Category Archives: Fantasy

THE OLD GUARD 2 (2025): The Things I Liked…

The Old Guard 2 (2025), Charlize Theron, Netflix
The Old Guard 2 (2025), Charlize Theron, Netflix

I remember enjoying The Old Guard (2020), Netflix’s action/fantasy film about immortal covert mercenaries tasked with protecting humanity. The story and fight sequences stood out in a good way.

Four/five years later, Charlize Theron, Matthias Schoenaerts and KiKi Layne return in The Old Guard 2. This time, the group has to deal with the resurfacing of a long-lost immortal while also facing a powerful new enemy.

The good news? I still had fun. However, the fight sequences in the first movie were stronger, mainly because I wasn’t waiting for them to end so the story could move forward. Either the action went on too long this time, or it just didn’t feel as sharp. That said, the story itself remains pretty strong, even if a few moments felt clichéd.

There are at least four years between the two films, which, in my opinion, is too long. I’m sure the Hollywood strikes didn’t help, but I’m starting to think this franchise might work better as a mini-series. That way, we wouldn’t have to wait so long between instalments, assuming a third one is coming, of course.

Have you seen The Old Guard 2? What did you think?

Happy Film Loving, 

G

THE ODYSSEY (2026): New Trailer From Christopher Nolan, Starring Tom Holland, Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Jon Bernthal…

Read my spoiler-free movie review of The Odyssey (2026).


Christopher Nolan’s latest epic-looking movie, The Odyssey, has a brand new trailer. And it’s based on Odysseus, the Greek King of Ithaca. Specifically, his journey to reunite with his wife Penelope after the Trojan War.

This fantasy/action/adventure/history film has a key cast that includes Jon Bernthal, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Matt Damon and Benny Safdie.

I’m looking forward to this because it’s Nolan, Damon, Hathaway, Holland, and Bernthal. I also want to see what looks like a father/son love story. Plus, I’m curious about the part-fantasy categorisation. That said, I’m also apprehensive because Nolan’s last film, Oppenheimer (2023), ran for three very long hours, which felt beyond unacceptable to me.

The runtime for this one hasn’t been confirmed yet, and while I’d like to be optimistic that it won’t exceed two and a half hours, I just know that I’d be incredibly foolish to bet on it.

Is The Odyssey unskippable for you, too?

Charlize Theron, Robert Pattinson, John Leguizamo, Mia Goth, Logan Marshall-Green, Zendaya, Elliot Page, Samantha Morton, Ryan Hurst, Himesh Patel and Elyes Gabel also star.

The Odyssey. Release Dates: July 17th, 2026 (US & UK)…

Happy Film Loving,

G

THE SUPER MARIO GALAXY MOVIE (2026): New Trailer Starring Benny Safdie, Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Brie Larson…

Stopping Wario and Bowser Jr.’s evil alliance as they attempt world domination is what Mario and friends are tasked with in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie.

From director Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, Brie Larson, Benny Safdie, Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Pratt are among the key cast.

Princess Rosalina! You’re coming with me!’

The princess is a key reason for my interest. Especially since, in this trailer, everything that happens from 2:01 onwards is my favourite. The rest will likely feel like a watchable, easy viewing animated experience. Bear in mind that I say this all without having watched The Super Mario Bros. Movie of 2023, which I hear was quite fun.

How enthusiastic do you feel about this second instalment?

Jack Black, Keegan-Michael Key, Charlie Day and Kevin Michael Richardson also star.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Release Dates: April 3rd, 2026 (US & UK)…

Happy Film Loving,

G

FRANKENSTEIN (2025): The Things I Liked…

Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, the story of a scientist whose creation of a monster leads to disaster, is close to everything I could have hoped for, and then some. 

Frankenstein (2025), Oscar Isaac, Netflix
Frankenstein (2025), Oscar Isaac, Netflix

Similar to Crimson Peak (2015), the last del Toro movie I was brave enough to watch, Frankenstein features his signature arresting cinematography, memorable production design, engaging storytelling, and an apparent love of jewel tones that speaks directly to my colour-loving heart.

Two hours and thirty minutes may be a long running time, I mean, it definitely is. However, it doesn’t necessarily feel that way because of the aforementioned elements that del Toro executes so very well. 

Frankenstein (2025), Mia Goth, Netflix
Frankenstein (2025), Mia Goth, Netflix

Starring Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth, and Christoph Waltz, del Toro’s Frankenstein, a fantasy/horror film, unfolds most epically. I was moved by the strong companionship, father and son, plus love themes, in addition to the great performances by all involved. 

Watch Frankenstein, for it’s one of the best films of 2025, and the horror elements are unlikely to be the nightmare-inducing kind. 

I personally appreciated Elordi’s performance so much, I was inspired to take a few moments to be thankful to Australia for the wonderful acting talent it’s blessed us with. Jacob Elordi and Milly Alcock in recent years, plus Margot Robbie, Chris Hemsworth, Nicole Kidman, Naomi Watts, Jeffrey Rush, Guy Pearce, and, of course, the queen herself, Cate Blanchett. Did I forget anyone?

Lastly, don’t be surprised if you find yourself falling a little bit ‘in love’ with at least one of the characters. I won’t say which.

Happy Film Loving, 

G

100 NIGHTS OF HERO (2025): New Trailer Starring Nicholas Galitzine, Maika Monroe, Amir El-Masry, Emma Corrin…

100 Nights of Hero (2025), Maika Monroe, IFC Films
100 Nights of Hero (2025), Maika Monroe, IFC Films

Fantasy/romance 100 Nights of Hero is the latest from Maika Monroe, Amir El-Masry, Nicholas Galitzine and Emma Corrin.

Directed and co-written by Julia Jackman, Galitzine plays a charming house guest at a remote castle. One whose arrival throws off the delicate dynamic between other residents, resulting in chaos.

I’m curious about the love triangle. Or is ‘a love square’ more accurate?

Fantasy isn’t usually my favourite film category. But fantasy/romance, that’s something I can make time for. How could I not after hearing the words ‘You deserve so much better,’ delivered so perfectly and thoughtfully, especially considering what the trailer has shown?

Has this love triangle/square piqued your interest, too? Do you want to know if he’ll actually get the castle?

Safia Oakley-Green, Richard E. Grant, Josh Cowdery, Christopher Fairbank Christopher Fairbank and Jordan Wallace also star.

100 Nights of Hero Release Dates: December 5th, 2025 (US)…

Happy Film Loving,

G