And we’re back! After a couple of weeks of ‘R&R’ and probably one too many glasses of vino during the holidays, it’s January and the first edition of Movie Reviews 2026 is here!
A year of film is just getting started, and what a year it promises to be. There are lots of new movies on the horizon over the coming weeks, from Masters of the Universe, Scream 7, and Toy Story 5, to Supergirl, Disclosure Day, and Avengers: Doomsday and you can read all about them here.
But before we get to any of those titles, let’s deal with the first edition of Movie Reviews 2026, shall we? Which this week includes reviews for Anaconda, Labyrinth, Song Sung Blue, The Housemaid, and People We Meet on Vacation.
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In cinemas…
Anaconda (2025)
First up this week is director Tom Gormican’s fantasy adventure-comedy which was released during the holidays, but is still playing in cinemas if you didn’t manage to catch it. The film is Anaconda – a comedic meta-reboot of the 1997 horror film of the same name.
The original movie starred Jennifer Lopez and Ice Cube, while this new offering is led by Jack Black and Paul Rudd. The pair play childhood best friends Doug McCallister and Ronald ‘Griff’ Griffen Jr., who along with their other pals Kenny Trent (Steve Zahn) and Claire Simons (Thandiwe Newton) set out to remake Anaconda.
This leads the group to the Amazon, where they attempt to shoot the movie of their dreams on a shoe-string budget. However, when they cross paths with a real-life, giant, human-eating anaconda, they suddenly find themselves out of their depths.
Unless you’re a mega-fan of the original Anaconda, it’s fair to say the film is not regarded as a general classic. A cult fave in some circles, sure, but not the best monster movie in the history of cinema.
So, no matter where your interest in this new iteration lies, you’re probably able to separate this film from the former and take it for what it is. And this is probably the best advice I can give when approaching this comedy: Take it for what it is.
Anaconda is not amazing. It’s not terrible, but don’t set your expectations high.
There are enough jokes in the movie to keep things ticking along, and watching Rudd and Co. tit about on screen for 90-ish minutes is fun, you just won’t come out of this film thinking it’s the greatest. Anaconda lacks true belly laughs, and outside of a heavily publicised scene with a wild pig, as well as a humorous sequence involving a spider bite, nothing is going to make anyone pee their pants.
There are laughs, and the general tone is jovial and silly, but it’s light jokes rather than over-the-top, unmissable pratfalls. The story is low level too, and while the narrative is serviceable it is fairly non-existent.
The group go to the Amazon, try to make a film, and get attacked by a big snake. A gold smuggling side plot is tossed in the mix in an attempt to beef things up a bit, but this is largely jettisoned before it really goes anywhere, so it’s best not to think about it too much.
All-in-all Anaconda is fine if you accept it is daft disposable nonsense. There is some enjoyment to be had from the cast, and the vibe is generally pleasing, it just doesn’t hit in the same way as say, the recent Jumanji reboots have.
Had Anaconda been released in the ‘00s, during the height of the DVD golden age, this film would have no doubt been a home video hit with student stoners, but as it stands here it’ll come and go fairly quickly. At best, it’s a ‘one-and-done’ kind of affair, but that’s fine if this is all you want.
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In cinemas…
Labyrinth (1986)
Sticking with the cinema for this next movie, which is Labyrinth – the 1986 musical fantasy. Labyrinth is back on the big screen for its 40th anniversary, but if you wish to see the film in cinemas, be quick because Labyrinth is only playing for a very LIMITED time.
Of course, if you do pop out to see this one it’ll no doubt be for the 759th time because Labyrinth is an absolute ‘80s classic which you’ve already watched, right? Executive produced by George Lucas (!), directed by Jim Henson (!!), written by Terry Jones (!!!), and starring David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly (!!!!), the movie is one of the best films from the decade, and before anyone interjects, this is not up for debate.
