Monster: The Ed Gein Story (2025)

It has taken me a while but the new series of the anthology Monster focusing on Ed Gein has been out and I have now watched the series. So here is my review for Monster: The Ed Gein Story. The Premise of the show focuses on Ed Gein who was the first real serial killer and how his impact affected people over the next number of years. 

Main Character

Charlie Hunnam plays Ed Gein and I am really conflicted about his performance. There is no doubt that he fully commits to the role and there are some times when he is super chilling and really uncomfortable. But there are times when it is just too over the top and the accent that he is doing made me laugh. I think he does improve as the episodes go on but I can't get over how silly he can be, especially in those first few episodes. 

Supporting Characters

Laurie Metcalf plays Augusta Gein and I thought she was pretty good in the show. She is really over the top and controlling but it kind of works and the relationship between the two of them was a better part of the show. 

Suzanna Son plays Adeline Watkins and she is also pretty good. Her relationship with Gein is a major part of the show and it is pretty well realised and actually gives time to flesh out her character. 

There are a large group of people on the show but none of them stand out and do very little. Tom Hollander plays Alfred Hitchcock but the overuse of makeup and his weird performance was really distracting and took away from those scenes. 

Story

The story is clearly trying to document this crazy man and the legacy that he left for other people with issues. But I have to be honest, I just don't think the show does a particularly good job at it. It is so all over the place and tries to cram so much into it that it just really feels like nothing gets the time to be that interesting or something worth caring about. The Finale also is underwhelming and doesn't really do enough to justify this show existing. 

Script

The script has some okay writing, some really chilling pieces of dialogue are in here. But the writing suffers from the fact that it is trying to cram so much in here and make it so outlandish that it kind of comes across as a bit of a caricature. 

Style

The show certainly doesn't shy away from violence and the gore. You really feel the terrible things that this guy did and the gruesome way that he did them. However, this show has a really slow pace about it and I found myself pretty bored throughout with storylines that I really didn't care about. 

Overall

Overall, Monster: The Ed Gein Story is a Below Average Show that missed the mark for me. This show had poor pacing and a bad story that didn't all connect. Mixed with a strange lead performance and it just isn't worth your time. 

Rating - 4/10

Tron (1982) Review

I am looking to get the chance to watch Tron: Ares at some point in the next week, so I thought in prep I would go back and watch the original film as I actually have never watched Tron. So I did that today and here is my review for Tron. The premise of the film sees a computer hacked abducted by a Digital Programme and is forced to try and survive with the aid of some new allies. 

Main Character

Jeff Bridges plays Kevin Flynn and he is great here. He is the person who is enjoying himself the most and I think with that it makes him the most fun person to watch. I mean his character isn't the most interesting but he manages to make it work just about enough to make me care about his story. 

Supporting Characters 

Bruce Boxleitner plays Alan Bradley/Tron and I thought he was also really good, especially as Tron. He plays the AI really well and the fact that he is basically the saviour of the universe was handled pretty well. 

David Warner plays a pretty entertaining villain in Ed Dillinger/Sark. He is a pretty generic character but he ate up all of the scenes that he was in and provided some much needed entertainment on screen. 

The rest of the cast aren't so lucky, I mean the only real ones to talk about are Cindy Morgan as Lora/Yori & Dan Shor as Ram. The first is just their as a love interest really and she is a boring one of that, especially with some weird writing for her towards the end of the film. Ram is fine but I never really cared about him and I just think the film needed a 3rd member of our heroic group of male AI's so they added him. 

Story

The story heavily focuses on AI and its relationship to humans which is quite funny as it probably fits more with modern times then it did in 1982. I think it achieves this in an okay manner but the majority of the plot is either cliche or just not very well explained. It fails to really delve into its subject matter enough like other films and has a really abrupt ending that leaves us with more questions then answers. 

Script

Unfortunately, the worst part of the film for me was the script and writing. It really feels like this film went for a style over substance philosophy and that was really realised with the lazy and dull writing. A few good moments here and there, but it just doesn't have anywhere near enough depth for it to be worthwhile. 

Style

For a film that was released in 1982, the CGI and Style is amazing for this film. It has great colours and some really unique ideas that were ahead of its time. It also has a great score and sci-fi feel that is rare to see even amongst current films. However, the film is really short, barely making it to 90 mins and thus everything feels really rushed and the story is just forgotten about in order to show these pretty revolutionary computer effects. 

Overall

Overall, Tron is an average film that doesn't really stand out in todays market. I am sure in 1982 that this film was revolutionary and that should be appreciated. But when you look at the film as a whole it doesn't really stand up and is one I wouldn't rush to see. 

Rating - 5/10

One Battle After Another (2025) Review

This film has been out for a few weeks and I have finally found the time to go and see One Battle After Another and here is my review for it. The premise of the film sees a Father go on the hunt for his daughter when an old enemy returns. 

Main Character

Leonardo DiCaprio plays Bob and he is fantastic. I don't think there is too much surprise to hear this as he is one of the best actors of this generation but his performance here is really great. He is the bumbling fool but he plays it really well and there is just such pace about his performance that you can't help but keep your eyes on him throughout. 

Supporting Characters

Sean Penn plays Col Steve Lockjaw and this is one of the best villain performances that I have seen for a long time. He is super intense and scummy but there is some uniqueness to him that makes him really stand out. He is a real star of this film and I have a feeling there could be an Oscar Nomination heading his way. 

Benicio Del Toro plays Sensei Sergio St Carlos and he is his enigmatic best. Del Toro is one of the most charismatic actors around and he really owns that in this film. His delivery of lines is so quick and his dynamic with DiCaprio is one of my favourite parts of the film. 

Chase Infiniti plays Willa and she is fantastic. She is a new actress but she has a huge future and she is a real shining light here. She isn't just a damsel in distress but she has strength and Infiniti really plays the role well. 

Teyana Taylor plays Perfidia and even though it is a smaller role in the film she is fantastic to watch and eats up the screen for the opening sequences of the film and is a crucial part of the overall film. 

Story

I really liked the story, It feels like it moves at a brisk pace and we are on the run with DiCaprio and we really feel like we are part of his mission. Characters motivations and beliefs are pretty basic but they work for this film and the poilitcal nature that is hovering in the background. 

However, I wasn't as big a fan of the final act and I think the story makes some odd decisions. There is one part of the film in particular that is underdeveloped and I think if you have watched the film you will know what I mean. Certain characters don't really get any closure and it just would have been nice to have got that. 

Script

The script has some tight writing. The dialogue is fantastic and it makes these characters feel like real people with some real crazy stuff said. As I said above, I have some issues with the plot but I can't deny that the film does a great job in balancing its characters story and keep what could have been a confusing story relatively simple. 

Style

The film is absolutely beautiful. It feels somewhat old school in the way it is shot and presented just really stands out and it is all the better for it. This film is pretty long, it clocks in at over 2 hours & 30 mins and I was never bored. The pacing is great and the film moves well, keeping me invested throughout. 

