Joe Bloggs About Films

After seven years, audiences finally return to a galaxy far, far away with 'The Mandalorian and Grogu', bringing everyone’s favourite bounty hunter, and his little green friend, to the big screen in a fun, albeit slightly bumpy, adventure.

I personally had a great time with this one. While there are elements that didn’t fully work for me, particularly the pacing and parts of the second half, the film absolutely captures the spirit that made the series such a success in the first place - and that’s a huge win.

There are some genuin...

It’s been a week since Disney released the Special Presentation 'The Punisher: One Last Kill', and I’ve definitely got some thoughts on it.

Without question, this is the most brutal project Disney has ever released - fully embracing the ferocity, trauma, and rage that define Frank Castle as he fights his way out of yet another personal hell. At times, the special retreads familiar ground with the character, but once it gets going, it never lets up… and when it kicks off, it really kicks off.

There are moments where the violence feels a litt...

It’s quite surprising that a biopic about the King of Pop has taken this long to arrive, but in 2026, Antoine Fuqua finally brings us Michael - a dazzling, if not entirely flawless, portrait of the music icon.

There’s no denying the talent on display throughout the film. Jaafar Jackson steps into the role of his uncle with astonishing confidence. At times, its like he's possessed with MJ's ghost, he's THAT good. Colman Domingo is equally exceptional as Joseph Jackson, delivering a performance that makes you recoil whenever he’s on screen. That central conflict, good versus...

Icons return in 'The Devil Wears Prada 2'.

While the original wasn’t the defining film of my upbringing, its status as a cultural touchstone is undeniable. Revisiting it in later years only deepened my appreciation, and importantly, heightened my anticipation for this long-awaited sequel.

The follow-up certainly delivers where it counts: dazzling fashion, striking locations, and a magnetic ensemble that slips effortlessly back into rhythm. Yet, it never quite reaches the heights of its predecessor - and honestly, that’s perfectly fine. The original set an exceptionally high bar. What this sequel does achieve is c...

Icons return in 'The Devil Wears Prada 2'.

While the original wasn’t the defining film of my upbringing, its status as a cultural touchstone is undeniable. Revisiting it in later years only deepened my appreciation, and importantly, heightened my anticipation for this long-awaited sequel.

The follow-up certainly delivers where it counts: dazzling fashion, striking locations, and a magnetic ensemble that slips effortlessly back into rhythm. Yet, it never quite reaches the heights of its predecessor - and honestly, that’s perfectly fine. The original set an exceptionally high bar. What this sequel does achieve is c...

Sony’s original vision for its Spider-Man universe came to an abrupt halt with the release of 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2'... and it’s not hard to see why.

Behind the scenes issues and the now-infamous email leaks certainly didn’t help, but the film’s reception fell well short of expectations. Rather than standing confidently on its own, the sequel feels overly preoccupied with setting up future installments and spin-offs, which ultimately makes for a frustrating viewing experience.

That’s not to say it’s without its strengths. Spider-Man’s suit is arguably the best we’ve see...

After Sam Raimi wrapped up his Spider-Man trilogy, Sony Pictures hit the reset button and delivered 'The Amazing Spider-Man' - a fresh take with a new suit, a new lead, and a different kind of energy for the iconic hero.

And honestly? I quite like this one. Andrew Garfield gives a genuinely well-rounded performance as Peter Parker/Spider-Man, capturing both the awkwardness and emotional weight of the character. It’s easy to see why his portrayal still resonates with fans. His chemistry with Emma Stone is a real highlight - their relationship feels natural and adds meaningful st...

The last thing anyone needs in the week leading up to their wedding is a life-altering bombshell from their partner - and that’s exactly the premise driving the latest release, 'The Drama'. What follows is a series of deeply awkward yet consistently hilarious moments that thread tension and comedy together with precision.

The film’s trailers and marketing have been exceptional, carefully building intrigue around the mystery of Zendaya’s character and what she’s done. That sense of curiosity pays off, pulling the audience in and holding their attention throughout. It’s a bold choice of subject...

Samara Weaving returns, once again drenched in blood, wedding dress tattered and shotgun in hand, as another deadly game unfolds in 'Ready or Not 2: Here I Come' - and it’s every bit as wickedly fun as its predecessor.

The filmmaking collective Radio Silence continues to carve out a strong reputation in modern horror, blending sharp tension with a darkly comedic edge. Their track record speaks for itself, and this sequel raises the stakes while peeling back more layers of the sinister cult at its core, offering audiences a deeper look into how it operates within this tw...

Glen Powell returns in John Patton Ford’s black comedy 'How to Make a Killing', a film that flashes moments of creativity, particularly in its inventive premise and offbeat kills, but ultimately feels like it’s missing a certain spark.

The biggest spark is, of course, Powell himself. This time playing a regular guy, cut off from his wealthy family and driven to claw his way back to the top by any means necessary. Powell plays it brilliantly - sly, charming, and just convincing enough to make every so-called 'accident' feel almost plausible. His charisma does a lot...

