Kimetsu no Yaiba: Hinokami Kebbutan

From its best-selling manga, the hit 2019 anime series, to the ultra-blockbuster movie of 2020 that smashed box office records worldwide, the Kimetsu no Yaiba franchise became the IT trend of the anime culture. Every which way you go, there's no escaping the fact that everybody loves Kimetsu no Yaiba. As 2021 became a big year for the franchise because of the upcoming Entertainment District arc coming later this year, the video game based on the megahit franchise has arrived, giving fans and newcomers alike the taste of demon-slaying action the world can't get enough of.

Kimetsu no Yaiba:
Hinokami Kebbutan
(PS4)

Kimetsu no Yaiba:
Hinokami Kebbutan
(PS5)

Ladies and gentlemen, the ever-popular demon-slaying action of Tanjiro Kamado and friends has arrived on gaming consoles as Kimetsu no Yaiba: Hinokami Kebbutan (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Hinokami Chronicles) promises to give fans and newcomers the taste of demon-slaying action as experienced from the hit franchise. Time to wield the Nichirinto in the comfort of your living room!

Crafted by the same people that brought you the Naruto fighting games and the .hack// JRPG franchise, Hinokami Kebbutan brings fans and newcomers to the world of Kimetsu no Yaiba.

Starting with the solo-player story mode faithfully called Hinokami Kebbutan (The Hinokami Chronicles), where players will reminisce the entire saga as Tanjiro Kamado, a young boy seeking vengeance against the demons who killed his family. Alongside his sister-turned-demon Nezuko and his friends, Inosuke Hashibara and Zenitsu Agatsuma, Tanjiro explores through the vast landscape of the Taisho-era Japan while mastering his Nichirinto to vanquish demons causing havoc in the dark.

The gameplay for the story mode has an RPG feel to it but as you are prepared to battle against enemies, it's a hack-and-slash fighting game that behaves like a fighting game with swords. It reminds us of you-know-what but still, like most fighting games, prepare for some intense button-mashing because at the right time at the right moment, you're going to execute some awesome deathblows as seen in the TV series. Simple as that.

When you're done reliving the entire Kimetsu no Yaiba storyline, you can invite a friend and battle each other in a two-player versus mode. Here, players can play as their favorite characters from the franchise, including popular ones like Giyu Tomioka, Shinobu Kocho, and Kyojiro Rengoku from the Mugen Train movie. We call dibs because there will be additional characters coming to the game via updates very soon so stay tuned!

Be in no doubt that the Hinokami Kebbutan is the Kimetsu no Yaiba video game fans and newcomers can't get enough. Like it or not, this will be your newest favorite game to get hooked on as much as the whole world got hooked on Tanjiro Kamado slicing demons in the neck with his Nichirinto. Enjoy!

Free Guy

Imagine you're a nobody, living in a video game world where everything's awesome if you're a good guy or a bad guy. Then, something bad's happening and you are the only one who can save it. Just ask Guy. He's into it in the comedy movie of the summer where it proves that you don't need to be cool to save the world.

Free Guy

Starring Ryan Reynolds, Jodie Comer, Lil Rel Howery, Utkarsh Ambudkar, Joe Kerry, and Taika Waititi, Free Guy is a comedy adventure movie centers on the life of a nobody, played by Reynolds, who spends the rest of his life doing your typical stuff in the video game world until fate changed when the video game world's going to end and it's up to him to save the day.

Think of this movie as a side-splitting cross between The Lego Movie, Ready Player One, Jumanji, Gamer, and Wreck-It Ralph because every moment in this film pits Guy into hilarious and perilous ways just to toy moviegoers for the fun of it. In the end, Free Guy shows that you don't need to be cool to save the world. It's all about using your head, your hands, and your heart to do one big good deed, whatever it is.

Although it feels as average as the main character, this comedy event of the summer is about as hilarious as any other comedy movie of the past and if you need a movie you can relate to or just to ease your stress out from boredom, consider this movie.

New Pokemon Snap

A long time ago, when you were in your early elementary years and you had a Nintendo 64, you may have stumbled into a classic video game titled Pokemon Snap, a game where you get to be a Pokemon photographer traveling to a faraway island, taking pictures of your favorite Pokemon. It was quite unique but it's nothing more of a distant memory for you until now...

New Pokemon Snap

Pokemon Snap is back on the Nintendo Switch and this time, it's even more picture-perfect than the original. Welcome to the New Pokemon Snap.

What is New Pokemon Snap, you may ask? It's a new Pokemon photography game that takes cues from the original Pokemon Snap and made it better, whatever it is. In this new game, players take on the role of a Pokemon photographer assigned to explore the wonders of the Lentil Region, surveying and photographing Pokemon living in the region.

Your goal is to create the best Pokemon Photodex featuring all the Pokemon photos you've shot at the Lental Region. From the harsh terrains, green forests, to the oceanside, you'll find plenty of Pokemon you can't wait to take pictures with. 

