REVIEW: Descendants: Wicked Wonderland (2026 Film) - Starring Kylie Cantrall, Malia Baker, and Leonardo Nam

Review by Jon Donnis

Disney's Descendants franchise has never been afraid to embrace colourful fantasy, catchy musical numbers and ever-expanding family trees of famous fairy tale characters. Descendants: Wicked Wonderland continues that tradition, picking up after the events of the previous film with Red and Chloe discovering that changing the past has created consequences they never expected. Unfortunately, while the premise offers plenty of opportunities for an entertaining adventure, the execution quickly spirals into an overstuffed and confusing mess.

The story sees Red and Chloe returning to Wonderland after Maddox Hatter seizes control of the kingdom by kidnapping the now reformed Queen of Hearts. Along the way they are joined by an ever-growing collection of new allies, including Red's newly introduced sister Pink, Maddox's son Max and several descendants of other Disney favourites. On paper it sounds like an ambitious crossover, but the film never gives itself enough room to develop any of these characters before introducing another. Every few minutes another familiar surname appears, each demanding attention, until it becomes difficult to care about anyone because nobody receives enough focus to leave much of an impression.

The biggest problem is the story itself. Descendants: Wicked Wonderland attempts to juggle time travel, alternate timelines, family drama, magical artefacts, betrayal, redemption and multiple character arcs all at once. Rather than weaving these ideas into a satisfying narrative, it feels like several different scripts stitched together into one film. Plot developments happen simply because the story needs them to happen, with little regard for logic or consistency. The result is a film where the central adventure barely makes sense, leaving audiences struggling to follow exactly why characters are making certain decisions or how the constantly shifting timeline is supposed to work.

It also suffers from trying to recycle ideas from the original Descendants trilogy instead of carving out its own identity. Familiar themes of redemption, friendship, magical family conflicts and choosing your own destiny are all revisited, but without adding anything particularly fresh. Instead, the film comes across as a patchwork of old concepts unsuccessfully merged into one increasingly chaotic adventure.

The cast is another mixed bag. The performers themselves do what they can with the material and there is no shortage of enthusiasm in their performances. However, the production once again falls into Disney's now familiar approach of assembling what feels like a tick box cast where diversity appears to take priority over finding the strongest performers for each role. Combined with the enormous number of characters fighting for screen time, very few are given the opportunity to genuinely stand out.

Not everything falls flat. Younger viewers will likely enjoy the musical numbers, with several songs proving catchy enough to stick in the memory long after the credits roll. The production design is also undeniably impressive. Wonderland bursts with vibrant colours, imaginative costumes and visually playful set pieces that constantly give the audience something interesting to look at. Even when the story loses its way, the film rarely looks dull.

Sadly, colourful visuals and energetic songs cannot compensate for weak storytelling. As the film continues to pile on more characters, more magical objects and more convoluted twists, it becomes increasingly exhausting rather than exciting. Emotional moments fail to land because relationships are never explored deeply enough, while the endless stream of new arrivals only serves to make an already cluttered narrative even harder to invest in.

After watching this for 90 minutes, I found myself wishing I had a Pocketwatch of my own so I could travel back in time and simply skip the experience altogether. Descendants: Wicked Wonderland throws together recycled ideas, an overcrowded cast and a story that never finds its footing. While the colourful presentation and catchy songs may entertain younger fans, everything else feels muddled and frustrating. The actors give it their best effort, but they cannot rescue a film weighed down by its own confused ambitions.

Even if you already subscribe to Disney+, it is difficult to recommend spending your time on this one.

Score: 2 out of 10.

Out Now on Disney +

REVIEW: Enola Holmes 3 (2026 Film) - Starring Millie Bobby Brown

Review by Jon Donnis

The Enola Holmes series has always occupied a comfortable space between mystery adventure and coming-of-age drama, offering a lighter and more playful alternative to the many darker interpretations of Sherlock Holmes. Four years after Enola Holmes 2, this third outing reunites audiences with the young detective as she heads to Malta for what should be the happiest moment of her life. Naturally, things do not go according to plan.

