Hello and welcome to Movie Reviews 2026 – your ruddy marvellous guide to film.
This week’s edition of Movie Reviews 2026 is winging its way to you from a hospital bed. Don’t worry, this isn’t the abrupt end of this weekly jaunt into film (you can’t get rid of me that easily), we’re merely taking a slight detour to Ward 12 as I dish out reviews between a little bit of maintenance.
But enough about that, what’s on the agenda this week? Well, there’s animated antics courtesy of Forgotten Island; and supernatural shenanigans with Other Mommy.
Plus, Hollywood is raiding the toy box once again for inspiration. Speaking of which…
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Now streaming…
Matchbox: The Movie (2026)
Following in the footsteps of Barbie, Masters of the Universe, The Lego Movie, and Transformers, comes the latest feature film based on a popular toy line. The toy is Mattel’s hugely successful Matchbox cars, while the film is the appropriately titled, Matchbox: The Movie.
Directed by Sam Hargrave, Matchbox: The Movie stars John Cena, Jessica Biel, and Teyonah Parris. Conceived as an action comedy, the film follows the story of a group of old friends who get mixed up in some nuclear nonsense.
In the film, Cena plays the part of Sean Walker – a spy and former fan of Matchbox cars. Sean spends his days doing dodgy work for wads of cash, including delivering a nuclear weapon to a questionable client.
After receiving a call from his childhood pals regarding the death of an old friend, Sean temporarily steps away from his day job to return home. However, his catch-up with his pals is cut short when the group are drugged and kidnapped by the CIA.
It seems as if the Government has some doubt over Sean’s loyalties, and believes he and his friends stole the weapon for their own purposes. As such, in order to clear their names, the gang have to track down the nuke and actually steal it to prove their innocence.
OK, so Barbie was a great toy-based movie because it was imaginative and had plenty of things to say about feminism and Barbie dolls. Masters of the Universe was an enjoyable toy-based movie because it brought an action hero to life in a fun and entertaining way.
The Lego Movie worked because it was hilarious and exceptionally creative – reflecting the Lego brand. And Transformers proved to be a box office hit because it delivered transforming robots and huge scenes of spectacle, which audiences found very appealing.
Matchbox: The Movie does none of these things and does not sit comfortably alongside its peers because a.) it is nothing remarkable and b.) it’s a bit shit. Unlike the aforementioned films which worked, this one does not.
Matchbox: The Movie is not imaginative, it’s not enjoyable, it isn’t creative, and the scenes of spectacle are nothing special. As far as action comedies go it is generic, it’s painfully slow, and at two hours in length it’s way too long for the story it is telling.
But worst of all? The link to Matchbox cars is tenuous at best. Sean and his friends liked the toys when they were kids, and cars (and a chopper) are rammed into the plot during the final third of the film, but that’s about it.
The Matchbox cars aren’t integral to the story. This is just an action movie with some cars in it – just like most action movies.
In another universe, this could easily be Terry’s Chocolate Orange: The Movie. A film in which Sean just happened to ‘tap and unwrap’ a scrumptious sweet treat when he was a nipper, and then uses a Choccy Orange to disarm a nuclear weapon in the finale.
In fact, I’d much rather watch that film. The idea of seeing John Cena save the world with confectionary does sound somewhat appealing.
Anyway, my point is, if you’re looking to adapt a beloved toy line, at least make sure you build the film around said toy. If not, WHAT’S THE BLOODY POINT?!
But also, make the movie something worth watching. Make it original, exciting, and a must-see experience – not just something which looks and acts like it could have come out decades ago.
If I didn’t know this film was a new release for 2026 I’d just presume it was produced in the early 2000s. It’s the sort of actioner that would be lining the bargain bins at Woolies back in 2003.
In short: Not good.
I think it’s pretty clear I’m not a fan of Matchbox: The Movie. Sure, it may work for those after a couple of mindless stunts and a bit of a John Cena distraction, but it’s certainly not something to get excited about.
Heck, it’s not even something which is going to stick in the mind once the (incredibly long) end credits begin to roll. Matchbox: The Movie is instead just another lacklustre, uninspired streaming title to toss into the pile/catalogue/content stash.* (*Delete as applicable).
In fairness, Matchbox: The Movie is watchable if you view it as a bland action romp, and John Cena does what he can with the material he’s given, which in turn raises the star rating of this review ever so slightly, but ultimately this is a poorly written spy/heist movie and nothing more. If you’re a lifelong Matchbox fan you’re not going to feel particularly connected to it, and if you’re not a Matchbox fan, you’ll wonder what all the fuss is about.
Either way, for those who want to take a look, Matchbox: The Movie is now streaming on Apple TV.
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In cinemas…
Other Mommy (2026)
Sliding over to the cinema now for the supernatural horror, Other Mommy. Directed by Rob Savage, and starring Jessica Chastain, Jay Duplass, Arabella Olivia Clark, and Karen Allen, the film focuses on a family being stalked by a dangerous reality-altering entity.
In the film, seven-year-old Bella lives with her mother and father. To the outside world the trio appear to be an ordinary family, but appearances are deceptive.
Behind closed doors, Bella is being visited by a violent entity. Bella refers to the dark being as ‘Other Mommy’, because it resembles a creepy version of her mother.
‘Other Mommy’ can change form and bend reality, with its main goal to convince Bella to let it into her heart. Her parents tell her she must refuse, but with ‘Other Mommy’ getting increasingly violent, they may not be able to hold it off forever.
