The latest addition to the 'Knives Out' series brings more murder and satire, as Benoit Blanc looks to unravel his most difficult case to date in 'Wake Up Dead Man' - and it's a blast.I'm a big fan of Rian Johnson's murder mysteries. They are a wonderfully fresh, modern take on the classic whodunnit. Setting themselves apart apart with a distinctive tone, blending sharp humour and a touch of irony through the tension of the central murder mystery. Each have a terrific ensemble that only elevate the film even more.This time, Blanc faces off against religion and beliefs- as a murder takes place within a sealed room of a church, with a list of suspects all capable of pulling off this impossible crime; and the journey the film takes you on is nothing short of brilliant. Craig oozes charisma and flamboyance, but Josh O'Connor too stands out in a team up that will have you chuckling one minute, to being at the edge of your seat the next.Full thoughts in this review (spoiler free).
Guillermo del Toro has a singular vision and voice. Each of his films feel distinct, seamlessly blending beauty with horror, which is why he’s become such an esteemed filmmaker. Naturally, I was eager to see what he would do with the classic 'Frankenstein' - and, as expected, the result is something truly special.It’s clear this was a true passion project for the director - you can feel that love and craftsmanship in every scene and every line of dialogue.And if it’s not the stellar writing and performances from leads Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi or Mia Goth that capture you, it’s the exquisite costume design, prosthetics, practical effects, and sets that build this world with such vivid detail. The cinematography, too, is visually striking - often downright breath-taking.Altogether, it’s a remarkable achievement that may have even edged out 'The Shape of Water' as my favourite del Toro release.Full thoughts in this review.
Edgar Wright returns with his adaptation of Stephen Kings explosive dystopian tale; 'The Running Man'. It goes without saying that, like many, I’m a huge fan of Wright and his filmography. His style and techniques are among my favourites in contemporary filmmaking: the punchy zooms, the energetic swish pans, and the way he interweaves music with visuals all stand out as signature elements that elevate each of his films. Its something I always look forward to - and whilst 'The Running Man' does incorporate those techniques, sadly it doesn't leave its mark as much I anticipated. Glen Powell shines as lead Ben Richards. Your average joe, dealt a bad hand and trying to provide for his family, no matter the cost. There's a fine line of him being in control, and pure rage that Powell executed to perfection. Its a performance that will cement himself as the new action star, undoubtedly.Whilst this is a fun watch with explosive action, it sadly left me wanting more. Or rather, would've preferred a better third act as it does, unfortunately, overstay its welcome.Full thoughts in this review.
There's always a question mark when a film suggests it was 'inspired by true events' as to which parts were actually true. Then there's a film and story such as Derek Cianfrance's 'Roofman' in which the true story sounds more like the work of fiction... It's surreal, but most definitely true. Following the story of Jeffrey Manchester, aka Roofman, a chap who robbed 46 stores, escaped prison, and then hid in a Toys R Us, is one that you wouldn't expect to carry as much emotional weight to it. But down to terrific storytelling and performances from leads Channing Tatum and Kirsten Dunst, it is easily one of the best films of the year due to that emotion, as well as relatability, that the film holds. It's a surprise hit, and one that does have a lot of fun in there. It explores the desperation and desire that one man has to provide for his family - and it leaves its mark on you once the credits roll. Full thoughts in this review.
