REVIEW: The Walking Dead: Streets of Survival (2026 Video Game) - on PlayStation 5

The Walking Dead: Streets of Survival brings AMC's The Walking Dead into classic 2D side-scrolling beat-'em-up territory. Playing as Rick Grimes, Daryl Dixon or Michonne, with Negan available to unlock, you fight walkers and Saviors using character-specific abilities and familiar weapons. The combat is simple, responsive and satisfying, while the All Out War storyline, recognisable locations and decent cut scenes give the campaign more personality than a standard arcade brawler.

The simplicity is also the game's biggest weakness, as once you understand the basics, progress through the campaign can be fairly quick. The survival elements, different characters, difficulty levels and boss battles provide some extra variety, but there is limited depth beyond the core fighting. At £17.99 for the standard version and £29.99 for the Deluxe Edition, the pricing is also difficult to overlook. This is a niche release, but for fans of The Walking Dead and classic 2D beat-'em-ups, there is plenty of uncomplicated arcade fun to enjoy.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/09/review-walking-dead-streets-of-survival.html

REVIEW: Runner (2026 Film) - Starring Alan Ritchson and Owen Wilson

 

Runner pairs Alan Ritchson and Owen Wilson in a familiar buddy-action setup as a former soldier and an unlikely companion become targets of a Colombian cartel while trying to complete a vital medical delivery. The action is the main attraction, with vehicle chases, shootouts, explosions and plenty of close-quarters violence keeping the pace moving. Ritchson fits the role well, while Wilson provides most of the humour, and their contrasting personalities make the partnership enjoyable.

The story follows a well-worn formula, with personal tragedy, criminals, betrayal and a race against time all familiar territory. There are few genuine surprises, but the film's short running time prevents it from becoming tiresome. The emotional material gives Ritchson's character some extra depth, while the two leads are well matched throughout. Runner is generic and predictable, but it remains an enjoyable way to spend 90 minutes.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2026/09/review-runner-2026-film-starring-alan.html

REVIEW: Hope (2026 Film) - Stars Hwang Jung-min, Zo In-sung, Jung Ho-yeon, Taylor Russell, Cameron Britton, Alicia Vikander, and Michael Fassbender

Hope is a gloriously strange mixture of science fiction, horror, action and Korean comedy. Na Hong-jin takes his time revealing the creature, allowing the mystery to build for around 45 minutes before the film erupts into a series of increasingly chaotic attacks and chase sequences. The driving scenes are particularly impressive, with low camera angles giving the action a real sense of scale. There is also plenty of Korean humour, which works well alongside the violence and bizarre situations.

The main problem is the running time. At more than two and a half hours, Hope is simply too long, while some of the CGI is noticeably weaker than the rest and occasionally breaks the immersion. Even so, there is plenty to enjoy, particularly if you love action, chase scenes and strange-looking creatures and aliens. The cliffhanger also leaves the door open for a sequel, and I would certainly like to see one made with a bigger budget.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2026/09/review-hope-2026-film-stars-hwang-jung.html

REVIEW: The Serpent & The Seed (2026 Video Game) - PC (Steam)

The Serpent & The Seed is a Bible-inspired narrative adventure that takes players from the Garden of Eden through to Revelation, using hand-drawn artwork, atmospheric puzzles and a beautiful original soundtrack by Poor Bishop Hooper. Playing as the adorable robin Mungo, players experience familiar Biblical stories through symbolic imagery, gentle puzzle mechanics and strong voice acting. The gameplay is simple and linear, but the puzzles provide a decent challenge, with a few proving trickier than expected. The artwork is delightful, while the music is arguably the game's greatest achievement.

Although those looking for a traditional, challenging point and click adventure may find the experience too straightforward, The Serpent & The Seed succeeds at what it sets out to do. It tells a beautiful story, does not shy away from the more serious elements of the Bible, and presents its familiar stories in an imaginative way. You certainly do not need to be deeply religious to appreciate it. In a gaming landscape dominated by guns and violence, there is something refreshing about a game that offers a very different experience. I thoroughly enjoyed The Serpent & The Seed

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/09/review-serpent-seed-2026-video-game-pc.html

REVIEW: Stunt X Mania (SXM) a 2026 VR Video Game on MetaQuest

Stunt X Mania (SXM) is a VR motocross game that puts the focus on learning to ride, mastering tricks and pushing your bike to its limits. The controls are one of its strongest aspects, with intuitive shifting and braking, convincing motorcycle handling and the choice between manual gears or a simplified automatic system. Free Roam is particularly enjoyable for simply riding around and practising, while Career Mode and Challenges provide more structured goals. The stunt system offers 12 authentic FMX tricks, including Superman, Tsunami, Cliff Hanger and MC Metz, with the more advanced manoeuvres requiring plenty of practice.

