PREVIEW: The Magic Faraway Tree (2026 Film) - Starring Andrew Garfield, Claire Foy & Nicola Coughlan

Preview by Jon Donnis

Entertainment Film Distributors has shared the first teaser trailer and poster for The Magic Faraway Tree, which reaches cinemas across the UK and Ireland on 27 March. The film is adapted from Enid Blyton's much loved classic by Simon Farnaby, known for his work on Paddington 2 and Wonka, and it is directed by Ben Gregor, whose credits include Black Ops and Brassic. The early look makes it clear that audiences can expect a lively mix of grounded family drama and bright magical escapism, helped along by a cast that brings both warmth and eccentricity.

The story centres on Polly, played by Claire Foy, Tim, played by Andrew Garfield, and their three children. The family is uprooted and moved to a quiet corner of the English countryside, which sets the stage for their discovery of a tree that hides more than it reveals at first glance. The children soon meet its unusual residents, with Nonso Anozie as Moonface, Nicola Coughlan as Silky, Jessica Gunning as Dame Washalot and Dustin Demri Burns as Saucepan Man. Their travels to the strange lands that appear at the top of the tree push them into moments of joy, confusion and wonder. Through these journeys, the family begins to understand what they have been missing and slowly finds its way back to a sense of closeness that had been lost.

The Magic Faraway Tree will be released by Entertainment Film Distributors in UK and Ireland cinemas on 27 March 2026.

REVIEW: Altered (2025 film) Starring Tom Felton, Liza Bugulova, Richard Brake, Igor Jijikine and Aggy K. Adams.

Review by Jon Donnis

Altered arrives with a premise that feels strangely close to the direction our own world is drifting toward. You can almost sense that familiar knot in your stomach as the film lays out its alternate present. A society rebuilt after nuclear fallout. A shiny new world split cleanly by genetic privilege. The setup is strong and has the sort of grounded bite that gives science fiction its punch. You can see the truth in it, even when the plot leans into spectacle.

Tom Felton carries much of the weight as Leon. He has an easy charm here, a kind of battered sincerity that stops the film from slipping into pure pulp. His partnership with Liza Bugulova's Chloe feels warm and lived in, which helps when the wider story starts piling on its themes. The pair scrape by in the Special District, where the air is thick with rust and resignation, and their scavenger life has a real texture to it. The pace moves nicely as well. At a little over eighty minutes, it never drags, and you can settle into it without feeling as though you are signing up for a marathon.

The trouble is that the film keeps nudging you with messages instead of trusting the world to speak for itself. It grabs at every political idea it can reach. Genetic inequality. Healthcare access. Corruption. Class war. Propaganda. All of it thrown in at once. Instead of building a layered picture, it tips into something a bit cartoonish. You find yourself wishing the script had picked one thread and given it the time to breathe. The modest budget also shows. Some sequences in the Genetics District have ambition, though now and then the effects wobble just enough to pull you out of the moment.

Still, Altered has a spark. The world feels interesting even when the storytelling falters, and the central relationship keeps the whole thing from collapsing under its own weight. Felton does good work with what he is given, and there are glimmers of a sharper, more focused film lurking underneath the noise.

Altered is a clever idea that never quite blossoms. It rushes through its themes, leans too hard on political shouting, and lets its thin story drag down a strong concept. Even so, it is watchable, reasonably brisk, and held together by Felton's steady presence. A generous 6 out of 10 feels about right.

Out Now on Digital

Apple TV - https://apple.co/4iIT9YU

COMPETITION: Win Possession: (Limited Edition) on 4K UHD + BD

Second Sight Films are back with another great release, this time its for Possession Dual Limited Edition Box Set.

And to celebrate we have a copy to give away!

Synopsis:

With their marriage in tatters Anna (Adjani) and Mark’s (Neill) tense relationship has become a psychotic descent into screaming matches, violence and self-mutilation. Believing his wife’s only lover is the sinister Heinrich, Mark is unaware of the diabolical, tentacled creature that Anna has embarked on an affair with. The unhinged woman visits her monstrous lover in a deserted Berlin apartment and will stop at nothing to protect him. With its dark subject matter and high gore quotient, Possession will have you firmly in its grip and is not for the faint hearted.

The set is presented in a striking rigid slipcase with Basha’s original theatrical artwork and a 220-page hardback book and comes with a slew of compelling features including the North American re-edit: newly restored from an archive print, new audio commentaries, master of horror Guillermo del Toro’s take on Possession and much more.

A horror film like no other, Andrzej Żuławski’s seminal Possession is an intense and shocking experience that was originally banned in the UK and placed on the notorious ‘Video Nasties’ list. Now, this hugely controversial film gets a long-awaited and highly anticipated Limited Edition release in a stunning new 4K restoration, from physical media masters Second Sight Films.