Following the success of 'Prey' and 'Killer of Killers', Dan Trachtenberg returns with his next Predator release; 'Badlands' - and its epic. Taking a big swing, Trachtenberg shakes things up and puts us up close and personal with the Yautja as they take centre stage, making for an epic sci-fi action adventure that never stops with its thrills. The director clearly has a strong vision for this world and the skill to bring it to life. His passion shines through in every frame, and delivering three consecutive hits is a testament to both his creativity, and his commitment, to pushing the franchise forward.‘Badlands’ might not have the grit you would like from a Predator film, but it does manage to generate that intensity and suspense through its set pieces and danger our lead finds itself in - and it really is hard not to come away impressed by it.Full thoughts in this review
Having been a fan of what Yorgos Lanthimos and Emma Stone brought to the screen with last year’s brilliant 'Poor Things', I was eager to see what their next collaboration would deliver. Enter 'Bugonia'.This wonderfully strange black comedy delves deep into themes of truth and reality, anchored by outstanding performances from Stone and Jesse Plemons. It's a simple premise; conspiracy theorist kidnaps CEO as he believes she's an alien, but its one that is executed terrifically through Lanthimos' vision and style. The real intrigue and drama lies in watching these two strong-minded characters clash over their opposing ideologies - it’s an unpredictable battle that's a fascinating watch throughout. Though it is certainly a slower 'slow burner', the pay off is absolutely worth it for the films wild third act that only goes the way you would expect a Lanthimos release to do so.Full thoughts in this review.
Having been a fan of Chris Stuckmann for some time, I was thrilled to see him receive the backing and funding to release his first feature film; 'Shelby Oaks'. Its a journey that will no doubt inspire many others, and its one that gets all my applauds. Coming away from this directorial debut, it’s clear that the film marks a promising start for Stuckmann — though, not without its flaws. There’s a strong sense of style and a wealth of intriguing ideas that showcase what he can bring to the horror genre, and its subgenres. His clever blending of found-footage elements with more traditional filmmaking techniques creates an effective sense of unease, letting the scares build naturally. However, the film ultimately falters in its third act, struggling to fully deliver on the ambitious concepts it sets up earlier.But when all is said and done, there's certainly enough thrills and chills to get you invested in its story surrounding the disappearance of Riley - and the determination of her sister, Mia, to find her. With some terrific atmosphere and tension, 'Shelby Oaks' is definitely one to watch over the spooky season. Full thoughts in this review.
There's no better way to prepare for Spooky Season, than spending a couple of hours with the masked menace that is Michael Myers, right?Dropping in 2018, the legacy sequel, or requel, gained positive reactions from both fans and critics as it served a helping of kills, as well nods to the 1978 original. Not only were fans getting more Michael, but too the ultimate scream Queen Jamie Lee Curtis returned as Laurie Strode, bringing her all in what is a terrific performance throughout.It's a very smart and bold move to wipe the slate clean and having this as the only sequel following the original. It helped in reviving the franchise, as well as opening the door for richer character work, especially for Laurie and Michael, as they confront the lasting scars of that fateful night decades later. It might've taken me a while to watch this release, but I can safely say I had a blast with this 'Halloween' film.Full thoughts in this review/revisit.
To this day, it still surprises me that we never got a sequel to Stephen Sommers 2004 gothic action-horror 'Van Helsing'. Its one that I have a wee bit of nostalgia for, having watched at such an impressionable age, and with Halloween approaching; it seemed appropriate to revisit.Like others of similar age, it was my first 'real' introduction to iconic monsters like Dracula, the Wolfman, and Frankenstein’s monster — characters we all grow up knowing, even without seeing the originals. While it sticks to a PG-13 tone, the film still delivers fast-paced, visually striking action that holds up surprisingly well today.Hugh Jackman and Kate Beckinsale make a great duo, with solid chemistry woven between the film’s many, MANY action set pieces. The atmosphere, production design, and energy all shine, even if the film occasionally feels overcrowded with characters and subplots.Still, a perfect and fun watch for spooky season. Full thoughts in this revisit.
Ever rewatch a classic and think, "They don’t make films like that anymore"? Well, Paul Thomas Anderson’s 'One Battle After Another' proves they still can.This latest release from PTA feels like a standout in his filmography. Rich in character, layered in tone, and packed with that nostalgic density of ’80s and ’90s cinema. The genre bending too has that perfect balance of intensity, with sharp satire and surprising humour, all displayed and executed terrifically via its leads Leonardo DiCaprio, Chase Infiniti and Sean Penn. 'One Battle After Another' simply is a must see for cinema lovers. Not only is it shot on VistaVision for the first time in 60 years, but too its backed by a powerful Jonny Greenwood score that accompanies the film beautifully. Its a spectacular reminder of why we fall in love with movies in the first place.
