REVIEW: The Sheep Detectives (2026 Film) - Starring Hugh Jackman, Nicholas Braun, Nicholas Galitzine, Molly Gordon, Hong Chau, and Emma Thompson

Review by Jon Donnis

Family films often struggle to balance broad comedy, emotional storytelling and a compelling plot, but The Sheep Detectives manages to bring all three together with surprising confidence. Directed by Kyle Balda and based on Leonie Swann's beloved novel Three Bags Full, this mystery comedy takes an undeniably unusual premise and turns it into one of the most entertaining family adventures of the year. What could have been little more than a novelty quickly develops into a genuinely engaging whodunnit, packed with humour, heart and enough twists to keep both children and adults invested from beginning to end.

The story follows a flock of sheep whose lives are thrown into turmoil after the death of their shepherd, George Hardy, played by Hugh Jackman. Having spent years listening to George read detective novels aloud, the sheep have unknowingly absorbed all the lessons needed to become investigators themselves. As the local police struggle to piece together the truth, the flock embarks on its own investigation, uncovering secrets hidden beneath the surface of their quiet English village.

One of the film's greatest strengths is the mystery itself. Family films often simplify their plots for younger audiences, but The Sheep Detectives refuses to take that route. Instead, it presents a genuinely satisfying investigation filled with red herrings, hidden motives and surprising revelations. The screenplay trusts viewers to follow the clues, creating a story that feels rewarding rather than predictable. While adults will appreciate the structure of the mystery, younger viewers are given enough humour and character moments to remain engaged throughout.

The voice cast is exceptional. Julia Louis-Dreyfus brings warmth, intelligence and determination to Lily, the flock's self-appointed detective, while Chris O'Dowd delivers many of the film's funniest moments as the endlessly memorable Mopple. Bryan Cranston gives Sebastian a surprising amount of depth, transforming what could have been a simple supporting role into one of the film's emotional anchors. Across the board, the sheep are far more memorable than many of the human characters, which is ultimately a compliment considering how much personality the filmmakers manage to give each member of the flock.

That success extends to the film's emotional core. Beneath the comedy lies a surprisingly mature exploration of grief, memory and loss. Like Babe and Homeward Bound before it, The Sheep Detectives treats younger viewers with a level of respect that is becoming increasingly rare in family entertainment. Difficult themes are not avoided or softened beyond recognition. Instead, they are presented in a thoughtful and accessible way that allows the story to carry genuine emotional weight. Some of the film's most effective moments arrive when it slows down and allows its characters to process what has happened rather than rushing towards the next joke.

The film also deserves praise for its tone. Family features often feel frightened of sincerity, constantly undercutting emotional scenes with a joke or reference. The Sheep Detectives embraces earnest storytelling without embarrassment. The result is perhaps the most tonally surprising family film of the year so far, a genuinely heartfelt PG-rated adventure that succeeds through strong characters and timeless storytelling rather than relying on irony or cynicism. Its confidence in well-worn storytelling traditions proves remarkably effective.

Visually, the film creates a charming countryside setting that perfectly suits the story. The village, meadows and farms feel inviting while still maintaining enough atmosphere to support the murder mystery elements. The contrast between the picturesque surroundings and the darker investigation creates much of the film's appeal.

If there is a significant weakness, it is the running time. At 1 hour and 49 minutes, The Sheep Detectives occasionally stretches beyond what its youngest audience members may comfortably sit through. While the mystery remains engaging, some sections feel slightly overextended and a tighter edit could have improved the pacing. Children may begin to lose focus during certain middle portions before the film regains momentum heading into its final act.

Even so, the lengthy runtime does little to diminish the overall achievement. This is a truly lovely and consistently funny family film that never forgets the importance of telling a good story. The mystery is clever, the characters are charming and the emotional moments land exactly as intended. Most impressively of all, the sheep completely steal the spotlight, often overshadowing Hugh Jackman despite his strong performance.

The Sheep Detectives may well become one of the year's biggest surprises. It delivers laughs, mystery, emotion and genuine heart in equal measure, creating a family film that appeals across generations. In an era where family entertainment often struggles to connect with audiences of all ages, this one succeeds with remarkable ease.

The Sheep Detectives is an excellent family film and earns a strong 9 out of 10.

