Welcome to this week’s edition of Movie Reviews 2025 where you’ll find a mix of action, romance, drama, and comedy. In fact, comedy is very high on the agenda this week, thanks to mockumentary sequel, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues; rom-com, The Wrong Paris; and French spoof, McWalter.
Plus this week sees the re-release of Charlie’s Angels. The action movie is back in cinemas to celebrate its 25th anniversary.
Meanwhile, in a break from all the laughter, there’s romantic fantasy in A Big Bold Beautiful Journey. The movie stars Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell and is new to cinemas.
Right, that’s the preamble out of the way. Let’s get onto the reviews!
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In cinemas…
Spinal Tap II: The End Continues (2025)
First up this week is the mockumentary sequel, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues. Directed by and starring Rob Reiner, alongside a cast which includes Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer, Valerie Franco, Kerry Godliman, Chris Addison, Paul McCartney, and Elton John, the movie picks up 41 years after 1984’s This Is Spinal Tap with the ageing rock band reuniting for a final gig.
In the film, years have passed since Spinal Tap members Nigel Tufnel, David St. Hubbins, and Derek Smalls played together. The band fell apart after David and Nigel stopped talking to one another, and each member has now found their new calling.
However, when Spinal Tap’s old manager passes away, the band are forced to reunite for one more gig (due to a contractual obligation). With the band back together again, filmmaker Marty DiBergi is on hand to document the highs and lows of their return.
Now, there are many unexplained and unexpected things in the world, from the Loch Ness Monster to the popularity of Mrs. Brown’s Boys, but arguably the most surprising thing of all is the arrival of a Spinal Tap sequel. This isn’t to say this is an unwelcome occurrence, because it’s not, but did anyone have Spinal Tap II on their bingo card?
No? Me either.
Anyway, it’s here now, and playing for all to see in UK and US cinemas. And if you’re a Spinal Tap fan you’ll have some fun with it.
Despite what a few sniffy reviews have said, it’s perfectly enjoyable stuff. The wit and humour is still here, the actors are still bouncing off each other, and most importantly the laughs keep coming.
Is this sequel necessary? No, and there is the sense this will probably do better on streaming than on the big screen, but Spinal Tap II still entertains.
Whether it’s jokes about cheese; an incident involving a Stone Henge stage prop; Paul McCartney singing ‘Cups and Cakes’; or the truth about what caused David and Nigel to stop talking, the film keeps the chuckles going. Plus, at just 84 minutes long it doesn’t wear out its welcome.
Sure, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues arrives a bit late to the party, and it’s unlikely to stir up huge levels of excitement, but it’s likeable stuff. These days, likeable counts for a great deal, so take enjoyment from what’s on offer and laugh accordingly.
Reiner, Guest, McKean, and Shearer ensure there are lots of jokes, while the improvisation between the four results in some stellar gags. If this sounds like your thing, then make the most of it, as another 41-year reunion is (sadly) unlikely to happen.
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Now streaming…
The Wrong Paris (2025)
Over to streaming now for the romantic comedy, The Wrong Paris. Directed by Janeen Damian, and starring Miranda Cosgrove and Pierson Fode, the movie follows the story of a young woman who enters a reality show to obtain some quick cash, but falls in love along the way.
In the movie, Dawn Blanton is a kind-hearted waitress who longs to study art in Paris. Yet despite being accepted into the school of her dreams, Dawn lacks the finances to make it a reality.
Keen to achieve her goal, Dawn signs up to star in a reality show known as The Honey Pot. The show offers a $20,000 appearance fee, plus it is filming in Paris, which means Dawn would get the money she desperately needs, as well as a ticket to France.
But as Dawn soon discovers, the show is filming in Paris, Texas, not Paris, France. The only consolation is the star of The Honey Pot is a hunk with a six-pack, who Dawn is mildly interested in.
Largely forgettable, but not bad for what it is, The Wrong Paris is a light-hearted television movie which is fine if you’re in the mood for something simple.
Will you return to this in the future? Nah, of course not, The Wrong Paris is yet more content fodder in the ever-expanding Netflix portfolio, but it’s acceptable fodder which means it’s better than some of the trash being dished up by the streaming service.
