REVIEW: Sting (2024 Film) - Starring Ryan Corr, Alyla Browne and Penelope Mitchell

"Sting," directed and written by Kiah Roache-Turner, delivers a chilling creature feature centered on Charlotte, a 12-year-old girl who discovers a rapidly growing spider named Sting from a mysterious object. Alyla Browne's strong performance as Charlotte is a highlight, effectively portraying a rebellious yet resourceful child. The film's visual effects, particularly the detailed design of the spider, successfully tap into primal arachnid fears, creating genuine moments of suspense and horror as the creature evolves from a tiny pet to a monstrous predator.

However, "Sting" falls short in some areas, lacking the lasting impact of classic spider horror films like "Arachnophobia" (1990) and the entertaining absurdity of "Big Ass Spider" (2013). The film misses opportunities to inject humor into its inherently absurd premise, and the underutilized exterminator character provides only brief comic relief. Despite these flaws, "Sting" manages to deliver solid thrills and chills, making it a decent choice for a one-time watch, especially for fans of creature features and those who enjoy spider-induced scares.

Read the full detailed review at

http://www.beentothemovies.com/2024/06/review-sting-2024-film-starring-ryan.html

REVIEW: Seed of Life (2024 Video Game) on PS4

Seed of Life is an action-adventure puzzle game from MadLight that successfully immerses players in the hauntingly beautiful world of Lumia. Playing as Cora, the last survivor on a dying planet ravaged by alien invaders, you must navigate through a semi-open world filled with mysteries, dangers, and intricate puzzles to activate "The Seed" and restore life to the planet. The game's visuals and soundtrack are captivating, creating an atmospheric experience that enhances the exploration of its richly imagined environments. The hands-off approach to guidance allows for a rewarding sense of discovery, although this might not appeal to players who prefer more direction.

Despite its strengths, Seed of Life's transition from PC to consoles comes with notable drawbacks. The voice acting for Cora is subpar, and issues with precision jumping can lead to frustration. Additionally, the inability to adjust graphical settings on PlayStation 4 affects performance and can induce motion sickness, marking a step down from the customizable PC version. While the game retains its core appeal with engaging gameplay and imaginative design, the lack of significant improvements since its original release is disappointing. Nonetheless, it remains a solid and enjoyable experience for fans of action-adventure and puzzle genres.

Full Review at

http://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2024/06/review-seed-of-life-2024-video-game-on.html

Harry Houdini: The Magician Who Exposed Psychics and Mediums

Harry Houdini, born Erik Weisz on March 24, 1874, was a Hungarian-born American illusionist and stunt performer, widely known for his sensational escape acts. While Houdini's contributions to the world of magic are well-celebrated, his fervent crusade against psychics and mediums, particularly those claiming to communicate with the dead, remains a remarkable facet of his life.

Full article at

http://www.badpsychics.com/2024/06/harry-houdini-magician-who-exposed.html

REVIEW: Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024 Film) - Stars Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Hemsworth

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, directed by George Miller, is a gripping prequel to Mad Max: Fury Road that delves into the backstory of Imperator Furiosa. Set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland, the film follows young Furiosa's journey from her abduction by the warlord Dementus to her transformation into a powerful warrior. Anya Taylor-Joy's compelling performance adds emotional depth to the narrative, which is driven by intense action sequences and a rich, epic scope.

While the film is visually striking, it doesn't quite match the innovative intensity of its predecessor and suffers from a slightly excessive runtime. Chris Hemsworth's portrayal of Dementus, hindered by an unconvincing prosthetic nose, is another drawback. Despite these issues, Furiosa offers an emotionally involving story and thrilling action, making it a solid and satisfying addition to the Mad Max franchise.

Full Review at

http://www.beentothemovies.com/2024/06/review-furiosa-mad-max-saga-2024-film.html

REVIEW: Teardown: Ultimate Edition (2024 Video Game) on Xbox

"Teardown," developed and published by Tuxedo Labs, masterfully combines sandbox creativity with intricate puzzle-solving in a destructible voxel-based environment. Set in the fictional Löckelle Municipality, the game follows the owner of a struggling demolition company entangled in a series of high-stakes heists and investigations. Players must strategically plan and execute missions with upgradable tools and vehicles, creating a dynamic and engaging gameplay experience. The narrative, told through emails, adds depth to the demolition antics, culminating in thrilling confrontations and unexpected plot twists.

The recent Folkrace DLC expands the game's horizons with intense destruction derby-style racing, adding new maps and vehicle customization. Beyond the main campaign, Teardown offers diverse modes like Sandbox, Creative, and various challenges, ensuring endless replayability. The voxel-based destruction mechanics are exceptionally satisfying, and the game's extensive modding community further enhances its longevity. Despite an initial learning curve, Teardown stands out for its innovative gameplay and the sheer fun of creative destruction.

Full Review at

http://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2024/06/review-teardown-ultimate-edition-2024.html

REVIEW: Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey II (2) (2024 Film) - Starring Scott Chambers, Tallulah Evans and Ryan Oliva

"Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey II," directed by Rhys Frake-Waterfield, is a thrilling and brutal sequel that surpasses its predecessor in every way. With a deeper storyline, improved visuals, and more inventive kills, the film skillfully blends psychological horror and intense action. Scott Chambers shines as Christopher Robin, confronting his dark past while facing the murderous rampage of Pooh and his savage friends. Despite taking itself a bit too seriously and some budget-related visual effects limitations, the film offers a relentless and entertaining ride for horror fans. This dark reimagining of childhood nostalgia earns a solid 8.5 out of 10.

