Onto week two of Movie Reviews 2025, and despite a bumper crop of movies last week (Better Man, Nosferatu, Babygirl, etc) the films keep on coming thick and fast. We’re in awards season now, so expect plenty of high-profile and/or high-brow movies for the next month or two.
You see, the Golden Globes may have come and gone, but the BAFTAs are just around the corner, and the Academy Awards are not too far away either. So, many star names will be popping up in the coming weeks, along with plenty of scene-stealing performances, oh, and lots of movies too.
Speaking of which, in this week’s super-stacked edition of Movie Reviews 2025, there are reviews for A Complete Unknown, Back in Action, A Different Man, Rippy, and A Real Pain. Plus, director Leigh Whannell (The Invisible Man) revives another classic horror character in Wolf Man, and Sam Raimi’s ’90s Western, The Quick and the Dead gets a 4K disc release.
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In cinemas…
A Complete Unknown (2024)
First up this week is the biographical music drama, A Complete Unknown. Directed and co-written by James Mangold, and based on Elijah Wald’s book, Dylan Goes Electric!, the movie stars Timothée Chalamet, Edward Norton, Elle Fanning, Boyd Holbrook, Monica Barbaro, and Scoot McNairy, and centres its story around the life and career of US folk singer-songwriter, Bob Dylan.
Kicking off in 1961, A Complete Unknown follows Dylan as he moves to New York City and meets singers Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger. From here he develops a friendship with Seeger, familiarises himself with the local folk scene, and begins to record music.
As time progresses, Dylan’s star status starts to rise and the titular ‘unknown’ singer is not unknown anymore. Along the way he pens iconic songs including ‘Blowin’ in the Wind’ and ‘The Times They Are a-Changin’’, and becomes one of the greatest songwriters of all time.
Released in the US in December and nominated for a string of awards including three Golden Globes, chances are you will have already heard some positive buzz about A Complete Unknown – and for what it’s worth, it’s not all that surprising. A Complete Unknown has a great cast, good direction, and it has ‘awards friendly’ written all over it, so yeah, it is the sort of film to get some buzz.
But is it worth all the hype? In some respects yes, but you may wish to reduce your expectations.
A Complete Unknown is a decent biopic, and if you’re a Dylan fan you will enjoy it for what it is, but it isn’t as amazing as some may have you believe. The hype machine has hyped this one a little more than it should, so some may find it a tad underwhelming.
The reason A Complete Unknown doesn’t quite hit the heights it’s aiming for is because it doesn’t push the envelope or dig deep enough. The film offers a serviceable account of Dylan, his music, and the time period around him (the Civil Rights Movement, the threat of nuclear annihilation, etc), but often it all comes across as surface level stuff.
As such, A Complete Unknown offers up the essence of Dylan, and that’s OK, but not much more. So, while the film is fine and beautifully shot, it simply never feels like it delivers as intended.
Where A Complete Unknown is at its strongest is in the casting department, with Timothée Chalamet excellent as Dylan. Chalamet is great in everything he appears in, so it’s no real surprise he gets a good handle on Dylan.
The actor is then supported by the likes of Fanning, Norton, et al, who slot into the story quite snuggly. Even if Mangold’s movie doesn’t quite push all the right buttons, there’s no denying he builds up his world rather nicely, with every actor and character feeling as if they belong in this narrative.
It’s just frustrating that Mangold doesn’t attempt something new or dynamic. He plays things safe, and that’s fine for the most part, but it’s not exciting or imaginative as it could be.
Take last week’s Better Man for instance, which reimagined British pop singer Robbie Williams as a chimp, and you get what I mean. Of course, I wasn’t expecting Mangold to transform Bob Dylan into a talking toucan or a warbling whale, but hey, a bit of spark or pizzazz wouldn’t hurt.
Ultimately, if you are deeply invested in all things Dylan, or you are a new convert, you are likely to get something out of A Complete Unknown. The film should offer you enough of what you crave, along with some great performances to back it up, and this may prove more than worthwhile for long time fans.