Of course, like the original, a simple Pokemon photo wasn't really enough. You need the right tools for the job if you want your photos to be more unique. For example, if you got access to the feature where you can throw fruits at a nearby Pokemon, you can use it if you want to take pics of Pokemons eating this delicious fruit you've thrown at them or if you have access to those mysterious orbs, you can throw it on a Pokemon and watch them glow and act differently. There are so many ways to take pictures of your favorite Pokemon so feel free to experiment with different features and here's hoping that your pictures will get the four-star rating, proof that your photos are unique.

Throughout this journey, you will encounter mysterious Pokemons that glow and no, they're not Shiny Pokemon as you may call it. They're different and those mysterious Pokemons can only be found in the Lentil region but what are they really? You'll have to find out to uncover these mysteries.

So, there you have it. The New Pokemon Snap feels just like the original Nintendo 64 video game but with so much of your favorite Pokemon desperate to get their shots taken by you, you will have fond memories about playing this rather unique Pokemon game that reminds you of your childhood moments. How will you snap?

Atsumare Doubutsu no Mori

The Doubutsu no Mori (Animal Crossing) franchise has finally landed on the Nintendo Switch with the brand new installment where players will get stranded on a wonderful journey where they can escape all their everyday stress of reality and enjoy their newest way to relax themselves with their new inhabitants. Welcome to Atsumare Doubutsu no Mori (Animal Crossing New Horizons).

Atsumare Doubutsu no Mori

Atsumare Doubutsu no Mori (Animal Crossing New Horizons) is the latest entry of the Doubutsu no Mori (Animal Crossing) franchise where players can enjoy their "me time" with new and memorable inhabitants just like past installments. In this new game, Tom Nook welcomes you to your own island getaway where you can spend your new life at a deserted island brimming with personality.

Players can make their island theirs by catching bugs and fishes, donate at the museum, plant flowers, add some conveniences to make your island lively for your new friends, explore, and more. During your island getaway, you can expect new and memorable characters to visit your island. Make sure you say hi to them just like what you do in past installments!

Also, you can craft new items to make life on the island easier. First, find some recipes, then explore around the island for materials required, and then visit Tom Nook's workbench to craft new items. If you are getting the hang of this island, you can make your island better by doing some good stuff such as building bridges, contribute resources and bells, and more. Not only your island will be better thanks to new and exciting features to unlock, but it will make the other inhabitants happy as long as they're not leaving.

This game is enjoyable with friends around you, that's why you can have up to eight players (up to four per system or up to eight with ad-hoc or online), to enjoy your island getaway and then share it to the world. You can use amiibo figures and cards to invite your favorite characters in-game.

With so much stuff going on around lately, it's good to know that once you have their newest installment, you can really take a break from all the everyday stress around you and relax in your island getaway with your new friends. This is definitely one of the best games to play this season and you should really thank Nintendo for bringing this hit franchise to the Switch.

Enjoy your island stay!

Pocket Monsters Sword and Shield

After months of waiting, the Pokemon franchise is expanded with an all-new saga featuring a new region full of new characters, new Pokemon, a mysterious new phenomenon, and a prophecy waiting to be uncovered. Welcome to Pokemon Sword and Shield, the next chapter of the Pokemon franchise.

So, what is Sword and Shield, you say? First and foremost, the new saga in the world of Pokemon welcomes players to the Galar Region, which is heavily inspired from Great Britain. Brit vibes aside, the new region is home to new Pokemon waiting to be caught.

At the start, players can choose one of the starters such as the Grass-type Grookey, the Fire-type Scorbunny, and the Water-type Sobble. With their starter set, players can explore the Galar Region catching new Pokemon, battle trainers, and conquer, yes really, gym battles, in the road to battle Leon and become the Galar Champion. It won't be easy but with the best Pokemon team with you, nothing is impossible.

There are plenty of Pokemon to catch in the Galar Region, be it new or returning. From new Pokemon such as Yamper, Corviknight, Morpeko, Cramorant, and Drednaw, to Galarian versions of familiar ones such as Ponyta and Weezing, every Pokemon is unique in every way and the key to victory lies between them.

Of course, there are version exclusives to expect in addition to cover legendary Pokemon such as Sword's Zacian and Shield's Zamazenta, and for the first time, different versions feature different gym leaders to compete. There are others, of course, so keep an eye out on what to expect per version.

Throughout your journey, Pokemon battles get even explosive due to the mysterious phenomenon known as Dynamax. Dynamax enlarges Pokemon for three turns, able to unleash massive moves that will turn the tide. In addition, a few Pokemon may change form under the guise of Gigantamax, such as Charizard, Drednaw, Alcremie, and Corviknight.

Believe it or not, you can catch one on Max Raid Battles and who knows, they might posses better stats than ordinary Pokemon. You might even have a crack at catching Gigantamax Pokemon as well but it won't be easy even with three NPCs fighting alongside you so it best to bring some friends before taking on. By clearing Max Raid Battles, you can win items and single-use TRs (reminscent of past TMs from early installments) full of powerful moves.