Based on Josh Malerman’s 2024 novel, Incidents Around the House, Other Mommy is an occasionally intriguing, yet ultimately underwhelming horror which has its moments but sadly falls short. The reason it doesn’t quite cut the mustard is because the story never feels fully developed and a great deal of the terror is built around jump scares rather than truly unsettling scenes.
Yes, those jump scares might catch audiences out, but once the initial fright fades it’s back to an undercooked tale. And a frustrating one too, because there is something here which feels like it could work, if only it had a bit more time or depth.
In fact, there are parts of Other Mommy which are strong. Jessica Chastain gives a solid performance as Bella’s mother; some of the visuals on display in the film are imaginative (especially a scene involving a ball pit and the sea); and a touch of marital disharmony bubbling in the background offers up plenty of potential.
So, Other Mommy isn’t without merit, nor is it the disaster that some may claim. But at the same time it isn’t what it could be either and this means it does come up short.
With more room to breathe, as well as a greater exploration of the entity, Other Mommy could be a solid horror. As it stands, it’s fine in places, less successful at other times, and the end result is a serviceable if disappointing mixed bag.
But will this matter to general audiences? Nah, probably not.
At this time of year, it’s going to do fine at the box office regardless, and if you’re just after a few frights, Other Mommy will probably do the trick. Just don’t expect all the treats.
Should you wish to take a look, Other Mommy is now playing in cinemas.
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In cinemas…
Forgotten Island (2026)
And finally, sticking with the cinema for this week’s final movie – the animated family fantasy, Forgotten Island. Written and directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, the movie features the voice talents of H.E.R., Liza Soberano, and Dave Franco, and focuses on two friends who are transported to a mythical island.
In the film, Filipino best friends Jo and Raissa have spent their childhood searching for Nakali – a forgotten island containing strange creatures. Despite what (almost) everyone tells them, the pair believe the island to be real and are confident that one day they will find it.
As the years go by, Jo and Raissa remain friends but Nakali seems to move further out of reach. And then as the pair graduate from high school, the dream of finding Nakali seems like it will fade forever, as Raissa prepares to travel to America to attend university.
However, on Raissa’s final night at home, the pair finally find a magical portal key which unlocks a pathway to Nakali. They use the key to visit the island, but lose all memory of what happened upon their arrival.
The next day, as they attempt to find a way home, they learn details about what they experienced the previous night. But will unlocking their memories unlock the way home?
With delightful animation, a healthy dose of comedy, and a heartfelt story about the importance of friendship, Forgotten Island is a lovely film packed with plenty of whimsy. It’s the sort of picture which will win over young audiences thanks to a collection of colourful characters and enchanting backdrops, but there’s plenty here for big kids too, including an all-important friendship which takes centre stage.
The friendship between Jo and Raissa is very much at the heart of this film, and it’s a relationship built on love and mutual admiration. During the course of the movie, the friendship is tested, but there’s an unbreakable, unshakable bond between the two which remains pretty strong and this is sure to hit home with older audiences who have maintained a close connection to their childhood best friend.
Those who grew up dreaming and imagining alongside their bestie are given the opportunity to revisit a simpler time in life. Meanwhile, those who are currently at the age where forging friendships is a new occurrence are offered the opportunity to understand what it’s like to have a pal by your side through thick and thin.
So, yep, friendship runs deep, but that’s not all. There’s a likeable soundtrack which features a plethora of ‘80s tunes, including Don’t Stop Believin’ and Never Tear Us Apart; there’s the aforementioned comedy, with plenty of gags to keep things light; and then there’s fab animation.
Forgotten Island showcases some great visuals, which really bring the mythical creatures to life. All of this is then topped by solid voice work from the central cast and a story which for the most part keeps moving along nicely.
A couple of dips in the pace do pop up here and there, but Forgotten Island is largely a lot of fun. It’s also a movie with strong lead characters and just the right sprinkling of magic.
Should you wish to take a look for yourself, Forgotten Island is now playing in UK cinemas. The movie was released in the US in late September, so should be still doing the rounds if you haven’t checked it out already.
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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:
Bad Apples (2025)
“All-in-all, this is a marvellous movie. Bad Apples not only shines a light on a problem impacting the education system, it also demonstrates that no problem is an island, and perhaps we all need to do a bit better.”
Verity (2026)
“Verity isn’t a bad film, more of a missed opportunity. Perhaps a little shorter, or little quicker, and it would be a stronger piece.”
Gator Face (2026)
“The skeleton of a decent slasher movie is on display, as are many of the other key ingredients, it just struggles to build on its premise.”
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Movie of the Week
Onto Movie of the Week and this time around the pick of the bunch is Forgotten Island. This animated adventure movie is ideal for all generations, and is a lot of fun too.
And if you want more animated escapism, then you may like these movies:
- KPop Demon Hunters (2025) – Musical adventure picture about three demon hunters who can also belt out some tunes.
- The Wild Robot (2024) – Delightful sci-fi film about a service robot who finds itself becoming the mother of an orphaned goose.
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2023) – Everyone’s favourite ninja quartet takes on a new criminal gang, while searching for acceptance from the citizens of New York in this excellent comic book romp.
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Forthcoming attractions
And that’s your lot for this week, but coming soon I Play Rocky, Ebenezer, Focker-in-Law, The Man with the Bag, and Ink. Plus, David Harbour reprises the role of Santa Claus for festive action sequel, Violent Night 2; Sam Rockwell and Scarlett Johansson team up for animated sci-fi mystery-adventure, Ray Gunn; and Earth’s mightiest heroes come together to face the diabolical Doctor Doom in the highly anticipated Avengers: Doomsday.
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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