Hello and welcome to the latest edition of Movie Reviews 2026 – your sword-wielding, pec-flexing, Skeletor-fighting guide to film.
This week you join Movie Reviews 2026 as things begin to really hot up. Not only did the temperature recently reach 35° in the UK (that’s 95°F for all our American pals), which to us Brits is the equivalent of living in Satan’s ass crack, but the summer blockbuster season is really starting to turn up the heat.
There’s a sizzling new release this week in the shape of Masters of the Universe, which is sure to set the box office on fire. The fantasy adventure movie, based on the iconic toy line from Mattel, is tipped to be one of the big hits of the summer, and you can read all about it below.
Also in this jam-packed edition of Movie Reviews 2026 there are reviews for crime-thriller, Tuner; bonkers horror movie, Backrooms; and animated children’s adventure film, Charlie the Wonderdog. Plus, in celebration of its 30th anniversary, Doctor Who: The Movie is out on 4K disc!
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In cinemas…
Tuner (2025)
First up this week it’s off to the flicks for Daniel Roher’s crime thriller, Tuner. Starring Leo Woodall, Havana Rose Liu, Jean Reno, and Dustin Hoffman, the film follows the story of an apprentice piano tuner who turns to crime to pay off hospital bills.
In the film, Niki White is an apprentice piano tuner and gifted musician with hyperacusis. This condition impacts his hearing, but it has allowed him to develop a new skill: Safe cracking.
This skill comes in handy when he helps out a trio of thieves break into a safe at the home of a wealthy client. The boss of the gang then offers Niki a job, which he initially declines.
However, when Niki suddenly needs money to pay for some hospital bills, he finds himself caught up in a sticky situation. Should he accept the job offer to make the money woes go away or should he simply stick to piano tuning?
Slick, cool, and very likeable, Tuner is an excellent crime caper which blends thrills, spills, and a fair bit of romance. It’s top drawer entertainment which is backed by a solid lead performance from Leo Woodall, and expert direction from director and co-writer Daniel Roher.
From the moment the movie begins it’s clear audiences are in safe hands, with an engaging story, as well as a carefully crafted world for the events to take place in. This is delightful and satisfying stuff, which maintains its momentum throughout.
Sure, the story isn’t necessarily the most original, and once Niki takes a walk along a criminal path it’s fairly obvious where this is all headed, but the journey there is completely worth it. At times it’s warm and fuzzy, at other times things take a darker turn, but the narrative is perfectly balanced and the end result is music to the ears.
The aforementioned Woodall drives the story with a firm, reassuring performance which fits in well with the general vibe and atmosphere of the picture. Woodall’s profile is currently on the rise thanks to roles in films such as Cherry and Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, and with Tuner he takes an important stride forward.
Meanwhile, there is excellent support from Dustin Hoffman who pops up in a small role as Niki’s friend and boss, Harry. Hoffman’s screen time is considerably limited, yet he makes the most of every line of dialogue he has at his disposal, to ensure his presence is felt throughout the story.
When the two actors are on screen together there is an instant rapport. This demonstrates Woodall’s ability to gel effortlessly with his seasoned co-star, and Hoffman’s ability to bring the best out of young talent.
Placing these two in a well-constructed film, which has a great energy and a nicely simmering love story in the backdrop, proves to be a smart move for a smart picture. So to put things simply: Tuner is marvellous and you should check it out.
Seriously, what are you waiting for? Tuner is now playing in UK and US cinemas.
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In cinemas…
Charlie the Wonderdog (2025)
Sticking with the cinema for this next movie, the animated family film, Charlie the Wonderdog. Directed by Shea Wageman, and featuring the voice talents of Owen Wilson, Dawson Littman, and Ruairi MacDonald, the film tells the story of an aging dog who gets a new lease of life when he is given superpowers.
In the movie, a family of aliens abduct various Earth animals with the aim of turning one of them into a pet. However, when none of the animals prove suitable they are all returned to Earth, where they have now gained superpowers.
One of these animals is elderly dog, Charlie. Prior to his abduction, Charlie was slowing down considerably, but now he is more youthful, he can talk like a human, and he has fantastic abilities which include flight.
With super powers at his disposal, Charlie dons a costume and takes to the skies as Charlie the Wonderdog. However, next door’s cat, Puddy, has also been given powers and chooses to use them for nefarious means.
Remember when the superhero boom started to hit in the ‘00s, and we got movies such as The Incredibles (2004), Sky High (2005), Zoom (2006), and Bolt (2008)? Super-powered family films which weren’t based on popular Marvel or DC characters, but were able to take advantage of the world’s interest in films such as X-Men (2000) and Spider-Man (2002)?
