#  Psych 3: This is Gus Movie Review

By: Justin Hopkins

****SPOILER WARNING****

I was absolutely devastated. Psych was one of my favorite shows during its run, and the first two movies were great fun, and I had no idea that this movie dropped till about a week ago. No fault other then my own for not being on the ball, but being that I see so many trailers for movies I don’t want to see. Would have been nice to see one to highlight this one. On the plus, side though, I went into this one truly blind and will always take more Psych in my life. So, lets jump in and discuss how they did the third time around.

**Synopsis**

The movie kicks off with a media storm outside of the Police Station. Buzz bringing in a suspect, with his lawyer demanding his release. Being stopped by a returning Lassiter, who tells everyone they have the wrong guy, and starts explaining how the real culprit is the lawyer. Being fed the information through an ear piece by Shawn. Who is hiding in a bush nearby with Gus. Everything is going well, until Shawn and Gus get into an argument over food, that Lassiter starts to repeat out loud. After the crowd dissipates, they are taking him back home. Learning he is still in rehabbing and struggling with his recovery. While Gus is preoccupied with preparing for the wedding. Shawn tells him that they can’t keep coming back down here to help him, but he doesn’t take that well. Saying that they are coming for his job and if they don’t come back, they are dead to him. Shawn goes to his Dad to get him to help, but refuses. Saying Lassie is worse than what he wants to admit and all they have done is give him false hope by helping. While he is out helping Gus with errands for the wedding. We learn that Gus is determined to have this wedding before she gives birth, but there is an issue; she hasn’t gotten divorced yet. Shawn starts to pry. Even going to Juliet to try and get her to look her up, but she won’t. Since they agreed to not have any children. Sees her friendship with Selene as her chance to be Godmother and tells him to leave it alone. So, of course, he goes to Chief Vick. Who is fixated on getting her meeting with the press out of the way so she can go on her family camping trip and while she doesn’t out right tell him no. Does so in a way that it didn’t happen if he doesn’t get caught and leaves him alone in her office. While the four are at dinner, Shawn steals her purse, and takes it into the bathroom. Getting an address from indents in her wallet, but is caught by Gus. He tries to explain but a fight ensues. After a lengthy brawl, Shawn convinces him that the two can settle this by just going to talk to her Sister. When they get there the next day, she has no idea who they are and when they argue with her boyfriend. She makes a run for it. Catching up to her when she flips her car. Confessing that she hires her to play her sister, and that Selene isn’t even her real name and he was not the first guy she introduced. Back with Juliet, Selene comes to her office, she found a bunch of stuff in her purse. If they are doing what she thinks they are, then they are in danger and that is where I will leave it for now.

**Review**

Nobody has lost a step. Says so much on how good everyone is at there roles and how much chemistry they have together. Able to step into their characters like they had never stopped. The jokes, over the top moments, and emotions all hit so well and this movie had them firing on all cylinders.

They did a solid weave this story together. Not the first time they have gone to Gus attracting the wrong person and you really found yourself pulling for him. Hoping that this was all a misunderstanding, so he can have a good ending. While also not dropping the ball when it came to Lassiter. Showing his struggles with recovery and not sure what to do. Building on the emotions he had from Lassie Comes home and made for some of the best parts of the movie. 

Along with planting scenes for things to come. With a post credit scene of Allen changing his focus to Gus and Selene in a room full of their picture. Besides the fact that Alan Maldonado was a lot of fun as Alan, but they way they used him. Could prove to be a credit threat to them and like the idea of a recurring threat. Also, I do hope we get to see more time for Vick and see where they are going with her family issues.

And before we end this, I go to talk about the bathroom brawl. It was so over the top and delightful and every time you thought it was over it just kept going and I could watch an entire movie length of that fight. 

That is it. No negatives to speak of. Slightly mixed on was I didn’t care to much for the music video, but it is at the end and didn’t take anything away from the film. Have talked about the cast before and they are all wonderful at their characters and just love the fact we keep getting more from this world. Definitely check it out on Peacock. You won’t be disappointed. Final Grade – A + 

As always, I hope you enjoyed and….

Thank You For Reading!

#  Genwunner Plays Brilliant Diamond

By: Justin Hopkins

And we are back! I have been looking forward to playing this game, to a point. Had a real blast going through the gens for the blog series and the fourth gen (Platinum) had quite to offer. Including, what I think, and quite a few others will agree with, the toughest battle the series has to offer. While the trailer certainly didn’t look good. Was still willing to give it a fair shake. Now, the journey is done, lets discuss shall we. 

**Mui’s Adventure**

Kicking things off with news reports of a Red Gyarados and we join, Mui. Tracking down or friendly rival, the villainous Paulie this time. Finding him at his house and started toward the lake, only to have to go back, because he forgot something. Threatening to fine me various amounts if I didn’t beat him to the lake. Whatever, still better than Hop, you be you. Making it to the lake, where we see Rowan and his assistant Lucas talking to each other. When they leave, they forget the briefcase, and we go to get it; are attacked by Starly. The case pops open and Chris, the Chimchar joins the team. In case they didn’t fix the fire Pokemon issue (they did not). Storming my way through everything, with a bit of back and forward before I was on my way. Putting off getting pokemon for a moment. Trying to not repeat my team from Platinum. Checking off boxes in Jubilife City and dealing with Paulie. When I encountered a Budew that I named, Rebecca. Who nearly swept Rourke, but his Cranidos got a lucky shot in, bit the newly evolved Monferno got revenge. Coming across Rowan belittling Team Galactic, and had to team with Lucus and made my way to Floaroma Town and was given a Mew and Jirachi. Taking a moment to think that over a bit. Not really my play style, but never had one this early in the game so meet in the middle. Boxed Jirachi and Claire, The Mew joined the team. Just as a safety net if I find myself in trouble down the line. Picking up a Shellos that I called Jill, before Chris surprisingly downed the monster Purugly with a few Power up punches. Trying to focus on Budew in Eterna Forrest, but plant vs plant and bug is nightmarishly slow. Meeting Cynthia and spent way longer then I should figuring out what was a stomp, in Gardenia’s Gym. Along with Galactic Headquarters to get my bike. Oh, and Ralts named Sherry made the team. Getting in early weapons in the Cynthia fight. With Fantina away, I spent to much time in the contest halls of Hearthome City. Along with another Paulie fight and shortly after, Budew became Roselia. Blowing through Solaceon and onto Veilstone. Ralts to Kirlia and Monferno to Infernape. Blowing through Maylene and the goons who stole the Pokedex. My focus changing to get the leather coat. Pastoria was a cake walk for Roselia and Sherry playing backup. Same with Paulie who got in my way as I chased a Galactic Goon and Cynthia redirected me to Celestic. Which I headed straight for and had to turn around… Forgot to get Defog. Anyways, Celestic town came and went, and set sights on Fantina… who beat me. Her Gengar kept getting off Confuse Rays and my team insisted on punching themselves in face. Conclave City brought another face-off with Paulie and after a detour to go get Flamethrower, Chris made short work of the Gym. Our meeting at the Library was cut short and we ran off to find out what blew up. Finding Galactic had set off explosions at the lake at two of the three were gone. Racing off to check on Paulie, but not before Chris dealt with another gym, only it was to late and we had to go to the Headquarters to try and save the day. Once I got the Masterball and saved the guardian, began to get excited for The Distortion World… which is not in the game. The Cyrus fight ending and the Guardians just freed Dialga for me to Masterball and put in a box. Dejectedly, I continued, Wolkner was no match for Jill and for the first time, I slowed down. The flashbacks starting to hit me. I was drastically unprepared the last time I faced this Elite four. This time around, thought I had a solid answers for most of the Elite Four. As long as I can keep Sherry alive for Garchomp, with Mew having Avalanche just in case.

