It’s here! It’s finally here. I knew if we all waited patiently and our hearts were pure we would finally make it.
Yes, it’s the summer blockbuster season! It’s arrived (as always, a little ahead of summer), and from now until the end of August expect a wealth of big movie releases at the cinema and on streaming.
And it all kicks off this week with The Devil Wears Prada 2 and The Sheep Detectives. The former is a sequel to a much-loved 2006 hit with Meryl Streep, while the latter is a new Hugh Jackman family film involving sleuthing sheep.
In addition to The Devil Wears Prada and The Sheep Detectives, this week there is crime drama in 180, and survival shenanigans in Apex. Plus, after going missing in the wilderness for a while (i.e. it bombed in cinemas in other countries and disappeared off the release schedule) Greenland: Migration finally makes its way to the UK, where it pops up on streaming.
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Now streaming…
180 (2026)
First up this week is the South African crime drama, 180. Written and directed by Alex Yazbek, and starring Prince Grootboom, Noxolo Dlamini, and Danica De La Rey, the movie tells the story of a father out for revenge.
In the movie, when driving with his son Mandla, dedicated father, Zak, is involved in a heated traffic accident. Things quickly escalate, a gun is pulled, and Mandla is accidentally shot.
With the police unable to help, Zak takes matters into his own hands to get justice and revenge. But the deeper Zak moves into his current course of action, the more his life begins to unravel.
With decent performances and a serviceable script, 180 isn’t with merits. As a crime picture/revenge drama it works well enough, and there are some interesting discussions on injustice, escalation, and regret.
There’s also an emotive plot line which carries through the picture which is connected to Mandla. The shooting has significant ramifications, and the incident changes lives forever – so there is something here and it’s not all bad.
Yet despite what 180 gets right and the efforts it makes to tell its story, it’s simply not a particularly dynamic or completely engaging picture. The momentum goes very quickly, certainly after about half-an-hour, and this leaves an hour of mostly plodding along until the inevitable conclusion.
Occasionally the pace picks up, but then it drops off again rather swiftly. It also doesn’t help that this sort of story has been told countless times before, either with a stronger narrative or with more action.
So, it’s a real mixed bag, with parts working fine and parts falling short. It’s watchable, but you’ll forget all about it by next week.
Anyway, should you wish to take a look for yourself, 180 is now streaming on Netflix.
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Now streaming…
Apex (2026)
Sticking with Netflix for this next movie, which is the survival action-thriller, Apex. Directed by Baltasar Kormákur, and starring Charlize Theron, Taron Egerton, and Eric Bana, the movie follows the story of a rock climber who is being hunted by a terrifying nutcase.
In the movie, following the death of her husband in a mountain climbing accident in Norway, climbing enthusiast, Sasha heads to Australia. Here she sets out to reach a canyon in the Grand Isle Narrows, stopping for supplies on the way.
Asking a stranger for directions, she is given two routes: A direct one and a more scenic route. Sasha opts for the scenic route, and continues on her way.
After making camp for the night in a secluded beauty spot, Sasha wakes up the next morning to discover her supplies and phone have been taken, presumably by wild animals. As she sets out to look for them, she bumps into the same stranger who previously gave her directions.
He introduces himself as Ben, offers Sasha food and water, and restocks her supplies. Ben then tells Sasha to run, as he plans to hunt her through the wilderness.
Beautifully shot, expertly acted, and at times deeply disturbing, this twisted survival thriller is a rip roarin’ future classic and no mistake. The movie pits Charlize Theron’s Sasha against the dangers of the Aussie landscape, as well as the skills of Taron Egerton’s unhinged hunter, Ben, and the combination makes for gripping viewing.
It’s twisted, unsettling, and fairly fast-paced. There’s danger and spectacle at every turn, including a deadly climb up the Troll Wall in Norway, which opens the movie.
Is it particularly original? Nope, but it’s well made regardless.
Playing out like a mix of Wolf Creek, Dead Calm, and The Most Dangerous Game, Apex is nerve-racking stuff. Egerton is fantastic as Ben, Theron gives as good as she gets playing the no-nonsense Sasha, and director Baltasar Kormákur moves his players around the screen with panache, backed up by marvellous cinematography from the Oscar-nominated Lawrence Sher (Joker).
The film has many of the right ingredients for top class entertainment, and it’s definitely a gem in Netflix’s movie portfolio. It’s certainly much better than the usual dross being served up by the streamer.
If there are drawbacks to all the good stuff, it’s the aforementioned lack of originality, as well as the possibility Apex is perhaps a smidge too short – which is not something you generally hear me say. A little more hunting time, as well as a few minutes added to the interactions between Sasha and Ben would deepen this picture, but irrespective of this, Apex is good stuff.
If you’re after a tense thriller to keep you off your phone be sure to take a look. Apex is now streaming on Netflix.
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Now streaming…
Greenland: Migration (2026)
Over to Prime Video now for survival action-thriller sequel, Greenland: Migration (aka Greenland 2: Migration), a movie which you may have already watched, depending on where you live in the world. This follow up to 2020’s Greenland opened in cinemas in some parts of the world at the beginning of the year (including in the US), flopped big time, and as a result it sort of disappeared.
