Hello and welcome to the 25th edition of Movie Reviews 2025. Now, before we go any further, you’ll have to just excuse me for a moment; I’m making a quick pit stop.
You see, we are now midway through a 50-week movie reviews journey, so I thought it was time to give everything the ‘once-over’, to ensure future success. The good news is, the tires on this week’s edition are firm, the steering wheel no longer sticks, and the driver’s seat has been adjusted for optimal comfort.
OK, so the exhaust has spluttered a few times, and the fuel gauge needs lookin’ at, but we should be fine for many reviews to come. Great news all round!
And with that, the foot is firmly back on the gas peddle as we leave the pits and rocket into this week’s new releases, where the summer season serves up yet more blockbusters. In fact, two big offerings have hit the Hollywood racetrack this week, including a sports drama, and a horror.
The first movie is the Brad Pitt Formula One picture, F1. The second is sinister sci-fi sequel, M3GAN 2.0.
Both make their way to cinema screens this week, during what is now a very busy point in the 2025 release schedule. A whole heap of big titles are currently zooming around the multiplex (28 Years Later, How to Train Your Dragon, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, etc), while a few more (Jurassic World: Rebirth, Superman, and The Fantastic Four: First Steps) are about to join the free-for-all.
But do F1 and M3GAN 2.0 have what it takes to compete in what is already a fast-paced race to box office glory? You can find out below.
Plus, in this week’s edition of Movie Reviews 2025 there is a review for animated adventure picture, KPop Demon Hunters, and ‘90s crime-thriller, Copycat celebrates its 30th anniversary. So, if you’re planning on sticking around you had best buckle up!
—
Now streaming…
KPop Demon Hunters (2025)
First up this week is the animated movie, KPop Demon Hunters. Directed by Chris Appelhans and Maggie Kang, the movie features the voice talents of Arden Cho, May Hong, Ji-young Yoo, Ken Jeong, Daniel Dae Kim, and Lee Byung-hun, and focuses on a trio of demon hunters who moonlight as a K-pop band.
In the film, demon hunters have been battling the forces of darkness for centuries. However, they have not been doing this out in the open; instead they bump off demons in the shadows, while masquerading as popular singers.
The latest collection of demon hunting singers are Mira, Zoey, and Rumi. This terrific trio hide their true identities under the guise of K-pop sensation, Huntrix, who are not only a powerful girl group, but a worldwide phenomenon!
As Huntrix their songs are best-sellers, while as demon hunters, Mira, Zoey, and Rumi are unmatched. In fact, they are so good at what they do, the demons simply don’t stand a chance against them.
However, one of the demons, Jinu, believes he has a solution. Creating a rival K-pop boy band, Jinu aims to steal away Huntrix’s fanbase, which in turn should deplete their power.
For the first time in forever, it seems as if the demons could stand a chance of defeating their enemy. But will Jinu’s plan work, or will Huntrix ultimately triumph?
With a dash of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, a smattering of Charlie’s Angels, a good story, likeable characters, and one killer soundtrack, KPop Demon Hunters is a thoroughly enjoyable animated picture which bops, pops, and totally rocks. It’s cute, quirky, and action-packed, and quite simply it is a lot of fun.
The movie utilises an animation style which is reminiscent of the recent Spider-Verse films, then fuses this with character designs which wouldn’t look out of place in a Samurai Jack cartoon. The result is a visually appealing piece which adults will appreciate, young audiences will love, and Sony Pictures and Netflix should get a lot of mileage out of.
Without jumping the gun, KPop Demon Hunters has sequels and ‘television spin-off shows’ written all over it. If this film doesn’t get some kind of follow-up in the next few years it would be very surprising indeed.
In terms of the narrative, the main thrust of the picture revolves around the rivalry between Huntrix and the demonic boy band, Saja Boys. Prior to the events of the film, Huntrix are the major players in the K-pop scene, but when this new boy band comes along, it throws a spanner in the works and upsets the apple cart.