Full Review at

http://www.beentothemovies.com/2024/06/review-winnie-pooh-blood-and-honey-ii-2.html

REVIEW: IF (2024) - Starring Cailey Fleming, Ryan Reynolds and Steve Carell

"IF," directed by John Krasinski, is a heartwarming 2024 live-action animated fantasy comedy that follows twelve-year-old Bea, played by Cailey Fleming, as she navigates her father's illness and discovers a hidden world of forgotten imaginary friends. With the help of Cal, portrayed by Ryan Reynolds, Bea embarks on a magical journey to reunite these friends with their original companions, highlighting the enduring power of childhood memories. Despite some visual effects flaws, the film's imaginative storytelling, heartfelt performances, and emotional depth make it a captivating family film that resonates with both children and adults. I rate it a strong 8 out of 10.

Full Review at 

http://www.beentothemovies.com/2024/06/review-if-2024-starring-cailey-fleming.html

MOVIE REVIEW: Snow Valley (2024) - Starring Barbara Crampton, Cooper van Grootel and Tom Williamson

"Snow Valley," directed by the late Brandon Murphy, is a 2024 psychological thriller about a couple's terrifying ski weekend disrupted by supernatural events. The film's remote lodge setting creates atmospheric tension, though its initial focus on romance and skiing may test viewers' patience. Barbara Crampton delivers a standout performance as Ellen, adding depth despite limited screen time. While the supernatural elements provide genuine thrills, the film suffers from pacing issues, underdeveloped characters, and a rushed ending. Despite these flaws, "Snow Valley" offers a decent viewing experience for fans of B-movie horror, showcasing Murphy's creative potential and earning a generous 7 out of 10.

Full Review at

http://www.beentothemovies.com/2024/06/review-snow-valley-2024-starring.html

REVIEW: Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game - On Xbox

Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game, developed by IllFonic and Teravision Games, is a whimsical and thrilling asymmetrical survival horror game based on the 1988 cult classic film. In 15-minute matches, three players control Klowns aiming to trigger the Klownpocalypse by capturing humans, while seven players control humans striving to escape through various routes using collected items. With five unique maps and diverse character classes, the game excels in humor, impressive graphics, and engaging multiplayer dynamics. Despite some gameplay bugs and balancing issues, the developers are addressing these problems, making it a fun and polished experience that earns a solid 7.5 out of 10, especially appealing to fans of the genre.

Full Review at

http://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2024/06/review-killer-klowns-from-outer-space.html

REVIEW: Inside Out 2 (2024) - Starring Amy Poehler, Maya Hawke and Kensington Tallman

"Inside Out 2" is a compelling and visually stunning sequel that continues the story of Riley Andersen, now a 13-year-old navigating adolescence. Directed by Kelsey Mann, the film introduces new emotions like Envy, Ennui, Embarrassment, and Anxiety, providing a nuanced exploration of complex feelings, particularly Anxiety. While it doesn't reach the emotional depths of the original, it remains intelligent and entertaining, blending humor, heart, and beautiful animation. Despite some noticeable casting changes, "Inside Out 2" recaptures the charm of its predecessor, making it a highly recommended family film that resonates with both young and older audiences. This sequel stands out as a rare gem in Pixar's recent offerings, earning a strong 9 out of 10.

Full Review at

http://www.beentothemovies.com/2024/06/review-inside-out-2-2024-starring-amy.html

REVIEW: F1 24 (2024 Video Game) On Xbox

"F1 24," the seventeenth entry in the Codemasters' Formula One series, and the official video game of the 2024 FIA Formula One World Championship, introduces some noteworthy updates while carrying forward the legacy of its predecessors. With licenses for the 2024 Formula One and Formula 2 championships, the game aims to provide a comprehensive and immersive experience for racing enthusiasts.

One of the standout features of F1 24 is the revamped career mode. This year's iteration transforms the mode into a role-playing experience, where every action on the track influences your driver's overall rating. This update marks the first major overhaul since 2016 and adds depth to the gameplay by allowing players to manage their career trajectory actively. Performing well can lead to secretive offers from other teams, though these clandestine meetings come with the risk of losing the trust of your current team if discovered.

Full Review at

http://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2024/06/review-f1-24-2024-video-game-on-xbox.html

REVIEW: Sasquatch Sunset (2024 Film) - Starring Jesse Eisenberg

Get ready to venture into the depths of the forest for an extraordinary cinematic experience like no other. Directed by David Zellner and Nathan Zellner, "Sasquatch Sunset" embarks on an absurdist, epic, and downright hilarious journey alongside a family of Sasquatches, possibly the last of their enigmatic kind. Set against the backdrop of the misty forests of North America, these shaggy and noble giants find themselves on a collision course with the ever-changing world around them. From survival struggles to moments of poignant reflection, the film promises an unforgettable adventure through the eyes of these mythical creatures as they desperately try to find more of their kind..

Full Review at

http://www.beentothemovies.com/2024/06/review-sasquatch-sunset-2024-film.html

REVIEW: Darkness of Man (2024 Film) Starring Jean-Claude Van Damme

Interpol operative Russell Hatch (played by Jean-Claude Van Damme) witnesses the death of an informant during a seemingly routine raid. Years later, he becomes a father figure to Jayden, the informant's son, and finds himself protecting him from merciless gangs embroiled in an all-out turf war.

Bressack's stylish direction breathes fresh life into what could have been a typical action flick. While it doesn't reach Van Damme's best work, it allows the actor to showcase more than just his famous muscles. The film effectively defines a modern-day film noir experience, keeping viewers engaged. Fun cameo moments add to the intrigue.

Full Review at

http://www.beentothemovies.com/2024/06/review-darkness-of-man-2024-film.html