Mini Review - Scary Movie (2026)
Scary Movie (out Jun 4) is aptly timed given 2025 was one of the best years in history for original horror movies. Many of them are spoofed here. I chuckled a few times but for the most part, the jokes are forced and predictable. Grade: C+.
Mini Review - Masters of the Universe
Masters of the Universe (out Jun 4) is better than you might suspect. In the same vein has Barbie, another of Mattel's success stories, the writing team have gone with a light, self-aware tone which somewhat mocks the source material. It recognises the cliched nature of the genre and has fun bringing the characters into the cultures of modern-day society. Grade: B+.
Mini Reviews - The Christophers
The Christophers (out Jun 4) is the story of an acclaimed artist, in the final years of his life, interacting with a new assistant who has ulterior motives. Falls slightly short on execution but the lead performances of the spirited Ian McKellen and the stoic Michaela Coel elevate the material. Their back-and-forth is fun to watch. Grade: B.
Mini Review - Sound of Falling
Sound of Falling (out Jun 4) requires full attention. A 155-minute German film spread across multiple decades centred on women trying to forge a happy future for themselves. It's been highly praised by some (Germany submitted it at the Oscars for best international feature) and while I liked the concept, I'd have preferred a swifter pace. Grade: B.
Mini Review - The North
The North (out Jun 4) is a slowish drama about two friends, who haven't connected in years, who go on a lengthy hiking trip through the Scottish Highlands. You can see where it's going from the early stages and while the cinematography may inspire audiences to do something similar, these characters aren't hugely interesting. Grade: B-.
Mini Review - Backrooms
Backrooms (out May 28) is set in 1990 and is centred on people who become lost in a labyrinth of similar-looking rooms hidden beneath a furniture store. Director Kane Parsons shows that within the horror genre, an empty space can feel just as off putting as a knife-wielding, mask-wearing psychopath. The lack of music and subtle sound effects add to the eerie vibe. Grade: B+.
Mini Review - Passenger
Passenger (out May 21) is a horror flick about a young couple who, after witnessing a traffic accident on a remote road, find themselves pursued by demon intent on their demise. It’s been a great few years for the genre, but this feels slighter in comparison with an emphasis on plot and character. Grade: B-.
Mini Review - Power Ballad
Power Ballad (out May 28) is the latest from Irish director John Carney (Sing Street) and is centred on a struggling wedding singer (Paul Rudd) who befriends a semi-washed-up boyband member (Nick Jonas). They collaborate one evening but the outcome doesn't benefit them both. I think it needed more subplots, but I had just enough fun to recommend. Grade: B.