Enola Holmes, played once again by the likeable Millie Bobby Brown, arrives in Malta alongside Lord Tewkesbury, portrayed by Louis Partridge, for their wedding. What begins as a family celebration quickly spirals into another dangerous investigation involving murder, missing treasure, political corruption and the return of an old enemy. At the centre of it all is the disappearance of Sherlock Holmes, with Henry Cavill returning as the famous detective, forcing Enola to untangle a mystery that grows increasingly complicated with every clue she uncovers.

One of the film's greatest strengths remains its lead character. Millie Bobby Brown continues to bring warmth, confidence and charisma to Enola, making her instantly likeable from the opening scene. The character has matured noticeably since her first appearance, and the film wisely allows her to tackle more serious themes without losing the spirited personality that made audiences embrace her in the first place. Her occasional fourth wall breaks remain charming, although they are used more sparingly here, which helps prevent them from becoming a distraction.

The supporting cast is equally dependable. Louis Partridge gives Tewkesbury more emotional depth than before as the character struggles with revelations surrounding his family's past. His storyline adds genuine weight to the narrative, particularly as he is forced to confront uncomfortable truths about his father's role in a decades-old crime. Henry Cavill once again proves a perfect fit for Sherlock Holmes, balancing intelligence, frustration and vulnerability during some of the film's darker moments. The arrival of Dr. Watson, played by Himesh Patel, also injects fresh energy into the series, even if the "woke" casting is a bit ridiculous (Netflix forced to tick diversity boxes). His chemistry with both Enola and Sherlock works well, and he quickly feels like a decent addition to the established cast. Helena Bonham Carter's return as Eudoria Holmes is brief but welcome, bringing warmth and humour whenever she appears.

The Maltese setting proves to be one of the sequel's most appealing features. The filmmakers make excellent use of the island's historic streets, coastal scenery and striking architecture. Valletta in particular provides a beautiful backdrop for the story, helping the film stand apart visually from its predecessors. The production values are consistently strong throughout, with lavish costumes, detailed set design and polished cinematography creating an attractive Victorian world that remains easy to become immersed in.

As a mystery, however, Enola Holmes 3 is somewhat less successful. The investigation itself is entertaining enough, with plenty of clues, red herrings and twists along the way, but it never feels quite as clever as the best moments from the earlier films. The treasure hunt elements gradually take centre stage, often pushing the detective work into the background. While there is enjoyment to be found in the adventure, some viewers may feel that the Holmes identity of the franchise becomes diluted as the story leans more heavily into action and conspiracy.

Professor Moriarty's return provides a suitably dangerous threat, and the film does a good job portraying her as a manipulative mastermind operating several steps ahead of everyone else. Yet despite her importance to the plot, the character occasionally feels more like a device to move the story forward than a fully realised antagonist. The various revelations surrounding hidden Afghan gold, corrupt British officers and political cover-ups certainly raise the stakes, but they sometimes come at the expense of the more intimate character-driven storytelling that previously defined the series.

The film also struggles slightly with a sense of familiarity. After three adventures, the formula is beginning to show signs of wear. The energetic pacing and likeable cast keep things moving, but there is an undeniable feeling of franchise fatigue creeping into proceedings. Many of the narrative beats feel recognisable, and while the film attempts to raise the emotional stakes through Enola's impending marriage and Sherlock's kidnapping, it rarely captures the same magical spark that made the original films feel so fresh.

That said, there is still plenty of entertainment to be found here. The action sequences are exciting, the mystery remains engaging enough to hold attention, and the emotional resolution between Enola and Sherlock provides one of the film's strongest moments. The ending offers a surprising amount of closure for several major characters, particularly Tewkesbury, whose personal journey receives a satisfying conclusion.

Enola Holmes 3 may not reach the heights of its predecessors, but it remains an enjoyable and easy watch. The strong cast, attractive production design and charming central performance from Millie Bobby Brown carry the film through its weaker moments. While the series is beginning to feel slightly tired and the mystery takes a back seat to the treasure hunt, there is still enough wit, adventure and heart to make this a worthwhile return for fans.