Labyrinth has fantasy, comedy, music, drama, spectacle, and a gallant fox riding on the back of a faithful dog. That’s not a euphemism, it actually happens in the film. There’s also a Bog of Eternal Stench, which you certainly don’t get in other movies.
Put simply: There’s a lot on offer in Labyrinth. For a film which only runs 101 minutes in length, it crams in so much, including humans, puppets, Bowie’s hair, and everything in between.
In terms of the story (for the three people who have never watched Labyrinth), the film follows the journey of Sarah – a 16-year-old girl with an interest in the fantastical, and a strong desire to escape the confines of her life. It’s a life which includes babysitting her infant half-brother, Toby which she sees as an imposition.
It becomes such an imposition that Sarah wishes Toby was taken away by the Goblin King. But when Sarah’s wish becomes reality, she is forced to traverse the labyrinth to get him back.
Brilliant, bonkers, and beautifully made, watching Labyrinth is a delightful way to spend your time. The movie is a technical marvel, with the majority of the characters brought to life using puppet wizardry courtesy of Jim Henson’s Creature Shop.
Meanwhile, Connelly is excellent as Sarah; Bowie excels as Jareth the Goblin King; and the direction from Henson is second to none. There is simply so much life and wonder in this movie, it’s crazy.
And all this is before the soundtrack is mentioned, which is fab by the way, and includes a collection of Bowie tracks such as ‘Underground‘, ‘As the World Falls Down‘, and ‘Magic Dance‘. The latter of which is an absolute banger, and it is the song which everyone remembers.
Anyway, all of this is basically here to tell you you’d would be mad not to catch Labyrinth on the biggest screen possible. So go watch it while you can!
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In cinemas…
Song Sung Blue (2025)
Sticking with the cinema for this next movie, which is the biographical music drama, Song Sung Blue. Written and directed by Craig Brewer, and based on the 2008 documentary of the same name by Greg Kohs, the film stars Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson as Mike and Claire Sardina – two members of a Neil Diamond tribute act.
In the film, Mike is an entertainer and recovering alcoholic who is celebrating being 20 years sober. Mike’s day job is performing as a Don Ho impersonator at the Wisconsin State Fair, but when he refuses to go on stage as anyone but himself, fellow performer Claire steps in and suggests he would make a great Neil Diamond impersonator.
Mike is a huge admirer of Diamond but doesn’t want to just copy his hero. If he’s going to be Neil Diamond he wants it to be an experience for fellow fans, so before long both he and Claire set up an act known as ‘Lightning and Thunder’, who perform Diamond tracks as a duo.
After a bumpy start, the pair have some success, get married, and push forward with their career. However, trouble is on the horizon, which could put an end to their act.
Over the past few years, there has been a number of bio-pics centred around high-profile musicians. From Elton John and Whitney Houston, to Queen and Elvis Presley.
Song Sung Blue bucks the trend by being a biographical movie which features the music of a high-profile musician in Neil Diamond, but it’s not actually about Diamond at all. So, if you’ve caught a bit of the trailer, or you’ve seen Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson doing the press circuit promoting this film, know that this isn’t a picture which details the life and times of the ‘Sweet Caroline‘ singer.
What this is instead, is a fairly small-scale domestic drama which features a strong narrative, a bunch of songs you’ll be familiar with, and two top performances from Jackman and Hudson. And it’s this latter detail which is the key selling point here – the performances!
Song Sung Blue is a solid film and does nothing particularly wrong, but it is the central casting which truly elevates things. Jackman is great. Hudson is great. Together they are an excellent pairing for this story.
It’s fair to say you could put Jackman and Hudson in anything and regardless of what the rest of the film is like they will shine. They have a certain charm which they bring to the screen and it helps to get audiences engaged.
This skill is on display in Song Sung Blue. Every time they share a scene (which is about 95% of the movie), they keep the drama going and interest levels up.
