Masters of the Universe: Prime Video Movie Review

Cast: Nicholas Galitzine, Jared Leto, Camila Mendes, Idris Elba, Alison Brie, Morena Baccarin
Director: Travis Knight

The latest attempt to adapt Mattel's 1980s toy line and slightly campy animated TV series about Prince Adam of Eternia arrives on the big screen.

Starring The Sheep Detectives' Galitzine as Prince Adam, who's been trying to retrieve the sword of Power for the last 15 years after being trapped on Earth when Skeletor's forces invaded his homeland of Eternia.

Working as a HR representative in a dull company, Adam spends his days online, searching for the one thing he was asked to look after. When one day he's contacted by someone who's found the sword, he heads to collect it - only to run headlong into his past and future.

A little bloated in places perhaps, director Travis Knight and his team clearly have a lot of reverence for both the source material and the idea of tone in the film. 

Whether it's getting a cameo from Dolph Lundgren, setting up the return of another character in the credits, inserting the 4 Non Blondes song which became a He-Man meme or playing on the fact most of the episodes of the 80s animated show ended with the characters laughing, there's enough here to satiate fans of the source material.

It's not entirely a nostalgia-fest though, with Knight doing much to try and shoehorn in the kind of goofy humour Guardians of the Galaxy made the sci-fi genre more accessible for. It has to be said it's not all entirely perfect, and occasionally the tone seems at odds with the seriousness of what's on screen and some of the CGI effects don't land as they should.

But it holds aces in Galitzine's wonderfully game performance as the himbo and also Leto's maniacal Skeletor (who occasionally sounds like Stewie from Family Guy for some reason). Their performances hold together the proceedings which do sag a little in the middle and which in truth could have benefited from an expeditious edit.

Whether it's enough to warrant a sequel is debatable, but for an unapologetic popcorn blockbuster in the middle of the season, it's broad enough to be better than it ever hoped to be.

Masters of the Universe to stream on Prime Video from July 22

Based on the Mattel range of toys and after a cinema release earlier this year, it's been announced the Masters of the Universe movie will stream on Prime Video from July 22.

Starring Nicholas Galitzine, Camila Mendes, Alison Brie, James Purefoy, Morena Baccarin, Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson, Charlotte Riley, Featuring Kristen Wiig as the voice of “Roboto” with Jared Leto and Idris Elba 

From Director Travis Knight

In MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE, Director Travis Knight brings the legendary franchise back to the big screen in this epic live-action adventure. After being separated for 15 years, the Sword of Power leads Prince Adam (Nicholas Galitzine) back to Eternia where he discovers his home shattered under the fiendish rule of Skeletor (Jared Leto). To save his family and his world, Adam must join forces with his closest allies, Teel a (Camila Mendes) and Duncan/Man-At-Arms (Idris Elba), and embrace his true destiny as He-Man — the most powerful man in the universe.

Behind the epic battles of Eternia, the Masters of the Universe production team was pioneering something off-camera too — piloting clean energy solutions on set in the English countryside. Mercedes electric vehicles were used to transport the majority of the cast and producers across filming locations, with EV charging stations set up on-site. And to power basecamp and those charging stations, the team turned to hydrogen power units (HPUs) from GeoPura — a clean energy system whose only exhaust is water and operates with very little noise. 

It's part of Amazon's broader commitment to sustainability across its operations — including entertainment. 

Help Kids Unleash Their Inner Power

Masters of the Universe has spread a message of finding power from within for more than 40 years. In partnership with Save the Children, Amazon MGM Studios and Mattel’s ongoing philanthropic campaign transforms the idea that “You Have the Power!” into a global movement, mobilizing fans to help children around the world have a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn, and protection from harm. Fans can support children worldwide by giving via Pledge or by texting HERO to 707070, with all donations benefitting Save the Children directly.

Avengers: Doomsday first look

After months of frenzied online speculation, the first look at Avengers: Doomsday has been revealed with a new poster and trailer.

Marvel Studios’ “Avengers: Doomsday” is directed by Anthony and Joe Russo; produced by Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito and Jonathan Schwartz; and stars Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Pedro Pascal, Paul Rudd, Anthony Mackie, Florence Pugh, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Wyatt Russell, Channing Tatum, Simu Liu, Ian McKellen, Tom Hiddleston, James Marsden, Patrick Stewart, Joseph Quinn, Sebastian Stan, David Harbour, Letitia Wright, Lewis Pullman, Kelsey Grammer, Kathryn Newton, Danny Ramirez, Winston Duke, Alan Cumming, Hannah John-Kamen, Rebecca Romijn, Mabel Cadena, with Tenoch Huerta Mejia.

 

In “Avengers: Doomsday,” beloved heroes from three distinct universes will be set on a deadly collision course and face an existential threat unlike anything they’ve ever encountered.

 

“Avengers: Doomsday” releases exclusively in cinemas December 17, 2026.

What's on Neon in August

Here's everything that's streaming on Neon in August 2026.

The Rapture Season 1 (August 10, 8.35pm)

Forensic psychologist Gabrielle Fox, paralysed from a car crash, takes a job at a juvenile facility. She meets infamous inmate Bethany Krall, convicted of murdering her mother, who claims to have psychic abilities. 

Together, they must discover the truth before Bethany's final terrifying vision comes true. Based on the best-selling novel by Liz Jensen.

