REVIEW: Salmon Man (2026 Video Game) - on MetaQuest VR

Salmon Man is a physics-driven VR platformer for MetaQuest that turns a simple idea into a surprisingly challenging experience. You control a humanoid "salmon man" using only your paddle to climb upstream through inventive, physics-based obstacles. Levels are colourful, absurd, and designed to keep players coming back for "just one more attempt," with lava sections and precise jumps testing your skill and patience. The paddle is responsive and intuitive, making each success satisfying and every failure feel meaningful.

The game caters perfectly to  speedrunners, offering unlockable paddles, side challenges, achievements, and a global leaderboard. While the graphics are modest and some sections may frustrate less patient players, the gameplay remains rewarding and fun. Salmon Man balances absurd humour with demanding platforming, delivering a unique VR experience that rewards persistence, skill, and mastery of its physics.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/02/review-salmon-man-2026-video-game-on.html

REVIEW: MAVRIX by Matt Jones (2026 Video Game) - Early Access on Xbox

MAVRIX by Matt Jones drops riders into a vast 100 square kilometre open world packed with downhill tracks, slopestyle lines and multiple bike parks, blending racing, tricks and social multiplayer into one free flowing playground. Dual stick controls, detailed suspension physics and real world bike brands give every run a grounded, hands on feel, while sponsorships, leaderboards and competitions add purpose beyond casual riding.

This console early access version shows clear improvements over PC, with stronger physics updates, new tricks, fresh Slopestyle courses and ongoing support from the developers. It is not finished and still has bugs, and it sometimes leans a little arcadey, but the core experience is fun, ambitious and full of potential.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/02/review-mavrix-by-matt-jones-2026-video.html

REVIEW: Assassin's Creed Shadows - Revisiting the Game with Updates and Claws of Awaji

Assassin's Creed Shadows has improved considerably since its 2025 launch. Regular updates and the Claws of Awaji DLC have expanded the world, added new missions, gear, abilities, and replayable challenges. Awaji Island introduces fresh environments, ambushes, and traps, giving the expansion a unique identity. Base game updates like New Game+, raised level caps, upgraded forge, and Corrupted Castles have strengthened combat, exploration, and replayability. Quality-of-life changes and bug fixes make the overall experience smoother and more engaging.

Despite some frustrating elements, such as the Nowaki boss and Yasuke's historical liberties, Naoe remains the strongest character and core to the Assassin's Creed experience. Shadows has overcome much of its early criticism, and while it may not surpass Odyssey or Ghosts of Tsushima, it now offers a rewarding and polished experience. With updates and DLC, the game has grown into a worthwhile addition to the franchise.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/02/review-assassins-creed-shadows.html

REVIEW: POCO M8 5G (2026 Smartphone) - 8GB ROM, 512 GB RAM

The POCO M8 5G proves itself as a reliable and capable smartphone that fits comfortably into daily life. Its sleek design, high-durability glass, and comfortable weight make it easy to use while still feeling premium. The screen is bright and responsive, making scrolling, gaming, and video playback a smooth experience. Battery life is strong, and 45W fast charging means you can get going quickly when needed.

Camera performance is solid for its class, capturing deep blacks and sharp detail even in low light. Storage is generous, and the phone handles multitasking and apps without issues. There is some bloatware and RAM is 8GB, which may feel limiting for heavy multitaskers, but overall the POCO M8 5G is an impressive all-rounder at an accessible price.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/02/review-poco-m8-5g-2026-smartphone-8gb.html

REVIEW: FreeStyle Football 2 (2026 Video Game) - Closed Beta Test on Xbox

FreeStyle Football 2 makes a strong first impression with sharp graphics, slick menus and a lively street inspired style that really pops on Xbox. Each of the twelve characters has unique skills that shape how matches play out, and the focus on teamwork, coordination and five versus five battles gives the game a different feel from traditional football titles. Extra modes like story content, customisation, clubs and competitive online support show clear ambition, and in short bursts the fast, arcade approach can be genuinely good fun.