But if Dylan isn’t for you, you are looking for a film to convince you of his star power, or you simply want more to chew on, A Complete Unknown may fall short. It’s perfectly OK for what it is, but could be more.
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Now streaming…
Back in Action (2025)
Next up, in Netflix’s new action-comedy, Back in Action, CIA spies, Emily and Matt, quit the espionage game when their secret identities are compromised and Emily falls pregnant. Setting up home in the suburbs, they raise a family, put their old life to one side, and for the next 15 years become (sort of) a regular mum and dad.
But all that spy training never leaves them, and when Emily and Matt accidentally expose their skills while retrieving their 14-year-old daughter from a club, they suddenly become a target. This brings gunfire to their picture-perfect neighbourhood, and puts them back on the job, whether they like it or not.
Directed and co-written by Seth Gordon, Back in Action stars Cameron Diaz, Jamie Foxx, Glenn Close, Kyle Chandler, and Andrew Scott. The film marks Diaz’s return to acting, following her retirement in 2014, and if you’re wondering if it is worth her time, well, the pay cheque helps, and to be fair, Back in Action is enjoyable enough.
Sure, the concept is dated, and the story feels like it belongs in the early ‘00s, but Diaz and Foxx have chemistry and there are a decent amount of laughs. The action sequences are serviceable, if not particularly spectacular, and there is something likeable about Emily and Matt attempting to be model parents while kicking ass and killing bad guys.
Plus, as a bonus, Glenn Close pops up playing Emily’s British mother, which is fun because it’s Glenn Close playing a Brit! So, yeah, there’s enough in here to make it perfectly fine to be a Netflix film.
But (and it’s a significant ‘but’) take all this with a pinch of salt. Netflix films are hit and miss (often more miss than hit), and Back in Action does fall into the same trap as some of the streamer’s other films, i.e. it’s too long, too sedate, generic.
As comeback films go, Diaz does deserve better, but she makes the most of the what’s on offer and when teamed with Foxx they bring charm to the screen. This isn’t amazing stuff by any measure, but Back in Action is fine as disposable Netflix nonsense.
I’ve said it before (many times) and I’ll say it again, Netflix films are essentially moving wallpaper, with interesting bits here and there. Thanks to Diaz, Foxx, and Close, Back in Action happens to be slightly more polished wallpaper than some of Netflix’s other offerings, but don’t expect designer decor.
If you’re after something amazing, stop relying on Netflix originals and invest your time and money elsewhere. However, if you want something acceptable to pass two hours on a Friday night, then Back in Action is fine as a one-time watch.
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On disc…
The Quick and the Dead (1995)
Now available on 4K UHD disc in the UK is director Sam Raimi’s ‘90s Western, The Quick and the Dead. Starring Sharon Stone, Gene Hackman, Russell Crowe, Leonardo DiCaprio, Lance Henriksen, Pat Hingle, and Gary Sinise, the film follows the story of an ace gunslinger out for revenge.
In the movie, Stone plays the role of ‘The Lady’ – a loner with a keen eye and a quick hand. The Lady has suffered a significant tragedy in her past, but she keeps her cards close to her chest and is keen to focus her energy on payback.
One day, The Lady arrives in the somewhat lawless town of Redemption. Upon arrival she enters a quick-draw contest, overseen by outlaw-turned-mayor, John Herod (Hackman).
The rules of the contest are simple: It’s a last man (or last woman) standing affair with a prize of $123,000 up for grabs. All The Lady has to do to win the money is outlast her fellow competitors, including Ace Hanlon (Henriksen), Cort (Crowe), and the rambunctious ‘Kid’ (DiCaprio).
But The Lady isn’t really interested in the money at all. She has a score to settle with one of the townsfolk, and is merely entering the contest to get close to her target.