There are plenty of new features in the new installments such as going camping with your Pokemon. While camping, you can play with them and cook recipes your Pokemon will love to eat. Spending time with them makes them friendly and gain EXP.

Also, the way you use items to raise Pokemon has been recalibrated such as maxing your Pokemon with stat boosters anytime you want. If it's not your thing, you can send them to jobs to earn cash, EXP, or even stat boosts, depending on the job you choose.

Pokemon Sword and Shield will be compatible with next year's Pokemon Home service, which allows players to transfer Pokemon from past installments and Pokemon Go to Sword and Shield. However, only Pokemon listed to the Galar PokeDex are allowed. It's no wonder why fans grabbed pitchforks and yell in protest over the harsh decision. What's worse, with the advent of Dynamax mechanics, the whole Mega and Z stuff are now gone in Sword and Shield. Shame.

If you want to be a real Pokemon master, then this game is not for you. Good Pokemon masters always look back at their past achievements to salivate on their favorite Pokemon but what good not being a Pokemon master by not playing the latest installments despite the harsh decisions the producers made? It's hard to say but whether you like it or not, the newest Pokemon adventure will always leave its doors open to anyone who wish to start a new journey in the wonderful Galar Region. It's yours to explore if you're ready.

Yo-Kai Watch 4 ++

Last Summer, the blokes from Level 5 brought fans the latest installment of the Yo-Kai Watch franchise, called Yo-Kai Watch 4, and while this is basically an improvement compared to past installments, well, the new battle system is worth enjoying as well as the time-bending storyline, fans said they want some more. In response, the upgraded version of Yo-Kai Watch 4, called Yo-Kai Watch 4 ++, is out in the bag and into the Nintendo Switch and, for the first time, the PlayStation4, giving players more to expect the original doesn’t.

Yo-Kai Watch 4 ++ (PS4)

Yo-Kai Watch 4 ++ (Switch)

With YW 4++, fans can expect a bigger and more enjoyable Yo-Kai Watch experience with new co-op mode, new playable Yo-Kais to team up, and new quests to take on. Life on the human world and spirit world couldn’t get even bigger than this, even if its timey-wimey of course.

The Busters co-op mode have became a fan-favorite for the Yo-Kai Watch players and with the mode back on Yo-Kai Watch 4++, players can team up online to take on powerful bosses and score greater rewards. Trouble is, though, since this is on Switch and on PS4, online subscription (Switch Online/PlayStation Plus) is required, meaning players will have to waste their precious Yens to play this wondrous online co-op mode. Shame.

Anyway, if you think you are familiar with the original YW4 game, then think again because in YW4++, there are new locations to explore, new bosses to take on, and new playable Yo-Kai to team up. There's even a special guest appearance of Jinpei Jiba from the upcoming Youkai Gakuen Y movie as well.

If you are playing the original Yo-Kai Watch 4 game on the Nintendo Switch, you can purchase the upgrade pack DLC to take advantage of the new and exciting features offered on YW4++, including the wonderful but rather expensive Busters co-op mode. Once more, you can carry over your progress to this upgraded version as well so you can continue where you left off while experiencing additional stuff. You get the idea.

The Yo-Kai Watch franchise has been one of Level 5's most successful franchise ever made and inspirited fans the world over. With YW4++, the franchise expands to further heights because not only the Switch version is offered but for the first time for PS4 users. Sounds controversial but there's nothing they can do. Still, whichever console they're playing, YW4++ promises to stir up some memories for the fans who are spending the rest of the day jumping through time, teaming up with new and familiar Yo-Kai characters, and enjoy the enriching storyline that changed the franchise forever. The more you know.

Code Vein

This is by no means one of the most anticipated JRPGs ever to hit this fall and after a yearly drought that kept them waiting until the right time comes, Bandai Namco's newest role-playing game, Code Vein, hits hard with its bewildering storyline, unique cast of characters, and fluidic gameplay that will keep them hanging on to the very end.

Code Vein

In Code Vein, players venture through the post-apocalyptic world as a Revenant and battle through the harshest worlds to uncover the past and end the nightmare once and for all.

Code Vein features a breathtaking character customization system where players can personalize what sort of Revenant will be before jumping off to the beginning of the story. Apart from the character customization, players can experiment with various Blood Codes, Blood Veils, Gifts, and weapons, as well as buddy characters to team up, giving them many ways to take on numerous creatures and enemies as you venture through the post-apocalyptic world in style and substance.

If the going gets too tough by yourself, never fear, because Code Vein is not just for single play, it's also a co-op play where you can team up with another Revenant online and take on various challenges that you can't accomplish alone.

While not focusing on the main story, there are so many ways to do in Code Vein such as taking on side quests and much more, giving you more ways to accomodate in the post-apocalyptic world any time.