**The Cynthia Fight**

Putting Paulie in his place one last time, I threw myself at them to see where I was and barring a struggle with Lucian. We did make it to Cynthia, but since Chris was my highest level at 56. Cynthia did not have much of a hard time punching me out. So, stepping back and went for the shiny stone to get a Roserade of my own, and threw myself at the league. Win or lose, best way to grind and rounds two, three, and four all ended the same. Taking Cynthia down to Garchomp and he swept me out each time. Learning early, do not put in Ada, the Kricketune, who was never worth mentioning, in with Garchomp. Even as a chance to try and revive Sherry. Garchomp would simply take the chance to simply Swords Dance and take away any fleeting hope I might have. Spiritomb was the problem. Sherry needed to take him out, but couldn’t one hit it. Turn three, Sherry took him down to under half, withstood a Shadow Ball. So, I went for Drain Kiss, to squeeze out a bit of health. For her to swap into Roserade, got poisoned and died from poison damage. On the Fourth shot, Chris was my last Pokemon standing and took him down with Close Combat for Rough Skin to kill him and I lost cause of the draw. I was so close I could taste it. Fifth round, came in with Sherry at level 63, and still couldn’t one shot it, but tanked a Shadow Ball and Cynthia left him in. Downing him with Dazzling Gleam and felt I had a chance. Rebecca dealing with Milotic and Gastrodon and Chris dealing with Lucario and Roserade. Leaving just her Garchomp. Sending out Roserade who took and Earthquake and got off a Toxic. Sending in Mew for chip damage with Avalanche. Setting up a chip shot for Sherry, but when an Earthquake did not take him down. Cynthia opted for a Swords Dance and thanks to the Toxic damage. Was in range for Mew to finish him off and secured our place in the Hall of Fame. Finishing up the Pokedex and retired back home.

**The Review**

Kicking off the positives, I do really like how they kept the spirit and the strength of the Elite Four and Cynthia. Gardevior could have been a good counter, but was never going to out speed him. While, I thought Mew would have tilted the board. He was always a bit player on the team, and had she attacked, a second Earthquake would have killed him. You still need to strategize beforehand and that was great to see them carry into this game.

I did like the battle animations for the most part and how most of the characters looked in the battle scenes. Really stressing those scenes specifically. They do give you plenty to do Post Game. Places to go, legendries to capture and the national desk along with the Battle Tower. Which has never been my thing, but a lot of people like that. While I do like going to catch the Legendries, it probably won’t happen for me because…

This game is atrocious to look at. I thought maybe I could adapt to the Chibi art, but no. It actually got worse the more I played. Just started rushing my way through to get it done, and I have heard the argument that, that is how it has been, but the key is in the wording, HAS BEEN. It worked for the Gameboy advances and DS, but we moved on to people looking like people, in Let’s Go and Sword/Shield. If they are going to take from the past, bring in Megas or Z moves. Not the Chibis. All of the expressions were bad to the point of either laughter and after a while, eye rolls and annoyance and it really brings this game down a lot because of it.

Can’t believe I am going to say this, but the follow feature is terribly executed. I love the follow feature in Pokemon Games. So much fun seeing your Pokemon running behind you and interacting with them and they drop the ball so hard here. You are either outrunning them to the point it is sad or you bump into them and just looks strange. Granted, was fun trying to push them in front of trainers to see if they could block them and let me bypass a fight, but seemed off putting. 

I can somewhat forgive them not having the Distortion World in this game. I still missed it. Really liked that world, but what I can’t is them keeping the problem with the fact there is only two lines of Fire Pokemon in this game. The Chimchar line and Ponyta. Platinum is right there. Could have at least brought them in to help build up the numbers, since they already knew this was a problem for Diamond and Pearl.

I will let you all in on something. May still be calling myself Genwunner, but after spending last year playing my way through the games. Favorite is Gen 5, and after playing Brilliant diamond. Hope there is no plans to remake it. This felt hollow when there was so much more they could have done. Really fleshed out the world more then they did. Not going to be someone who points out Breath of The Wild. Would have been happy to have this world done up with similar animations and art from Sword/Shield. Anything would have been better then this. And while you can still have fun with this game. Kids would probably enjoy it and that is what it is for really. First time players might enjoy it, but can’t suggest it over Diamond or Pearl and definitely not over Platinum. Final Grade – C-

As always, I hope you enjoyed and….

Thank You For Reading!

#  Resident Evil Welcome To Raccoon City Movie Review

By: Justin Hopkins 

****SPOILER WARNING****

The excitement was palpable for this movie. I have loved the world of Resident evil for as long as I can remember. When a new game drops it feels like and event. I even love the animated films and can have some fun with some of the Anderson films. So, it goes without saying after the trailer dropped, was counting down the days. So, lets take the trip back to Raccoon City and see how well they did, shall we.

**Synopsis**

The movie kicks us off showing Claire as a little girl, at the Raccoon City Orphanage. Being awaken in the middle of the night. Seeing someone hidden in the far end of the room. Someone she has seen before. Waking Chris in the process who tells her it is in her imagination and tells her to go back to bed, but she goes looking for her. Tracking her down in a tent. Learning her name is Lisa Trevor, when she reads the medical tag on her wrist and she lives below. When she crawls into the tent, Doctor Birkin pulls her out. Asking why she is up when Chris gets her out of trouble, with a sleepwalking excuse. Back in bed and she opens her eyes. Seeing the doll from the tent and a good look at Lisa. When she screams, we jump to her waking up as an adult. Getting a ride from a truck driver. Who lectures for screaming in her sleep and wanting to go to Raccoon City. Which is becoming a ghost town since Umbrella has been in the final process of moving out of town. Taking his eyes off the road to make a pass and grab her leg. Missing a woman stumbling out into the road and runs her down. Claire jumps out and rushes to her aide and while she is trying to calm the driver down to help move the body. She gets up and stumbles away. Not realizing she disappeared till the dog gets out and runs to the spot. Lapping at the blood. The driver pulls him back, telling Claire to either come or stay, but he is leaving. Cutting to Leon where he is just waking up and falls back to sleep at the diner. Where Wesker sets a ketchup bottle on his head for a bet with Jill to knock off, which she does and wakes him back up. Learning that he was transferred from his last job, thanks to his Dad, on the account of shooting him in the ass. Jill sticks around when everyone leaves to wish him luck and assure him it will get easier, and we see the Waitress has blood coming from her eye. Meanwhile, Claire gets dropped off, and while she is walking away., The dog starts turning and bites his hand. Back with Claire she arrives at Chris’s house. After the creepy neighbors staring and closes the blinds. Allowing her the freedom of breaking in. Seeing pictures of Chris as an adult standing next to Birkin. Chris comes down for a not so warm reunion. Seems Claire had runaway five years prior after spouting conspiracy theories about what Umbrella was doing. Getting worse when she tells him what happened with the woman and shows him a video of a reporter explaining that Umbrella is leaving because of years of polluting the water and now something worse had gotten out and what was left of the city was doomed. After a brief cutaway to Birkin getting a phone call and he gathered his family to leave. A siren goes off, telling the civilians to stay indoors. Chris gives her money, telling her to lock up when she leaves and goes off to the police station. When the neighbor woman appears at the back door. Writing out the words, Itchy, Tasty on the door and he kid comes through the front. Hiding under the table. Claire asks if they need help, but they say she is the one who needs help. Before Mom crashes through the door. Claire manages to fight her off. Getting to the bike outside and speeds off to find her brother, while the city erupts into chaos.