Overall

Overall, One Battle After Another is a fantastic film that should be seen by all movie goers. I think it will be one of the frontrunners at the Academy Awards next year and it is such a great watch that will end up being one of the best of the year. 

Rating - 9/10

The Woman in Cabin 10 (2025) Review

For many years, Netflix have been making films with some big names and The Woman in Cabin 10 is no different. This film is based on a novel and has a huge cast filled with lots of talent and I watched the film today and here is my review for the film. The premise of the film sees a journalist invited on a luxury Yacht, an event causes her to question everything and everyone around her. 

Main Character

Keira Knightley plays Lo and she is perfectly adequate in this film. I mean she is a great actress and she delivers a performance that is something she can do pretty easily. It is just her character is really dull and there isn't enough in this film to really make me care about her, which is a real shame. 

Supporting Characters

Guy Pearce plays Richard Bullmer and he is really similar to Knightley in that he plays the character well but there just isn't anything really interesting about him and it just feels like Guy Pearce is delivering the minimum that he is capable of which is still decent. 

David Ajala plays Ben Morgan and he is meant to be a love interest for Knightley but it doesn't really work. There chemistry just isn't there and the film isn't written well enough to get the audience invested in them. Ajala is okay but it does feel like he could be played by numerous people. 

Hannah Waddingham, Kaya Scodelario & David Morrissey are big names but are given absolutely nothing to work and I didn't care about any of them and I don't understand why as these are super talented people. 

Story

The story is not particularly interesting, as I have said above the characters are super weak and obviously add nothing. The film doesn't give us enough time to know the characters and the big twists was pretty predictable to me leading to a rushed and bland ending. 

Script

The film has some okay dialogue, especially at the beginning of the film. The best character interactions come in the first act and it made me feel that this film would be better. But the next 2 acts are boring, predictable and as cliché as you get with a big part of that having to go to the writing. 

Style

The film looks pretty good, it has some nice views and it just comes across as pretty sleek with its filmmaking. But the film is super short, barley clocking in at 90 mins. This means everything is underdeveloped and doesn't give the characters time to become interesting which is the biggest weakness of the film. 

Overall

Overall, The Woman in Cabin 10 is a Below Average Film and just another copy and paste release for Netflix. This film has a superstar cast but they didn't bother to focus on other elements of the film and t is just a big disappointment. 

Rating 4/10

The Last of Us: Left Behind (2014)

Pretty quickly after the initial release of The Last of Us, a DLC Expansion was released call Left Behind. This DLC further expands the story and gives us a bit more time with Ellie and really focuses on her character. The DLC goes through her origin and bridges the gap between some events in the main story. Here are my thoughts on this DLC Expansion. 

We play as Ellie

In the main game, we have a bit of time to play as Ellie but the majority of it we play as Joel and I really feel like the main game is Joel's story. Left Behind is Ellie's story and playing as her helped with that as we learn more about her and her relationship with Riley and taking down infected and humans alike. 

The Game is split into two timelines

The game flashes between two different time periods in the games timeline. We start off in Winter with Ellie looking after Joel when he got injured in the main story. The other is a flashback that shows Ellie's origin with Riley and how they both got infected. The Flashbacks are incredibly engaging with the story, whereas the other story is focused on the gameplay and the balance is pretty good. 

The Gameplay is still strong

The gameplay is pretty much the exact same, just without all the weapons that Joel uses. It is still great and the more mini games in the flashbacks breaks up the action and makes it feel different to the main story. 

The Relationship between Ellie & Riley is really well done

We get a brief mention of Riley in the main story and how she got bitten alongside Ellie. But this DLC does a great of showing the two of their characters and the chemistry they have together. Despite the lack of time we see of them, I really cared about their relationship even though I knew where it ended. 

The Pacing is a bit slow and it is way too short

The only thing is that the flashbacks have no combat and that makes this slow game feel even slower. I appreciate the story and the focus on it but I could have done with a bit more of creative gameplay. Also it is super short, I wouldn't say I am great at the game but I finished it in 3 hours which is just way too short and I could have done with even a few more hours. 

Overall

Overall, The Last of Us: Left Behind is a great character piece for Ellie and does a great job of showing her past. But it is a bit boring and is way too short, it is a good companion place that should be played after finishing the campaign but it falls a little short of the main campaign. 

Rating - 7/10

The Last of Us (2013/2014) Review

For years I have heard that The Last of Us is one of the best video games ever made, I've tried to get into it before but I never quite got too grips with it. But recently, I decided that I was finally going to play the game to completion and I finished the main story last nice and its DLC story today, so here is my review for the game. The premise of the game sees a deadly disease destroy a chunk of humanity, a rugged man goes on a mission that might give the human race a second chance. 

Characters

The Prolific voice actor Troy Baker plays Joel Miller and he absolutely knocks it out of the park. He is a gruff, angry man who seems to lack humanity but as the game progresses you really see Joel grow as a person. He has so much depth to him and Baker plays it superbly, this is one of the best video game protagonists that I have ever seen. 

Ashley Johnson plays Ellie, she is a vital character in the game and is so much fun to be around. Though the situation is pretty dire, she has plenty of wise cracks and jokes to get her by. The chemistry between Johnson & Baker is brilliant and really carries this game.

The rest of the cast are way smaller in the size of their roles but are also really well acted. Henry & Sam are two brothers that the protagonists meet and they are really well acted and reflect the two of them really well. 

Tommy & Tess are allies to Joel & Ellie and both have pretty fiery personalities that make them memorable and fun additions to the cast here. 

Story

The story is really where the game truly thrives here. The main characters are so enriched and developed fantastically. The world is built incredibly well and it really feels fleshed out which adds even more to the performances. I really cared about Joel & Ellies story and the large amount of cutscenes didn't upset me and had me gripped to watch. 

Side Content

This game is pretty linear, it is a very story driven game and focuses on its characters, gameplay and story. There are some pretty cool collectables and some good crafting mechanics that can be done. There is also a multiplayer, however, nobody is playing it anymore so I can't really comment on it. 

The fact that this game is so engaging means I can overlook the fact that there isn't too much side content and I would rather have a game like this then a massive game that fails to provide the depth that this game has. 

Gameplay

The game's gameplay is a little bit different to what I am used to. It is a real Survival Game, you have limited resources and this really forces you to cherish your ammunition and really plan your attacks. Though there is a large variety of weapons and gear that keeps the game fresh and unique. You fight both humans and the infected monsters and the game balances these incredibly well, you have your more action missions against humans compared to your horror missions with the infected and it is balanced in a way that both are engaging. 

Graphics

I played the first remaster of The Last of Us that was made for the PS4 and it looks fantastic. The character models looks great and the designs of all of the infected are horrifying and fit the world perfectly. Also, this game has tremendous sound design that just adds to the creep factor of certain elements of the game. 

