REVIEW: The Wild Robot (2024 Animated Film) - Starring Lupita Nyong'o

"The Wild Robot" is a beautifully animated and emotionally rich adaptation of Peter Brown's beloved book series. It tells the story of Roz, a shipwrecked robot voiced by Lupita Nyong'o, who must adapt to life on an uninhabited island and raise an orphaned gosling named Brightbill. Through stunning visuals and touching character development, the film explores themes of survival, parenthood, and the search for belonging. Roz's growth from a machine with no purpose to a caring, compassionate mother is the emotional heart of the story, and her interactions with the island's wildlife provide both humour and depth.

Despite its slightly extended runtime, which may feel a bit long for younger viewers, the film's thoughtful pacing allows for richer exploration of its characters and themes. With strong voice performances, especially from Nyong'o and Kit Connor as Brightbill, and delicate, painterly animation, "The Wild Robot" stands out as a deeply moving family film. Its focus on heartwarming messages of community, adaptability, and love makes it a standout among this year's animated releases.

Full Review at

http://www.beentothemovies.com/2024/09/review-wild-robot-2024-animated-film.html

REVIEW: Transformers One (2024 Animated Film) - Starring Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, Scarlett Johansson, Keegan-Michael Key, Steve Buscemi, Laurence Fishburne, and Jon Hamm

"Transformers One" is a visually striking animated film that explores the origins of the legendary rivalry between Optimus Prime and Megatron. Set on Cybertron, it follows Orion Pax, a humble Energon miner, and his best friend D-16 as they uncover dark secrets about their planet's leadership. Their journey from miners to leaders of opposing factions is filled with action, betrayal, and political intrigue, as they discover Sentinel Prime's treachery and witness the collapse of their once-strong friendship. The film blends stunning animation with deep moral questions about leadership and identity, while balancing humour, emotional moments, and epic battles.

With excellent voice performances from Chris Hemsworth as Optimus Prime and Brian Tyree Henry as Megatron, the film offers both an exciting prequel for longtime fans and an accessible entry for newcomers. The story culminates in a fierce duel between the two characters, setting the stage for future conflicts in the franchise. Despite some predictable elements, "Transformers One" is a refreshing and engaging addition to the Transformers universe, praised for its compelling story, character development, and top-tier production quality.

Full Review at

http://www.beentothemovies.com/2024/09/review-transformers-one-2024-animated.html

REVIEW: Antstream Arcade on Xbox

Antstream Arcade on Xbox is a cloud-based retro gaming service offering over 1,300 classic games, allowing players to experience iconic titles from the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s. With games from companies like Atari, Commodore, and Sega, the service provides a vast library, although some key franchises such as Super Mario and Sonic the Hedgehog are notably absent. The challenge modes and Xbox achievements bring modern features to these older games, adding replayability and a competitive edge. The user interface is generally easy to navigate, though the extensive game library can feel overwhelming at times.

While the streaming performance is solid, with minimal lag for those with fast connections, players with slower internet may encounter issues, particularly with fast-paced games. Antstream offers a free tier with limited access, but most of the content requires a subscription, which is reasonably priced for retro enthusiasts. For anyone nostalgic about arcade classics or eager to explore gaming history, Antstream is a fantastic addition to Xbox, making it easy to relive childhood favourites or discover long-lost gems.

Full Review at

http://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2024/09/review-antstream-arcade-on-xbox.html

REVIEW: Slingshot (2024 Film) - Starring Casey Affleck and Laurence Fishburne

Slingshot is a psychological science fiction thriller that follows astronaut John, played by Casey Affleck, as he descends into paranoia and madness during a mission to Saturn's moon, Titan. Directed by Mikael Håfström, the film creates a tense, claustrophobic atmosphere aboard the spacecraft, Odyssey 1, where John and his crewmates, including Laurence Fishburne's Captain Franks, begin to question the mission's safety and their own mental stability. As John experiences vivid hallucinations and struggles to distinguish between reality and delusion, the film explores themes of isolation and psychological breakdown, with Affleck delivering a strong performance as the increasingly unstable protagonist.

While Slingshot succeeds in building tension and delivering engaging performances, it struggles with an overly familiar narrative, echoing previous space films like 2001: A Space Odyssey and Moon. The film's final twist, is effective but predictable for genre veterans. At nearly two hours, the slow pacing also hinders the film's impact, with the final act injecting some much-needed urgency. Ultimately, Slingshot is a solid but unremarkable entry in the psychological thriller genre, bolstered by its atmosphere and acting but weighed down by its well-trodden premise.

