The summer blockbuster season rolls on, and with Thunderbolts*, Final Destination: Bloodlines, and Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning all playing in cinemas, it’s time to turn our attention to three more high-profile movies which debut this week. The first of which is Fear Street: Prom Queen, the latest entry in Netflix’s Fear Street movie series.
Set in 1988, Fear Street: Prom Queen takes Netflix viewers back to Shadyside for an unforgettable and deadly senior prom. According to director and co-writer Matt Palmer, “think classic ’80s slasher and all the fun that entails, but with compelling characters, needle drops, dancing, and a whole lot more!”
Meanwhile, over on the big screen, Disney unveils its latest live-action movie, a remake of 2002’s Lilo & Stitch. The Mouse House has been churning out remakes for a while now, mostly turning a tidy profit in the process, and with Lilo & Stitch being a popular property, it’s likely this one will be a sizzling summer success story.
And also playing in cinemas this week is Wes Anderson’s latest picture, The Phoenician Scheme. Featuring an all-star cast, this quirky espionage comedy offers an alternative option for those not too fussed about franchise blockbusters.
You can find reviews for Fear Street: Prom Queen, Lilo & Stitch, and The Phoenician Scheme in this week’s edition of Movie Reviews 2025. And if that wasn’t enough, you’ll also find reviews for Death of a Unicorn, Jason X, and Slade in Flame.
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Now streaming…
Death of a Unicorn (2025)
First up this week is the fantasy horror-comedy, Death of a Unicorn. Written and directed by Alex Scharfman, the film stars Paul Rudd, Jenna Ortega, Will Poulter, Téa Leoni, and Richard E. Grant, and focuses on a father and his daughter who accidentally kill a unicorn.
In the movie, Elliot Kintner and his daughter, Ridley, are spending the weekend with Elliot’s boss and his family. On the way to their home, Elliot accidentally hits a unicorn with his car.
Shocked by the incident, Elliot and Ridley step out of the vehicle to check on the animal. As the unicorn cries out in pain, Ridley touches its horn and instantly begins to share a connection.
While she is transfixed by the creature, Elliot bludgeons the unicorn and bundles its body into the trunk of his car. They then carry on with their journey, reaching their destination a short while later.
But as they soon discover, the creature’s connection to Ridley runs deep, and a unicorn is a troublesome thing indeed. Elliot’s boss sees great value in the creature, especially when he discovers the scientific advancements and health benefits that come from such a magical beast.
With a good cast, an intriguing premise, and an even mix of black comedy and satire, you’d think Death of a Unicorn would be a gem of a film and a sure-fire thing, wouldn’t you? Well, unfortunately, this isn’t quite the case.
While Death of a Unicorn has its moments, and it isn’t terrible, it’s not a particularly interesting film and no matter how hard it tries, something always feels off.
The characters are quite irritating, the pacing is a bit choppy, and the CGI unicorns (there are more than one) look very much like CGI unicorns. Actually, what I should say is, the fairly ropey-looking CGI unicorns look very much like fairly ropey-looking CGI unicorns.
Ultimately, Death of a Unicorn tries, but the whole thing runs out of steam about ten minutes after it begins. What starts off quirky soon becomes a bit annoying, and despite receiving a theatrical release back in March, it wouldn’t look out of place as a straight-to-Netflix affair.
Anyway, should you wish to check it out, Death of a Unicorn is now available to rent or buy on video-on-demand platforms. Make of this information as you wish.
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In cinemas…
Lilo & Stitch (2025)
Up next, and in director Dean Fleischer Camp’s Lilo & Sticth, a genetically engineered alien named Experiment 626 escapes imprisonment and hijacks a space cruiser. Crash landing on a Hawaiian island on Earth, 626 is injured and taken to an animal shelter.
Under the assumption 626 is a dog, he is adopted by Nani and her younger sister, Lilo, who rename him Stitch. Blissfully unaware of who he really is, Lilo then attempts to domesticate Stitch, only to learn he is not so easily tamed.
Yet despite Stitch’s bad behaviour, Lilo loves him. Problem is, Stitch is causing a great deal of chaos, particularly for Nani, who is being monitored by social services.
Nani is Lilo’s current guardian, following the death of their parents, but unless she can prove to her social worker she can offer stability, Nani will lose custody of Lilo. However, with Stitch being more than a handful, the future is looking particularly turbulent for the two siblings.
With a cast that includes Maia Kealoha, Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, Kaipo Dudoit, Courtney B. Vance, Tia Carrere, Hannah Waddingham, and Chris Sanders, Lilo & Stitch is a live-action remake of the 2002 Disney animated film of the same name. And as with most of the previous Disney remakes (The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, etc), it is a ‘faithful’ re-tread.