Stars: Ruth Madeley (Years & Years), India Amarteifo (Queen Charlotte) and BAFTA winner Ruth Jones (Gavin & Stacey)

Free Nelson Mandela (August 29)

The story of Nelson Mandela’s journey from activist to revolutionary prisoner, and the global movement and musical activism that helped bring his freedom.

01 Fizzy and Suds S2

01 Hey Arnold! S3

01 Letterkenny S6-12

01 South Park S9-11

01 The Wonder Gang S2

04 Arrested Development S4-5

06 Doubleparked S1-2

07 Homebound 3.0

07 Louis Theroux: The Settlers

10 The Rapture S1

13 Good Girls S1-4

14 The Bay S1-5

15 Cutting the Curve

19 Endeavour S1-9

20 Ugly Betty S1-4

21 Bear Grylls Is Running Wild S9

24 Chapelwaite S1

25 Murdoch Mysteries S1-15

25 Murdoch Mysteries Christmas Special

27 The Red Stag Timber Hunters Club S11

29 Free Nelson Mandela S1

31 A Spy Among Friends S1

MOVIES

Anaconda (August 18)

Two best friends gripped by a midlife crisis decide to head deep into the Amazon to remake their all-time favourite movie - Anaconda. Things get real when an actual giant snake appears. 

Stars: Paul Rudd, Jack Black

Holy Days (August 2)

In 1970s Aotearoa, a grieving young boy joins three nuns on a mission to save their convent. In a car powered by God (and stolen money), this is one unlikely road trip.

Stars: Judy Davis, Miriam Margolyes, Jacki Weaver Elijah Tamati, Craig Hall, John Bach

The Secret Agent (August 29) 

In 1970s Brazil, a man on the run arrives in the city of Recife during Carnival. Hoping to find refuge and reunite with his young son, he soon realises his hometown is no safe haven.

Stars: Wagner Moura, Carlos Francisco, Tânia Maria, Robério Diógenes, Alice Carvalho, Gabriel Leone, Maria Fernanda Cândido

The Accountant 2 (August 8)

Forensic accountant Christian Wolff excels at solving intricate problems. A cryptic clue from a murdered friend forces him to team up with his estranged but highly lethal brother to track down mysterious assassins and uncover a deadly conspiracy.

Stars: Ben Affleck, Jon Bernthal, J.K. Simmons

Heads of State (August 12)

The U.K. Prime Minister (Idris Elba) and the U.S. President (John Cena) have a not-so-friendly and very public rivalry. But when they become the targets of a foreign adversary, they’re forced to rely on one another to thwart a global conspiracy.

Also stars: Priyanka Chopra, Jack Quaid

The Smashing Machine (August 6)

The unforgettable true story of mixed martial arts UFC fighter Mark Kerr, whose obsession with greatness made him a legend – and nearly cost him everything.

Golden Globe nominees for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress.

Stars: Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt

Splitsville (August 2)

When Ashley asks for a divorce, Carey runs to Julie and Paul for support. He's shocked to learn the secret to their happiness is an open marriage.

Stars: Dakota Johnson, Adria Arjona, Kyle Marvin

 

I, Object: Movie Review

Cast: Bentley Storteboom, Skywalker Hughes, Karl Urban, Anna Faris, Ethan Hawke, Jemaine Clement

Director: Andrew Niccol

For a director who's dealt in Eugenics and digitally created actresses, Andrew Niccol's self-written I,Object marks a distinctly retro movie, reminiscent of the kind of gentle family fare that used to play on Sunday afternoons on the BBC back in the 1980s.

This whimsical tale is the story of Tom (Storteboom, subtle and sweet), a 10-year-old kid who's still grieving the loss of his father and who appears to horde everyday objects, much to the annoyance of his stepfather Frank (a gloweringly monstrous Urban, barely seen in full view during the film).

Unable to connect with other kids and bullied because he talks to himself, Tom has a condition - Pareidolia, wherein he sees faces in normal objects. From a talking grater to a speaking bag via his father's beloved clock Benny (voiced by Hawke, who's the film's narrator), Tom has created his own world to help him cope.

But when he meets Allie (Hughes) who shares his condition, the two form a bond - however, the adults in their lives soon determine both need help from other sources.

A cautionary tale about growing up, it would be easy to posit that I, Object shares similar DNA with Toy Story (even down to one terrifying furnace sequence). But unlike Toy Story, there's a whimsy coursing through Niccol's film that plays toward the innocence of a child and the fear of growing up.

While Niccol has stuffed his story with some terribly crowbarred puns, the script's commitment to the fantastical edges and the grounded heart helps it greatly, bringing a story of grief to life in ways that you'd least expect.

While Clement adds a kind of deadpan humour to his soda can who yearns for reincarnation as part of an aeroplane, Hawke brings a wistfulness to Benny, a clock whose years have brought him wisdom that he hopes to pass on to Tom as he guides him.

It all sounds fantastical - and in many ways, it is - but I, Object's heart lies in its innocence and the ability to see everything in the world as something wonderful. Thanks to its canny effects and its gentle touch, don't be surprised if you end up looking at plugs or many other household objects in different ways after you've seen it.

Assassin's Creed: Black Flag Resynced sells 3 million in one week

Vantage Studios, a Ubisoft company, announced more than 3 million copies sold in a week for Assassin’s Creed™ Black Flag Resynced, the latest installment in the Assassin’s Creed franchise, released on July 9. 

