Bridget Jones: Mad About a Boy
Cast: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Leo Woodall, Renée Zellweger
Director: Michael Morris
Rating: M
Synopsis: In Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, 51-year-old Bridget is a widowed mother of two after Mark Darcy’s tragic death. Struggling with single parenthood and modern dating, she dives into romance with Roxster, a much younger man, while navigating social media, texting mishaps, and career challenges. With help from her friends, Bridget faces the chaos of love, loss, and motherhood with humor and resilience. As she rediscovers herself, she learns that happiness can come in unexpected ways. Helen Fielding delivers a witty, heartfelt story about aging, change, and embracing life’s unpredictable journey.
Reviews:
This new film is still fun and silly — it’s the same old klutzy Bridget who’s always saying the wrong thing — but it doesn’t feel forced. It keeps all that’s great about the early days while acknowledging that everyone has grown up.
ABC News
Not everything flows. You suspect that a subplot might have been lost along the way: Isla Fisher is introduced as a glamorous neighbour whose no-fucks-given parenting style Bridget admires from afar. But then Fisher disappears from the film, never to be acknowledged again. It’s a curious decision that disrupts the storytelling a little. For the most part, though, this reunion with Bridget is a joy. Like a big old glass of pub wine, it might not be particularly complex or sophisticated but, my goodness, it hits the spot.
The Guardian
Captain America: Brave New World
Cast: Harrison Ford, Shira Haas, Carl Lumbly, Anthony Mackie, Tim Blake Nelson, Danny Ramirez
Director: Julius Onah
Rating: M
Synopsis: In Captain America: Brave New World, Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) assumes the mantle of Captain America following Steve Rogers’ departure. Five months into Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross’s (Harrison Ford) presidency, Sam and Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez), the new Falcon, are dispatched to Oaxaca, Mexico, to thwart the Serpent Society’s illegal sale of stolen classified items. After recovering the items, they’re invited to a global summit at the White House, where Ross unveils the discovery of adamantium on the “Celestial Island,” formed from the emergence of Tiamut in the Indian Ocean. During the summit, an unexpected attack implicates Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly), leading Sam to uncover a conspiracy involving Dr. Samuel Sterns (Tim Blake Nelson). As tensions rise over control of adamantium, Sam must navigate political intrigue and prevent global conflict, all while grappling with his new role as Captain America.
Reviews:
The dialogue is full of flatly written exposition, which the actors typically deliver to each other in alternating over-the-shoulder shots. Once in a while, director Julius Onah cuts to a wide shot of the same actors facing each other in silhouetted profile – but it’s not always clear why he or his editors think this is an expressive choice at a given moment. Still, Brave New World is more interesting than most recent Marvel products. Sam and Ross have “America” in their job titles, but it’s Ross who emerges most clearly as a symbol of the actual US – or more specifically its ruling class, pledging to make up for past sins while remaining largely self-involved.
Sydney Morning Herald
Given the reported extensive reshoots and release date shuffles Brave New World ushered through, the lack of confidence in itself makes more sense in light of such. It’s difficult to know what was always envisioned as being part of the original output and what was added or removed, but, hopefully, moving forward the Marvel higher-ups have more faith in their storytellers and that not every MCU outing has to adhere to the same action temperament. In the shadow of Steve Rogers, Wilson expresses the pressures of living up to the Captain America moniker – when the film lets him reflect on such, that is – and whilst I can only imagine how Mackie feels as an actor in a post-Evans environment, he can certainly stand tall that he’s embodied the character respectfully; it’s the film that doesn’t deserve him.
The Au Review
Snow White
Cast: Andrew Burnap, Colin Michael Carmichael, Gal Gadot, Ansu Kabia, Rachel Zegler
Director: Marc Webb
Rating: CTC
Synopsis: Disney’s Snow White (2025) is a live-action reimagining of the beloved 1937 animated classic. Starring Rachel Zegler as Snow White and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, the film follows the young princess as she escapes her jealous stepmother and seeks refuge in the forest, where she encounters seven dwarfs. Unlike the original, this adaptation presents Snow White as a stronger, more independent leader. Featuring new songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the film also introduces a new character, Jonathan (Andrew Burnap), as a love interest. With modern themes, Snow White offers a fresh take on the timeless fairytale.
Reviews:
If all were right in the world, then on the basis of this trailer Snow White would be locked away forever like The Day the Clown Cried. As it is, it will leak out to cinemas next March and scar a generation of young kids the same way Return to Oz did for us. On the plus side, though, I now have a new thing to threaten my son with: clean your room, kid, or I’ll make you watch the trailer again. Honestly, it’s that bad.