Out Now on Prime Video https://amzn.to/4f1kODW

REVIEW: Toy Story 5 (2026 Film) - Starring Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, and Joan Cusack

Review by Jon Donnis

Toy Story 5 brings Pixar’s long running world of talking toys back into play with a story that leans heavily into the collision between childhood imagination and modern technology. The film follows Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie and the rest of Bonnie’s toys as their place in her life is disrupted by Lilypad, a frog themed tablet designed to help Bonnie socialise. What follows is a split narrative that pulls the toys into different directions, from Jessie’s journey back towards Emily’s old farmhouse to Buzz and Woody dealing with malfunctioning high tech Buzz units and the growing influence of Lilypad over Bonnie’s attention.

There is a lot here that works well. The core characters remain strong and familiar, and the story is clearly built with both children and adults in mind without losing sight of either audience. Jessie takes on a central role and the emotional weight of her storyline, particularly around identity and belonging, gives the film some of its most grounded moments. Buzz Lightyear, especially in Tim Allen’s performance, continues to stand out whenever he is on screen, bringing a steady comic energy that keeps the film moving. The animation is also of a very high standard, with Pixar once again delivering a polished and detailed visual world that feels alive in every frame. There is a sense that these characters still have something to say, and the film does at least attempt to explore that idea of purpose, imagination and change in a modern setting.

At the same time, the film is not without its problems. At points it feels weighed down by its own nostalgia, as if it is trying to revisit familiar emotional territory rather than fully evolve it. The central idea of toys competing with a tablet device is interesting on paper, but the execution sometimes feels a little awkward, especially when it leans too heavily into the contrast between old fashioned play and modern technology. There is also a sense that the film overstays its welcome. At 100 minutes it feels slightly stretched, when a sharper and more focused runtime would likely have suited the material better. For a story built around imagination and creativity, there are moments where it ironically feels a little constrained and predictable in its own structure.

Overall, Toy Story 5 is a solid but slightly tired continuation of the franchise. It delivers strong animation, dependable character work and a clear message about imagination holding its place in a digital world, even if that message does not always land with fresh energy. There is enough heart here to carry it through, and enough familiarity to make it feel safe, but it rarely surprises in the way earlier entries once did. It is an enjoyable return, just not a necessary one, and it ultimately feels more like a careful extension of something well loved rather than a bold new chapter.

I score Toy Story 5 a generous 7.5 out of 10.

Out Now in Cinemas

REVIEW: David (2025 Animated Film) - Starring Phil Wickham, Miri Mesika and Lauren Daigle

Review by Jon Donnis

David arrives as an ambitious animated biblical musical that sets out to retell one of the most familiar stories in the Old Testament with warmth, colour and a surprising amount of confidence. Following on from the Young David television miniseries, this feature-length continuation charts the shepherd's journey from quiet devotion to reluctant leadership, with faith as both its anchor and its engine.

The film opens gently, rooted in Bethlehem and in the music of David's early life. He is presented not just as a future warrior, but as a poet and musician, shaped by his mother's love and a deep, personal sense of God's presence. That calm is shattered when Samuel anoints him as Israel's future king and he is pulled into the troubled orbit of Saul, a ruler already unravelled by divine rejection. From there, the story moves steadily towards the Valley of Elah and the confrontation with Goliath, a sequence that is handled with real visual scale and narrative clarity.

Visually, David is often breathtaking. The animation is richly detailed, painterly without feeling static, and confident enough to linger on faces, landscapes and moments of silence. Battle scenes carry weight without becoming overwhelming, while quieter passages, especially those involving music, allow the film to breathe. For a 2025 release, it comfortably sits among the most impressive animated features of the year on a purely technical level.

The musical elements are another strength. Songs are woven into the story rather than bolted on, often functioning as expressions of faith, fear or resolve rather than simple spectacle. David's final act of singing in the face of execution stands out as a bold choice, turning worship into defiance and giving emotional logic to the film's climax. It is sincere, sometimes almost disarmingly so, but rarely cynical or hollow.

Narratively, the film covers a great deal of ground. From David's anointing to Saul's jealousy, from exile to mercy in the cave, and finally to the recognition of David as king, the script remains broadly faithful to the biblical account laid out in Samuel. The relationship between David and Jonathan is given room to develop, adding emotional texture, while Saul's descent is portrayed with a tragic edge rather than cartoon villainy.

That said, the film's biggest weakness is its length. At one hour and fifty minutes, it occasionally feels stretched, particularly in the later sections where pursuit, escape and regrouping follow familiar rhythms. Younger viewers may feel the drag in places, even if the quality of the animation and music does enough to keep attention from fully slipping.

Still, these are minor complaints in what is otherwise a confident and heartfelt production. David may be aimed at families, but it does not talk down to its audience. Its themes of loyalty, courage, mercy and faith are clearly articulated without feeling aggressively didactic, and the emotional beats are allowed to land without being rushed.

