Contributor: Bob Hoose

‘In the Lost Lands’ is a bloody fairytale of corrupt churchmen, a werewolf and a witch, all wrapped in grime, torment and shadow.

Bash, smash, hack and slash. ‘Monster Hunter Wilds’ has T-rated versions of all that on a mammoth monster scale.

‘The Robe’ is one of those ‘notable’ movies that no one remembers. But even old Hollywood could get some things right.

‘Heart Eyes’ is eardrum-scorchingly foul, and its flesh-hacking is gruesome and brutal (even when it’s trying to elicit a smile).

Like the 2019 documentary of the same name, ‘Last Breath’ tells a taut tale of daring rescue, with just a few spiny, content sea urchins.

‘Avowed’ proclaims its RPG adventure with heavy conversations and equally heavy blades. But it’s often a messy declaration.

When you read the reference to an “AICompanion” in this blog’s title, you may have instantly jumped to the idea of some platform or device that you can make into a digitalized bestie. You know, an AI construct that you can wile away the hours chatting …

‘A Complete Unknown’ delivers an engaging portrait of Bob Dylan’s music. But its script and its content falls flat.

‘Sniper Elite: Resistance’ adds a few small trigger-pulling additions. But it’s still all about the Nazi-mulching glee.

Like anything involving dogs, there’s some mess in the mix. But all in all, ‘Dog Man’ is zany and sweet fun.

‘Companion’ offers a twisting story and some compelling thoughts about AI. But that’s short-circuited by gushing gore and profanity.

There are a few nice things about this cap and his tale. But maybe not enough to be worthy of a hearty ‘Family Assemble!’

There’s an edgy thriller packed in this 90-minute plane flight pic. But it’s strapped in with a whole lot of caustic cargo, too.

Sid Meier’s world-building game is back and bigger than ever. But is it better?

‘Faith of Angels’ tells the story of a real-world rescue that some say earned the label of … miracle.