The problems start once you are actually on the pitch. Controlling just one player with a behind the back camera feels limiting compared to the freedom offered by more traditional football games, and online matches often ignore your chosen role, leaving attackers stuck in defence and teams stacked with goal hungry strikers. While it works as a casual arcade experience, it struggles as something you would commit serious time to, making it an average package overall.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/02/review-freestyle-football-2-2026-video.html

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

UFOPHILIA places you in the boots of a lone investigator obsessed with the UFO phenomenon, travelling to remote locations to document strange encounters and photograph whatever is hiding in the dark. Operating out of a cramped RV filled with cameras, sensors and detection tools, you gather evidence, analyse anomalies and slowly narrow down which alien is present before risking everything to get close enough for proof. Randomised missions and unpredictable behaviour keep each outing tense, with a steady sense that something unseen is always watching.

While the atmosphere and investigative loop create genuine unease and a satisfying learning curve, the experience feels rough in places. Movement and gameplay lack polish, some areas are simply too dark to navigate comfortably, and the aliens themselves are not always as memorable as the concept promises. Even so, there is clear potential here, making UFOPHILIA an intriguing but flawed horror outing.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/01/review-ufophilia-2026-video-game-on-pc.html

REVIEW: Dust Bunny (2025 Film) - Starring Mads Mikkelsen, Sophie Sloan, Sheila Atim, David Dastmalchian, and Sigourney Weaver

Dust Bunny follows Resident 5B, a professional hitman whose violent world collides with childhood fear when eight year old Aurora asks him to kill the monster she believes murdered her family. Set largely within a New York apartment building, the film blends assassin thriller mechanics with dreamlike fantasy horror, slowly revealing that Aurora's fears are rooted in something far more real and far more dangerous.

As assassins, law enforcement and personal betrayals close in, the story escalates into surreal violence and emotional confrontation. The film ultimately reframes its monster as both threat and protection, ending on a hopeful note about chosen family, love, and learning to live with the darkness that follows trauma rather than pretending it is not there.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2026/01/reviewdust-bunny-2025-film-starring.html

REVIEW: The Wrecking Crew (2026 Film) - Starring Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista

The Wrecking Crew pairs Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista as estranged half brothers forced to reunite when their father, a private investigator, is killed in what appears to be a staged hit and run. Jonny, a loose cannon cop in Oklahoma, and James, a disciplined Navy SEAL in Hawaii, return for the funeral and find themselves drawn into a dangerous conspiracy when Yakuza show up at the family home.

As they investigate, their dysfunctional dynamic resurfaces, with family members and allies trying to keep them from tearing each other apart. The film blends high octane action with comedy and family drama, using Hawaii as a vibrant backdrop while delivering bruising set pieces, sharp chemistry, and a familiar but entertaining buddy cop formula.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2026/01/review-wrecking-crew-2026-film-starring.html

REVIEW: EBOLA VILLAGE (2026 Video Game) on Xbox

EBOLA VILLAGE is a first person survival horror that proudly embraces old school design. Set in a remote USSR village, the game drops players into a slow burning nightmare that rewards exploration, observation, and careful inventory management. There is no hand holding, and progress depends on solving well judged puzzles while soaking in an oppressive atmosphere built through sound design and environmental detail.

While the experience is relatively short and may trigger motion sickness for some players, the strengths outweigh the drawbacks. Solid visuals, unsettling audio, and confident gameplay combine to create a surprisingly effective horror experience. EBOLA VILLAGE stands as a strong modern take on classic survival horror.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/01/review-ebola-village-2026-video-game-on.html

REVIEW: Greenland 2: Migration (2026 Film) - Starring Gerard Butler and Morena Baccarin

Greenland 2 Migration is a lean, emotionally driven sequel that focuses less on spectacle and more on survival, family and moral resolve. Set five years after the Clarke comet, the film follows the Garrity family across a broken Europe as environmental chaos and human desperation close in from all sides. Ric Roman Waugh delivers tightly constructed set pieces and a clear sense of a fragile new world order, keeping the stakes personal rather than overwhelming.