As a surprise, it is a significant one. David feels like a film that arrives quietly and then lingers, offering something sincere, beautifully made and unapologetic about what it believes in. Whatever the wider critical noise, this is a strong piece of faith-based animation that understands both its source material and its audience.

I would give David a confident 9.5 out of 10. For me, it stands as the best animated film of 2025 and a reminder that family storytelling, when done with care and conviction, can still feel genuinely special.

Out In Cinemas Now

More details at https://www.angel.com/movies/david

REVIEW: How to Train Your Dragon (2025 film) - Starring Mason Thames, Nico Parker, Peter Serafinowicz, Nick Frost and Gerard Butler

Review by Jon Donnis

Live-action remakes have become a regular feature on studio slates, though few manage to do more than mimic the originals. That's what makes How to Train Your Dragon such a pleasant surprise. With warmth, scale, and real cinematic sweep, this new version of the beloved 2010 animated film manages to stand on its own without disrespecting its source. Directed with a clear reverence for the original story and crafted with a keen eye for visual spectacle, it takes a familiar tale and gives it new wings.

Set on the rugged island of Berk, the film follows Hiccup, played with genuine likability by Mason Thames. He's the physically slight, socially awkward son of Viking chief Stoick the Vast, reprised here with gravitas and welcome familiarity by Gerard Butler. In a world where dragons are feared and hunted, Hiccup dares to be different. After injuring the elusive Night Fury dragon, he finds he can't bring himself to kill it. The dragon, later named Toothless, becomes both companion and co-conspirator in rewriting everything the villagers thought they knew about dragons.

The film stays remarkably close to the animated version's structure. From Hiccup's clumsy start in dragon-fighting school to his discovery of Toothless's gentle nature, the beats remain the same. But it all feels a little more grounded here. The setting, the prosthetics, the mud and fire, it's all real, or at least convincing enough to be.

It helps that the supporting cast is strong. Nico Parker brings a quiet strength to Astrid, Hiccup's rival and eventual ally. Nick Frost is solid as Gobber, a Viking who's both mentor and comic relief. Julian Dennison, Bronwyn James and Harry Trevaldwyn round out the younger ensemble with energy, even if they're mostly background noise once the bond between Hiccup and Toothless takes centre stage.

And Toothless is a triumph. The visual effects team deserves real credit for bringing the dragon to life in a way that feels tactile and emotionally expressive. The design remains faithful, but the textures and movement bring a new layer of believability. The flying sequences are especially effective, with soaring, swooping shots that capture the thrill of flight without resorting to overblown action.

If there's a complaint, it's the runtime. At just over two hours, the film drags in parts, particularly during the second act. For a younger audience, this might be pushing the limit. The original animated version ran leaner (95 minutes) and felt snappier because of it. Still, it's not enough to undermine the whole experience. For families, the balance of slapstick comedy, heartfelt moments and thoughtful messaging about empathy and courage makes it more than worth the commitment.

What's most striking is how much heart this film has. It's never cynical, never mean-spirited. It trusts its story, its cast, and its message. There's something quietly moving about watching a boy and a dragon defy the expectations of their world and forge something new. It's a theme that still resonates, even more so in this well-acted and beautifully realised version.

How to Train Your Dragon might not have needed a remake, but it's got one that justifies its existence. It's faithful without being slavish, emotional without being manipulative, and entertaining without talking down to its audience. A rare thing, really.

WOKE WATCH: You do have DEI Vikings, which is clearly historically inaccurate and offensive to Viking culture and history. Sadly in 2025 a film that doesn't have ridiculous DEI characters simply wont get funded, it was disappointed to see. Other than that the film in general is ok.

I score How to Train Your Dragon a solid 9 out of 10.

In Cinemas Now!

REVIEW: A Minecraft Movie (2025 Film) - Starring Jason Momoa, Jack Black, Danielle Brooks, Emma Myers, and Sebastian Hansen

Review by Jon Donnis

A Minecraft Movie, the 2025 American fantasy adventure comedy, successfully brings the beloved 2011 video game by Mojang Studios to the big screen, offering a surprisingly fun experience that is likely to appeal to its intended audience.. While some aspects may not resonate with those unfamiliar with the game, it provides an engaging journey for fans and young viewers.

The film introduces a quartet of misfits: Garrett "The Garbage Man" Garrison (Jason Momoa), a struggling video game store owner; Henry (Sebastian Eugene Hansen), a creative but accident-prone youngster; his caring older sister Natalie (Emma Myers); and Dawn (Danielle Brooks), a real estate agent with a mobile petting zoo. Their ordinary lives take an extraordinary turn when they are unexpectedly transported to the Overworld, a bizarre, cubic wonderland where imagination is key to survival. Here, they encounter Steve (Jack Black), an unexpected expert crafter who joins them on their quest to return home and protect the Overworld from menacing Piglins and Zombies.

