REVIEW: Jurassic World Primal Hatch Interactive Toy Dinosaur & Egg (2025 Toy) - By Primal Hatch

The Jurassic World Primal Hatch Interactive Toy Dinosaur & Egg from Primal Hatch delivers one of the most engaging toy experiences of 2025. Children can watch their T-Rex crack through its egg before deciding whether to raise it as a loyal friend or fierce predator. With over a hundred sounds and reactions, it's packed with charm and personality, keeping kids entertained long after the initial hatching.

Unlike many toys that lose their appeal once opened, this one encourages ongoing play and imagination. While the egg becomes useless after hatching and the fun depends on how much effort parents put in, the moment of discovery is unforgettable. It's a clever, well-made toy that will dominate Christmas lists across the UK.

Full Review at

https://www.playwithtoys.co.uk/2025/10/review-jurassic-world-primal-hatch.html

REVIEW: A House of Dynamite (2025 Film) - Starring Idris Elba, Rebecca Ferguson, Gabriel Basso, Jared Harris, and Tracy Letts

A House of Dynamite examines a nuclear missile threat to the United States, exploring the perspectives of Capt. Olivia Walker, military generals, and the President. The film is structured around a 30-minute crisis viewed from three angles, creating tension and insight into decision-making under extreme pressure. Rebecca Ferguson, Idris Elba, and Gabriel Basso lead a capable cast, delivering compelling performances that elevate the high-stakes narrative.

Despite strong acting and an interesting narrative structure, the film suffers from TV-style production, repetitive pacing, and a low-budget feel that undermines its cinematic impact. The unresolved ending, withholding the President's final decision, leaves viewers frustrated and dissatisfied, turning what could have been a gripping political thriller into a forgettable experience.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2025/10/review-house-of-dynamite-2025-film.html

REVIEW: Fast & Furious: Arcade Edition (2025 Video Game) - For Xbox

Fast & Furious: Arcade Edition delivers the full arcade experience to consoles, offering high-speed racing, over-the-top stunts, and explosive action. With eight licensed supercars, six cinematic tracks, and instant access to all content, the game prioritises immediate fun over realism or progression. Split-screen multiplayer adds nostalgic competitive thrills, making it ideal for quick sessions with friends.

The game's simplicity is both its strength and weakness. Limited cars and tracks, exaggerated handling, and the absence of online play or additional modes restrict replay value. Still, for those seeking a short, adrenaline-fuelled arcade rush, it captures the original's chaotic charm perfectly.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2025/10/review-fast-furious-arcade-edition-2025.html

REVIEW: Hot Wheels Let’s Race™: Ultimate Speed (2025 Video Game) - On Xbox

Hot Wheels Let's Race: Ultimate Speed is a colourful and fast-paced arcade racer built for younger fans of the Netflix series. With smooth controls, fun drifting, and recognisable cars like the Super Twin Mill and Duck N' Roll, it offers an easy, cheerful racing experience. The visuals are bold, the tracks are lively, and the boss battles bring a splash of drama to keep players hooked.

There is plenty to do, from creating your own courses in Track Builder to racing friends in local four-player split screen. It may not break new ground, and older players will find it light on challenge, but for children aged seven and up it hits the mark. At around £30, it makes for a bright and entertaining gift for any Hot Wheels enthusiast.

https://www.playwithtoys.co.uk/2025/10/review-hot-wheels-lets-race-ultimate.html

REVIEW: The Toxic Avenger (2025 film) - Starring Peter Dinklage

Macon Blair's The Toxic Avenger (2025) is a reboot of the 1984 cult classic, following janitor Winston Gooze as he transforms into a radioactive hero after a toxic accident. The film balances over-the-top violence, cartoonish gore, and dark humour with an unexpectedly tender father-son relationship between Winston and his stepson Wade.

The cast delivers committed performances, with Peter Dinklage leading as Winston, Jacob Tremblay as Wade, Taylour Paige as whistleblower J.J., Kevin Bacon as the sleazy Bob Garbinger, and Elijah Wood as the twitchy Fritz. While the storyline is thin and the film runs slightly long at around 100 minutes, its combination of outrageous humour, cult homage, and emotional depth makes it a chaotic, entertaining revival for fans of the franchise.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2025/10/review-toxic-avenger-2025-film-starring.html

REVIEW: The Astronaut (2025 Film) - Starring Kate Mara and Laurence Fishburne

Jess Varley's The Astronaut is a tightly focused sci-fi horror that builds its unease through atmosphere and restraint. Kate Mara shines as Sam Walker, an astronaut recovering from a disastrous mission who begins to notice strange changes in her body and terrifying events around her isolated home. What starts as a psychological drama soon slides into something darker and more otherworldly.