Overall

Overall, The Last of Us is as good as people say and is an Epic Video Game journey that has some of the best character and story work that I have ever seen in a Video Game. It is a must play for anybody that enjoys single player video games and I can't recommend it high enough. 

Rating - 10/10

Wednesday Season 1 (2022) Review

Ahead of the second part of the second season of Wednesday, I thought now would be the time that I actually watch this really popular show and give my take on it. So the last few days, I have watched the first season of Wednesday and here is my review for it. The premise of the show sees Wednesday Addams transferred to a school for pupils with powers, when an attempted murder takes place, she sets out to find out the potential killer. 

Main Character 

Jenna Ortega plays the titular character and she is fantastic. This is an incredibly nuanced and complex character and Ortega nails it with her delivery and mannerisms. The character must be a tough one to play but I was interested in Wednesday throughout and I thought Ortega was a huge part of that. 

Supporting Characters

Hunter Doohan plays Tyler and I thought he was also really good in his role. The dynamic between him and Wednesday is well handled and I actually bought into their development as a potential romance. 

Emma Myers plays Enid and is Wednesday's roommate throughout the season. She was great and the perfect foil for Wednesday as she tries to deal with moving to a new school. Their chemistry was excellent and a real highlight of the show. 

Gwendoline Christie plays Principal Larissa Weems and she was great. This is a strong performance from her and even though she doesn't have loads of screen time, she really delivers and owns the screen in the scenes that she is in. 

All the school mates are well cast and even though the school doesn't necessarily play the biggest part of the show the kids never annoyed me which is a bonus considering shows that are set in high school are likely to have some annoying kids. 

Story

The story is good, this is a classic mystery but it definitely did a good job keeping me interested and invested. It also did a good job with its school storylines which are limited because usually they aren't very good. However, the ending of the season feels rushed. It's like they forgot they only had 8 episodes and rushed the last episode to get every story arc completed just in case they didn't get a second season.

Script 

The script is great, there is a great combination of humour and drama. Also the dialogue is very quick and witty that elevated the characters here. Though I thought the final reveal was a bit predictable it still did a good job of keeping me guessing so that shows a decent level of writing. 

Style

I really liked the artistic style of Wednesday. It really stands out and makes it unique compared to other shows and was one of the main reasons I liked this show. But this film has a pacing issue and as I mentioned earlier I think the ending of the show is a bit rushed and lacklustre, also there is some bad CGI here at times which is hopefully better in the second season. 

Overall

Overall, Wednesday Season 1 is a Great Show and does a great job of building this universe for hopefully a bright future. It is a show you should watch as it is a brisk and enjoyable watch.

Rating - 8/10

Weapons (2025) Review 

Over the last few weeks, Weapons has been the most popular film in the world and though this usually wouldn't be a film that interests me, I decided to check it out and here is my review for the film. The premise of the film sees 18 students mysteriously disappear with a community looking to find out what exactly happened and why. 

Main Character

There are a lot of characters in this film but I would say Julia Garner as Justine is the main character here and she does a great job. She is the most interesting character and really struggles with the situation. Garner really shines and is quickly becoming a household name that we will see more and more of as the years go on. 

Supporting Characters

Josh Brolin plays Archer and he is also great. He is the main parent who is frustrated with the situation and he really delivers on this. Brolin really brings the intensity and it is great to see him in a role like this. 

Alden Ehrenreich plays Paul and even though I found his part in the film to be quite jarring, I thought he was very good in it. He plays a cop that is loosely linked to the overall plot but it is pretty interesting seeing this guys life go slowly downhill during his part of the film. 

Cary Christopher plays Alex, the only child in the class that doesn't go missing. He is great and really delivers especially for a child actor. As you learn more about him and what he is going for you see just how complex the predicament that he is put in and Christopher does it very well. 

Benedict Wong and Austin Abrams get their chapters as Marcus and James and though smaller roles they both did good jobs in their roles. 

Story

The story is segmented into chapters which focus on one of the characters and the film isn't in chronological order. This added some unique feeling to the storytelling and intrigue to what exactly was going on. The first act really had me sucked in and wondering what exactly was going on with the kids and the adults that are being focused on. But the second act gets a bit distracted in a sub plot and the third act falls flat with a pretty ridiculous and laughable ending that really went against the tone of the rest of the film. 

Script

The script was okay. Similar to the story, I feel like the writing for the first act was sharp and interesting but it definitely falls down in the later parts of the film as the film isn't quite sure how to resolve the situation they put themselves in. 

Style 

The film does a really good job of building suspense and intrigue with its filmmaking and style. There were some really tense scenes that you weren't sure what exactly was going to happen. However, I feel like the film was at its weakest when it went with the horror film tropes and they made me sigh as it took away all the intrigue and suspense. I also think the film could have cut one or two of the chapters and expand some of the more interesting ones to aid with the pacing of the film. 

Overall

Overall, Weapons is a good film that does a somewhat good job of building intrigue and suspense. Just don't expect this to be the film to revolutionize horror as it really isn't that. Probably one you can wait till it comes onto a streaming service. 

Rating - 7/10 

Assassin's Creed: Valhalla (2020) Review

Even though Assassin's Creed is one of the biggest video game franchises ever created, I have never played one all the way through. However, that has now changed as I have just played through an Assassin's Creed game in Valhalla. After over 70 hours of gameplay, here is my review for the game. The premise of the game sees a group of Vikings travel to England where they look to build a new life and gain power in the country. 

Characters

The main character Eivor can be either Male or Female. I chose the male option and played through the entire game this way. Eivor grew on me as the game progressed, at first I thought he was just a brute but he actually became pretty charming. He grows as the game progresses and his character development is well handled. 

Basim is back from previous games and here he is a cool companion to Eivor, Sigurd and the settlement. He is always a bit mysterious and as you delve into his story he is an interesting character that I didn't really know about as I haven't played previous games. 

Sigurd is the leader of The Settlement and he is pretty cool if not pretty complex. As the game progresses he goes through a lot and his relationship with Eivor becomes more strained and it's then that you see his character shine. 

You meet so many characters in this game and they are all well voice acted and well performed raising up some of the mediocre plots. 

Story

I like the characters stories and the development of these group of Vikings from a small settlement to booming colony. The character clash and have real progress which is nice to see. However, the game has a repetitive story. You go around England attempting to recruit allies and there is a large amount of these with many feeling very similar which gets a bit dull. Also, to someone who isn't a fan of the franchise, the ending is really confusing and I had no clue what was going on and how it linked to the overall lore of Assassin's Creed. 

Side Content

As you saw above, this game took me ages to complete and that is because of how much content is here. I enjoyed some of the side content, I enjoyed helping the people at the settlement and committing raids for resources and gold. Though, this game has some really boring side content too that feels like a quantity over quality approach which I don't think ever works in a game. 

Gameplay

The Gameplay is really good, it took a bit to get used to but I loved the Combat. You have lots of choices when it comes to weapons and they all play differently. There is a good amount of enemies with a lot of challenging boss fights to keep you on your toes. The stealth isn't as good but with practice I managed to even start getting good at this element of the game. 

