Pete Oliva

Not much to say that hasn't been said in other reviews. Cast does a great job. A pretty good late 90's art house film with many then-rising or new stars that are all now basically pretty legendary. They don't make them like this anymore, and I mean they REALLY don't, it's an older style of movie-making that has all but gone out of style in the streaming age. Not a huge fan of Oliver Stone's direction and the script isn't THE BEST but the actors all do a pretty great job, especially Penn and Thornton. It's one of his better films, in my opinion! Definitely a sleeper that still is an enjoyable watch today.

My newest obsession. Easily the most fun I've had in a few years. I love the challenge, there's just something about this game that just makes you want to give it another go, and another go, and yet another go... The gameplay is very addictive, very intense, and although it may seem you are up against unsurmountable odds and impossible challenges, as you play, your brain does the work and you DO learn, you DO improve. Some levels will seem absolutely brutal and almost unfair (looking at you Biome 3), but you will start to develop strategies and approaches to situations and you WILL find that you will overcome. And when you finally take down each boss, the feeling is downright euphoric. And you'll realize that when you try again, it's like you saw the code of the Matrix and you can pull it off easier and easier each time. The presentation is also off the charts. Gorgeous graphics and really great level design - especially for something with procedural generation - and the sound production is incredible. There isn't much in the way of music, but the audio is absolutely stellar. The 3D audio is fantastic and essential to your survival, and all of the weapons and enemy sounds are fantastic. The risk/reward gameplay and shifting levels seem to annoy some, but to me that's just classic Roguelike design and it is pulled off to near-perfection here. It's just so satisfying. I only wish they had included a "Save and Quit" feature a la the Souls games so that you would not have to rely on the Rest Mode feature. I have lost a few good runs. But overall, it's not even close to a true blemish on the incredible experience I've had with Returnal. IMO it is the first true original masterpiece of the new generation and one that I will always consider a favorite of mine. Well done Housemarque.