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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 stakes to Peter’s struggle to balance his double life. The action delivers too, with dynamic web-swinging and fluid movement that rank among the best live-action interpretations of Spider-Man. That said, it’s not without its flaws. The story hints at deeper threads involving Peter’s parents but never fully explores them, and the Lizard storyline doesn’t feel as strong or compelling as it could have been. Still, these issues don’t drag the film down in any major way. The highs, particularly the performances and action, are strong enough to outweigh the weaker elements, making it a solid and enjoyable reboot overall. Full thoughts in this review.

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 matter from writer-director Kristoffer Borgli, one that many filmmakers might avoid, but here it’s handled with confidence and balance. The result is a story filled with thought-provoking, often uncomfortable, yet sharply funny moments centred on its two leads. Zendaya and Robert Pattinson are both at the top of their game, crafting a relationship that feels authentic and lived-in. Their chemistry grounds the film, making the emotional weight of the central revelation land all the more effectively, and helping us understand just how difficult it is for both characters to process. Through well executed editing, a polished script, and tremendous leads, 'The Drama' sits as one of my favourite watches for 2026, easily. Full thoughts in this review.

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 twisted world. Weaving is, unsurprisingly, a standout once again, bringing both grit and charisma to the role. This time, she’s joined by Kathryn Newton as her sister - a pairing that adds fresh energy and elevates the film into an even more chaotic and entertaining ride. Once the game kicks off and the blood starts flowing, the film delivers plenty to rival the original, occasionally even surpassing it. That said, the script does occasionally feel like it’s straining to justify its own existence. Still, it’s hard to dwell on those moments when the film is this much fun - expanding its lore, embracing its characters, and leaning fully into its gleeful brutality. It’s an absolute blast Full thoughts in this review.

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 of the heavy lifting. Alongside him, Margaret Qualley delivers another strong performance as his manipulative childhood friend, equally self-serving and calculating. Their dynamic promises something deliciously dark and entertaining, and at times, it delivers. Yet despite the ingredients being there, the film never quite pushes itself into greatness. It remains consistently watchable and often entertaining, but there’s a lingering sense that it could have been more - bolder, sharper, or just a little more daring. Full thoughts in this review.

'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 become everyone's favourite side character, Rocky, who too is on a mission to save his own planet. It captures a genuine sense of wonder and cinematic magic that’s been missing from many so-called 'big' releases in recent years. Yet for all its scale and spectacle, there’s something unexpectedly intimate about it - because at its heart, it’s simply the story of one man alone in space… with his new rock friend, saving the day. Strap yourselves in for a rocket of a film, giving as much heart and fun as it can to satisfy audiences. Full thoughts in this review.

'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 explore, we see a different side of Tommy Shelby than ever before. But rest assured: once the long coat, suit, and flat cap return, so does the unmistakable aura he carries as this character. Placing Tommy at the centre of a nefarious plan involving fascists attempting to tip the balance of the World War II in Germany’s favour only raises the stakes - not just for the UK and the wider world, but for the Shelby family as well. 'The Immortal Man' has plenty to satisfy die-hard fans, while its gripping storytelling ensures that casual viewers will find just as much to enjoy Full thoughts in this review.

'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, the whole experience starts to feel hollow. What should be tense and emotionally charged, instead comes across as forced and, unfortunately, soulless There are a handful of solid moments and a couple of satisfying kills, and the opening sequence is genuinely strong. But after that, the film steadily unravels. The longer it goes on, the more its flaws pile up - clunky, unnatural dialogue, cringeworthy performances, and a growing sense that the story is limping toward an inevitable disappointment. All of it culminates in a killer reveal so laughable and poorly executed that it stands as the weakest twist the franchise has ever delivered. You're not laughing with 'Scream 7', you're laughing at it. Full thoughts in this review.

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-screen chemistry is electric, capturing the volatile, all-consuming, and at times feral love that defines Cathy and Heathcliff’s relationship. However, beyond these strengths, the film occasionally drifts into indulgence. Certain sequences linger longer than necessary, causing the narrative momentum to dwindle and making the runtime feel more extended than it perhaps needed to be. Still, definitely worse films out there! Full thoughts in this review.

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 the nasty and yucky imagery flung at you with super wild camera work. The film revels in its nastiness, yet there’s a mischievous energy to it that keeps a grin on your face. While it perhaps could have benefited from one or two extra surprises to elevate it further, its straightforward narrative ultimately works in its favour - delivering a tight, entertaining ride that’s simply a blast to watch. Full thoughts in this review.

'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 to the writing team as well by making these characters extremely well-rounded and fleshed out. 'Wonder Man' feels like the antidote to Disney+ fatigue, Marvel burnout, and even superhero overload. It's sharp, confident and a beautifully written and performed series - and, as stated, one of Marvel’s strongest projects in years. Full thoughts in this review.

'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 upcoming 'Avengers: Doomsday'. But without 'X-Men', its hard to imagine team up superhero films being as successful as they are today. Granted 1998's 'Blade' walked so that the 'X-Men' and future Marvel releases could run, but the shift following 'X-Men's' success of having multi-character stories well and truly reshaped the genre for years to come. It's a film I adore, with its wonderful balance of social commentary and spectacle, and one that I had to revisit on the podcast. Full thoughts in this review.

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 Nia DaCosta also deserves high praise for her bold vision and willingness to take risks with the film’s imagery. This is a world teeming with monsters, yet 'The Bone Temple' powerfully reminds us that humans are often far more dangerous than anything lurking in the shadows. Another outstanding entry in the franchise, 'The Bone Temple' leaves me eager to see how this trilogy ultimately concludes. Full thoughts in this review.

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 Paul Rudd and Jack Black at the helm, both of whom deliver a few genuinely fun moments, it can’t escape a lingering sense of meh. While some jokes land, including light jabs at Hollywood’s obsession with remakes and reboots, the film is weighed down by underdeveloped subplots and surprisingly little screen time for the giant serpent itself. It’s far from the worst film you’ll ever see, but it’s also nowhere near the best. Full thoughts in this review.

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. Despite issues with pacing and an overcrowded cast, the season still delivers several excellent moments that are a joy to watch, alongside standout performances from Jamie Campbell Bower and Gaten Matarazzo in particular. It’s bittersweet knowing we won’t be returning to Hawkins again, but the Duffer Brothers ultimately stick the landing - reminding us all just why we fell in love with this show in the first place. Full thoughts in this review.

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.