Originally released in 1995, back when Westerns were largely out of favour (with a few exceptions), it’s fair to say The Quick and the Dead did not receive a particularly strong welcome when it first hit screens. Not only were critics mixed on the film, audiences weren’t that fussed either, and the $35 million movie struggled at the box office.
However, 30 years on and with some time, distance, and fresh eyes, The Quick and the Dead has been somewhat reevaluated. Many (myself included) have come to believe The Quick and the Dead is an underrated entry in Sam Raimi’s portfolio, and is also a thoroughly entertaining Western in its own right.
Just consider the cast for one moment: Stone, Crowe, DiCaprio, Hackman. Bloomin’ Gene Hackman for gosh sake!!
And it’s an absolutely delicious performance from Hackman too. As outlaw John Herod, Hackman steals scenes left, right, and centre, and chews up the scenery with absolute relish.
But to be fair to his fellow cast mates, everyone delivers stellar performances in this picture – this is in no way just Hackman’s movie. Stone and Crowe offer up a strong turns, while DiCaprio is excellent as the ridiculously handsome and completely cocksure ‘Kid’.
Outside of the cast, the movie fires on all cylinders in pretty much every department, including direction, cinematography, music, and costuming. The gun fights are slick and filled with suspense and spectacle, while the climax is suitably satisfying and explosive.
Sure, the story is slight, but The Quick and the Dead is an overlooked gem. Whether you’re a fan of Westerns or not, this is a great film from Raimi, with a cast that Hollywood execs wish they could bring together for $35 million these days.
Should you want to pick up a copy on disc, The Quick and the Dead is available from all good entertainment retailers now (HMV, Fopp, Amazon, etc). And should discs not be your thing, the movie is widely available to rent or buy on the major video on demand platforms.
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On disc…
Rippy (2024)
Also available on disc in the UK is the low budget Australian horror, Rippy. Directed and co-written by Ryan Coonan, and based on the short film, Waterborne, the movie stars Tess Haubrich, Michael Biehn, and Angie Milliken, and centres its story around a zombie kangaroo.
Set in the small town of Axehead, the film follows Officer Maddy as she investigates a series of mysterious deaths. According to one of the locals, the deaths are the work of an undead roo, but Maddy isn’t convinced.
What follows is an excursion into the outback as Maddy and Co. attempt to track down the culprit. But with a regular roo proving to be a tricky customer, how will Maddy fare against an undead one?
Taking a surprisingly serious tone for a film about a zombie kangaroo, Rippy is an odd little movie which sounds fun on paper, but is unfortunately a misfire. It’s not a terrible film, but it’s certainly not an amazing one either, and mostly falls into the trap of being too dull and uneventful for its own good.
The CGI kangaroo is also a bit rubbish. If you’re going to incorporate a CGI animal into a movie, it needs to look as if it is actually sharing scenes with the characters, rather than added on as a last minute thought.
On the plus side, the cast of Rippy do what they can with the material they are given, and it’s clear director Ryan Coonan is trying to pull everything together as best as possible. Unfortunately, the film continually misses the mark and this simply can’t be overlooked.
Ultimately, Rippy doesn’t quite know what it wants to be, and despite showing promise, it fails to become anything other than a low-rent horror. And let’s be honest, we don’t need any more low-rent horror clogging up our lives.
Anyway, should you wish to watch Rippy (irrespective of anything I’ve just said), the movie is now available on DVD. Alternatively, you can catch it on video on demand platforms.
However, if you think this all sounds a bit hit-and-miss and not worth your time, then you may want to Skippy it. Sorry, skip it.
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In cinemas…
A Real Pain (2024)
Now playing in UK cinemas is the comedy-drama, A Real Pain. Written, directed, and starring Jesse Eisenberg, who leads the movie alongside co-star, Kieran Culkin, A Real Pain follows the story of Jewish cousins, David and Benji Kaplan, who embark on a heritage trip to Poland to honour their recently deceased grandmother.
When they arrive in Poland, the pair join a tour group where they meet a collection of Jewish strangers who are also interested in their own Polish heritage. Together the group aim to take in the various landmarks and cultural touchstones of the country over the next few days.
