25. Yakuza Kiwami
While there is more back and forth as well as more filler, this still has the same satisfying gameplay and story I've come expect. It's only nitpicks are simple because it's (technically) the first one. It's still charming emotional and very engaging. Kiryu-Chan!
24. Fillmore! (Season 1)
I'm actually surprised how much mileage they got out of this. For a small cast and limited setting, every episode feels different and they keep the creativity up. It helps too that it has a very appearing art and animation style. Clearly a lot of passion is on show here.
23. Bugonia
A really good premise that's wonderfully performed by a great main trio but kind of loses the plot towards the end and seems a little confused by it's own ethics. Not bad, very well shot and edited. Tame for Yorgos Lanthimos but still clearly his work. Messy but still interesting.
22. Class
It's a shame this didn't get a second season as, by the end, it did start to find its footing. A wobbly start but once the cast is fleshed out, especially Quill, it's a good time. Not mind blowing but solid. It's creative given the limited setting but needed a bit more Doctor Who stuff.
21. Frankenstein
To be positive, Jacob Elordi steals the film and the second act is fantastic. The rest though, I found surprisngly sloppy. Felt like some nuance and subtlety was sucked out, trapped with some bizarre pacing. Too slow a start, too fast a finish. Looks great but writing is goofy.
20. One Battle After Another
Peak cinema. Peak filmmaking. My god, what a perfect ride from start to finish. Biting political commentary, a perfect tonal blend of suspense and comedy, iconic writing and performances. This has serious staying power and is an instant classic. Highly recommended!
19. Sentimental Value
Exceedingly engaging drama with a strong cast and excellent use of visual storytelling. The journey the audience is guided through, especially where it all leads to, kept me intrigued and the fleshed out characters just keep it fresh. One of the best films of 2025. Compelling!
18. Hamnet
Jessie Buckley dominates here with a career defining performance alongside Chloe Zhao's excellent direction. Could be seen as too melodramatic for some but given the subject matter and the fact that Shakespare is no stranger to melodrama, it does feel applicable. Very solid period drama.
17. Iron Man (Season 2)
Big improvement with a better intro, animation and writing. Still the weakest of the 90s Marvel cartoons but clear direction shift does start to introduce more engaging concepts. By the time it really gets going though, it's over. Maybe another season would've helped.
16. Train Dreams
A BEAUTIFUL film, both visually and emotionally. Stunning cinematography, tight editing, engaging performances and so deeply thematically rich from start to finish. This is just a fascinating film to live with. (My Red Dead 2 brain couldn't let that go either). Highly recommended.
15. Marty Supreme
This was NOT what I expected at all! Insanity incarnate but a compelling script and strong cast do keep it engaging. Despite how woefully unlikeable the protagonist is, I can't quite look away. The music is gorgeous across the board and the visually story telling is strong.
14. The Long Walk
The talent on show here is wonderful. The two leads especially are exceptional, I see strong futures for them. Pretty good adaptation wiht good sense of dread and development, but I found the ending to be strong but wrong. It's not quite sat right with me. Not perfect but solid.
13. The Studio (Season 1)
An exceedingly fresh comedy that cares deeply about the art of film vs the reality of the industry with clever injokes and brilliant use of celebrities. Beautifully shot and strongly performed too. Could be serialised but the variety is still fun. Thank you Sal Saperstein.
12. Wonder Man
What a soulful, raw and down to earth series that every actor needs to watch. Beautifully capturing what art is all about with an incredible lead duo who contrast each other brilliantly. Authentic, sincere, funny with strong bathos and much to process. What can I say, it's WONDERFUL.
11. Iron Man (Season 1)
I don't know what that was. Borderline incomprehensible nonsense that just throws everything at once. By the time it finally chills out with nuance and character growth, the season is over. Stilted, janky, probably the worst of the 90s Marvel cartoons so far. MODOK is fun.
10. The Sarah Jane Adventures (Season 5)
The devestating passing of Elizabeth Sladen sadly cut this season, and while 'Sky' is a weak opener, 'The Curse of Clyde Langer' might be the best episode of the show. For a kids show, we're dealing with harsh realities and themes. A fresh start, sadly cut.
I love the cover of Pokémon Pinball. Pikachu looks so content yet inquisitive. What's up there, little guy? What's on your mind after work?
9. Amphibia (Season 3)
OH OKAY! We went from "haha funny frog show" to an emotional thrill ride that plays every card left up its sleeve in an exceedingly satisfying and bombastic finale. While there was room for more seasons (perhaps they left Earth too quickly?), I'm so glad I watched this show.
8. DELTARUNE: Chapter 4
Much darker and melancoly which makes it contrast stronger with the last chapter. While it felt more dialogue heavy, there was still new gameplay mechanics to freshen things up. Also potentially the funniest boss in both this and Undertale. Great stuff, can't wait for more!
7. DELTARUNE: Chapter 3
It's crazy how charming this is, so stupidly funny and creative. The side quest with the 8-Bit game adds a haunting layer to the peppy main story. Much more gameplay variety too with some really out the box thinking with puzzle solving. Excellent stuff! (Tenna is my hero.)
6. Avatar: Fire and Ash
It sure is another Avatar film. Probably the most engaged I've been in one of these but still exceedingly derivative with even a near identical climax to the last. Just when it starts to try new things, it buckles under the formula. It looks great, still way too long.
5. The Life of Chuck
I needed this. What a beautifully relevant film that reflects the horrors of today before stripping them away to focus on and value the small moments and days we live for. The moment the intrigue all clicks is wonderfully satisfying too. Confident and therapeutic, appreciated.
I get them here. Might be worth a browse but dangerous for wallet! I only get the one I have though so there will be a day I stop. www.customgamecases.com
They go! One of my favourite things to collect, makes my retro games more accessible. Custom Game Cases are excellent for that, just pricey shipment 😅
Custom Game Cases are sexy! 👀
4. Sinners
What a terrific, well put together picture. Not a single shot or line wasted. Captivating writing and performances with a stunning look. Never knew where it was going, constantly hooked. It's also one you can take at face value or with deep rich allegories. Very rich, very bold. Banger.
3. EPIC: The Musical
One of the greatest independent projects in years. The production quality is incredible, the gorgeous use of leitmotifs and instruments, the way it captures The Odyssey so beautifully thematically. Just a stunning work of art. I applaud every single person involved.