The game started strong with 2 million copies sold on day 1 and this new milestone confirms the momentum. Following positive reception from critics at launch, player feedback has been increasingly positive with Steam user reviews improving to Very Positive, showing strengthened player sentiment thanks to responsive post-launch support. 

This includes quality-of-life updates and bug fixes, as well as the recent announcement of the highly requested New Game+ mode, further enhancing replayability for the most dedicated players. 

A testament to Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag, originally released in 2013, Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced, led by Ubisoft Singapore*, is a faithful remake rebuilt from the ground up and powered by the latest Anvil engine. 

READ THE REVIEW OF ASSASSIN'S CREED BLACK FLAF RESYNCED HERE

The game features stunning updated visuals and enriched gameplay, including parry‑driven combat, improved stealth and parkour, deeper naval mechanics, and new narrative content.  

Set during the Golden Age of Piracy, Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced invites players to sail the Caribbean as Edward Kenway, a rebellious pirate captain drawn into the centuries-old conflict between Assassins and Templars. As Edward pursues glory and fortune, he crosses paths with legendary figures such as Blackbeard, Anne Bonny, and Calico Jack, while the fate of everything the pirates have built hangs in the balance. 

The game is available on Ubisoft+**, PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, as well as Windows PC through the Ubisoft Store, Steam (Steam Deck verified) and the Epic Games Store.  

Battlefield 6 joins forces with Top Gun

Electronic Arts and Battlefield Studios revealed the franchise's largest seasonal update to date with Naval Warfare, new content, and a meticulously crafted knockout Top Gun crossover experience in partnership with Paramount Games Studio.

Key Details:

Season 4 kicks off on July 21 with Phase 1 (Pacific Front) introducing the biggest map in Battlefield 6 yet, Tsuru Reef

Phase 2 (Top Gun) debuts on August 18th with Battlefield and Top Gun’s collaboration content alongside a reimagining of one of Battlefield’s classic maps, Wake Island

The final phase of Season 4 (Tidal Strike) releases on September 15

Battlefield Debuts First-Ever Entertainment Collaboration with Paramount's Record-Breaking Franchise, Featuring All-Star Talent from Top Gun: Maverick for Battlefield 6 and REDSEC

Sydney, Australia. (July 18, 2026) – Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) and Battlefield Studios today revealed a first look at Battlefield 6™ and Battlefield REDSEC, delivering the franchise's largest seasonal update to date with Naval Warfare, new content, and a meticulously crafted knockout Top Gun crossover experience in partnership with Paramount Games Studio. The update will include the F-18/Super Hornet and iconic F-14 Tomcat, fan-favourite characters from Top Gun, as well as two new modes inspired by the franchise’s iconic aerial combat.

Three characters from Top Gun come to life in-game, fully voiced by their original performers: Lt. Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw (Miles Teller), Lt. Robert “Bob” Floyd (Lewis Pullman), Adm. Solomon “Warlock” Bates (Charles Parnell), with Top Gun-inspired character skins and cosmetics available in-game.

“It's a huge honour to appear in a long-running franchise like Battlefield with its millions of fans, and talented people working on it,” said Miles Teller. “And with Top Gun, it's like two titans meeting.”

“I’ll actually be the one giving orders in-game, which I love,” said Charles Parnell, “If it’s my voice that pushes players on to clutch a win, that’s awesome.”

Carrier Strike is a new Battlefield 6 mode debuting during this collaboration that pits naval, air, and ground forces against one another as teams seek to destroy the enemy aircraft carrier in a showdown creating an incredible blending of Battlefield and Top Gun’s defining characteristics.

“Battlefield is very intense, whether you're in the sky or on the ground or fighting in the sea, “ said Lewis Pullman, “In that way, it’s a perfect pairing with Top Gun.”

Players can also jump into a new Gauntlet mission for Battlefield REDSEC, a jets-only combat mission set on a reworked version of Tsuru Reef, where they compete to be the best of the best. 

“Jets. Adrenaline. The drive to be the best. Battlefield’s unmatched sense of scale is the perfect way to bring Top Gun’s iconic and cinematic aerial combat to life.” says Ryan McArthur, Executive Producer. “We can’t wait for our players to experience the update when it hits on August 18 but our collaboration is also just a piece of Battlefield 6’s biggest season yet.”

Season 4 officially kicks off on July 21 with Phase 1 (Pacific Front) introducing the biggest map in Battlefield 6 yet, Tsuru Reef. This massive Pacific theater battleground features vast air and sea spaces as well as naval aircraft carriers with operational flight decks, and the introduction of our new Dynamic Wave System. This system adds a new dimension to ocean combat, where waves affect boat movement, player aim, and line of sight, allowing players to strategically ambush, flank, and use as cover in firefights.

Phase 2 (Top Gun) debuts on August 18th with Battlefield and Top Gun’s collaboration content alongside a reimagining of one of Battlefield’s classic maps, Wake Island. The final phase of Season 4 (Tidal Strike) releases on September 15 and includes a collection event offering rewards for those who complete naval-based contracts and challenges.

“When Battlefield 6 launched, it had a strong core of content that we’ve grown over time, using feedback from the community to make the game even better,” says Byron Beede, General Manager of Battlefield. “With the addition of Naval Warfare, our Top Gun collaboration, our largest map, and so much more, Season 4 is our biggest update yet and is the perfect opportunity for players old and new to dive in.”