Varley's direction keeps things tense and personal, allowing Mara's performance to carry the emotional weight. Laurence Fishburne lends quiet authority in a supporting role, and the final twist lands with real impact. The film's small budget is obvious at times, and it never leaves Earth despite its title, yet The Astronaut remains a gripping and eerie experience for fans of intimate sci-fi horror.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2025/10/review-astronaut-2025-film-starring.html

REVIEW: Reach (2025 Video Game) - On MetaQuest VR

Reach by nDreams Elevation proves that virtual reality can deliver both spectacle and substance. Built for MetaQuest, it merges shooter, adventure, and role-playing elements into a confident and visually striking world. Players move with freedom through climbing, jumping, and zip-lining mechanics that make every encounter feel dynamic and personal. The game's design rewards curiosity, and the tutorial sequence sets the tone perfectly, teaching through discovery rather than distraction.

There are still rough edges. Standing play doesn't always translate naturally, and motion sickness may test the patience of sensitive players. Yet these are small marks against a game that otherwise feels ambitious and alive. Reach captures what modern VR can be: immersive, exciting, and surprisingly human. It's an experience that reminds players why they fell in love with virtual worlds in the first place.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2025/10/review-reach-2025-vr-video-game-on.html

REVIEW: Moony: Black_Lotus ("025 Vide Game) by Icegrim Softwork

Moony: Black_Lotus is a 2.5D side-scrolling adventure developed by Icegrim Softworks, released on October 8, 2025. Set in a dystopian world of corrupted memories, players traverse the remains of a once-thriving city, piecing together their fragmented past. The game blends traditional jump-n-run mechanics with puzzle-solving and stealth elements, offering a unique gameplay experience. Special abilities like teleportation and double-jumping aid in overcoming obstacles, while interactions with enigmatic strangers provide new ways to navigate the environment.

The game's atmosphere is enhanced by a live-recorded orchestral soundtrack that adapts to the player's journey, adding depth and emotion to each scene. While the game offers an engaging and challenging experience, some players may find certain sections repetitive, particularly when retracing steps after mistakes. Despite its similarities to other titles in the genre, Moony: Black_Lotus stands out with its compelling narrative and immersive world-building.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2025/10/review-moony-blacklotus-025-vide-game.html

REVIEW: All Aboard the Fun: LEGO City Express Passenger Train

The LEGO City Express Passenger Train Construction Set 60337 delivers a smooth and enjoyable experience for builders of all ages. Its sleek, modern design stands out, and with easy assembly, working lights, and a full set of track pieces, it captures the excitement of high-speed rail in LEGO form. The included minifigures, accessories, and station platform add to the play value, giving it a lively, interactive edge.

Despite its appeal, the £140 price tag may deter some, especially parents buying for younger children. It's not as intricate as the more advanced creator expert sets, but that's also part of its charm. It's accessible, engaging, and ideal for those who simply want a well-built, good-looking LEGO train without the overcomplication.

Full Review at

https://www.playwithtoys.co.uk/2025/10/review-lego-city-express-passenger.html

REVIEW: Good Boy (2025 Film) - Starring Indy

Ben Leonberg's Good Boy is a bold supernatural horror that tells its story through the eyes of a dog named Indy. When Indy and his owner Todd move from the city to a desolate rural house, strange noises and shadowy figures soon suggest they are not alone. As Todd's health deteriorates, Indy's instincts become the film's guiding thread, turning his loyalty into both a source of hope and heartbreak.

Beautifully shot and tightly paced, the film finds horror not in jump scares but in atmosphere and emotion. Leonberg's decision to frame the story around Indy's constant presence gives Good Boy an intimate, unsettling edge. It's an inventive debut that transforms a simple haunted house tale into a deeply human story about love, fear and the unbreakable bond between man and dog.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2025/10/review-good-boy-2025-film-starring-indy.html

REVIEW: Sonic Wings Reunion (2025 Video Game) - For Nintendo Switch

Sonic Wings Reunion revives the beloved Aero Fighters series with a faithful return to 90s-style vertical shooting. Packed with multiple playable pilots, global stages, and optional co-op, it captures the charm and pace of old-school arcade action. The visuals stick close to their roots, offering that authentic pixel look, and the Tate Mode is a nice nod to purists who crave the classic upright experience.

It's not without flaws, though. The soundtrack feels bland, and the price tag is hard to swallow for what is, at heart, a simple throwback shooter. Still, there's something endearing about its honesty. It doesn't try to modernise or impress, it just delivers the kind of pure, frantic fun fans of the series will remember fondly.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2025/10/review-sonic-wings-reunion-2025-video.html

REVIEW: The Smashing Machine (2025 film) - Starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt

The Smashing Machine chronicles the life of MMA fighter Mark Kerr, from his rise in the UFC to personal struggles with drugs, relationships, and self-doubt. Johnson delivers a career-best performance, while Emily Blunt brings depth to his complicated relationship with Dawn.

The film mixes intense fight sequences with quieter personal moments, though its pacing and editing sometimes feel scattered. For MMA fans, the story resonates, but it offers limited insight for those unfamiliar with Kerr's career.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2025/10/review-smashing-machine-2025-film.html

REVIEW: MotoTrials™ (2025 Video Game) - A Brutal, Physics-Driven Ride Through an Industrial Gauntlet

MotoTrials drops you into a claustrophobic industrial labyrinth with nothing but a bike and your wits. Early puzzles force you to think quickly, setting the tone for a game that values learning through failure. Every crash and recovery feels earned, with physics-driven mechanics making control a rewarding challenge. The environment does much of the storytelling, and the voice cast adds unsettling texture without ever overexplaining.