With its anime-style graphics, harsh locations that reflect the end of days, unique characters to meet and team up, and various battle styles to experiment, Code Vein truly is one of the most terrifying but rather unique Japanese Role-Playing Game that you can't get enough of. You'll spend a lot of days understanding the storyline, the quests, the open-world madness, and the battle styles to experiment and like most RPGs, you can't stop playing this game until you hit the ending credits. Simple as that...or is it?

Bandai Namco is known for their maddest video games in history and Code Vein truly is one of the maddest video games they've ever made and once played, you might fall in love with this post-apocalyptic JRPG game that will keep you hanging to the very end.

The Angry Birds Movie 2

Pigs and birds are always at war in the world of Angry Birds but what happens when these two rival sides join forces to take on a more powerful threat that could wipe them both out? This is exactly what happens in the sequel to the movie adaptation of the hit mobile app game made by Rovio which spawned a worldwide phenomenon that made them "angry" for more Angry Birds.

The Angry Birds Movie 2

With an all-star cast like Jason Sudeikis, Josh Gad, Danny McBride, Peter Dinklage, Bill Hader, and more, the Angry Birds Movie 2 promises to be even more angrier than the previous film and in this film, cue the Game of Thrones catchline, winter is coming as a powerful new threat emerges to destroy both the birds and the pigs' homes. Feared of losing their homes, the two mortal enemies ended up joining forces to stop this powerful new threat and save the world. Yes, that "let's save the world, you jerk" feeling when two rivals join forces to defeat a common enemy. Sounds classic.

That odd partnership between the two rival enemies surely made it the biggest Angry Birds adventure yet and it's also one of the corniest animated comedy films you would want to laugh about because with all the humor that really leaves viewers a mild pinch rather than a heavy punch just as powerful as a pack of Angry Birds crash-landing on their targets, you can slightly leave yourself a not-so-big smile when you finished watching the film. 

While some suggest that this is just another filler to occupy just another Friday on the summer movie season, there are some upsides about The Angry Birds Movie sequel as fans of the phenomenal franchise would agree and cuteness aside, the biggest of all is the clear lesson about it doesn't matter which side you're on, as long as you are working towards a common goal with your foes (whatever it means) to save the day. 

Yes, everyone knows this lesson but this sequel surely knows how to leave families and fans with an angry smile on their faces that are more angrier than they where when they first saw the first Angry Birds movie. Not quite the ideal movie to watch this summer but if you are here for some animated laughs while trying lighten yourselves up with some mild cuteness (trust me, these guys aren't cute), consider this film set.

My rating: 3.5 out of 5.

Kishiryu Sentai Ryusoulger: Timeslip! Kyoryu no Panic! / Kamen Rider Zi-O: Over Quartzer

TOEI presented the whole family this year's double movie feature starring their favorite sentai heroes seen on TV Asahi every Sunday mornings such as the latest installment of the Super Sentai Series, Kishiryu Sentai Ryisoulger, and the last Kamen Rider of the Heisei Era, Kamen Rider Zi-O.

The former sees the Ryusoulger heroes zapped all the way back to the prehistoric era, where they will witness the secret origin of Ryusoulger. Origins aside, the gang are facing powerful threats as they fight their way back to the original timeline.

The latter sees the Zi-O Trinity's fateful encounter with a group of renegades known as the Quartzer, played by members of DA PUMP. With the Quartzer men standing their way, Zi-O and the gang must fight their way to save history and the future. Aside from unleashing Zi-O's Ohma Form in the film, it also welcomes the first-ever Reiwa Kamen Rider coming this fall, named Kamen Rider Zero-One, a tradition where an upcoming Kamen Rider installment is previewed during the film.

This double-bill is worth a blast to watch and the whole family will enjoy their summer holiday watching their favorite sentai heroes blasting through the pages of history, from the Ryusoulger's secret origin to Zi-O's final mission.

Enjoy summer with this double-biller!

Disney's The Lion King (2019 film)

Another Disney classic has been given a live-action rebirth and this time, they're not "lion", get it? Because The Lion King promises to be one of the most captivating films to watch in the midst of the summer movie season with its larger than life experience that delivers the roar from the peak of the Pride Lands to the edge of your seats.

Disney's The Lion King (2019 film)

With a powerhouse cast lending their voices to this larger-than-life live-action rebirth of the 1994 animated film of the same name, directed and produced by Jon Fraveau, The Lion King delivers the majestic feel of the legendary Disney classic to a whole new approach while preserving the original storyline that is as iconic as any other Disney legends that were given live-action treatments since Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, even The Jungle Book.

While the musical parts of the film such as "Just Can't Wait to be King", "Can you feel the love tonight", and more famously "Hakuna Matata" can't match the ones from the original animated film, which is a bit of a flaw, as well as the question of how Disney accepted the challenge to create the live-action take of a Disney legend featuring nothing but animals just like how they've learned from The Jungle Book, the people behind it overcame such challenges to deliver an enriching experience the whole family will enjoy. Watching this film from start to finish made the viewers realize why Disney is still the king of reviving the stuff of legends into new and exciting ways to love their IPs even more but like lions sleeping tonight (yep, there goes the memorable intro of that song), it's hard to comment but gasp to the marvels of triumph Disney made to bring Simba's legend to life.

