Evil's Return

source : moviefone.com

Synopsis:

"Evil's Return" (2026) is an 83-minute mystery thriller film directed by Zhao Cong. 

Set in the late Tang Dynasty, Wu Ling refuses to believe his sister, Wu Shuang, has become an evil spirit. Using a forbidden resurrection technique, Wu Ling revives his sister and plans to uncover the true culprit and restore justice.

This film stars: Han Dong, Zhao Daixi, Dou Guiyu, Song Haijie and more.

In my opinion:

This is my first review for a Chinese film, and I'm thoroughly impressed. The tension builds from the start. With no unnecessary, chaos introduced early on, serving as clues to follow the story. I've watched some modern Chinese films before, and honestly, I wasn't impressed. But lately, their quality has been improving. I admit, this is one of the best Chinese films I've seen.

He Killed My Sister

source: tv.lk21.com

Synopsis:

"He Killed My Sister" (2026) is a 73-minute thriller film directed by Shannon Washington. The story follows Malorie, who seeks the truth behind her sister Monica's disappearance. 

Malorie investigates the disappearance of her sister Monica and discovers clues that point to Monica's husband, a presidential candidate. With the help of her friend, Malorie is convinced that she knows who the culprit is. However, when she meets Tyreek, his motives aren't as pure as she thought.

This film stars: Leilani Barnett, Christopher Slap Davis, Draya Michele, Tom Vera and more.

In my opinion:

When I saw the poster, I expected a brutal action film about a woman seeking justice for her murdered sister. But nope... what a disappointment. The plot is messy, dialogues are stiff, and the acting is crumbly - it's like a soap opera quality.

I felt like the film wasn't shot with a professional camera, maybe a high-res regular camera or even an iPhone (just my feeling). Using a drone isn't a bad idea, but it's poorly executed. And (hope I be wrong), it seems like AI was involved in making this film.

Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart

source : thestreamable.com

Synopsis:

"Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart" (2026) is a documentary directed by Benedict Sanderson. It tells the true story of the kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart, a 14-year-old girl who was abducted from her bedroom in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 2002.

The documentary features exclusive interviews with Elizabeth herself, her family, and investigators, as well as previously unseen archives. The documentary not only reveals the chronology of the kidnapping but also the psychological and emotional impact on Elizabeth and her family. Elizabeth was kidnapped by Brian David Mitchell (a.k.a Emmanuel) and Wanda Barzee (a.k.a Hepzibah), who abused and raped her for 9 months. The documentary also highlights the community and family's struggle to uncover the truth.

Critics' reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with a 91-minute runtime, deeming it one of the best true crime documentaries on Netflix.

In my opinion:

I'm truly stunned by this documentary. I can't believe a crime like this happened, where the victim was abducted from her own bedroom. The documentary is presented excellently, with a clear narrative from start to finish.

The Big Fake (Il Falsario)

source : movies.fandom.com

Synopsis:

"The Big Fake" or "Il Falsario" (2026) is a crime drama film directed by Stefano Lodovichi, telling the story of a young artist who becomes a forger of famous artworks in Italy in the 1970s. The film is inspired by a true story that explores crime and corruption in Italy.

It follows Toni Chichiarelli, a painter, who comes to Rome with two friends to pursue his dream of becoming a famous artist. However, he discovers his talent for forgery and is exploited by organized crime groups. He becomes involved in the kidnapping of an Italian politician and must use his skills to help the group.

The film is available on Netflix and has received positive reviews from critics.

This film stars: Pietro Castellitto, Giulia Michelini, Andrea Arcangeli, Edoardo Pesce, Aurora Giovinazzo and more.

In my opinion:

Oke, It is based on the book "Il Falsario Di Stato" by Nicola Biondo and Massimo Veneziani. From what I've gathered, the film tells the true story of Toni Chichiarelli, a talented artist from the 1970s.The film's classic mafia setting is reminiscent of old Italy, and it's really great. The story is full of intrigue. Initially, I thought it was a story about three friends - an artist, a priest, and a worker - chasing their dreams in Rome. But each of them has their own fascinating story and fate.

He's Watching You

source: aceshowbiz.com

Synopsis:

"He's Watching You" (2026) is a horror thriller directed by Jordon Foss, with a runtime of 1 hour 42 minutes and an R rating. The film premiered on January 23, 2026.

The story follows Cameron, a teenager living in the small town named Page Hollow, whose normal life is disrupted by a series of brutal murders. Cameron discovers a mysterious VHS tape collection that may hold clues to the killer's identity.

