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: The Sheep Detectives (2026 Film) - Starring Hugh Jackman, Nicholas Braun, Nicholas Galitzine and Emma Thompson

The Sheep Detectives is a warm, clever family mystery that turns a simple village tragedy into an unexpectedly engaging whodunnit. With sheep taking on the role of amateur detectives, the film finds its charm in balancing gentle humour with a surprisingly well structured investigation. It builds a world that feels light on the surface but carries enough narrative weight to keep things interesting right through to the final reveal.

What lifts it most is the confidence in its storytelling and the way it treats its audience with respect, giving younger viewers something accessible while still offering enough detail for adults to stay invested. The main weakness is the running time, which stretches a little beyond what the youngest viewers may comfortably sit through, but it never fully loses its charm. Overall it stands out as a heartfelt and entertaining family film with real character and a satisfying mystery at its core.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2026/06/review-sheep-detectives-2026-film.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