After becoming acquainted with each other, they set off on the tour, where it becomes clear David and Benji are a somewhat mismatched pair. Benji is a larger-than-life, rather vocal character, while David is far more reserved.
Featuring impressive performances from the central leads, specifically from Kieran Culkin (who just picked up a Golden Globe for playing Benji), A Real Pain is a fairly solid film about family dynamics, shared history, and everything in between. The picture is essentially a buddy movie, with the two cousins pitched as an incompatible duo, who were once close but who are now quite different people.
However, what they do share in common is their deceased grandmother, their desire to honour her memory, and their interest in seeing her old surroundings. This allows for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Poland, which provides writer/director Eisenberg the opportunity to show the country off in all its beauty.
In fact, Eisenberg shows off so much of Poland, that while A Real Pain is very much a character-driven piece, at times it does also blur the lines between travelogue and history piece. But this is all part of the movie’s charm, as well as its desire to connect on a human level – which it does rather well.
All in all, A Real Pain is a touching piece with a great deal of emotional weight. It feels very personal, yet at the same time relatable, and it zips by rather nicely.
Sure, it is fairly understated, but Eisenberg doesn’t over egg the pudding in order to appeal to everyone, and this ensures the film’s success. The light comical touches blend effortlessly with the drama, and the end result is the sort of film which doesn’t come around all too often.
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Now streaming…
A Different Man (2024)
Currently available to rent or buy through video-on-demand platforms, following its theatrical debut last year, is the psychological thriller, A Different Man. Written and directed by Aaron Schimberg, and starring Sebastian Stan, Renate Reinsve, and Adam Pearson, A Different Man follows the story of Edward – a seemingly ordinary man with a rare facial condition.
In the movie, Edward Lemuel is an aspiring actor attempting to forge a career in the industry. Edward is young, unassuming, and shy, but his appearance makes him standout.
Edward lives with a condition called Neurofibromatosis. The condition causes non-cancerous tumours to grow on his face, distorting his features.
At a recent check-up with his doctor, to discuss his tumours, Edward becomes aware of an experimental new procedure. Should he go along with a treatment trial, it could drastically alter his appearance.
After some consideration, Edward agrees to the procedure and within days his appearance changes as the tumours subside. However, as he embraces his new look, as well as some new opportunities in his life, Edward finds himself in the midst of an identity crisis.
Original, fascinating, and truly mesmerising, A Different Man is a unique picture which looks at identity and belonging. The film follows Edward’s journey as he moves from outsider to average Joe, and explores what this means in terms of his experiences in life.
At the beginning of the film, when Edward is living with his condition, his appearance makes him noticeable. Yet because he doesn’t want to stand out, he purposefully fades into the background, becoming more of a passive observer than a doer.
On the flip-side, once the procedure begins to work and he looks like a regular guy (if you can actually call Sebastian Stan a regular guy), he is embraced by society in ways he has never been embraced before. This gives Edward new opportunities but at the same time he loses his unique place in the world, and also loses his USP as an actor.
As such, the film demonstrates the double-edged sword of his situation. Having a ‘normal’ face may seem like a blessing, and in some respects it is, but by losing his face (so to speak), he loses himself and this isn’t a perfect scenario either.
Is there a happy medium? Maybe. Maybe not. The point of A Different Man is to encourage conversation, rather than to provide a definitive answer.
As noted above, Sebastian Stan takes on the role of Edward in A Different Man and is excellent in the part. The actor just picked up a Golden Globe for his work in the movie, and understandably so – it is a fully immersive turn.
Outside of Stan, co-stars Renate Reinsve and Adam Pearson are on fine form, while writer/director Aaron Schimberg crafts an engrossing tale. Schimberg’s production team of Umberto Smerilli (music), Wyatt Garfield (cinematography), and Taylor Levy (editor) also bring their A-game.