This film stars: Jan Luis Castellanos, Tiana Lee, Elizabeth Yu, Vanessa Rubio and more.

In my opinion:

Another psychological thriller. I like unique and light thriller films, but this one again makes me think, "What's the story about?".  By the way, the title of the film appears at 34:25.

The Pill. Maybe I don't know, but I think this film is trying to create a new urban legend. I like the concept, "If you behave badly, then you need the medicine." The Pill is depicted as a figure with a red coat and a twisted mask. Then hunts down people who behave badly and kills them. Cool, I think.

Greenland 2: Migration

source : themoviedb.org

Synopsis:

"Greenland 2: Migration" (2026), is a post-apocalyptic survival thriller film directed by Ric Roman Waugh. The movie is a sequel to "Greenland" (2020) and continues the story of the Garrity family, who are forced to leave their bunker in Greenland after the Clarke comet devastates the Earth.

The family, consisting of John, Allison, and their son Nathan, embarks on a perilous journey to find a new, safer haven called The Crater. Along the way, they face numerous threats, including radiation, storms, and deranged survivors.

The film has a runtime of approximately 1 hour and 38 minutes, with a PG-13 rating due to violence and mature themes. Reviews are positive, praising it as a dramatic thriller.

This film stars: Gerard Butler, Morena Baccarin, Roman Griffin Davis, Amber Rose Revah and more.

In my opinion:

I've been a fan since the first film. Gerard Butler and Morena Baccarin's acting is unquestionable – they're truly exceptional and deserve their A-list status. This sequel is fantastic, taking me on an emotional rollercoaster as the Garrity family navigates safe and perilous situations. John's struggle to reach The Crater, humanity's last hope, is remarkable.

From the Ashes: The Pit

source : nyafilm18.com

Synopsis:

"From the Ashes: The Pit" (2026) is a film directed by Abdullah Bamajboor. The story revolves around three schoolgirls who fall into a pit during a storm and are trapped.

The narrative focuses on their struggle to survive and overcome their internal conflicts. The film emphasizes psychological and emotional aspects over excessive action or tension.

Reviews are mixed, with some praising the actors' authentic and original performances, while others find the film lacking in surprises and somewhat slow-paced.

The film is available on Netflix, with a runtime of 88 minutes.

This film stars: Adwa Fahad, Aisha Al Rifaie, Wafa Wafi, Aseel Morya, Aseel Seraj and more.

In my opinion:

I've watched the first "From the Ashes" and loved it. That film, based on a true story, had a frustrating twist at the end. This sequel still focusing on Mona, Masha'el, and Hiba. Also with Mrs. Siham (Yeah, for those who've watched the first one, you probably know what this woman did).

Cheekati Lo

source : imdb.com

Synopsis:

"Cheekati Lo" (2026) is an Indian crime thriller film directed by Sharan Koppisetty and produced by Suresh Babu under Suresh Productions and Metro Goldwyn Mayer (MGM). The film is available on Amazon Prime Video since January 23, 2026.

The story follows Sandhya, a woman determined to uncover the truth behind a serial rape and murder case. With its stunning visuals and typical Indian music, the film seems appealing to fans of crime thrillers.

This film stars: Sobhita Dhulipala, Esha Chawla, Pradeep Kondhiparthi, Jhansi Lakshmi, Aamani and more

In my opinion:

This is my first review on this blog about an Indian film, specifically from South India, as it's in Telugu. The film has been dubbed in Hindi, the more common language. I'm surprised that MGM is involved in this project, which raises my expectations, right? Interestingly, my previous article discussed a real-life crime case in Telangana, India ("Silent Screams: The Lost Girl of Telangana").

Cosmic Princess Kaguya

source : reviewphim.blog

Synopsis:

"Cosmic Princess Kaguya" (2026) is a romantic anime film streaming on Netflix, adapted from the Japanese folklore "The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter". Directed by Shingo Yamashita, the anime tells the story of Iroha, a high school student living alone and working part-time to support herself. 

One night, she discovers a mysterious baby inside a telephone pole, who turns out to be Kaguya, a princess from the moon. Kaguya grows up quickly, and together they become streamers in a virtual world called Tsukuyomi, where Kaguya seeks to make her life meaningful and find her true self. However, Kaguya must face her fate to return to the moon.

Despite its beautiful visuals and music, some reviews mention that the plot is somewhat confusing and the ending feels rushed.

In my opinion:

Have you heard the Japanese folklore about Princess Kaguya? Okay, so here's the gist:

Princess Kaguya is found inside a bamboo tree by an old bamboo cutter. He and his wife raise Kaguya, and many suitors, including an emperor, seek her hand in marriage.In the end, Kaguya is taken back by the moon people, and the elderly couple is heartbroken. That's it.

