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The Way Things Used 2 B film review by UK film critic Jason Knight. Starring Jackie Romankow, Lee Keinan, Meredith Brown directed by Kurstin Moser, Ciara Naughton. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS The Way Things Used 2 B Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: Jason Knight | Posted on: Jan 7, 2026 Directed by: Kurstin Moser, Ciara Naughton Written by: Ciara Naughton, Kurstin Moser Starring: Jackie Romankow, Lee Keinan, Meredith Brown A short comedy written and directed by Kurstin Moser and Ciara Naughton and starring Jackie Romankow, Lee Keinan and Meredith Brown. This film is meant to feel like a Y2K romcom and the story takes place in the early 2000s. Jenny (Romankow) is a spoiled, jobless, university dropout who loves shopping (using her parents' card). Her disapproving sister, Lizzie (Brown) informs her that this situation cannot go on any longer and that Jenny needs to find a job. Following Lizzie's advice, Jenny heads to a local country club, where there is need for staff. There, she encounters Darren (Keinan), a former classmate from school who is now the manager, who she also used to dislike. Jenny will work at the club and re-evaluate her feelings regarding Darren. A light-hearted comedy about a young woman going through significant life changes and learning a thing or two about herself. There is good character development and significant dedication to the rapport that builds between Jenny and Darren, with her initially being reluctant to work and denying that she could ever fancy Darren. The humour exists primarily in Jenny's awkward perception on life and her attempts to adapt to the working world and to come to terms with her emotions. The film lets it be known that the story is set around the year 2000, with references here and there that include a poster of Clueless and mentioning the PlayStation 2. The selection of songs is quite cool, with tracks such as Girlfriend Song by Juice, One Love by Fox Drop ft. Lars Safsund and Don't Fall Apart by G9 adding a lot of entertainment. Having the role of the main character, Romankow leads the film well, playing a youngster who changes from a naive and carefree mall rat into a more mature and understanding person. Keinan's character is a hardworking and likeable guy, who serves as the person who changes Jenny's life, beginning from being someone who she detests then becoming her love interest. And finally, Lizzie is the criticizing and sarcastic sibling who pushes Jenny to change her life. This short tells a story about self-discovery, about a person turning their life around and learning more about the world and about themself. And it is also about romance and relationships, reminiscing the past and people changing and becoming better. A nice, feel-good story about making life-changing decisions and finding romance. The uplifting story, the humour and the soundtrack make this an experience that is amusing and worthy of recognition. About the Film Critic Jason Knight Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Film reviews and movie trailers for new movies, indie cinema and short films.Read a film review or watch a trailer on our website. FILM REVIEWS UK UK Film Review is a film reviews website based in London, UK. We promote films and movie trailers from around the world and support indie films that would usually find it hard to find the spotlight against the bigger films of cinema. From the latest blockbusters, to small indie cinema, we tackle as many films as we can. Reviewing them from all aspects, not just how many digital landscapes they blow up using CGI. We also review short films in the UK and internationally, helping filmmakers to promote their movies and raise their profile. If you would like to have a short or indie film reviewed by us, please submit all info using the button below. Take a look around, enjoy the spoils of filmmaking, film festivals and artistic expression. Our merry band of film critics are constantly hard at work, writing film reviews, or watching movie trailers for some of the most exciting movies coming out in UK cinemas. So to keep their morale up, please be nice...or at least funny if you choose to troll. Because, in the immortal words of Rick Moranis in the movie Spaceballs, "Keep firing A**holes!". By the way, on this film reviews website, you may see several references to Spaceballs. If you have not seen that classic Mel Brooks film, you MUST seek it out and tell us what you think. SUBMIT YOUR FILM Are You a Film Podcast Fan? Film critics Chris Olson and Brian Penn host a monthly podcast for all types of film fans! Whether you like the latest blockbuster releases, or streaming is your thing - we have you covered. We even review short and independent films on the podcast. Our final review is usually for a "Nostalgia" pick - something from the past worth revisiting. Previous picks for this have included Jaws, The Fly, and Good Will Hunting. Search UK Film Review Podcast wherever you like to listen and join our global community of film lovers. Get Reviewed On Our Podcast Film Reviews from UK film critics LATEST REVIEWS The Way Things Used 2 B average rating is 4 out of 5 Primate average rating is 2 out of 5 Teddy and the Mountain average rating is 3 out of 5 Jamarcus Rose & Da 5 Bullet Holes average rating is 4 out of 5 The Belles average rating is 3 out of 5 The Whisper 2: Natural Connection average rating is 3 out of 5 Gradient Descent average rating is 3 out of 5 The Group average rating is 4 out of 5 The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit average rating is 5 out of 5 Love Has Nothing To Do With It average rating is 3 out of 5 Menus-Plaisirs, les Troisgros average rating is 4 out of 5 The Apocalypse Box average rating is 3 out of 5 Featured Film News FILM NEWS The Latest Film Trailers MOVIE TRAILERS Greenland 2: Migration Looney Tunes: The Day the Earth Blew Up Mother Mary Ready Or Not 2: Here I Come Shelter People We Meet On Vacation Filmmaker Interviews INTERVIEWS