From three animated films, two TV spin-offs, and a Broadway musical to name a few, The Lion King is a legend in the wonderful world of Disney and this live-action remake will leave a pawprint to its legacy like a true king.

My rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Toy Story 4

Our favorite toys are back for their biggest and most hilarious adventure in the history of Toy Story as Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and friends set off to an epic, life-changing, road trip, just to show how big the world can be for a toy.

Toy Story 4

With Tom Hanks and Tim Allen reprising their roles as Woody and Buzz Lightyear, with some new and returning faves in store in this film, Toy Story 4, the fourth film of the first Disney-Pixar masterpiece in history, sees the toys set off to an epic road trip where toys like them can be so much more than being toys themselves. This is the biggest Toy Story adventure yet and there's so much to talk about just how hilarious, how daring, and how emotional the newest installment can be and just as we thought fans got emotional at the end of the third film, the fourth film will be even more because of moments that can be related to you and your family.

When moviegoers went to watch this film, one of the drastic changes moviegoers noticed is Bo Beep's new look and her new look truly shows the definition of a strong female character. That's a plus but there's more to it than that because with so many new toy characters popping up alongside returning favorites, including the one Bonnie made and christened him Forky, the world of Toy Story couldn't get even bigger but sometimes more can't be merrier.

While this is getting much of a lost cause for a Summer family movie like this, it's still a must watch and with Summer officially started, there's never been a perfect time to spend with your family watching the newest Toy Story flick. It may be funny, emotional, corny, and daring, but this film is all about life change and just like the toys themselves, there's a big world out there waiting to be discovered, no matter how good or bad things will be.

My rating: 3.9 out of 5.

Yo-Kai Watch 4: Bokura Wa Onaji Sora wo Miageteiru

For five years, Level 5's hit Yo-Kai Watch franchise reshaped the monster genre for today's generation with over a hundred Yo-Kais to befriend and battle while exploring different worlds and timelines. After five years, the world of Yo-Kai Watch has arrived on the Nintendo Switch and this will be the biggest Yo-Kai Watch adventure yet.

Yo-Kai Watch 4:
Bokura Wa Onaji Sora wo Miageteiru

Yo-Kai Watch has finally arrived on the Nintendo Switch and with Yo-Kai Watch 4, you control the fate of three different timelines as you will venture through different timelines, befriending new and returning Yo-Kais, and uncover the secrets of the spirit world. In the present world, you get to play as Keita Amano and Fumika Kodama. In the future world, meanwhile, you get to play as Natsume Amano, Touma Tsukinami, and Akinori Arihoshi. And in the past, you play as Shin Shimomachi. Believe it or not, these characters can join the fight alongside their Yo-Kai friends as well as powering up their skills to make them more suitable for their next battles.

The battle system has been massively improved as well because instead of the traditional battle system that you are familiarized with, it uses the improved version of the battle system derived from Yo-Kai Watch Busters game so your character can freely battle at your disposal. Mastering the characters' spirit weapons, mastering every Yo-Kai Watch's skills on battle, mastering the new Stopwatching feature, this new battle system becomes even more strategic than ever.

There's even more to this because while playing on the future world, you can unleash Shadowside versions of your favorite Yo-Kais such as Jibanyan and Komasan, making battles even more fiercer, especially boss battles. Also, Toma's Yo-Kai Watch Ogre allows him to transform himself as one of the spirit warriors or when equipped with a divine sword, giving him the ability to become one of the divine gods, the results are even more twice as awesome.

Different timelines come with different Yo-Kais to meet and whether if you are exploring through the past, present, and the future, there's a new Yo-Kai waiting to be befriended so don't be shy. They deserved to be part of your temporal adventure. 

Oh, and keep an eye out for some special guests lurking around on Yo-Kai Watch 4. Don't know who they are but they are famous enough to join the cast. Just ask Gegege no Kitaro and the Omuta City mascot, that's for sure.

Remember the Yo-Kai Arks you got from the toy stores ever since the Shadowside era? You can scan it with your Nintendo Switch Joy-Con and gain lots of goodies that will be proven useful on your adventure, whatever that means.

There are so many ways to do in Yo-Kai Watch 4 but we'll leave it here for now but anyway, with its improved graphics, improved battle system, immense storyline that spans different timelines, new and returning Yo-Kais to meet, and different ways to play, the latest Yo-Kai Watch game promises to bring new and returning fans an adventure they will never forget because with the past, present, and future joining forces, this is by no means the biggest Yo-Kai Watch adventure in ages, for good times and bad times, and since this is on the Nintendo Switch, you can play it anywhere you want as long as you're not making a ruckus on everyone around you.

Good luck on your biggest Yo-Kai adventure yet!