Season 4 will also see the release of several eagerly anticipated updates to the game. Battlefield Studios is rolling out a series of quality-of-life updates, with Spectator Mode and the Portal Custom Lobby launching this season.

Visit us on Battlefield.com. Join the official Battlefield community channels over at discord.gg/Battlefield. Follow us on @Battlefield to stay informed on the latest updates, and @BattlefieldCom for the rollout of live updates.

Mortal Kombat II to stream on HBO Max from July 24 

New Line Cinema’s Mortal Kombat II will make its global streaming debut on Friday, 24 July, only on HBO Max. 

Mortal Kombat II stars Karl Urban, Adeline Rudolph, Jessica McNamee, Josh Lawson, Ludi Lin, Mehcad Brooks, Tati Gabrielle, Lewis Tan, Damon Herriman, Chin Han, Tadanobu Asano, Joe Taslim and Hiroyuki Sanada. 

The film will feature the fan favourite champions, as well as Johnny Cage, pitted against one another in the ultimate, no-holds barred battle to defeat the dark rule of Shao Kahn that threatens the very existence of the Earthrealm and its defenders. 

The film is directed by Simon McQuoid and written by Jeremy Slater, based on the video game created by Ed Boon and John Tobias. The film is produced by Todd Garner, E. Bennett Walsh, James Wan, Toby Emmerich and Simon McQuoid, and executive produced by Michael Clear, Judson Scott, Jeremy Slater, Ed Boon and Lawrence Kasanoff.  

Mortal Kombat II debuts Friday 24 July, only on HBO Max.

What's on HBO Max in August

Here's everything that's streaming on HBO Max in August 2026.

Monsters of God (August 7)

The HBO Original five-part documentary series Monsters of God, directed by Emmy® Award-nominated filmmaker Eric Goode (HBO’s Chimp Crazy, Tiger King), debuts Friday, 7 August, only on HBO Max. Subsequent episodes will debut Fridays at the same time. The series had its world premiere at the 2026 SXSW Film & TV Festival where it won the TV Premiere Audience Award. 

Filmmaker Eric Goode follows his first love – reptiles – into the dark and gonzo underworld of exotic animal smuggling. In this global network, everyone is chasing the ultimate prize, whether it be owning the rarest of species, claiming the biggest fortunes or taking down the most elusive criminals. The billion-dollar criminal enterprise is fuelled by extreme obsession for these creatures, driving many to push the boundaries of laws and environmental ethics. As he digs deeper, Goode uncovers a labyrinth of outlaw traffickers, bombastic collectors and the dogged law enforcement agents on their tails.

Unfolding over decades, Monsters of God traces the evolution of the reptile trade as it skirts the Endangered Species Act of 1973 and grows into a secretive, high-stakes world of backroom dealings and fanatical collectors. With unprecedented access to the major players, from traffickers to animal enthusiasts to federal agents, Goode unravels a web of larger-than-life characters who run a complex international crime ring. A thrilling exposé of a hidden underworld, Monsters of God warns of the devastating impact of the insatiable desire for the forbidden, and how this mad obsession is pushing some species to the brink of extinction.

Featured participants include reptile dealers, Tommy Crutchfield, Hank Molt, Anson Wong, Ray and Mike Van Nostrand, Mario Tabraue and Beau Lee Lewis; author, Bryan Christy; former U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service special agents; reptile collectors; federal prosecutors; customs agents; reptile handlers; former DEA agent, Larry Loveless; zoo officials; snake breeders; and investigative journalist, Steve Chao.

Scream 7: Blu Ray Review

Cast: Neve Campbell, Isabel May, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Mason Gooding, Anna Camp, David Arquette, Roger L. Jackson, Michelle Randolph, Jimmy Tatro, Mckenna Grace, Asa Germann, Celeste O’Connor, Sam Rechner, Mark Consuelos, Tim Simons, Matthew Lillard, Joel McHale, Courteney Cox
Director: Kevin Williamson

The latest entrant in the Scream slasher series goes back to its roots.

When Neve Campbell's Sidney Prescott thinks she has it all, a new life in a new town, she's shocked to once again receive a taunting call from serial killer Ghostface.

But this time, it's personal with Sidney's daughter is the one being threatened... 

Formulaic suspense, fake-outs, OTT deaths, masked killers and a general malaise pervades much of the latest Scream film, the first to see Neve Campbell return as Final Girl Sidney Prescott after she sat out the prior film.

But this Scream feels more like a whimper with the idea of Sidney taking on a new life as a suburban mom to growingly rebellious teen daughter Tatum (Isabel May) feeling like it's wasted, rather than built upon.

With original scribe Kevin Williamson back and behind the camera, as well as Campbell, you'd expect a meta-film that is full of clever twists and turns. Instead, as Sidney once again battles Ghostface, what emerges is a film that's content to make comments about how Sidney was wise to sit out the events of New York and less interested in advancing or reshaping the genre.

It starts with a pre-titles sequence set in the original Woodsboro house that's now visitable by tourists (Scare BnB, anyone?) but it's limp and obvious in its execution(s).

Messing with the idea that Matthew Lillard's Stu has returned to kill again and dabbling with the idea of deepfakes and AI, Scream 7 had real potential to ensure it was going to be killer. Instead, what emerges is largely filler, that takes nearly 2 hours to play out and has a deeply unsatisfying reveal of the final reasons for the stab-fest.

