FILM REVIEWS AND NEWS

This is the incredible, almost unbelievable true story at the heart of California Schemin, and with the release of the new official trailer, we are finally getting a proper look at what promises to be one of the most vibrant British films of the year. The film serves as the directorial debut for James McAvoy, a man whose acting pedigree needs no introduction to the UK Film Review audience.

Focus Features and Working Title have pulled back the curtain on their latest collaboration, Finding Emily, and if the first-look images are anything to go by, we are in for a treat.

If you had told me in 2010 that the small, gibberish-spouting yellow henchmen from Despicable Me would eventually command a global box office of over $5.6 billion, I might have checked you for a fever. Yet, here we are in 2026, and the "banana" enthusiasts are not just part of the furniture; they own the house. Following the massive success of last summer’s Despicable Me 4, Illumination has officially pulled back the curtain on their next venture: Minions & Monsters.

It is perhaps fitting, then, that Sony Pictures Animation’s latest venture is titled GOAT, leaning into the "Greatest of All Time" moniker that has sparked a thousand playground debates. The buzz surrounding this project is hard to ignore. For a basketball fan, the pedigree behind the scenes is enough to pique interest. The film is produced by none other than Stephen Curry and his Unanimous Media banner.

I haven't had the pleasure of a private screening yet—trust me, I’ve checked the post every morning—but the flurry of information surrounding The Devil Wears Prada 2 has me more excited than Nigel (Stanley Tucci) at a sample sale. After stumbling upon the official trailer on YouTube, I knew it was time to dive into what we actually know about this high-fashion homecoming.

From street-level mobsters to reality-warping goddesses, the internet seems convinced that Peter Parker isn’t just facing a villain; he’s facing an entire phone book of them.

The official trailer for Michael has finally arrived, and if the first look is anything to go by, director Antoine Fuqua is aiming for nothing less than a definitive epic of the man who redefined the very concept of global stardom.

You can’t go wrong with the timeless characters of Looney Tunes. I mean, ok, you can… you could make a space-set feature film named Looney Tunes: The Day the Earth Blew Up without even one appearance by Marvin the Martian! – I mean, what the hell, guys?? Luckily, despite this egregious oversight, this entry into the series is a family-friendly triumph.

The 2026 Academy Award nominations have been announced, and the Best Picture shortlist is, as always, a fascinating microcosm of where the industry thinks its head is at.

Yet, as the dust settles and we look toward the 2026 release of Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D), the logic begins to reveal itself. This isn't just a recording of a stage show; it’s a promise of a total sensory overhaul. Having followed the "Hit Me Hard and Soft" tour through the headlines and the social media snippets

From biological terrors to the return of the genre's most nihilistic masked icons, here are the three films currently dominating the conversation for February 2026.

As we approach March 2026, that electricity is reaching a fever pitch. The announcement of the feature-length continuation, titled Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, feels less like a traditional sequel and more like a long-awaited coronation for Tommy Shelby.

While the heavy hitters and the billion-dollar sequels are certainly present, there is a refreshing sense of creative risk-taking appearing across the Disney, 20th Century, and Searchlight banners. From high-concept survival thrillers to long-awaited returns to iconic worlds, 2026 is shaping up to be a year where the multiplex offers a genuine variety of spectacle and substance.

It is a period where the prestige of the awards season begins to collide with the bold, experimental, and sometimes wonderfully strange offerings of the new year. As we look toward the week commencing 26 January 2026, the schedule is looking remarkably robust, offering a slate that promises to challenge, entertain, and perhaps even provoke a few heated debates in the foyer.

It is a weekend that feels uniquely British in its distribution, offering a balanced diet of intellectual stimulation and visceral thrills. Here is what you can expect to find at your local multiplex and independent arthouse next week, or some home releases too.

Next week, we see a return to a beloved horror franchise that has been reinvented for a new generation, a heartwarming exploration of human connection in modern Japan, and a devastating docudrama that demands our absolute attention.

This week, two films in particular have been circling my radar, and their arrival in UK cinemas this Friday feels like a significant moment for British and Irish talent.

The Palm Springs International Film Festival has always occupied a singular space in the awards season calendar. It serves as a sophisticated precursor to the Academy Awards, often highlighting the intersection of global stardom and genuine cinematic craft. This year, the festival has announced that Miley Cyrus will be the recipient of the Outstanding Artistic Achievement Award at the 2026 ceremony.

The primary event kicks off on Friday, 16 January 2026. This date marks the nationwide return of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, and notably, many venues are opting to screen the gargantuan Extended Editions.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is no stranger to seismic shifts, but the lead-up to the next ensemble epic feels different. As we stand on the precipice of a new era for the franchise, the anticipation surrounding "Avengers: Doomsday" has reached a fever pitch. Fans have spent years dissecting the mechanics of blockbuster storytelling, and it is rare to see a production carry this much weight.