Graphics

Probably the best part of the game is the graphics. The game looks drop dead gorgeous and nails its feeling and aesthetic. It is great to travel through the world on your long boat and attacking all the interesting locations. 

Overall

Overall, Assassin's Creed: Valhalla is a great game that I had a lot of fun playing. It is a long game with plenty to do but it is well worth it and I would suggest this is a game to play, but probably when you have played the other games so you have a better grasp on what is going on. 

Rating - 8/10

The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025) Review

After many years, Marvel Studios finally have the rights back to The Fantastic Four. It is pretty well known that the history of The Fantastic Four on the big screen has been pretty poor, so in preparation I was hoping that this could be better. Here is my review for The Fantastic Four: First Steps. The premise of the film sees The Fantastic Four, who are celebrities and well liked facing their biggest test when a Herald arrives setting up their planet for destruction. 

Main Character

When Pedro Pascal was cast as Reed Richards I was sceptical as I have got a bit tired of him. But he was great in this role and really delivers as Reed. He nails the intelligence and darkness of the role and I think this is the most interesting that the character has been. Vanessa Kirby plays Sue Storm and she is also great, the film puts her front and centre and she really delivers. This is more of a co-leadership this time around and both of the actors nail it. 

Supporting Characters

Joseph Quinn plays Johnny Storm and he is great in the film. This is a very different performance to what we have seen in previous iterations. He really gets the chance to show his intelligence and value to the team, he also probably gets the most action scenes and it is cool to see his powers on show. 

Ebon Moss-Bachrach plays Ben Grimm and he is also very different, he probably has the least development of all of the characters. For the most part he seems to have accepted his transformation and is loved and enjoys it. It means there is less complexity but I can't help but say that this is a fun performance and a fun interpretation of the character. 

Ralph Ineson plays Galactus and after a disappointing previous version of the character, I am happy to report that he is awesome as Galactus. He isn't on screen loads but they nailed the design and the voice. He is an interesting character and a character I have been waiting to see on the big screen for a long time. 

Unfortunately, there is one element of the cast that I didn't care much for and that is Julia Garner as The Silver Surfer. The actress does a good enough job and the design is great but the character is super dull. They rush through her character arc and we don't spend anywhere near enough time with the character and the film doesn't give a good enough reason for me to care about her. 

Story

The story is good, I really liked how this version of the characters were really sold as a Family and felt like people who have been doing this for a while. The chemistry between the actors is great and I like how the film focused on the groups relationship with the people and how they really want to save them. However, I think this plot isn't as big as it wants to be, it falls flat in terms of conveying its stakes and I wanted to see there be more peril considering Galactus is planning on destroying the planet. 

Script

The Script is okay, there are some funny moments and occasionally the drama does work. However, similar to the plot I think that the writing just falls a little flat. There aren't too many memorable moments and huge character moments. 

Style

The film has a very colourful style and I really liked it, the costumes are great and the action sequences are well done. Especially when the team comes face to face with Galactus which feels like something straight out of a comic book. However, this film does have a pacing issue, it feels quite long and the first act is really slow which made it difficult to get into the film. 

Overall

Overall, The Fantastic Four: The First Steps is a good movie and is easily the best Fantastic Four film. It has a lot of enjoyable things and is worth a watch, but I don't think this is the ground-breaking film Marvel Studios wanted and would say it isn't one to rush out and go watch. 

Rating - 7/10

Superman (2025) Review

I don't think its too big to say that this is one of the biggest and most important films to come out in recent memory as a whole Studio really is bargaining on it to launch their new superhero universe that DC hope can finally rival their more successful rival Marvel Studios. I had the chance to see Superman on Friday and I wanted to reflect on the film and now here is my review for the film. The premise of the film sees Superman attempt to prove that he is on Earth for Truth & Justice when Lex Luthor attempts to take him down by any means necessary. 

Main Character

David Corenswet takes over the role as The Man of Steel and he was amazing in this film and truly encapsulates what I imagine Superman to be. He is the most natural successor to Christopher Reeve and he balances the cheesy nature of the character with the more serious and darker elements of the character. I really enjoyed this portrayal of Superman and Cornswet really nailed it here. 

Supporting Characters

Rachel Brosnahan plays Lois Lane and I thought she was also fantastic here. Her chemistry with Corenswet is great and I really believed in their relationship and their dynamic. Though she isn't the main part of the film she gets her time to show her journalistic prowess and she is great in the role.

Nicholas Hoult plays Lex Luthor and honestly this is probably my favourite depiction of the character. Hoult is amazing throughout and you really sense the hatred that he has for Superman and it doesn't come across as silly because of the awesome performance of Hoult. 

We also get The Justice Gang of Mr Terrific played by Edi Gathegi, Green Lantern played by Nathan Fillion and Hawkgirl played by Isabela Merced. They actually played a larger role then I thought they would. I thought Hawkgirl was cool but she has the least to do out of the three. Terrific & Lantern are real standouts here and are amazing additions to the film, this is the best versions of these characters that we have ever seen and they added way more here then I expected. 

This film has a lot of other smaller characters who all do great jobs, especially Pruitt Taylor Vance as Pa Kent who really delivers on his small role here to make it truly memorable. 

Story

The film makes some interesting choices in terms of Superman's story and they were all welcomed by me as I really enjoyed the story. It really focuses on the difference between Superman's Alien nature and his humanity and it does a great job at it. Lex as an antagonist really adds to this story and it just highlights that Superman may be god like but he has issues just like other people. It is a really satisfying narrative and I truly liked it. 

Script

I thought the film was really well written. This film isn't too cheesy but has some really funny moments in it that fits with the idea of the film. It also knows when it can pull on the heart strings and surprisingly it equally does well at this with some great character moments. 

Style

This film has some really entertaining action sequences. Especially the ones involving Superman, Mr Terrific & Green Lantern with some great variety. My only complaint, is that some of the actions CGI isn't that great and really shows the CGI. Also there is a slight pacing issue with the film, it takes a while to get going and drags a small bit in the middle but I am really picking at things now. 

Overall

Overall, Superman is a fantastic Super hero film that had me smiling from ear to ear while I watched it. I love the characters and the universe that James Gunn has built here. It really is worth a watch and is a fantastic start to this universe and it is now down to DC to keep this going. 

Rating - 9/10

Batman: The Enemy Within (2017) Review

After finishing Batman: The Telltale Series, I decided that I had to play the sequel Batman: The Enemy Within. It has taken me a while to get it done but I have now played through all 5 episodes including the final episode twice in order to get the different endings, here is my review for the game. The premise of the game sees after the aftermath of Lady Arkham's attack, a group of new villains attack Gotham with Bruce Wayne & Batman being pushed to his limit. 

Characters

Troy Baker once again reprises his role as Bruce Wayne/Batman and I really like his performance. We see even more of Bruce this season and the way the game forces Bruce into certain situations allows Baker to show more to his character. I don't think this is a really memorable portrayal but it definitely does the job here and he is effective in the role. 