Campbell's stoic enough and it's good to see her having gone through the transition to becoming more proactive. Cox has a great entrance and little else, and the film's obsession with leaning into examining why everyone could be a suspect leaves you distinctly feeling that all of this has been done before - and better.

The whole thing lacks a freshness and feels like the franchise has fallen foul of itself (the very idea that a rewrite cost $500,000 after Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega dropped out is laughable given how poor it is).

If anything, while box office will probably guarantee a return, creatively, this franchise is done - it's time to stick a knife in its heart and end it for good.

The Odyssey: Movie Review

Cast: Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, Elliott Page, Zendaya, Jon Bernthal, Charlize Theron, Himesh Patel, Mia Goth, Samantha Morton
Director: Christopher Nolan

Homer's The Odyssey is one of the world's first original stories, a tale of an epic journey written some 3,000 years ago.

So it's perhaps apt that Christopher Nolan's movie is an equally epic outing, lasting nearly 3 hours on screen and cramming in an all-star cast of talent.

And there's no doubting Nolan's ambition here - a film of such immeasurable scale from the very beginning as it follows Damon's Odysseus as he tries to get his men home after the end of the Trojan War.

But it's not all perfect going, no matter how much you're willing to fawn over and fall over the spectacle that plays out.

Its opening is a mess, a mix of exposition and dialogue dumping that's made worse by the almost piecemeal and episodic feel of some of the tribulations of the men as they try to get home. In trying to assemble all the pieces early on, Nolan almost falls over himself and ends up making the start incredibly boring and emotionally bereft as he struggles with the film's flow.

It's not further helped by encounters with the Cyclops which feel rushed and stripped of danger as the men are menaced by a larger-than-life character, with beats of the story sacrificed for speed. Another meeting later with oversized enemies suffers similarly, though the technical execution of this scene (as opposed to the Cyclops, which seems to pay homage to Ray Harryhausen unintentionally and with a blasting score) is impressive and once again a demonstration of the scale of Nolan's ambition.

Fortunately, things become more settled with a disturbing encounter with Samantha Morton's Circe, who proves to be as menacing as she is quiet. And it's here that Nolan appears to be adding layers to the film, presenting a woman on her own that has been affected by the nature of the invaders, leaving her traumatised and with PTSD.

It's a thematic thread which is sown early on and which pays off in the end with Damon's Odysseus showing some of the hubris that Homer intended for him during the oratory of The Odyssey (a man who wouldn't listen to gods, his wife and his men) but adding in a layer at the horror that men do in the search for victory.

It all comes to the boil with the Fall of Troy, the majority of which is saved for the back third of the film, adding a more morally ambiguous edge to proceedings.

Visually, there are moments that soar - early shots in the IMAX presentation reveal the solitude of their quest to return home. A ship alone in turbulent waters, a man walking alone on a seemingly endless beach with debris scattered around him - there's no end to Nolan's visual and visceral take on the Odyssey and it's worth seeing on the largest screen possible because of the craft at play here.

Of the ensemble cast, Himesh Patel deserves praise for his role as Odysseus' second-in-command, whose steely determination to exhort him to listen to his men falls on deaf ears; as mentioned Samantha Morton is uniformly excellent as Circe and while Damon digs deep and delves into darkness for his Odysseus, he's elevated by those around him. Pattinson once again explores his snivelling weasly side as Antonius, and Hathaway has a steely presence as the wife holding court - and hope - after years of her husband's absence.

Perhaps some of the pathos of the original is missing and Nolan sacrifices character moments that matter for visual scale and practical heft, but The Odyssey manages to right its course after some choppy waters to start.

A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms: Season 1 Blu Ray Review

Game Of Thrones certainly knew how to peddle its wares.

From political shenanigans to copious amounts of violence and dense lore, it was an essential watch for fans of the genre. But as the years went on, it became more impenetrable to casual viewers.

So it's pleasing to note that A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms is blessed with none of its Game Of Thrones, making it an ultimately more accessible beast to casual viewers - for at least half of the series anyway.

Bathed in a warmer aesthetic and visually lighter than the brooding ways of Westeros, this spin-off from George R R Martin's novella, The Hedge Knight, follows Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey, wonderfully warm and approachable) as he negotiates life after the death of his Knight mentor.

Determined to seize upon the ways of the Knight and honour what he's been taught, as well as champion the innocent, Ser Dunk (as he's affectionally known) tries to enter a local tournament to gain some standing among the community. However, roundly mocked by all for his incompetence and inexperience, he soon finds himself on the outer edges of that world.

Stumbling across the precocious Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell) at an inn one night, Ser Dunk finds himself with an unexpected squire on his journey into the echelons of Westeros society.

A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms has a tongue-in-cheek approach to its Westeros lore. 

Within the opening moments alone, the chords of the original Game Of Thrones soundtrack begin blasting away only for the cameras to quickly cut to a shot of Ser Dunk relieving himself from behind a tree. 

There's humour scattered throughout the series too. From the banter between Egg and Ser Dunk to the cutscenes of the reality of Dunk's life as a squire, the series does much to build up a sympathetic and warm approach to its lead, ensuring that you're on his side from the beginning. 

And while the show does little to build any decent female characters outside of a few loose stereotypes, its desire to separate itself from the lore of the original series is to be lauded. For the first three episodes, this is a gently warm show about what honour truly means and how hard it is to do the right thing.