Short film reviews from some of the best movies in the UK. Read reviews from some of the best short film critics. Short Film Reviews Welcome to the UK Film Review page for short film reviews . Here you will find some of the best and brightest sparks in a sea of cinema. Filmmakers from across the globe submit their short films to us to be reviewed, and our Contributors lovingly dissect them. If you would like one of our team to write a film review of your short film, please use the form on our Submit Your Film page Our short film reviews are written by passionate film critics across the UK and aim to highlight and promote terrific filmmaking when we find it. We are always honest with our reviews, so if you are looking to submit your short film for review, please do so knowing that we will not alter what we have said because you don't like it. There is a wealth of amazing talent in the short film industry, and we hope by writing film reviews about this underexposed creativity we can get your movies to a new audience...but we need your help. Please join in the chatter on our social media channels so that we can grow our community and share the joy. Use the buttons in the footer to Like us on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter, and Subscribe to us on YouTube #supportindiefilm. The selection of short film reviews you see below are mostly for films submitted to us. In this instance, the filmmaker has requested us to watch and provide a short film review. Alternatively, visit our Latest Short Film Reviews page . Get Your Short Film Reviewed More Film Reviews What is a short film review? A short film review is often written by a movie critic and it's their opinion on a film that is less than sixty minutes long. Short film reviews still explore every aspect of a movie. How do I write a short film review? Writing a short film review needs to cover multiple aspects of the movie. Including the script, the characters, performances, cinematography, score & sound design, editing and so on. Sometimes we consider the piece only as a short film; whether it works in that format, other times we may think of it as a "proof of concept" for something longer, or perhaps a piece of a web series/TV show. These can be important to consider when writing a short film review. How long should a film review be? A film review should be as long as the house style. Some publications provide lengthier reviews than others. A general minimum word count would be 500. This may be also for SEO reasons, as short film reviews that are longer may be more likely to rank higher on Google. The important thing to remember is that the review should be well-structured, not full of bloated points to fill up the word count. How much money do film critics make? Film critic salaries depend massively on their publication. Many film critics are freelancers, meaning they get paid per review and sometimes this is based on word count. Making money through film reviews can be challenging. Video Short Film Reviews Below you will find a selection of short film reviews in video form! This is where one of the UK Film Review Critics records their review and we upload it to our YouTube channel (as well as TikTok and Meta Reels in some cases). A Place to Fall Down Short Film Review by Chris Olson A short film about coping with loss and grief, film critic Chris Olson gave A Place to Fall Down 4 stars. Watch his video short film review here to here from the man himself about his thoughts and feelings. OK/NOTOK Short Film Review by Patrick Foley In this short film review from Patrick Foley, he gives us his opinion of the brilliant movie OK/NOTOK. Set in a futuristic world where AI robots are available as companions (as long as you can afford the subscription), it's a riveting piece. Betrayed Short Film Review by Chris Buick Film critic Chris Buick offers up a fantastic video short film review for Betrayed. A movie about a girl with special powers who, with the help of her protective father, must elude those who would use her for nefarious means.

Star rating: 4/5 Writer: Joshua Howes Director: Joshua Howes Starring: Charlotte Biseker, Josh Ryan Greenaway, Christian Dennis, Luke Boswell, Leoni Inwood, and Alastair Duncan. Mythology is foundational to human culture, without exceptions across history or geographically. Ancient Greek mythology and its Roman iteration are the basis for much of Western Art and culture, but Nordic mythology has given northern Europe and its people its singularity. Written and directed by Joshua Howes, How Freyja Saved Asgard is a quick, fun and effective introduction to Norse mythology for those who, like me, are not very knowledgable of it. It sets the scene for our understanding of the central concept of it, the Aesir-Vanir War, which results in the unification of all Norse Gods into a single Pantheon. The film approaches the interesting, escapist and ultimately 'cultured' subject matter with humour and ease, reflecting the essence of mythology as story. The performances by starring actors Charlotte Biseker, Josh Ryan Greenaway, Christian Dennis, Luke Boswell, Leoni Inwood, and Alastair Duncan, are comedic and carefree, almost theatrical in their emphatic approach to dialogue, which fits with the classical nature of the material. The film is made with a technical frugality which in fact really works. The particular, sharp angles chosen for the indoor shots, reminiscent of the documentary style, fit the tone. There is even the use of special effects to transition from day to night. Fun is how this viewer would describe it! It definitely bring the viewer’s attention to the importance of landscape and nature in Norse mythology. The locations, a forest and a forest cabin, are unmistakably Nordic, both visually and sonically alive with the same essence as the mythology the audience is learning about. The same can be said for the main piece of prop, Thor’s famous hammer, showcasing real artistry by the props team. Mythology offers us an appreciation of the sublime, narratively, aesthetically and emotionally. In a world which increasingly values shock as a quality form of attention but seems to have forgotten the sublime, mythology is something we can all enjoy, and should, with the help of films like this one, which is deeply entertaining.