Anthony Ingruber reprises his role as John Doe and he is given way more to do here. His cameo in the first season was a bit jarring but his development this season is fantastic, we all know where the character is heading but the game does a great job of making us question it throughout with two incredibly dynamic endings for the character. 

Iconic Batman Villains such as Harley Quinn, Bane & Mr Freeze are introduced here and I liked there portrayal, especially Harley as it adds layers to her character. It is just a shame that they have very few interactions with Batman and their relationships are with Bruce instead. 

Characters like Gordon, Selina and Alfred have smaller roles this season and to be honest they just didn't offer as much and they definitely fall foul of how many characters and plot points there are in this game. 

Story

The story is okay. It definitely is more of a Bruce Wayne story then Batman's but I think it is effective in showing Bruce's story and how he tries to balance everything going on in his life including being Batman. Also John Doe's story is superb and culminates incredibly well no matter what ending you choose to go with. But there is way too many characters and plot points here, they cram all these important characters into this game and they just fizzle out with no real definitive endings for them. 

Side Content

This game is no where near as Linear as the first game. There are actual branching paths here and different ways to play the game. There is less of a focus on world building because this is a sequel but it does add variety to the gameplay. However, there still isn't much you actually do except for the main narrative which I think is a bit of a missed opportunity here. 

Gameplay

The gameplay from the first game has been enhanced and made better. You do way more in this game and sometimes it can be a bit tiresome but I am happy to actually be using the controller more here. But there is no getting around the fact that it is just quick time events and is clearly not the focus here. 

Style

Probably the biggest improvement in the game is that it runs and looks a lot better. This game has way less bugs and glitches in it and has fantastic character designs. It just looks better then the first game and I am glad there was some improvement here. 

Overall

Overall, Batman: The Enemy Within is an Above Average Game that doesn't show too many improvements on the first game. It would have been interesting to see a third game in the franchise but we have to settle for this okay point and click adventure. 

Rating - 6/10

Heads of State (2025) Review

This film has been making waves this last week and I have finally got around to watch Heads of State and here is my review for the film. The premise of the film sees The President of The United States & The Priminister of The United Kingdom go on the run after they are targeted by Terrorists. 

Main Character

John Cena plays Will Derringer and Idris Elba Plays Sam Clarke and they really fit this film well. Cena is the over the top American who really grinds on his British counterpart. Whereas Elba plays the straight man well and is clearly frustrated at dealing with Cena throughout the film. They have worked together before and their chemistry is great being the real highlight of the film. 

Supporting Characters

Priyanka Chopra Jonas plays Noel and she is good in the film. It takes a while for her to properly get involved but she is an entertaining third wheel to the major protagonists. Her character takes part in some of the best action scenes and she was an effective fit for the role. 

Jack Quaid has a small role as a special agent here and I loved his performance. He was so much fun and he just showed that he is a great actor that he could take this already entertaining film and make himself a really memorable part, even with limited screen time. 

However, other actors don't get as much to work with. Paddy Considine plays the villain and he is bland here. He is a great actor and the story gives him some decent motivation but the film really fails to capitalise on it and he is just like many villains in comedy action films, bland. 

The rest of the cast just fill out their roles but offer nothing to really stand out Even Carla Gugino as The Vice President is a boring character. 

Story

Look, this film doesn't take itself too seriously and thus the story isn't exactly Citizen Kane. However, it does a good job showing the dynamic between these two guys who don't like each other and how they can learn from each other. But at the end of the day it is a really generic film that follows pretty much every trope known to man and that is a shame as I think there was some potential to make things a bit better with ideas that they half bake. 

Script

Similar to the point above, don't expect this amazing script. I mean it lacks real drama and does have some eye rolling comedy. But, overall this film is pretty funny and I laughed quite a few times during it which I believe was the point of this film, so I was happy with it. 

Style

The film has a really fun style. It has some genuinely great action sequences that range from the ridiculous to something you might see in more serious films. It is paced well and I was thoroughly enjoyed throughout and never got bored. 

Overall

Overall, Heads of State is a good film that is a lot of fun. You have to know that you are in for a silly action film but if that is right up your street then give Heads of State a watch. 

Rating - 7/10

Ironheart (2025) Review

After Black Panther: Wakanda Forever it was pretty clear that Marvel Studios had big plans for the character of Riri Williams. After a few years of development and waiting we finally have the Ironheart series and I have watched all the episodes, here is my review. The premise of the show sees Riri return to Chicago where she has to make money in order to become the hero that she believes she can be. 

Main Character

Dominique Thorne reprises her role as Williams and she is clearly a talented actor and I actually think she shows some real promise for the future of her career. The show does give her some good dramatic scenes and shows her charm. But the writing for the character is all over the place and Riri actually comes across as quite annoying and rude to everyone else on the show. They try and make her flawed and relatable but it fails for the most part. 

Supporting Characters

Alden Ehenreich is a really talented actor that just hasn't quite made it huge in Hollywood and he is probably my favourite character on this show. There is a real intrigue to his character and I did have some real sympathy for him. Though the show does rush through his story arc and it feels tacked on compared to the rest of the show. 

Anthony Ramos plays The Hood and is basically the villain here. He had real potential to be a great villain here, unfortunately it just fell flat for me. His motivations aren't explored enough and are incredibly basic and Ramos can't rise above this lacklustre writing.  

Lyric Ross plays Natalie who is an AI based on Riri's now deceased best friend and I found her really annoying. First, the fact that this is the first AI we have seen have a body and real personality with Iron tech feels like it doesn't work. What is worse though was that I didn't buy their chemistry and there wasn't a big enough reason given for me to care about their relationship. 

The rest of her support system and the other bad guys in the crew are all written poorly and not given enough time to really care about their characters and their performances. 

Though there is a character who debuts in the final episode played by a big actor who was highly entertaining and a really crucial part of this series and future MCU shenanigans. 

Story

The Story has some good concepts to it. It portrays Riri as a complex person and it is nice to see her dealing with human issues and not dealing with them well. But as a whole this story feels really rushed and doesn't give the characters real depth or development with an ending that feels underwhelming and kind of goes against the character of Riri. 

Script

As mentioned above, I have criticised the writing for the show. But, I will say there are some genuinely good moments which are both heartfelt and funny. Though, these are few and far between with the majority of the writing feeling incredibly weak and that they don't care about the story they are telling. 

Style

The show has a big budget and has some great action sequences. It is a genuine joy to see an Iron suit that isn't nanotech and feels old school. It is a shame that this show has terrible pacing, it only has 6 episodes and tries to cram everything in which causes nothing to get the time required to really hit the levels it needs. 

Overall

Overall, Ironheart is an Average Show. There has been highs and lows in Marvel Television and unfortunately, Ironheart is the latter. There are some good ideas here but they just weren't executed particularly well and this is one MCU Property you don't need to watch. 