Well, if Charlie the Wonderdog was to be grouped into a category, it would certainly be placed alongside the likes of Bolt and Co. as a general ‘00s superhero adventure picture which is aiming to connect with the popularity of super-movies. Only thing is, it has arrived about 20 years after everyone else has already done their thing.
As such, it seems less like Charlie the Wonderdog is jumping on the hype train and more like this film is extremely late to the station. So, a bit random? Yes.
Now that said, Charlie the Wonderdog is passable for young audiences who are simply seeking 90-minutes with a cut-price Krypto. Sure, it feels fairly cheap in places (this ain’t a Pixar film), and the story is very limited (this ain’t a Pixar film), but for dog-loving, superhero fans under the age of 12 this just about works.
Perhaps more importantly, it’s more watchable than last week’s woeful animated trash heap, Tom and Jerry: Forbidden Compass. So, if you’re taking the kids to the pictures and it’s a toss up between the cat and mouse, or the dog with a cape, Charlie the Wonderdog is the better option of the two (although, you could just swerve both films and rent the kids something good instead).
When Charlie the Wonderdog is at its best, it’s at the beginning and end of the movie, when the story focuses on the reality of Charlie getting old. It’s in these moments that the film hits upon some touching, emotional beats, which highlight the sad reality of owning a beloved pet.
Time moves far too quickly when you have a dog and this is brought home rather well on screen. For all its faults, Charlie the Wonderdog does at least get the message across.
Sadly, outside of these moments, the rest of the film is much less interesting or emotive. For the most part, the picture is just a generic superhero tale and nothing more.
Charlie performs some super-feats, there’s a villain, some aliens turn up, blah, blah, blah. There’s nothing here that hasn’t been seen a thousand times before on screen, and there’s certainly no originality.
Ultimately, there is a finite audience for Charlie the Wonderdog and as I say, it’s dog lovers under 12. Youngsters will appreciate the fluffy super-dog, teens and above won’t, so proceed accordingly.
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In cinemas…
Backrooms (2026)
Continuing with the cinema for this next offering, which is the twisted sci-fi horror, Backrooms. Directed by Kane Parsons, and starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Renate Reinsve, Mark Duplass, Finn Bennett, and Lukita Maxwell, the film follows the story of a furniture store owner who discovers a doorway to a hidden realm.
In the movie, Clark runs a struggling furniture business which is suffering with power problems. One night, while staying at the store, Clark stumbles upon a gateway to a strange space located behind a wall.
After passing through the wall, he finds himself in what appears to be an endless office made up of various empty rooms. However, this isn’t just an ordinary office, everything here is slightly off, almost as if it is a bizarre version of the real world.
Over the coming days, Clark passes back and forth through the wall as he attempts to explore this unusual realm. And as he does, Clark discovers how truly mysterious it is.
Based on Kane Parsons’ web series of the same name, which is in turn inspired by a Creepypasta, Backrooms is a strange and perplexing horror best described as truly weird. It’s the sort of horror film which some will love, others will find too unusual for their tastes, and both responses are perfectly valid.
So, if you like horror films that wish to tickle the senses and give your brain a work out, this is for you. If you don’t, then back out now – no one will blame you.
However, if you do dig the unusual and you are craving something off the wall, then head to the cinema and fill your boots. Backrooms rewards those seeking something out of the ordinary.
You’ll get some creepy visuals, an uncomfortable atmosphere, and lots to mull over post-screening. Backrooms doesn’t look to offer answers all the time, it wants to get in your head, and along the way you’ll be served up an excellent performance from Chiwetel Ejiofor as Clark, as well as a topsy-turvy set design which is suitably unsettling.
The strength of Backrooms is in the atmosphere and presentation. There are some striking visuals, including a couple of moments which look truly terrifying, yet the minimalist approach is also a big factor.
The movie plays around with open space, as well as with light and shadows, and there’s some ‘90s fuzzy camera work too, which helps to crank up the fear factor. It all comes together rather well and the engagement level is high, even if a great deal of the runtime is spent scratching the ol’ noggin, wondering what the heck is going on.
Anyway, Backrooms is as mad as a box of frogs, and occasionally a bit like that Treehouse of Horror episode of The Simpsons where Homer gets lost in 3D, but it’s marvellous nonetheless. Should you wish to take a look, Backrooms is now playing in UK and US cinemas.
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On disc…
Doctor Who: The Movie (1996)
Over to physical media now for the 4K release of Doctor Who: The Movie. Directed by Geoffrey Sax, and originally aired on television back in 1996, this TV movie is out on 4K UHD, as well as Blu-ray, to mark the film’s 30th anniversary.