**Review**

I was a little worried when I heard they were mashing the events of the two games together. A lot of events to cover, but they really made it work for them. Never feeling like there was any wasted motion. Great pacing and always excited to see what was happening when they shifted from one character to the next. Escalating to a surprising conclussion.

While there was some excellent fan service, from Jill having lines like Jill sandwich and referencing the giant snake and spider. The truck Driver with his burger and brought the Mansion and Police Station to life in a beautiful way. They also made some changes to the lure and the story and for the most part, worked fantastically. The fan service bringing you to a familiar world, with slight changes that, for the most part (we will talk about a bad one later) but kept you surprised as to what may happen. Having the helicopter crash occur at the mansion and Sherry be found by Jill and Chris, instead of Claire. How they handled Wesker and Irons, but my favorite might have been with Lisa. One of the most tragic stories in the franchise and was nice to see her have a bit more. Could see Claire as a kid getting close enough to bond with the likes of Lisa and great scene of Lisa taking down a Licker and in the end, having the friend in Claire.

They had a really dark and gritty feeling that suited the world of Resident Evil. Loved they took the zombie transformation back to a more painful and twisted transformation instead of an abrupt one, with stuff like Itchy and tasty. Going heavy on the gore and mutations. All of which was a lot of fun and G-Birkin looked great.

The cast was spectacular. Kaya Scodelario had a fair amount of screen time and she killed it in her portrayal of Claire. Being my favorite character in the game, was excited over how well she did. Marina Mazepa was awesome as Lisa, with her hunched over movements and way she spoke. Robbie Amell not only channeled a lot of young Chris Redfield, but also looked a lot like him too. We didn’t get a lot of time with Neal McDonough’s Birkin, did excellent with bringing who Birkin is and I am really looking forward to see where Tom Hopper can take Wesker from where this ended. While, Avan Jogia did do a good job with what they had him doing with Leon, the problem being….

I hated what they did with Leon. He really was just a punching bag or the butt of the joke for most of this movie. It got to the point of where it was just sad, especially when he slept through the truck, flipping over and exploding in front of the police station while he is at the front desk. Great scene mind you, but expecting more from Leon S. Kennedy. Not expecting him to come off as action hero he would come across as later, but little better direction than this.

A bit more mixed, was the sound and it wasn’t just on me, but a friend I brought with me brought it up as well, where a times this sound gets to loud. It wasn’t throughout, but at certain points they could have dialed it back a few decibels a bit. Small nitpick, but when it happened, it got jarring.

So, what’s the final thoughts here? Floating between high B and low A. On one hand, I really didn’t like what they did with Leon. Could have been a better in between they could have gone with. On, the other, they did a lot of things right. You can tell they really do care about the world of Resident Evil. Entwinning fan service, with changes that did work, and most of them did work and it does far out weigh the negative. I want to see more come from this and hope the likes of Jill and Leon can get more in sequels. I do suggest going to check this out in theaters, for it has a lot to offer, especially for fans of the games. Final grade – A –

As always, I hope you enjoyed and….

Thank You For Reading!

#  Ghostbusters Afterlife Movie Review

By: Justin Hopkins

****Spoiler Warning****

And here we are. The newest installment in the Ghostbusters Franchise. A series that may not be very high on my must watch list. Have always enjoyed them for the most part. The first one being a solid all around classic, the second having its moment and even the third has its dumb fun moments. So, I went in knowing that no matter what, should be at least entertained. Now, that I have watched, lets dive in and discuss shall we.

**Synopsis**

The movie kicks off with something going on in a mountain, and we see a shadowed Egon being chased. Making it to his farm. Attempting to lure the ghost into a trap, but it goes wrong. Managing to hide another trap before the ghost catches up and kills him and we make the jump to his family. We see his Daughter Callie, single Mother of Phoebe and Trevor. Trevor being typical 15 year old while Phoebe is 12 and tearing apart the apartment electrical wires. The landlord shows up and despite her best efforts. Explaining her Dad died and she can get him the rent shortly, is evicted. Leaving the only place to go is the farm. While they are looking through the house, Janine showed up. Not only saying there was no money, but massive amount of debit and the farm. After, going out to eat, where Trevor lied about his age to get a job… to be near a girl. Phoebe’s chess board is knocked over and when she wakes up the next day, a pawn had moved. Moving a knight she goes off to school. Meeting her teacher Gary Grooberson and fellow student, Podcast. After a jaunt with Trevor at work, we see Phoebe talking to Grooberson about the Earthquakes that had been happening. Since they are not on a fault line or volcano. There shouldn’t be any but they have been happening daily. After class, Podcast leads her up to the mountains when she says she doesn’t believe in ghosts. showing her the etches in the side of the mines. Of some very familiar figures. When she does make it back home, finds the opposing Knight had been moved. Moving another, sees a piece move on its own. Going back and forth, when the devise she found starts to go off. Following it and the lights turning on. Leading her to the Living Room and a spot on the floor. Where she uncovers the hidden Ghost Trap. Taking it to school where Gary sees and geeks out over it, especially, when he realizes that it is not a replica. Telling them the story of when the ghosts attacked Manhattan and how there hasn’t been a ghost sighting since. Showing them the video of the Ghostbusters and Phoebe learning that her Grandfather was Egon Spengler. Deciding to open it, they wire it to a School bus and when it opens, we see what appears to be one of Gozer’s demons launch itself out and flees into the Mountain. Leaving Phoebe to start digging into what is happening and why her Grandfather was really out here for and that is why it is out here. 

**Review**

They did a great job putting this story together. Weaving a solid mystery story for the kids to unravel while discovering who their Grandfather was. Re-learning who the Ghostbusters were. They didn’t ignore the events of the first movie and people accepted that ghost were real, for the most part. Since there hasn’t been the sighting the memory just faded and no one cared. Which was a lot better then they had faked it. Along with a good enough reason to bring Gozer back, with this being the spot for their return and they were about to rise in New York since the metal used in the apartment, came from this mine. 

I thought the way they handled Harold Ramis’s Egon was really special and woderfully. It was strange going with Egon’s family. I get why, but out of the four, would have bet that he wouldn’t have had one, but they did a tremendous job at channeling his energy through Phoebe. Could really believe that this would have been Egon at that age. Have Egon be this great guy at the end who sacrificed everything, including his family to try and save the world and the end fight can definitely hit you in the feels. They even cut top black at the perfect moment. Stellar dedication to the late great Harold Ramis. 

Think they did a great job on the look and feel of this movie. Having a real feel of eighties nostalgia. Going with a little town in Oklahoma helped with that a lot. Going with practical effects when they could was the right call. Although the Cg looked really good too. You can say they had a bit too much fan service at times, but I don’t think that was a problem. Most of which got a chuckle or response out of me and most of the people in the theater I was in. 

The cast ranged from solid to excellent. Mckenna Grace did an awesome job as Phobe. Like, I said, really channeling Egon into her role. A socially awkward child who was trying her best to fit or ease the tension with bad jokes. While showing her strengths by taking the fight to ghosts and standing up to the likes of Gozer. Logan Kim did a great job as her friend Podcast. Being a great supporting character who got behind her and strong enough to stand on his own at the same time. Making for a perfect team. Emma Portner killed it as Gozer. Bringing out the same motions and aura as Slavitza Jovan had. Interactions with Phoebe were really entertaining and loved when she interacted with the original cast. Carrie Coon put a lot of energy and passion into Callie. Could feel her trying her best to raise two kids who are each pulling in their own direction and doing her best. Along with her on pain of not having her dad and only knowing him as the guy who left. Paul Rudd is funny in just about everything he is in and this role was certainly not different. While I didn’t care too much about Trevor at first, Finn Wolfhard did a solid job as Trevor. Which is perfect Segway to….