Rating - 5/10

The Bear Season 1 (2022) Review

For years I have heard just how good The Bear is and how many awards it has won. However, I have never got around to watching it. But with the newest season set to be released in the near future I have decided to binge the show and that starts with the first season. The premise of the show sees a chef from fine dining return to his home to run his brothers sandwich shop. 

Main Character

Jeremy Allen White plays Carmen and he is fantastic here. You really see the stress affect him throughout the season. He is coming from this regimented approach and really struggles with understanding others and their needs. He owns his role and gives a monologue in the final episode that is award worthy and he knocks it out of the park. 

Supporting Characters

Ebon Moss-Bachrach plays Richie and he is one of the most complex characters on the show. He is an annoying character at first and the conflict between him and Carmen is really clear, but Moss-Bachrach really portrays this character well and you start to understand why he is the way he is. 

Ayo Edebiri plays Sydney and she is the newest member of the restaurant and she has really high aspirations and her character arc mirrors Carmen from his previous life. She is great in her role and her journey is one of the more important over the show. 

Lionel Boyce plays Marcus and he was probably the character I liked the most. He really tries to improve as a desert chef and though that doesn't always go right, he does have the best intentions and he was a positive aspect of the show. 

This show is full of characters and all of them are fantastic and really deliver on their roles in the show. 

Story

The story here is incredibly intense, this is one of the worst work environments you will ever see and you see how these people and their egos go against each other causing chaos. The show does a fantastic job in developing characters and making the viewers understand their backstory and intentions. My only criticism is that it feels a little bit episodic in its nature and the ending doesn't quite have the punch that I wanted with it feeling just like a build up for the next season. 

Script

The script is really where the show excels. It is incredibly well written with some really intense drama that feels really natural and like what could happen in this intense environment. I have seen this show being presented as a comedy which isn't really true but it does have some funny moments littered in here. 

Style

The style of the show really focuses on the food and the fast pacing of a restaurant environment. It is a really dark and depressing show at times but it never becomes too much and I think that is due to the pacing of the show and the retro cinematic techniques used. 

Overall

Overall, The Bear Season 1 is fantastic and a show that deserves all the praise that it has received. It is really intense but the performances and writing make it truly worthy of a watch, 

Rating - 9/10

Batman: The Telltale Series (2016) Review

I am a huge Batman fan and that includes video games with The Arkham games being some of my favourite games over the last decade. I am not as familiar with The Telltale franchise but I know of the reputation they have. I was curious and a few years ago I played this game for the first time, I have decided to re-play Batman: The Telltale Series and here is my review for it. The premise of the game sees Batman attempting to take down the criminal element in Gotham, while Bruce Wayne attempts to clear his families name when shaking allegations are made. 

Characters

The busiest voice actor in the business Troy Baker voices Batman/Bruce Wayne. Which is interesting as he has now voiced Batman and The Joker in different video games and to nobody's shock he is really good in the role. Especially, when being Bruce Wayne as this game spends a lot of time with Bruce instead of Batman. He doesn't do anything revolutionary but he does all the things that would be expected with the character. 

Laura Bailey plays Catwoman/Selina Kyle and I really liked her dynamic with Bruce and how her moral compass is really questioned. Again, the game doesn't do anything really special with her character but she does well enough with the material given. 

Travis Willingham plays Harvey Dent and he is probably the best character other then Batman here. I really like the friendship and dynamic between Bruce & Harvey and the way the pressures of running for mayor really affect him. 

Other characters such as Gordon, Alfred & Oswald Cobblepot are really well voiced acted and fit the characters really well, which aided in the world building that goes on here. 

Story 

I will say that the story on show here is pretty unique for the most part and looks at elements of The Batman lore that haven't really ever been looked at. The game focuses on Bruce a lot and the relationships that he has with people and how his personal life is really affected by his role as Batman and things out of his control. However, I will say that this game tries to cram in way too much. It introduces so many iconic Batman characters and rushes through all of their comic book story arcs that it kind of feels like they don't really work together. 

Side Content

This game does a good job of world building and by using things like codex and different dialogue choices we get to learn about Gotham and some more about the characters. However, even though this game has different choices it feels incredibly linear and in the end becomes quite repetitive. 

Gameplay

This game doesn't really have gameplay. All it has is some quick time events and detective objectives that work as well as expected and I did have some enjoyment with them. But if we're honest games like this don't really care too much about the gameplay and focuses on the story and characters so it is definitely lacking here. 

Style

The game has a pretty authentic comic book look to it which is pretty cool to see compared to the more realistic looks we get in Film & TV. It also really doesn't hold back with the violence, I would say this is the most gritty and violent portrayal of a Batman property ever and it adds more to the game. However, this game does really struggle with some graphical glitches that really took me out of the game and the immersion that this game tries to create. 

Overall

Overall, Batman: The Telltale Series is an above average Point and Click adventure game. I enjoyed a lot about this game but it unfortunately falls a bit short of being the immersive Batman game that they really wanted. 

Rating - 6/10

Ballerina (2025) Review

Following the very profitable and successful John Wick franchise we have started to see the franchise expand. First we got the Prime show The Continental and now we have the first film spinoff in Ballerina, I saw this film yesterday and here is my review for Ballerina. The premise of the film sees a young women trained in the world of assassination in order to get revenge on the man who killed her Father. 

Main Character

Ana De Armas takes over the lead role as Eve and she is great in the role. Her motivations were incredibly simple but it was well conveyed by Armas and I wanted to see her succeed. She is also great in the action scenes and is super believable in taking out these guys that are trying to kill her. Eve is a worthy addition of protagonists in this franchise. 

Supporting Characters

Might as well start with it, Keanu Reeves reprises his role as John Wick and it is so much fun to watch him back on screen. Though, I had some issues with how the character is used, you cannot deny that seeing The Boogeyman in action is a great sight. 

Ian McShane is back as Winston and he is fun to watch but he is a really small part of the film and doesn't have anywhere near as big a presence as he did in the previous films. Also a shoutout to Lance Reddick who has been in all of these films and this is his last appearance due to his untimely death. 

Angelica Huston reprises her role as The Director and I just think her role didn't hit the note that it could have done. I just think the relationship between her and Eve is kind of forgotten about and not given the real depth it deserved. 

Gabriel Bryne plays The Chancellor who is the main villain here and he is just such a weak character. There is nothing interesting about this guy and his motivations just didn't work for me and that is a shame. 

Also Norman Reedus is here in a role and he is really wasted and it just feels like he did this as a favour to someone while he was filming his latest Walking Dead show. 

Story

The story is a pretty simple revenge story and that is fine with me and I did like how that was conveyed. Also it was pretty cool to see some of the training that Eve had to go through, though I wish this had been a bit longer. Though, the film starts to try and throw twists at the film that make no sense and there is a bigger focus on John Wick that does take away from Eve's final revenge. There is also a big plot involving a young girl and it could have been completely removed from the film and it would have been no different. 