A few additional wrinkles are then thrown into the mix, including a revelation about Rumi, as well as some insightful details about Jinu’s past. These plot threads add more depth to the story, and help to flesh out the narrative.
So what starts off as a kick-ass tale about sassy hunters versus evil demons, soon becomes a yarn about heritage and humanity. It’s all very agreeable stuff, with a good selection of songs and a great sense of energy, which maintains its momentum throughout.
If you’re a fan of animated movies, you have K-pop-loving poppets in your house, or you’re just after a healthy dose of fun, KPop Demon Hunters is for you. It’s a lively film, where the catchy tunes keep coming, the visuals impress, and the world of demons and popstars is beautifully realised.
KPop Demon Hunters should have got a theatrical release, because it is that good, but we now live in a bizarre time where silly decisions are made and solid films such as this go straight to streaming. Well, no matter, it’s a great film regardless, so if you’re a Netflix subscriber add it to your watch list and enjoy.
—
Anniversary focus…
Copycat (1995)
Sticking with streaming for the moment, brings us neatly onto the psychological thriller, Copycat. Directed by Jon Amiel, the movie stars Sigourney Weaver, Holly Hunter, Dermot Mulroney, and Harry Connick Jr., and follows the story of a criminal psychologist who joins forces with a homicide detective to track down a copycat serial killer.
In the film, Detective ‘MJ’ Monahan is on the trail of a serial killer who is responsible for a wave of murders across San Francisco. In need of some assistance she enlists the aid of Dr. Helen Hudson – a respected criminal psychologist who has more than her fair share of experience in the field.
Thirteen months ago, Helen was attacked by a serial killer shortly after giving a university lecture on criminal psychology. The incident has left Helen as a barely functioning wreck, yet at the same time she knows the criminal mind inside and out, so is perfect for this current problem.
Working together, Helen and MJ attempt to crack the case, which leads Helen to an important discovery: The mysterious perpetrator appears to be taking inspiration from notorious serial killers of the past. But could Helen’s discovery about a copycat killer put her in imminent danger?
Now, for those wondering why Copycat appears in this week’s edition of Movie Reviews 2025 it is because a.) this year marks the 30th anniversary of the film, and b.) Copycat has recently been added to Netflix and Disney+ in the UK. Both of these are significant things because now you (yes, you) can lock your eyes on this engrossing, and oft-overlooked gem from 1995.
The film is oft-overlooked largely because Copycat isn’t easy to come by these days. In the UK, the movie is not currently available to buy on disc, nor is it available for purchase on digital, and it’s been like this for some years.
The only way to watch Copycat at present is via Netflix or through Disney+. And as neither of these streamers carry the title all of the time, it’s a case of watching it while you can.
And you should watch Copycat. Not just because the film is celebrating an anniversary year, but because it is a gripping ’90s thriller which boasts superb performances from Weaver and Hunter.
Weaver gives a marvellous turn as the agoraphobic Helen who suffers PTSD following her previous brush with a killer, while Hunter is excellent as the no-nonsense MJ who is determined to bring the copycat murderer to justice. The combination of the two brings some titanic acting talent to the screen, and ensures Copycat has powerful leads.
And it’s two powerful female leads, which is something not usually seen in a movie of this nature. Generally speaking, a film about a detective and a criminal psychologist would see either two male actors take the lead or a male/female combo, so it’s a refreshing change to have the Hunter-Weaver dynamic.
Then to add to this there are various scenes which highlight how women are often the victims in killings; there are some thrilling and suspenseful sequences as Helen is targeted; and there’s a brief but brilliant and unhinged performance from Harry Connick Jr. Copycat has plenty going for it, and never loses its focus.
Upon release, Copycat received praise from critics and took a decent amount of money at the box-office, but it wasn’t one of the biggest hits of 1995. Over the years, and possibly due to availability issues, it also seems to have slipped through the cracks here and there, getting shunted behind the likes of The Silence of the Lambs (1991), Seven (1995), and The Bone Collector (1999).