Pre-Order from https://amzn.to/4iqj6vW

Enter now for a chance to win.

Who directs Possession?

Send your name, address and of course the answer to competition365@outlook.com

Quick Terms and conditions - For full T&C click here

1. Closing date 22-12-25

2. No alternative prize is available

3. When the competition ends as indicated on this page, any and all entries received after this point will not count and emails blacklisted due to not checking this page first.

4. Winners will be chosen randomly and will be informed via email.

5. Entries that come directly from other websites will not be accepted.

REVIEW: Jingle Bell Heist (2025 Film) - Starring Olivia Holt & Connor Swindells

Review by Jon Donnis

Michael Fimognari's 2025 Christmas romantic comedy, Jingle Bell Heist, is an entertaining if modest addition to the holiday film landscape. The story follows Sophie, a sharp-witted retail worker, and Nick, a repairman struggling to get his life back on track, as they team up for a risky scheme at one of London's most notorious department stores. Their uneasy partnership is full of charm and wit, and the film balances lighthearted romance with playful heist elements.

One of the film's strongest points is its casting. Olivia Holt shines as Sophie, bringing a bright and approachable energy that makes her immediately likeable. Connor Swindells provides a grounded counterpart in Nick, conveying both humour and vulnerability. Lucy Punch and Peter Serafinowicz add comic flair, rounding out a supporting cast that keeps the film lively and engaging. The chemistry between the ensemble helps the film remain watchable even when the story itself falters.

The festive setting is another highlight. London in December provides a perfect backdrop, with glittering department stores, bustling streets, and cosy interiors giving the film a genuine holiday feel. Small details, from Sophie's sharp remarks to the playful banter between the leads, add personality and make it an enjoyable watch in the lead-up to Christmas. The mixture of romantic comedy with light crime elements gives it a distinctive flavour, even if it never fully reaches the tension or excitement promised by a heist story.

However, the film has its weaknesses. The heist sequences, while amusing, lack suspense, and the overall story feels predictable. There is little real threat from the antagonists, and the script often prioritises romantic beats over action or intrigue. Sophie and Nick's relationship, while charming at moments, never quite sparks, and much of the story follows familiar patterns without surprising the audience. Direction and pacing are functional but never inspired, leaving the film hovering in the realm of average rather than memorable.

Overall, Jingle Bell Heist is a watchable and lighthearted film that delivers festive cheer and some genuine laughs, but it is too safe and predictable to stand out. The cast, particularly Holt and Swindells, carries it through weaker moments, making it a pleasant way to pass an evening without expecting anything more. I would give it a 6 out of 10: entertaining for a single viewing but unlikely to linger in memory.

Out on Netflix now!

REVIEW: Zootopia 2 (2025 Film) - Stars Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Shakira, Idris Elba, Alan Tudyk, Nate Torrence, Don Lake, Bonnie Hunt and Jenny Slate

Review by Jon Donnis

Walt Disney Animation Studios' "Zootopia 2" reunites audiences with Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde in a sequel that embraces both comedy and heart. Directed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard, this 2025 follow-up offers a fresh mystery centred on a cunning pit viper shaking up Zootopia. The film carries forward the spirit of the original while expanding the city's landscape and delving into more layered societal issues.

The plot sees Judy and Nick, newly partnered at the ZPD, navigating clashing personalities while attempting to crack the case of a mysterious reptile. Their investigation leads them to the Zootenial Gala, secret reptile enclaves, and the forgotten corners of Tundratown. The story's complexity is balanced with humour, clever dialogue, and tender moments, particularly as Judy and Nick confront the challenges of trust, partnership, and justice. Ke Huy Quan's Gary De'Snake brings unexpected warmth to the narrative, while Andy Samberg's Pawbert provides a mischievous foil.

One of Zootopia 2's strongest elements is its humour. It lands for all ages, with jokes that entertain children while sprinkling in winks adults can appreciate. The film also carries a resonant message about acceptance and recognising the contributions of those historically overlooked, echoing themes from the original but adding new depth. The animation remains top-notch, with vibrant cityscapes and lively character expressions that make the world feel lived-in and expansive.

However, the film is not without flaws. At over 1 hour 45 minutes, it feels a touch overlong for an animated feature, occasionally losing the brisk momentum that made the first film so engaging. While it does an admirable job of building on the original, it does not quite reach the same magic, leaving the original's sharpness slightly overshadowed.

Despite these minor issues, Zootopia 2 succeeds as a thoughtful, fun, and visually delightful sequel. It balances humour, adventure, and emotional stakes while offering a story that challenges its characters and, subtly, its audience. It is a full movie-going experience that families can enjoy together, packed with memorable moments and a meaningful message about moving forward while honouring the past.

Zootopia 2 is an excellent sequel that delivers on both laughs and heart. I score it a solid 9 out of 10.

Out Now in Cinemas