The Guardian
The new Snow White looks like it’s putting in more of a plot, likely one where our plucky heroine will stand up to her despotic tyrant of a stepmother in a YA dystopian plotline out of 2014. Maybe it’ll work, storywise! Visually, though, everything seems like it’s working on the same budget as ABC Family’s Once Upon a Time.
Polygon
I’m Still Here
Cast: Fernanda Torres, Fernanda Montenegro, Selton Mello
Director: Walter Salles
Rating: M
Synopsis: I’m Still Here is a 2024 Brazilian biographical drama directed by Walter Salles, based on Marcelo Rubens Paiva’s memoir. The film portrays the harrowing experience of the Paiva family during Brazil’s military dictatorship in the 1970s. When former congressman Rubens Paiva (Selton Mello) is forcibly taken by authorities in 1971, his wife, Eunice (Fernanda Torres), embarks on a relentless quest to uncover his fate while striving to keep their family intact. Eunice endures imprisonment and torture, yet emerges as a human rights advocate, exemplifying resilience amid profound adversity. The film has garnered critical acclaim, with Torres receiving the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Drama and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Notably, I’m Still Here is the first Brazilian-produced film to be nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars.
Reviews:
Among the film’s many exquisitely realised scenes, several stand out. One comes immediately after Eunice has heard from an associate of her husband the unconfirmed rumour of Rubens’ death. She has promised to take the children for ice-cream and that’s what she does, wrapping them in a protective layer of normalcy. But she scans the room in anguish, each laughing family sharing sundaes a choking reminder of the small, shared marital joys stolen from her.
The Guardian
This drama is a little too sedate to make its mark, but director Walter Salles delivers a sensitive portrait of Eunice Paiva’s family life during a period of traumatic upheaval.
Empire Online
Mickey 17
Cast: Naomi Ackie, Robert Pattinson, Toni Collette
Director: Bong Joon Ho
Rating: M
Synopsis: The story centers on Mickey Barnes, portrayed by Robert Pattinson, an “expendable” crew member on a colonization mission to the icy planet Niflheim. In this role, Mickey undertakes perilous tasks, and upon each death, he is regenerated with his memories intact. The plot intensifies when Mickey 17, presumed dead, returns to find his successor, Mickey 18, leading to existential dilemmas and confrontations. The film also features performances by Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette, and Mark Ruffalo. Adapted from Edward Ashton’s novel Mickey7, the film delves into themes of identity, mortality, and the ethics of human cloning. Bong Joon-ho’s signature blend of dark humor and social commentary is anticipated to offer a fresh perspective on the science fiction genre.
Reviews:
Compelling in its nihilism, Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite follow-up Mickey 17 casts Robert Pattinson as multiple oddball versions of the same expendable worker drone in a zany sci-fi comedy. A deeply depressing comedic experience (thanks at least in part to accidental political timing), Bong’s remix of Edward Ashton’s novel presents a Trump-like villain and no worthy heroes, resulting in a farcical sci-fi adventure whose symbolism makes up for its misshapen character drama.
IGN
IIn “Mickey 17,” the inability to feel another’s pain is positioned as the natural condition of a for-profit system, and human printing the final step towards eliminating a worker’s self-worth. “Have a nice death, see ya tomorrow.” This isn’t just another great Bong Joon Ho movie about how much he hates capitalism (though it definitely is that too), it’s the first Bong Joon Ho movie about how much he loves people.
Y! Entertainment/IGN
In The Lost Lands
Cast: Dave Bautista, Milla Jovovich, Fraser James, Arly Jover, Sebastian Stankiewicz, Amara Okereke, Simon Lööf, Deirdre Mullins
Director: Paul W.S. Anderson
Rating: M
Synopsis: The movie is an adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s short story of the same name. The narrative follows Gray Alys, a powerful and feared sorceress portrayed by Milla Jovovich, who is hired by a queen desperate to obtain the gift of shape-shifting. Gray Alys is sent to the ghostly wilderness of the Lost Lands to find this magical power. Accompanied by Boyce, a drifter played by Dave Bautista, the duo must outwit and outfight both man and demon in a journey that explores themes of good and evil, debt and fulfillment, love and loss. The film delves into the consequences of desires and the unforeseen outcomes of granted wishes.
Review:
The film has been floating around for almost a decade having been announced in 2015, with Jovovich incredibly cast that early too. It grew dormant for several years before finally emerging again in 2021, and four years later is finally ready for release. The film likely has a lot of pressure behind it given Martin’s previous adaptation, Game of Thrones, has become one of the most successful entertainment franchises of all time.