Scratch that – like many of the previous Disney remakes it’s mostly a carbon copy. As such, if you’ve seen the animated movie then you’ve pretty much seen the majority of this film.
Lilo & Stitch follows the same story, hits all the major plot points, and features the same characters and character development. With the exception of a few flourishes and adjustments here and there, as well as a tweaked climax, it’s largely a photocopy of what came before.
And this makes things a bit frustrating. The original Lilo & Stitch is a fab movie, which doesn’t require a remake, so regardless of how well this new iteration works, it is always going to play weaker than what came before.
So let’s just get this out of the way now: The original is a better movie. It got everything right first time around, and this live-action film really doesn’t need to exist (except for the purpose of making Disney a lot of money).
This new version of Lilo & Stitch also feels a little hectic at times, especially during the first half of the film. Things appear a touch off in the editing department, and arguably the set-up doesn’t feel as smooth as the cartoon.
However, this aside, this latest iteration of Lilo & Stitch is still an enjoyable film. It manages to retain all the fun, emotion, and comedy of the original, while ensuring love and family remains at the heart of the tale.
Plus, when the film does make adjustments to the story, most notably during the final act when the truth about Stitch is revealed, the adjustments don’t detract from the overall experience. The changes aren’t necessary, but they also aren’t weak tweaks like they are in other Disney remakes, so this keeps things on a perfectly even keel.
In terms of the target audience, this version of Lilo & Stitch should land well with the family demographic it is aiming for. Stitch remains cute, cuddly, and naughty, which will receive approval from young cinemagoers, while the film’s themes of family and belonging should resonate with older audiences.
There’s no doubt about it, Lilo & Stitch will certainly make money. There’s not a lot to dislike about it, and there’s no denying there’s fun and a few tears to be had.
Of course, the stuffy critic in me urges you to watch the original, because it is perfect, but I’d be a complete arse if I said this is a bad movie. It’s not bad at all, it’s just a film that has been done before.
The original Lilo & Stitch is top tier Disney. It is not only one of the best post-renaissance films, it’s also one of the all-time greats in the Animated Classics catalogue, worthy of a five-star rating.
As such, remaking the film is always going to seem like an exercise in pointlessness. Unless there is a real need to update the offering, like there was with the quite dated Snow White, you do ultimately ask yourself the question: Why?
Yet, take Lilo & Stitch for what it is and who is going to get the most enjoyment out of it (young audiences who didn’t grow up with the now 23-year-old original) and it’s fine. If you have little ‘uns in the house who are desperate to see it, treat them to a cinema trip, they will have a good time.
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On disc…
Jason X (2001)
Onto disc now, and this week sees the 4K UHD release of the 2001 sci-fi slasher sequel, Jason X. You probably thought you’d never see the day where Jason X gets a 4K release, but hey, you made it buddy, it’s here!
Directed by Jim Isaac, Jason X stars Kane Hodder, Lexa Doig, and Lisa Ryder, and is the tenth entry in the Friday the 13th movie series. The film is most notable for a.) being set in the future, b.) sending serial killer Jason Voorhees into space, and c.) giving Jason a killer upgrade!
In the movie, it’s the new millennium and after years of killings, Jason Voorhees’ reign of terror is finally brought to an end. Cryogenically frozen, he is literally put on ice, where he is unable to hurt anyone.
Fast-forward to the year 2455, and a team of explorers from Earth II visit the now heavily polluted Earth, where they stumble across Jason’s body. Moving him to their space ship, along with a scientist who was accidentally frozen with Jason, they allow his body to thaw out.
This is of course a monumental mistake and soon Jason is up to his old tricks, picking off victims with careless abandon. But if things seem bad to begin with, they quickly get much worse when Jason receives a nano-tech upgrade, transforming him into a super-strong cyborg in the process.
Completely preposterous, often bonkers, and occasionally quite fun, Jason X is a horror movie you either go with, or you don’t. On the one hand it’s absolutely ridiculous and arguably a step (possibly even a leap) too far to take Jason into space, while on the other hand it’s just the right amount of daft this creaking horror series needs.
Either way, if you are able to run with it, you’ll be rewarded with some enjoyable action scenes, a couple of neat ideas, and a Friday film which knows it circles absurd territory, but unashamedly leans into it anyway. You also get a new-look for Jason, which is visually rather pleasing, and matches the futuristic setting.
Of course, you must also take the rough with the smooth, so expect wooden acting, terrible dialogue, and some early 2000s computer-generated effects. There are also plenty of moments where this whole thing looks like a cheap television movie, rather than something deemed good enough for the big screen.