Although to be fair, filmmaker Craig Brewer maintains consistency at all times, even when some of the more bonkers elements of the story surface. He never loses control, and this allows Song Sung Blue to hit the right spot, so his direction complements what the actors are doing.
Ok, so Song Sung Blue could perhaps dazzle a little more, but at the same time this isn’t essential. Jackman and Hudson work their magic, and there is enough character development and interesting plot points for an enjoyable afternoon at the pictures.
While you don’t need to rush out to see this one, Song Sung Blue is good stuff. Should you wish to escape the cold weather this January, you could have a lovely afternoon in the cinema with this film.
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In cinemas…
The Housemaid (2025)
Remaining with the cinema for this next movie, the psychological thriller, The Housemaid. Directed by Paul Feig, and based on Freida McFadden’s novel of the same name, the movie stars Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, Brandon Sklenar, and Elizabeth Perkins, and follows the story of a young woman who takes a job as a housemaid with terrible consequences.
In the film, when ex-con Millie Calloway struggles to find work, she is overjoyed to land the position of housemaid at the home of Andrew and Nina Winchester. The family seems nice, the job comes with a room, and her employment ticks the right boxes for her parole requirements.
All-in-all things couldn’t be better. This is until Millie finds herself on the wrong end of Nina’s temper.
And no matter what Millie does, nothing is good enough for Nina. In fact, Nina makes Millie’s life a waking nightmare, criticising everything and making up lies to get her in trouble.
But with no friends and family to lean on, and other job opportunities being non-existent, Millie is forced to stick it out regardless. But how much longer can she put up with being Nina’s punchbag?
If you’ve watched the trailer for The Housemaid, you’ll have a rough idea of what to expect from the movie. And for the first hour, it pretty much plays out as you think it will, hitting the various plot points in the order they are likely to appear.
So much so, you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’ve seen this all before and you don’t need to see any more. But if you write off The Housemaid early doors, you’ll miss out on just how good this film is.
Halfway through the picture, the story begins to twist and turn, throwing out a few curveballs which really add far more depth and weight to proceedings. One of the twists you’ll no doubt see coming, but the next couple you won’t, and when delivered in succession during the final hour, they add up to a very strong back-half.
This isn’t to say the first half of the movie isn’t worth your time, it’s instead to say things don’t peter out before the end. The film gets stronger as the narrative develops, and this ensures the movie moves into some unexpected territory when it could quite easily fall apart.
Along for the ride are a superb cast, with Sweeney, Seyfried, and Sklenar all on fine form. Sweeney in particular is great. The actress has been on a continual rise as of late, even when appearing in some less than successful projects (Madame Web, anyone?), and she excels here.
It also helps that Paul Feig is on board as director. Although he is perhaps better known for his comedies (Bridesmaids, Spy, The Heat, etc), Feig is a skilled filmmaker no matter the genre, and he brings out the utter darkness in this thrilling tale.
By the time The Housemaid reaches its conclusion, the film ends with the tease that more could follow. And as this film is based on a book which has additional volumes in the series (and as it has already done decent numbers at the box office), a sequel is now on the way.
The follow-up could take this story to even more unexpected places. They are places I’d happily go.
Should you wish to catch The Housemaid, the film is in cinemas now. Try and watch it before any of the twists are spoiled.
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Now streaming…
People We Meet on Vacation (2026)
And finally, switching to Netflix for the last of this week’s big releases, and it’s the romantic comedy, People We Meet on Vacation. Directed by Brett Haley, and based on the book of the same name by Emily Henry, People We Meet on Vacation stars Emily Bader, Tom Blyth, Miles Heizer, and Jameela Jamil, and follows the story of Poppy and Alex – two former friends who rekindle their relationship after going their separate ways.
Ten years ago, the pair met while carpooling and developed a platonic friendship. From there they agreed to go on vacation every year, no matter where they are in life, but over time things didn’t work out and they stopped talking.
However, when Alex’s brother gets married, the pair reunite. But can they rekindle their lost friendship, as well as the romantic feelings they started to experience?