But Copycat deserves to stand alongside these movies, and if you like one or more of the above, then you’ll like Copycat. If you’ve not watched this movie before, or you’ve not watched it for thirty years, now is a great time to reconnect and big it up!
—
In cinemas…
F1 (2025)
Over to the cinema now, where sports drama, F1 (aka F1: The Movie) whizzes onto the big screen courtesy of director Joseph Kosinski. Led by Brad Pitt, with a supporting cast which includes Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, and Javier Bardem, the movie tells the story of a former Formula One driver who comes out of retirement to mentor a driving prodigy.
In the film, Sonny Hayes is an ex-Formula One driver who was big in the 1990s, but quit the race track following a severe crash at the Spanish Grand Prix. Since then, Sonny has worked as a racer for hire, taking jobs here and there, and largely keeps himself-to-himself.
As far as Sonny is concerned, he is done with Formula One for good, but friend and former teammate Ruben Cervantes has other ideas. Ruben needs someone to mentor Joshua “Noah” Pearce – a cocky, hotshot racer who could do with a few pointers – and he believes Sonny is just the guy to do it!
Hitting the track hard and fast, F1 is a slick, and extremely likeable picture. Director Joseph Kosinski, writer Ehren Kruger, and cinematographer Claudio Miranda re-team following their success on Top Gun: Maverick (2022) and manage to tap back into the same sort of energy and deliver similar results.
The pace is quick, the editing quicker, and the overall vibe is amiable. You don’t need to be a fully fledged petrol head to strap into this story, just someone who wants two-and-a-half-hours of pure entertainment.
Leading the movie is Brad Pitt who brings both charm and swagger to the screen. Playing the role of Sonny, Pitt is part Robert Redford, part Six Million Dollar Man, and every moment he is on screen the film positively sings.
F1 has a solid support cast, with Idris, Condon, and Bardem all pulling their weight marvellously, but this is Pitt’s film. As Sonny, Pitt plays the part with strength and passion, and he makes the character just as spirited as the races he takes part in.
This film may have worked without Pitt, but having him on board seems like the key. He has such a strong on-screen presence, similar to what Tom Cruise brought to the cockpit in the aforementioned Top Gun sequel, and it feels like exactly the right vehicle for him (no pun intended).
So Pitt is great, no question, but then what makes F1 excel beyond this is the way in which Kosinski brings the audience into the action. When Sonny or Pearce are zooming around the track, engines blazing, wheels spinning, the director manages to put everyone in the driving seat.
If things go right, it’s a triumph, and when they go wrong it’s devastating. The highs and lows are felt almost as if they are happening in real-life, and this is the mark of a good director who understands his movie inside out.
Chuck in some absolutely stunning cinematography from Claudio Miranda, as well as an inspiring score from the brilliant Hans Zimmer, and F1 has all the right parts for a roadworthy film. This is most certainly summer blockbuster stuff and then some, and it doesn’t contain superheroes, dinosaurs, or almost impossible missions.
F1 arrives with less of the pomp and circumstance of many of this year’s big summer films, and it certainly hasn’t had as many preview trailers or posters to promote it. As such, you may not be entirely aware of its existence.
However, should you be up for a solid sports drama, then F1 is the movie. Sure, it goes to many of the places you might expect, but it does so with a lot of heart, and its eyes firmly on the finish line.
—
In cinemas…
M3GAN 2.0
And finally, in M3GAN 2.0, two years have passed since artificially intelligent doll, M3GAN tried and failed to wipe out anyone who came between her and human companion, Cady. Within this time, Cady’s aunt, Gemma, has begun advocating for regulations on the use of AI.
However, when a newer, deadlier military bot arrives on the scene, under the name of AMELIA (autonomous military engagement logistics and infiltration android), Gemma is forced to do the one thing she doesn’t want to do: Rebuild M3GAN. With various upgrades, M3GAN is back and ready to take on AMELIA, but can she be trusted?