Plus, there are some occasional chuckles to be had. We’re not talking belly laughs, but some mild titters are tossed around as Dawn gets caught up in the drama of The Honey Pot.
The film essentially has two things going for it: Charm and Miranda Cosgrove. The former helps paper over the weak story, while the latter is delightful as Dawn.
Remove these elements and this film would be rubbish, but as it stands The Wrong Paris is alright. No one is receiving any awards, but it’s not dire either, so let’s call it a win!
Oh, and if you’re a Superman fan you will recognise Dawn’s farm, as it’s the Kent farm from TV show, Smallville. So this is a bonus.
Anyway, should you wish to check out The Wrong Paris, the film is now streaming on Netflix.
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Now streaming…
McWalter (2025)
Sticking with streaming for this next movie, the French action-comedy, McWalter. Directed, co-written, and starring Simon Astier, alongside a cast which includes Mister V, François Berléand, and Géraldine Nakache, McWalter follows the story of a top cop who is blamed for a series of terrorist attacks.
In the movie, McWalter is the best cop in the city of Baconfield. However, following the death of his lover, McWalter struggles to cope and soon becomes a recluse.
As McWalter sits at home, allowing time to pass by, a series of devastating explosions take place in various countries around the world. The explosions are threatening the safety of the planet and have the authorities baffled.
McWalter could be the right man to help stop these explosions, but there is one very significant stumbling block: The police come to believe he is behind the attacks! Determined to clear his name, McWalter goes on the run looking for clues to crack the case.
Playing out like a French take on The Naked Gun, and even sharing a gag with the recent movie, McWalter is daft, harmless, fun. Not something which is going to butter everyone’s baguette, but for those who like silly nonsense, this film should cater accordingly.
The plot is minimal, but the joke rate is pretty high. Not all of the japes and tomfoolery land, but enough does, and this stops things from going stale.
That said, the film is too long to sustain momentum and this does impact the pacing. Shaving a good twenty minutes off the run-time would benefit the picture greatly, so do keep this in mind.
Highlights of McWalter include a preposterous car fight; a humorous sequence with a mime; and a bathroom brawl. There’s also some enjoyment to be had from a scene involving an electric gun, as well a farcical injury caused by marathon runners.
None of the material is going to have anyone rolling on the floor with tears streaming down their face, but a few ribs will be tickled. The emphasis is on continual jokes, rather than sustained laughter, and this keeps things (mostly) moving forward.
All-in-all McWalter is a decent spoof. It’s not amazing by any stretch of the imagination, but at times it’s an acceptable diversion.
Should you wish to check out McWalter, the film is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
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In cinemas…
Charlie’s Angels (2000)
Back to the cinema now for the re-release of the 2000 action movie, Charlie’s Angels. The high-energy, high-camp picture is back in cinemas to celebrate 25 years of utter nonsense, which is good news if you’re a fan.
Directed by McG, and based on the 1976 television series of the same name, Charlie’s Angels stars Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore, Lucy Liu, Sam Rockwell, Tim Curry, Matt LeBlanc, Luke Wilson, Tom Green, and Bill Murray. The movie follows the story of the titular Angels, who are expert crime-fighters working for a private detective agency.
In the movie, Natalie Cook, Dylan Sanders, and Alex Munday are three ‘Angels’ who work for millionaire, Charlie Townsend. The trio are regularly sent out on missions, and are damn good at their job.
Their latest assignment is to track down software genius, Eric Knox. Knox has gone missing, is presumed kidnapped, and it’s up to the Angels to locate his whereabouts.
However, all is not quite what it seems. Before long, there’s betrayal and a plot to kill Charlie, as well as plenty of explosions, high-kicking fight scenes, and a creepy henchman played by Crispin Glover.
Mad as a box of frogs, and loud enough to blow out a set of heavy duty speakers, Charlie’s Angels is a larger-than-life adventure romp, heavy on the action, although not so heavy on the story. There is a narrative in here, if you look for it, but it’s a fair to say director McG is far more interested in delivering frantic set pieces and comedic skits.
Exaggerated action sequences are the order of the day, as are opportunities to get the central trio dressed up in costumes. As such, Charlie’s Angels is very much a film about the journey rather than the destination.