The result is a strong piece. An occasionally mind bending piece, but one which opens up some interesting questions regarding physical appearances and identity.
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In cinemas…
Wolf Man (2025)
And finally, Universal Pictures is at it again with yet another reboot of a classic monster from yesteryear. In 2014 Universal asked audiences to sink their teeth into Dracula Untold; in 2017 the studio unwrapped The Mummy; in 2020 The Invisible Man materialised; and now in 2025 it’s the turn of Wolf Man.
Inspired by 1941’s The Wolf Man, Wolf Man is a low-key horror which focuses on a family attempting to survive a werewolf encounter. The film – from director Leigh Whannell – stars Christopher Abbott, Julia Garner, and Matilda Firth, and is now playing in UK and US cinemas.
In the film, Blake Lovell, his wife Charlotte, and their daughter Ginger, head from San Francisco to Oregon after inheriting Blake’s childhood home from his recently deceased father. However, while on their way to the house, the family are attacked by a werewolf which injures Blake and kick-starts his transformation into something inhuman.
From here it is a fight for survival as Blake turns against those he loves. It’s also a fight to keep the eyes open, in what is sadly a very tedious, very slow, snooze-fest of a film.
Those hoping that Whannell has worked his magic and has reinvented the werewolf sub-genre will be immensely disappointed. Wolf Man is a run-of-the-mill offering, which serves up nothing we haven’t seen countless times before.
Unlike The Invisible Man, which allowed the director to take a domestic violence story and attach it to a classic Universal Monster, Wolf Man is just a tale about a guy who transforms into a wolf. Or rather, a guy who transforms into a wolf in a very long, drawn out way… and largely in the dark.
Sure, the practical effects are decent and there are occasional moments of gore, but once again this has all been done to death. The werewolf film is a tricky one to get right, and you’re certainly not going to nail it if you don’t do something unique.
Considering the director behind this picture, hopes were fairly high for this one, but unfortunately Wolf Man is mostly a toothless affair. It drags out its limited story much longer than it has any need to, including the use of a pointless prologue, and it is largely a misfire all round.
Disappointing. Frustratingly disappointing.
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Movie of the Week
OK, so those are all of this week’s movie reviews and there are a couple of strong contenders for Movie of the Week, with A Different Man and A Real Pain in the running. However, the top pick for me has to go to 1995’s The Quick and the Dead.
Come on, a ‘90s Sam Raimi Western, with Gene Hackman AND Leonardo DiCaprio AND Russell Crowe AND Sharon Stone AND Lance Henriksen?! How could it be anything else?
Plus, The Quick and the Dead didn’t get the love it deserved first time around, so after 30 years it’s about time! The film works for those who adore Westerns, and it is an easy entry point for those who aren’t usually fussed.
And should you decide to check out The Quick and the Dead and you enjoy what it has to offer, you may also like:
- Unforgiven (1992) – Clint Eastwood’s four-time Academy Award-winning ‘90s Western.
- Quigley Down Under (1990) – Another ‘90s Western, this time set in the Aussie Outback with lead stars Tom Selleck and Alan Rickman.
- Darkman (1990) – Director Sam Raimi’s superhero movie about a disfigured master of disguise.
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Forthcoming attractions
And that’s your lot for this week. Coming soon, Mark Wahlberg becomes a flight risk in… er… Flight Risk; Jack Quaid and Sophie Thatcher star in Companion; and Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, and Guy Peace lead The Brutalist. Plus, ‘00s psychological horror-thriller, The Cell gets a new 4K release.
And if that’s not enough, moving further into the future, Will Ferrell and Reese Witherspoon find themselves in the midst of wedding chaos in You’re Cordially Invited; while Anthony Mackie prepares to pick up the baton (and the shield) for Captain America: Brave New World. Oh, and in just a few weeks, the Looney Tunes will be back in The Day the Earth Blew Up!
Alex
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Thank you for taking the time to read Movie Reviews 2025 on It’s A Stampede!. For more reviews, check out the recommended reads below.
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