My only mixed take and that was I really didn’t care about Trevor at the start of this movie. I really just wanted to by pass the Trevor and Lucky stuff at the start because all the fun stuff was happening with Phoebe, Podcast and Gary. It’s apart of the mixed because this could very well change after another watch, but could also stay the same. Which is why it’s mixed and could very well be more on me then the film. 

In closing, this movie did so much right. Provided an interesting story, good character work, and good mystery. Serving as a great installment to the Ghostbusters franchise and with what the post credit scene showed. Looking for a potential follow up and would suggest going out and checking it out at the theater. Final grade – A +

As always, I hope you enjoyed and….

Thank You For Reading!

#  AEW Full Gear 2021 Predictions

By: Justin Hopkins

My hype for this Paper View has been steadily growing every week. From some excellent matches being made and some promos adding fuel to each of them. A stacked card with some match of the year candidates and a two plus year story of Hangman Adam Page. They have set the stage for Full Gear and I have no idea on several of these matches, but I am going to try my best to put on the booker hat and see f I can predict who walks away with the W. Lets dive in shall we.

**Inner Circle vs American Top Team and Ethan Page and Scorpio Sky**

So, lets get this one out of the way. I don’t really care to much about this rivalry. Built on cringe promos and would have seen a TNT Championship match. Although am a little excited to see what Junior Dos Santos can do in the ring. Really, just can’t wait for this one to end. Expect Inner Circle to get the last laugh over Lambert to close it out.

**Winners – Inner Circle**

**Christian Cage and Jurassic Express vs Superkliq Falls Count Anywhere**

Have we seen Jurassic Express vs The Kliq one too many times? Probably. Am I still excited? Absolutely. They have got so much great chemistry and with the addition of Falls Count Anywhere adds so much potential that they will take full advantage of and I have no real idea who walks away, cause they can really go anyway here, but going to work along the lies of, bad night for The Elite. Just hope this is the last time we see these two teams collide for a little bit.

**Winners – Christian Cage and Jurassic Express**

**Darby Allin vs MJF**

Oh the promos have been so nasty from MJF and I love it so much. These two really are two have such a bright future ahead of them and can be a rivalry that carries on for years to come and sure the AEW Heavyweight Championship will be involved down the line. Maybe down the line, the hero walks away victorious, but not on this day.

**Winner – MJF**

**CM Punk vs Eddie Kingston**

We knew the promo work between the two of them would have been incredible and they have not only not let us down, but blew it out of the water and made something incredible. The promo they had on Rampage was wonderful and made this a must watch. These two are going to make even more magic in the ring and could make the argument that may be the most anticipated match of the night by the time Saturday gets here. While I would love to see Eddie win this one, think we are saving Punk’s first lost for someone else.

**Winner – CM Punk**

**Bryan Danielson Vs Miro**

_Before I get into this. I want to give a massive shout to Jon Moxley. From us at SmashWriting we send our support and love his way as he recovers from his addiction and gets healthy._

Miro has been a highlight of AEW this year. From his matches and especially, his promo videos, and now he is on the verge of full out war with his god it has some how gotten even better. Then you got Bryan Danielson. Who seems bent on taking up an entire top ten matches of the year list on his own. These two are going to put on a clinic that could go anyway, but I fear if I don’t pick Miro he will find me.

**Winner – Miro**

**AEW Tag Team Championship Match – FTR vs Lucha Brothers (Champions)**

This match is just going to rule. Two of the top Tag Teams in the world. Masters of different styles that blend so well together off the back of the talent of all four of them. With FTR beating them for the AAA Tag Team Championships though and we are still a bit too early into the tag run. Think the Champs are taking this one.

Winner and still Champions – Lucha Brothers

**AEW Women’s Championship – Tay Conti vs Dr. Britt Baker (Champion)**

So, the build up hasn’t been the best, but not taking anything away from these two women. Going to go out their and put on a clinic. Tay is going to look super strong, but don’t see the D.M.D train ending anytime soon.

**AEW Heavyweight Championship Match – Hangman Adam Page vs Kenny Omega (Champion)**

The feeling around this match is incredible. Telling the two plus year story of Hangman. Way he came out wanting that belt and the emotional toll it took when he failed. The story of friendship, rock bottom and finding new friends who helped him believe in himself again. I have reviewed movies that didn’t brother to have this much depth and emotion that this story arc has brought us and a reminder of why I love wrestling. At the end of the match, can’t see how Hangman doesn’t get his hand raised at the end, but the real prediction is…will he kick out of the One Winged angel and… I think he does.

**Winner and new champion – Hangman Adam Page**

As always, I hope you enjoyed and….

Thank You For Reading! 

#  Halloween Kills Movie Review

By: Justin Hopkins

****SPOILER WARNING****

Well, here we are, in the heart of the spooky season and the newest entry into the Halloween Franchise has arrived and… had very little interest going into this flick. 2018’s Halloween left me disappointed. H20 being the last one I actually enjoyed, but nevertheless. I try not to let the past effect my opinion so, open mind as I could get and after two viewings. Lets dive in and discuss shall we.

****SYNOPSIS****

The movie kicks us off with Cameron, on the phone. Trying to find Allyson. When he finds Hawkins, who is still alive. Running to his aide, calling for help, with Hawkins saying he needs to die and he needs to be the one to kill him. When we jump back to 1978 and a young Hawkins trying to track down Michael after Loomis shot him. We see young Lonnie getting bullied till cops stopped to ask if they saw anyone. Telling them to get home and a murderer is on the loose. When Lonnie runs away. He has an encounter with Michael after he tripped, but Michael disappears when the cops arrive, Hawkins and Pete. Finding out that it is in front of the Myers house. Going inside and Pete gets grabbed upstairs. Hawkins rushes in, but Myers has Pete held in front of him, with a rope around his neck. scared and trying to do something to save him. Hawkins takes a shot and shots Pete in the neck. Taking the moment of shock, Michael attempts to leave. Hawkins stays to check on Pete while more cops arrive and we see Loomis rush in. Wanting to know if Michael killed again and we jump to today. We meet Marcus and Vanessa at the bar. Who asks a rowdy group to be a little quieter, the group turns out to be Tommy, Lonnie, Lindsey, and Marion. Drinking in the memories of the nightmare that happened to them forty years ago. Tommy even gets on stage to recount the tale. After we jump to Laurie, Allyson and Karen in the back of the truck they were in at the end of the last movie. The Firefighters speeding by to their chagrin. Going along with the Firefighters. As they try to put out the fire. One of whom, falls through the floor. Getting taken out by Michael and the next guy who tries to help and Michael gets free. Killing the rest of the Firefighter on his way. Catching back up with Laurie arriving at the hospital. Seeing one of the guards is Brackett, Cop from the first movie, now Hospital Security. Allyson goes to clean the blood off her hands and Karen breaks down while Laurie is in surgery. When Karen finds Allyson in the Stairwell, telling her the surgery was a success. Mourning the Dad and allows us to go see Michael take out two more people, before going back to the bar. Marcus apologizing for earlier and liking Tommy for telling his story. Him and Vanessa joining he group. When Lonnie gets a call from his son, Cameron. Asking for help. Leaving the bar briefly to see the Sheriff arrive at the compound and back to the bar for them to get the alerts and see the story breaking on the news. Tommy connecting it to Myers, while Marcus and Vanessa just want to get home. Heading to the car, when he goes back to get his stethoscope. Vanessa goes to start the car and startled to find someone is in the back seat. Rushing back in and Tommy gets the Old Hickory bat off the way. Leaving with a big group to go take out ” Michael.” When he attacks the car with the bat. The person drives off and crashes half a block away. Gone by the time they get there. Tommy, gets everyone to agree to round up and go after Michael and that is where I will leave it for now.