But from the end of episode three's cliffhanger, the show falls back into the darkness of its successor (even visually) and leaves you feeling that once again, being part of Westeros is going to be a burden. Fortunately, Claffey has laid much of the tenderness and groundwork to forgive such concerns, and the fact the show is only six parts long also means that it's worth taking the journey to its conclusion.

If anything, A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms shows what TV fantasy can do when it follows the more human trappings and failings of its characters. It's a welcome show that, thanks to episodes that are only around 35 minutes long at the most and dealing in elements that seem like they've evolved from A Knights Tale, feels like it's an engaging portrait of what it means to be a decent person.

If its ending hints at more, then this would be cautiously welcome - though given the coming-of-age elements of the first and the warmth of the Mandalorian-style duo's antics can only be deployed once, it would come with a certain degree of caution.

But thankfully, A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms represents the very best of what a genre can do when its source reinvents the world around it. With a few nods to future elements kept thankfully to a minimum, this is a highly accessible series that's more than worth taking a gamble on. 

Assassin's Creed: Black Flag Resynced: PS5 Review

Developed by Ubisoft Singapore
Published by Ubisoft
Platform: PS5

Back in 2013, Ubisoft released their much-loved seafaring version of the Assassin's Creed franchise.

Set in a time of piracy and with the traditional Assassin's world mixed in as well, it was a heady concoction - one that offered thrills to players and endless playability thanks to its story and its graphics.

Originally developed by Ubisoft Montreal, the Resynced remake has been taken on by Ubisoft Singapore - and for those worried about whether the game would suffer as a result, there's really no need. It's not a remake per se, but an enhancement of the original, with new content added in a new look in parts to take advantage of the upgraded systems.

For those not in the know, Assassin's Creed: Black Flag follows pirate Edward Kenway, who finds himself yearning to escape the low-paying world of the pirate and heading out to sea for 2 years to earn enough money to keep his wife safe and the wind from blowing through his house.

But when his ship's boarded and attacked and wrecked, he follows a would-be member of the Assassin's Creed syndicate to an island, kills him and then assumes his identity, after being promised a big payday in Havana.

The gameplay is similar but improved on before - and with upgraded graphics, there's a distinctive shine to the world of the pirate and the high seas - even if you can kill someone, dump them in the water and they somehow remain sideways in there... 

Whereas the map is still a big one to explore and sea-faring shenanigans are encouraged, the sense of discovery has been dialled back in line with the Valhalla Assassins, where points appear on the map after you've encountered them or synced up in the world. As a result, the world of Havana and the pirates feels more realistic, rather than feeling like it's a list of perfunctory missions to perform to knock icons off your screen.

With smooth parkour, subtle transitions and combat feeling much easier than before, Assassin's Creed: Black Flag Resynced has a way of getting under your gaming skin.

Additional narrative including Blackbeard and more on Stede Bonnet (probably after the success of Our Flag Means Death) gives the game a feeling of depth and immersion - nothing feels like a chore in Assassin's Creed: Black Flag Resynced even if there is a nagging doubt of quests hanging over some of the storyline.

Great writing means Edward Kenway's story still stands the test of time and it's easy to see why it remains so beloved in the franchise. Added to the fact that it looks exceptional, (aside from some gravity-related bugs) and plays well, Assassin's Creed: Black Flag Resynced is well worth sailing again.

Ride or Die: Review

It would be easy to write off the eight-episode series Ride Or Die as a wannabe.

After all, it riffs on so many familiar ideas - the concept of a friend hiding a secret life from another, a Thelma and Louise-style car and cliff moment, a heroine whose initials are JB and whose opening appearance is an homage to the wintry The Spy Who Loved Me's action scene. 

The references are plenty in this tale of homemaker Debbie (Octavia Spencer) and her best friend Judith (Hannah Waddingham). Friends for over 20 years, Debbie's world is rocked when she discovers Judith is an assassin and the pair is forced on the run through Europe as they try to unravel a conspiracy.

Ride Or Die has a thrilling premiere, directed by Ant-Man's Peyton Reed. Its mix of mystery and typical spy action is fuelled by the chemistry and heart between Waddingham and Spencer.

From Judith's opening salvo of going rogue on a job to stab someone in the heart through to general action that's taut and pacy, the series gets off to a cracking start that mixes the buddy comedy with a genuine heart as the bond between the pair is stretched to breaking point. Add in a plot that sees her agency try to move her on as she becomes a "Woman of a Certain Age" as she approaches 50, and you've got the hint of something a little different.

And yet later episodes start to feel a sag as the weight of the Albanian mob, a conspiracy involving the agency's director (Bill Nighy, solid but relatively impassive), a rogue assassin and political shenanigans all collide uneasily together. Plus, pre-title flashback sequences are so short that they rarely add anything to proceedings in terms of depth and narrative. Six episodes would have sufficed, as opposed to a bloated eight.

But the series' drawcard and its aces remain Waddingham and Spencer. 

Whether it's Judith's ferocious skills in hand-t0-hand sequences or dealing with the changing nature of everything that's thrown at her, Waddingham simply gets it done and has a blast doing so. It's a real pleasure to watch her flex more than just supporting muscles to become the leading lady she's truly meant to be.

However, every hero needs a foil or, in this case, a support - and Spencer more than brilliantly does that too. From organising her inept husband's political diary to seizing the opportunities that come her way, her Debbie is as solid as you'd want a character to be to ensure both the fun and heart of a friendship are kept on the boil.

