Hello and welcome to the latest edition of Movie Reviews 2025. It is great to have you back again this week, I do hope you are well.
Now, before we crack on with new reviews, those who check in on a regular basis may have noticed the complete lack of a review for The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie. The film has been teased a couple of times as a ‘forthcoming attraction’ in previous editions of Movie Reviews 2025, and has been playing in US cinemas for a few weeks now, yet no review has shown up here. So, what gives?
Well, the missing review for The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie is because at present the film still does not have a UK release date. Warner Bros., the owners and custodians of the Looney Tunes franchise decided they did not want to be the global distributor of the movie, Ketchup Entertainment took over as US distributor, but there has been no word about what’s happening for UK audiences.
Not great news if you’re a Looney Tunes fan and you live in the UK. And there are a lot of us over here.
When details emerge regarding a UK release, or when the film suddenly drops in cinemas or on streaming (whenever that may be), Movie Reviews 2025 will take a look and report back. Until then, consider The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie currently MIA.
Incidentally, the film’s US distributors, Ketchup Entertainment, made a deal this week to acquire the worldwide rights to Coyote vs. Acme after Warner Bros. essentially ditched the film as part of a tax write-off. However, with Ketchup now taking on the worldwide rights to this film, UK audiences should at least see Coyote vs. Acme popping up in 2026.
Anyway, that is the status of those two Looney Tunes films which aren’t currently available in the UK. Now let’s focus on movies which ARE currently available in the UK.
Speaking of which…
In this week’s edition of Movie Reviews 2025 there are reviews for Holland, The Life List, and A Minecraft Movie. Plus classic Aussie comedy, Muriel’s Wedding returns to UK cinemas and David Cronenberg’s The Brood arrives on disc.
This edition of Movie Reviews 2025 also includes a review for ‘90s Western, Tombstone, which stars Val Kilmer. Kilmer passed away earlier this week.
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Now streaming…
Holland (2025)
First up this week is the mystery thriller, Holland. Directed by Mimi Cave, the movie stars Nicole Kidman, Gael García Bernal, Matthew Macfadyen, and Jude Hill and follows the story of woman who suspects her husband of living a double life.
In the movie, Nancy Vandergroot is a wife, mother, and teacher, living and working in the US town of Holland, Michigan. Nancy is a happy person, she loves her family, and adores her home town.
But things begin to change when Nancy suspects her optometrist husband, Fred is up to no good. She believes he is attending one too many conferences, which keep him away from home, and something doesn’t seem right.
After enlisting the assistance of a colleague, Nancy starts to investigate Fred’s private life. But the more time she spends with her colleague, the more she begins to drift away from her own happy existence.
Now, as a general rule of thumb, if a film has Nicole Kidman in it, then you can guarantee it has at least one very strong element. Kidman is always great to watch, no matter the movie, and she’s certainly good in Holland.
As the super suspicious Nancy, Kidman is completely mesmerising. She takes the character from regular housewife to paranoid fantasist, giving a somewhat dark performance along the way, and every time Kidman is on screen it is a genuine highlight of the picture.
But unfortunately, outside of Kidman, there’s not much to recommend in Holland. The central mystery surrounding Fred is not as interesting as it needs to be, nor is Nancy’s subsequent dalliances with her colleague, and this robs the film of anything particularly satisfying.
There is a general sense throughout the film that Holland is attempting to be some kind of Hitchcockian thriller, and to be fair on occasion it feels like it could pull it off, but sadly it never does. Instead there’s a lot of faffing, a fair bit of plodding, and not enough material to really get this picture over the line.
It starts off fine but soon loses momentum. And no amount of darkness can really make up for shortfalls in plot.
On the plus side, Holland looks good and of course there is the Kidman factor. But all this aside, the film is a bit dull, so don’t get too excited.
Anyway, should you wish to take a look for yourself, Holland is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
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Now streaming…
The Life List (2025)
Now streaming on Netflix is the romantic drama, The Life List. Written and directed by Adam Brooks, and based on the book of the same name by Lori Nelson Spielman, the film stars Sofia Carson and Kyle Allen, and follows the story of a young woman who attempts to reconnect with the dreams and aspirations she had when she was 13.