****Review****

The best part about this is the carnage and the placements. The kills were plentiful and Myers at perhaps his most brutal. From knives and fingers to eyes. Had a real fun scene where one of his early victims wasn’t dead so he put him over a counter and just started sticking knives from the counter into his back. While his wife watched helplessly. Suffering herself from being stabbed with a light tube. Cameron’s death was especially brutally, cause Allyson was trying to divert him, but he couldn’t be bothered with her at the moment. As much fun as that was, how he placed them was even more interesting. My favorite was him staging Big John and Little John in the position they were in in the photograph. The brutality was on point here.

James Judd Courtney does an excellent version of Michaels Myers. Bringing in a fair amount of intimation to his pace and menace in his body language. Plus, big props to the mask. Loved Scott MacArthur and Michael McDonald as Big John and Little John. Great chemistry and spent enough time with them to make their deaths hit you a bit harder. Andi Matichak was alright as Allyson and Judy Greer was better this time around as Karen. Jamie lee Curtis didn’t do much as her return as Laurie Strode, but was good at what she was asked to do and it was nice to see Kyle Richards return as Lindsey. Wish she had more to do, but nice to see her.

Alright, so this movie had a fair amount of good ideas and doesn’t really deliver on most of them. Lets start with the mob. I like the idea of the town turning into mob justice and can see why they would stamped the wrong guy. Large groups of people overwhelmed by emotions and not thinking, but they don’t let the aftermath mattered. Tommy, the ring leader in all of this just moves on. Moment could have been so much bigger, but they just move on to the next group of kills. The little things like Brackett saying he is turning them into monsters and Laurie saying it’s his masterpiece are dumb, because no. They did that themselves. 

The end sequence is terrible. Opting for him to kill the mob and Tommy in these weird slow multi cut sequence. That was more off putting then good. Along with him just killing Karen in an anti-climactic way. Just killed her and cut to black and.. I think he killed the wrong Strode. Allyson is better then Karen, but story wise, seeing the aftermath of losing her child and what she would do in Ends, made Allyson the option to kill then what will Allyson do now. Not a full on negative, but nitpick.

Alright, I understand bringing original characters back and all. As someone who screams about wanting Jaime Lloyd back. My negative isn’t about that, but the way they used them. Brackett could be replaced by anyone. Only here to say the everyone deserves one good scare line. Had Nancy come back to replicate the same scene from the first Halloween with the ending where she dies this time. Tommy is here to say bad lines and pump up the mob. Lindsey was really good and pretty sure most of her screen time was in the trailer. Really wished we got something more meaningful for them. 

So, this movie had a good idea and interesting approach, but fail to live up to it. What it does have is some really solid kills, brutality and a few good characters. So, not a complete bust. If you are into carnage candy or a hardcore Michael fan, would suggest it. Can have some fun but would only suggest stream it. Final Grade – C

As always, I hope you enjoyed and….

Thank You For Reading! 

#  Hellraiser Movie Review

By: Justin Hopkins

This has been an interesting few months for Pinhead. Being introduced into Dead By Daylight as a playable killer. Then the other day it came out that Jaime Clayton will be taking on the role of Pinhead in the next movie. While I am very excited to see what comes from that. What better time to look back on the first. It’s spooky season and 13th. Hellraiser certainly fits the bill of a classic, so lets do it. Lets dive back and discuss shall we.

**Synopsis**

The movie kicks off with Frank buying the box from a merchant. Taking it back home where he works on solving it, kneeling in a square of candles. When a chain leaps out and snags him. We start to pan from room to room and when we return, find the room covered in chains and a totem covered in flesh. Seeing a woman cenobite putting his face together like a puzzle, while Pinhead closes the box and everything disappears. We jump to Frank’s Brother Larry and wife Julia coming into the house. Discussing the potential of moving in. Frank being gone and Larry doesn’t really care about it. An idea Julia does not seem sold on the idea. When he goes off to answer the phone, a call from his Daughter Kristy, who tells him found a room. She goes through Franks stuff and sneaks a photo. Before agreeing to move and they start on Sunday. We meet Kristy during moving day. While Julia is upstairs. Having a flashback to first meeting Frank and the affair she had with him. Brought out of it by Larry coming in. Bleeding from a nail cutting him. Needing her help since he can’t handle the sight of blood. Dripping blood on the floor that starts to absorb into the floor. When her and Kirsty take him to the hospital. The floor boards begin to shake and gore pile form and Frank comes out. Only, a shell of himself. Missing skin and flesh and just a bunch more. Later that night, when Julia leaves the Dinner Party early. Hears noises coming from the room and finds him. She tried to escape, but he stopped her. Asking for her help. The blood brought him back and he needed more blood to put himself back together. After remembering their time together. She comes back and tells him she will do it. We see her go out and pick up a guy from the bar. Bringing him back and killing him with a hammer. Allowing Frank to suck him dry, but he needs one of two more, and needs the quickly, before the Cenobites come for him. After the second, he explains the box opens the door for the Cenobites. Who bring pain and pleasure. That night she has to do everything to get Larry from going into the room. Then beg Frank to not kill Larry. When he gives her a choice. Get another or he is killing Larry. So, she goes out again, and brings a third. Which Kirsty sees her bring home. Since Larry asked asked her to go talk to Julia and see what is wrong with her. Rushing in when she hears the scream and is attacked and trapped in the room with Frank. Using the box to distract him and chucks it out of the window and escapes. Grabbing the box along the way. Getting far away but the trauma and everything getting to her and she passed out. Waking up in a hospital bed. Not letting her out of bed and even locked her in. She turned her attention to the box. Starting to solve it. Opening a doorway. Going inside and immediately chased out by a monster. She tries to close the box and the cenobites arrive. Going to take her away when she says Frank is alive. Reaching a deal. Have Frank confess himself and maybe they will let her go and that is where I ill stop for now.

**Review**

The gore and carnage candy was fantastic through. The practical effects on Frank rising from the gore pile and all the work they did with the chain cutting into him. The final look of Frank being held in place with all the chains and ripping him apart. This movie needed depending on the gore and they delivered big time.

On those same lines, the prosthetics and costumes were tremendous. All the stages of Frank looked wonderful. The Engineer was great and then there are the Cenobites. All having their distinctive look and personality that spoke through their look. Pinhead is legendary. Chatterer and Butterball were really cool and interesting designs. While I always found the Female Cenobite to be the most unnerving of the bunch. The needles and contraption opening up her throat. Way she spoke and small motions spoke volumes and worked perfectly. 

For the most part, the movie was perfectly paced. Building to a wild finish. A really creative dark, twisted story. Of the punishment and chaos that is housed inside the box. Giving you just enough to entertain in the blood soaked violence and intrigue to not only entertain, but open enough to let your mind wonder about the mystery behind it and what more could be inside the box.