The game balances intense riding sequences with occasional on-foot puzzles, offering variety while maintaining focus on skill and momentum. Visually modest but atmospherically strong, MotoTrials thrives on tight design loops and replayable challenges. Time trials, hidden collectibles and a few secrets extend its short runtime, and despite minor rough edges, the game's lean, addictive structure makes it a compelling experience for fans of Trials-style platforming.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2025/10/review-mototrials-2025-video-game.html

REVIEW: Harry Potter RealFX Junior Invisibility Cloak and Mystery Flying Snitch - Magic Made Real

The Harry Potter RealFX Junior Invisibility Cloak and Mystery Flying Snitch bring the wonder of the Wizarding World straight into your living room, capturing the same playful spirit that made the films so magical. The cloak, complete with a special green-screen style lining and app integration, lets young witches and wizards make themselves disappear just like Harry did in the halls of Hogwarts. It's easy to use, surprisingly effective, and a brilliant way for kids to experiment with movie-style effects while re-enacting their favourite scenes. With its official backgrounds like the Great Hall and Diagon Alley, it feels genuinely immersive and is likely to be a massive hit come Christmas.

The Mystery Flying Snitch taps into the thrill of Quidditch, using delicate thread and clever design to make the Snitch appear to float and flutter in mid-air. Once mastered, the illusion is genuinely impressive, giving players the sense that they've caught the Golden Snitch themselves. It's the kind of toy that rewards patience and practice, and it doubles as a lovely collector's piece when displayed on its plinth. Both toys manage to bottle a little piece of Hogwarts magic, making them perfect gifts for fans young and old.

Full Reviews at

https://www.playwithtoys.co.uk/2025/10/review-harry-potter-mystery-flying.html

and

https://www.playwithtoys.co.uk/2025/10/review-harry-potter-realfx-junior.html

REVIEW: Build a Bridge (2025 Video Game) - By BoomBit

BoomBit's Build a Bridge is a puzzle game that invites players to design, test, and experiment with bridges across a variety of vehicles and environments. Using wood, metal, and cables, players plan in 2D before watching their creations come to life in a stunning 3D view. The game balances precise problem-solving with playful experimentation, offering optional challenges and 86 levels of steadily increasing difficulty that reward both creativity and strategy. The realistic physics engine ensures every collapse and success feels satisfying, making each attempt a learning experience.

While the bridge-building genre is crowded, Build a Bridge distinguishes itself with its accessibility, polished graphics, and thoughtful level design. Players can approach the game methodically or dive into wild constructions, enjoying both successes and spectacular failures. The optional challenges add replayability, encouraging players to revisit levels and perfect their designs. Overall, the game delivers an engaging, rewarding experience for puzzle enthusiasts and casual players alike, blending fun, strategy, and creativity in equal measure.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2025/10/review-build-bridge-2025-video-game-by.html

REVIEW: Code 3 (2025 Film) - Starring Rainn Wilson, Lil Rel Howery and Aimee Carrero

Christopher Leone's 2025 action comedy Code 3 offers a fast-paced glimpse into the life of overworked paramedics. Randy, played by Rainn Wilson, is ready to quit, but on his final day he is paired with a student ride-along, Jessica (Aimee Carrero), while his partner Mike (Lil Rel Howery) keeps the ambulance on the move. Supervised by Shanice (Yvette Nicole Brown), the trio navigates emergencies that mix humour with sudden, sometimes jarring tragedy. The film succeeds in capturing the gallows humour and emotional weight of life-saving work, grounded by authentic performances.

Despite its many strengths, the film has its flaws. Its repetitive structure and occasional tonal shifts slightly slow the pacing, making some sequences predictable. Yet, the blend of comedy and heartfelt drama ultimately works, offering a touching and entertaining portrayal of the unsung heroes of healthcare. Code 3 is a surprisingly heartfelt action comedy that balances laughs with poignancy and insight.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2025/10/review-code-3-2025-film-starring-rainn.html

REVIEW: Xeno (2025 Film) - Starring Lulu Wilson

Matthew Loren Oates' Xeno is a heartfelt sci-fi adventure following teenage Renee, who discovers a dangerous, crash-landed alien in the desert. As she bonds with the creature she names Croak, she navigates a fractured family life, her mother's depression, and a cruel boyfriend, all while government agents close in. The film balances tension, humour, and action, exploring empathy and the moral challenges of encountering the unknown.

With standout work from Lulu Wilson and striking creature effects by the Jim Henson Creature Shop, Xeno delivers moments of genuine warmth and excitement. While the plot draws on familiar influences like E.T. and The Iron Giant, the combination of strong performances, imaginative design, and heartfelt storytelling makes it a memorable and engaging watch.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2025/10/review-xeno-2025-film-starring-lulu.html