The announcement that came at last years comic con regarding yet another Dexter series starring Michael C Hall had me a little concerned that this was getting a tad silly... but boy, oh boy, was I wrong - this latest season was a blast from start to finish. Despite the clumsiness of how Dexter evaded prison (as well as surviving) on the back of 'New Blood', Dexter: Resurrection delivers as a terrific legacy sequel. It recaptures what made the original great, while adding a fresh twist by dropping Dexter into the vast, chaotic world of New York City — the perfect new hunting ground for his dark urges.With some brilliant storytelling, 'Resurrection' jumps high in the list of best Dexter seasons, which is a huge achievement considering twice now they've tried to end the show altogether. What's more impressive, is that I want more.Full thoughts in this review.
I was lucky enough to attend an early screening of 'The Long Walk', and it's absolutely worth your time. The premise is simple: young men walk over 300 miles in a brutal competition. Fall below 3mph, get three warnings—then you're executed. It's a harrowing concept that delivers both shocking visuals and emotional gut-punches as characters you grow attached to are picked off.While the full ensemble is strong, it's Cooper Hoffman and David Jonsson who shine. Their performances and growing bond give the film real emotional depth, anchoring the relentless journey. Despite the straightforward setup, the film explores its characters deeply, thanks in large part to their dynamic.'The Long Walk' earns its place among the best Stephen King adaptations. Francis Lawrence captures the bleak, psychological toll of the journey with precision, making this not just a survival story, but a powerful character study.
The third and final season of the highly popular streaming sensation 'Squid Game' premiered a couple of months back - and whilst 'Squid Game 3' raised the stakes and gave Seong Gi-hun a dramatic send-off, the story often felt forced and messy; especially when compared to the stronger, more cohesive seasons that came before.There are still some standout moments – particularly, the hide-and-seek game, which only demonstrated how brilliant a writer Hwang Dong-hyuk is. The performances, too, are a high point—Lee Jung-jae delivers arguably his best work of the series, bringing real depth and intensity to Gi-hun’s final arc.But as a concluding chapter, this season is a mixed bag. It lacks the tight, purposeful storytelling that made the first season so impactful. It’s far from a disaster, but considering the heights Squid Game has reached, the finale feels like a missed opportunity.Full thoughts in this review.
'Weapons' is the latest release from 'Barbarian' director Zach Cregger, and once again, he delivers something brilliant.While marketed as horror, 'Weapons' leans more into thriller territory, similar to 'Prisoners', exploring a chilling mystery surrounding missing children that unfolds with a gripping story, tone, and performances that keep you fully immersed from minute one.Much like 'Barbarian', Cregger’s structure here is unique - told in multiple chapters from different perspectives, revisiting the same events through new eyes. It’s one of my favourite storytelling methods, and it's executed masterfully. Cregger generates enough thrills that even if you’re a little unsatisfied with the overall reveal, you’re still on board down to the creativity behind this one.'Weapons' is easily another standout of the year. It blends supernatural elements with real-world themes like grief, addiction, and police brutality, all while maintaining edge-of-your-seat suspense. A must-see that’s sure to land on many top 10 lists.Full thoughts in this review.
Leslie Neilson cemented himself as one of the comedy greats with his roles in classics such as 'Airplane' and 'The Naked Gun', packed with timeless gags and quotable lines. Thankfully, the same can be said for this new sequel/legacy sequel starring Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson - because boy, is this a blast from start to finish. Sure, not every joke will land, but for every small chuckle, comes a huge belly laugh with some outrageously funny jokes and sight gags courtesy of Neeson and Anderson. There is a charm within thanks to these characters being well played, coming across serious in a very un-serious film that's sole purpose is to make its audience laugh - and it works excellently. 'The Naked Gun' is one of 2025’s best films, as well one of the best legacy sequels that Hollywood has delivered. In a time where the world is going to shit, we could all do with a laugh - and 'The Naked Gun' delivers just that.Full thoughts in this review.
