Black Phone 2: Blu ray Review

Cast: Ethan Hawke, Mason Thames, Madeleine McGraw, Jeremy Davies, Demian Bechir
Director: Scott Derrickson

If you're looking for a film that mixes Nightmare on Elm Street with a Friday the 13th style bad guy and setting in a camp near a lake, then Black Phone 2 should be checking all of your boxes with ease.

In this sequel to the 2021 horror film, the big question is what to do with Ethan Hawke's serial killer The Grabber who was offed in the first flick's finale.

The answer? Make him appear as a nightmarish vision made real and amp up the psychological impact being kidnapped would have on your victim and his family. It's no mean feat, but the bleak and at times, downright nasty Black Phone 2 (who would ever be a Christian facing off against a devilish figure here is a valid question) certainly has a way of inveigling its way under your skin.

Four years after escaping the Grabber's greasy clutches, Finney (Mason Thames) is struggling to cope. Reduced to smoking pot and waling on those who mock him for killing a serial killer, he's a mess. Things are further complicated when his sister Gwen starts having visions of being contacted by their dead mother from a camp high in the Rocky mountains and also seeing dead children.

Determined to slay their demons once and for all, the pair head to the camp for one more showdown.

Black Phone 2 works despite its derivative origins and the feeling there was nowhere else to go after the first.

Fashioning a backstory is always dangerous for a seemingly one-shot serial killer, but there's genuine nightmare fuel here, thanks to distorted imagery, discordant soundtracks and some very unsettling imagery and philosophies.

When the Grabber details to Gwen what hell is like and how it strips away all of the humanity, leaving only the sin to fester, it's upsetting stuff delivered with both pain and torture by Ethan Hawke, who once again excels in the less is more approach.

Equally, with a bleak outlook and set mostly at night (or in the twilight hours), the nightmares which play out in that dreamland that any insomniac will be familiar with leads to some haunting imagery. Turning sleepwalking into a kind of 1980s videotape fuzzy vibe also helps with a film that really does have a way of dialling up the creepy edges.

There's an argument that this is anti-Christian in some ways (a child killer at a Christian camp, the way it treats two evangelists) but that aside, this is a largely excellent film that makes great fist of its small clutch of cast.

Packed with tension and unease, upset and disturbing imagery, Black Phone 2 builds on the legacy of the first and unfurls a truly upsetting story that works from its directing restraint and because it taps into many ideas many of us secretly can't shake in the small hours of the morning.

Psychological, cinematic horror Project Songbird launches for consoles and PC in March

Solo developer FYRE Games is today thrilled to announce that its cinematic, narratively-driven horror title Project Songbird will launch for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam on March 26. FYRE Games is self-publishing on PC, while the console ports will be published by Dojo System.

Set deep beneath the isolating canopy of the Appalachian forest, Project Songbird is a grippingly, surreal and psychological tale which explores the dark side of the creative process. Players will take on the role of Dakota, a struggling career musician who, while suffering from writer's block, heads to a remote log cabin to record their new album. As they search amongst the pines for a spark of creativity, they soon discover something more lurks in the darkness - and that not all inspirations are positive.

With a strong-focus on narrative, cinematic presentation and player immersion, Project Songbird effortlessly juxtaposes picturesque, naturalistic environments with surrealist nightmarescapes. Stunning voice performances from a highly-talented cast will pull players headfirst into this dark tale, while tactile and heart-pounding combat encounters will keep them on their toes.

Project Songbird - Key Features

• A dark, enthralling 4-5 hour narrative to keep you hooked and guessing until the end.

• Gorgeous visuals as you traverse numerous and diverse environments, presented with a cinematic, film-like aesthetic.

• Ranged and melee combat with upgradeable weapons to help you survive your nightmarish journey.

• A stellar voice cast, starring Valerie Rose Lohman (What Remains of Edith Finch, Wolfenstein: Youngblood), Jonah Scott (Dying Light 2: Stay Human, Date Everything), and Aleks Le (Persona 3: Reloaded, Marvel Rivals, Ghost of Yotei).

• A beautifully dynamic and haunting soundtrack composed and performed by Jacob Noska, and Jonah Henthorne: members of the band Auric Echoes.

Project Songbird will launch for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam on March 26, 2026.

For more information on FYRE Games and Project Songbird, please visit the official website, or follow on Bluesky, X, Instagram and TikTok.