Directed by: Tasha Hubbard Written by: Tasha Hubbard, Emil Sher Starring: Michael Greyeyes, Michelle Thrush, Carmen Moore, Alex Rice Film Review by: Holly Baker ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ L to R: Carmen Moore, Michael Greyeyes, Alex Rice and Michelle Thrush in MEADOWLARKS by Tasha Hubbard Courtesy of BOAF Films EFF Inc./BOAF Films JFL Inc. Meadowlarks , directed by Tasha Hubbard, follows 5 siblings who are reunited after being separated from their parents during the Sixties Scoop of 1955-1985, in which over 200,000 Indigenous Canadian children were forcibly taken from their families and adopted by white families or placed under foster care. This Canadian drama piece is rich and moving, using a real-life story to create a motion picture which captures the beauty and tragedy of the character's situation. The film is based on a documentary called Birth Of A Family which was released in 2017. Birth Of A Family informs viewers about the lives of Betty Anne, Rosalie, Ben, and Asther who grew in white families and have now found one another and seek to formulate their true, new family. Meadowlarks takes a dramatic approach, presenting the siblings’ struggle with identity as well as the way they have all suffered with feeling as though they are lesser due to being indigenous as a result of the way society and their white families treated them. The film opens in a scenic cottage looking over a lake, a holiday lodge picked by one of the siblings for the five of them to stay whilst they get to know each other and recite their childhood memories. Aesthetically, this location is beautiful, allowing for many wide landscape shots which emphasise the natural beauty of the Canadian wilderness, as well as importantly drawing attention to the fact that these gorgeous woodlands and plains were once inhabited by the siblings' ancestors. Therefore by placing the film's characters in this timeless setting, the film importantly emphasises the siblings’ belonging here, as this was their land before it was unjustly taken away from them during the infamous Sixties Scoop. The casting of the five siblings is impressively accurate to their real life counterparts, making it easy for viewers of the documentary to identify which actor is playing which sibling. As well as this, the performances are naturalistic and raw. Viewers can sense the awkwardness and tension between the siblings, as they are initially unsure how to act around one another, and face tribulations along the way as they disagree on important matters. Such a unique true story is handled with care in Meadowlarks, as details are not brushed over, for instance during a dusting ritual. The ritual is carried out respectfully and accurately in order to capture the vibrancy and intensity of the performance and the way it impacts the siblings, perhaps eliciting discomfort and intrigue in viewers unfamiliar with the practice. The siblings endure many emotionally intense moments when reflecting on the past and their choices meaning there are several heartfelt scenes in the film which aptly take their time to present the characters feelings. Here, the acting is always on point, as the cast lean into their emotional vulnerability and the power of the words they say, rewriting a perspective for themselves from weak and small to having a right to be themselves and carrying their pain with pride. Official Trailer for Meadowlarks The story flows slowly, lingering through the siblings' reunion gradually and carefully. This gives the film a steady feel, with a meandering pacing as the narrative has no clear direction. This works for the film as there is no definitive plot, viewers are rather witnessing a reunion and a reflection, therefore the slow, lingering pace aptly portrays the feelings of the siblings and crucially focuses on moments of connection between them, rather than involving any key plot events. Viewers may struggle to engage with this approach as it lacks excitement, so it is important to surrender to the film’s style, and allow oneself to take in what the film presents to us, without attempting to rush through anything. Overall, Meadowlarks is an insightful and beautiful film. The film tells a unique true story which many viewers may not have been aware of before viewing, capturing the realness of each character and moment, looping itself into the true history of what occurred in 20th century Canada. It is refreshing to see stories which have been forgotten or brushed over, able to take their time to present themselves through several different mediums. From documentary to film, this story matters, as does history.  Meadowlarks will screen at the 2026 Palm Springs Film Festival on January 3rd, 5th, 9th, and 10th.

