Silver Surfer. There's a surprising amount of emotional weight here, especially with Sue's pregnancy and the team's growing tensions as they face overwhelming odds.

Despite a few uneven performances and some dialogue that doesn't quite land, the film holds together well with strong ensemble chemistry and a sense of hope that's been missing from recent superhero fare. With colourful set pieces, grounded stakes, and a bittersweet ending that sets up future stories without cheap tricks, First Steps feels like a welcome course correction for Marvel. It's not flawless, but it's a solid, earnest film that respects its characters and audience alike.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2025/07/review-fantastic-four-first-steps-2025.html

REVIEW: WUCHANG: Fallen Feathers – Soulslike Style Without the Soul

Set in the decaying final days of the Ming Dynasty, WUCHANG: Fallen Feathers throws players into a haunting world ravaged by plague, warfare, and corrupted monsters. You play as a female pirate warrior afflicted by the Feathering disease, a mysterious condition that transforms humans into grotesque beasts. It's a striking setting, full of gloom and despair, with the story slowly unfolding through exploration and combat. The game promises meaningful build variety, supernatural powers, and a host of deadly enemies, all wrapped in rich Chinese folklore.

But for all its atmosphere and lore, WUCHANG stumbles in the areas that matter most. Combat feels heavy and imprecise, the upgrade systems are more confusing than compelling, and boss battles rely too often on tired patterns rather than inspired design. Some Soulslike fans will enjoy the brutal challenge and ominous tone, but it's unlikely to pull in many newcomers. It's a game that looks the part, sounds the part, but never quite feels like it plays the part.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2025/07/review-wuchang-fallen-feathers.html

REVIEW: I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025) - Starring Madelyn Cline, Chase Sui Wonders and Jonah Hauer-King

I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025) revisits the familiar tale of a group of friends haunted by a deadly secret and stalked by a mysterious killer. Set 27 years after the original murders, the film follows Ava and her circle as they navigate betrayal, fear, and violence in their coastal hometown. Returning characters add depth, while new faces bring fresh tension to the long-running franchise.

While the film leans heavily on nostalgic callbacks, it succeeds in delivering solid horror thrills with graphic kills and suspenseful moments. However, uneven dialogue and attempts at modern relatability sometimes distract from the tension. Ultimately, it offers a straightforward slasher experience that will satisfy genre fans seeking both homage and fresh scares.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2025/07/review-i-know-what-you-did-last-summer.html

Deep Cover (2025 film) starring Bryce Dallas Howard, Orlando Bloom and Nick Mohammed

Deep Cover spins a ridiculous setup into a surprisingly slick and grounded comedy. Bryce Dallas Howard leads the cast as Kat, an American improv teacher roped into an off-the-books police operation. Needing backup, she recruits two misfit students, played by Orlando Bloom and Nick Mohammed, to pose as gangsters and infiltrate the London criminal scene. What starts as a simple sting spirals into high-stakes deception, botched drug deals and accidental body disposal, all played straight with just enough absurdity to stay entertaining.

The cast sell it. Bloom steals most of his scenes, while Howard keeps the tone balanced between comedy and tension. Mohammed's role is predictable, but the energy stays high thanks to solid supporting turns from Paddy Considine, Ian McShane and Sonoya Mizuno. It's overlong by about ten minutes, and a few jokes miss the mark, but the film knows exactly what it is and runs with it. Not groundbreaking, but fun, fast, and consistently watchable.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2025/07/deep-cover-2025-film-starring-bryce.html

REVIEW: Ed & Edda: GRAND PRIX – Racing Champions (2025 Racing Video game)

Ed & Edda: GRAND PRIX – Racing Champions is a lighthearted, fast-paced kart racing game tied to the animated film GRAND PRIX OF EUROPE, celebrating 50 years of Europa-Park. Featuring eight characters with their own vehicles and strengths, the game takes players on colourful, speed-focused tracks based on European landmarks. With several race modes and up to four-player local multiplayer, it's designed to be accessible and fun for the whole family, especially younger players.

While the game offers enjoyable visuals, catchy music and simple controls, it doesn't add much new to the kart racing genre. Performance hiccups and a steep £34.99 price point may make it a harder sell for seasoned players or those unfamiliar with the film. Still, for fans of the movie or Europa-Park, it delivers a decent ride with enough charm to keep kids entertained.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2025/07/review-ed-edda-grand-prix-racing.html

REVIEW: Jurassic World Rebirth (2025 Film) - Starring Scarlett Johansson

Jurassic World Rebirth picks up five years after Dominion, with dinosaurs confined to equatorial zones and humans mostly keeping their distance. A pharmaceutical team sets out to harvest DNA samples from three prehistoric species for medical use, only to collide with a stranded civilian family and a mutated dinosaur from a forgotten lab. What follows is a survival story filled with familiar set pieces, high-stakes chases, and corporate betrayal.