The film has now surfaced in the UK on Prime Video (it skipped cinemas completely), where it arrives with no fanfare. It’s possible you have noticed it amongst the new releases, or it may have already faded into the streaming wilderness.
Either way, it’s available to watch should you feel the need. However, if you do feel inclined to give Greenland: Migration a go, it’s doubtful you’ll be as interested as you were with its predecessor.
Directed by Ric Roman Waugh, and starring Gerard Butler, Morena Baccarin, and Roman Griffin Davis, Greenland: Migration picks up the story five years later with 75% of the world destroyed and radiation everywhere following the impact of an interstellar comet. Within this time John Garrity, wife Allison, and son Nathan have set up home in a bunker with various other survivors, and life has continued as best it can.
But when the bunker is destroyed, John and his family are forced to flee Greenland and look for a home elsewhere. This in turn leads them on a journey to a mythic safe zone, which sees the family head toward England, France, and beyond.
OK, let’s get down to brass tacks.
Greenland was a likeable disaster movie, which brought some entertainment during the global pandemic when we all needed a distraction. On the flipside, Greenland: Migration is a run-of-the-mill survival picture which struggles to maintain the same interest levels and won’t have any kind of impact now we are all busy.
Why? Well, largely because it is meandering and forgettable. The other problem is it all feels rather contrived.
Once the Garritys leave the safety of the bunker they encounter various obstacles which just appear to be thrown at them in quick succession without any imagination. From dodgy weather and a precarious rope bridge, to gun wielding marauders and insurgents, stuff and things just keep happening, presumably to round out the runtime and stop the audience falling asleep.
It’s as if all of the inconvenient stumbling blocks were written first, and the rest of the movie was hastily penciled in around them to create some kind of story. The end result is a sequel which lurches from one hurdle to the next, with next-to-nothing of any value in between, and absolutely no tension or suspense.
Butler is fine, as are the rest of the cast, but the story just isn’t here and it’s fairly boring. So, it’s passable as a one-time thing, but that’s it.
At best Greenland: Migration is background noise, at worst it’s generic and dull. The truth is, the first film was all we needed.
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In cinemas…
The Devil Wears Prada 2 (2026)
Over to the cinema now for the first of this year’s big summer blockbusters. The movie is The Devil Wears Prada 2, which is now on general release in the UK and the US.
Directed by David Frankel and written by Aline Brosh McKenna (the same creative team behind 2006’s The Devil Wears Prada), the movie stars Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci. Picking up the story 20 years after the original, Andy Sachs returns to Runway, and reconnects with her former work colleagues including Nigel Kipling and ex-boss, Miranda Priestly.
Taking on the role of Senior Editor, Andy sets out to bring some depth to the magazine, which in recent years has had to navigate the ever-changing digital landscape of hollow articles and click bait. Meanwhile, Miranda is on course for a promotion, which will see her become Global Content Editor.
However, a huge spanner is thrown into the works when the owner of Runway promptly dies, throwing the future of the magazine into doubt. Can Andy find a way to save the publication, and can old colleague Emily Charlton lend a helping hand?
Now, unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past twenty years you’ll be aware of how well regarded 2006’s The Devil Wears Prada is. Critics love it, audiences love it, the gays really love it, and it is generally considered to be a ‘00s classic.
Yet despite the clear admiration for the film, it has taken two decades for a sequel to arrive. Why? Well, largely because all involved were hesitant to produce a follow-up, due to a fear of tarnishing the original.
No one wants to risk making a shoddy sequel to a beloved film, and there was a worry it could happen here. Plus, sometimes it is best to just leave things well alone – not everything needs a sequel.
But money talks, as does fan interest, and after everyone finally agreed there was room for a sequel, The Devil Wears Prada 2 moved forward and became a reality. And the good news is, it’s not a shoddy sequel at all.
In fact, The Devil Wears Prada 2 is a lot of fun. There’s laughter, great performances, and some contemporary commentary along the way.
The great thing about The Devil Wears Prada 2 is that it gives the audience the opportunity to spend another two hours in the company of fab characters. Like old friends who’ve simply not been around for a while, it’s lovely to bump into this bunch again to see how life is treating them, and to see if Miranda is still serving up cutting remarks.
Which of course, she is – although doing so while being constantly reminded HR is watching. Certain terminology and behaviour that was acceptable in the workplace back in 2006 is no longer tolerated, and Miranda has to toe the line accordingly.
But toeing the line has never been Miranda’s strong suit and while she might have to watch what she says from time to time, thankfully her wings have not been clipped. So, don’t worry, Miranda is still as acerbic as she was before and Meryl Streep is once again marvellous in the role (did you expect anything less?).
And it’s important to note this is very much Miranda’s movie. While The Devil Wears Prada was Andy’s tale, Part 2 sets its sights largely on Miranda and her place in a continually changing and challenging world.
One of the strengths of this sequel is the way in which it highlights the problems being faced by many companies right now (especially magazines) with downsizing, the emergence of AI, etc, and the impact it has on staff and the end product. Miranda is firmly in the middle of all this, plus she’s an aging editor, so there’s a lot to discuss around her character.
