Rough Cut Reviews

Special Editions of “Thunderbolts” Arrive in Japan*

Marvel fans in Japan can look forward to a wave of exclusive home entertainment releases this summer. On 8 August 2025, Thunderbolts — the latest Marvel action film directed by Jake Schreier — will be released on physical media by Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, distributed via Leonine. The film will be available on Blu-ray with a German Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 soundtrack and in a limited 4K Ultra HD Steelbook Edition featuring Dolby Vision and an included HD version.

This release follows the usual Marvel tradition of packing their home editions with bonus content. Extras include deleted scenes, bloopers, a full-length audio commentary, and four featurettes. As is often the case with MCU releases in Japan, fans can also expect special collector’s editions with various add-ons. Notably, many of these versions will include the film in Blu-ray 3D format.

Plot Overview: A Mission Turned Trap

In Thunderbolts, Valentina de Fontaine (played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus) assembles a covert strike team — Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko), and John Walker (Wyatt Russell) — to extract the powerful super soldier Robert Reynolds (Lewis Pullman) from a high-security military facility.

However, once inside, the team discovers they’ve been set up. The mission was a calculated betrayal by Valentina, designed to paint them as terrorists targeting Reynolds. Her goal? To seize his powers. Despite the ambush, the squad survives and turns against their manipulative leader. But Valentina has one more card to play: she releases Reynolds’ alter ego, Sentry, whose unleashed power awakens a dark force capable of global destruction. It’s now up to this team of outcasts to stop the looming threat — but to do so, they’ll need serious reinforcements.

A New Chapter for the Fantastic Four

Marvel is also breathing new life into one of its most iconic franchises. The Fantastic Four: First Steps marks the official entry of the superhero quartet into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and it comes with a bold, retro-futuristic style straight out of the 1960s.

In this thrilling new storyline, Earth faces annihilation from the cosmic god Galactus, who is joined by the Silver Surfer — now reimagined as the powerful Shalla-Bal, played by Julia Garner. The Fantastic Four must rely on both their powers and their familial bond to counter the threat. As the danger grows more personal, the team’s unity is put to the ultimate test.

A Reboot with Fresh Faces and Big Names

This isn’t the first time Marvel’s First Family has been adapted for the screen, but it’s the first time they’ve officially joined the MCU. And they’re doing it with a fresh cast and modern vision.

Here’s the main lineup for The Fantastic Four: First Steps:

• Pedro Pascal (49) as Reed Richards / Mr. Fantastic

• Vanessa Kirby (36) as Sue Storm / The Invisible Woman

• Joseph Quinn (31) as Johnny Storm / The Human Torch

• Ebon Moss-Bachrach (48) as Ben Grimm / The Thing

• Ralph Ineson (55) as Galactus

• Julia Garner (31) as Shalla-Bal / Silver Surfer

Additional confirmed cast members whose roles are yet to be revealed include:

• Natasha Lyonne (46)

• Sarah Niles (38)

• Paul Walter Hauser (38)

• John Malkovich (71)

Female Power Takes the Lead

One of the most notable changes is the gender swap of the Silver Surfer. Traditionally portrayed as male, the character is now being reimagined as a powerful female presence. Julia Garner’s portrayal of Shalla-Bal reflects Marvel’s evolving narrative, where female characters no longer play supporting roles — they lead.

With Thunderbolts hitting home screens and Fantastic Four redefining the MCU’s future, Marvel continues to expand its universe while honouring the legacy of its beloved characters. Both releases signal a bold new era for superhero storytelling.

A Film Born from Friendship and Farewell

Enzo is not a typical cinematic release. Originally envisioned by celebrated French director Laurent Cantet, the film was brought to life by his longtime friend and fellow filmmaker Robin Campillo after Cantet’s passing in April 2024 due to cancer. Campillo, known for 120 BPM (Beats per Minute), stepped in to direct the project as a tribute to Cantet’s vision, resulting in a deeply emotional and personal film.

The story follows 16-year-old Enzo, portrayed by newcomer Eloy Pohu, a teenager from a privileged background who dreams of becoming a bricklayer—an aspiration his father fails to comprehend. On a construction site, Enzo meets Vlad (Maksym Slivinskyi), a Ukrainian immigrant whose presence sparks an awakening of profound desire in the young boy. The film delicately explores identity, class, and longing through a coming-of-age lens.

Critics and Audiences Respond Warmly

On AlloCiné, Enzo holds a solid average rating of 3.9 out of 5 from the press, and 3.8 from general viewers, reflecting an overall positive reception.

Among the most frequent comments is praise for the emotional depth of Campillo’s gesture. Many highlight how Enzo feels like a seamless blend of Cantet’s socio-political sensitivity with Campillo’s radiant, lyrical storytelling. As one reviewer put it, it’s a “beautiful passing of the torch” between the two filmmakers.