Scarlett Johansson leads the film with a grounded performance, standing out in an otherwise serviceable cast. The action looks good, the effects deliver, and the film mostly stays within the safe boundaries of the franchise formula. It's too long and often predictable, but there's enough spectacle to keep fans watching. Not especially bold, but solid enough to keep the series going.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2025/07/review-jurassic-world-rebirth-2025-film.html

REVIEW: Superman (2025 film) - Starring David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan and Nicholas Hoult

James Gunn's Superman brings a fresh start to the DC Universe, pulling from the All-Star Superman comics for inspiration. It delivers a visually energetic film with a packed cast of heroes, some quirky humour, and an oddly endearing turn from Krypto the Superdog. But the central figure, Superman himself, ends up feeling underwhelming in his own movie, overshadowed by stronger supporting characters like Mister Terrific and even the comic-relief Fortress robots.

Despite its ambition, the film struggles to balance tone, slipping into goofiness at times that undercut its bigger emotional moments. Lex Luthor's scheme falls flat, largely due to a miscast performance from Nicholas Hoult, and the overstuffed ensemble leaves little room for a focused or resonant Superman arc. There's nothing particularly terrible about it, but not much that sticks either. It's a watch-once kind of film, which isn't what a reboot of this scale should be.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2025/07/review-superman-2025-film-starring.html

REVIEW: How to Train Your Dragon (2025 film) - Starring Mason Thames, Nick Frost and Gerard Butler

How to Train Your Dragon returns in a live-action reimagining that closely follows the beloved 2010 animated film. Set on the Viking island of Berk, the story centres on Hiccup, a teenager who breaks with tradition by befriending a feared Night Fury dragon, Toothless. As their unlikely bond grows, Hiccup begins to uncover the truth about dragons, challenging everything his village believes. With strong performances, particularly from Mason Thames and Gerard Butler, and a visually impressive take on Toothless, the film captures the spirit and emotional weight of the original while standing confidently on its own.

Though the core story remains unchanged, the live-action format brings added texture and intensity to familiar scenes. The film balances action with heart, delivering strong messages about empathy, identity, and the courage to stand apart. With a supporting cast that includes Nico Parker, Nick Frost and Julian Dennison, it's as funny and warm as fans would hope. Despite a slightly overlong runtime, it's a thoroughly enjoyable retelling for a new generation, packed with charm and spectacle.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2025/07/review-how-to-train-your-dragon-2025.html

REVIEW: Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders (2025 Game) - On Xbox

Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders offers a compelling mix of challenging skiing and laid-back exploration. Its standout feature is the new online multiplayer mode, allowing players to race or cooperate on the slopes, which adds a fresh social element to the game's snowy world. The game's visuals are impressive, creating an immersive winter environment that enhances the experience whether racing against the clock or simply enjoying the scenery.

However, the game's camera can be frustrating, sometimes obscuring the path ahead and forcing players to rely on previous tracks. The content is relatively limited, with little reason to revisit tracks once completed in single-player mode. Though the game is short, it remains enjoyable, especially with friends, but more content would improve its lasting appeal.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2025/07/review-lonely-mountains-snow-riders.html

REVIEW: The Old Guard 2 (2025 Film) - Starring Charlize Theron

The Old Guard 2 picks up months after the first film, as Andy and her team reunite for a mission that uncovers deeper mysteries behind their immortality. With Booker still in exile and Quỳnh now back from centuries of torment, old wounds resurface, and new dangers emerge. Discord, the first immortal, is introduced as a powerful arms dealer with her own motives, forcing the team to confront both their past and the expanding consequences of their existence.

As the plot unravels across global locations, the team navigates betrayals, shifting alliances, and the discovery of rules that may alter their powers forever. The stakes are raised when a nuclear facility is seized, leading to personal losses and unresolved threats. With the group fractured and allies taken, Andy must decide whether the battle to protect the world is worth the cost when the future is far from certain.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2025/07/review-old-guard-2-2025-film-starring.html

REVIEW: M3GAN 2.0 (2025 Film) - Starring Allison Williams, Violet McGraw, Ivanna Sakhno, Jemaine Clement, Amie Donald and Jenna Davis

M3GAN 2.0 ditches the horror roots of the original and jumps headfirst into sci-fi action territory. Set two years after the events of the first film, Gemma is now an advocate for AI regulation, while her niece Cady is navigating teenage rebellion. When a defence contractor unveils AMELIA, a deadly android built from stolen M3GAN tech, things spiral fast. As AMELIA gains self-awareness and slips the leash, the stakes go global, forcing Gemma to make the unthinkable choice: bring back M3GAN and hope she can be trusted.