The aim is to give the eyes and ears a workout, and offer plenty of wire-fu for your buck. However, it is good value for money, as all the madness and nonsense is backed up by a collection of familiar faces (Curry, LeBlanc, Wilson, et al), as well as a soundtrack which ranges from Tavares to Apollo 440.
OK, so Charlie’s Angels is all over the place, but it’s highly entertaining. It’s the sort of film which knows it’s bonkers, leans into it accordingly, and doesn’t seem to care.
Is it one of the all-time greats of cinema? Nope, yet it is an enjoyable film which screams guilty pleasure.
Does this sound like your thing? Then maybe an anniversary screening is right up your street.
Charlie’s Angels is playing in select UK cinemas for a limited time. Catch it while you can.
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In cinemas…
A Big Bold Beautiful Journey (2025)
And finally, new to UK and US cinemas this week is the romantic fantasy, A Big Bold Beautiful Journey. Directed by Kogonada, the movie stars Margot Robbie, Colin Farrell, Kevin Kline, and Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and follows the story of two strangers who embark on an unexpected adventure through their past.
In the movie, David and Sarah meet at the wedding of a mutual friend. They make small talk, get along well enough, then the next day they go their separate ways.
While travelling home, the GPS in David’s rental car convinces him to abandon his plans and instead go on a big bold beautiful journey. He agrees, and takes a pit stop at a Burger King restaurant where he bumps into Sarah.
The pair converse over a Whopper (in one of the worst and most blatant pieces of product placement ever seen on film), before they prepare to continue with their separate journeys. However, due to a problem with Sarah’s rental car, she joins David in his vehicle, and the pair set off down the highway with no clear understanding of where they are headed.
Along the way, the GPS creates stopping points, in locations which contain doors. These doors provide David and Sarah the opportunity to revisit key points in their past, and possibly help to shape their future.
With some nice ideas, a couple of decent touches, and strong performances from Robbie and Farrell, it’s a shame A Big Bold Beautiful Journey isn’t a much better film than it is. The intention is there, and at times you can feel the cast and director Kogonada willing things along, but unfortunately it doesn’t quite come together.
The problem lies in the story, the pacing, and the tone. The narrative feels like it’s a bunch of ideas stitched together; scenes run far longer than they need to; and tonally it’s all over the place.
One moment the picture is whimsical, the next it’s trying to be funny, then heartfelt, and sometimes romantic. Unfortunately, far too often it’s simply depressing, especially when Sarah revisits a past trauma, and you can’t help but feel you would rather be doing anything other than watching parts of this movie.
It just doesn’t work. It’s also not that likeable.
The best way to describe A Big Bold Beautiful Journey is that it is a brickwall without concrete. The basic shape and structure is there, but without something to hold it all together it’s ultimately just a collection of bricks.
Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell have recently undertaken a fairly extensive press tour for A Big Bold Beautiful Journey (you may have caught some of their interviews), and it looks like they enjoy spending time together. Likewise, I’m sure they had a nice time shooting this movie, but their interactions are probably the only lasting aspect of this film.
A Big Bold Beautiful Journey is a misfire. It’s fairly straightforward to see what this movie is aiming to do, but unfortunately it just doesn’t pull it off.
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Movie of the Week
Onto Movie of the Week now which this week goes to Spinal Tap II: The End Continues. The movie serves up consistent chuckles, some great improv, and enjoyable performances from the entire cast, which makes for a fun night at the cinema.
And if you like Spinal Tap II: The End Continues then you might like:
- This Is Spinal Tap (1984) – Rob Reiner’s original mockumentary following the lives of David St. Hubbins, Nigel Tufnel, and Derek Smalls.
- Waiting for Guffman (1996) – This Is Spinal Tap’s Christopher Guest directs and co-writes this ‘90s mockumentary about the production of a stage musical.
- Best in Show (2000) – Christopher Guest writes and directs this fan-favourite mockumentary about a prestigious dog show.
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And finally…
Earlier this week, actor, director, and producer Robert Redford sadly passed away at the age of 89. Redford was a legend in the movie business and an extremely popular screen presence, who leaves behind a significant body of work.
Unfortunately this week I’ve not had time to discuss one of his movies on Movie Reviews 2025. However, I encourage all film fans to check out one of his pictures this weekend, such as All the President’s Men, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Spy Game, etc, to spend a little time in his company.
Alex
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