Unfortunately, motion sickness was a major problem for me, with tracks featuring bumps and grooves becoming particularly uncomfortable and limiting my play sessions to around 20 minutes. The learning curve can also be steep when attempting the more complicated stunts, while the graphics are functional rather than spectacular. There is currently no multiplayer either, although co-op and competitive modes are planned. Stunt X Mania is therefore a decent VR motorcycle game with enjoyable riding and plenty to master, but its motion sickness issues and lack of multiplayer hold it back.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/09/review-stunt-x-mania-sxm-2026-vr-video.html

REVIEW: Mayday (2026 Film) - Starring Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh.

Mayday is a polished and entertaining action comedy that benefits enormously from the chemistry between Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh. Reynolds plays the familiar wisecracking action hero, while Branagh steals the show as the eccentric and likeable former KGB officer Nikolai Ustinov. Their constant bickering provides the film's biggest laughs, while the action delivers several genuinely enjoyable sequences.

Unfortunately, Mayday is also rather predictable, with a formulaic script and comedy that does not always land. Some of the jokes feel dated, while the roughly 105-minute runtime could have been trimmed by around 15 minutes. It is a good straight-to-streaming film that delivers an enjoyable evening's entertainment, but it lacks the originality and staying power to make it particularly memorable.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2026/09/review-mayday2026-film-starring-ryan.html

REVIEW: Shoe it All! (2026 Video Game) - on Xbox

Shoe it All! takes a wonderfully simple idea and turns it into an entertaining physics puzzle game. Playing as Lace, you use a swing to build momentum before launching shoes at targets, with good timing and accuracy essential for landing the perfect shot. The physics provide plenty of fun when things go wrong too, with missed throws, unexpected bounces and accidental solutions often proving just as entertaining. The unique art style looks great, while the high-energy punk rock soundtrack adds plenty of personality.

The main campaign is relatively short, but there is more to do once you have completed the levels, including chasing maximum scores, finding secrets, collecting nearly 200 stickers, tackling hidden bonus levels and working towards all of the achievements. Speedrun Mode also provides another reason to revisit completed levels. At £6.99 in the UK, Shoe it All! is an easy recommendation for anyone who enjoys simple, addictive puzzle games. The biggest disappointment is that there are not more levels, although hopefully future updates could address that.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/09/review-shoe-it-all2026-video-game-on.html

REVIEW: The Runner (2026 Film) - Starring Gal Gadot

The Runner is an intriguing psychological thriller that plays out virtually in real time, following prosecutor and mother Maia Marten as she races across London after her son is kidnapped. Kevin Macdonald's direction makes the film visually striking and gives Maia's desperate journey a physical, immediate quality. Gal Gadot delivers a solid and believable performance, while Damian Lewis is effective as the sinister Caller. The brisk 80-minute runtime also works in the film's favour, ensuring the story never becomes a major slog, and the satisfying ending manages to tie up the various strands while answering several of the questions raised along the way.

Unfortunately, The Runner feels like a relatively thin premise stretched into a feature film. There is simply not enough action, with Maia spending much of the runtime running rather than doing anything particularly substantial, and some scenes feel like filler. The film's portrayal of London is also unconvincing, with its strangely white depiction of the capital feeling more like a Hollywood interpretation than the real city Maia is supposedly travelling through. Gadot is good, but the character could have been tougher and more resourceful. The Runner remains entertaining enough to hold your attention, but it would arguably have worked better as a shorter television thriller.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2026/09/review-runner-2026-film-starring-gal.html

REVIEW: Lou’s Lagoon (2026 Video Game) on Xbox

Lou’s Lagoon has plenty of appealing ideas. The colourful Limbo Archipelago is enjoyable to explore, the relaxed pace suits the gameplay, and there is a good mix of crafting, fishing, platforming and resource gathering. The Resource Sucker makes collecting materials straightforward, while building and decorating your own home, customising your character and seaplane, and upgrading gadgets provide worthwhile ways to spend your time. The roughly eleven-hour main story also offers a reasonably contained experience for anyone looking for a cosy adventure.