The key thing is to acknowledge the problems and accept this is not Citizen Kane. It’s a ridiculous Friday the 13th movie (intentionally so), and so long as everyone understands this, there is fun to be had.
If you wish to grab a copy of Jason X on 4K UHD, the movie is available to buy directly from Arrow Video, or can be picked up from all the usual entertainment retailers priced at £25. It’s worth noting this is a limited edition release, so if you do happen to be a fan of the film, don’t sit on this edition for too long.
And as this is a special release, the set comes loads with extras including an introduction to the film by Jason actor Kane Hodder; three audio commentaries (two archive, one new); a collection of documentaries, featurettes, and interviews, including a brand new interview with composer Harry Manfredini; some behind the scenes footage; and much more. Plus this release boasts a reversible sleeve featuring new artwork; a double-sided foldout poster; and an illustrated collector’s booklet.
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On disc…
Slade in Flame (1975)
Sticking with discs for a moment, for the release of the 1975 British rock ‘n’ roll drama, Slade in Flame (aka Flame). Directed by Richard Loncraine, and starring Noddy Holder, Dave Hill, Don Powell, and Jim Lea (members of real-life British rock band, Slade), the movie receives a dual Blu-ray/DVD release from BFI this week to celebrate the movie’s 50th anniversary.
For those not familiar with the picture, Slade in Flame tells the story of a fictional rock group named Flame. The movie charts the band’s rise to fame during the backend of the 1960s, as well as the various trials and tribulations that follow.
In the film, members from two rival groups (Hill, Powell, and Lea from one, Holder from the other), join forces to create a new band. A short while after they form, the band sign with an agency and take on the name, Flame.
Things start off well, and Flame is a hit. However, the group soon encounter problems when a former agent claims they are under contract with him.
Featuring surprisingly good performances from Holder and Co., some fairly humorous lines, and a great soundtrack, Slade in Flame is a gem of a movie perfect for those who either lived through the ‘60s era of British rock, or simply want to watch a film filled with West Midlands accents. Noddy’s distinctive tones are not watered down for this picture, allowing audiences to bask in the magnificence of his Wolverhampton brogue.
And with Noddy and the rest of Slade maintaining their accents while playing members of Flame, there is a real charm and Britishness to proceedings. Sure, the story is standard rock-drama stuff, but it’s all very likeable, and this matters a great deal.
They don’t make films like this anymore, so it’s best to enjoy what’s on offer while it’s available. The days of mutton-chop popstars fronting a film are long gone, so be thankful the BFI are here to remind us all of days gone by.
Priced at around £17, the BFI’s release of Slade in Flame includes a copy of the film on Blu-ray, as well as a copy on DVD. Each disc boasts a newly remastered cut of the film, presented in either high definition (Blu-ray) or standard definition (DVD).
Meanwhile, when it comes to extras, this release is loaded with ‘em! There is a newly recorded audio commentary with director Richard Loncraine and film critic Mark Kermode; interviews with Noddy Holder, and Tom Conti; a vintage fashion featurette; a couple of trailers; a collection of promotional images; and an hour-long ‘Making of Slade in Flame’ documentary (originally recorded in 2007 for a previous DVD release).
In addition, the set includes an illustrated booklet. The booklet features new writing and essays on the film and is exclusive to first pressings.
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Now streaming…
Fear Street: Prom Queen (2025)
In Fear Street: Prom Queen, the year is 1988 and at Shadyside High School there are just two days to go until prom night. It’s an exciting time, and a potentially monumental one too, especially for the six students who are competing to be crowned Prom Queen.
Amongst the group is likeable but bullied teen, Lori Granger. Lori has tragedy in her past, which a number of her bitchy peers use against her (including top bitch Tiffany) and this is making the whole experience less than desirable.
But competing to be Prom Queen is the least of the problems facing the students of Shadyside. A masked killer is roaming the hallways, and potential prom queens appear to be the target.
Directed by Matt Palmer, and based on a novel by R. L. Stine, Fear Street: Prom Queen is a teen slasher starring India Fowler, Suzanna Son, Lili Taylor, Chris Klein, and Ariana Greenblatt. The film is the latest entry in the Fear Street movie series, and should you wish to check it out, it is now available to stream on Netflix.
And if you enjoyed the previous Fear Street movies, then chances are you will find some enjoyment out of this latest offering. It sounds good, looks the business, and offers up a couple of decent ‘kills’.
However, don’t get too excited, because if you were to remove some of the scene-setting and you were to strip back the Fear Street name, Prom Queen is a fairly generic slasher. It’s fine, and has occasional moments, but when it comes to this picture, the costuming, set design, and continuous jukebox of ‘80s hits (Billy Idol, Eurythmics, Rick Astley, etc) do a lot of the heavy lifting, leaving not much else I’m afraid.