Full Review at

http://www.beentothemovies.com/2024/09/review-slingshot-2024-film-starring.html

REVIEW: Unholy (2024 Horror Game) - On Xbox

Unholy by Duality Games immerses players in a chilling world split between a bleak dystopian reality and a grotesque, supernatural realm. The narrative, following Saidah's search for her abducted son, Gabriel, is both emotionally intense and deeply unsettling. The game's artistic direction and eerie atmosphere are standout features, with haunting visuals and a well-crafted soundtrack amplifying the psychological horror. The mask mechanic adds a unique twist to gameplay, offering strategic depth as players navigate the dangers of the Unholy City, though the stealth sequences can sometimes feel overly challenging, and the puzzles lack innovation.

Despite its compelling story and atmospheric design, Unholy struggles with technical issues that detract from the experience, such as graphical bugs and frustrating glitches. The game's reliance on psychological horror over traditional jump scares may appeal to some but leave others wanting more immediate thrills. Nevertheless, Unholy has the potential to be a strong entry in the genre, especially if its technical shortcomings are addressed, making it a memorable, if flawed, psychological horror experience.

Full Review at

http://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2024/09/review-unholy-2024-psychological-horror.html

MOVIE REVIEW: The Crow (2024 Film) Starring Bill Skarsgård

Rupert Sanders' 2024 reboot of The Crow reimagines the classic tale of love and vengeance with a modern twist, featuring Bill Skarsgård as Eric Draven. The film delves deeper into the relationship between Eric and his girlfriend Shelly, played by FKA twigs, who are both murdered after becoming entangled with a demonic crime lord. Skarsgård delivers a compelling performance, portraying Eric's tortured journey as he is resurrected to seek revenge. However, the film's focus on their love story sometimes slows the pacing, and it feels about 20 minutes too long, affecting the overall flow of the narrative.

Despite pacing issues, The Crow excels in its action sequences, especially during a visually stunning and brutally violent opera house showdown in the third act. While fans of the 1994 original may find this reboot lacking the same emotional impact, it offers a solid, modern interpretation for newcomers. Skarsgård's portrayal and the expertly choreographed action make it worth watching, even if it doesn't quite surpass the iconic status of its predecessor.

Full Review at

http://www.beentothemovies.com/2024/09/review-crow-2024-film-starring-bill.html

REVIEW: Turmoil - Deeper Underground! (DLC) - on PC (Steam)

"Turmoil - Deeper Underground!" is a solid expansion to the 2016 oil drilling simulation game, adding new layers of strategy with its Roaring Twenties setting. Players familiar with the base game will enjoy the deeper drilling missions, the ability to refine petrol from oil and water, and new upgrades like dynamite. The two new characters, Thorpe and Mabel, bring variety with their unique abilities, while the expanded town and NPCs provide a livelier backdrop for your oil empire-building. The DLC retains the addictive gameplay of the original, making it a natural fit for returning fans.

However, while the new content is enjoyable, it doesn't dramatically change the core experience. Priced at £5.99, some players may find the DLC's additions feel like an extension rather than a major evolution. Long-time fans may also be left wanting more, as this is only the second DLC in eight years, and there's clear potential for further updates to reflect the game's evolving historical setting. Despite these reservations, "Deeper Underground!" remains a fun and engaging addition that will satisfy those looking to dive back into Turmoil's world.

Full Review at

http://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2024/09/review-turmoil-deeper-underground-dlc.html

REVIEW: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024 Movie) - Starring Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder

"Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" (2024) is a fun and nostalgic return to Tim Burton's bizarre, gothic world of the afterlife. Michael Keaton's Betelgeuse remains as manic and unpredictable as ever, while Winona Ryder brings depth to the older, wiser Lydia. The film's quirky plot follows Lydia and her estranged daughter Astrid as they get pulled into the chaos of ghosts, ghouls, and Betelgeuse's schemes once again. With plenty of visual spectacle, dark humour, and Burton's signature whimsical style, the film blends modern elements with the offbeat charm of its predecessor. While the story can feel a bit chaotic, with overlapping subplots and some underused characters, it maintains a balance of wacky humour and heartfelt moments.

Though it may not match the instant cult status of the 1988 original, "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" still offers an enjoyable experience for both longtime fans and newcomers. Burton's playful direction, along with strong performances from the cast, makes it a giddy and entertaining watch. While it's best not to take the film too seriously, it delivers plenty of laughs, inventive effects, and the kind of zany, macabre fun that made the original so beloved.