Unfortunately, too many frustrations get in the way. Limited storage is particularly annoying in a game focused on gathering resources, while slow crafting timers and repeated errands can make progression feel tedious. Platforming suffers from floaty movement, the lack of voice acting makes conversations dull, and the Uncle Lou mystery often feels like an excuse to send you on another task. The seaplane is also a disappointment, functioning mainly as transportation between islands rather than delivering an engaging flying experience. Lou’s Lagoon looks good and has some enjoyable ideas, but the execution leaves a lot to be desired. 

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/09/review-lous-lagoon-2026-video-game-on.html

REVIEW: Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy (2026 Video Game) - On PS5

Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy successfully takes the A Plague Tale series in a new direction without losing the atmosphere and storytelling that made its predecessors so memorable. The Greek setting looks beautiful, while the changing environments give each section of the island its own identity. Sophia is a capable and engaging protagonist, with Anna Demetriou delivering an excellent performance. Combat is faster and more fluid than in previous games, while clever light-based puzzles, tense stealth sections and the dual-timeline mechanic provide plenty of variety. The soundtrack and sound design are also excellent, helping create an atmosphere that remains strong throughout.

It is not without its problems. The opening takes too long to find its stride, combat and stealth can become repetitive, and the light-based puzzles occasionally hurt the pacing. The traversal mechanics are fairly simple, while the skill tree adds little to the overall experience. Even so, the story becomes increasingly compelling as it progresses, and the new direction successfully expands the A Plague Tale universe. It may not reach the heights of A Plague Tale: Requiem, but Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy remains an enjoyable and worthwhile addition to the franchise.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/08/review-resonance-plague-tale-legacy.html

REVIEW: Buddy (2026 film) - Starring Keegan-Michael Key

Buddy takes the familiar world of 1990s children's television and turns it into a strange, violent and surprisingly entertaining supernatural slasher. Casper Kelly's feature directorial debut benefits enormously from its meticulous recreation of the era, with colourful production design, original songs and practical effects helping to make It's Buddy! feel convincingly like a lost children's programme. The contrast between Buddy's relentlessly cheerful personality and the increasingly horrific events around him provides much of the film's dark humour, while Delaney Quinn, Cristin Milioti and Keegan-Michael Key all deliver strong performances.

The main weakness is that the premise struggles to sustain a full feature. Buddy has an excellent central idea, but the concept becomes repetitive and the film's later detours occasionally weaken its focus. The third act is less controlled, some of the commentary on children's media feels underdeveloped, and the film is ultimately not as disturbing as its premise might suggest. Even so, its distinctive world-building, surreal horror, nostalgia and willingness to embrace its bizarre concept make Buddy stand out. It is an original and well-made horror film that remains genuinely entertaining despite its flaws.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2026/08/review-buddy-2026-film-starring-keegan.html

REVIEW: Super Arcade Soccer 2026 (2026 Video Game) - on PC (Steam)

Super Arcade Soccer 2026 sounds like exactly the sort of football game that should be great fun. Inspired by the fast, accessible arcade football of the 1990s, it combines cartoon graphics, exaggerated physics, plenty of teams and players, multiple game modes and local multiplayer for up to four players. The presentation is decent, with good sound effects and music, while the unofficial team and player names are an enjoyable throwback to older football games. Seeing The Kop FC and amusingly altered player names such as Mohemed Seleh genuinely made me smile. Sadly, once you start playing, the problems become difficult to ignore. The controls feel poor, players are painfully slow without constantly holding sprint, passing is unpredictable and shooting is particularly frustrating. A quick press of the shoot button can send the ball barely a metre forward, meaning you have to hold the button simply to produce a proper shot.

That is hugely disappointing because the basic concept is so appealing. Arcade football should be fast, responsive and immediately enjoyable, with ridiculous shots, chaotic tackles and simple controls that anyone can pick up. Instead, Super Arcade Soccer 2026 feels like a game that has the features and appearance of an arcade football title without delivering the fun. There is plenty of content here, including cups, leagues, international matches, customisation and multiplayer, but none of that can compensate for gameplay that feels fundamentally wrong. I came away feeling that even an old football arcade game from the 1980s would probably provide more entertainment. Super Arcade Soccer 2026 is a great idea let down by its execution, and in its current state it feels like a game that needed much more development and testing before release.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/08/review-super-arcade-soccer-2026-2026.html

REVIEW: StarWars - Yoda Puppetronic by RealFX

The Yoda Puppetronic by RealFX is an impressive-looking 44cm Star Wars collectible that makes a strong first impression. Yoda looks excellent, the outfit is good quality and the voice effects are remarkably convincing, although they are quite quiet and there is no volume control. Left switched on, Yoda will occasionally deliver one of his iconic lines, which makes him particularly entertaining as a display piece. Even someone unfamiliar with Star Wars can find him engaging, as demonstrated by the enthusiastic waving and babbling he received from a curious baby. As a figure for the shelf or sideboard, this is one of the best Yoda pieces I have seen.