Script

The script is okay, there is enough drama and some dry humour here that makes Eve a cool character. But the overall writing isn't great, character motivations and those unnecessary twists feel forced and that they didn't need to be there. 

Style

The film has a really cool style to it. These John Wick films have been known for their amazing action scenes as one person destroys a group of enemies in creative ways and this film really delivers there. It is dumb and silly but it moves at a good pace and has some truly brutal kills here. 

Overall

Overall. Ballerina is a good action film and though it maybe doesn't reach the heights of the best John Wick films it is a worthy addition to the franchise and is a good action film to watch and turn your brain off for. 

Rating - 7/10

Karate Kid: Legends (2025) Review

After the fantastic Cobra Kai, The Karate Kid Franchise has a new lease on life and we get a new film to add to the lineage in Karate Kid: Legends. I managed to find the time to watch the film and here is my review for Karate Kid: Legends. The premise of the film sees a young martial artist move to New York, he needs mentorship by two Sensei's to aid him succeed. 

Main Character

Newcomer Ben Wang plays Li Fong and he is an okay main character. He is pretty charming and a likeable enough character that you do want to root for him. But we just don't spend enough quality time with his character to really get enough development. It isn't like the characters from Cobra Kai where we get loads of time with them and Li needed more care put into his character. 

Supporting Characters

Jackie Chan reprises his role as Mr. Han from The Karate Kid Reboot and he is fun to watch here and you can tell that he is having a great time in this film. I wish we got more of him here and more character development but it doesn't take away my joy of seeing Jackie Chan in action. 

Joshua Jackson plays Victor Lipani and he is fun here and actually out of all of the adults I liked his dynamic with Li more then the others. Jackson is really likeable and you want to see him succeed, but the film just forgets about him about half way through which is a shame. 

I love Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso in the original films and Cobra Kai but he phones in his performance here and he really doesn't need to be here. He is nothing but a glorified cameo and it just feels like he is here so they can justify calling it a Karate Kid film. 

The rest of the cast is just forgotten about and not given time to shine. Ming-Na Wen plays Li's mother and she is just unlikeable and given no time to develop. Both Li's enemy and love interest are generic and they just couldn't be bothered to really right them. 

Story

The story has some interesting ideas in it and I liked how Li trains Victor for his fight, also some of the interactions between Chan & Macchio are fun. But this films plot is all over the place, the first act feels like a film that doesn't need The Karate Kid licence, then a rushed training montage leading to an incredibly rushed tournament that doesn't really have any stakes. The story is incredibly predictable and if the rest of the film was good then that would be fine but it just encapsulates the problems that are going on here. 

Script

The script has some chuckle worthy moments and some okay drama/emotional moments. But overall, it just falls really flat. It feels like the screenwriters wrote way too many subplots and had no idea how to put them together and that led to this messy script.

Style

There are some decent action scenes and in terms of action I thought the final fight did a pretty decent job of upping the intensity. But the film doesn't have enough fights here and the pacing is a disaster. This film has way too much going on in it and it barely has a 90 minute runtime meaning everything is just rushed and half baked. 

Overall

Overall, Karate Kid: Legends is the definition of average. It exists and will be forgotten incredibly quickly, it feels like an elongated episode of Cobra Kai that wasn't written or directed to the same level. It has some moments but you will have seen them all before so it is probably not worth the time. 

Rating - 5/10

Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning (2025) Review

After 30 years, it seems like all the previous Mission Impossible films have been building to this film, The Final Reckoning. I have enjoyed this franchise overall and was excited to see this film, well yesterday I got that chance and here is my review for Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning. The premise of the film sees Ethan Hunt and his team attempt to stop The Entity from destroying the world once and for all. 

Main Character

Tom Cruise is once again back as Ethan Hunt and he is fantastic. His dedication to this role is off of the charts and I just love his portrayal of the character. This film does a great job of showcasing the legacy of the character and Cruise really delivers here. 

Supporting Characters

Alongside Cruise, the only person to be in all of the Mission Impossible films is Ving Rhames who plays Luther Stickell and he is great in this film. The bond between him and Hunt is a real core of this film and I love the chemistry that the two of them have. 

Unfortunately, the rest of the cast doesn't actually have much to do here. Hayley Atwell is back as Grace, Simon Pegg as Benji & Pom Klementieff as Paris but none of them get a chance to shine. The actors really try their best but the material they are given is weak and none of them really get any character development. 

Esai Morales is back as the villain Gabriel and I feel very similar about him. I really like Morales and his performance is good enough but his character is a small part of this film and it just feels like he isn't given enough to interest the audience. 

All the characters in the US Military Team are dull. Angela Bassett as The President and Nick Offerman as a general isn't enough to make their plight interesting or something that needed to be here. 

Story

The story has some good themes to it and I liked the overall feeling of it, especially with a pretty satisfying ending that really fits the narrative of both this film and the franchise. But this film really loses its way with the actual plot. The entity is more dull then the previous film and Gabriel's motivations are half baked at best. The team gets split up and it feels like the focus is really on Ethan Hunt and taken away from other members of the team which is a shame. 

Script

The script is also a real mixed bag. There are some real heart-warming moments that make you really care about the situation that the characters are put in. I also liked how this film is linked to previous ones even if it does get a bit hand fisted at times. But the dialogue mostly feels really robotic and unrealistic that it just makes characters feel bland and not human, also as mentioned the villains whole plot is pointless and doesn't add anything. 

Style

Continuing in Mission Impossible fashion, this film has some fantastic action sequences. The last one in particular is amazing and one of the greatest set pieces I have ever seen on film and this film deserves huge credit for that. But this film has pretty terrible pacing, its nearly 3 hours long and I swear they could have cut almost an hour of stuff here. The first hour basically feels like a recap of previous films and it beats you over the head with exposition which means it takes way too long to really get going. 

Overall

Overall, Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning is an Above Average film that has amazing action scenes but is way too long and lacks interesting characters. If this is the final film in the franchise then it is disappointing that this film is just okay instead of fantastic. 

Rating - 6/10

Andor Season 2 (2025) Review

When Andor Season 1 was released, it was heavily praised for really grounding Star Wars and making it a real character study on these super interesting characters and the world that they are living in. A few years later we now have the 2nd and final season, with an accelerated release schedule it is now finished and here is my review for it. The premise of the season sees Cassian still working for Luthen while The Empire try and crush any resemblance of Rebellion while building The Death Star.

Main Character 

Diego Luna reprises his role as Cassian Andor and he continues to be fantastic. This season does a fantastic job in showing the lengths that Cassian will go to in order to protect the people he cares about and The Rebellion. It takes a bit of time to make him the centre piece of the show but when it does Luna nails it and gives us a fantastic protagonist. 

Supporting Characters

Denise Gough plays Dedra Meero and she is is great in her role. We see her inside The ISB and how her job is really affecting her life. As she gains more power she struggles with how to control all of these situations. Gough really delivers in creating a fascinating Imperial character. 