A Melbourne Match

source : instagram.com

Synopsis:

"A Melbourne Match" (2026), written by Mallory Jansen and directed by Colin Budds, is a romantic film that aired on Hallmark Channel. The film tells the story of Georgie, a travel writer who is sent to Melbourne for an assignment. There, she meets Zach, a former Australian football player who becomes her tour guide and shows her the beauty of Melbourne.

Initially, Georgie is only there for work, and Zach helps her out. However, as time passes, they start to develop feelings for each other. Georgie doesn't know that Zach is a celebrity, and despite the obstacles they face, they eventually find love.

The film stars Mallory Jansen as Georgie and Ryan Corr as Zach. Reviews for the film are quite positive, with some critics calling it a "fun journey" and "romantic".

This film stars, Mallory Jansen, Ryan Corr, Christopher Kirby, Jessica Clarke and more.

In my opinion:

This is another great romantic comedy film. I love the story, the background music in some scenes, and the simple yet spot-on dialogues that made me feel happy and warm. I'm particularly fond of Ryan Corr's Australian accent - it's truly unique and pleasant to listen to.

Lost in Paradise

source : girlsgonehallmark.com

Synopsis:

"Lost in Paradise" (2026) is a comedy romantic film directed by Dustin Rikert, telling the story of Sophia, the founder of a high-end fashion company, who is stranded on a deserted island with Max, a talented chef, after their plane crashes.  

They must survive and face challenges on the island, including finding food, shelter, and security. However, as time passes, they begin to develop romantic feelings for each other. The chemistry between Lacey Chabert (Sophia) and Ian Harding (Max) makes the film very funny and engaging.

Reviews for the film are quite positive, with some critics calling it a "fun tropical adventure" and "romantic". However, some viewers feel that the plot is somewhat unrealistic.

This film stars: Lacey Chabert, Ian Harding, James Trevena, Sean Miguel Perez, Lauren Gibson and more.

In my opinion:

Oh my! I love this film. It's a light and entertaining romantic comedy drama with witty dialogue that had me chuckling. The cast is given unique characters, like Julian who's trying to be optimistic and helpful, Lance who's brutally honest, Miranda who's only concerned with the company's interests and don't forget Gianni the dog.

One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5

source : mureks.co.id

Synopsis:

"One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5" is a captivating documentary that delves into the creation of the final season of Stranger Things. The documentary features interviews with the creators, actors, and production team, as well as behind-the-scenes footage.

Some interesting aspects revealed in the documentary include :

- The Writing Process: The Duffer Brothers began filming without a final script, and there were debates about Eleven's fate.

- Set Design: The final battle set was redesigned due to time and budget constraints.

- Visual Effects: The production team utilized practical effects and CGI to create terrifying monsters and environments.

- Behind-the-Scenes Stories: The documentary showcases emotional and humorous moments from the filming process.

The documentary offers a fascinating insight into the making of Stranger Things and how the creators and actors collaborated to craft an unforgettable experience.

Kill Tony: Once Upon a Time in Texas

source : justwatch.com

Synopsis:

"Kill Tony: Once Upon a Time in Texas" (2026) is a stand-up comedy show aired on Netflix, starring Tony Hinchcliffe and other comedian panelists. 

The show has a 4.1/10 rating on IMDb and mixed reviews from critics and audiences. Some critics praised Tony Hinchcliffe's performance but felt the show was too crude and lacked clever humor. Meanwhile, some viewers found the show funny and engaging, while others felt it was too crude and didn't suit their taste

In my opinion: 

Oh, I love stand-up comedy shows. This show, hosted by Tony Hinchcliffe, features many great comedians. Starting with legends like Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias, Roseanne Barr, Rob Schneider, Carrot Top, James McCann, JoeDeRosa, and Timmy no Brakes.

The Rip

source : cityonfire.com

Synopsis:

"The Rip" (2026), directed by Joe Carnahan and starring Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. The story begins with the discovery of $20 million in cash by a Miami police team led by Lieutenant Dane Dumars (Matt Damon). However, this discovery sparks internal conflict among the team members and makes them question who can be trusted.

Reviews of the film are mixed, with some critics praising the acting of Damon and Affleck, and their chemistry. However, some critics feel that the plot is too slow and less engaging.

Overall, "The Rip" is a tense and engaging thriller with strong acting and an intriguing plot. However, it may not be the best choice for those seeking a fast-paced and intense action film.