What follows is a tense, kinetic showdown between two machines, with human survival caught in the middle. The film leans into its Terminator 2 parallels without losing its own voice, offering strong performances and smart pacing. It's a bold shift from creepy doll horror to full-blown tech thriller, but it works because the characters still matter and the stakes feel real. Not everyone will embrace the change in tone, but as a sequel that takes risks and runs with them, it's a strong evolution.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2025/07/review-m3gan-20-2025-film-starring.html

REVIEW: Heads of State (2025 Film) - Starring John Cena, Idris Elba and Priyanka Chopra

Heads of State sets itself apart with a playful, action-packed take on global leadership, focusing on the unlikely partnership between Idris Elba's British Prime Minister and John Cena's brash US President. The film's tone is deliberately light, aiming more for entertainment than sharp political satire. Director Ilya Naishuller keeps the pace moving through various European locations, balancing bombastic action sequences with moments of genuine character chemistry, especially between Elba and Cena.

While the film occasionally falters with some CGI issues and a mid-run slowdown, its strengths lie in the dynamic performances and the subtle hints at leadership and responsibility beneath the surface chaos. Priyanka Chopra Jonas adds a welcome edge as the competent MI6 agent trying to manage the chaos. Overall, Heads of State is an enjoyable, if imperfect, political buddy thriller that knows its place and delivers plenty of fun.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2025/07/review-heads-of-state-2025-film.html

REVIEW: Ice Road: Vengeance (2025 Film) - Starring Liam Neeson and Fan Bingbing

Ice Road: Vengeance moves the action from frozen highways to the perilous slopes of the Himalayas, as Mike McCann travels to Nepal to honour his brother's memory. What begins as a reflective journey quickly shifts into survival mode when mercenaries hijack a tour bus, targeting a young local boy tied up in a land dispute. Neeson does what he does best, even if he feels a bit like he's running through the motions. Fan Bingbing brings genuine energy to the screen and steals most of the scenes she's in, with clean action choreography and a grounded performance that lifts the film when it begins to lag.

While the setting is fresh and the international cast adds variety, the film loses some impact by leaning too heavily on formula. The lack of actual ice roads feels like a missed opportunity, and some cheap-looking effects don't help either. There's still enough tension and scenery to keep it watchable, but at nearly two hours, it could've used a leaner cut. For a casual watch, it does the job, just don't expect it to linger in your mind after the credits roll.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2025/07/review-ice-road-vengeance-2025-film.html

REVIEW: Antro (2025 Video Game) - On PS5

Antro offers a unique blend of rhythm, puzzle solving, and platforming set to a soundtrack of Spanish hip hop, drill, R&B, and electronic music. Players control Nittch, a cynical delivery runner navigating the harsh, stratified underground city of Barcelona, where music and art are outlawed. The game shifts between free exploration and intense autorun parkour sections, challenging players to move in time with the beat while unraveling a story of resistance against a brutal regime.

Despite its striking visuals and immersive soundtrack, Antro suffers from a very short playtime, lasting just over an hour. While the rhythm mechanics and music-driven gameplay are engaging, the game leaves you wanting more depth and longer gameplay to fully realise its potential. Still, for fans of rhythm games and those intrigued by its setting and style, Antro is a memorable, if brief, experience.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2025/07/review-antro-2025-video-game-on.html

REVIEW: Final Destination Bloodlines (2025 Film) - Starring Kaitlyn Santa Juana

Final Destination: Bloodlines breathes new life into the long-running horror series by tying its familiar death-defying premise to a personal, family-driven mystery. College student Stefani Reyes inherits terrifying visions from her grandmother, uncovering a decades-old premonition that disrupted Death's design. The result is a film that starts strong and keeps the tension tight, blending emotional depth with the franchise's signature dread.

The kills are creative, the pacing relentless, and the stakes feel more real thanks to a cast that actually makes you care. What sets this one apart is how it manages to both respect the existing lore and push it into new territory without losing the fun. It's bold, gory, sometimes silly, but always entertaining. Easily one of the best entries in the series, Bloodlines proves the franchise still has plenty of life left.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2025/06/review-final-destination-bloodlines.html