Godzilla: King of Monsters

The folks from Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures, despite having hangovers from the success of the Detective Pikachu movie, are back at making monster movies and this time, they're welcoming Godzilla back in what was known to be one of the biggest blockbuster films to cause havoc before the summer season begins where in this film, there will be only one monster to rule them all.

Godzilla: King of Monsters

Continuing the monstrous success of their MonsterVerse franchise which began with Godzilla and Kong: Skull Island, this 2019 sequel sees the king of monsters taking on the most monstrous foes in history such as Mothra, Rodan, and the most nefarious monster of them all, King Ghidorah. As these mythical creatures emerge to unleash hell on earth, the fate of humanity is on a knife edge and whether if Godzilla is a threat to humanity or their last hope, this is going to be a monster movie to remember.

It's easy to have the entire human cast being overshadowed by the monsters in this film but there is a lot more than that because upon witnessing the clash of the titans, King of Monsters really leaves viewers an epic white-knuckle thriller not for the faint-hearted and this film literally sets the world on fire.

Monster after monster after monster after monster, Godzilla: King of Monsters really is the must-watch film of the weekend and with summer's upon us, this film is a clear reminder that summer is here in a fiery manner but if you are too scared to watch this film, best to cover your eyes in parts were the monsters raging through the rest of the film.

It maybe as scary as a horror film but this is no horror film, oh no, because this is an action packed monster movie that stomps the competition alive and thanks to the King of Monsters, we can expect more fire and fury in the world of the MonsterVerse franchise.

My rating: 4 out of 5

Disney's Aladdin (2019 film)

After the success of 2015's Cinderella and 2017's Beauty and the Beast, among many other Disney classics reborn as live action films, another Disney legend has been reborn and this time, it's off to the Arabian nights in the tale of Aladdin, a petty thief whose life changed forever upon his encounter with the Genie.

Disney's Aladdin (2019 film)

Starring Mena Massoud as the titular character, Naomi Scott as Princess Jasmine, and Will Smith as the Genie, among many others, the live action rebirth of a Disney classic is all about the petty thief named Aladdin whose life changed forever upon his encounter with the Genie, a mystical being emerged from the magic lamp who has the power to make their wishes come true. Aladdin wants to harness the Genie's powers in order to impress Princess Jasmine but the villainous Grand Vizier named Jafar wants to seize control of it in order to achieve his evil plot. Those wishes do really come with a painful price to pay.

Like most live-action rebirths of every known Disney classic since Cinderella, this film delivers a fresh new twist on a timeless tale everyone's familiar with although some say it's a bit confusing because of the Genie character who feels a bit different compared to the original cartoon one who has full of humor and full of jokes. And, like most Disney Princesses, it's the Princess Jasmine character that stands out the rest of the characters of the film because of one inescapable fact. The actress who played Princess Jasmine really relates to her role because it's about her finding strength over silence, that's why she performed the song Speechless, the image song of this film as they said.

Although it wasn't as they've wished for, this film really pulls the right strings to deliver the dramatic vibrance filmgoers wanted to see and in true Disney tradition, it's all about the magic that captivates people of all ages. It never really fails to impress and this film really then is a genuine contender to the best family film of the Spring season.

My rating: 4 out of 5

RAGE 2

The original RAGE, launched eight years ago, was a tour de force from the madmen behind hit FPS games like Quake and the legendary FPS game, Doom. It pits players on a role of an Arkist surviving in a world decimated by an asteroid and reign down destruction against enemy factions and a ruthless organization known as The Authority. This cult classic game really spells madness...right up to the endgame that left them wondering what might have been because once it's over, it's over, and they'll have to do it all over again. So, with the lesson learned, the men from Bethesda decided to call on the best people possible to create a long-awaited sequel to the cult-classic FPS and this time, they've got it right.

RAGE 2 (PS4)

RAGE 2 (Xbox One)

Made in collaboration with two of the maddest game developers in the world, id Software and Avalanche Studios, RAGE 2 is the long-awaited sequel to the original that is set three decades after the destruction left from the first one and in this game, players are back in the wasteland as the new main character, the last surviving Ranger named Walker who lost his home and now extracts revenge against menacing factions and in due course, destroy The Authority once and for all.

With new and returning characters aside, RAGE 2 is surely be a slaughterfest fans wouldn't want to miss thanks to new and exciting features fans and newcomers can't wait to get their hands on. Because the new main character is an Arkist, just like the previous protagonist from the previous RAGE, Walker possesses destructive abilities and some destructive arsenal of weapons which allows him to carve his own path of destruction against mutants, enemies, even The Authority. They're all upgradable, of course, to make it even more powerful against stronger enemies you might come across later.

With the right abilities and the right weapons, you can create devastating combo attacks that can easily to turn the tables in battles and when the right time comes, you can engage Overdrive, which makes your weapons and abilities more powerful as well as taking advantage of sick perks such as faster movement and health regeneration.

Believe it or not, the Wingstick from the previous RAGE is back and it's even more lethal than ever thanks to its new homing feature that can home in through enemies and can be upgraded for even more explosive effects. Everybody loves a powered-up Wingstick, right?