This film stars, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Sasha Calle, Steve Yeun, Scott Adkins and more.

In my opinion:

Finally, I've got a film with Triple A-class actors. Ben Affleck and Matt Damon are the perfect choices for this film. Damon's and Affleck's charisma are still there, strong and authoritative. I'd love with this story, and for your information, it's inspired by a true story.

Killer Whale

source : fromthefourthrow.com

Synopsis:

"Killer Whale" (2026) directed by Jo-Anne Brechin, tells the story of two friends, Maddie (Virginia Gardner) and Trish (Mel Jarnson), who are trapped in a remote lagoon with a vengeful killer whale named Ceto.

Maddie, a cello player grieving the loss of her boyfriend, is taken by Trish to Thailand for a vacation. They visit a water park featuring Ceto, a captured and abused killer whale. After a night of fun, they become trapped in the lagoon with Ceto, who has a grudge against humans.

Reviews of the film are mixed, with some critics praising the acting and cinematography, while others find the plot unengaging and slow-paced. Some critics also note that the film has a strong theme about animal captivity and human treatment of nature. This is a survival thriller film with potential, but it's not well-explored. The film has a few tense moments and it also has weaknesses, such as poor CGI and a too-familiar plot.

This film stars: Virginia Gardner, Mel Jarnson, Mitchell Hope and more.

In my opinion:

Honestly, I was drawn in by the cover. The title "Killer Whale" had me thinking, GOD I'd love a thriller like this. But... I was disappointed by what was shown. Ceto, the killer whale, doesn't get enough screen time. For me, the film focuses too much on the drama between Maddie and Trish. If the whale could talk, it'd say, "Hey, this is about me, right?"

The Confession

source : movieinsider.com

Synopsis:

"The Confession" (2025) directed by Will Cannon, tells the story of Naomi, a musician who has just lost her husband and returns to her childhood home. There, she finds a cassette recording where her father, Arthur Riley, confesses to having killed Royce Cobb to protect the townspeople and especially the children from an unknown evil force.

The film explores themes of grief, family legacy, and morality, with Naomi trying to understand the truth behind her father's confession and protect her son from the threatening evil force.

Reviews of the film are mixed, with some critics praising the acting and cinematography, while others feel that the plot is too slow and unengaging. However, overall, the film is considered worth watching, especially for horror fans.

This film starts: Italia Ricci, Zachary Golinger, Scott Mechlowicz, Terence Rosemore and more.

In my opinion: 

I was initially confused and tried to guess what was happening in the film. What evil force is targeting? A riddle that lead a connection to rats?

Death Name

source : torrenti.si

Synopsis:

"Death Name" (2026), directed by Réi Talas, tells the story of Sophie Park, a young Korean-American woman who wants to learn more about her cultural heritage. 

However, exploring her identity awakens a deadly family curse.The story is inspired by Korean folklore and explores themes of identity, assimilation, and the burden of family history. The film follows Sophie's struggle to escape her past, haunted by a ghost named Gwisin.

Reviews of the film are mixed, with some calling it a solid work with strong acting and beautiful cinematography, while others find the pacing to be somewhat slow and unengaging. However, overall, the film is considered worth watching, especially for horror fans.

This film stars: Amy Keum, Kevin Woo, Vana Kim, Eliza Shin, Joseph Lim Kim, Alice Bang and more.

In my opinion: 

As I said in my previous article, when you mention a film from South Korea, I think of a film with great dialogue. But I'm confused, is this an American or South Korean film (haha..), so I just put labels on both. I got swept up in the atmosphere during Sophie and Jun's conversations, almost forgetting it's a horror film, not a romantic drama.

Ang Lihim Ni Maria Makinang

source : radar.ph

Synopsis:

"Ang Lihim ni Maria Makinang" (2026) when translated is The Secret of Maria Makinang, tells the story of Maria, a girl who only appears during a full moon. One day, she saves a boy named Danilo and nurses his wounds. As time passes, Maria falls in love with Danilo. However, their love is tested by time, as decades have passed for Danilo, but for Maria, it's only been a moment.

The film is directed by Gian Arre and stars Aiko Garcia and Gold Aceron. The story is inspired by the legend of Maria Makiling and explores themes of love, loss, and the burden of time.

Reviews of the film are mixed, with some calling it a masterpiece with strong acting and beautiful cinematography, while others find the pacing to be somewhat slow and unengaging

This film stars: Aiko Garcia, Gold Aceron, Micaella Raz, Christy Imperial and more.

In my opinion: 

Before I give my opinion, I want to express my thoughts about the film and which country it comes from.