Killer Inn | Early Access Details Announced

MURDER MYSTERY ACTION GAME KILLER INN LAUNCHES INTO EARLY ACCESS ON FEB. 13, 2026

 

Start Playing for Only AUD$14.95 for a Limited Time

 

 

SQUARE ENIX announced that KILLER INN, the thrilling multiplayer murder mystery action game, will launch into Early Access on Feb. 13^(ANZ), 2026 on PC via Steam®.

 

As KILLER INN enters the Early Access stage of its development, the development team will actively seek player input to further refine the game ahead of its official release. The game will be available to purchase at the special Early Access price of AUD$14.95 | €9.99 | USD$9.99. The game price will increase upon its official release*, so players are encouraged to take advantage of this special early bird pricing. Optional in-game cosmetic purchases will also be available.

 

 

 

In KILLER INN, 24 players are invited to a mysterious castle by a shadowy organization known as Astra to compete to win unfathomable riches. They will be randomly and secretly assigned one of two roles: Wolves, whose mission is to hunt and kill, and Lambs, who must fight back and survive the mayhem or escape the castle. Players must use every weapon, tool and clue in their arsenal to survive and win. With the killers hiding in plain sight, players will need to question everything, even their closest allies. By the end of the night, all players must kill, be killed, or escape the madness.

 

KILLER INN is developed by Tactic Studios and published by SQUARE ENIX in collaboration with TBS GAMES. For more information, visit: https://www.square-enix.com/killer-inn/

  

 

About KILLER INN

KILLER INN is a murder mystery action game, fought between the minority team of wolves and the majority team of lambs. Set in a mysterious old castle, 24 players engage in a life-or-death battle of deception. Wolves must disguise themselves amongst the lambs, taking them down one by one. The lambs collect clues (hair, fingerprints, clothing, etc.) left behind at the murder scenes to narrow down the wolves and eliminate them. Enjoy a battle between detectives and murderers as if you have wandered into the world of a mystery drama.

KILLER INN is a collaborative project between TBS GAMES, the game business brand of TBS Television, and Square Enix. Combining the entertainment field know-how of both companies, we will bring a new experience to customers inside and outside Japan with this brand-new IP.

About Square Enix, Inc.
Square Enix, Inc. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX and TAITO branded entertainment content throughout the Americas as part of the Square Enix group of companies. The Square Enix group of companies boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property including: FINAL FANTASY, which has sold over 207 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST, which has sold over 95 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS. Square Enix, Inc. is a U.S.-based, wholly owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.

More information on Square Enix, Inc. can be found at https://square-enix-games.com

Code Vein II is now available in early access

Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe today announced that CODE VEIN II, the long-awaited follow-up to the 2019 hit CODE VEIN, is now available in Early Access on consoles and PC. Developed by Bandai Namco Studios, the new action RPG takes players on an epic journey where they wield time as a weapon, traverse through past and present versions of an explorable world and uncover a dramatic battle to save humanity. CODE VEIN II features action-packed RPG play with engaging combat and a deep progression system for character, weapon and ability upgrades. CODE VEIN II is available now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam in Standard, Deluxe, and Ultimate Editions. For more information, visit www.playcodevein.com.

  

CODE VEIN II sends players on an epic narrative-driven journey where they wield time as a weapon and join forces with companions. Set in a future where the last remnants of humanity and Revenants struggle against a world on the verge of collapse, players will travel across vast environments with companions as they take on challenging foes and massive, unforgettable bosses. Players assume the role of the Revenant Hunter to prevent the Resurgence, a cataclysmic event that threatens the fate of the world. Accompanied by Lou MagMell, a Revenant girl who revives the protagonist and wields the power to travel through time, the Revenant Hunter embarks on a mission to rewrite history and save the world.

 

CODE VEIN II features distinctive gameplay for an action RPG, where players use blood drained from enemies to unlock a variety of powerful skills, build strategy for combat with Blood codes, and use unique weapons and equipment called Jails to overcome challenging foes and epic bosses. The game also introduces the brand-new Partner System, which lets players seamlessly switch between two forms of combat. The Partner System further elevates player combat into a dynamic action experience with the new Link Points gauge, Link Traits, Partner Trait Bonuses, and the Restorative Offering mechanic where partners can restore the fallen Revenant Hunter with recovered health.