It's depressing to even state that there should be more series led by women and high in the action stakes on our screens but Ride Or Die makes a compelling case for how the format could thrive. 

Yes, there's a predictability here as it plays out and an ending that suggests those involved expect more - but for a first season, if the uneven edges are reined in, this could be the start of a beautiful friendship.

All eight episodes of Ride Or Die were viewed for the purpose of this review.
Ride Or Die is streaming now on Prime Video.

Mouse PI for Hire hits 1 million players since launch

Cartoon gaming and a first person shooter has proved to be a success for PlaySide Studios with Mouse PI for Hire hitting 1 million players since launch in April.

Fumi Games and PlaySide Studios are excited to announce that MOUSE: P.I. For Hire has officially surpassed over 1 million players across PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2! Developed by the dedicated Fumi Games team in partnership with PlaySide Studios, the critically acclaimed cartoon shooter achieved this milestone less than three months after its global digital launch on April 16, 2026. Of the over 1 million copies sold, console units comprised approximately 50% of total sales, with the remaining 50% attributed to PC via Steam.

Check out details for digital and physical editions here: https://www.mousethegame.com/buy-now

This huge milestone coincides with the successful physical launch of MOUSE: P.I. For Hire, with both a Standard Edition and a Deluxe MOUSE: P.I. For Hire - Mouseburg Edition releasing worldwide on July 10, 2026. The teams at Fumi and PlaySide have not slowed down with updates either, releasing a string of patches and hotfixes with quality of life improvements and bug fixes, plus a major recent update introducing the highly requested “Level Revisit” feature. Players can now replay previously completed levels, allowing them to grab any collectibles and finish side quests they may have missed on their first playthrough. Read the full Update Notes for PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, and Xbox platforms here, and Nintendo Switch 2 here.

“MOUSE: P.I. For Hire reaching over 1 million players has filled the team with an immeasurable amount of gratitude and appreciation for our community”, says Mateusz Michalak, CEO & Founder of Fumi Games. “From what started as a simple concept of a 1930s themed cartoon shooter, the game has reached more players than we could have possibly imagined. Our priority has always been to put players first, and we have worked incredibly hard to continue to achieve that goal, both throughout the game’s development and also post-launch. With our recent major update introducing Level Revisit, release of physical editions, and also upcoming Story DLC, we hope that players are excited about all things MOUSE: P.I. For Hire. A handcrafted tale born of ink, sweat, and stubborn dreams. From the bottom of our grinning hearts, thank you for supporting us!”.

Just under three months after the game’s digital launch, MOUSE: P.I. For Hire continues to be received positively amongst players and critics alike, maintaining ratings of 94% “Very Positive” on Steam, 8.2 out of 10 on Metacritic, 4.8 out of 5 stars on PlayStation, and 4.8 out of 5 stars on Xbox, with scores on Metacritic and OpenCritic of 80 and 81 respectively. The game is now available to purchase both digitally and physically, with more details available on the official website.

About Fumi Games:

Fumi Games, based in Warsaw, Poland, is an independent game development studio creating visually unique gameplay experiences with a modern twist. Fumi Games’ team of skilled developers and animators bring a fresh perspective to classic game genres.

About PlaySide Studios:

PlaySide Studios is an award-winning, independent video game developer and publisher based in Melbourne, Australia, behind games such as Game of Thrones: War for Westeros, Age of Darkness: Final Stand, KILL KNIGHT, and the Dumb Ways to Die franchise, as well as the publishers for MOUSE: P.I. For Hire and Thrive: Heavy Lies the Crown. For more about PlaySide Studios, check out their website.

The Elder Scrolls Online Season One: Return of the Thieves Guild is Live Now

The Elder Scrolls Online has launched Season One: Return of the Thieves Guild for PC, Xbox and PlayStation consoles.

 

Season One runs until October 21 and features multiple content drops throughout, including new stories for the Thieves Guild and the Daedric Prince of Madness Sheogorath, as well as the experimental High Seas of Tamriel event. All ESO Seasons content is free and available to all players.

Season One kicks off with the first new story content for the iconic Thieves Guild in ESO since 2016, building on the original narrative and taking place in High Rock’s Glenumbra zone. Whilst this new Thieves Guild content is available for all players, those who have completed the original storyline from 2016 will have more options and some unique dialogue choices. The original Thieves Guild DLC became free for all players who own ESO earlier this year.

 

Also launching today are Favors, a new take on daily quests found at Freerunner’s Post Boards in each alliance. Favors will take players across Tamriel, checking in with fan-favorite characters through ongoing narratives, with a special reward for completing each story arc. 

Dynamic Encounters also arrive today, introducing a range of story-driven, multi-stage events that players can stumble upon on their journeys across Tamriel. These are more than just combatting waves of enemies, and players can join in simply by getting close enough to the Encounter.

 

Sheogorath, Nowhere Vault and more arrive this summer

On July 29, the infamous yet beloved Daedric Prince of Madness Sheogorath will take players on a new mind-bending adventure across Tamriel as he attempts to experience a mortal life. Players can expect some chaotic Sheogorath shenanigans, and plenty of cheese.

 

On September 21, players will discover the Nowhere Vault (previously named Sage’s Vault), a space between realms safeguarding valuable artefacts, tied to the Thieves Guild storyline. The Nowhere Vault introduces more than just new lore – it’s a playable area with brand new puzzle and traversal challenges never seen before in ESO. 