Strong performances from Gerard Butler and Morena Baccarin anchor the film, giving weight to a story that could easily have slipped into formula. While the script occasionally follows familiar disaster movie patterns and some CGI feels rushed, the pacing is sharp and the emotional payoff lands. It is a surprisingly effective sequel that finds hope without sentimentality, earning its place as a solid and engaging follow up.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2026/01/review-greenland-2-migration-2026-film.html

REVIEW: Space / Time (2026 Film) - Starring Ashlee Lollback and Hugh Parker

Space / Time is a tightly paced sci-fi thriller set in 2033, following Holt and his assistant Liv as they attempt to rebuild a radical device capable of bending space. The film moves quickly, keeping the story engaging throughout its under-90-minute runtime. Once the time travel elements emerge, the plot demands full attention, delivering clever twists and sustained tension. Michael O'Halloran's direction makes the most of a modest Australian budget, producing visual effects that are surprisingly polished. Strong performances from Hugh Parker and Ashlee Lollback anchor the story, while Pacharo Mzembe adds depth to the supporting cast. The film also offers a fresh take on time travel, bringing originality to a genre often feeling familiar.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2026/01/review-space-time-2026-film-starring.html

REVIEW: LoopyTwists Handmade Mouse Toy

The LoopyTwists handmade mouse, based on a MamaMadeMinis pattern, is a beautifully crafted crochet toy that combines charm with durability. Every detail is carefully made, resulting in a soft, huggable companion that is built to last. From an adult perspective, the quality is immediately evident, with secure construction and thoughtful safety features such as safe eyes.

For a six-month-old, the mouse quickly became a favourite, providing comfort and engagement long after first use. Unlike many toys that are briefly interesting, this one has remained a constant companion for weeks, proving its appeal and resilience. Both practical and delightful, it earns a full 10 out of 10 for quality, safety, and enjoyment.

Full Review at

https://www.playwithtoys.co.uk/2026/01/review-delightful-handmade-mouse-toy.html

REVIEW: Primate (2026 Film) - Starring Johnny Sequoyah, Jessica Alexander, and Troy Kotsur

Primate is a stripped back, high intensity natural horror that wastes no time getting to the violence. Set almost entirely within a cliffside house in Hawaii, it follows a group of friends trapped by a rabid chimpanzee whose intelligence makes him as calculating as he is brutal. The film prioritises tension, gore, and momentum over character depth, delivering a lean B movie experience that thrives on simplicity.

With a runtime under 90 minutes, the film barrels forward without overthinking its thin narrative. Familiar horror clichés are used without apology, but they are executed with confidence and energy. Ben the chimpanzee dominates the screen, providing some memorably savage kills and a relentless sense of threat. It is not subtle, but it is effective, and for horror fans seeking a quick, visceral thrill, Primate delivers exactly that.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2026/01/review-primate-2026-film-starring.html

REVIEW: Stunt Bike Extreme (2025 Video Game) - on PC (Steam)

Stunt Bike Extreme is an arcade motocross game that closely follows the TRIALS HD formula, focusing on quick levels, simple controls, and constant progression. With over 400 tracks across varied environments, the main appeal is sheer volume, supported by bike unlocks, visual customisation, and hidden treasure chests that reward exploration and replay.

While the gameplay is accessible and highly addictive, it is also noticeably forgiving, with lower difficulty and little demand for precise rider control. The lack of originality and absence of skill-based challenge modes hold it back, but for fans of the genre it remains an enjoyable and content-rich experience that is easy to recommend.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/01/review-stunt-bike-extreme-2025-video.html

REVIEW: Jingle Strike VR Bowling (2025 Video Game) - on MetaQuest

Jingle Strike VR Bowling blends believable bowling physics with loud, silly festive chaos. Every throw feels weighty and responsive, while the workshop elves react to every success and failure with cheering, roasting, and constant noise. Four themed holiday lanes keep things visually playful, and the fast paced 85 Second Slam Down mode offers a non festive alternative built around speed, music, and arcade energy.

The game is clearly designed for social play rather than long solo sessions. Passing the headset between players, throwing objects at elves, chasing leaderboards, and laughing at missed shots is where it works best. Content is limited, but what is here is polished, cheerful, and easy to enjoy, making it a strong choice for parties, gatherings, and VR newcomers.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/01/review-jingle-strike-vr-bowling-2025.html

REVIEW: Oldest Golden Treasure (2025 VR Video Game) - Released on MetaQuest

Oldest Golden Treasure is a VR escape room adventure for Meta Quest that casts you as a detective investigating the mysterious disappearance of a colleague. What begins as a familiar puzzle room experience soon evolves into a broader adventure, taking you through underground tunnels, ruins and secret hideouts. The puzzles are carefully balanced, encouraging observation and logical thinking without becoming frustrating, and each new environment keeps the experience feeling fresh and engaging.

