Hello and welcome to Movie Reviews 2026 – your shapeshifting guide to film.
In this week’s edition of Movie Reviews 2026 there’s high-kicking, big screen action with Ken and Ryu in video game flick, Street Fighter; while survival thriller Whalefall, poses that age-old question: What do you do when you get swallowed by a whale? Erm… try not to die?!
Meanwhile, over on the small screen Ben Affleck directs, co-writes, acts, and probably makes the tea in political thriller, Animals. Plus, back on the big screen, Batman villain, Clayface becomes the star of his own movie in the comic book body horror of the same name.
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In cinemas…
Street Fighter (2026)
OK, first up this week it’s off to the cinema for the action-adventure movie, Street Fighter. Based on the video game series of the same name (with a specific focus on Street Fighter II), the movie revolves around two fighters who enter a tournament to battle a collection of skilled opponents.
In the movie, the year is 1993 and former friends Ken and Ryu are recruited by Chun-Li to compete in the ultimate fighting tournament. The contest is being held by dictator, M. Bison, who has plans to use the tournament to obtain Ryu’s fighting power for his own nefarious reasons.
From here, lots of punching and kicking takes place, various iconic Street Fighter characters are thrown at the screen (Blanka, Dhalsim, Vega, etc), and some form of a plot is held together with sticky tape. It’s loud, it’s annoying, and it’s possibly one of the worst movies of 2026.
Directed by Kitao Sakurai, and featuring a cast which includes Noah Centineo, Andrew Koji, Callina Liang, Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, Orville Peck, Jason Momoa, Curtis ‘50 Cent’ Jackson, and David Dastmalchian, Street Fighter is the third live-action movie to be based on the SF games in the past 32 years. The first arrived in 1994 and is probably best remembered for starring Jean-Claude Van Damme, Kylie Minogue, and the sorely missed Raul Julia, while the second arrived in 2009 under the title Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li, and featured Smallville’s Kristin Kreuk in the title role.
Neither film was particularly good, but at least the Van Damme offering had camp value and a marvellous turn from Julia. The Chun-Li film took itself way too seriously, was utter codswallop, and is best forgotten.
This latest Street Fighter movie falls somewhere in between the two and sadly isn’t better for it. Similar to the original, there is a lot of camp in here, but also a lot of nonsense, which results in a bizarre mishmash which is a.) tonally all over the place, and b.) not enjoyable to watch.
Oh, there are a some likeable performances here and there, with Cody Rhodes the standout star as Guile, David Dastmalchian doing what he can with M. Bison, and Eric André having a good time as Don Sauvage, but bloody hell, this is tosh. And annoying tosh too!
The story is so poor it feels like the script was jettisoned during filming and the finished picture cobbled together during the editing process. And heck, if this was actually the case, it would at least explain why at various points during the movie the live-action sequences make way for animated cut scenes, which are shoehorned into the story and seem to exist merely to fill in some gaps (and yes, I’m aware cut scenes are a gaming thing).
Incidentally, the animated sequences look great, but do nothing to sell the live-action. Their inclusion just feels odd, in an already odd movie, and it all just adds to the uneven nature of this film.
Sure, no one was expecting Street Fighter to be the Citizen Kane of video game adaptations, but surely it could be better than this? No?
Video game movies have shown significant improvements in recent years, with the likes of Resident Evil and the Sonic films leading the way when it comes to big screen entertainment. Heck, even the Mortal Kombat films have been passable (even if they haven’t quite tickled my pickle), and the recent-ish Tomb Raider wasn’t half bad, so it’s such a shame Street Fighter falls short.
At times it feels like a step back in the wrong direction. After previous attempts failed to make this property work on film it really felt like this one might succeed, but it’s difficult to fathom who will actually enjoy this movie outside of hardcore Street Fighter fans.
OK, so the fight choreography is there, the characters look game accurate, and the soundtrack is filled with plenty of ‘90s hits (you don’t see me complaining about that), but there’s no substance. It would actually be more fun to just play the game and listen to some old mixtapes then sit through this picture, so my advice is to just do that.
Street Fighter isn’t Double Dragon bad, but it’s not good either and watching is a frustrating experience. Should you wish to take a look, the movie is now playing in cinemas, but you could just fire up the Super Nintendo instead and it will be a much more productive use of your time.
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Now streaming…
Animals (2026)
Next up it’s over to streaming for the political thriller, Animals. Directed, co-written, and starring Ben Affleck, Animals focuses on a politician and his wife who experience their worst nightmare when their son is kidnapped.
In the movie, it’s Halloween and Mark and Abigail Kimball wave their son, Denny off trick or treating. A short while later they receive a call telling them Denny is being held hostage and unless a ransom is paid they will never see him again.