In the film, Alex is drifting through life as best as she can. She has no major complaints, but no major drive either, and mostly just exists.
But when her mother suddenly passes away through illness, she suddenly finds herself with a new purpose. Prior to her death, Alex’s mother discovered a list of dreams Alex wrote down as a teenager, and her dying wish is for Alex to go back to the list and start fulfilling those dreams.
Every time Alex ticks off a dream, she is given a DVD from her lawyer which contains an inspirational message from her mother. Once she completes the list, her lawyer will give her a special envelope with her mother’s final message.
However, there is a time limit on this task. Alex has until New Year to work through the ‘life list’ or she won’t get the final envelope and won’t discover her mother’s final words.
With an intriguing premise and likeable central performances from Sofia Carson and Kyle Allen, The Life List is a pleasant and mostly agreeable picture. It is a film which looks at life and grief, while finding time for a spot of romance and comedy, and it is backed by a fairly solid emotional core.
As the story moves along, Alex gets to spend some unexpected time with her deceased mother, while at the same time she tries her hand at various pursuits, including stand-up comedy, learning to drive, and attempting to play Clair de lune on the piano. Some of these pursuits seem more impactful on her life than others, but all help to keep her focused and connected to her mum.
Arguably the most important pursuit of all is Alex’s teaching job. This not only allows Alex to work on herself, but at the same time develop her skills and her compassion for others.
Meanwhile, there is an additional side plot revolving around Alex’s father. Alex might be an adult, and she may think she knows all there is to know about her life, but her mother’s messages throw out some curveballs, including an important one about dad.
In short: There’s a fair bit of story and Alex goes on quite the journey. The Life List certainly has its fair share of plot points and is better for it.
So, all-in-all not bad then? Yeah, pretty much.
The Life List isn’t amazing, it is a bit too long, and it does move quite slowly, but it’s the sort of movie that has the ability to simply wash over you in a fairly pleasing way. It’s one of those films that back in the day you would rent from the video shop on a wet Wednesday, pop it on while lay on the sofa (maybe with ice cream), and you’d sink into it quite nicely.
Those who have lost a parent will perhaps connect with it the most, but anyone after a decent romantic drama should find themselves served rather well. It knows the story it wants to tell and does so without any major problems.
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Muriel’s Wedding (1994)
Up next and back in UK cinemas for a LIMITED TIME ONLY is Australian comedy-drama, Muriel’s Wedding. The film returns to the big screen this week to celebrate its 30th anniversary… although in reality it’s 31 because Muriel’s Wedding debuted in 1994.
Has someone cocked up the dates? Nope, the film opened in Australia in ‘94, but didn’t arrive in the UK until ‘95, so technically the ‘30th anniversary thing’ is correct.
But anyway, let’s not sweat the details too much, as the important thing is Muriel’s Wedding is back in UK cinema’s and you can go and see it. And of course you should, as Muriel’s Wedding is a bloody ripper of a movie, filled with great characters, lots of laughs, a superb soundtrack, and some heartfelt and emotive scenes.
Written and directed by P. J. Hogan, Muriel’s Wedding stars Toni Collette, Bill Hunter, Rachel Griffiths, and Jeanie Drynan. The film follows the story of socially awkward Muriel Heslop – a 20-something daydreamer whose main ambition is to get married and leave behind her old life.
In the film, Muriel lives with her family in the dead-end town of Porpoise Spit. She has no job, her friends are awful, her dad belittles her at every opportunity, and her future prospects look bleak.
One day, Muriel’s dad manages to get her a job selling cosmetics, but instead of knuckling down and working hard, Muriel uses the opportunity to steal $12,000 from his bank account. She then spends the money on a lavish holiday.
When the truth comes out, Muriel flees town and moves in with old school acquaintance, Rhonda Epinstall. Changing her name to Mariel, Muriel creates a new life built around lies, and works on her plan to get married, one way or another.
With a brilliant lead performance from Toni Collette, which not only bagged the actress a Golden Globe Award but paved the way for a Hollywood career, Muriel’s Wedding is off to a great start based on acting talent alone. Collette understands the brief, knows her character inside and out, and manages to deliver all Muriel’s little quirks and eccentricities with ease.
