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

REVIEW: Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced (2026 Video Game) - on Xbox

Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced successfully brings back one of the franchise's most memorable adventures while improving many areas that needed modernising. Built using the latest Anvil engine, the remake delivers enhanced visuals, improved parkour, upgraded stealth, a better exploration system and impressive weather effects that make sailing the Caribbean more enjoyable than ever.

Having originally not been a huge fan of the pirate elements in Black Flag, this remake completely changed my opinion. The improvements to gameplay, the removal of the old present-day sections, and the introduction of the Animus Hub and Rifts make this feel like a much smoother experience. With around 70 hours of content available through exploration, side activities and the main story, Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced is a top three Assassin's Creed game and a fantastic return to Edward Kenway's adventure.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/07/review-assassins-creed-black-flag.html

REVIEW: Young Washington (2026 Film) - Starring William Franklyn-Miller

Young Washington is a 2026 epic historical war drama directed by Jon Erwin, focused on George Washington’s early life and his role in the French and Indian War between 1753 and 1755. It follows his journey from a young colonial surveyor into a military figure shaped by conflict, loss and responsibility, presenting a strong, straightforward narrative built around action, leadership and patriotism. The film leans heavily into its historical setting and delivers an accessible biographical account of Washington’s early challenges, supported by confident direction and a consistent sense of purpose throughout.

William Franklyn Miller leads the cast with a strong performance as George Washington, supported by a large ensemble including Ben Kingsley, Andy Serkis, Kelsey Grammer and Mary Louise Parker, all contributing to a solid overall presentation. The main drawback is its length, running over two hours and occasionally feeling stretched. Even so, it maintains momentum and remains engaging. Overall, it is a straightforward historical drama that prioritises storytelling and character development, with a clear focus on Washington’s early reputation and rise.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2026/07/review-young-washington-2026-film.html

REVIEW: TTFone TT990 (2026 Flip Phone)

The TTFone TT990 is a unique hybrid device that sits between a traditional flip phone and a modern smartphone. Designed for people who want to stay connected without becoming glued to a screen, it combines a sturdy flip phone design with a touchscreen, Android 14, and access to popular apps such as WhatsApp, Viber and Telegram. During testing, the phone proved reliable for calls and messaging, offered impressive battery life, and felt responsive in everyday use. The included charging cradle is a welcome addition, while the generous internal storage and MicroSD support provide plenty of room for apps and files.

The TT990 is not without compromises. The lack of T9 predictive text is a major disappointment for anyone familiar with classic keypad phones, and some app compatibility issues are unavoidable due to its de-Googled software. It also works best when treated as a communication device rather than a full smartphone replacement. Despite those shortcomings, the TT990 succeeds in its goal of offering a more balanced approach to technology. It provides access to essential modern services while encouraging users to spend less time scrolling and more time focusing on what matters. With room for improvement but plenty done right.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/07/review-ttfone-tt990-2026-flip-phone.html

REVIEW: Enola Holmes 3 (2026 Film) - Starring Millie Bobby Brown

Enola Holmes 3 follows Enola Holmes (Millie Bobby Brown) to Malta for her wedding to Tewkesbury (Louis Partridge), where celebration quickly gives way to chaos when Sherlock Holmes (Henry Cavill) disappears and a wider conspiracy begins to unfold. As Enola investigates, she is pulled into a tangled case involving political corruption, hidden wartime gold and the return of Moriarty, while Dr Watson (Himesh Patel) becomes an unexpected ally and Eudoria Holmes (Helena Bonham Carter) appears briefly to support the unfolding crisis.

The film delivers a visually rich and energetic mystery, with strong performances carrying much of the weight, particularly Millie Bobby Brown’s Enola and Henry Cavill’s Sherlock. However, the investigation itself often takes a back seat to action and treasure hunt elements, and the structure begins to feel familiar by the third instalment. While still entertaining and stylish, it shows clear signs of franchise fatigue, even if the emotional resolution and cast chemistry keep it engaging through to the end.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2026/07/review-enola-holmes-3-2026-film.html

REVIEW: Supergirl (2026 film) - Starring Milly Alcock

Craig Gillespie’s Supergirl follows Kara Zor-El from Krypton’s destruction through her arrival on Earth and into a fractured interstellar revenge journey after Krem of the Yellow Hills attacks her and poisons Krypto. The film tracks her uneasy movement between worlds, with brief appearances from Superman and key encounters alongside Ruthye Marye Knoll and Lobo, but the story struggles to maintain a consistent direction as it shifts between origin story, space adventure and revenge narrative.

The strongest element is Krypto, who consistently brings energy and emotional clarity the rest of the film lacks. Milly Alcock’s portrayal of Supergirl is a major weakness, coming across as unlikeable and difficult to connect with, which leaves the film without a strong emotional centre. Matthias Schoenaerts as Krem fails to register as a convincing antagonist, and while Eve Ridley and Jason Momoa add moments of intensity and chaos, neither is given enough space to fully land. 

Full Review at

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

REVIEW: Monopoly: Star Wars™ Heroes vs. Villains (2026 Video Game) on PlayStation 5

Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs Villains is not a traditional take on Monopoly, and that is the first thing players need to understand. Instead of property trading and slow financial battles, it becomes a fast moving team based experience set in the Star Wars universe, with character abilities, shifting control of locations and frequent match changing events. It is built around 2v2 and 3v3 play, either locally or online, although online access requires PlayStation Plus.

The game looks and sounds excellent, with strong presentation, accurate voice work and a steady stream of unlockables that help keep players engaged. It also benefits from flexible match length options, allowing for shorter sessions. However, it is heavily reliant on multiplayer to shine. Single player against AI feels slow and repetitive, there is no 1 vs 1 mode, online play is gated behind a subscription, and the menu system can be confusing. It is best suited to Star Wars fans playing with friends rather than anyone looking for classic Monopoly.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/07/review-monopoly-star-wars-heroes-vs.html