Scrambling to gather enough money to pay the ransom, hidden secrets begin to surface about Mark and Abigail. These secrets could destroy the family, as could the financial implications of acquiring cash so quickly, and then there’s the pesky problem of a missing kid.
With a cast that includes Kerry Washington, Steven Yeun, Gillian Anderson, and the aforementioned Affleck, it’s fair to say Animals has plenty of acting fire power up its sleeve for a decent thriller. And with a plot that feels like it could have been plucked from an episode of 24, it certainly has the bones of a decent story too.
Is it the most original movie? No. And does a second act plot twist seem all that surprising? Also no.
But what you get with Animals is a fairly engaging picture, with great performances, particularly from Affleck, Anderson, and Washington, plus a narrative which works for the most part. The pace does dip in the middle, which results in Animals beginning to run out of steam a little, but it’s never enough to completely derail things.
Don’t expect the Earth, just expect to be entertained for a couple of hours, and you’ll find Animals perfectly fine for what it is. It’s a ransom movie with political ramifications, and if this sort of thing sounds like it could be for you, then it probably is.
Should you wish to take a look, Animals is now streaming on Netflix.
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In cinemas…
Whalefall (2026)
Picture the scene: You’re diving in the ocean minding your own business, and then suddenly you’re swallowed up by a sperm whale. Now that would be a crappy way to spend your day, wouldn’t it?
Well, you don’t need to picture the scenario in your mind’s eye because this is the premise of Brian Duffield’s new survival thriller, Whalefall starring Austin Abrams. Based on the book of the same name by Daniel Kraus, Whalefall sees Jay Gardiner dragged into the belly of the beast, where he has about an hour to escape before he is crushed to death, suffocates, is dissolved by digestive acids, is attacked by other captive creatures, or all of the above.
Put simply, there are many ways for Jay to die, so he has to get a ruddy move on if he wants to escape a pretty crummy fate. But will he survive? Well, you’ll need to check out the movie for yourself to find out, but suffice to say it is tense stuff, and not something you see every day of the week.
Which is why Whalefall is quite successful at what it does. The movie takes a seemingly bonkers situation, finds a way to bring it to the big screen (using plenty of practical effects), and keeps the audience invested in Jay’s plight.
But the beauty of Whalefall is this isn’t just a one-note picture about getting in and out of a whale, there’s a touch more depth. Playing in the background is a story about a son who is mourning his lost father, and who is given the opportunity to revisit moments from his past (while trapped inside the whale) which could prove vital to his survival.
Throughout the film there are flashbacks to discussions between Jay and his deceased father, Mitt (Josh Brolin), which depict a somewhat fractious relationship. But these discussions become important to Jay’s journey and they bring extra context to who Jay is, how he viewed his father, and how grief and extreme circumstances can impact his mindset.
When Jay feels truly alone and is losing hope, the memories of his father keep him going. These scenes add an emotional charge to the drama, prove effective when placed alongside the scenes of survival, and make for a compelling watch.
Getting stuck in the tummy of a whale is not something anyone wants to experience, and is presumably the equivalent of getting stuck in a screening of Street Fighter – horrific. But watching Whalefall is far more agreeable, and something you may wish to do if you’re after a gripping survival picture.
The action is well handled, the scenes inside the whale are suitably claustrophobic, and the runtime never drags. Should you wish to dive into Whalefall, the movie is now playing in cinemas.
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In cinemas…
Clayface (2026)
And finally, sticking with the big screen for comic book body horror, Clayface. Directed by James Watkins and starring Tom Rhys Harries, Naomi Ackie, Rob Brydon, and Eddie Marsan, the movie is inspired by a Batman villain of the same name (there have been multiple Clayfaces in the comics), and tells the story of an actor who undergoes a monstrous transformation.
In the film, after being disfigured at the orders of a mob boss, actor Matt Hagen agrees to take part in an experimental procedure to restore his looks. However, while the treatment initially works, things soon take a significant downturn when he overdoses on the procedure.
Not only does this impact Hagen mentally, but physically too, transforming his body into clay. And as he gets used to his new way of life, he quickly develops a taste for revenge.
As noted above there have been many Clayfaces in the pages of DC Comics, including the likes of Basil Karlo, Preston Payne, and Sondra Fuller to name but three. Arguably the most recognisable Clayface is Matt Hagen, who featured in hit ‘90s show, Batman: The Animated Series.
In fact, Clayface co-writer, Mike Flanagan used elements of Hagen’s Animated Series origin when putting together the initial draft of this new film. As such, fans of the show will notice some familiarity at times – although this isn’t a direct adaptation.
Either way, you don’t need to know who Hagen or Clayface is to dive into this picture, because Clayfacetakes care of this for you. Similar to 2019’s Joker or 2004’s Catwoman, this is an origin tale which covers all the bases.