Collette is then backed up by a superb supporting cast, with a particularly strong turn from Bill Hunter as Muriel’s dad. In fact, all of the cast are great, and there’s plenty of comedy to be mined from various friends and family.
But Muriel’s Wedding is more than just laughs, and there is a fair degree of sadness too. Muriel’s desire to marry is tinged with melancholy, and ultimately her wedding proves not to be the pinnacle of her life.
A side plot about Muriel’s mother being continually sidelined is also a powerful element of the story. It demonstrates the depth of which this film goes, because ultimately this is more than just a disposable comedy – Muriel’s Wedding is drama, it’s life, and it’s everything in between.
Oh, and then there is THAT soundtrack, which is filled with ABBA tunes. Long before the Mamma Mia movies appeared, Muriel’s Wedding was flying the ABBA flag with pride and doing so rather marvellously.
So, a great Aussie movie? You bet!
Should you wish to watch Muriel’s Wedding on the big screen, make sure you check your local listings as soon as you can for times and showings. The movie is only back for a short period, so don’t let it pass you by.
It is a great picture and one of the best from the ‘90s. The movie was a big hit 31 years ago, and it still remains a hoot today!
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On disc…
The Brood (1979)
New to limited edition 4K UHD and Blu-ray, courtesy of Second Sight, is ‘70s body horror, The Brood. Written and directed by David Cronenberg, the movie stars Oliver Reed, Art Hindle, and Samantha Eggar, and focuses on a woman in psychiatric care and a series of brutal murders.
In the movie, Nola Carveth is being treated at a special facility by noted psychotherapist, Dr. Hal Raglan. During her stay Nola is kept away from the public, but she does receive a weekly visit from her young daughter, Candice.
However, someone who is keen to stop the visits is Nola’s ex-husband, Frank. He believes Nola is beating Candice during their time together, and confronts Dr. Raglan about his supposed treatment which appears to be putting his daughter at risk.
Meanwhile, as Frank attempts to get to the bottom of the situation, a series of strange murders occur. The murders seem to be centred around the Carveth family and could be connected to Dr. Raglan’s work.
Expertly made, if all a bit bonkers (typical Cronenberg, really), The Brood is one of those films which is really rather good, but it is a bit of an acquired taste. The story is fairly odd, and doesn’t always hang together as well as it needs to, and the pace does dip from time to time, yet it is wonderfully macabre.
If you can overlook a few shortcomings in the script department there is plenty on offer for horror fans. The film is at its best when it delves into the bizarre and grotesque, and if you can stick with it during the slower moments you will get your reward.
A brutal murder in a school classroom is particularly unsettling, while the climax involving Oliver Reed’s Dr. Raglan coming face-to-face with the titular ‘Brood’ is also rather creepy. There are a couple of other scenes which make for chilling entertainment too, and it’s fair to say when Cronenberg is letting loose The Brood fires on all cylinders.
To add to this, the cast is strong, the staging is excellent, and the cinematography from Mark Irwin (The Fly, The Blob, Scream, etc) is marvellous. The film looks good and has many of the correct components in place to make it work, with the atmosphere also hitting just right.
If you’re a fan of films such as Don’t Look Now (1973) or The Changeling (1980), then you’ll be right at home with The Brood. The movie has a similar vibe to those pictures, and if you adore ‘70s horror then watching this film is a no brainer.
Should you wish to grab a copy of The Brood on disc, the film is available via three editions: Blu-ray, 4K UHD, and a special edition Blu-ray/4K boxset. The Blu-ray is priced at £16.99, the 4K UHD is £24.99, and the special edition boxset is £39.99.
Bonus features on the regular edition Blu-ray and 4K releases include two audio commentaries, a set of documentaries, and a collection of interviews. The discs also boast a new 4K restoration approved by director David Cronenberg.
Meanwhile, the more expensive boxset edition is a dual format release (blu-ray and 4K) which includes all of the above bonus material, plus a 120-page book and six art cards. It also comes housed within a rigid slipcase featuring new artwork by Krishna Shenoi.
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On disc…
Tombstone (1993)
And now onto Tombstone – a movie which was due to be covered by Movie Reviews 2025 this month, but not for another four weeks. However, the review has been brought forward in honour of Val Kilmer, who passed away earlier this week at the age of 65.