The previous Fear Street films stood out from the crowd because they weren’t just standard slashers. The films mixed in a supernatural element amongst all the nostalgic hoopla, plus there was an overarching story which brought a sense of grandeur.
Unfortunately neither the supernatural angle, nor the grand plot are present in this offering, so it’s small scale slice ‘n dice stuff, and not a lot more. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, and this film will no doubt find its audience, but Fear Street: Prom Queen doesn’t quite hit as you might hope.
With a few nods to classic horror movies, an atmospheric score from The Newton Brothers, and a workable plot, Fear Street: Prom Queen is perfectly fine to watch, just don’t expect anything special. There is the sense this could and should be better, but it’s certainly not the worst thing.
Those after 90-minutes of simple horror will get what they desire, and may be more than happy. However, if the Fear Street film series is to keep going, it needs to play a little less safe next time around.
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In cinemas…
The Phoenician Scheme (2025)
And finally, expect plenty of absurdity and madcap humour in The Phoenician Scheme – the latest offering from director Wes Anderson. In keeping with his usual style, Anderson has gathered together a star-studded cast for a bonkers romp, boasting great visuals, excellent staging, and a plot that unfolds in its own imaginative way.
Set in 1950, the film follows the story of wealthy businessman, Zsa-zsa Korda. Having escaped multiple attempts on his life, he appoints his only daughter, Sister Liesl the nun, to become his sole heir.
Liesl is hesitant at first, believing Zsa-zsa to be responsible for her mother’s death. However, she soon agrees and the pair embark on a new business enterprise, while attempting to dodge further attempts on Zsa-zsa’s life.
Beautiful to look at (Anderson’s films are always a work of art), but madder than a box of frogs (again, an Anderson trait), The Phoenician Scheme is a film you’ll either love, or you’ll at least appreciate its commitment to nonsense.
Either way, it’s a funny affair that has enough quirky characters and witty lines to tickle the ribs. With a cast that includes Benicio del Toro, Mia Threapleton, Michael Cera, Riz Ahmed, Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, Richard Ayoade, and Benedict Cumberbatch (amongst others), there’s also plenty of top names to gawk at while the story unspools with an increasing degree of irrelevance.
Highlights of The Phoenician Scheme include a daft yet delightful basketball game between del Toro, Hanks, Cranston, and Ahmed; a nightclub hold-up involving Richard Ayoade; and a showdown between del Toro and Cumberbatch. Plus, there are some fun cameos from yet more familiar faces, as well as a stand-out performance from Mia Threapleton as Sister Liesl.
Threapleton is marvellous, playing the buttoned down nun who may or may not be willing to turn a blind eye to the odd drink, if convinced it’s not a bad thing. Along with Benicio del Toro and Michael Cera, Threapleton gets some of the best lines and best scenes, and is a joy to watch.
The Phoenician Scheme won’t be for everyone, but those who adore Anderson’s work will get a lot out of this film. The comedy is high, the ridiculousness is even higher, and the whole thing is a visual wonder.
If Tom Cruise action films, Disney remakes, or any of the other big summer movies aren’t your thing, then this one probably is. It’s good stuff, if completely nuts.
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Movie of the Week
Onto Movie of the Week now, and this week the illustrious title goes to The Phoenician Scheme. It’s another oddball offering from Wes Anderson, and if you fancy a break from all the action-orientated blockbusters, then this is a no-brainer.
And if you like The Phoenician Scheme, then you might also like:
- The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar (2023) – Wes Anderson takes on Roald Dahl in this enjoyable fantasy short from Netflix.
- Burn After Reading (2008) – Joel and Ethan Coen direct this black comedy about two gym employees who mistake misplaced CIA memoirs for classified documents.
- Black Bag (2025) – Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender take the lead in this slick spy thriller.
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Forthcoming attractions
And that’s it for yet another week. But fear not, there are plenty more movies on the way.
Coming soon there’s animation and romance in Lost in Starlight; high-kicking hijinks in Karate Kid: Legends; and sci-fi shenanigans in Disney-Pixar’s Elio. Plus, Ana de Armas takes the lead in the rather clumsily titled (but hopefully enjoyable) action-thriller, From the World of John Wick: Ballerina.
And if all that wasn’t enough, you are advised to check out Movie Reviews 2025: Summer Showcase. This one-off summer edition of Movie Reviews 2025 contains no reviews (sorry), but does offer up a preview of all the big films heading your way over the next few months.
Until next week, happy viewing!
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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