Marvel’s First Family has finally arrived in the MCU with 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' - and yes, the fourth time really is the charm.Matt Shakman delivers a stunning, retro-futuristic world that visually is Marvel’s best yet, elevated by outstanding costume and production design, as well another brilliant score by Michael Giacchino.Question marks surrounded some of the casting choices upon announcement, however, all of the key players in here are terrific. Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach all shine, bringing heart, charm, and real chemistry to the screen. Some get more spotlight than others, but the cast’s authenticity makes the family dynamic feel both genuine and lovable.While 'First Steps' isn’t flawless and feels like it’s missing something, it still delivers on spectacle, emotion, and the nostalgic spirit of classic comic book films—making it a strong, heartfelt addition to the MCU.Full thoughts in this review.
The DC Universe has officially launched under James Gunn's direction, and his first outing with 'Superman' is nothing short of remarkable.Gunn brings a fresh and heartfelt take on the iconic Man of Steel. 'Superman' delivers everything fans hoped for—epic action, strong performances from David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, and Nicholas Hoult, and a perfectly balanced script full of warmth, humour, and heroism.Even for those who didn’t grow up loving Superman, this version rekindles admiration for the character, presenting him as a true symbol of hope. With standout moments (including a scene-stealing Krypto), 'Superman' marks a powerful and emotional start to the new DCU—reminding audiences just how great superhero films can be when guided by the right vision.Full thoughts in this review.
Joseph Kosinski returns with the high-octane and adrenaline pumping, 'F1' . Though I'm not a fan of the sport, nor did everything fully work for me within this release, it's hard not to be impressed with the films thrilling and up-close racing sequences, and the techniques used to capture them. Brad Pitt brings in another top performance, alongside a great supporting cast, delivering on drama and emotional weight that has you rooting for the team in every race. Fans of the sport will find plenty to love, and Kosinski’s direction delivers the energy and visuals you’d expect. The story is good, but it's the racing that truly shines.Full thoughts in this episode.
After the lacklustre 'Dominion', it seemed the Jurassic saga was set to go extinct. However, life indeed has found a way, as Universal and Gareth Edwards have unleashed the 7th instalment 'Jurassic World: Rebirth'.. and I had a pretty fun time with this one - even if the ride is a little bumpy.It's very much back to basics; dinosaurs on an island and the humans trying to avoid being chomped. It does have its flaws due to its paper thin script. It plays things safe and throws in as many nods and references to the original as they can, but 'Rebirth' still serves some absolutely stunning visuals and set pieces that puts it higher up that Jurassic ranking list.An all-star packed cast, as well some stunning looking dinosaurs (mutants aplenty), 'Rebirth' has moments that are exceptionally impressive, as well as underwhelming components too.Full thoughts in this review.
Danny Boyle and Alex Garland reunite to bring the highly anticipated sequel '28 Years Later', thrusting audiences into how survivors are coping nearly three decades after the initial outbreak; and its excellent.'28 Years Later' highlights the beauty in human survival and the evolution of a community over time, shaped by their harsh environment. At the same time, it explores the surprising endurance and adaptation of the infected, who seem to have evolved and thrived over 30 years. The comparison between human and infected evolution is seen as a compelling and well-executed concept, making this release a different experience when comparing to the earlier films in the series.As far as storytelling goes, this is one of 2025’s standouts. The breathtaking visuals and expertly crafted effects elevate the film into a truly visceral experience—heightened even further by exceptional performances from Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, and a scene-stealing turn by Alfie Williams. Without question, it ranks among the best legacy sequels ever made.Full thoughts in this review.