Welcome back to Movie Reviews 2025, which by my calculations has reached week 14. That means if you’ve been around since the start of the year you’ve already had 13 glorious weeks of movie recommendations.
That’s 13 weeks of cinema screenings, streaming releases, and disc drops! Oh, and there have been one or two anniversary celebrations too.
Of course, if you have missed any of the previous editions of Movie Reviews 2025 you are encouraged to play catch up (go on). Weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 are merely a click away.
But before you take a trip backward, be sure to keep moving forward, because this week even more movie madness is being flung at your eyeballs. Speaking of which…
In this week’s absolutely amazing, totally thrilling, 100% engrossing edition of Movie Reviews 2025, you (yes, YOU) will find reviews for the new Jason Statham action movie, A Working Man, as well as new mystery thriller, Drop. Plus, The Long Kiss Goodnight arrives on 4K; Incubus lands on Blu-ray; and classic Sandra Bullock rom-com, While You Were Sleeping turns 30.
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In cinemas…
A Working Man (2025)
First up this week is the action thriller, A Working Man, which is based on Chuck Dixon’s novel, Levon’s Trade. Directed by David Ayer, and adapted for the screen by Ayer and co-writer Sylvester Stallone, the movie stars Jason Statham, Michael Peña, David Harbour, and Jason Flemyng, and focuses on the story of former Royal Marine, Levon Cade.
In the movie, Levon is a widower and father of one who is attempting to move forward in life following the death of his wife. When she passed away Levon lost custody of his daughter, and now he spends his days doing his best to maintain his visitation rights while working at a family-run construction job.
One day, Levon’s employers come to him in desperate need for his help. Their daughter Jenny has been kidnapped, and knowing about Levon’s military background they hope he can help track her down.
Levon is initially reluctant to take on the job as he has put his violent past behind him. However, as a father himself he can understand the pain his employers are experiencing over the disappearance of their daughter, so he decides to help them out, bustin’ some skulls and kicking the living heck out of some bad guys along the way.
Now, I’m going to let you into a little secret: I’m quite partial to a Jason Statham film. Yes, I’m aware the vast majority of his films follow a similar pattern, and none really push the envelope, but Statham is always good value.
When it comes to making movies, the actor understands what he is best at, and what his audience wants from him, and then he leans into these things accordingly. He doesn’t try to be anything he’s not, and this continues to serve him well.
And as far as A Working Man goes, it’s business as usual. The story is standard stuff, Statham does his usual schtick, and those who are entertained by this sort of thing (myself included) get what they want and/or expect.
Plus, this film also casts Jason Flemyng as a mobster, complete with dodgy accent. It’s part Russian, part South African, all marvellous.
If you don’t consider yourself a fan of the Stath, then A Working Man is probably not for you, as this is a by-the-numbers action picture and not a lot more. But if you like his work in The Transporter films, or The Beekeeper, etc, then you’ll be fine with this.
A Working Man is currently playing in UK and US cinemas.
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On disc…
The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996)
Sticking with the action theme for this next picture, which is the 1996 action-thriller, The Long Kiss Goodnight. The movie – which is now available in the UK on limited edition 4K UHD – stars Geena Davis, Samuel L. Jackson, and Brian Cox, and tells the story of an amnesiac woman who sets out to recover her identity.
In the film, Samantha Caine is a wife, mother, and teacher living in Honesdale, Pennsylvania. While things seem fairly rosey for Samantha, she suffers from focal retrograde amnesia and has no knowledge of her life beyond the last eight years.
One night, during the Christmas holidays, Samantha is on the way home from a party when she hits a deer with her car. During the accident, Samantha is thrown from the vehicle and ends up in hospital.
As a result of the incident, Samantha begins to regain some of her memories. She learns her real name is Charly, she possesses some impressive skills with a knife, and initially presumes she is a former chef.
But when trouble comes knocking at her door, Samantha realises she is no chef. In reality, Samantha/Charly is an ex-assassin with a troubled past.
Directed by Renny Harlin (Die Hard 2, Deep Blue Sea) and written by Shane Black (Lethal Weapon, The Last Boy Scout), The Long Kiss Goodnight is a film you’ve either watched and enjoyed, or you’ve simply not watched at all.
It is essentially a ‘90s action classic, which is loved by a loyal fan base, but doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves. Less well remembered than many of the action pictures of its era, The Long Kiss Goodnight is sometimes overlooked, but it’s all good stuff if you cast your eye in its direction.
At times preposterously over the top, The Long Kiss Goodnight leans into the action genre with gusto, tossing explosions at the screen along with plenty of gunfire. There’s even room for the aforementioned knife skills, with Samantha slicing and dicing vegetables like a woman possessed, and there’s a spot of gun-wielding ice skating too.
Some of it is a bit bonkers, some of it is a bit extreme, yet all of it feels very ‘90s. And of course, this is never a bad thing.
On top of this, the film boasts a slick script from Shane Black, as well as a fab central performance from Geena Davis, and excellent support from Samuel L. Jackson. The combination of all the above makes for a fun film, perfect for anyone who misses the days of Martin Riggs and John McClane.