The picked up an amazing group of actors and actresses to bring the characters to life. Each of the Cenobites were excellent. Doug Bradley came out like a star, for Pinhead, but the others were equally awesome, with Grace Kirby as the Female Open/Deep Throat, Nicholas Vincent as Chatterer, and Simon Bamford as Butterball. Claire Higgins pulled off Julia’s descent into madness and turn to a villain nicely. Same with Andrew being nice guy Larry to Frank in disguise by the end. Oliver Smith as skinless Frank brought a terrifying presence to the performance. Last, but furthest from least is Ashley Laurence as Kirsty. Turning in a master class and staked her name as among the best Final Girls in horror.

While, I have no out right negatives about this one. I do have some mixed and it surrounds the dream and the homeless man. I did praise them about keeping enough to the chest, but these two things could have used a bit more time. Think she had one dream and homeless man followed her about, eating crickets at the pet store. He was the way to get the box back to the merchant of course, but a little more would have been nice. None of which is going to put much of a dent into what I thought about the movie though.

If you haven’t watched it. Now, is the best time to change that. Fantastic, brutal horror film that is the personification of an all time classic. Legendary characters brought to life by great performances. Fit for any Halloween Marathons. Final Grade – A+

As always, I hope you enjoyed and….

Thank You For Reading! 

#  Simpsons Treehouse of Horror Season Rankings

By: Justin Hopkins

When I thought about doing this ranking. I was overjoyed. I love The Simpsons. One of my favorite shows of all time, but soon became one of the hardest rankings I have ever had to do. There is just so much. Out of 31 Treehouses each containing three episodes a piece and this became a list of razor thin placements. So, we are going to start quick, but let me point out two things. One I am going to keep things brief to not keep you to long and not going to include pics to avoid the load time lag and constant skips as they load in. Sorry, if that is something you wanted.

**31\. Treehouse of Horror XXIX**

_Invasion of the Pod-y People –_ _Multiplisa-ty -Geriatric Park_

Oh, I want to like this season, but can’t stand how most of these ended. Which is a shame cause they all have a lot of potential. Especially, the Invasion one, but they each crash and burn. Easily the worst of the bunch.

**30\. Treehouse of Horror XXII**

_The Diving bell and Butterball – Dial D for Diddly – In the Na’vi_

Dial D for Diddly has it’s moment. Homer using Flanders as a paw and the end where Maud has hooked up with the Devil is great fun, but it’s surrounded by The Diving Bell which is just terrible and In the Na’vi is just there. An alright parody of Avatar, but largely forgettable. 

**29\. Treehouse of Horror XVII**

_Married to the Blob – You got to know when to Golem – Day the Earth Looked Stupid_

The Golem episode pulls this episode down the list. He is just overtly obnoxious to watch and I turn it off when I know it is this one. The other two are better but not worth the trade off. 

**28.**Treehouse of Horror** XVI**

_Wanted: Dead Them Alive – Homerzilla – Telepaths of Glory_

It was good seeing Sideshow Bob mix it up in a Treehouse episode. Kind of expect to see him more, outside of the casual opener. Getting the long awaited kill over Bart was a nice touch. Homerzilla and Telepaths weren’t quite on the level, but wanted is the Star and they make alright follow ups.

**27\. Treehouse of Horror XXX**

_Danger Things – Heaven Swipes Right – When Hairy Met Slimy_

Much like season 30 they don’t quite hit the mark but each do have their moments at least. Especially, Danger Things.

**26\. Treehouse of Horror XXIV**

_Oh The Places You’ll Doh_ _– Dead and Shoulders – Freaks No Geeks_

This one is kind of strange. Freaks No Geeks and Dead and Shoulders are quite low, but Oh the places, is some great fun and the opener by Guillermo Del Toro is excellent. Got to watch for that alone.

**25\. Treehouse of Horror XXVIII**

_The Exorsis – Coralisa – MMM Homer_

The animation used in Coralisa looks gorgeous. Reason to check it out alone, but Exorsis has a ton of funny moments and good song, but not as good as the Left Alone Again song in MMM Homer. 

**24\. Treehouse Of Horror XX**

_Dial M for Murder or Press # to Return to Main Menu – Don’t Have A Cow Mankind – There is No Business Like More Business_

Dial M For Murder is a twisted fun take on Hitchcock, while Don’t Have a Cow is a fun Zombie Romp and together have enough power to overcome Moe Business. Was not a fan of the play staging/

**23\. Treehouse of Horror XV**

_The Ned Zone – Four Beheadings and a Funeral – In The Belly of The Boss_

Honestly, this could be higher on the list. Four Beheadings and The Ned Zone have a lot going on for them. Homer taunting Ned with the gun is spectacular, but like I said. Razor thin between these placements. In the Belly of The Boss holds it back just a little. 

**22\. Treehouse of Horror IX**

_Hell Toupe – Terror of Tiny Town – Starship Poopers_

Terror of Tiny Town wins the medal this season, but Hell Toupe doesn;t make it easy for them. While Starship gives us the great scene of Homer and Kang fighting on the Springer Show.

**21\. Treehouse of Horror XIX**

_Untitled Robot Parody – How to Get Ahead in Deadvertising – It’s the Grand Pumpkin, Milhouse_

This one has two out of three going for it, but when the two are It’s a Great Pumpkin Milhouse and Deadvertising. You know they did something right.

**20\. Treehouse of Horror XXVII**

_Dry Hard – BFFR.I.P – Moefinger_

This is another one of the oddballs. Since Moefinger is just alright and Dry Hard is very skippable. BffR.I.P though is an excellent episode. Lisa’s imaginary Friend going on a kill spree and Homer not only being able to see her, but summon Sargent Sausage to save him had me rolling. 

**19\. Treehouse of Horror XVIII**

_E.T Go Home – Mr. And Mrs. Simpson – Heck House_

Go Home was an amazing parody of E.T and Mr. and Mrs. Simpson should be talked about much more. Heck House on the other hand, could have used a bit more time.

**18\. Treehouse of Horror** XXIII

_The Greatest Story Ever Holed – Un-natural Activities – Bart and Homer’s Excellent Adventure_

Un-Natural Activities is a treat and loved them going back to when Homer and Marge met and mess with the time line. 

**17.**Treehouse of Horror**** X

_I know what you Diddly-Iddlily Did – Desperately Xeeking Xena – Life’s a Glitch, The You Die_

The one with Y2K Bug that ends with Homer and Bart killing themselves to escape the worst celebrities and politicians. Can’t say anything bad about that. Along with the always fun I know what you did parody. Could be higher if it wasn’t for Stretch Dude and Clobber Girl Song.

**16.**Treehouse of Horror**** XXI

_War and Pieces – Master and Cadaver – Tweenlight_

We are starting to get into the parts were all three are bangers. War and Pieces speaking to my budding love of Board Games. Along with enjoyable episodes in Master and Cadaver and Tweenlight. 

**15.**Treehouse of Horror**** VII

_The Thing and I – Genius Tub – Citizen Kong_

We got some real classic episodes and moments in this season. Genesis Tub is what brings it down a bit in my book. It isn’t bad by any means, just kind of bland for my liking.

**14.**Treehouse of Horror**** XXV

_School is Hell – Clockwork Yellow – The Others_

The Others is so, so great. The idea of that they are being haunted by their past version f themselves is Chief’s Kiss Quality writing. While Clockwork and School is Hell keeps pace perfectly.

**13.**Treehouse of Horror**** II

_Monkey’s Paw – The Bart Zone – If I Only Had a Brain_

We got the second ever Treehouse now. While they are very endearing and hold up well. They just don’t hit as much as they would as the series moved on. 