And thankfully for film fans, Clayface falls into the ‘good’ category of Joker, rather than the ‘bloody awful’ category of Catwoman. So, if you’re worried this DC movie seems to have come out of nowhere and could be the next Kraven the Hunter or Madame Web, fear not, Clayface is thoroughly engaging stuff.
Now, Clayface is a comic book movie, so there are certain moments which feel very comic book-y, but this is a horror too, so those who want a few squeamish scenes and a healthy dash of blood and gore are well served. There are a couple of moments which may have you wriggling in your seat – especially when viewing the direct aftermath of Hagen’s disfigurement – and you may want to look away during a rather tense airplane sequence.
But as I say, there’s plenty of comic book storytelling to go along with the body horror, so expect a plot filled with crime, revenge, and the usual things you find in Gotham. Well, not all the usual things.
Don’t expect the Caped Crusader to be part of Hagen’s story, as this isn’t a Batman movie. Batman isn’t even mentioned during the events of the film, because he’s really not needed for the story being told.
The great thing about Batman villains is they have interesting stories to tell which can exist without the Dark Knight. Clayface is one such story.
Tom Rhys Harries takes on the part of Matt Hagen in Clayface and is excellent in the role. Hagen experiences plenty of tragedy, and Harries conveys this well, but at the same time he’s able to demonstrate Hagen’s other attributes, including his vanity and his ego.
Clayface is a tale about a man becoming a monster, but it’s not a story in which the audience is supposed to feel completely sorry for its lead star. Like all good Bat-villains, Hagen is complicit in his own downfall and this is reflected on screen in his actions before his disfigurement, as well as his actions after.
What’s also reflected is Hagen’s shapeshifting abilities, as well as his putty-like skin. Clayface features a great deal of visual wizardry to showcase the extent of Hagen’s transformation and most of the effects look great.
Gotham also looks the business. Clayface was shot in the UK, in Stockport and Leavesden, as well as Liverpool, and the city streets and locations slot in nicely with the version of Gotham seen in 2022’s The Batman. Not that the two films are connected.
For those keeping track, Clayface is part of the same universe and continuity of the recent Supermanand Supergirl movies, rather than The Batman (yes, it can be a little confusing). Would you necessarily know this from watching? Nope, so for now it’s best not to worry about it.
And this is probably the strongest aspect of Clayface. This film feels very much a standalone tale, which can exist independently of other DC movies, regardless of which universe it takes place in.
It also feels like it doesn’t need a sequel. If this film only ever exists as a one-off, then fine, it probably should be.
What Clayface proves is that more Batman villains can and should be adapted for film. Give us a Scarecrow movie or a Ventriloquist picture, and maybe a ruddy Baby-Doll film – we’re ready for it!
Keep up the same standard we’ve previously seen with Joker or the recent Penguin TV series and we’re onto a winner.
If you’ve caught a trailer for Clayface or you’ve seen the poster and you’re curious, be sure to take a look. It’s not perfect, but it does work very well and it gets the tone and atmosphere down rather nicely.
The action and scenes of spectacle are enjoyable; the horror is suitably macabre; and the central casting, which includes Naomi Ackie as scientist Dr. Caitlyn Corr, is fab. There’s much to like here and it will no doubt do well in the run up to Halloween.
Should you wish to take a look, Clayface is playing in cinemas from Friday.
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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:
Forgotten Island (2026)
“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.”
Other Mommy (2026)
“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.”
Matchbox: The Movie (2026)
“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.”
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Movie of the Week
Onto Movie of the Week, which this week goes to Clayface. Batman villains are ripe for transforming into big (and small) screen entertainment and this body horror really hits the spot.
And if you’re a fan of Clayface you may also like:
- Feat of Clay (1992) – This two-part episode of celebrated television show, Batman: The Animated Series, details Matt Hagen’s transformation from disfigured actor to the malleable monster, Clayface.
- The Joker (2019) – Joaquin Phoenix delivers an Oscar-winning turn in this psychological thriller about a would-be stand-up comedian with mental health issues.
- The Penguin (2024) – Colin Farrell dons heavy prosthetics for this slick crime series about Oz ‘Penguin’ Cobb and his rise to power.
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Oh, the Horror!
Almost time to sign off for yet another week, but not before I remind you that Halloween is just around the corner. In fact, it’s mere days away!
Have you got a costume sorted yet? And have you lined up something spooky to watch over the Halloween weekend?
You haven’t?! Well, no sweat, because here I am with some inspiration.
If you’re stuck for ideas of what to watch (or even what to dress as), you may wish to cast your eye over 155 Best Horror Movies. This post includes all the major horror films you really should check out if you’re finding yourself short of ideas.
Until next time, keep it spooky!
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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