REVIEW: A Minecraft Movie (2025 Film) - Starring Jason Momoa, Jack Black, Danielle Brooks, Emma Myers, and Sebastian Hansen

A Minecraft Movie translates the game's signature blocky world into a vibrant fantasy adventure led by a group of misfits who must master creativity to survive. With performances from Jason Momoa and Jack Black, the film blends humour and heart while capturing Minecraft's spirit through familiar elements like the Overworld, Piglins and crafting mechanics.

While the narrative leans heavily on established Minecraft lore, its visual inventiveness and family-friendly tone make it an enjoyable watch for younger audiences and fans of the game. It may not reach far beyond that demographic, but its understanding of its source material ensures a faithful and entertaining adaptation.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2025/05/review-minecraft-movie-2025-film.html

REVIEW: American Arcadia (2025 Video Game) on Xbox

American Arcadia is a distinctive and highly original puzzle-platformer set in a dazzling 1970s-inspired retro-futuristic metropolis. Players follow Trevor Hills, a mild-mannered everyman who learns that his seemingly perfect world is a 24/7 broadcasted reality show where popularity is the difference between life and death. As Trevor attempts to escape the city's deadly ratings system, he's aided by Angela Solano, a stage technician working behind the scenes who manipulates the environment and hacks systems to clear his path to freedom.

With alternating gameplay styles, players control Trevor in stylish 2.5D platforming sequences and Angela in immersive first-person puzzle sections. The story is rich with humour, tension and twists, brought to life by excellent voice performances and a unique visual style. American Arcadia cleverly critiques media culture while delivering compelling and cleverly designed gameplay. It's a thrilling experience that balances light-hearted charm with high-stakes action, and stands as one of the most original indie games in recent years.

Full review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2025/05/review-american-arcadia-2025-video-game.html

REVIEW: DOOM™: The Dark Ages (2025 Video Game) - on Xbox

Doom: The Dark Ages takes the franchise into a bold new direction, trading the usual fast-paced combat for a heavier, more tactical experience. Set in a techno-medieval world before the events of the 2016 Doom, players control the Doom Slayer as he battles the demonic invasion in Averno City. The introduction of the Shield Saw, slower combat pace, and new melee weapons create a fresh, weighty feel that emphasizes timing and strategy over frantic action. Vehicle sections featuring cybernetic dragons and colossal mechs add variety and spectacle to the gameplay, while a deeper narrative with cutscenes provides insight into the Doom Slayer's origins.

The game's atmospheric setting and inventive combat mechanics make it a strong entry in the series, even if some visual elements feel muted compared to previous titles. The storytelling is more prominent, enriching the player's connection to the characters and the world. Although the soundtrack does not reach the heights of earlier Doom games, the overall package delivers a compelling experience for fans seeking a new challenge. Doom: The Dark Ages is a successful evolution for the franchise.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2025/05/review-doom-dark-ages-2025-video-game.html

REVIEW: The Precinct (2025 Video Game) Law, Order, and a Touch of Neon Noir - Out On Xbox Now

The Precinct, developed by Fallen Tree Games and published by Kwalee, is a top-down action-adventure that flips the early Grand Theft Auto formula on its head. Set in a neon-soaked version of 1983 New York called Averno City, players step into the shoes of rookie officer Nick Cordell Jr., armed with a revolver, baton, and a procedural handbook. From issuing parking tickets to chasing down gang leaders in squad cars or helicopters, the game blends police simulation with action-packed sandbox gameplay, all under the shadow of the murder mystery surrounding your father.

The game captures its 1980s noir influences brilliantly, with atmospheric visuals, strong voice acting, and a day/night system that brings the city's gritty underbelly to life. Though some mechanics can feel repetitive over longer sessions, the gameplay shines in shorter bursts, making The Precinct a perfect pick-up-and-play title. With potential for future updates and DLC, this is a compelling first entry in what could become a standout series in the indie crime sim genre.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2025/05/review-precinct-2025-video-game-law.html

REVIEW: The Legend of Ochi (2025 Film) Starring Helena Zengel, Finn Wolfhard, Emily Watson, and Willem Dafoe

The Legend of Ochi, Isaiah Saxon's directorial debut, offers a unique blend of puppetry, animatronics, and computer animation to tell a heartfelt family fantasy story. Helena Zengel leads as Yuri, a farm girl who risks everything to return an injured baby Ochi to its family, challenging her community's fearful myths. The film opens with a gripping hunt scene and closes on a satisfying note, demonstrating Saxon's confident storytelling and eye for atmosphere.

Despite its strengths, the film struggles with pacing, spending long stretches without significant plot development, which may test the patience of younger viewers. While the beautiful cinematography and charming creature design capture attention, the performances lack energy, and the overall mood is often too dark and lethargic for its intended family audience. Still, it remains a promising debut with a solid foundation for future projects.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2025/05/review-legend-of-ochi-2025-film.html

REVIEW: The Ugly Stepsister (2025 Film) - Starring Lea Myren, Thea Sofie Loch Næss, Ane Dahl Torp, and Flo Fagerli

The Ugly Stepsister is a bold and disturbing retelling of the Cinderella myth through the lens of body horror and social satire. Set in a grotesque fairy-tale world obsessed with physical perfection, the film follows Elvira, a young woman manipulated and mutilated by her mother in a desperate bid to win over a prince. Through sickening surgeries, parasites, and relentless humiliation, Elvira is transformed into a cautionary symbol of the lengths people will go to for beauty. Director Emilie Blichfeldt's debut is visually striking and deeply uncomfortable, turning familiar tropes into something uniquely grotesque.