Film Feature by Chris Olson As we emerge from the festive haze and settle into the quiet, frosty stretch of January, the streaming giant Netflix remains our most reliable companion for those long, dark evenings. This month, the platform has curated a selection that is as eclectic as it is ambitious, ranging from sun-drenched romantic dramas and gritty crime thrillers to high-stakes live events and ethereal animation. At UK Film Review, we have always maintained that the "Netflix effect" has fundamentally altered how we consume stories, and the January 2026 slate suggests a streamer that is increasingly comfortable blending traditional cinematic narratives with avant-garde formats. People We Meet on Vacation Netflix Release Date UK: January 9th, 2026 Kicking off the month on 9 January is People We Meet on Vacation , a film that carries the heavy weight of literary expectation. Based on the beloved novel by Emily Henry, the story follows Poppy Wright (Emily Bader) and Alex Nilsen (Tom Blyth), two polar opposites who have maintained a decade-long tradition of taking a summer trip together. Directed by Brett Haley—whose work on Hearts Beat Loud  demonstrated a deft touch with human connection—the film serves as a poignant exploration of the "slow-burn" romance. The chemistry between Bader and Blyth is the engine of this production. As they navigate various picturesque locales, the film uses its non-linear structure to peel back the layers of their friendship and the "ill-fated final trip" that led to a two-year silence. It is a comforting, yet emotionally resonant piece of cinema that captures the bittersweet reality of growing up and the terrifying prospect of losing the one person who truly knows you. For those looking to escape the January chill, the warmth of Poppy and Alex’s world is a welcome refuge. The RIP Netflix Release Date UK: January 16th, 2026 Matt Damon and Ben Affleck in The Rip (2026) On 16 January, the tone shifts dramatically with the arrival of The RIP . Directed by Joe Carnahan, this crime thriller marks the high-profile reunion of Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. Set against the neon-soaked backdrop of Miami, the film follows a team of police officers who stumble upon millions of dollars in cash within a derelict stash house. What begins as a professional discovery quickly descends into a psychological battleground as the sheer volume of the money causes trust within the unit to fray. Carnahan, known for his visceral and propulsive style in films like Narc , brings a gritty, 1970s-inspired aesthetic to the production. The supporting cast—including Steven Yeun, Teyana Taylor, and Sasha Calle—adds significant weight to the ensemble. However, it is the telepathic connection between Damon and Affleck that provides the film's core tension. The RIP  is a relentless exploration of greed and the fragility of brotherhood, reminding us that sometimes the most dangerous threat isn't the criminals on the street, but the person standing right next to you. Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart Netflix Release Date UK: January 21st, 2026 Netflix continues its dominance in the documentary space with Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart , premiering on 21 January. Directed by Benedict Sanderson, this feature-length film revisits the 2002 abduction of fourteen-year-old Elizabeth Smart from her Salt Lake City home. While the case was a media sensation at the time, this documentary is distinct because it is told largely in Elizabeth's own words. Blending archival footage with never-before-seen material and exclusive interviews, the film traces the nine months of her captivity. It is a harrowing watch, but one that is ultimately defined by a sense of ownership. Smart’s involvement ensures that the narrative focuses on her resilience and the psychological terrain of survival rather than the lurid details of the crime. It is a powerful testament to the human spirit and a necessary piece of storytelling that offers context and clarity to a story that once belonged only to the headlines. Cosmic Princess Kaguya! Netflix Release Date UK: January 22nd, 2026 For those seeking something more ethereal, Cosmic Princess Kaguya!  arrives on 22 January. Marking the feature-length directorial debut of Shingo Yamashita—celebrated for his work on the opening sequences of Jujutsu Kaisen —this original anime film is a vibrant, modern reimagining of the classic Japanese folktale, The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter . The film is set in "Tsukuyomi," a dreamlike virtual realm where music and emotion are the primary currencies. The story follows Iroha, whose life is upended when a carefree runaway from the Moon named Kaguya moves in and convinces her to perform as a virtual idol. Produced by Studio Colorido and Studio Chromato, the animation is nothing short of breathtaking, blending hand-drawn aesthetics with a futuristic, digital glow. With a soundtrack featuring renowned Vocaloid producers like ryo and kz, Cosmic Princess Kaguya!  is a sensory feast that explores the intersection of internet culture, mythology, and the universal desire for connection. Skyscraper Live Netflix Release Date UK: January 24th, 2026 Finally, the month closes with an event that blurs the line between documentary and live sports: Skyscraper Live . In this two-hour special, world-renowned Free Solo  climber Alex Honnold attempts a feat that feels like something out of a Mission: Impossible film: free-climbing Taipei 101. Standing at 1,667 feet, it is one of the tallest buildings in the world, and Honnold will attempt to scale it without ropes or safety equipment. Netflix’s push into live programming reaches a new peak here. The inherent danger of the task ensures an "adrenaline-induced spectacle" that demands to be watched in real-time. It is a fascinating study of human capability and the psychological fortitude required to face such a vertical challenge. While it lacks the scripted narrative of the other entries this month, the stakes are undeniably real, making it one of the most talked-about events of the new year. January 2026 on Netflix is a month defined by range. Whether you are in the mood for the emotional intimacy of a summer romance, the tense suspicion of a heist gone wrong, or the visceral thrill of a live ascent, the streamer has ensured that there is no reason to leave the house.