Hello and welcome to the latest edition of Movie Reviews 2026 – your intergalactic guide to film.
Coming up this week in this jam-packed edition are reviews for The Christophers, The Crash, and No Place to Be Single. Plus, the summer blockbuster season rolls on with The Mandalorian and Grogu – the first new Star Wars movie since 2019’s divisive yet profitable The Rise of Skywalker – as well as British rom-com, Finding Emily.
Want to know more? Then you’ll simply need to read on.
—
In cinemas…
The Christophers (2025)
First up this week it’s off to the cinema for Steven Soderbergh’s deliciously black comedy drama, The Christophers. Starring Ian McKellen, Michaela Cole, James Corden, and Jessica Gunning, the movie follows the story of an artist who is employed to forge a collection of unfinished paintings.
In the movie, Lori Butler is a skilled, yet somewhat down-on-her-luck painter, making ends meet by working at a food vendor. However, her fortunes are about to lift when she is unexpectedly approached with an intriguing proposal from Barnaby and Sallie Sklar, the children of eccentric artist, Julian Sklar.
Barnaby and Sallie want to hire Lori to become Julian’s assistant, to help him around the home. But in truth the assistant role is to be a front for something else entirely.
In reality, the pair want Lori to secretly finish a collection of Julian’s paintings, known as the Christophers. They currently sit in his house uncompleted and are gathering dust.
The plan is for Lori to complete the work, then lock the paintings away until Julian’s inevitable death. At this point, Barnaby and Sallie will be able to claim these valuable works of art for themselves and the world will think Julian completed them.
Lori accepts the job and starts the position as Julian’s assistant. But things don’t quite go to plan.
Before we go any further, it’s important to note that despite the inclusion of Corden and Gunning in the cast, playing Barnaby and Sallie respectively, The Christophers is in essence a two-hander between Michaela Cole’s Lori and Ian McKellen’s Julian. The pair take the lion’s share of the material, form the backbone of the picture, and most important of all are the reason you will want to take a look at this movie.
Sure, Soderbergh’s direction is great, as is the script by Ed Solomon, but the chemistry between the two leads is simply superb. Cole plays Lori with a cool, calm demeanour, McKellen is at his absolute barbed best as Julian, and the two manage to stand toe-to-toe with equal footing.
And because of how strong they both are in the roles, the interactions between the actors are the unique selling point of the film. When they are both on screen together it’s electric, with some snippets of absolute comedy gold here and there.
There are moments in the film where it is clear McKellen is having an absolute ball as an aged artist with zero filter. Every thought that pops into Julian’s mind is instantly spoken, irrespective of what is being said, and at times it’s like watching your nan going off on one about her feelings for that bloke down the road who parks in front of her driveway.
Likewise, Cole is able to remain focused at all times, often giving so much to a scene without barely uttering any words. While McKellen might serve up the majority of what’s being said on screen, Cole brings a significant physical presence to each scene, and the combination helps to balance the offering marvellously.
The great thing about The Christophers is that when it lands, it really lands rather well, even when it’s not quite what it initially seems to be. The film starts off giving the impression it’s a heist movie, and in some respects it is, but when all is said and done The Christophers is more than that.
There’s quite a lot of heart in this picture, and the emotional beats are very effective too. The resolution is handled with a gentle touch, as is the developing relationship between Lori and Julian, and this completes a tale which is lovely to watch.
Should you wish to take a look, The Christophers is playing in UK cinemas now, and should still be doing the rounds in US cinemas (it debuted in the US in April). If you’re after an engaging comical drama, this one is for you.
—
Now streaming…
The Crash (2026)
Over to Netflix now for the docu-film, The Crash. Directed by Gareth Johnson, The Crash focuses on what initially appears to be a car accident but could be much more.
On July 31st 2022, a car crash takes place in the US. Three young people are inside the vehicle when it hits a building.
Only one passenger survives the crash, 17-year-old, Mackenzie Shirilla. But was this an accident or did something more sinister take place?
As with all true crime documentaries on Netflix, I believe it’s important to insert a reminder before going any further. And the reminder is as follows:
This documentary covers an account of a real-life incident in which lives were lost, and it is not a fictional story performed by actors. It’s important to note this because it can be easy to view all Netflix true crime docu-films as mere entertainment, which they are not.
Now, with this said, how does The Crash shape up as a Netflix docu-film? Well, pretty much the same as the majority of documentaries on the streaming service.
There is enough of a hook to keep audiences watching, with a few twists and turns here and there, but there is plenty of padding too. What could have been told within an hour is stretched over 90 minutes, with all the standard late revelations and emotive music used to bulk it out.