**12.**Treehouse of Horror**** XXXI

_Toy Gory – Into The Homerverse – Be Nine, Rewind_

The newest one, up to this point, and what a breath of fresh air this was. After missing the mark the past few years this one was excellent from top-to-bottom. Had the horrors in Toy Gory. The zany fun in Into the Homerverse, I will never get Princess Homer out of my mind and the clever story of Lisa fighting hard to finally turn nine, with the help of Nelson. Fun times in Season 32.

**11.**Treehouse of Horror**** XIV

_Reaper Madness – Frinkenstein – Stop the World, I Want to get off_

Homer as the Grim Reaper. What more could I possibly say about that. Just great time. Some goofy fun in Stop the world and Frinkenstein was better then it had the right to be.

**10.**Treehouse of Horror**** XVI

_B.I Bartifical Intelligence – Survival of The Fattest – I’ve Grown a Costume on Your Face_

We start the top ten off with one of the best episodes they got in Survival of The Fattest. Funny from start to finish, with Comic Book Guy choosing death over a five minute run speaks to me as a human being. I’ve Grown a costume, is top notch as well and Bartifical Intelligence is a great opener.

**9.**Treehouse of Horror**** III

_Clown Without Pity – King Homer – Dial Z For Zombie_

This did a lot of things right. King Homer being a solid entry. Fun killer doll story in Clown Without Pity, but the real when was Zombie. The lines, ” You killed Zombie Ned.” ” Ned was a zombie?” are lines to live on forever.

**8.**Treehouse of Horror**** XIII

_Send In The Clones – The Fright To Creep and Scare Harms – Island of Dr. Hibbert_

While Fright does drag back a little. The muscle form Send in The Clones and Island of Dr. Hibbert easily carry it to the number 8 spot.

**7.**Treehouse of Horror**** XII

_Hex in the City – House of The Whacks – Wiz Kids_

Pierce Brosnan as a robot house and a Leprechaun. That will about do it.

**6.**Treehouse of Horror**** XI

_G-G-Ghost_ _D-D-Dad – Scary Stories Can Come True – Night of The Dolphins_

Scary Stories did a whole lot of good stuff in a short period of time. Goldilocks being eaten by the three bears was awesome, but Homer coming through the Ginger Bread wall is so funny. Then you had another classic in Night of The Dolphins and Nelsen getting ghost Homer in a headlock. Season 12 delivered big time.

**5.**Treehouse of Horror**** V

_The Shinning – Time and Punishment – Nightmare Cafeteria_

This is an All-Time classic edition, with a running thread of Willie being knocked off in each episode. Homer try to fix the broken timeline made for some crazy threads, including one world which would have been his dream had he stuck around for one more second.

**4\. Treehouse of Horror**

_Bad Dream House – Hungry Are The Damned – The Raven_

The very first one, and may not be the most zany, but definitely holds a special place in my heart. Particularly, The Raven. Just a good little episode and with the rest. Got the series off to a hot start. 

**3\. Treehouse Of Horror XVIII**

_The Homega Man – Fly vs Fly – Easy Bake Coven_

I have to be a Groom’s man soon and I will spend the entire time snickering at the thought of naked Homer dancing in the church. We got fly Bart, Birth of Trick or treating and death of the Fix Censor. Treehouse knocked it out of the park.

**2\. Treehouse of Horror** **VI**

_Attack of The Fifty Foot Eye Sores – Nightmare on Evergreen Terrace – Homer³_

This was so hard and honest flip flopped with the number one spot numerous times. I adore this episode. Willie as Freddy is epic and Homer³ looks gorgeous and attacking Lard Lad, but alas, couldn’t keep pace with number 1.

**1.Treehouse of Horror IV**

_The Devil – Terror at 5 1/2 Feet – Bart Simpson’s Dracula_

Because it is everything that I love about this silly tradition. Bart telling Otto that a Gremlin is on the side of the bus, to see Moleman driving a Gremlin. Flanders being The Devil. The Super Fun Happy Slide, that Bart just had to pull on even though he was going to rid it to his grave. All of the fun, great memories that came from this season and the very best of the bunch. 

#  Venom: Let There Be Carnage

By: Justin Hopkins

****SPOILER WARNING****

When we did our review on the first Venom movie, I had some serious reservations about going in. All my doubts were proven wrong and ended up being a really good movie. Going into this one… all of those doubts had come back. Wasn’t to thrilled by what I had seen in trailers. Wasn’t keen on Woody playing Cletus. Thought he could do it, just thought younger would have been better. Then I saw the rating and wasn’t keen on that. My love of the Venom character was always going to get me in the door though. So, lets dive in and discuss shall we. 

**Synopsis**

The movie opens at a reform house, where Young Cletus is talking to Young Shriek, Florence. Who is upset that they are going to be taking her away. Her powers were growing to strong to safely keep her locked away here. When they do come for her, Cletus is enraged. Banging on a window. They get her loaded into the van and start to drive her away. When she tries to escape with a supersonic screech. Only for the cop to shot her. Believing her to be dead. Except, she survived and is locked away in Ravencroft. We jump to today and we see Eddie talking to Officer Mulligan. Telling him that Cletus wants to meet with him. Venom is agitated and Eddie has to stop him from taking a bite out of Mulligan and actually pull him into the bathroom. After a brief argument. They are on their way to meet with Cletus. Who makes him a deal to give his life story if he publishes his words first. Which is a hidden message to Florence. On their way out, they spot sketches etched into the wall. Which Venom is able to draw later and uses that to find a slew of buried bodies. Which puts Cletus on Death Row. Back at home, Eddie and Venom are bickering. Venom is hungry and is fueled on something called Phenethylamine, which is found in brains and chocolate. Since they are out of chocolate. Eddie wants him to eat the chickens, but Venom refuses to eat Sonny and Cher. Caving in and they go to the store but don’t have any chocolate so it’s off to a chicken factory. Which Venom reluctantly raids. Taking control after. Running around. Arguing that they should be heroes and eating bad guys. Even breaking up a mugging that he didn’t need to get involved in. Only stopping his trek when Ann calls. Wanting to meet where they learn that she is engages. Which is devastating to them both. The next morning Venom is trying to take care and cheer him up. They receive a letter from Cletus. Wanting them to be present for the execution. Venom doesn’t want them to but Eddie insists. When they get their. Cletus starts in on him which sets off Venom. Who grabs Cletus, pulling Eddie against the bars and then Cletus against said bars. Allowing him to bite Eddie’s Hand. Getting a bit of his blood on his face. That we see begin to sprout into a Symbiote. That he eats. Eddie and Venom argue all the way home. Which turns into name calling and then a fight. Stuff starts getting thrown out of the window, chickens threatened and finally, Eddie sets off the fire alarm. Ensuing sound sends Venom Fleeing out of the window. Where he attaches himself to a passerby and leaves, but not before destroying Eddie’s bike and flipping him off. On death row, Cletus is hooked up and procedure for Lethal Injection begins when the Symbiote is awoken and Carnage is born. Killing everyone is his path as they escape and that is where I will leave it for now. 

**Review**

One of best part of the movie is the relationship between Eddie and Venom. Outside of the fact that it gives some hilarious moments. The fact that it is a rocky relationship. They each have their own wants and desires. Eddie trying his best to help Venom, but with keeping them hidden and off the radar. While Venom wants to be out. Enjoying the Earth, being able to be a hero and feast on bad guys and it all adds so much to the movie and some of the best parts come from their dynamic.