While its pacing could have benefited from tighter editing, the film thrives on its strong performances, especially from Lea Myren as the emotionally hollowed-out Elvira. The violence is intentionally repulsive, not gratuitous, and the themes are never subtle. This is a fairytale stripped of its innocence, exposing the raw underbelly of expectations placed on women. The Ugly Stepsister is not for the faint of heart, but it leaves a lasting impression as a ferocious critique of societal beauty standards.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2025/05/review-ugly-stepsister-2025-film.html

REVIEW: GUNNAR Optiks Kista Collection – ELIN, INGRID & SOFIA - Gaming/Office Glasses

The Kista Collection by GUNNAR Optiks blends Scandinavian-inspired design with proven screen protection. With styles tailored specifically for women, these glasses offer a fashionable way to guard against eye strain, dry eyes, and fatigue caused by hours of screen time. My girlfriend tested each pair — ELIN, INGRID and SOFIA — in both office and gaming scenarios, and the results were consistently impressive.

From the sleek, versatile ELIN to the stylish INGRID and the retro-chic SOFIA, each model delivers comfort, clarity, and strong blue light protection. Whether you're powering through spreadsheets, editing video, or gaming into the early hours, these glasses do exactly what they promise without compromising on looks. Read the full review to see how each one stacks up.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2025/05/review-gunnar-optiks-kista-collection.html

REVIEW: Thunderbolts* (2025 Film) - Starring Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, Wyatt Russell, Olga Kurylenko and Lewis Pullman

Marvel's 2025 team-up leans into moral ambiguity by focusing on a mismatched group of antiheroes drawn together under false pretences. Tasked with covering up a government scandal, they are double-crossed by CIA director Valentina Allegra de Fontaine and must work together to survive. Central to the plot is Bob, a forgotten test subject from a failed super-soldier programme, whose transformation into the unstable Sentry gives the film a more psychological edge than most Marvel fare. Themes of trauma, addiction and self-worth are explored through his arc, while the team's journey shifts from survival to reluctant unity as they try to prevent a supernatural catastrophe in New York.

Florence Pugh anchors the film with an emotionally grounded performance as Yelena, while Lewis Pullman's take on Bob brings surprising depth. David Harbour provides effective comic relief, and the group's dysfunctional energy adds tension, even if several characters remain thinly written. Visually ambitious and at times genuinely affecting, the film struggles with pacing and some inconsistent CGI. It does not escape comparisons with the Avengers but still manages to find its own voice through darker subject matter and a few standout scenes. It may not become a fan favourite, but it offers a fresh take on familiar Marvel formulas.

Full review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2025/05/review-thunderbolts-2025-film-starring.html

REVIEW: Spirit of the North 2 (2025 Video Game) on Xbox

Spirit of the North 2 builds upon the visual beauty and atmosphere that made the original game stand out. Once again, players guide a lone fox through a mystical world, this time alongside a raven companion, in search of ancient guardians. The game introduces character customisation, an expansive open world, and a host of new abilities. With its peaceful tone and lush soundtrack, it offers a calm alternative to more action-heavy titles, especially for fans of exploration and light puzzle-solving.

Despite its ambitions, the sequel falters in key areas. Performance issues, awkward new mechanics like the jump system, and a lack of clear direction make parts of the experience frustrating. The world still looks fantastic, but design decisions and technical problems chip away at the immersion. While it may still appeal to returning players, newcomers or those seeking polish may find it a bumpy journey.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2025/05/review-spirit-of-north-2-2025-video.html

REVIEW: Death of a Unicorn (2025 Film) Starring Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega

Death of a Unicorn is a uniquely offbeat comedy horror that follows a father and daughter who accidentally injure a unicorn and trigger a bizarre chain of events involving billionaire exploitation, ancient myth, and interspecies revenge. Directed by Alex Scharfman in his feature debut, the film is part family drama, part creature feature, and part satire. With its surreal premise and creative visual flourishes, it takes risks few mainstream films attempt, offering something both genuinely strange and strangely sincere.

Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega carry the story with grounded performances that contrast effectively against the absurdity of the plot. The supporting cast, including Will Poulter and Richard E. Grant, lean into the satirical tone with flair. Though the film suffers slightly from genre indecision and inconsistent CGI, its originality and inventive use of unicorn lore make it stand out in a crowded genre landscape. It's a wild mix of magic, menace and moral reckoning.

Full review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2025/05/review-death-of-unicorn-2025-film.html

REVIEW: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered (2025 Video Game) - Xbox

Oblivion Remastered brings Bethesda's 2006 classic into the modern age with a full graphical overhaul using Unreal Engine 5, updated animations, reworked menus, and improved AI. The remaster stays true to the original game's mechanics, with real-time combat, faction-based questlines, and open-world exploration all intact. It includes both original expansions, Knights of the Nine and Shivering Isles, while modern touches like ray tracing and refined sound design enhance the atmosphere. For returning players, it's a nostalgic return to Cyrodiil that looks and sounds better than ever.

However, not everything has aged gracefully. Long-standing issues like uneven level scaling, exploitable mechanics, and stiff combat remain mostly untouched. While the world looks stunning from a distance, close-up character models can still feel dated. This remaster is less a full reimagining and more a high-quality polish job—ideal for those who loved the original but potentially off-putting for newcomers expecting a ground-up remake. 

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2025/05/review-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion.html