While taking a break from all of the main missions, the open world possibilities in RAGE 2 are near endless as you can take on various things to do in the wasteland such as toppling out enemy convoy, take on a wave of mutants in Mutant Bash, race, and more. There's so much you can do while warming yourself up for bigger ones later. On foot, behind the wheel, feel free to do whatever you want.

If RAGE 2's becoming too bored because of you being too basic, don't worry because somewhere in the Wasteland lies the mysterious being known as the Wasteland Wizard. Apart from selling outrageously-priced goodies, he can sell you some cheats that will make the gameplay even more exciting. Cheats such as the hilarious "He's on Fire" cheat, the one-hit kill cheat, the electricity cheat, the one where you can eject the Phoenix vehicle instead of you up in the air, and many more. There will be more post-launch that will make RAGE 2 even more rewarding and hilarious so keep an eye out on them later on.

Of course, just because you've done RAGE 2 doesn't mean you're done with it, there will be various contents coming your way later on with global community challenges to take on, new cheat codes, new weapons, and two new expansions coming up later on, with the first expansion "Rise of the Ghosts" coming this summer. These things will keep RAGE 2 even more RAGE-ier than ever.

So, thanks to new and explosive ways to carve your own destructive path in the wasteland, RAGE 2 is becoming the ultimate action thriller game you can't wait to get your sadistic hands on and trust them, this is the game you won't "rage quit" on because once you get hooked on this explosive sequel, you will always come back for more destruction until your head hurts really bad.

Not only it's better than the original RAGE eight years ago but this is surely one of the most insane post-apocalyptic shooter adventure game of the year, full stop. So insane, you'd really want to be like them for sure even until the endgame.

Pokemon: Detective Pikachu

Since Pokemon is known to be one of the most successful franchises in history which started life as a video game made by Nintendo, Creatures, and GAME FREAK, then spawned a TV anime, and then a series of merchandising rights, it didn't took long before the folks from Hollywood wanted a piece of a Pokemon action by making their live-action Pokemon film but it's not what you think it is because the live action Hollywood movie adaptation of the smash hit franchise turns out to be one of the Pokemon spin-offs in question, specifically Detective Pikachu.

Pokemon: Detective Pikachu

With Deadpool actor Ryan Reynolds lend his voice to the titular character and the introduction of Justice Smith as Tim Goodman, the film sees Tim, the son of the famous detective Harry Goodman, arrived in Ryme City in search for his father's whereabouts and that's how the unexpected team-up between Tim and Detective Pikachu comes into play, searching for his missing father while dealing with a terrifying menace that could threaten the world forever.

There are a couple of problems about the live action Pokemon movie and that goes down to the Pokemon featured in the film because like every single Hollywood movie adaptation of popular anime titles, the people behind the film went over to the Pokemon designs as compared to the original anime looks, therefore it looks rather scary to look at or furry. And then, there's the theme. The Detective Pikachu video game a while back looks like a faux Professor Layton and that looks rather charming. The film though is a bit too much if you ask.

Behind the little niggles, there are some upside to this live action Pokemon film. When it was first shown in theaters across Japan, it managed to claw through the top three spot, two places behind this year's Detective Conan film and that is very impressive indeed for a live-action adaptation of one of the most successful franchises in the world. Behind the success lies the rather nice storytelling and the sense of humor it delivers. Everybody loves a good sense of humor in the film as well as the inevitable plot twist in store and such chemistry results into one of the most must-watch films of the season.

Although it isn't the best film of the year but it's by far out one of the most impressive films full stop and this is just one of the reasons why we all love Pokemon and always will be.

My rating: 3.6 out of 5.

Catherine Full Body

The cult classic puzzle game Catherine brought the meaning of masculinity to a terrifying new level as players pit on the role of Vincent Brooks, a man cursed by the Woman's Wrath and climbs his way to survive the nightmares of his masculinity torn by two women, one's named Katherine McBride and the other's named, you guessed it, Catherine. With Valentine's Day here, the game that ruined masculinity is back with a twist and everything you know about the story of Catherine has changed.

Catherine Full Body

Catherine Full Body brings a terrifying new twist on the unconventional romantic horror we are familiar with as well as the puzzles to climb your way to freedom. Players will return to the story of Vincent Brooks, an earnest and kind man with a certain curse who has a terrifying week. He keeps seeing those terrifying nightmares all because of the women that tore his life apart. Since this is the Full Body version, not only Vincent will ran into his love interest Katherine McBride and the mysterious young woman named Catherine, but this fresh new rewrite introduces a new, mysterious character goes by the name of, ahem, Qatherine or Rin for short. How the story goes and ends is all up to you.