If you are interested in true crime documentaries then you will find something here which appeals, but it’s not must-see viewing. There are a few tone deaf pieces to camera, as well as some odd glossy performances, and it all feels a bit staged and uncomfortable.
So, watch if the premise piques your interest, but keep in mind it’s yet more middle-of-the-road, true crime Netflix fodder. Also keep in mind that two people died – Dominic Russo and Davion Flanagan – and perhaps the documentary should focus more on them.
—
Now streaming…
No Place to Be Single (2026)
Over to Prime Video now for the Italian romantic comedy, No Place to be Single (aka Non è un paese per single). Directed by Laura Chiossone, based on a best selling novel by Felicia Kingsley, and starring Matilde Gioli and Cristiano Caccamo, the film follows the story of a single mother who finds love while trying to save her home and business from being sold.
In the movie, single mother Elisa lives in a Tuscan town with her family. The town is beautiful and picturesque, and is a place where love and romance is at the forefront of everyone’s mind.
Well, everyone except Elisa, who has no interest in such things. She is more concerned about keeping her home and business in tact following the death of her landlord, the Count.
But when the Count’s relatives return for the funeral, including the handsome Michele, Elisa’s way of life is potentially upended. Either love is on the cards or maybe an eviction.
Nice to look at, but somewhat lacking in the story department, No Place to Be Single is a so-so Italian rom-com which does pretty much what you expect it to do, but nothing more. The ‘will-they, won’t-they’ plot line between Elisa and Michele is serviceable yet generic; the characters and fine but nothing special; and the soap opera-like twists and turns keep things ticking along but are not particularly exciting.
It’s the sort of film you put on while doing the ironing, and follow along half-distracted. Occasional moments will cause you to pay attention, but for the most part you’ll be focusing more on getting the creases out of your trousers.
Oh, and it’s a bit of a tonal mish-mash. One second the film acts like a whacky comedy, while the next there’s a quick romp in the hay and the flash of a boob.
Confusing? A tad.
There are worse things to spend your time on than No Place to be Single, but there are also far better ways to keep yourself entertained. So ultimately it comes down to the question: Is this the type of film you like?
Before you embark on No Place to be Single you know where it’s going and how it’s going to end, it’s whether you want to go along for the ride which ultimately matters. There really isn’t much more to it than that.
__
In cinemas…
Finding Emily (2026)
Back to the cinema now for the first of this week’s big releases, the British romantic comedy, Finding Emily. Directed by Alicia MacDonald and starring Angourie Rice and Spike Fearn, the movie follows the story of a loved up musician on a quest to find a girl.
In the movie, Owen Brompton is given a phone number by his dream girl, only to discover the number is incorrect. Determined to track her down, he teams up with a psychology student to scour the local university campus, leaving no stone unturned.
Will he find the missing girl or has she disappeared completely? And more importantly, will he find love where he least expects it?
Filmed in Manchester (my home city), and featuring top performances from Rice and Fearn, Finding Emily is a delightful and comical Brit flick, as well as a lovely way to spend a couple of hours at the cinema. If the madcap quest to find the illusive Emily doesn’t win you over, the humour and/or the developing romance between the two leads will.
This is a story in which boy finds girl, boy loses girl, boy teams up with second girl to find first girl, boy realises there’s more to second girl than he initially noticed, and so on. Sparks fly, love finds a way, and everyone goes home happy.
You pretty much know how this film will play out before you sit down to watch, but you don’t care because it is so damn likeable. Finding Emily is one of those movies which is less about the destination and more about the journey, and there’s a lot of enjoyment to be had along the way.
Taking in various hot spots of Manchester (the Northern Quarter, Canal Street, Salford Precinct, St. Peter’s Square, etc), Finding Emily is also infused with Northern charm and Manc swagger. Manchester isn’t just any old place, it is a vibe, and seeing all of the city’s many facets and features on screen adds to the buzz and excitement of the story.
From the stacks of vinyl in Piccadilly Records, and the quick glimpse of the Vimto statue, to the nightlife in Via, and the sprawling hills of the Peak District, the wonders and diversity of Manchester are laid bare for all to see. The setting becomes part of the story and part of the romance, forming the perfect backdrop.
With a sweet narrative, fab performances, and one or two important emotional beats, Finding Emily is thoroughly good stuff. The film details the often bumpy road to love, and does so with a great deal of charm.
Should you wish to take a look, Finding Emily is now playing in UK cinemas. It arrives in the US in August.
__
In cinemas…
The Mandalorian and Grogu (2026)
And finally, sticking with the cinema for the other big release of the week, which is the eagerly awaited Star Wars movie, The Mandalorian and Grogu. Directed by Jon Favreau, and starring Pedro Pasca, Sigourney Weaver, and Jeremy Allen White, the film follows the titular pair as they embark on a rescue mission.
