REVIEW: Parallel (2024 Film) - Starring Danielle Deadwyler, Aldis Hodge and Edwin Hodge

"Parallel" is a gripping sci-fi thriller that delves into the mysteries of alternate realities. Directed by Kourosh Ahari and written by Aldis and Edwin Hodge along with Jonathan Keasey, the film follows Vanessa (Danielle Deadwyler) as she grapples with the loss of her child. Seeking solace at her family's lake house with her husband, Alex (Aldis Hodge), and his brother, Martel (Edwin Hodge), Vanessa's world is turned upside down when she encounters a parallel version of herself. As she navigates through multiple universes, Vanessa must confront the possibility that these parallel gates hold the key to either freeing her from her grief or trapping her forever.

"Parallel" shines in its minimalist approach, focusing on storytelling and strong performances rather than flashy visuals. Deadwyler, Hodge, and Hodge deliver compelling performances, holding the audience's attention throughout. While the film's plot may be complex at times, its twists and turns keep viewers on the edge of their seats, prompting them to question the nature of reality. Despite some weaknesses in the dialogue and writing, "Parallel" is a thought-provoking thriller that will leave audiences pondering the mysteries of the universe long after the credits roll.

Full Review at

http://www.beentothemovies.com/2024/04/review-parallel-2024-film-starring.html

REVIEW: Boy Kills World (2024 Film) - Starring Bill Skarsgård and Famke Janssen

"Boy Kills World" is a wild rollercoaster ride of action, comedy, and revenge, directed by Moritz Mohr in his feature directorial debut. With a star-studded cast led by Bill Skarsgård, the film delivers a joyfully creative and gleefully violent experience that is sure to entertain fans of hardcore action and dark comedy alike.

The plot follows Boy, portrayed by Skarsgård, a deaf-mute man seeking vengeance against the deranged matriarch, Hilda Van Der Koy, played menacingly by Famke Janssen, who murdered his family, leaving him orphaned and voiceless. Trained in martial arts by a mysterious shaman, Boy teams up with a ragtag resistance group to enact his bloody campaign of revenge. Along the way, he is accompanied by his inner voice, provided by H. Jon Benjamin, which adds a quirky and humorous layer to the narrative as he bickers with the ghost of his deceased sister.

Full Review at

http://www.beentothemovies.com/2024/04/review-boy-kills-world-2024-film.html

REVIEW: Abigail (2024 Film) - Starring Alisha Weir, Melissa Barrera and Dan Stevens

"Abigail," directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, is a delightful blend of horror, comedy, and campiness, reimagining the classic "Dracula's Daughter" with a modern twist. The film follows a group of kidnappers who unknowingly abduct a 12-year-old vampire, setting off a series of events that are both terrifying and amusing.

One of the film's strongest points is its ability to take a seemingly limited premise and turn it into an unpredictable and thoroughly entertaining experience. From start to finish, viewers are kept on the edge of their seats, never quite sure what twist or turn the story will take next. The filmmakers have crafted an intense, well-filmed, and utterly entertaining work that is sure to delight horror fans.

Full Review at

http://www.beentothemovies.com/2024/04/review-abigail-2024-film-starring.html

REVIEW: Paperman: Adventure Delivered (2024 Video Game) - Xbox

"Paperman: Adventure Delivered" is a charming 3D co-op platformer that follows the journey of Paperman and his team as they embark on a quest to retrieve stolen mail and defeat a greedy dragon. With colorful worlds to explore, secrets to uncover, and golden letters to collect, players are in for an exciting adventure filled with fun and challenges.

In celebration of their one millionth delivery, Paperman's post office decides to send out special golden letters to their most loyal customers. However, when a greedy dragon steals all the mail, including the golden letters, Paperman and his team must embark on an adventure to retrieve them. With the dragon's ancient magic threatening their mission, Paperman and his team must do everything in their power to reclaim the stolen mail and ensure it's delivered.

Full Review at

http://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2024/04/review-paperman-adventure-delivered.html

REVIEW: Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes (2024 Video Game) - On Xbox

"Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes" marks a triumphant return to the classic JRPG genre, delivering a captivating experience that seamlessly blends nostalgic charm with innovative gameplay mechanics. Developed by Rabbit and Bear Studios and published by 505 Games, this title immerses players in the sprawling continent of Allraan, where political intrigue, magic, and war intertwine to shape a richly crafted narrative.

The story of "Eiyuden Chronicle" unfolds against the backdrop of a diverse world populated by humans, beastmen, elves, and desert dwellers. The discovery of rune-lenses, magical artifacts that amplify power, has led to the rise of the Galdean Empire, whose relentless pursuit of dominance threatens to plunge the land into chaos. Players embark on an epic journey as Seign Kesling, a promising imperial officer, and Nowa, a humble villager, whose fateful encounter sets them on a path fraught with peril and discovery. The narrative deftly explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the consequences of power, inviting players to unravel the mysteries of Allraan while forging their own destinies.

