Tristyn Akbas

The trouble with prequels is that anyone who has seen the original material knows exactly how the story will end up. So, the prequel needs to be entertaining enough to earn that nostalgic shot in the arm rather than resting on non-existent laurels. Mufasa: The Lion King manages to be an entertaining ride, but it doesn't quite set itself apart from previous entries. Directed by Barry Jenkins ( Moonlight), Mufasa: The Lion King tells the story of how Simba's father, Mufasa, became king.

In a surprise that not many people would have had on their bingo cards, a new game has been announced at The Game Awards. From Bandai Namco Entertainment and FromSoftware, Elden Ring Nightreign is the name of this new standalone game. Of course, the expansion to the first game -Shadow of the Erdtree-was released earlier this year and is up for multiple awards, including Game of the Year. Elden Ring Nightreign will be released in 2025 on major platforms.

One of the oddest movies you'll watch this year is Nightbitch, which was written and directed by Marielle Heller ( A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood). Starring Amy Adams ( Arrival) and Scoot McNairy ( Argo), is a black comedy that follows a mother who slowly transforms into a dog. It is an adaptation of the 2021 novel by Rachel Yoder, which is also called Nightbitch.