 

The deep customisation system returns in CODE VEIN II for the game’s protagonist Revenant Hunter, where players can customise their characters to perfection with a vast array of settings for body type, hairstyle, facial expressions, accessories, makeup and more. Players can also visit key locations in game called the hot springs to view their character in different lighting environments and use Photo Mode to capture and save their creations.

 

For information on CODE VEIN II and other products from Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe, please

visit www.bandainamcoent.eu. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok or join the conversation on X.

Zootopia 2 is available to watch and buy at home

JJudy Hopps and Nick Wilde are back on the case for a witty, wildly comic adventure that takes them to unexpected new parts of the animal metropolis. And now Disney’s Zootopia 2 is available to watch at home on Digital platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and YouTube, Google TV and Movies, Fetch and Foxtel. 

 
Disney’s Zootopia 2 has shattered records as the highest-grossing animated Motion Picture Association (MPA) release of all time, earning $1.7 billion worldwide and ranking as the ninth highest-grossing film ever. The film marks the fifth Walt Disney Animation Studios title to surpass $1 billion globally, underscoring its historic box office run. That success is matched by overwhelming audience and critical acclaim, including a Rotten Tomatoes® 96% Verified Hot Audience Score and an A CinemaScore®. Calling it “more than worth the wait,” The Hollywood Reporter praises the sequel for “delivering dazzling visuals, sophisticated humour, and genuine emotion.” Now an Academy Award® nominee, Zootopia 2 is a paw-sitively outstanding cinematic experience, celebrated for its humour, heart, and world-class animation.
 
Families can dive deeper into the world of Zootopia 2 with a slate of exclusive bonus features that extend the fun beyond the film, including an inside look at Walt Disney Animation Studios, playful behind-the-scenes moments from the recording booth, and a celebratory spotlight on the music of Shakira. The release also includes a lively collection of deleted scenes, offering fans even more laughs, surprises, and world-building.

Two times the zoo energy is available in the digital bundles of Zootopia and Zootopia 2 for the ultimate fans of Judy, Nick, Flash and their fellow furry citizens.

The Original Soundtrack for Zootopia 2 features the single, “Zoo,” performed by Shakira and score composed by Michael Giacchino. “Zoo” has garnered over 500 Million global streams to date. The Zootopia 2 soundtrack is available on all streaming platforms.    Film Synopsis In Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Zootopia 2, rookie cops Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (voiced by Jason Bateman) find themselves on the twisting trail of a great mystery when Gary De’Snake (voiced by Academy Award® winner Ke Huy Quan) arrives in Zootopia and turns the animal metropolis upside down. To crack the case, Judy and Nick must go undercover to unexpected new parts of town, where their growing partnership is tested like never before.   Bonus Features* Featurettes: The Zookeepers — Trot along with writer/director Jared Bush and director Byron Howard for a tour of Walt Disney Animation Studios! Get a behind the scenes look as they open up the doors to meet cast and crew and share about all the work done to bring the movie to life. A City of Stars — Meet the fur-tastic voice actors behind the cast of Zootopia 2 as filmmakers share the joy of having the original cast returning and how each new role found its purr-fect match. Everybody Can Draw! — Sketch along with Benson Shum, Animation Supervisor, as he talks about his role on Zootopia 2 and guides viewers in drawing everyone’s favourite new beaver, Nibbles! Zoo-prising Secrets — Uncover ssssurprising references and characters from some of your favourite Walt Disney Animation Studios films hidden throughout the movie, along with fun facts. Wilde Times in the Booth — Hop inside the recording booth for plenty of laughs and behind-the-scenes fun. See how the hilarious cast brings their characters to life! The Treat Trolley — Meet the cheerful crew behind the Treat Trolley that brings smiles and snacks throughout the halls of Disney Animation to keep the studio artists fuelled and energized. "Zoo" Music Video by Shakira — Celebrate friendship and adventure with Shakira in her music video for the movie’s new song, “Zoo.” Deleted Scenes – Check out the scenes that didn’t make the final cut, with an overall introduction by directors Jared Bush and Byron Howard. What's In the Box? Where Are They Now? Animal Hospital Welcome to the Team Desert Festival Clawhauser Tracks Judy A Plight at the Museum Clawhauser's Family *Bonus features vary by product and retailer