A strong and likeable cast carry this film, even if the franchise is beginning to show signs of exhaustion. It remains an entertaining Netflix adventure with plenty of charm, even if some of the magic has faded. I enjoyed Enola Holmes 3 and score it a solid 7 out of 10.

Out Now on Netflix

PREVIEW: Scarborn (Kos) (2026 Film) - Starring Bartosz Bielenia

Preview by Jon Donnis

Prepare for an exhilarating ride with Scarborn (Kos), a Polish period drama inspired by true events, hitting Viaplay UK on 27 April 2026. Set in 18th-century Poland, the film blends historical intrigue with high-octane action in a style reminiscent of Tarantino, offering audiences both intensity and drama.

The story follows Ignac, an illiterate peasant played by award-winning Bartosz Bielenia (Corpus Christi), who discovers he is the illegitimate son of a nobleman. When his father dies, Ignac must flee his scheming half-brother and deliver a stolen will to court within two days to claim his heritage. Along the way, he crosses paths with Domingo, a loyal friend of the revolutionary General Tadeusz "Kos" Kościuszko, portrayed by Jacek Braciak (Leave No Traces). Domingo is played by Jason Mitchell (Straight Outta Compton, Mudbound), who brings depth to the story of loyalty and unexpected alliances.

The backdrop is spring 1794, a Poland on the brink of rebellion. Kościuszko plans an uprising against Russian forces while being pursued by the ruthless Russian captain Dunin (Robert Więckiewicz). Ignac, initially distrusted, finds himself at the centre of these historic events and must decide whether to chase his own ambitions or stand with Kos in the fight for freedom.

Scarborn has already claimed top honours at the Gdynia Film Festival, winning the Golden Lion for Best Film, alongside awards for Best Editing, Best Makeup, and Best Supporting Actor for Więckiewicz. With a Directors Guild of Poland nomination and multiple festival accolades, the film promises a gripping and modern tale of courage, unity, and justice.

UK Premiere on Viaplay UK, 27 April 2026 - https://amzn.to/4c7bCwm

Polish with English subtitles

REVIEW: Now You See Me: Now You Don't (2025 Film) - Starring Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, Isla Fisher, Lizzy Caplan and Morgan Freeman

Review by Jon Donnis

Ruben Fleischer's 2025 heist film, Now You See Me: Now You Don't, reunites the original Four Horsemen while introducing a new trio of young illusionists, Charlie, Bosco, and June. Using holograms and deepfakes, the newcomers impersonate the Horsemen to carry out daring heists before joining forces with the originals to take down Veronika Vanderberg, a South African diamond heiress involved in laundering money for criminals. The story spans Antwerp, a château in France, and the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, blending family secrets, personal revenge, and high-stakes magical trickery.

The film is visually energetic and chaotic. The heists are elaborate and colourful, with Fleischer keeping the pace brisk and the spectacle constant. Combining the original cast with new performers injects energy, particularly in scenes where the older Horsemen mentor or intervene. For casual viewing, it works well as a light, entertaining popcorn film that can fill a festive evening without demanding full attention.

On the other hand, the plot is weak and largely predictable. The story relies heavily on CGI, which reduces the sense of cleverness in the heists and trickery. Dialogue often feels forced or unnatural, and while the younger magicians are central to the action, they struggle to be engaging. The original cast are underused, with their talents largely sidelined, and the narrative is cluttered, likely a result of having too many writers contributing to the screenplay.

There are moments of fun in the interplay between characters, especially when the past failures of the Horsemen are referenced or old rivalries resurface. The attempt to pass the torch to the younger magicians adds a sense of continuity, although it sometimes feels like it is stretching the story rather than enriching it. Key sequences, including the final heist and twist involving Charlie, offer spectacle but do not have the same cleverness or charm that defined the first film.

Now You See Me: Now You Don't is a colourful and occasionally enjoyable adventure, but it lacks the ingenuity, cohesion, and charisma of its predecessors. It provides light entertainment, with some fun set pieces and magical sequences, but the weak plot, predictable story beats, and underdeveloped new characters make it a disappointment for fans of the franchise. I would give it a 6 out of 10.