The narrative begins with Steve, a former doorknob salesman, fulfilling a childhood dream by breaking into a mine, where he unearths the Orb of Dominance and the Earth Crystal. These artefacts, when combined, open a portal to the Overworld. After establishing his own paradise, Steve ventures into the Nether, a hellish dimension ruled by the creativity-averse Piglin leader, Malgosha. Imprisoned, Steve manages to send the Orb and Crystal to the real world with his loyal dog, Dennis.

Years later, Garrett, a former video game champion, discovers Steve's old belongings, including the Orb and Crystal, amongst the contents of a storage auction. Meanwhile, Henry, now residing in Chuglass, Idaho, with Natalie, accidentally activates the Orb and Crystal, leading him and Garrett into Steve's mine. Natalie and Dawn track them down, and all four are drawn into the portal, arriving in the Overworld. Malgosha, sensing the Orb's return, releases Steve from the Nether, tasking him with its retrieval, holding Dennis hostage.

The film is full of in-game references and phrases, providing a visually interesting and familiar experience for those acquainted with the Minecraft universe. From the iconic block manipulation to the appearances of various creatures and environments, the film authentically captures the essence of the game. Jason Momoa delivers a standout performance as Garrett "The Garbage Man" Garrison, adding a significant layer of enjoyment to the film. While the overall narrative may not be groundbreaking, it consistently offers a fun time for viewers.

However, the film's appeal is somewhat niche. Its reliance on Minecraft lore and visual style means it will primarily resonate with either hardcore fans of the source material or very young children who are captivated by the vibrant animations and exaggerated performances. Those unfamiliar with the game may find themselves less invested in the story and its intricate details.

Ultimately, A Minecraft Movie is a film that understands its audience. It successfully translates the imaginative spirit of the game into a coherent and entertaining adventure. While perhaps not a cinematic masterpiece for all ages, it undeniably hits the mark for the legions of young Minecraft enthusiasts, offering a colourful, action-packed journey into a world where creativity truly is essential.

I score A Minecraft Movie a fair 7 out of 10.

Out on Digital now at

https://apple.co/3FDPMmH

and

https://amzn.to/3T7rX9X

Shaun the Sheep Gets Spooky in The Beast of Mossy Bottom, Coming Halloween 2026

 

Shaun the Sheep is heading back to the big screen in 2026 with a brand new Sky Original feature film: Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom. This latest stop-motion adventure sees Aardman once again teaming up with Sky in the UK and STUDIOCANAL for international release. It marks the third feature-length outing for the mischievous sheep and his Mossy Bottom crew, promising a blend of Halloween chaos, slapstick comedy, and family-friendly thrills.

Set around a botched Halloween celebration, the film follows Shaun as he takes on the role of mad scientist to fix the Flock’s wrecked pumpkin patch. But things soon spiral into chaos when the Farmer goes missing and a strange creature begins prowling the local woods. With his usual mix of mischief and heart, Shaun must rally the Flock to solve the mystery and save the day. Expect pumpkins, potions, and a beastly twist on the farmyard antics fans know and love.

Aardman’s partnership with Sky continues a successful creative collaboration that began with Morph in 2016. This new film also celebrates 30 years since Shaun first appeared in Wallace and Gromit: A Close Shave. Since then, the series has become a global hit, airing in 170 territories and earning multiple BAFTA and Academy Award nominations. The first two feature films were both widely acclaimed and box office successes, and the 2021 Christmas special won an International Emmy.

Sky Cinema’s Executive Producer Andrew Orr called the film “huge news,” praising Shaun as a “household name” and promising “laughs, spookiness and some brilliantly entertaining new characters.” Aardman’s Chief Creative Director Sarah Cox highlighted the seasonal setting, teasing “smashed pumpkins, wayward science, and a wild hairy beast,” all served up with the Flock’s signature humour. Meanwhile, STUDIOCANAL's team promised surprises, a strong Halloween hook, and plenty of fresh faces alongside returning favourites.

The Beast of Mossy Bottom builds on the studio’s recent success with Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, which broke UK viewing records and picked up two BAFTAs and an Oscar nomination. With Aardman riding high and Shaun the Sheep celebrating three decades of global stardom, this Halloween adventure is shaping up to be a major event for families, animation fans, and new audiences alike.