Inspired by the oldest known gold treasure found in the Varna Necropolis, the game weaves real historical facts into its narrative, adding depth to the mystery. Performance is strong for an indie VR title, and after completing the main story, a SpeedRun Mode unlocks for competitive players chasing leaderboard times. While the overall experience is on the short side and a few bugs remain, Oldest Golden Treasure stands as a solid and enjoyable addition to any VR collection.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2025/12/review-oldest-golden-treasure-2025-vr.html

REVIEW: Vtech Marble Rush Petal Power Playset - For Kids 4+Years Old

The VTech Marble Rush Petal Power Playset is a colourful, engaging construction set that encourages creativity and problem-solving. With 96 pieces, including decorative accessories and sparkle marbles, children can build intricate marble runs and watch their creations in motion. The motorised spinning flower lift adds excitement by raising marbles back to the top for continuous play, while cheerful tunes and sound effects enhance the overall experience.

Its colour-coded modular pieces make assembly simple and enjoyable, suitable for both younger and older children. The sturdy, well-made components ensure lasting play, and compatibility with other Marble Rush sets allows for future expansion. While it requires some initial building and only comes with six marbles, it remains a highly appealing and interactive toy that sparks imagination and provides hours of entertainment.

Full Review at

https://www.playwithtoys.co.uk/2025/12/review-vtech-marble-rush-petal-power.html

REVIEW: David (2025 Animated Film) - Starring Phil Wickham, Miri Mesika and Lauren Daigle

David is an ambitious and heartfelt animated biblical musical that retells a well known Old Testament story with warmth, visual confidence and emotional sincerity. The film follows David's journey from shepherd and musician in Bethlehem to warrior and future king, grounding its story in faith, loyalty and courage. Its animation is richly detailed and often breathtaking, while the musical numbers are integrated naturally into the narrative, expressing devotion, fear and resolve rather than existing purely for spectacle. Key relationships, particularly with Saul and Jonathan, carry real emotional weight, and the climactic moments rely as much on song and mercy as on action.

Despite a lengthy runtime that occasionally feels stretched, the film remains engaging for family audiences. Its combination of storytelling, music, and faith driven themes creates a visually impressive and emotionally resonant experience. David balances adventure, morality and artistry with confidence, making it one of the strongest and most memorable animated releases of 2025.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2025/12/review-david-2025-animated-film.html

REVIEW: Aerosurfer (2025 Video Game) - On MetaQuest

Aerosurfer delivers a fast-paced, arcade-style VR experience where players control each wing with intuitive hand motions. Gliding through 25 handcrafted tracks, you chase your best times, compete against your ghost, and test your skills on global leaderboards. The game emphasises precision, timing, and rhythm, offering both short bursts and longer sessions of high-speed fun.

Graphically simple but effective, Aerosurfer keeps the focus on flow and mastery rather than realism. Funky, catchy music complements the gameplay, enhancing the thrill of flying close to the terrain for extra speed. While the £9.99 price may feel a touch steep for an arcade-style experience, the addictive gameplay and competitive elements make it a compelling addition to any VR library.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2025/12/review-aerosurfer-2025-video-game-on.html

REVIEW: Now You See Me: Now You Don't (2025 Film) - Starring Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, Isla Fisher, Lizzy Caplan and Morgan Freeman

Ruben Fleischer's 2025 film, Now You See Me: Now You Don't, brings back the original Four Horsemen while introducing young magicians Charlie, Bosco, and June. Together, they attempt daring heists using holograms and deepfakes to take down Veronika Vanderberg, a South African diamond heiress laundering money for criminals. The story moves from Antwerp to France and Abu Dhabi, mixing family secrets, revenge, and large-scale magical illusions.

The film delivers visually chaotic and colourful spectacle, with entertaining heists and energetic action. However, the plot is weak and predictable, relying heavily on CGI, and the dialogue often feels forced. The original cast is underused, while the new characters struggle to engage. Despite moments of fun, the film lacks the cleverness, cohesion, and charm of the earlier entries, making it light, popcorn entertainment rather than a satisfying magical thriller.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2025/12/review-now-you-see-me-now-you-dont-2025.html

REVIEW: Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition (On PS5)

Fallout 4 Anniversary Edition brings together the full Fallout 4 package, including the base game, all six official expansions and over 150 Creation Club items. The core experience remains unchanged, placing players in the role of the Sole Survivor navigating a ruined Commonwealth shaped by choice, combat and exploration. With flexible character builds, a huge open world and the option to approach combat through real time shooting or V.A.T.S., the game still feels accessible and absorbing even a decade on.

