REVIEW: Heart of the Beast (2026 Film) - Starring Brad Pitt

Heart of the Beast works best when it focuses on the relationship between James Belmont and his combat dog, Odin. Brad Pitt gives a convincing performance, while Odin feels like a genuine character rather than a sentimental prop. The spectacular Alaskan landscapes also give the film an impressive sense of isolation, and several of the survival sequences provide plenty of tension.

The film does have its weaknesses. The repeated war flashbacks become distracting, the CGI wildlife can look unconvincing, and the sheer number of injuries and dangers eventually pushes the story beyond credibility. Revealing Odin's survival early also reduces some of the suspense, while the more sentimental moments can feel overly obvious. Even so, the central relationship and impressive setting make Heart of the Beast a worthwhile survival thriller.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2026/09/review-heart-of-beast-2026-film.html

REVIEW: Run Hide Fight: Infidels (2026 Film) - Starring Jonathan Majors

Run Hide Fight: Infidels is a provocative and deliberately uncompromising action thriller that takes a terrorist attack on a US university and pushes the scenario to an extreme. The slow-burn opening eventually gives way to fast-paced action as students, a security guard and a former Delta Force soldier attempt to fight back against an ISIS cell trying to establish a caliphate. The political message is impossible to miss, and the film's blunt approach will divide audiences, but there is no denying that it tackles a subject rarely explored this directly in mainstream Hollywood action films.

The small budget does show at times, and the screenplay can be heavy-handed, particularly when characters are used to represent political viewpoints rather than being fully developed individuals. However, the action is entertaining, the tension builds effectively and Jonathan Majors gives a strong performance as Clay Saunders. Run Hide Fight: Infidels is not subtle, but it is intense, entertaining and willing to make its argument without backing away from it.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2026/09/review-run-hide-fight-infidels2026-film.html

REVIEW: Runner (2026 Film) - Starring Alan Ritchson and Owen Wilson

 

Runner pairs Alan Ritchson and Owen Wilson in a familiar buddy-action setup as a former soldier and an unlikely companion become targets of a Colombian cartel while trying to complete a vital medical delivery. The action is the main attraction, with vehicle chases, shootouts, explosions and plenty of close-quarters violence keeping the pace moving. Ritchson fits the role well, while Wilson provides most of the humour, and their contrasting personalities make the partnership enjoyable.

The story follows a well-worn formula, with personal tragedy, criminals, betrayal and a race against time all familiar territory. There are few genuine surprises, but the film's short running time prevents it from becoming tiresome. The emotional material gives Ritchson's character some extra depth, while the two leads are well matched throughout. Runner is generic and predictable, but it remains an enjoyable way to spend 90 minutes.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2026/09/review-runner-2026-film-starring-alan.html

REVIEW: Hope (2026 Film) - Stars Hwang Jung-min, Zo In-sung, Jung Ho-yeon, Taylor Russell, Cameron Britton, Alicia Vikander, and Michael Fassbender

Hope is a gloriously strange mixture of science fiction, horror, action and Korean comedy. Na Hong-jin takes his time revealing the creature, allowing the mystery to build for around 45 minutes before the film erupts into a series of increasingly chaotic attacks and chase sequences. The driving scenes are particularly impressive, with low camera angles giving the action a real sense of scale. There is also plenty of Korean humour, which works well alongside the violence and bizarre situations.

The main problem is the running time. At more than two and a half hours, Hope is simply too long, while some of the CGI is noticeably weaker than the rest and occasionally breaks the immersion. Even so, there is plenty to enjoy, particularly if you love action, chase scenes and strange-looking creatures and aliens. The cliffhanger also leaves the door open for a sequel, and I would certainly like to see one made with a bigger budget.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2026/09/review-hope-2026-film-stars-hwang-jung.html

REVIEW: Buddy (2026 film) - Starring Keegan-Michael Key

Buddy takes the familiar world of 1990s children's television and turns it into a strange, violent and surprisingly entertaining supernatural slasher. Casper Kelly's feature directorial debut benefits enormously from its meticulous recreation of the era, with colourful production design, original songs and practical effects helping to make It's Buddy! feel convincingly like a lost children's programme. The contrast between Buddy's relentlessly cheerful personality and the increasingly horrific events around him provides much of the film's dark humour, while Delaney Quinn, Cristin Milioti and Keegan-Michael Key all deliver strong performances.

The main weakness is that the premise struggles to sustain a full feature. Buddy has an excellent central idea, but the concept becomes repetitive and the film's later detours occasionally weaken its focus. The third act is less controlled, some of the commentary on children's media feels underdeveloped, and the film is ultimately not as disturbing as its premise might suggest. Even so, its distinctive world-building, surreal horror, nostalgia and willingness to embrace its bizarre concept make Buddy stand out. It is an original and well-made horror film that remains genuinely entertaining despite its flaws.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2026/08/review-buddy-2026-film-starring-keegan.html

REVIEW: Ladies First (2026 film) Starring Sacha Baron Cohen and Rosamund Pike

Ladies First follows Damien Sachs, a powerful advertising executive who finds himself pulled into a parallel world where women hold the dominant positions in business and society. In this new reality, he is stripped of his status and forced to experience the same dismissive treatment he once gave others, as roles across his company and personal life are completely reversed. He attempts to navigate this shift while trying to work out how to return to his original world and reclaim his position.

The story moves through repeated cycles of reversal and humiliation, before leading into a familiar redemption arc where Damien eventually returns to his original world and attempts to make amends. It feels 40 years too late in its concept, with the satire weakened by modern context, including the fact that women have already held top political office in the UK and the now exposed lie of a so called gender pay gap. The result is a strong idea stretched too thin, creating a predictable and uneven comedy.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2026/05/review-ladies-first-2026-film-starring.html