Picking up after the events of the third season of hit Disney+ show, The Mandalorian, this big screen spin-off sees Din Djarin and Grogu tasked with finding the mysterious warlord Janu Coin. But before they can do this, the duo must first track down Rotta the Hutt, who is being held in Coin’s fighting pit, where he is made to perform as a gladiator.
If you’re a fan of The Mandalorian television series you’ll need no introduction to this new movie. In essence this is a higher budget offering than what you get with an individual episode of the show, and it boasts a longer runtime to boot.
If, on the other hand, you’ve never watched an episode of The Mandalorian, then first and foremost you should, because it is an excellent and much-loved series about a bounty hunter and his Force sensitive adopted son/apprentice (who looks like a baby Yoda). From here, all you need to know is this new movie is a higher budget offering than what you get with an individual episode of the show, and it boasts a longer runtime to boot.
And herein lies the rub. For all its fun and technical wizardry, the big sticking point of The Mandalorian and Grogu is that it is just a bigger, longer episode of the series.
This isn’t necessarily a problem, and there’s still lots of enjoyment and escapism to be had in the movie, but this film is mostly just an expansive episode and not much more. For now, it essentially takes the place of a fourth season of the show, which was planned but then put on hold due to all the industry strikes which took place over the last few years.
When the strikes delayed production, Lusasfilm and Disney prioritised a movie instead. This is the result.
So, a big movie which is kind of like a big episode. It doesn’t necessarily need to exist, but it does.
Your interest level will pique or wane depending on how much you a.) love the show or b.) want to go out and watch something you usually view on Disney+ as part of your subscription fee. This movie will of course eventually end up back on Disney+, but Lucasfilm/Disney are hoping you’ll get serious FOMO in the meantime and need to see this one pronto to avoid spoilers.
Highlights of The Mandalorian and Grogu include a snowy battle with AT-ATs; an arena smackdown; and an explosive finale. Every time Grogu is on screen is also a highlight, and (not surprisingly) he steals every scene.
In fact, The Mandalorian and Grogu is at its best during the back-half of the film when Grogu takes centre stage. It’s here the film finally feels like it hits its stride when the little scamp is forced to take charge.
What’s less successful, and certainly not a highlight is the casting of Jeremy Allen White as the voice of Rotta the Hutt. It feels like poorly judged stunt casting at its worst.
But let’s not dwell on that. When The Mandalorian and Grogu works, it works well, and it’s certainly not bad.
I’m not convinced this feature-length adventure will draw in audiences outside of existing fans of the show, but maybe it’ll surprise at the box-office. Either way should you wish to catch The Mandalorian and Grogu on the big screen, the movie is now playing in UK and US cinemas.
—
Recent Releases
Not quite done yet? Want more movies? The above suggestions aren’t enough?! Well, here’s what’s also doing the rounds:
Obsession (2025)
“Obsession is a very effective, cautionary tale, and one which makes the most of its simple premise.”
Marty, Life is Short
“There’s no BS when it comes to (Martin) Short, just plenty of smiles and honesty. And it’s what makes this a rather special documentary.”
Remarkably Bright Creatures
“Due to its slower pace, Remarkably Bright Creatures won’t be for everyone, but for those looking for a heartfelt story, perhaps on a lazy Sunday afternoon, this film should see you right. Field’s performance is excellent, the tale being told is lovely, and the presentation is simply delightful.”
—
Movie of the Week
Onto Movie of the Week, which this week is awarded to Finding Emily. The summer blockbuster season is beginning to hot up with some major releases on the way, so take the opportunity to watch this delightful British comedy before you get distracted by spectacle.
And if you like Finding Emily you may be interested in these recent British rom-coms:
- Yesterday (2019) – Danny Boyle’s romantic comedy about a struggling singer who sees an opportunity when everyone in the world forgets The Beatles.
- Rye Lane (2023) – Raine Allen-Miller directs this rom-com about two strangers who have a chance encounter following recent breakups.
- Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy (2025) – Fourth entry in the Bridget Jones saga (and one of the best), which focuses on Bridget’s journey through love, grief, and parenthood.
—
Forthcoming attractions
And that’s your lot for another week, but coming soon Milly Alcock and Jason Momoa team up in Supergirl; Emily Blunt, Josh O’Connor, and Colin Firth star in Disclosure Day; and Anna Faris, Regina Hall, the Wayans Bros. and anybody else you can think of are back for Scary Movie. Plus He-Man, the most powerful man in the universe, faces off against Skeletor in Masters of the Universe; and Brett Goldstein and Jennifer Lopez embark on a spot of rumpy pumpy in the romantic comedy, Office Romance.
Alex
__
__
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.
It's A Stampede! 
Leave a comment