Should you wish to pick up a copy of The Long Kiss Goodnight, the limited edition two-disc set is available now from Arrow priced £24.99. Along with a 4K restoration of the film (approved by Renny Harlin), the set includes two new audio commentaries, a collection of new interviews, a trio of new visual essays, a trailer, image gallery, deleted scenes, and archive material.
The Long Kiss Goodnight set also includes an illustrated collector’s booklet, along with a postcard and sticker. To top it off, the discs are housed in limited edition packaging with a reversible sleeve featuring new artwork by Sam Hadley.
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Anniversary focus…
While You Were Sleeping (1995)
Let’s stay in the ‘90s a little longer, shall we? Because this month marks the 30th anniversary of a truly delightful rom-com from 1995.
The film is While You Were Sleeping. Its star, Sandra Bullock.
Directed by Jon Turtletaub, and featuring a cast which includes Bill Pullman, Peter Gallagher, Peter Boyle, Glynis Johns, Micole Mercurio, and Monica Keena, While You Were Sleeping tells the story of a lonely transport worker who gets herself into a tricky situation when she tells a lie. This lie involves a comatose patient who she happens to have a huge crush on.
In the movie, Lucy Moderatz works at the Randolph/Wabash station, collecting train tokens from passengers. When Lucy isn’t interacting with customers she fantasises about handsome commuter, Peter Callaghan, whom she doesn’t know, but she wishes she did.
However, Lucy’s wish is about to come true in an unexpected way when she saves Peter’s life on Christmas Day. After accompanying him to hospital, she is mistaken for his fiancée, and is quickly welcomed into his family.
With Peter in a coma, and Lucy keen not to upset his nearest and dearest, she maintains the lie. However, things soon start to get complicated as Peter’s family want to know everything about Lucy and her relationship with Peter.
And if that wasn’t problematic enough, then comes along Peter’s brother, Jack. Jack starts to find himself attracted to Lucy, and after a while it seems as though the feeling is mutual.
Watching While You Were Sleeping is akin to receiving a much-needed hug on a bad day. One minute nothing is going right, and it’s all doom and gloom, and then boom, the next minute it is sunshine, rainbows, and a charming performance from Sandra Bullock.
A performance which not only makes Lucy extremely likeable, but also sells Bullock as one of the most appealing actresses on screen. An actress who had already impressed in films such as Demolition Man (1993) and Speed (1994), but who transforms into a bona fide lead with this role.
There is a reason Bullock is often referred to as ‘America’s Sweetheart’ and it can be seen in While You Were Sleeping. She makes Lucy warm, endearing, and ever so personable, with a magnetic personality and not an ounce of malice.
Even when Lucy gets caught up in a lie about her connection to Peter, it’s clear there is no cruel intention. It’s a case of being stuck in a sticky situation without an exit strategy, and Lucy will have to be the one to fix it all eventually.
With Bullock front-and-centre, While You Were Sleeping has good foundations. These foundations become even stronger when her supporting cast are thrown into the mix.
Boyle, Johns, Mercurio, et al are perfectly cast as the Callaghan family. And with their whimsical personalities and caring nature, they are an appealing bunch.
Bill Pullman is particularly good in the role of Jack Callaghan. Similar to Bullock, Pullman has a likeable on-screen presence and he proves to be the ideal romantic partner.
Heck, even Peter Gallagher is well cast as the mostly comatose Peter. Despite spending the majority of the movie in a hospital bed with his eyes closed, he delivers some great lines when he eventually wakes up.
Outside of all this, director Jon Turtletaub offers up some wonderful direction, always keeping things on an even keel, while never over-egging the pudding. While You Were Sleeping is a gentle comedy which drifts along rather nicely, and it’s all very sweet and rather captivating.
One thing which is particularly notable about While You Were Sleeping is that this is a Christmas movie which oddly doesn’t seem to get wheeled out every December as much as some of the other festive favourites (The Muppet Christmas Carol, Home Alone, etc). It’s possible the film gets somewhat overlooked because it was originally released in April, but it could also just be one of those things.
Either way, While You Were Sleeping is a terrific film. It is a tonic, a medicine, and the cure for what ails you.
It is one of the best feel good rom-coms out there, and for 30 years it has been cheering up audiences with a warm, fuzzy feeling. So, if for any reason it has passed you by, sleep on it no longer.
While You Were Sleeping is currently streaming on Disney+.
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On disc…
Incubus (1981)
Back to disc for this next movie, which is a million miles away from While You Were Sleeping. The picture is the 1981 supernatural-slasher, Incubus, which is now available on Blu-ray courtesy of 88 Films.
Directed by John Hough, Incubus stars John Cassavetes and John Ireland. The film focuses on a small town plagued by a mysterious killer.
In the movie, a young man is murdered and his girlfriend is sexually assaulted. A day later, another woman is attacked and killed.
With a killer on the loose, the local police chief, a head surgeon, and a newspaper reporter join forces to locate and stop the killer. But could the perpetrator be getting ready to strike close to home?
Unless you adore somewhat obscure ‘80s slashers, or you’re a big fan of John Cassavetes, Incubus is probably not for you. The film has occasional bright spots, and Cassavetes does what he can with what he’s given, but the film is something of an acquired taste and it’s certainly not for everyone.