The gameplay fans are familiar with has been rewritten as well and those who are unfamiliar with the game are introduced with the new Safety difficulty setting. This very easy setting allows first-timers to keep playing without getting Game Over as well as undo several times and engage Auto-Play. Apart from the new setting, players can play in either Standard or Arrange. The Standard mode lets players familiar with the Catherine game play classic puzzles while the Arrange mode features new and terrifying ways to survive. There are over 500 ways to play Catherine Full Body, so don't be shy.

If you had fun revisiting the story of Catherine, you can challenge everyone in a two-player mode, either local or online, versus or co-op, whatever you want if you got the balls to climb your way to the top faster than everyone else in the world.

At launch, the full Catherine experience gets expanded with numerous DLCs such as additional playable characters and several voices for Catherine. If you bought the Dynamite Full Body BOX set, you get early access to the Nero glass DLC apart from all of the goodies you got from the box set. Come end of February, you can play as Joker from Persona 5 as a DLC character.

This terrifying rewrite to the 2011 cult classic puzzle game wants new and returning players to see if they have the balls to take on the Woman's Wrath once again while making the most crucial choice to see if they are man enough for their relationships. The original Catherine had shook everyone's feet with their terrifying puzzles to solve and this Full Body version made it even more terrifying but downright humorous in a dark comic matter and whether if you are familiar with this game or those who want to try it in the first place should consider this game worth the shot.

The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part

A few years ago, the world of LEGO comes to life with The LEGO Movie and with all of the star-studded antics ever assembled, "everything is awesome" in the world of LEGO. Fast forward today and the crazy antics in the world of LEGO gets even more crazier with The Second Part.

The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part

With stars like Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, and Will Arnett back for their second outing with other celebrities assembled for more, The LEGO Movie 2 promises to be even more hilarious and more enjoyable for the whole family to see in the midst of the cold snap they're facing now. Set five years after the first film, Bricksburg has been annihilated by the invasion of DUPLO blocks. You know, those variants made for babies, but anyway as the world plunged into DUPLO-induced chaos, our heroes will venture through different worlds and show just how awesome they are.

Like the first film, The Second Part keeps the LEGO-induced awesomeness while introducing new and exciting ways to keep the LEGO magic alive. Of course, the introduction of LEGO DUPLO in the film can be downright odd to be labeled as enemies, the spirit of "build, build, build" like what kids do with their LEGOs in their weekends is what kept this sequel fueling for new heights and with humorous moments aside, this film really packs some good vibes to chill yourselves with.

Although corny and odd, there are so many life lessons we can learn from the film but more importantly, the movie's mantra of "everything is awesome" is still the key term that sums this sequel up. It maybe the second part but it's still as awesome as the first one.

My rating: 3.8 out of 5. 

The Kid Who Would Be King

The legendary tale of King Arthur and the Sword of Excalibur just got itself a modern twist as the newest family adventure film to ring in the year 2019 unfolds and it's about the story of an average kid who was chosen to save the world from a malevolent force trying to threaten the world. No sweat, right?

The Kid Who Would Be King

The Kid Who Would Be King is a film where old school magic meets the modern world in one of the most ideal family movies to kickstart the year 2019 with epic adventures. It's about the story of an average kid named Alex who was chosen to unleash the Sword of Excalibur. With the help of the magician Merlin, the kid who would be king prepares to team up with his friends and foes and unite to save the world from the wrath of Morgana.

Although the title of the film sounds rather odd because a few heard of a certain someone but never mind about the questionable movie title because this family adventure film is about finding one's destiny and use it to change the future, for better or for worse. 

With a blend of comic humor, drama, and thrilling action in store, this film really pulls all the right angles to deliver a family film worth ruling for in all the right or wrong barrels that is and in such case, there's no denying The Kid Who Would Be King will be one of the best films to ring in the new year with sheer epic enjoyment.

Questionable title, epic adventure. That really sums up the film well.

My rating: 3.9 out of 5.

Bumblebee (movie)

Autobot Bumblebee is hands down one of the coolest Transformers in ages. In fact, he's so popular, he actually got his own movie about his beginnings and fans are in for a sweet treat because for the first time since the TV show, Bumblebee's back to being an old VW Beetle, which is good news for nostalgic fans many. Time to join the buzz.

Bumblebee

Set in the late 1980's, the story of Bumblebee begins as a young woman named Charlie, played by Hailee Steinfeld, who wants to live free by her own rules until she encountered an old yellow VW Beetle lying in dormant in a junkyard and what she learned that this is not just a Beetle. It's an Autobot named Bumblebee, a wounded warrior from another world. This is where the true bond between man and machine begins.

While Transformers fans are heavily delighted about Bumblebee's classic look just like in the Transformers TV series because of him being a VW Beetle like the original show, the storyline is downright touching and while there are intense moments where our favorite Autobout springs into action, there are some moments that will make us cry because of the connection the two characters made. That connection between man and machine is what makes this film very special. Emotional, rather.

Combining action thriller moments just like every Transformers films with the emotion of a family film about friendship and bond, Bumblebee is one of the must-watch films in the Christmas season and there's so much to buzz about it.

My rating: 3.9 out of 5.