REVIEW: Wolf Man (2025 Film) - Starring Christopher Abbott

Leigh Whannell's Wolf Man offers a fresh take on the classic werewolf tale, blending family drama with visceral body horror. The film's strongest assets lie in its practical effects and Christopher Abbott's standout performance as Blake, whose transformation from troubled father to feral monster is both compelling and unsettling. Julia Garner also impresses as Charlotte, grappling with the chaos around her while trying to protect their daughter. The isolated Oregon setting amplifies the tension, creating an atmosphere of claustrophobic dread that lingers throughout.

However, the film falters in pacing and narrative depth. The slow burn leading up to Blake's full transformation, while deliberate, feels overly prolonged, which may frustrate viewers eager for the horror to take centre stage. Additionally, some supporting characters and thematic elements remain underdeveloped, leaving untapped potential. While the horror elements are executed with care and a grounded sense of realism, the film's focus on drama occasionally overshadows its ability to deliver consistent thrills. Nonetheless, Wolf Man succeeds in bringing a modern sensibility to a timeless story, with moments that are sure to resonate with fans of the genre.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2025/01/review-wolf-man-2025-film-starring.html

REVIEW: Den of Thieves 2: Pantera (2025 Film) - Starring Gerard Butler and O'Shea Jackson Jr.

"Den of Thieves 2: Pantera" delivers a thrilling, action-packed experience that builds on the gritty appeal of the original film. The sequel maintains its focus on high-stakes heists and the complex interplay between criminals and law enforcement, offering audiences a blend of tension, explosive action, and character-driven drama. Gerard Butler reprises his role as Nick O'Brien with a gruff intensity that anchors the film, while O'Shea Jackson Jr. shines as Donnie Wilson, bringing wit and resourcefulness to the story. The chemistry between the two leads is a highlight, adding a dynamic layer to the narrative that keeps viewers engaged. The heist sequences, particularly the climactic vault break-in, are masterfully executed, showcasing a meticulous attention to detail and edge-of-your-seat suspense.

However, the film is not without its flaws. At over two hours, it suffers from pacing issues, with the first act dragging before the story gains momentum. While the action sequences are undeniably impressive, the extended runtime leaves even the climactic scenes feeling a touch overlong. Additionally, the plot, while entertaining, sticks closely to familiar genre tropes and doesn't offer much in the way of originality. Despite these shortcomings, the film succeeds as a crowd-pleasing crime thriller that fans of the original and the heist genre will enjoy. Its strengths lie in its engaging performances, expertly crafted action, and a finale that leaves the door open for future instalments.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2025/01/review-den-of-thieves-2-pantera-2025.html

REVIEW: Gladiator II (2024 Film) Starring Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal & Joseph Quinn

"Gladiator II" (2024), directed by Ridley Scott, offers a visually stunning continuation of the saga that captivated audiences more than two decades ago. The film transports us back to the brutal, blood-soaked arenas of ancient Rome, this time centering on Lucius Verus (Paul Mescal), the son of Maximus, who now seeks vengeance against the very empire that destroyed his family. Mescal delivers a gripping performance, expertly portraying Lucius's inner turmoil as he navigates a world of violence and betrayal, all while wrestling with his inherited legacy.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2025/01/review-gladiator-ii-2024-film-starring.html

REVIEW: Aaero2 (2024 Video Game) - on PC Steam

Aaero2 is an electrifying sequel that builds on the foundations of the original while introducing exciting new features and improvements. It blends rhythm-based gameplay with fast-paced rail-shooting action, creating a deeply immersive experience where players trace ribbons of light and battle enemies to the beat of an incredible electronic soundtrack. With licensed tracks from Monstercat, the game's music perfectly complements its vibrant visuals and smooth controls, making every moment feel tightly connected to the rhythm. The addition of co-op and PvP modes adds variety and replayability, allowing players to team up or compete online and locally.

The redesigned combat system and epic boss battles bring a fresh sense of challenge and intensity, pushing both reflexes and rhythm skills to the limit. Visually stunning and highly polished, each level feels like an interactive music video, with gameplay that rewards precision and practice. While the updated rocket mechanics may take returning players some time to adjust to, newcomers will find it easy to dive straight in. Aaero2 successfully captures the energy and excitement of the original while expanding its scope, making it a must-play for rhythm game fans and anyone looking for an exhilarating, music-driven experience.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2025/01/review-aaero2-2024-video-game-on-pc.html

REVIEW: Armor (2024 Film) - Starring Sylvester Stallone, Josh Wiggins, Dash Mihok, and Jason Patric.

"Armor" is a straightforward action thriller that delivers a solid, no-frills experience. The film follows father and son James and Casey Brody, played by Jason Patric and Josh Wiggins, as they try to survive a violent ambush while transporting millions of dollars in an armoured truck. The plot is simple but effective, with the tension building quickly and keeping the pace tight throughout its 85-minute runtime. While the film doesn't aim to be a blockbuster, the performances from Patric and Sylvester Stallone are convincing enough to hold your attention, with Stallone playing the menacing antagonist Rook, though it's clear his role was filmed in a limited timeframe.

However, the film does suffer from some logical inconsistencies that might frustrate viewers. At several points, the characters make decisions that feel implausible, like when the bad guys fail to consider an easy way into the truck despite the obvious opportunity. These moments can be irritating, especially for those looking for a more realistic portrayal of a high-stakes situation. Despite these flaws, "Armor" remains a perfectly enjoyable, if unremarkable, action flick that delivers on its premise. It's a low-budget film that manages to entertain without taking itself too seriously.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2025/01/review-armor-2024-film-starring.html

REVIEW: Ys X: Nordics (2024 RPG Video Game) - on Playstation 4

Ys X: Nordics delivers a fresh and engaging addition to the long-running action RPG series, focusing on a younger Adol Christin as he navigates a maritime adventure filled with danger and discovery. The shift to a two-character system introduces the dynamic Duo Mode, allowing players to control Adol and Karja Balta either individually or simultaneously, creating fast-paced and strategic combat encounters. The integration of Mana abilities adds layers of depth, enhancing exploration and puzzle-solving with unique mechanics like grappling and platform creation. Combined with a compelling story and vibrant character interactions, the game captures the adventurous spirit the series is known for while introducing welcome innovations.

While the introduction of naval exploration and ship combat brings variety, these features feel somewhat underdeveloped, with repetitive encounters and a lack of excitement in maritime battles. Environmental designs, though expansive, occasionally lack variety, leading to visual monotony during longer play sessions. Despite these flaws, the game shines with its exhilarating combat, emotional narrative, and standout soundtrack that complements its action-packed moments. Ys X: Nordics strikes a balance between tradition and innovation, offering an accessible entry point for newcomers while satisfying long-time fans with its blend of familiarity and new ideas.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2025/01/review-ys-x-nordics-2024-rpg-video-game.html