Out Now on Digital

Apple TV - https://apple.co/3MPbsQg

NEWS: Seasonal Thrills Land on LEGEND This December

By Jon Donnis

December on LEGEND feels packed to the rafters with action, cult favourites and a few welcome surprises. The channel is lining up nine premieres across the month, and it leans into the festive mood with a slate that swings from classic crime to sci fi chaos and full throttle adventure. Three heavy hitters from the nineties sit at the heart of it all. Mike Newell's Donnie Brasco with Al Pacino and Johnny Depp, Paul Verhoeven's wild alien invasion epic Starship Troopers, and Robert Rodriguez's stylish revenge tale Desperado with Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek and Quentin Tarantino.

Regular faces also get their moment. Steven Seagal steps into the spotlight with the crime revenge story The Asian Connection. Jason Statham brings his familiar grit to Wild Card. Christian Bale and Mark Wahlberg anchor the boxing drama The Fighter with the kind of intensity you would expect from the pair.

There is more to unwrap. Gerard Butler shows up in the fantasy adventure Gods of Egypt. Clive Owen and Naomi Watts pull viewers into global espionage in The International. Chris O'Donnell brings a hit of survival tension in Vertical Limit as he scales K2 in a desperate rescue.

If that is not enough, Charlie's Angels returns with the premiere of Season Four, landing weeknights at six from Thursday the fourth of December.

The schedule kicks off on Thursday the fourth at nine with The Asian Connection. Jack and Sam, two American expatriates, rob a run of banks in Southeast Asia without realising the cash belongs to a drug lord. The fallout is brutal. Sam is killed. Jack turns to Pom, the woman he loves, and the pair push back against the gang.

Saturday the sixth hits a similar beat of danger at nine with Wild Card. Jason Statham plays Nick Wild, a recovering gambling addict who sets out to punish the men who assaulted his friend. The hunt becomes messy once he discovers the man at the centre of it all has serious criminal backing.

A week later on Saturday the thirteenth at nine comes Gods of Egypt. Gods rule over mortals, but when a shift in power threatens the future of the land, a young god and a mortal stand against the usurper. Nikolaj Coster Waldau, Brenton Thwaites and Gerard Butler lead the charge.

Sunday the fourteenth at nine brings Donnie Brasco. Johnny Depp plays undercover FBI agent Joe Pistone, who slips into the mob under the name Donnie Brasco and earns the trust of Al Pacino's weary hitman Lefty Ruggiero. The deeper he goes, the more he realises he is blurring the line between duty and loyalty, and dragging Lefty towards a grim fate.

Thursday the eighteenth at nine shifts to conspiracy and corruption with The International. Clive Owen's Interpol agent Louis Salinger works with Manhattan Assistant DA Eleanor Whitman, played by Naomi Watts, as they attempt to expose a bank involved in financing global conflict. Their chase crosses continents as danger closes in.

Saturday the twentieth at nine raises the stakes once more with Vertical Limit. Chris O'Donnell's Peter Garrett climbs K2 to rescue his sister Annie and her team, trapped high above the point the human body can safely endure. Time is short and every climb could be their last.

Sunday the twenty first at nine delivers The Fighter, a true story centred on two brothers trying to claw their way toward a boxing title that might change their lives and heal their troubled family. Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale give the film its weight as they struggle to stay united.

After Christmas, Saturday the twenty seventh at nine brings Starship Troopers. Johnny Rico joins the mobile infantry in an attempt to impress his girlfriend Carmen who dreams of becoming a starship pilot. His motives are shaken after a tragic accident and he chooses to leave, only for Earth to come under attack by an intelligent alien species.

The month closes on Sunday the twenty eighth at nine with Desperado. Antonio Banderas returns as the mariachi who walks into a Mexican town with revenge on his mind. Salma Hayek, Steve Buscemi and Quentin Tarantino help bring the heat as he hunts the drug lord who destroyed his past.

It is quite the festive line up. A month of danger, adventure and nostalgia that should keep viewers busy right through to the new year.

TV: Sky 148 / Virgin 149 / Freeview 41 / Freesat 137