The original reason for the review is because Tombstone is set to receive a 4K UHD release on April 28th. But rather than wait a few weeks to talk about the movie, it seems only appropriate to discuss it now.
It also gives those who are interested in picking up a copy some advanced awareness. Tombstone will be available as a standard 4K/ Blu-ray combo for £22.99 or as a limited edition steelbook for £32.99.
As for the film itself, Tombstone stars the aforementioned Kilmer, alongside a cast which includes Kurt Russell, Michael Biehn, Powers Boothe, Sam Elliott, Bill Paxton, Dana Delany, Billy Zane, and Robert Mitchum. Directed by George P. Cosmatos, the film is a Western set during the late 1800s, and features characters such as Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday.
In the film, the year is 1879 and an outlaw gang known as the Cowboys ride into a Mexican town. Upon arrival the gang interrupt the wedding of a local police officer, before proceeding to massacre him and his fellow officers.
A short while later, retired officer Wyatt Earp and his brothers arrive in the town of Tombstone. Here they reunite with old friend, John ‘Doc’ Holliday, before looking at new opportunities within the gambling sector.
However, they soon find their new way of life interrupted when they cross paths with members of the Cowboy gang. The gang don’t take kindly to the Earps, particularly when they begin to lay down some laws in town, resulting in a significant conflict ahead.
With strong direction from Cosmatos, as well as an impressive ensemble cast, including standout performances from Kurt Russell and Val Kilmer, Tombstone is one of the best Westerns from the 1990s. This was a decade in which Westerns had largely fallen by the wayside but there are a few notable exceptions and Tombstone is one of them.
The film manages to capture the spirit, the drama, and the action of an old school Westen, while maintaining the (then) modern aesthetic of a ‘90s blockbuster. It is also beautiful to look at, with some stunning shots from cinematographer William A. Fraker, and sounds great thanks to a superb score from Bruce Broughton.
As noted above, the performances from Russell and Kilmer are top notch, and are a particular highlight of Tombstone, with the former taking on the role of Wyatt Earp and the latter playing Doc Holliday. Kilmer’s performance as Holliday was praised back in ‘93, as he truly throws himself into the role, and it still stands up today.
Along with his turn as Jim Morrison in The Doors (1991) and Bruce Wayne/Batman in Batman Forever (1995), Holliday is arguably one of Kilmer’s signature parts. He demonstrates a clear understanding of what the role entails, and draws the camera to him at every opportunity.
If you’re a fan of Westerns, but Tombstone has somehow passed you by, then take a couple of hours to play catch-up. The film has all the right ingredients for a great Western, plus that all-important turn from Kilmer.
Oh, and should you wish to check out Tombstone but you don’t want to pick up a copy on disc, the movie is currently streaming on Disney+ in the UK.
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In cinemas…
A Minecraft Movie (2025)
And finally, now playing in UK and US cinemas is the fantasy adventure film, A Minecraft Movie. Directed by Jared Hess and based on the EXTREMELY POPULAR video game series of the same name, the film stars Jack Black, Jason Momoa, Danielle Brooks, Sebastian Hansen, Emma Myers, and Jennifer Coolidge, and follows the story of four misfits who are taken to a strange world.
In the film, Garrett, Henry, Natalie, and Dawn are pulled through a mysterious portal and taken to the Overworld. In this realm, imagination is key and building and crafting are everything.
To return home the group must join forces with an expert crafter named Steve to locate a missing crystal. However, ahead of them is danger, as well as adventure, and a deadly enemy who will stop at nothing in the pursuit of power.
OK, so before we go any further, let me make one thing clear: In the grand scheme of things it doesn’t matter what I or anyone else thinks about A Minecraft Movie, this film will be a financial success regardless. Why? Because A Minecraft Movie is based on the best-selling video game of all time.
Since it launched in 2011, Minecraft has sold over 300 million copies, beating out nearest rivals Grand Theft Auto V and Wii Sports by a considerable margin. It is also available on all the major platforms making it easily accessible to new gamers, and due to its replay value as well as its ability to inspire, Minecraft is often considered to be one of the most important games of the past decade.