Newly restored from the original 35mm film elements, this release of Doctor Who: The Movie aims to bring the classic ‘90s adventure back to life like never before, and will no doubt be a must-buy for fans of the popular and long-running series. And as a reminder to non-fans, this is the film which introduces Paul McGann as the eighth Doctor.
McGann is joined on screen by Daphne Ashbrook, Yee Jee Tso, and Eric Roberts. Sylvester McCoy also appears in the film, reprising the role of the seventh doctor, before handing over the baton.
As for the story, the Doctor is on his way to his home planet of Gallifrey with the remains of his old enemy, the Master. Along the way, what’s left of the Master escapes confinement and sabotages the TARDIS, causing the Doctor to land on Earth (San Francisco to be more exact) on December 30th 1999.
From here, the Doctor undergoes a transformation, the Master takes on a new body, and Earth faces destruction on New Year’s Eve. Some fun hijinks take place along the way, and audiences (more specifically newcomers) are provided with a few background details about who the Doctor is.
This TV movie was originally conceived as a way to revive Doctor Who, following suspension of the original show back in 1989, so has an eye firmly on greeting newbies. At the time of its inception, the movie was also interested in attracting US audiences, so it is arguably more polished in appearance than the series that spawned it, because Americans would expect no less.
As for its success rate, well, despite being a ratings winner in the UK, Doctor Who: The Movie didn’t quite grab the same level of interest the other side of the pond. However, it is an enjoyable slice of Who, with a terrific performance from McGann.
Perhaps more importantly these days, it acts as a rather effective stepping stone between the original series and the successful revival which came in 2005. There is a distinction between the show that began in the 1960s and the one that started up again in the 2000s, and Doctor Who: The Movie nestles in quite nicely as a branch between the two.
The disc release of Doctor Who: The Movie includes both the uncensored UK cut of the movie, as well as the original US broadcast. Additional features include featurettes, two audio commentaries, a making of documentary, production information, behind the scenes footage, Paul McGann’s audition tape, and more.
Should you wish to pick up a copy, the 4K UHD disc is priced around £25, while the Blu-ray retails for around £15. Both are available from all good entertainment stockists.
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In cinemas…
Masters of the Universe (2026)
And finally, back to the cinema for the highly anticipated release of action-fantasy, Masters of the Universe. Directed by Travis Knight, based on Mattel’s toyline of the same name, and starring Nicholas Galitzine, Camila Mendes, Idris Elba, Alison Brie, Kristen Wiig, and Jared Leto, the film follows the story of a lost prince destined to become the most powerful man in the universe.
In the movie, Adam Glenn has been living on Earth for the past 15 years, having been sent here from his home world of Eternia to escape the threat of the evil sorcerer, Skeletor. After finding his way back home, Adam discovers Eternia is now under Skeletor’s rule with his friends and family enslaved.
In order to reclaim what has been lost, Adam must embrace his destiny and become the hero he was always meant to be. Step aside Adam, and step forward He-Man.
Those with good memories (and by now, probably crippling back pain) will recall how incredibly popular Masters of the Universe was during the 1980s. There was a time when He-Man and Skeletor not only dominated the toy shelves with a collection of whacky action figures, but they also ruled the TV schedules with a hit animated series.
In fact, the popularity of the Masters brand during the ‘80s led to a great deal of He-Man paraphernalia, from comics and games, to play-tents and bubble bath. It also gave birth to two feature films, one animated (featuring She-Ra no less) and one live-action.
Since then, Masters of the Universe has come and gone, come and gone, and come and gone again. Along the way there has been new cartoons, new action figures, new comics, and plenty of new fans.
Oh, sure, within this time Masters of the Universe has never quite reached the same heights of popularity as it did 40-odd years ago, but it has always been around in some shape or another. There’s simply something about He-Man that appeals (it’s not just the muscles and furry go-go boots), and that’s why Masters of the Universe has gone the distance.
But amongst the many reboots, re-imaginings, and revivals, there is one thing fans have been calling out for again and again – a new movie! And not just any movie; one which can capture the spirit, imagination, and sheer ruddy epic-ness of the property AND the original cartoon.
A movie that doesn’t shy away from the quirky or downright silly aspects of the Masters brand. One that will happily include characters such as Fisto and Ram Man, alongside a guy with a talking tiger and a magic sword.
And do you know what? With 2026’s Masters of the Universe director Travis Knight has only gone and delivered it.