The problem is that it is much less successful as a puppet. There are no automated movements, so the joystick and controls on Yoda's back have to be operated manually, and everything feels noticeably stiff. The Force arm control is particularly heavy, while fitting the feet is awkward and the battery compartment is poorly positioned. The lack of Yoda's distinctive white hair is also disappointing, as is the 44cm size compared with the real character's 66cm height. At £79.99, I think the Puppetronic works far better as a display piece than as something to regularly operate. 

Full Review at

https://www.playwithtoys.co.uk/2026/08/review-starwars-yoda-puppetronic-by.html

REVIEW: This Bed We Made (2026 Video Game) on PlayStation 5

This Bed We Made is an enjoyable narrative mystery set in the 1950s Clarington Hotel, where chambermaid Sophie becomes caught up in a sinister investigation. The story steadily draws together its various mysteries, while the period setting creates an atmospheric backdrop for exploring rooms, inspecting belongings and uncovering secrets. Strong English voice acting, enjoyable dialogue, detailed facial expressions and an excellent collection of letters help bring the hotel's characters and their lives to life. The puzzles are well balanced, while the journal provides a useful way of keeping track of clues and Sophie's thoughts. Sound effects such as squeaking doors, keys, locks and the elevator also add to the suspense.

The biggest problem is the game's short length, with a playthrough taking around three to six hours. Some character animations are awkward, lip-syncing can be inconsistent and certain visual details lack polish. The hint system can become repetitive, while important clues are occasionally difficult to spot and some controls feel overly sensitive. A few character backstories also deserved more development. Even so, the consequences attached to your decisions are a genuine strength, with choices affecting how events unfold and potentially leading to different endings. That gives you a reason to return for another playthrough. It may not satisfy players looking for a deeper detective experience, but as a short, character-driven mystery, This Bed We Made is worth a look.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/08/review-this-bed-we-made-2026-video-game.html

REVIEW: Pit Panic (2026 Video Game) - on PS5

Pit Panic is a fast-paced 2D platformer built around movement, momentum and quick decisions. Its responsive controls make the platforming satisfying, while the hook gives the game a distinctive mechanic that works across movement, exploration and environmental puzzles. The ability to manipulate materials and objects creates some entertaining challenges, while four distinct biomes provide good visual and gameplay variety. The cartoon presentation and humorous tone also work well alongside the demanding gameplay.

The difficulty is both a strength and a weakness. Frequent deaths, precision sections and occasional trial and error can become frustrating, particularly when mistakes significantly set back a run. The large number of levels, daily challenges and player-created content provide plenty to do, although the basic gameplay loop can become repetitive over time. Pit Panic is an enjoyable game to play in shorter bursts, but its long-term appeal will depend heavily on how much the player enjoys mastering challenging platforming.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/08/review-pit-panic-2026-video-game-on-ps5.html

REVIEW: Spider-Man: Brand New Day (2026 Film) - Starring Tom Holland

Spider-Man: Brand New Day is a surprisingly mature and heartfelt Spider-Man film that puts Peter Parker's emotional journey ahead of wider MCU setup. Tom Holland gives a soulful performance as a Peter struggling with four years of isolation, while Sadie Sink is a standout as Jean Grey. Their shared experiences of loss provide the film with some of its strongest emotional moments. Jon Bernthal's Punisher is also a likeable addition, and the film successfully balances action, humour and emotion.

It is far from perfect. The film is overstuffed with characters and plotlines, leaving Peter occasionally sidelined, while the 145-minute runtime feels unnecessarily long. The episodic structure, excessive MCU setup and Stranger Things-style final act weaken an otherwise strong story. The action is impressive without relying excessively on CGI, although it lacks the invention of the Spider-Verse films. Despite its flaws, Brand New Day delivers a heartfelt Spider-Man story with genuine emotional weight.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2026/08/review-spider-man-brand-new-day-2026.html

REVIEW: Piroker (2026 Video Game) - on PC (Steam)

Piroker is an unusual attempt to combine poker, roguelike auto battler mechanics and pirate-themed naval combat. It is colourful, sounds good and deserves credit for trying something different, but the central poker concept is where it falls apart. You don't actually play poker, choose cards or use poker knowledge. Instead, you collect relics, fish, pirates and other bonuses that affect your score, with very little explanation of how everything fits together.

