REVIEW: Project Hail Mary (2026 Film) - Starring Ryan Gosling

Review by Jon Donnis

Project Hail Mary arrives as a rousing interstellar science fiction adventure, with Phil Lord and Christopher Miller pulling out all the stops to deliver something that feels both vast in scale and surprisingly human at its core. From the outset, it is clearly a big budget Hollywood epic, with its ambition and visual scope evident in every frame.

The story follows Ryland Grace, played by Ryan Gosling, who wakes aboard a spacecraft with no memory of who he is or how he got there. As his recollection slowly returns, the film builds its central mystery around a dying sun and a dangerous microorganism known as Astrophage. The unfolding narrative, split between his mission and his past on Earth, gives the film a steady sense of momentum while allowing the science driven elements to take centre stage.

Gosling's performance is a major strength throughout. His self deprecating charm and sharp comic timing bring a welcome lightness to what could have been a far more rigid and technical story. That balance of humour, heart, and suspense is where the film thrives, with his presence carrying the emotional weight and keeping the audience engaged even during its more complex moments.

Visually, the film is staggering in scale. The design embraces a sense of organic construction that helps ground the more outlandish ideas. There is a risk that something this large could overshadow its characters, yet the film manages to hold onto its human element. Even at its most unusual, there is a sense of authenticity that keeps everything consistently engaging.

The unexpected friendship that develops along the way adds another layer, giving the story warmth and a sense of connection that elevates it beyond a straightforward survival narrative. It reinforces the film's central idea that even in the most extreme circumstances, companionship can make the impossible feel achievable.

That said, the film is not without its issues. At times, it feels like it is trying too hard to be a feelgood experience, pushing its emotional beats more than necessary. Its running time of 156 minutes also begins to show, with pacing that can feel slow in places and moments that linger longer than they should.

Even with those drawbacks, Project Hail Mary remains a beautifully strange and monumentally entertaining science fiction epic. It may not be the most original concept, but it is well made, looks impressive, and benefits greatly from a strong central performance.

It earns a very strong 9 out of 10.

Out In Cinemas now

REVIEW: Storm Rider: Legend of Hammerhead (2026 Film) - Starring Marco Ilsø, James Cosmo, Caroline Goodall, Sarah-Sofie Boussnina and Billy Barratt

Review by Jon Donnis

Zoran Lisinac and Domagoj Mazuran's Storm Rider: Legend of Hammerhead arrives with a clear sense of ambition. Set in a distant future shaped by catastrophe, it drops us into a fragmented world where civilisation clings to scattered islands and survival hinges on obedience to unseen powers. It is the kind of premise that immediately invites comparison to other dystopian science fiction, yet the film still manages to carve out its own identity through atmosphere and visual confidence.

The setting does much of the heavy lifting. Three centuries after the so called Great Flood, the Earth feels both alien and eerily familiar. The ever present electrical storm that splits the ocean is not just a backdrop but a constant threat, looming over every decision the characters make. Argos, the fortified sanctuary ruled by the Founders, has a cold, almost mythic quality to it. There is a sense of history here, even if not all of it is fully explored, and that gives the film a strong foundation.

Visually, the film is striking. Shot in Croatia, the landscapes are used to impressive effect, giving the world a raw and windswept beauty that suits the tone perfectly. The cinematography often lingers just long enough to let the scale of the setting sink in. The storm itself is particularly well realised. The CGI never tips into distraction, instead blending naturally with the practical elements to create something that feels genuinely threatening rather than artificial.

Marco Ilsø leads the film as Neb, a rebellious figure driven by both defiance and curiosity. He carries the central thread well enough, especially in the quieter moments where the character's internal conflict begins to surface. Ivana Dudić's Ana complements him, bringing a grounded presence to what could easily have become a purely plot driven partnership. Around them, there is a solid supporting cast, with James Cosmo lending gravitas as Neb's grandfather and Caroline Goodall adding a sharp edge to the authority of Argos.

Where the film falters slightly is in its balance. For all the effort poured into building this world, the characters themselves do not always receive the same depth of attention. There are glimpses of richer backstories and emotional stakes, but they are often brushed aside in favour of pushing the narrative forward. As a result, some of the more dramatic moments lack the full weight they could have carried.

The pacing also reflects this imbalance. At around 100 minutes, the film moves quickly, sometimes too quickly. There is a lot happening, from world building to action sequences to revelations about the storm and the Founders. It creates an engaging ride, but it also leaves the impression that the story might have benefited from more breathing room. A longer runtime, or even a split into multiple parts, could have allowed the ideas to develop more naturally.

In terms of originality, the film sits in an interesting position. It borrows familiar elements from the dystopian genre, from authoritarian elites to a chosen figure challenging the system. None of these ideas are new on their own, and the film does not always disguise its influences. However, the way these pieces are assembled, combined with the distinct visual style, keeps it from feeling overly derivative.

The ending stands out as one of the film's stronger elements. It closes the immediate story while clearly pointing towards a larger narrative still to come. There is a sense that this is only the beginning, and that the world has far more to reveal. It leaves the audience with enough curiosity to want to follow wherever the story goes next.

Storm Rider: Legend of Hammerhead is not without its flaws, but it remains an enjoyable and often impressive piece of science fiction. It succeeds in drawing viewers into its world, even if it does not fully explore every corner of it. With stronger character development and a little more space to breathe, it could have reached a higher level. As it stands, it is a solid and engaging film that hints at even greater potential.