The real value of the Anniversary Edition lies in its completeness. Story expansions like Far Harbor and Nuka World add depth, while Creation Club content enhances customisation, settlement building and variety without overwhelming the original design. For newcomers, it is clearly the best way to experience Fallout 4. Existing players may find fewer surprises, but as a definitive collection, it stands as a confident celebration of one of Bethesda's most enduring RPGs.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2025/12/review-fallout-4-anniversary-edition-on.html

REVIEW: Dracula: A Love Tale (2026 Film) Starring Caleb Landry Jones

Dracula: A Love Tale retells the familiar myth through the lens of eternal grief and obsession. Luc Besson presents Dracula as a tragic figure driven by the loss of his wife Elisabeta, reborn centuries later as Mina. The film prioritises romance over fear, balancing graphic horror with a melancholic love story that gives the character emotional depth rather than simple menace.

Anchored by Caleb Landry Jones' intense performance, the film impresses visually with striking cinematography, rich production design, and high quality makeup effects. While the long runtime and casting choice occasionally weaken its impact, the film succeeds as a bold reinterpretation that favours heartbreak and atmosphere over tradition, leaving a stronger emotional impression than expected.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2025/12/review-dracula-love-tale-2026-film.html

REVIEW: INK INSIDE (2025 Video Game) on Playstation

INK INSIDE is an inventive indie action RPG that blends hand drawn cartoon visuals with a beat em up framework and an unusual dodgeball inspired combat system. Playing as Stick, an unfinished doodle trapped inside leaking notebooks, you explore warped worlds, battle soggy enemies, uncover shared memories, and recruit a cast of fully voiced characters. The presentation is a clear highlight, with fluid animation, imaginative environments, and a playful tone rooted in nostalgic cartoon storytelling.

While the combat is fast, strategic, and consistently enjoyable, the game's heavy reliance on dialogue and slower exploration can hurt the pacing. The humour and narrative focus will appeal to some players, but others may struggle to stay engaged outside of fights. INK INSIDE is bold, original, and full of personality, yet uneven in execution, making it a game that will strongly resonate with the right audience while leaving others cold.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2025/12/review-ink-inside-2025-video-game-on.html

REVIEW: Redmi Note 15 5G (2026 Smartphone)

The Redmi Note 15 5G presents itself as a well judged mid range smartphone that focuses on everyday usability rather than empty headline features. Its slim and lightweight design, strong battery life, fast charging, durable build, and bright AMOLED display make it a practical and comfortable device to live with. Performance from the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 feels responsive for daily tasks, while extras like reverse charging and water resistance add genuine value.

Photography is a clear step up from entry level models thanks to the 108MP main camera with optical image stabilisation and the addition of an ultra wide lens. There are compromises, including larger photo file sizes, no headphone socket, and limited SIM and storage flexibility, but none feel unexpected at this price. Overall, it comes across as a thoughtfully designed mid range phone that delivers on what most users actually need.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2025/12/review-redmi-note-15-5g-2026-smartphone.html

REVIEW: Planet of Lana (2025 Mobile Video Game) - on Android

Planet of Lana is a puzzle-platformer for Android that follows Lana and her cat-like companion Mui as they explore a planet under siege by hostile alien machines. Together, they must solve environmental puzzles, use stealth, and cooperate to progress, ultimately attempting to rescue Lana's abducted sister. The game draws inspiration from cinematic platformers like Inside and boasts visuals influenced by Studio Ghibli films, giving it a distinct and charming aesthetic.

While the puzzles are well-crafted and the world beautifully realised, the mobile controls can feel awkward without a gamepad. Mui can be tricky to direct at times, and the game is not the most original take on its genre. That said, with the right controller setup, Planet of Lana offers a rewarding and immersive experience, blending suspense, charm, and visual splendour into a memorable mobile adventure.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2025/12/review-planet-of-lana-2025-mobile-video.html

REVIEW: Speed Train (2025 Film) - Starring Scout Taylor-Compton, Nicky Whelan and Louis Mandylor

Speed Train is a low budget sci-fi action film set in a future shaped by AI technology and brain implants. When a high-speed Nexus Track capsule is hijacked, its passengers are turned into weapons through hacked Brain Op chips, forcing a small group of survivors to fight back as the train hurtles out of control.