So, yeah, Minecraft is huge. It doesn’t take a genius to work out the film will be huge too.
And if you want further proof this film will be a box office hit, just stick your head into any McDonald’s in your local area. The fast food chain is currently running a tie-in promotion for A Minecraft Movie and every kid with a passing interest in McNuggets is tucking into a Happy Meal right now.
Heck, even my local cinema is predicting this film will be a big one. On opening weekend (Fri-Sun), there are 108 screenings devoted to A Minecraft Movie alone.
Expect this film to take a fair amount of money. Even if you don’t fancy it, your kids or your grandkids probably do, which should help this picture make a significant chunk of change.
Right, with all that preamble out of the way, what about the film itself? Is it the second coming of video games movies or is it complete trash?
Well, truth is, it’s neither amazing nor is it rubbish. A Minecraft Movie is mostly a middle of the road affair, which is generally alright but not much more.
At times it is funny, at other times it runs out of steam. If you’re a fan of the games you’ll find it enjoyable enough, while for those who don’t really care, it’s watchable but in no way life changing.
It has enough plot to get it to where it needs to go, but there’s not a lot going on. If you’re fine with this, then fill your boots.
The film’s strongest selling points are Jack Black and Jason Momoa. Both understand the sort of film they are making (disposable popcorn fluff), throw themselves into the absurdity of it all, and seem to be having genuine fun as they tit about on screen.
As for the rest of the cast, with the exception of Jennifer Coolidge who gets a small role in the picture, no one else makes an impact. The other actors are there, stuff happens around them, and they do what the script tells them to do, but they mostly fade into the background, as various chickens, zombies, and weird looking dudes with monobrows fill the screen and draw more attention.
Does it matter? Nah, not really. The target audience will mostly be interested in all the references to the game lore, so the trials and tribulations of some of the other characters are inconsequential.
Oh, and speaking of the game, the film does a decent job of bringing the core elements of the game to life. The crafting and imagination angle is all here, and the graphics are good.
I’m rapidly losing interest in CGI worlds, but this one gets a pass as it doesn’t look bad. The characters look like they are in the world of Minecraft, nothing looks particularly shonky, so that’s good enough as far as I’m concerned.
A Minecraft Movie is a ‘PG’ film, which plays more or less as you might expect. The script is a bit hollow, and there is the general sense the production leaned heavily on Black and Momoa improvising, but it sort of gets from A to B fine.
If your kids want to see it, take them to the cinema, indulge in some snacks, enjoy the laughs that are offered and take it for what it is. There are better video game adaptations, but there are also much worse.
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Movie of the Week
OK, it’s time for Movie of the Week, which this week goes to Muriel’s Wedding. With the lighter nights finally here, along with the slightly warmer weather, it’s time for some fun and laughter, and that’s exactly what you get with Muriel’s Wedding.
The script is well written, the gags are hilarious, and the cast are excellent. Plus the constant use of ABBA songs on the soundtrack makes for a very enjoyable time.
And if you like Muriel’s Wedding you may also wish to check out:
- My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997) – Muriel’s Wedding writer/director P. J. Hogan calls the shots and throws the confetti (probably) on this Julia Roberts rom-com.
- The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994) – Hugo Weaving, Guy Pearce, and Terence Stamp lead this fabulous Aussie road movie.
- Mamma Mia! (2008) – Delightful jukebox musical featuring the songs of ABBA!
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Forthcoming attractions
Right then, another week is over, but there are plenty more movie reviews to come. In fact, they will be here in no time at all, so be sure to come back.
But before you go, if you’re a fan of classic films then you’ll be pleased to know a number of top titles from yesteryear are coming to disc in the next few months and will almost certainly feature in a future edition of Movie Reviews 2025. These titles include The Long Kiss Goodnight, The House of the Devil, Slade in Flame, Jason X, The Taking of Pelham: One Two Three, and Witness, amongst others.
You see, while Movie Reviews 2025 may have an eye on all the new releases at the cinema and on streaming, there is always room for some DVD, Blu-ray, and 4K UHD action. So, if you want the lowdown on some of the new discs that are popping up on shelves, you know where to come.
Until next time.
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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