Fisto, Ram Man, Cringer, Mekaneck, and Trap Jaw are all here – the whole bloody lot of ‘em! Well, maybe not the whole lot, there are a couple of notable Masters characters who are absent (presumably being saved for the sequel), but either way, this is a Masters of the Universe movie which doesn’t shy away from the heroes, the villains, the mythology, and the absurdity.
If you’ve been around since the beginning, and you grew up on the ‘80s ‘toon you will be more than happy with what’s on offer in this new movie. And if you’re a complete newbie, who has no clue what Masters of the Universe is, then grab some popcorn and buckle up for a bloody bonkers summer blockbuster.
Masters of the Universe is a film which doesn’t take itself too seriously, is loaded with action and spectacle, and has a marvellous lead in Nicholas Galitzine. As Prince Adam, Galitzine is the way in to this bizarre realm of mechanics and mysticism, and he is perfectly cast.
And speaking of casting, Jared Leto is on great form as Skeletor. If you didn’t know it was Leto in the role, there’s nothing here that would clue you up.
Leto’s performances in recent years (Joker, Morbius, Paolo Gucci) have come under fire for being odd or frankly quite shit, yet as Skeletor he nails it. He leans into the theatrics and complete pantomime of being He-Man’s greatest nemesis and is easily one of the highlights of the picture.
Other highlights include Idris Elba’s Man-At-Arms; Camila Mendes’ Teela; and the absolute joy of seeing so many colourful characters appear on screen. Chuck in a rousing score by Daniel Pemberton (with a little help from Queen’s Brian May); Adam’s epic transformation into He-Man; and a bone shattering final battle, and Masters of the Universe is an absolute blast.
There are also plenty of in-jokes; a couple of fan-pleasing credit scenes; and a door left firmly open for more. And hopefully we’ll get more, because Masters of the Universe is excellent fantasy fulfilment at its best.
Masters of the Universe could have easily been a complete cluster of crap, or a missed opportunity to bring some classics heroes and villains to life on the big screen, but thankfully it’s neither. Instead it’s pure escapism on a grand scale.
It’s Star Wars meets Lord of the Rings, meets Flash Gordon. Or perhaps to put it more simply, it’s Masters of the Universe as it has always been.
Some elements are updated, some aspects are explained, but at its core, Masters of the Universe just maintains the essence of what made it magical in the first place. It’s good vs evil – and that’s all it needs to be.
As Teela makes clear to Adam midway through the film, there doesn’t always need to be an explanation for everything. You can tell Skeletor is evil because he has a skull for a face, and you can tell Masters of the Universe is marvellous because the entertainment level never drops for over two hours.
So, grab the kids, get yourself to the flicks, and stick around during the credits to truly get lost in the magic. This is big summer fun!
Now, give us ThunderCats, you cowards!
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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:
Passenger (2026)
“This isn’t a horror which reinvents the steering wheel, but it is one which knows the type of movie it’s aiming to be, leans in accordingly, and doesn’t outstay its welcome.”
The Mandalorian and Grogu (2026)
“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.”
Finding Emily (2026)
“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.”
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Movie(s) of the Week
Over to Movie(s) of the Week now, which this week is being awarded to two movies: Tuner and Masters of the Universe. The first is thoroughly engrossing, while the second is big, bold, and brilliant fun.
If you like Tuner you might also like:
- Baby Driver (2017) – Edgar Wright’s highly entertaining action film about a getaway driver looking for a way out of his life of crime.
- Caught Stealing (2025) – Darren Aronofsky directs this black comedy crime thriller about a bartender who finds himself mixed up with criminal activity.
- Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy (2025) – Tuner star Leo Woodall appears alongside Renée Zellweger in this likeable entry in the long-running rom-com series.
And if you like Masters of the Universe you might also like:
- Masters of the Universe (1987) – Dolph Lundgren and Frank Langella star in this live-action ‘80s romp which sees He-Man and Skeletor head to Earth in a battle for Eternia and beyond.
- Bumblebee (2018) – Masters of the Universe director Travis Knight calls the shots on this ‘80s-set entry in the Transformers movie series.
- Barbie (2023) – Greta Gerwig takes Mattel’s iconic doll to the big screen, with Margot Robbie on fine form as the titular toy.
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Forthcoming attractions
And that’s your lot for yet another week, but coming soon Supergirl, Toy Story 5, Disclosure Day, The Death of Robin Hood, Jackass: Best and Last, and Enola Holmes 3. Plus, the Rock returns for Disney’s live-action remake of Moana; French filmmaker Sébastien Vaniček calls the shots on Evil Dead Burn; and Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, and half of Hollywood are amongst the cast of Christopher Nolan’s epic fantasy, The Odyssey.
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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