Stellan Skarsgard is back as Luthen Rael and this is still one of the most interesting characters in all of Star Wars. He is super illusive and despite being a good guy you see the ruthlessness that he is willing to commit in order to take down The Empire. In a long career, I think this might go down as Skarsgard's greatest ever role. 

Genevieve O'Reilly is back as Mon Mothma and she is also really good in her role. The political aspects of previous Star Wars projects has held it back but Andor manages to really deliver on it. O'Reilly is super crucial to this show and I love how we see her character progress over the season. 

All of the cast are amazing, Kyle Soller as Syril, Adria Arjona as Bix & Elizabeth Dulau as Kleya are real standouts and have so many memorable moments and I can't speak high enough of this fantastically assembled cast. 

Story

The show does a brilliant job of showing the real birth of The Rebellion and the true sacrifices that these characters went through in order for the success of the original trilogy. The show handles the character arcs really well and has an incredibly satisfying ending. However, I did have an issue with the structure of the storytelling. Each 3 episodes covers a year in the timeline which means certain story arcs are dropped and not really finalised in order to progress to the overall plot which was a slight shame for me. 

Script

The script is fantastic. This is probably the best writing in any Star Wars property and I love how dark and realistic this show is despite its sci-fi backdrop. It has many interesting and complex themes and it delivers on all them and really sets some high standards. 

Style

The show looks fantastic and the action scenes are incredibly well filmed and it really feels like a true pre-cursor to Rogue One. But the episodes are paced very well and understands that there is more then crazy action scenes and amazingly filmed scenes with no action. 

Overall

Overall, Andor Season 2 is a fantastic show that is so close to perfection. It really is the standard bearer of Star Wars projects currently and I really love the way it was made. In particular episodes 8,9 & 12 are some of the best Star Wars ever and if you are on the fence please watch Andor as I am sure it will not disappoint. 

Rating - 9/10

Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld (2025) Review

I wasn't around on May 4th so this review is definitely late and I wonder whether anyone is still even talking about Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld. I watched all 6 episodes today and here is my review for the show. The premise of the show sees Asajj Ventress trying to protect a young Jedi from the Empire, while we see the origins of Cad Bane. 

Main Character

Asajj Ventress is once again voiced by Nika Futterman and she could play this role in her sleep. Ventress is a cool character and it is good seeing her on screen. Honestly, I am not a huge fan of the way her character is treated but that isn't the problem with the performance. 

Corey Burton is back as Cad Bane and I just love this character. I mean, I am not sure if we needed an origin story for his character but I thought they did well enough with the material and Bane is still a really cool character. 

Supporting Characters

Niro is an old friend of Bane and he was easily the most interesting character other then the two protagonists. We see how his relationship sours with Bane and how that sets them both on the path that the show intended and I did like it. 

Lyco is a young Jedi that teams up with Ventress and I found him really annoying. I didn't care about his relationship with Ventress and it felt really underdeveloped which made it a forgettable character and storyline. 

The rest of the characters are forgettable and offer very little. Including a really stupid Inquisitor appearance that feels way overused in 2025. 

Story

Similar to Tales of the Jedi & Tales of the Empire this story is split into two halves and it is a mixed bag. I liked the Cad Bane story, the rivalry between Bane and Niro is well handled and I just thought it was pretty well done. But I really didn't care about The Ventress story, nothing really happens and it just feels like a waste of time. I don't like Ventress in this more good guy role and I just kind of wish we got 6 episodes about Cad Bane. 

Script

The script and writing isn't that great and honestly I think this is some pretty weak writing. There wasn't any real dramatic scenes that truly worked and the humour is poor or not even here. I never grew to care about anyone and the writing is a big part of that. 

Style

The show looks great, it continues the style from the other newer Star Wars animated shows and I do still enjoyed it with some decent action scenes. But the pacing of the show is terrible, I swear these episodes are getting shorter and shorter and with only 3 episodes per character it feels like everything is underdeveloped and not given a definitive ending. 

Overall

Overall, Star Wars: Tales of The Underworld is a below average show that is a big let down. I think we are starting to get to the point that these animated shows are just being released for contents sake and this is a big example of it. If you are a Star Wars fan then you have already watched it, if you aren't then don't bother. 

Rating - 4/10

Call of Duty: WW2 (2017) Review

After a really long replay of GTA V, I decided to review one of the Call of Duty games that I own but haven't played in a while in WW2. I completed the campaign and enough of the side content to review the game so here it is. The premise of the game sees a new soldier take part in WW2 and attempt to stop The Nazi Occupation. 

Characters

We play as Ronald "Red" Daniels played by by Brett Zimmerman and honestly I found Daniels incredibly boring and dull as a protagonist. He is just a really generic character and his arc is just as generic. There really isn't a real reason to care about him no matter how hard the game tries. 

Josh Duhamel plays Pierson and he is probably the best character in the game but that isn't saying much. He is the angry boss that has it out for the new members of the platoon, they do give him a story arc and Duhamel really tries but this game doesn't care enough and it ends up falling flat. 

The rest of the crew are also boring and have little personality. Turner is the by the numbers leader, Stiles is the nerd, Aiello is the old style soldier and Zussman is the cocky friend that we are meant to bond with. I never cared about any of these guys even though the game really wants us to. 

The game also struggles with the fact that we don't have a named antagonist. There is no villain so it just feels like there are less stakes in the final mission. 

Story

The story is pretty by the numbers. The positive that I will give is that it does delve into the horrors of WW2 and some excellently made cutscenes rose this story above its material. But this story is incredibly dull, as I mentioned above the characters are boring and I didn't care about them. The story is all over the place and just feels like excuses for our characters to go fight Nazis and has a pretty lacklustre ending. 

Side Content

Obviously, this is a Call of Duty game so the focus is on multiplayer and it is very average. It is fun to play for a little bit and I think the variety of weapons is better then the campaign. But the maps are all pretty small and it just feels like there is more of a focus on microtransactions then there is on the gameplay. 

Also, Nazi Zombies is back but as I have explained in some of my other COD reviews I have never been a big fan of this content so I didn't give this too much time and once again I wasn't a huge fan of what I did play. 

Gameplay

The gameplay is okay. It is sometimes satisfying to gun down these Nazi soldiers especially when you are getting headshots. Also the campaign has some unique missions that did provide a nice change of pace. But the gameplay just feels really slow and dull with its return to WW2 showing less of a variety here.

Style

The game looks really great and the cutscenes still hold up almost 10 years later. The transition from gameplay to cutscenes really is seamless and I don't think many games were doing this back then. The sound design is great and the battles do feel pretty epic in design. 

Overall

Overall, Call of Duty WW2 is an Average Game that does nothing to improve the structure of the franchise. It plays it incredibly safe and just feels like another yearly addition of a game without much thought. Give this one a miss when playing Call of Duty Games as it feels like a real cash grab. 

Rating - 5/10