However, this doesn’t mean Andy is sidelined. She still remains a key player, and Anne Hathaway is still delightful in the role (again, did you expect anything less?).
Sure, there is a side plot about a new romance which feels superfluous, but for the most part Andy’s journey dovetails quite neatly into Miranda’s. It’s also good to see her interacting with old colleagues Nigel (Tucci) and Emily (Blunt), who are just as funny and/or blunt as you might recall.
Outside of the core four, The Devil Wears Prada 2 boasts solid cinematography, some neat little cameos, and a swift pace. Other than the aforementioned romance which could be jettisoned, the film is fairly sprightly.
Most important of all it’s very likeable. It hits the ground running and moves forward with a spring in its step.
Is it as strong as the first entry? Not quite, but it shines regardless. The Devil Wears Prada 2 is a much better sequel than we could have hoped for and certainly hits the sweet spot for summer entertainment.
The wait may have seemed long, but the years in between have given the movie plenty of material to work with. If you’re a fan of the original be sure to take a look.
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The Sheep Detectives (2026)
Sticking with the cinema for the final new movie this week and it’s the second of the big summer blockbusters: The Sheep Detectives. As the title suggests, this is a
ewe-done-it which revolves around sleuthing farm animals.
Directed by Kyle Balda, starring Hugh Jackman, Nicholas Braun, Nicholas Galitzine, and Emma Thompson, and featuring the voice talents of Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Chris O’Dowd, Regina Hall, Patrick Stewart, Bella Ramsey, Brett Goldstein, and Rhys Darby, the movie follows a herd of sheep as they set out to solve a murder. Their beloved shepherd has been bumped off and they are keen to find out who did it.
OK, so from the title of the movie, as well as the premise, it should be pretty clear this isn’t a particularly serious film (although it does have its moments). The Sheep Detectives is a film in which some sheep… erm… act like detectives… and various madcap antics occur in between.
That’s pretty much it. It’s daft, it’s fairly light for a murder-mystery, and of course it’s complete nonsense.
But if you’re going into a movie called The Sheep Detectives then you pretty much know what you’re in for. This isn’t Citizen Kane or The Shawshank Redemption, it’s Miss Marple (Miss Baa-ple?) meets Babe, and it’s often quite delightful.
Is that what you’re looking for? Then have at it, because watching The Sheep Detectives proves to be quite the enjoyable time.
Highlights of the picture include the aforementioned quirky sheep, who are all voiced by familiar names (O’Dowd, Stewart, etc), as well as some great turns from the human cast, including the ever brilliant Emma Thompson, soon-to-be He-Man actor Nicholas Galitzine, and the always charming Hugh Jackman. Although, a quick ‘heads up’: Jackman isn’t in the film as much as you might think, as he is playing the unfortunate shepherd.
But then, the real stars of the picture really are the animals. After all, as lovely as Hugh Jackman is, the woolly guys and gals are what’s likely to draw in the youngsters.
So, go for the sheep, appreciate the humans, and get lost in a likeable story. The Sheep Detectives is surprisingly pleasant stuff and perfect viewing for the family.
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Recent Releases
Not quite done yet? Want more movies? The above suggestions aren’t enough?! Well, here’s what’s also doing the rounds:
Michael (2026)
“This isn’t the definitive Michael Jackson story. It is a Michael Jackson story, but one where the edges have been rounded off and an extensive Google search is required to fill in the many blanks.”
Feel My Voice (2026)
“With enough positives to outweigh the negatives, Feel My Voice is worth spending time with. Sure, it’s not as strong as it could or should be, and a much better film is operating on the outskirts, but when it lands right it lands well.”
Balls Up (2026)
“Being kicked in the balls repeatedly while watching your home country lose the World Cup final would be preferable to this turgid dross.”
Pizza Movie (2026)
“(Pizza Movie is) fun in places and certainly very creative. Despite the limited premise, the film constantly throws new ideas at the screen, ensuring the visual flourishes are all in place, along with some welcome absurdist moments.”
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Movie of the Week
Onto Movie of the Week which this week is going to The Devil Wears Prada 2. Meryl Streep et al have fun in this sequel and you probably will too.
And if you like The Devil Wears Prada 2 you may also like:
- The Intern (2015) – Anne Hathaway stars alongside Robert De Niro and Rene Russo in this comedy drama about a 70-year-old widower who becomes a senior intern at a fashion website.
- The Princess Diaries (2001) – Anne Hathaway stars in this coming-of-age comedy about a teenager who learns she is the heir to the throne of a European kingdom.
- House of Gucci (2021) – Ridley Scott’s biographical crime drama about the control of the Italian fashion brand.
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Forthcoming attractions
And that’s your lot for this week, but coming soon Karl Urban is called into battle in Mortal Kombat II; Sally Field and Lewis Pullman share the screen in Remarkably Bright Creatures; and Pedro Pascal and Sigourney Weaver star in The Mandalorian and Grogu. Plus, there’s a troubling road trip in supernatural horror, Passenger.
All this and so much more is on the way as the summer blockbuster season continues! You really don’t want to miss it.
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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