 

Rumors also arrive on September 21, introducing narrative scavenger hunts hidden across Tamriel. Players will have to follow clues in the old-school way – there’s no UI or map markers telling you where to go, reminiscent of classic questing from TES III: Morrowind.

 

Dropping alongside Rumors and the Nowhere Vault is a brand new 12-player trial, the Crimson Veldt, alongside more quality-of-life updates including improvements to the Antiquities system.

  

High Seas of Tamriel event

Towards the end of Season One from September 30 – October 14, the High Seas of Tamriel arrives as ESO’s latest experimental event. Taking place on the Gold Coast, players will experience naval combat and underwater exploration in ESO for the first time and will need to learn some new tricks to survive and traverse their new surroundings.

 

Sam Neill, Jurassic Park actor, dead at 78

Veteran Kiwi actor Sir Sam Neill has died aged 78 in Australia.

"It is with immense sadness that the whānau of Sam Neill share the news of his passing on Monday 13th July, in Sydney Australia." 

“Sam was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterised his whole life," a family statement said online.

"The loss was sudden and unexpected but blessed by the fact that Sam remained cancer free.  They would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at St Vincent’s Private Hospital for their incredible care. More details will be shared later, but for now, on behalf of the family, we ask that you respect their privacy as they navigate this immeasurable loss."

Neill had a wide-ranging CV of roles, from the likes of Dean Spanley to TV series Peaky Blinders.

Sir Sam is survived by his four children and eight grandchildren.

Sam Neill (1947–2026) pic.twitter.com/acWuPqGa2d

— Letterboxd (@letterboxd) July 13, 2026

Sam Neill (1947–2026)

Rest in peace, Sam Neill.

We have lost a true legend. 💔 pic.twitter.com/glWjIScJ5s

— Madman Films (@MadmanFilms) July 13, 2026

To Sam Neill, you had an amazing career. You did so much. You made an impact.

Nobody else could have played Dr. Alan Grant. You did that.

Rest easy Legend. pic.twitter.com/jHcYZ7qwj5

— 𝙲𝚒𝚗𝚎𝚖𝚊 𝙱𝚞𝚛𝚜𝚝 (@CinemaBurst) July 13, 2026

Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced hits 2million at launch

Ubisoft has shared launch day results with the release of Assassin’s Creed™ Black Flag Resynced, the latest installment in the Assassin’s Creed franchise, released on July 9. 

With 2 million copies of the game sold on its first day, Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced has made a strong start. 

This trend is expected to continue as players across the world get their hands on the game. The game ranked Top 1 on Twitch on July 9 and reached a peak of 99 451 concurrent players on Steam within 24 hours of launch, making it the highest concurrent player count ever recorded for an Assassin's Creed title on the platform. 

 

Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced is also received positively by critics, with a 85% review score on Open Critic and 84% review score on Metacritic, making it the highest rated Assassin’s Creed game since the launch of the original Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag. 

This includes reviewers like IGN scoring Resynced 9/10 and declaring it “bigger and better in all the ways that matter”.  The technical achievement has also been praised by specialists such as Digital Foundry, referring to it as “One of the most effective remakes we've ever seen.”. The game is also well-received by players with a current rating of 4.76/5 on the Playstation Store, 4.7/5 on the Xbox Store and Mostly Positive reviews on Steam.  

 

“Black Flag has always held a special place in the heart of the community, and ours.” said Martin Schelling, Head of Assassin’s Creed Brand. ”Bringing it back with Resynced was a promise to that passion for Edward’s adventures, and to the unique sense of freedom players experienced back then. Seeing so many players set sail on day one, along with the great reviews from critics, is the greatest reward we could have hoped for.” 

 

A testament to Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag, originally released in 2013, Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced, led by Ubisoft Singapore*, is a faithful remake rebuilt from the ground up and powered by the latest Anvil engine. The game features stunning updated visuals and enriched gameplay, including parry‑driven combat, improved stealth and parkour, deeper naval mechanics, and new narrative content.  

 

Set during the Golden Age of Piracy, Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced invites players to sail the Caribbean as Edward Kenway, a rebellious pirate captain drawn into the centuries-old conflict between Assassins and Templars. As Edward pursues glory and fortune, he crosses paths with legendary figures such as Blackbeard, Anne Bonny, and Calico Jack, while the fate of everything the pirates have built hangs in the balance. 

 

The game is available on Ubisoft+**, PlayStation^®5, Xbox Series X|S, as well as Windows PC through the Ubisoft Store, Steam (Steam Deck verified) and the Epic Games Store.  

 

For more information on the Assassin’s Creed Franchise, please visit: https://www.ubisoft.com/en-au/game/assassins-creed  

For the latest news on the Assassin’s Creed Franchise and other Ubisoft games, please visit: https://news.ubisoft.com/.   

 

*Along with the following co-dev studios: Ubisoft Barcelona, Ubisoft Belgrade, Ubisoft Bordeaux, Ubisoft Bucharest, Ubisoft Chengdu, Ubisoft DaNang, Ubisoft India, Ubisoft Kyiv, Ubisoft Montpellier, Ubisoft Montreal, Ubisoft Philippines, Ubisoft Quebec, Ubisoft Shanghai, and Ubisoft Sofia 

**Ubisoft+ Premium is available for AU$23.95 per month. Cancel anytime.  More information at plus.ubisoft.com.