I do like what they did with them. Him embracing Earth and genuine love fore life. His love of Anne was a nice touch. Thought I would hate the rave scene, but was quite wholesome. Just him liking being around people and then missing the fact that Eddie wasn’t around to enjoy it with him. The look was a lot nicer. CGI looked a lot better. Especially, when it came to the fight scenes.

Then there is the little things. Two of which jump to mind right away. One, they doubled down on the chocolate tease from the first and went into detail on why it was so important to Venom. Having the same chemicals as Brains and compatible of sustaining him. Then showing that Carnage is capable of accessing the internet. As much as I am okay with them changing the characters up, I love it when they get those little details. 

The cast was pretty spot on. Tom Hardy does a great job as Eddie Brock and the voice of Venom. Same with Michelle Williams as Anne. Woody has always done Crazy well, and his work with Cletus is no different. Chemistry between him and Tom made for some great scenes. Naoime Harris was a nice addition as Shriek. Adding a menacing presence to her performance and the way she bullied the other characters and handled herself. And got love seeing Peggy Lu return as Mrs. Chen. Was a small role, but was fun when she was on the screen.

Okay, so I do have a few negatives. Two minor and one major one. So, lets start with the minor in Shriek. Now, yes, Naoime really was good, but the way they used her at the end was confusing and dumb. She knew screaming would upset Carnage and upset them both so they start the fight with her screaming. Then what felt like a random, arbitrary moment decided Carnage went to far and wanted him to stop. I get that they needed her around to round out the end, but could have been handled a lot better. 

Second, and sure there are people who will disagree with this one, but it really needed that R rating. The first Venom worked with the PG-13 and Venom himself can work like that, but we are talking about Carnage. A character so heinous that Spider-Man questioned his no kill policy and really7 thought it over in the moment. That killing him may have been the way to go. Carnage killed a diner full of people when a reporter got his name wrong. Sure he has a body count, but it does not hit the same as it would have to see him get bloody and he needed that. 

” That’s a red one.” That is what Venom said when he encountered Carnage. The reason that he did not want to fight him was because he is a red one. It is silly and Carnage does call him Father, in what felt like a throw away line. Venom talks so much in this movie and all they had to do was put a few more lines of him actually calling him his son and each generation is stronger then the last, but nope. That’s a red one was all we got. This is a short movie. Could have added a couple more minutes and this negative doesn’t exist.

So, after a day thinking it over. Breaking down the things I didn’t like about it and at the end of it all. They are not very damaging ones. I had a lot of fun with this movie. Especially the interactions between Venom and Eddie. The back and forward with Eddie/Venom and Cletus/Carnage. Movie had some great laughs and solid action and I would suggest going to check it out in theaters. Final Grade – B+

As always, I hope you enjoyed and…

Thank You For Reading! 

#  Nemesis Board Game Review

By: Justin Hopkins

It is the beginning of the most wonderful time of year and no better way to get things rolling then with a horror Board Game Nemesis. Made by Adam Kwapinski, Rebel and Awaken Realms. A big box game, inspired by the Alien Movies. Where, you or a group of friends take on the role of a member of a space crew, who is tasked to try and survive “Intruder” attack, while each trying to pull off a secret agenda each player has. Some could be team based or make sure it gets to Earth to the far more diabolical ones of make sure you are the only survivor but more on that later. With how beefy this game is, lets jump right in and start discussing shall we.

**The Rundown**

So, this is quite the large game and has a bit of a set up time. Even down to what side of the board you wish to use. For the first few games, would definitely suggest the starting side and not the hard side. Shuffle the room pieces and set them face down and topped with smaller tokens. That could represent stuff like slime, fire, broken or nothing. do the same with the engine tokens and random draw a coordinate card without looking. So you don’t know where you are going. Set up the monster bag accordingly and the Intruder Board with eggs and three hidden weaknesses that can be unveiled by taking a human corpse, alien corpse and an egg to the lab. From there you pick your character and their associated deck along with a corporate and personal agenda cards. Keep them both for now, one player gets the player one token and it is time to start the game. Everyone starts in the Hibernation Room with a dead crew member token in the room. You draw five cards and start your turn. You have two actions, some actions call on you to discard, one of which, is explore. Means you can go to a room, if it is unexplored, flip over the piece and the smaller piece to reveal what room it is and what is going on inside said room. Fire, broken, slime. As well as a number of items hidden in the room. If no one is in the room, you have to roll for noise. Placing a noise marker in that numbered corridor. If two markers appear in the room. Remove all the markers attached to the room and draw from the Monster Bag. Placing whatever Intruder miniature you pulled from the bag into the room with you. If their level is greater than the umber of cards you have left in your hand. A surprise attack happens and you have to draw a card to reveal the damage. Unless it is a larva, then you get an infected card and place him on your player board. If this is the first Intruder to appear, each player selects one of the agendas, Corporate or Personal, to keep and discard the other. That becoming their goal for the remainder of the game. Back on the board, you can fight the intruder. Which costs ammo and a roll to see how much damage you administer. Maker the alien and draw a card. If its health is lower you kill an. Higher it lives. You can also try to run and you can get cards to help. Otherwise, the alien may be taking one more swipe at you. Once a person has taken their two turns, it goes to the next and back and forth till everyone has passed or exhausted all of their cards. Which begins the Event Phase. The timer for Hyperdrive goes down one. Same with Self-Destruction if that is active. Draw an event card, Alien attacks or moves and draw a monster token and resolve what comes out. Pass the player one token to the next player and keep going. You can re-enter the Hibernation Pod when the timer gets to the blue, but you better make sure two of the three engines are working, otherwise the ships blows up. If a player has died, self-destruct gets to yellow or you have a key, you can try for the escape pod. Of course, both will require a noise roll and don’t forget to check those infected cards to make sure you are not infected, or you will die from that. 

**Review**

This game might seem pretty intimidating to fist pick up. It is a heavy box, with a lot of pieces and a short story of a rulebook, but honestly, once the game gets going. Everything runs like a dream. You start working out strategies and dealing with the ever changing situations and sucks you right in and all the things disappear into the story and experience and the real trouble hits; how hard this game can be.

The phrase, and everything was going so well never rings more true then Nemesis. Had a game where we had all but one room explored and before we knew it; nearly every adult was on the board and the Queen was chasing me around. It did not take them long to finish us off. Another game where everything was going so well, when the card that kills you if you have a larva popped up and I was dead. So frustrated and so ready to try again, because when all the strategies pay off and you make it across the finish line. This game gives you such a raw, wonderful feeling of achievement.

I love the fact that this isn’t a pure Co-Op game. Sure you work together on some stuff, but you each have that agenda card. Which adds a whole new level to the game. You can be a good person, who is trying to do the right thing cause your goal is to save everyone or make sure we get to Earth, but they can’t be sure cause you could be lying cause you may have picked an evil card (me, I always pick the evil card) Which can be something as simple as get away with an egg or be the only survivor. Adding even more strategy and trying to figure out who to kill the others without it looking like it is on purpose. So many different ways to play and all depends on what you decide to do with your character. 

This game is gorgeous. From the detailed board and so many cards. The miniatures are lovely. If you love painting figures you really hit the jackpot with this box and if you don’t. They still look great. A lot of love went into making the box and it shows.

I don’t have any negatives to say. It is more on the pricey side, but they really give you your moneys worth with everything inside. For Board Game fans, especially those who love the alien movies, will love this game. It’s even a fun game to play solo and a blast to play with friends. Couldn’t suggest adding it to your collection more. 

As always, I hope you enjoyed reading and….

Thank You For Reading!