The lack of a proper tutorial makes matters worse. Even after several hours, I still couldn't work out why I had won or lost, or what I was supposed to be doing differently. Despite claims of bluffing and strategic play, I never found any meaningful sense of either. Piroker is still in playtest, so there is time to rethink the mechanics, but right now the whole experience feels unnecessarily confusing. There is a potentially interesting idea here, but it needs a serious rethink.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/08/review-piroker-2026-video-game-on-pc.html

REVIEW: Hyperstacks VR (2026 Video Game) on MetaQuest

Hyperstacks combines combat, parkour, puzzle-solving and level creation into a colourful VR experience that makes good use of its three core gameplay pillars. Combat benefits from VR weapons, environmental hazards and frantic encounters, while the movement system gives you climbing, grappling hooks, ziplines, jumping, teleportation and skating. The logic systems, powered by Greenlink, add another layer of challenge, with campaign levels introducing the mechanics progressively through character-led quests and interactions.

The level editor is one of Hyperstacks' strongest features, giving players accessible tools for creating enemies, traps, movement challenges, puzzles, logic systems, colours and lighting. Community-created levels add substantial replayability, while fast loading makes it easy to explore new creations. The sheer number of systems can make the experience feel somewhat unfocused if you are looking for one highly polished gameplay style, but the combination works well overall.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/08/review-hyperstacks-vr-2026-video-game.html

REVIEW: Disgaea Mayhem(2026 Video Game) - on PlayStation 5

Disgaea Mayhem successfully transforms the familiar Disgaea formula into a fast-paced action RPG while keeping the humour, charm and exaggerated style that fans expect. The combat is enjoyable, with different weapon types offering unique play styles, and the ability to upgrade equipment and push character power to ridiculous levels delivers the satisfying progression the series is known for.

The problem is that the experience feels too short and lacking in depth. With a main story that can be completed in under 10 hours, limited post-game content, repetitive missions and only one playable character, it struggles to justify its £49.99 price tag. Disgaea Mayhem is a fun spin-off that works well for newcomers, but it is best picked up during a sale rather than at full price.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/07/review-disgaea-mayhem2026-video-game-on.html

REVIEW: Motor City (2026 Film) - Starring Alan Ritchson, Ben Foster, Pablo Schreiber, Lionel Boyce and Shailene Woodley

Motor City proves that action films do not need endless dialogue to make an impact. Driven by Alan Ritchson's commanding physical performance, brutal action scenes and a superb rock soundtrack, the film tells its revenge story almost entirely through visuals. Its blend of silent-style storytelling and gritty 1970s action influences creates something that feels genuinely fresh.

The underlying revenge plot is fairly conventional, and the pacing occasionally suffers from slow-motion sequences that overstay their welcome. Even so, the film's confidence, originality and explosive finale make it an engaging and memorable action thriller that stands apart from most modern entries in the genre.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2026/07/review-motor-city-2026-film-starring.html

REVIEW: Early Learning Centre Wooden Toddle Truck and Bricks

The Early Learning Centre Wooden Toddle Truck and Bricks combines a traditional wooden trolley with 23 colourful wooden bricks, creating a toy designed to encourage creativity, building skills and early movement. The blocks are attractive, help children explore shapes and colours, and support fine motor skills and hand to eye coordination. Once assembled, the trolley looks decent and children are naturally drawn towards the bright design.

However, the product is let down by its construction and design. The trolley arrives completely disassembled, requiring more work than expected, while the included instructions and lack of the correct tools make assembly frustrating. The handle can sit wonky, the wheels do not feel completely solid, and there is a significant tipping risk when used by children who are still learning to walk. With the blocks providing the main enjoyment, the trolley itself feels like a missed opportunity.

Full Review at 

https://www.playwithtoys.co.uk/2026/07/review-early-learning-centre-wooden.html

REVIEW: Assoluto Racing (2026 Video Game) - on Nintendo Switch

Assoluto Racing finally arrives on Nintendo Switch, bringing its established mobile racing simulator experience to a new platform. The biggest improvement is the move to physical controls, making the game far more enjoyable than using touchscreen controls on mobile. Stable performance, online multiplayer, cross-platform progression and the ability to continue your garage between Switch and mobile are all excellent additions. The included cars and in-game currency also help justify the £16.99 price by offering more value than buying equivalent resources through the mobile version.