When sci-fi horror movie, M3GAN was released back in 2022, there was much fun to be had. Taking a few cues from the Chucky movies, before putting a new spin on things, the picture was a real treat which brought a healthy dose of playfulness and satire to the slasher genre.
For this second helping in the series, director Gerard Johnstone has changed tactics somewhat. There’s still fun, but most of the horror has been jettisoned, and in its place the level of sci-fi and action has been cranked up.
If the first film was part Child’s Play (1988), then M3GAN 2.0 is a bit more Terminator 2 (1991). As strong as Terminator 2? No, and many may feel it’s not as strong as M3GAN either.
But it’s not bad. The question will ultimately come down to: Is this what audiences want?
You see, in tinkering with the genres, Johnstone may upset some audiences who are expecting a straight forward follow-up, which M3GAN 2.0 certainly isn’t. It’s also not quite the film the preview trailers are suggesting either.
However, what M3GAN 2.0 is, is a sequel which attempts to push the story forward in interesting ways. It doesn’t quite achieve all of its objectives, and the first half is clunky, but it should be admired for trying.
The reason the movie falls a little short is because it is too ambitious. M3GAN was a fairly straightforward picture, which largely worked because of its simplicity. M3GAN 2.0 throws the kitchen sink at the screen, along with a more convoluted narrative, and this proves to be a problem.
In fact, theres so much going on that it takes too long to re-introduce its greatest asset: M3GAN. The character is drip-fed back into the story during the first half of the film, and you can’t help but feel this section needs streamlining.
A rewrite here, a bit less faffing there, and things would move along smoother. When M3GAN is back on screen, bringing sass and attempting to get in touch with emotions it’s great, it just takes an age to get to this stuff.
On the plus side, returning cast members Allison Williams, and Violet McGraw are great, as are Amie Donald and Jenna Davis, who return to provide the moves and voice of M3GAN. Ivanna Sakhno is also on marvellous form as AMELIA.
To add to this, the film has some solid action sequences, one or two neat sci-fi touches, and a few decent ideas. Put simply: There’s a lot to like in M3GAN 2.0 and it’s difficult not to appreciate its triumphs.
The sticking point is the film just doesn’t quite hit like its predecessor. It’s enjoyable, but just a touch off.
Those who adored the original, or who want everything the trailer for M3GAN 2.0 is selling, may find themselves not getting the experience they hoped for. Those who want something a little different may find this sequel hitting the spot.
Either way, M3GAN 2.0 is going to be one of this summer’s divisive offerings. Expect plenty of re-evaluation in years to come, but for now you might like it, or you might not.
—
Movie of the Week
Ok, so it is time for the Movie of the Week, and it’s not an easy choice as none of this week’s films are bad. In fact, this is one of the strongest week’s for a while.
However, after much deliberation, Movie of the Week goes to F1. This is an enjoyable film, with solid direction, a great cast, and plenty of thrills.
And if you like F1 you may also like:
- Top Gun: Maverick (2022) – Joseph Kosinski directs Tom Cruise in this exhilarating sequel to 1986’s Top Gun.
- Ford v Ferrari (2019) – Matt Damon and Christian Bale lead the way in this biographical sports drama about Ford’s attempts to out do Ferrari at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans race.
- The Fast and the Furious (2001) – The first entry in the highly successful action franchise, which centres its story around ruddy fast cars!
—
Forthcoming attractions
That’s it for this week, but fear not, more is on the way! If you thought this year’s summer blockbusters were already sizeable affairs we are about to reach the peak of the season with the biggest releases yet, including James Gunn’s Superman.
This highly anticipated comic book movie heads into cinemas next month and reboots the Superman movie series for a whole new generation. David Corenswet takes on the role of the titular hero, while Nicholas Hoult plays archenemy, Lex Luthor.
Excited? Well, you don’t have too long to wait until Superman lands.
But until then, be sure to come back next week for more movie reviews. It’s what Superman would want.
Alex
__
__
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.
It's A Stampede! 
Leave a comment