IGN
Black Bag
Cast: Cate Blanchett, Michael Fassbender, Marisa Abela, Tom Burke, Naomie Harris, Regé-Jean Page, Pierce Brosnan
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Rating: M
Synopsis: When Kathryn is accused of betraying the nation, George faces a profound dilemma: choosing between his loyalty to his country and his commitment to his marriage. The narrative delves into themes of trust, betrayal, and the intricate dynamics of espionage. The ensemble cast also includes Regé-Jean Page, Marisa Abela, Naomie Harris, Pierce Brosnan, and Tom Burke. The screenplay is penned by David Koepp, known for his work on Jurassic Park and Mission: Impossible. Filming commenced in London in May 2024. Black Bag is set to be released by Focus Features in the United States and Universal Pictures internationally.
Review:
It is pleasing to see how effortlessly director Steven Soderbergh makes the kind of low-key espionage potboilers Black Bag, or previously with Michael Fassbender, Haywire, seem. Collaborating again with screenwriter David Koepp (Presence, Kimi) this spy drama about George Woodhouse (Fassbender) and his wife Kathryn (Cate Blanchett) who work separately, and together, get pitted against each other by government agency paranoia.
Screen Anarchy
Alto Knights
Cast: Robert De Niro, Debra Messing, Katherine Narducci
Director: Barry Levinson
Rating: R
Synopsis: The American biographical crime drama directed by Barry Levinson, features Robert De Niro in dual roles as mid-20th-century mob bosses Vito Genovese and Frank Costello. The film explores the complex relationship between these two Italian-American crime figures, whose friendship deteriorates into rivalry, culminating in Genovese’s failed assassination attempt on Costello in 1957. This event leads Costello to retire, while Genovese ascends in the criminal underworld, reshaping the Mafia’s influence in America.
Reviews:
It’s not just about mafia politics and the usual shootouts; this film dives deep into the psychological battles and emotional turmoil of its characters. When Costello survives a hit ordered by Genovese, he doesn’t just fight for survival—he wrestles with his legacy, his power, and the world he’s built. The film promises a nuanced take on mob life, exploring themes of loyalty, betrayal, and power struggles that are still relevant today.
Brave New Coin
The Alto Knights is being directed by Barry Levinson, who has a terrific filmography that includes the likes of Rain Man and Bugsy, with writing credits currently only going to Nicholas Pileggi, the aforementioned writer of the book that inspired both Goodfellas and this movie. Cinematographer Dante Spinotti has also applied his trade to the film, with his experience on the likes of Heat and L.A. Confidential certainly lending itself to this style of production. With all that being said, for fans of the mafia movie genre and beyond, The Alto Knights is one of the most unmissable films scheduled to release in early 2025.
Collider
One of Them Days
Cast: Keke Palmer, SZA, Vanessa Bell Calloway
Director: Lawrence Lamont
Rating: M
Synopsis: Best friends and roommates, Dreux and Alyssa, are thrown into chaos when they discover that Alyssa’s boyfriend has squandered their rent money. Desperate to avoid eviction, they embark on a wild, time-sensitive mission, pushing their limits to save their home and protect their friendship.
Reviews:
It’s a bumpy ride, albeit an overall enjoyable one, with a believably character-populated apartment community and unforced, consistent energy. As Dreux notes in a meta-point at her (predictably unpredictable) job interview, chances like this don’t come for people like her that often. For the still too-rare, Black-led female theatrical comedy, One of Them Days has a tendency for overkill, but makes its moment count.
The Guardian
Director Lawrence Lamont and writer Syreeta Singleton’s feature debut is an undeniable success. Singleton worked with “One of Them Days” producer Issa Rae on “Insecure.” It would have been nice to have a Black woman direct the film, but you cannot have everything. While the entire movie is enjoyable, it takes a while before it finds its footing in terms of pacing and reliable laughs. Both do a good job making a comedy movie that makes people laugh out loud.
Sarah Vincent
Spit
Cast: David Field, Lewis Fitz-Gerald, Bob Franklin, Sofya Gollan, Arlo Green, David Roberts, Pallavi Sharda, Gary Sweet, Helen Thomson, David Wenham
Directors: Jonathan Teplitzky
Rating: M
Synopsis: In SPIT, Spitteri is detained in an immigration center upon his return to Australia. With past rivals closing in and a target on his back, he stumbles through a series of comedic misadventures. Along the way, he bonds with fellow detainees, sharing lessons on mateship and the true essence of being Australian.
Reviews:
If there’s to be one criticism of Spit, it perhaps saddles its detention centre refugees with one-note characterisation with the exception of Arlo Green’s Jihad. While most of them exist to be simply Australianised by Spit giving them true blue Aussie nicknames, Green imbues his character and story arc with a great more subtlety and heart than the script demands – and it proves to be perfectly what’s needed.
Darren’s World of Entertainment
Ex-con Spit has zero leading man appeal – but David Wenham is so brilliant in the role, you’ll fall for him anyway.
Limelight Arts