I score Storm Rider: Legend of Hammerhead a 7.5 out of 10.

Out In Cinemas Now

PREVIEW: Daggers Inn (2026 Film) - Starring Anna Danvers

Preview by Jon Donnis

A quiet village. A buried crime. A woman who refuses to let the past stay hidden. Daggers Inn arrives on UK digital from 23 March, bringing with it a cold, calculated thriller from director James Smith, known for Best Geezer and Casting Kill. After making its way through the global festival circuit, this tightly wound whodunnit looks ready to draw audiences into its uneasy world of suspicion and buried truths.

The story follows Donna Revan, played by Anna Danvers, who arrives in the mediaeval village of Haxanbury under a cloud of mystery. Her presence does not go unnoticed for long, though the locals have no idea just how personal her visit really is. Two years earlier, her sister Sybil was found dead in the village lake, bound to a chair in a case that was ruled murder but never solved. Donna is not there to mourn. She is there to uncover what really happened.

As she begins to work her way into the lives of the townspeople, Donna starts exposing secrets that many would prefer remain hidden. Her attention soon turns to Toby Vass, a powerful financier played by James Hamer-Morton, whose confidence and status may not be as secure as they appear. Seeing an opportunity, Donna uses her own carefully honed methods to manipulate and destabilise him, pushing ever closer to the truth behind her sister's death.

There is more at play here than a straightforward investigation. The film weaves in a thread of the supernatural, adding an extra layer of unease to an already tense story. Daggers Inn promises an atmosphere thick with suspicion, where every character feels like a potential suspect and no one is beyond reach when it comes to the consequences of revenge.

Set for release on digital platforms from 23 March through Seven Tales, Daggers Inn invites viewers into a world where secrets linger, justice is personal, and the past refuses to stay buried.

Apple TV - https://apple.co/4rHleT1

PREVIEW: Blades of the Guardians (2026 Film) - From legendary director Yuen Woo-ping

Preview by Jon Donnis

Blades of the Guardians arrives in UK and Irish cinemas on 17th April, bringing a new historical action blockbuster from legendary director Yuen Woo-ping. Known for his work as both an action director and martial arts choreographer, he returns here with a film that leans into his long-standing connection with the genre.

The film has already found major success around the world. It currently stands as the highest-grossing wuxia film of all time in China and ranks second among wuxia films worldwide, marking it out as a significant release ahead of its UK debut.

Set in a desert landscape where multiple factions are battling for control, the story follows a tense struggle for power between swordsmen, the government and Western clans. At the centre of it all is Dao Ma, a well-known bounty hunter who accepts a job to escort a man to the city of Chang'an. The journey quickly takes a dangerous turn when he learns that the man he is protecting is Zhi Shi Lang, the empire's most wanted figure. With every faction now in pursuit, the road ahead becomes a relentless fight for survival.

The film is adapted from the graphic novels by Xu Xianzhe and brings together a wide-ranging cast that spans multiple generations. Leading the ensemble are Wu Jing and Nicholas Tse, joined by Yosh Yu, Chen Lijun, Cisha, Tony Leung Ka Fai, Max Zhang, Kara Wai and Jet Li. The cast also includes K-pop stars Wen Junhui and Dong Sicheng.

Blades of the Guardians brings together a mix of established names and newer talent, uniting four generations of screen performers. With its focus on large-scale action and a return to historical storytelling, it presents a fresh take on the wuxia genre while staying rooted in its traditions.

Trinity CineAsia presents Blades of the Guardians in UK and Irish cinemas from 17th April.

PREVIEW: Outcome (2026 Film) - Starring Keanu Reeves

Preview by Jon Donnis

Apple Original Films has released the trailer for Outcome, the upcoming dark comedy from director Jonah Hill, with a global premiere set for Apple TV on 10 April 2026. The film brings together a large ensemble cast led by Keanu Reeves, Jonah Hill, Cameron Diaz and Matt Bomer, alongside Susan Lucci, Laverne Cox, David Spade, Martin Scorsese, Atsuko Okatsuka, Roy Wood Jr., Welker White, Kaia Gerber and Ivy Wolk.

The story follows Reef Hawk, played by Reeves, a widely adored Hollywood star who is forced to confront a hidden past after being targeted with a mysterious video. The threat is clear, his public image and career could collapse if it becomes public. What follows is a spiralling attempt to uncover the source of the extortion before it destroys everything he has built.

Reef is not alone in the fallout. He is supported by his lifelong friends Kyle, played by Diaz, and Xander, played by Bomer, alongside crisis lawyer Ira, played by Hill. Together they push him into a search for answers that takes him back through old relationships and unresolved conflicts, with Reef attempting to repair damage in the hope of identifying who is behind the threat.

The trailer suggests a mix of uneasy humour and emotional reckoning, with Reef's journey framed as both chaotic and oddly reflective. The tone leans into a version of Hollywood self examination, where fame, reputation and personal history collide under pressure.

Outcome is directed by Jonah Hill and written by Hill and Ezra Woods. It is produced by Matt Dines, Alison Goodwin and Hill under the Strong Baby banner, with Adam Merims serving as executive producer.