Joe Bloggs About Films

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, visuall...

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...

'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 K...

'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 year...

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 exceptio...

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 Talen...

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 clo...

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 iron...

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...

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 ele...

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 t...

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 worl...

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 kid...

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...

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 re...

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 Fran...

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 s...

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 terri...

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 ensemb...

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 ga...

'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...

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...

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...

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,...