The review focuses on the film's strengths and weaknesses, praising its tight runtime, familiar genre faces, and energetic action, while acknowledging its limited budget, cheesy performances, and underdeveloped ideas. Despite its flaws, Speed Train is framed as an enjoyable B-movie experience with enough momentum to entertain fans of scrappy sci-fi cinema.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2025/12/review-speed-train-2025-film-starring.html

REVIEW: The Running Man (2025 Film) Starring Glen Powell

Edgar Wright's The Running Man (2025) reimagines Stephen King's dystopian novel as a high-octane action thriller. Glen Powell stars as Ben Richards, a blacklisted labourer forced to enter a deadly televised game to save his sick daughter. With Josh Brolin as the manipulative producer Dan Killian and Lee Pace as the masked hunter leader Evan McCone, the film combines tense chase sequences, explosive confrontations, and a society obsessed with violent entertainment. Supporting performances from Michael Cera, Emilia Jones, and William H. Macy add depth and human stakes to Ben's perilous journey.

While entertaining and visually polished, the remake loses much of the humour, camp, and memorable villains that made the 1987 film a cult favourite. Dialogue often feels bland, and some modern political commentary comes across as forced. Despite these drawbacks, it remains a fun, popcorn-friendly thriller with a satisfying conclusion, though it struggles to justify its existence as a remake rather than an original story.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2025/12/review-running-man-2025-film-starring.html

Dorothy Martin’s Failed Prophecy - The Christmas That Never Came

In the early 1950s, Dorothy Martin, a housewife in Oak Park, Illinois, claimed to receive messages from extraterrestrial beings predicting a catastrophic flood on 21 December 1954. Her followers, known as the Seekers, prepared for salvation via flying saucers, but the date passed with no disaster. Undeterred, the group waited again on Christmas Eve, singing carols outside Martin's house, yet no rescue arrived.

Psychologists Leon Festinger, Henry Riecken, and Stanley Schachter studied the group, producing When Prophecy Fails, a seminal work on cognitive dissonance. The episode illustrates how belief can persist even after repeated failure, particularly when tied to culturally significant events like Christmas. Martin's story remains a classic example of the enduring appeal of psychic predictions and the importance of scepticism.

Full Article at

https://www.badpsychics.com/2025/12/the-christmas-that-never-came-dorothy.html

REVIEW: The Pickup (2025 Film) - Starring Eddie Murphy, Pete Davidson, Eva Longoria and Keke Palmer

The Pickup is a 2025 action-comedy heist film directed by Tim Story that pairs veteran armoured truck driver Russell Pierce with rookie Travis Stolly. Their routine cash pickup quickly spirals out of control when criminal mastermind Zoe ambushes them, revealing plans that go far beyond the money. The story weaves through chaotic chases, unexpected betrayals, and a high-stakes plan to rob a casino, all while balancing moments of humour and tension.

Keke Palmer stands out as Zoe, bringing charm and edge to her role, while Eddie Murphy's Russell is restrained but visually striking. Pete Davidson's Travis, however, struggles to convince as a likeable lead. The film delivers enough laughs and thrills to entertain, though it often plays it safe and misses the chance to fully utilise its stars' talents. The Pickup is an easy, if forgettable, Netflix watch for a light evening of action and comedy.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2025/12/review-pickup-2025-film-starring-eddie.html

REVIEW: Predator: Badlands (2025 Film) Starring Elle Fanning and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi

Predator: Badlands follows Dek, a Yautja runt flung onto the lethal world of Genna, where he forms an uneasy alliance with Thia, a damaged Weyland Yutani synthetic. Their hunt for the regenerating Kalisk brings sharp set pieces, striking practical effects and a surprising emotional pull, helped by strong turns from Elle Fanning and Dimitrius Schuster Koloamatangi. The hostile planet provides great visual texture and the film's buddy dynamic often proves engaging.

The trouble is that the script leans on familiar genre beats and reshapes the Predator into a more sympathetic figure, which clashes with the legacy of the original films. By the time Dek returns home to confront his father and claim his place, the film feels rewarding on its own terms yet oddly mismatched with the franchise it inhabits. Good, entertaining and heartfelt, but ultimately too far from the creature that once terrified cinema.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2025/12/review-predator-badlands-2025-film.html