'Project Hail Mary' is, quite simply, the best film released so far this year.

Bold words, I know, but everything from the screenplay, the jaw dropping visuals and cinematography, sound design, and lead performance from Ryan Gosling is enough to tick all the boxes that you would expect from a 'big sci-fi blockbuster'.

Centred around a lone scientist in space, Gosling's Grace is on a mission to find out why the Sun is dying, and hopefully save the Earth in the process. This becomes the start of a thrilling adventure, as he meets what will...

'Peaky Blinders' is a show that needs little introduction. Since its debut in 2013, it has become one of the UK’s most impactful and highly rated television dramas. With every season, the scale grew larger, culminating in an explosive ending that paved the way for the long-awaited feature-length continuation, 'The Immortal Man' - and it is stunning.

'The Immortal Man' uses every minute of its runtime to great effect, making the experience feel cinematic in both scale and ambition. Cillian Murphy, as expected, is outstanding in the role once again. Given a wealth of emotional depth to ex...

'Scream' is one of those franchises where, even when an instalment doesn’t quite measure up to the best, there’s usually still some twisted fun to be found. And then there’s 'Scream 7'... Oh boy. For the first time in this beloved series, we have a genuinely bad entry on our hands.

It’s undeniably great to have Neve Campbell back, but nostalgia can only carry a film so far. When the rest of the cast is given little to no character development - or even distinct personalities - and exist purely as future body bags, th...

Emerald Fennell returns to the director’s chair, this time taking on one of the most influential and beloved novels of all time; 'Wuthering Heights'

Though the film wasn't at the top of my 'must see list', it certainly delivers with excellent style and use of wardrobe - arguably the films strongest component (outside the leads' performances). Whatever you think of the storytelling choices, visually it’s clear that Fennell knew exactly what tone and atmosphere she was aiming for.

Of course, Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi are THE stand outs in this thing. Their on-s...

It's always an exciting time when Sam Raimi returns with another slice of fun horror - and that trend continues with his latest flick 'Send Help'.

Being stranded on a deserted island is bad enough. Being stranded there with your insufferable boss? That’s enough to push anyone to the brink; and Raimi has a wicked amount of fun with the premise. Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien both deliver terrific performances, charting distinct emotional arcs as their characters unravel (and evolve) in very different ways

Of course, this is Sam Raimi, so expect all of t...

'Wonder Man' recently dropped on Disney+ which wasn't exactly at the top of my list to check out, however, having done so, I can safely say that this is the best Marvel project for as long as I can remember.

It's something utterly unique and different from Marvel, straying away from capes and spectacle, and instead shifting the focus to its lead characters. Both Yayah Abdul-Mateen II and Sir Ben Kingsley are outstanding in this thing, creating a relationship and dynamic that is so infectious, you only want to see more of them. And its a credit...

'X-Men' changed the game for superhero releases when it dropped back in 2000. Not only did it respect long-time fans of the comics, but it also inspired a whole new generation of fans in the process - making it such a huge success at the box office.

Its a film that I look back on fondly at; still placing it as one of my all time favourite superhero movies. It says something that even after 25 years or so, these actors and characters are still held in high regard, that we cannot wait to see their return in the...

Last year’s '28 Years Later' was one of my favourite releases of the year, so it’s no surprise that its sequel/spin-off, 'The Bone Temple' sat high on my most anticipated list for 2026 - and it absolutely delivers.

'The Bone Temple' weaves a chilling, thought-provoking tale that pits science against faith, anchored by commanding performances from Ralph Fiennes and Jack O’Connell. Both are exceptional, but O’Connell in particular stands out, delivering one of the most compelling villain performances in recent memory - arguably even surpassing his own chilling turn in 'Sinners'.

Director...

The remake/reboot/requel of 'Anaconda' was surprisingly high on my most anticipated list last year. The idea of four friends heading into the jungle to remake the original film - only to find themselves hunted by a giant snake - was a concept I was fully on board with. The fact that this version leaned into comedy, penned and directed by the filmmaker behind 'The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent', only heightened my expectations.

Unfortunately, the film ends up being a misfire, largely because it never quite figures out what it wants to be. Even with...

The fifth and final season of 'Stranger Things' has arrived on Netflix, offering fans long-awaited answers and a sense of closure for the characters, and the monsters, within Hawkins.

'Stranger Things' is a show I truly adore, so my excitement to see how this story would end was through the roof. And if we’re talking purely about the final episode; it delivers a brilliant, epic conclusion that closes the chapter beautifully. However, taken as a whole, the season is a little bumpier, with moments where its vision and narrative feel unfocused and, at times, disappointing.

...

As the end of 2025 approaches, it's the time to share my list of 10 favourite films from this year!

A massive thank you for all of your support throughout the year, I very much appreciative of anyone listening to me waffle away about film and tv.

Here's to a wonderful 2026.

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...

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...

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.

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...

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...

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 th...

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...

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...

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 s...

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...

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...

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 ex...

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-h...

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’s 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...

'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...

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...

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...

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), 'Sup...

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 vi...