Full Review and Trailer at

http://www.beentothemovies.com/2024/09/review-beetlejuice-beetlejuice-2024.html

REVIEW: WHAT THE CAR? (2024 Game) on PC (Steam)

What The Car is a wildly inventive and hilariously absurd racing game where you're not just any car, but a car with legs, jetpacks, and the ability to do the most unexpected things. With hundreds of unique levels, the game constantly throws new, bizarre challenges at you, from climbing buildings to playing football or stretching like an accordion. The game's playful cartoony 3D graphics and spot-on humour make it an enjoyable, light-hearted experience. While not a traditional racing game, its endless surprises and creative twists ensure that you're always laughing and entertained.

That said, What The Car may not fully satisfy hardcore racing enthusiasts, as its mix of mini-games and exploration can sometimes slow down the racing action. The level creation mode also feels a bit underwhelming, requiring time and effort to master. However, these minor drawbacks are easily outweighed by the sheer fun and originality of the game. If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind, laugh-out-loud gaming experience that defies expectations at every turn, this game delivers.

Full Review at

http://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2024/09/review-what-car-2024-adventure-racing.html

REVIEW: Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In (2024 Movie) - Starring Louis Koo and Sammo Hung

Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In is a visually stunning and action-packed tribute to classic Hong Kong cinema, set against the gritty backdrop of 1980s Kowloon Walled City. Directed by Soi Cheang, the film masterfully blends old-school martial arts with modern filmmaking techniques, delivering exhilarating fight scenes that are both intense and beautifully choreographed. Louis Koo shines as Cyclone, a crime lord with a complex moral compass, while Sammo Hung plays a chilling antagonist, Mr. Big. The film captures the chaotic atmosphere of the Walled City while weaving in moments of humanity and loyalty, keeping the narrative engaging despite some convoluted plot points.

While it might lack the raw, reckless stunts of classic 1980s martial arts films, Twilight of the Warriors feels like a modern evolution of the genre, making up for it with polished production and seamless action sequences. It's a love letter to Hong Kong's cinematic past, bringing the spirit of those films into a fresh, high-budget context. Though the pacing can drag at times, the film's heart and thrilling energy make it a must-watch for fans of martial arts and neo-noir crime stories. Overall, it's a satisfying and nostalgic experience, worthy of a solid 9 out of 10.

Read Full Review at

http://www.beentothemovies.com/2024/09/review-twilight-of-warriors-walled-in.html

REVIEW: Trap (2024 Movie) Starring Josh Hartnett and Saleka

"Trap," directed by M. Night Shyamalan, is a psychological thriller that centres on Cooper Abbott, a firefighter who secretly lives as a serial killer known as "The Butcher." The film, set during a pop concert, explores Cooper's desperate attempts to evade capture while maintaining his facade. Josh Hartnett delivers a strong performance, effectively portraying the duality of his character. However, the film suffers from predictability, as the central twist is revealed early on, diminishing the suspense typically associated with Shyamalan's work. The inclusion of Saleka Night Shyamalan as the pop star Lady Raven feels more like a showcase for her musical talents than a necessary part of the narrative.

While "Trap" has its moments of tension and solid performances, it ultimately falls short of its potential. The lack of a significant twist, combined with some implausible plot elements, weakens the overall impact of the film. Despite these shortcomings, the movie remains a decent thriller, with Jonathan Langdon's character providing memorable comic relief. However, the film's focus on showcasing Saleka's talents detracts from its psychological depth, leaving it as a competent but unremarkable addition to Shyamalan's filmography.

Full Review at

http://www.beentothemovies.com/2024/09/review-trap-2024-psychological-thriller.html

REVIEW: Star Wars Outlaws (2024 Video Game) - On Xbox

Star Wars Outlaws, developed by Massive Entertainment and published by Ubisoft, offers an exciting foray into the Star Wars universe set between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Players step into the shoes of Kay Vess, a young scoundrel who embarks on a daring heist to escape her tumultuous past. The game excels in its expansive open-world design, blending engaging third-person combat, exploration, and a variety of activities. Kay's dynamic arsenal, including a grappling hook and a small, resourceful companion named Nix, enriches the gameplay experience, while the freedom to traverse planetary surfaces and engage in space combat adds depth to the adventure.

Despite its strengths, Star Wars Outlaws encounters some limitations, including occasional technical issues and a sense of repetitiveness in stealth and combat mechanics. The narrative is compelling and filled with twists, but the game sometimes relies on familiar tropes, which can detract from its originality. While the space combat feels less refined compared to other elements, the game successfully captures the essence of the Star Wars universe, delivering a vivid and immersive experience that, while not without flaws, is enjoyable and worthy of a solid 7.5 out of 10.

Full Review at

http://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2024/09/review-star-wars-outlaws-2024-open.html