However, the Switch release also shows its mobile origins. The touchscreen-focused interface feels awkward without touchscreen support, menu navigation is slow and the graphics and engine sounds feel underwhelming for a 2026 console release. Outside of the bonus content, there is little that separates this version from the mobile game, while the continued use of heavy monetisation and gacha mechanics may frustrate players who have already paid for the game. Despite these issues, Assoluto Racing remains one of the better racing simulators on Switch.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/07/review-assoluto-racing-2026-video-game.html

REVIEW: Irusu Cricket VR (2026 Video Game) on MetaQuest VR

Irusu Cricket VR delivers a promising virtual reality cricket experience that successfully captures the feeling of standing at the crease. Swinging the bat, timing shots and reacting to deliveries creates a level of involvement that traditional cricket games cannot match. The stadium environments add to the immersion, while the motion controls and satisfying bat-to-ball interaction make it an enjoyable experience for cricket fans.

However, as an early access release, there is still plenty of work to be done. The batting physics, AI bowlers, fielding and overall presentation all need further refinement, while more modes and deeper progression options are needed to improve long-term replay value. Irusu Cricket VR has a solid foundation, and with continued development it could become a much stronger cricket experience on Meta Quest. For now, it is an enjoyable start with plenty of potential.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/07/review-irusu-cricket-vr-2026-video-game.html

REVIEW: Descendants: Wicked Wonderland (2026 Film) - Starring Kylie Cantrall, Malia Baker, and Leonardo Nam

Descendants: Wicked Wonderland continues the story of Red and Chloe, but quickly becomes overwhelmed by an overcrowded cast, a confusing plot and far too many storylines competing for attention. The colourful visuals and catchy musical numbers will entertain younger viewers, but the film struggles to make sense as it borrows heavily from earlier entries while introducing a constant stream of new characters.

The cast give committed performances, but they are let down by a muddled script that never finds its focus. Despite the impressive production design and energetic songs, the weak storytelling makes this a frustrating experience. Even with a Disney+ subscription, it is difficult to recommend.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2026/07/review-descendants-wicked-wonderland.html

REVIEW: Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey (2026 Film) - Starring Matt Damon

Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is a spectacular-looking production that ultimately fails to deliver a faithful or meaningful adaptation of Homer’s ancient Greek epic. Despite an enormous budget, impressive CGI and some genuinely impressive set pieces, the film struggles with weak dialogue, questionable creative decisions and a complete lack of connection to the original source material.

The biggest disappointment is that the film feels detached from the world it is supposed to represent. The casting choices, modernised script and lack of authenticity make it feel less like an adaptation of Homer’s masterpiece and more like a Hollywood reworking that has forgotten what made the original story endure for thousands of years. For fans of Greek mythology, this is a deeply frustrating and disappointing experience.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2026/07/review-christopher-nolans-odyssey-2026.html

REVIEW: Evil Dead Burn (2026 Film) Starring Souheila Yacoub

Evil Dead Burn is an uncompromising horror film that throws viewers straight into two hours of relentless gore, inventive kills and disturbing Deadite mayhem. Sébastien Vaniček directs with confidence, delivering one memorable set piece after another, while Souheila Yacoub anchors the chaos with a strong lead performance. Fans looking for brutal violence, buckets of blood and grotesque creature effects will find plenty to enjoy.

The film is less successful as an Evil Dead sequel, with Bruce Campbell's Ash Williams reduced to a brief photographic cameo, leaving the franchise without its defining character. A forced feminist message and an overlong 110 minute runtime also weaken the experience. Even so, it remains an entertaining supernatural horror that fully embraces the franchise's trademark carnage.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2026/07/review-evil-dead-burn-2026-film.html

REVIEW: Echoes of Aincrad (2026 Video Game) - on PC (Steam)

Echoes of Aincrad gives players the chance to create their own hero and experience the world of Sword Art Online from a new perspective. The character creation, weapon variety, upgrade systems and build customisation are some of the game's strongest features, while the visuals and soundtrack help create an impressive atmosphere.

However, the game often feels like a missed opportunity. The world can feel empty, exploration lacks meaningful rewards, combat is basic, and NPCs fail to make much of an impact. While fans of a more focused quest based JRPG may find plenty to enjoy, those expecting a truly expansive open world adventure may be disappointed. At £55, it feels like a game that needed more depth and ambition.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/07/review-echoes-of-aincrad-2026-video.html