If you mention Thailand, I will think of fresh comedy films and very scary horror movies. If you mention South Korea, I will think of super romantic dramas, fresh comedies, and touching lines. If you mention India, I will think of energetic dances and romantic stories, but their action films are a bit... weird. And, if you mention the Philippines, I will think of erotic dramas. Haha..

The Internship

source: tv.lk21.com

Synopsis:

"The Internship" (2026), wait a minute, it's not related to the 2013 comedy film starring Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson, but this movie is an new R-rated action film. Directed by James Bamford, The Internship was digitally released on January 13, 2026, and features many talented young actors

The movie tells the story of a girl with the code name Catalyst, a hitman raised in a secret CIA program. She seeks out her colleagues and leads a rebellion to destroy the institution that formed them. The movie features inner conflict, betrayal, and revenge in the dark world of espionage

This film stars: Lizzy Greene, Megan Boone, Sullivan Stapleton, Phillip Winchester and more.

In my opinion:

The main actor immediately appears and takes action. Actually, the movie is good, with an interesting story idea. Unfortunately, the action scenes feel very rushed.

Bulls

source : justwatch.com

Synopsis:

"Bulls" (2026) is directed by Daniel Meyer. The film tells the story of two half-brothers who own a bar in Indiana and are struggling financially. 

They get an opportunity to compete in the World Darts Championship, but they have to face an elite team from England. As of the time this article was published, reviews about this film are still limited. But some critics mention that the film is funny and entertaining, although there are some weaknesses in the storyline.

This is a film with a simple storyline. It's about life pressure, where Austin (Matthew Trudeau) and Hank (Meir Steinberg) have to run their family's bar, but the business isn't going well.

This film stars: Matthew Trudeau, Meir Steinberg, T.J. Jagodowski, Richard Cotovsky, Dennis Renard and more.

In my opinion: 

What's interesting to me is how darts becomes the main element in this film. I think there are still few films that reference darts. As far as I know, one of the darts scenes is in the series "Ted Lasso". So, darts is just a part of the scene, not the main story. Correct me if I am wrong.

American Boy

source : filmweb.pl

Synopsis:

"American Boy" (2026). Marcello Hernandez is an American comedian and actor who gained fame through Saturday Night Live. He was born on August 19, 1997, in Miami, Florida, and has Cuban and Dominican roots.

Marcello Hernandez is known for his energetic and physical comedy style, as well as his ability to tackle serious issues in a funny and relaxed way.

Marcello Hernandez released his stand-up comedy special debut on Netflix, January 7, 2026, and received positive reviews from critics.

In this show, Marcello talks about his experience growing up as an immigrant child in America, his relationship with his mother, social issues like racism, immigrant experiences, family relationships, discrimination, and cultural identity.

Reviews of "American Boy" are generally positive, with many critics praising Marcello Hernandez's ability to make the audience laugh and feel connected. However, some critics also mention that the show has some weaknesses, such as inconsistent material and poor pacing.

People We Meet on Vacation

source : streamingmania.com

Synopsis:

"People We Meet on Vacation" (2026), is a romantic comedy film released on January 9, 2026, on Netflix. The film is adapted from Emily Henry's bestseller novel of the same name and is directed by Brett Haley. 

The film tells the story of Poppy Wright (Emily Bader), a free-spirited travel writer, and Alex Nilsen (Tom Blyth), a literature lecturer who prefers staying at home. They meet in college, become best friends, and spend one week every summer together on vacation. However, after an incident in Italy, they decide to stop talking to each other.

Two years later, Poppy attends Alex's brother's wedding in Barcelona, and they have to face their true feelings

The film received positive reviews from critics, with praise for the chemistry between Emily Bader and Tom Blyth. They successfully brought the characters of Poppy and Alex to life and made the audience feel connected to them.

Silent Screams: The Lost Girls Of Telangana

source : gadget360.com

Synopsis:

"Silent Screams: The Lost Girls of Telangana" (2026), is a Telugu-language true-crime documentary that narrates crimes against women in the Hyderabad region of Telangana, India. Directed by Arvind Menon and narrated by Shruti Haasan. This documentary was released on January 8, 2026 and available on Sun NXT.

The documentary explores three cases of missing women who became victims of crime, highlighting the impact on their families and society. Shruti Haasan, the narrator, hopes the film will raise awareness and spark discussions on violence against women. 

The 58-minute documentary provides an in-depth investigation into the disappearance of young women in Telangana, shedding light on the weaknesses of the legal system and oversight. It aims to give voice to unheard victims and inspire societal change.