The story is slapdash, the characters one-note, and the action fairly limited. The level of violence is at times bloody, if you like that sort of thing, but with all the various sexual assaults on women it all feels very mean-spirited and not particularly likeable.
The supernatural element of the film also seems like an afterthought. There’s very little in the way of any payoff in the spooky department, and for all intents and purposes this is just a plodding horror.
Anyway, should you wish to grab a copy, Incubus is available from all good entertainment retailers priced at £16.99. Along with a copy of the film, the disc includes an audio commentary, as well as a trailer, and is accompanied by a limited edition booklet.
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In cinemas…
Drop (2025)
And finally, now playing in UK and US cinemas is the thriller, Drop. Directed by Christopher Landon, the film stars Meghann Fahy, Brandon Sklenar, Violett Beane, and Jeffery Self, and follows the story of a young woman terrorised by a mysterious caller who digi-drops disturbing messages to her phone.
In the film, Violet is a widow, single mother, and abuse survivor, who is out on a first date at a fancy restaurant. During the course of the night, Violet begins to receive a series of troubling messages, which are dropped onto her phone from an anonymous caller.
The caller instructs Violet to tell nobody about the messages, not even her date. The messages contain dreadful instructions, including an execution order.
If Violet refuses to comply with the caller’s demands, lives are at risk including those of her family. With her every move being watched, and no one to turn to, Violet has to go along with the instructions until she can find a way to call for help.
Using phones as the catalyst of a good thriller is nothing new. From Dial M for Murder (1954) and When A Stranger Calls (1979), to Scream (1996) and Phone Booth (2002), telephones have been behind some of the best and most engaging storylines of the past few decades.
And in 2025, the use of a telephone to tell a story seems incredibly relevant. Most of us are permanently attached to our devices (you’re probably reading these words on yours), so now more than ever there is a space for Drop.
Because phones have become such a key part of our lives, anyone and everyone can access us whenever they wish. Through text, WhatsApp, Bluesky, Instagram, or one of the many dating apps, we are always available, even when we think we have switched off.
Drop essentially takes this convenience/inconvenience of modern day life and runs with it, to present a thoroughly engrossing, incredibly suspenseful thriller. It’s a thriller built around a very simple premise, but one which manages to stretch out its tale for over 90 minutes without dropping the call. Er… I mean ball.
In fact, unlike some thrillers which have a great set up and a decent second act, but stumble at the end, Drop keeps going and then some! After creating tension at the beginning, and maintaining suspense in the midsection, Drop slides into a rousing finish.
The final act is perfectly executed and expertly handled. After sitting and sweating through the majority of the movie, wondering what Violet is going to do next, the final act is the perfect pay-off and a superb tension reliever.
At the heart of the story is Violet – a likeable woman who has been through the wringer and back again. She has suffered significant trauma and emotional damage in her past, yet is trying her best to move forward without dwelling on the darkness.
Unfortunately for Violet, she gets caught up a terrible situation she can’t walk away from. This in turn causes her to face her inner demons and once again battle for survival.
Taking on the role of Violet is Meghann Fahy who is perfectly cast in the role. She brings a warmth and innocence to the character, yet at the same time plays Violet as strong and determined, and this keeps the audience locked into her plight and completely on her side.
There’s not a moment throughout the film when you’re not in Violet’s corner, frantically trying to come up with ideas to assist her. She may be at the mercy of a mysterious foe, and seemingly flying solo, but everyone watching has got her back and this is down to Fahy’s performance and the slick direction from Christopher Landon.
Landon has made some great movies in recent years and Drop is one of his best. If you’re mourning the loss of his version of Scream 7, then take a look at Drop for an idea of what we might have got.
Outside of the above, Drop delivers an enjoyable mystery, a level of intrigue worthy of Hitchcock, and some excellent cinematography courtesy of Marc Spicer. It is gripping and beautiful to look at, which is what you want from a good film.
If you’re after a great night out at the flicks, Drop is one to watch. Switch your phone off (no, really switch it off) and switch on to Drop.
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Movie of the Week
Right, time for this week’s Movie of the Week, which goes to Drop! The movie is a tense thriller with smart ideas, plenty of twists and turns, and a fab central performance.
And if you like Drop, you may wish to check out:
- Phone Booth (2002) – Joel Schumacher’s psychological thriller, largely set in a public phone booth.
- When A Stranger Calls (1979) – Classic slasher-thriller with one of the best telephone scenes in movie history.
- Happy Death Day (2017) – Director Christopher Landon mixes the thrills and kills of Scream with the time-loop antics of Groundhog Day for this inventive horror.
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Forthcoming attractions
And that’s it for another week. But coming soon Steve Coogan finds an unlikely friend in comedy-drama, The Penguin Lessons; there’s high speed thrills in Netflix’s Bullet Train Explosion; and hot on the heels of A Minecraft Movie, another video game adaptation hits cinema screens in Until Dawn.
Oh, and before I sign off, be sure to check out this month’s Movie Reviews Special which is all about Tom Cruise!
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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