Full Review at

http://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2024/04/review-eiyuden-chronicle-hundred-heroes.html

REVIEW: Civil War (2024 Film) - Starring Kirsten Dunst and Nick Offerman

"Civil War," directed by Alex Garland, falls short of its promising premise, delivering a dull and underwhelming viewing experience. Despite the backdrop of a nation torn apart by civil strife, the film focuses primarily on the ethical dilemmas faced by a group of journalists led by renowned war photographer Lee Smith, played by Kirsten Dunst.

The lack of compelling storytelling, depth of characters, and exploration of the conflict's ideologies make "Civil War" a missed opportunity. While the incorporation of real-life footage depicting the violence perpetrated by radical far-left anarchists adds some interest, it's not enough to salvage the film from its overall lackluster execution. I score "Civil War" a poor 3 out of 10.

Full review at

http://www.beentothemovies.com/2024/04/review-civil-war-2024-film-starring.html

REVIEW: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants on Xbox

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants for Xbox is a delightful throwback to classic beat 'em up arcade gaming. Developed by Cradle Games and Raw Thrills, this 2024 port of the 2017 arcade game faithfully captures the essence of the TMNT franchise. With simple controls, vibrant graphics, and the original voice actors from the show reprising their roles, the game offers a nostalgic gaming experience for fans.

Players can battle through six stages, including iconic locations like Dimension X and Coney Island, and take on 13 boss battles, including encounters with the notorious Shredder. The addition of four-player local co-op adds to the fun, making it an ideal choice for fans of the franchise and classic arcade gaming alike. While its simplistic nature may not appeal to everyone, TMNT: Wrath of the Mutants is a must-have for those looking for a fun and entertaining beat 'em up experience, earning a strong 8.5 out of 10.

Full Review at

http://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2024/04/review-teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles.html

REVIEW: The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (2024 Film) - Starring Henry Cavill, Eiza González, Alan Ritchson and Alex Pettyfer

"The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare" is a rollicking adventure that boldly reimagines WWII history through the lens of Guy Ritchie's signature style. Set in 1941, the film follows the creation of a top-secret special forces unit under Winston Churchill's directive, led by the charmingly roguish Gus March-Phillips (Henry Cavill). As Operation Postmaster unfolds, viewers are treated to a whirlwind of humor, suspense, and explosive action, with a stellar cast including Eiza González and Alan Ritchson infusing the proceedings with charisma and energy. While the plot may follow a predictable path and character development takes a backseat to the frenetic pace, "The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare" more than makes up for it with its infectious spirit and irreverent take on wartime heroics, earning it a solid 8 out of 10.

Full review at

http://www.beentothemovies.com/2024/04/review-ministry-of-ungentlemanly.html

REVIEW: Storyblocks: The King (2024 Video Game) - On Nintendo Switch

Storyblocks: The King presents players with a serene blend of storytelling and puzzle-solving on the Nintendo Switch. Set in a peaceful medieval world, the game offers players the chance to guide a young dreamer on his path to becoming king. With its minimalist visuals and original soundtrack, the game creates an immersive atmosphere that invites players to shape their own narrative journey. However, sensitivity issues with the controls on the Switch Lite, coupled with a lack of clear instructions and challenge, detract from the overall experience. While the game's concept is promising, its execution falls short of delivering a fully engaging gameplay experience, leaving players wanting more depth and complexity.

Full review at

http://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2024/04/review-storyblocks-king-2024-video-game.html

REVIEW: No Way Up (2024 Film) - Starring Sophie McIntosh, Will Attenborough, Jeremias Amoore, Manuel Pacific, Grace Nettle, Phyllis Logan and Colm Meaney

"No Way Up" presents a gripping survival thriller centered around a group of diverse characters stranded in the Pacific Ocean after a plane crash. Led by Sophie McIntosh's Ava, the daughter of a politician, and supported by solid performances from the cast, the film effectively captures the tension and desperation of their situation. Visually, the movie impresses with well-executed underwater sequences, despite its low budget, and maintains a tight pace throughout its brief runtime of just over an hour and a half.

While "No Way Up" embraces its B-movie roots and delivers on the thrills expected from the killer shark genre, it occasionally falters by taking itself too seriously and missing opportunities for humor. Additionally, some plot holes and lapses in logic may leave viewers frustrated. Despite these shortcomings, the film offers an entertaining ride for fans of the genre, earning a fair score of 7 out of 10 for its decent performances, impressive visuals, and overall suspenseful atmosphere.

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http://www.beentothemovies.com/2024/04/review-no-way-up-2024-film-starring.html

REVIEW: Riddle of Fire (2024 Film) - Starring Skyler Peters, Phoebe Ferro, and Charlie Stover

On a quest to deliver a pie, three mischievous children embark on a woodland odyssey to battle a witch, outwit a huntsman, befriend a fairy, and become best friends forever in this charming debut from directing sensation Weston Razooli.

Full review at

http://www.beentothemovies.com/2024/04/review-riddle-of-fire-2024-film.html