Largely told through a series of flashbacks, which fill in the backstory of Poppy and Alex’s friendship, and fairly bright and breezy in tone and presentation, People We Meet on Vacation is a likeable, easy to watch film. It’s nothing amazing, nor does it push any boundaries, but it’s enjoyable for what it is and at this time of year it certainly brightens things up a touch.
Emily Bader and Tom Blyth are the star players as Poppy and Alex, with Bader a particular highlight. The two actors are arguably the strongest aspect of the picture, but the romance/friendship angle works well too.
There’s a steady build-up of the lovey-dovey stuff, so it all feels somewhat organic, and this keeps things moving forward. The film is perhaps a tad too long, and the pace does drop a bit here and there, but it’s difficult not to keep being reinvested when Poppy and Alex get closer.
People We Meet on Vacation is nothing to shout about but it works. Netflix films can be hit and miss, with more misses than hits, but this one is fine.
Watch for the delightful romance, stick with it because of the lead actors, and enjoy it for what’s on offer. It’s decent.
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Also out…
Recent Releases
Not quite done yet? Want more movies? The above suggestions aren’t enough?! Well, here’s what’s also doing the rounds:
Avatar: The Way of Water (2025)
“It’s difficult to fault Cameron’s commitment to these films, and if you just want pure escapism you certainly have it, it’s just all getting a little ‘samey’.”
Jay Kelly (2025)
“Jay Kelly is very much one of those movies you’re either sold on within the first twenty minutes or you’re bored and flipping over to something else entirely. There’s little crossover here, so adjust your expectations accordingly. That said, this is a lovely looking film and (George) Clooney rocks.”
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (2025)
“As he’s done with his previous films in this series, (director) Rian Johnson has delivered yet another great case for (Benoit) Blanc.”
Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 (2025)
“Watching Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 is a chore. It’s a bore-fest of epic proportions.”
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Movie(s) of the Week
OK, onto Movie(s) of the Week, and from this week’s selection of releases, the top prize is going to Labyrinth and The Housemaid. The former is as entertaining as the day it debuted, with the late David Bowie putting in a fantastic turn as Jareth the Goblin King, while the latter is a surprisingly effective thriller with Sydney Sweeney proving she is one to watch.
If you like Labyrinth you may also like:
- The Dark Crystal (1982) – Jim Henson and Frank Oz direct this dark fantasy about two elvish characters known as Gelflings who embark on a quest.
- Return to Oz (1985) – Director Walter Murch’s loose sequel to The Wizard of Oz sees Dorothy return to Oz for a rather dark adventure.
- The Princess Bride (1987) – The late Rob Reiner directs this superb fantasy comedy about a swashbuckling farmhand who sets out to rescue a princess.
And if you like The Housemaid, you might also like:
- A Simple Favor (2018) – The Housemaid‘s Paul Feig calls the shots on this black comedy thriller about a vlogger who attempts to solve the disappearance of her friend.
- The Hand That Rocks the Cradle (1992) – Curtis Hanson directs this classic ’90s psychological thriller about a nanny with a dark agenda.
- Single White Female (1992) – Bridget Fonda and Jennifer Jason Leigh star in Barbet Schroeder’s iconic ’90s thriller about a young woman who rents out a room in her apartment to the wrong tenant.
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Forthcoming attractions
And that’s your lot for this week. But coming soon there’s thrills and spills in British horror sequel, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple; Ben Affleck and Matt Damon team up for the action-thriller, The Rip; and there’s animated musical fantasy courtesy of Cosmic Princess Kaguya!.
Plus, we return to Silent Hill in the supernatural sequel, Return to Silent Hill, and director Sam Raimi tackles Send Help. All of this plus plenty more will be with you in no time, so be sure to come back.
Alex
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Thank you for stopping by It’s A Stampede! to read this edition of Movie Reviews 2026. For more posts be sure to check out the recommended reads below.
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