Boyan Tulechki echoed this sentiment, noting how the film “captures bodies, social groups, and human tensions” in a way that feels distinctly influenced by Cantet’s legacy. Another viewer remarked that Campillo successfully pays homage without overshadowing his own artistic identity, delivering a poetic tribute to his late friend.

A Star in the Making

Eloy Pohu, a first-time actor, has been widely praised for his performance. Audiences describe his presence as “incredibly charismatic,” while the chemistry between him and co-star Maksym Slivinskyi—himself a real-life bricklayer—adds to the film’s authenticity.

The portrayal of adolescence, especially through the lens of sexual identity and social barriers, has been described as “tender, luminous, and political.” For many, Enzo stands out as not only a heartfelt farewell to a director but also a vivid portrait of youth and desire in today’s world.

Bond Franchise in Search of a New Vision

While Enzo reflects on the past, another franchise is setting its sights firmly on the future. The next instalment in the James Bond series is currently in development, and a shortlist of five directors has emerged to potentially helm the high-profile project. This comes after Amazon, through Jeff Bezos’ company, acquired the rights to the legendary spy saga.

The five contenders are seasoned filmmakers with strong cinematic pedigrees:

• Denis Villeneuve – Known for Dune, Blade Runner 2049, and Sicario, Villeneuve is seen as a natural choice for a franchise of Bond’s calibre.

• Edward Berger – The German director behind the Oscar-nominated All Quiet on the Western Front and Conclave is gaining international attention.

• Edgar Wright – The British auteur known for Hot Fuzz, Baby Driver, and Last Night in Soho brings a dynamic and stylised approach that could redefine Bond.

A Nolan—But Not That One

Surprising many, it’s not Christopher Nolan in contention, but his brother Jonathan Nolan, co-writer of The Prestige, The Dark Knight, and Interstellar, and showrunner of Westworld. His mix of blockbuster writing experience and television expertise adds an intriguing edge to the list.

Lastly, Paul King, better known for the Paddington films and Wonka, is also being considered—a somewhat unexpected but potentially refreshing choice for the franchise.

It’s also worth noting that Alfonso Cuarón, once among the potential candidates, has reportedly withdrawn from the race.

Set against the backdrop of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, Ballerina introduces a compelling new figure into the deadly universe of contract killers. Ana de Armas steps into the lead role as Eve Macarro, a highly trained assassin shaped by the traditions of the Ruska Roma. Her mission is deeply personal: to eliminate those responsible for the brutal murder of her family.

Directed by Len Wiseman, Ballerina delves further into the hidden codes and complex hierarchy of the John Wick world. While Eve’s narrative runs parallel to Wick’s own fight for survival, the film offers a distinct viewpoint into the rituals, loyalties, and lethal skills that define this covert society.

Familiar faces return to anchor the film within the broader franchise. Ian McShane reprises his role as Winston, the enigmatic manager of the Continental Hotel. Anjelica Huston returns as the stern and commanding Director, while the late Lance Reddick appears once more as Charon, the Continental’s ever-faithful concierge. Keanu Reeves also makes a significant appearance, once again donning the black suit as John Wick, reinforcing the narrative connection between the main saga and this new chapter.

Joining the cast are Gabriel Byrne, Norman Reedus, and Sharon Duncan-Brewster, who each bring added depth to the world of secret allegiances and shifting power dynamics that fans of the series have come to expect.

With a runtime of just over two hours, Ballerina promises a blend of high-octane action, masterfully choreographed combat, and emotional intensity. The film maintains the sleek aesthetic and brutal elegance that defines the franchise, while carving out its own identity through the story of a woman shaped by loss and fuelled by vengeance.

Release Information:

• UK Release Date: 4 June 2025

• Director: Len Wiseman

• Cast: Ana de Armas, Ian McShane, Anjelica Huston, Gabriel Byrne, Lance Reddick, Norman Reedus, Sharon Duncan-Brewster, Keanu Reeves

• Runtime: 2h 4min

• Genre: Action

• Country: United States

• Rating: R (Restricted – under 12s not permitted)

Fans of the new Netflix thriller Fool Me Once have recognised a key filming location featured in the series — a historic mansion previously seen in several well-known British programmes.

Released on New Year’s Day, Fool Me Once is the latest adaptation of a novel by bestselling crime writer Harlan Coben, whose other Netflix collaborations include The Stranger and Stay Close. The eight-part series follows Maya Stern, played by Michelle Keegan, as she unravels a chilling mystery. Believing her husband Joe Burkett, portrayed by Richard Armitage, to have been murdered, Maya becomes convinced he may still be alive. Her search for answers soon exposes a deadly conspiracy rooted in the past.

Filming for the series took place across the northwest of England, particularly in Greater Manchester and Cheshire. Among the striking locations featured is Arley Hall, a stately home in Cheshire dating back to the 15th century. In the series, it stands in as Farmwood, the grand estate belonging to Joe’s mother, Judith Burkett, portrayed by Joanna Lumley.

Situated in the village of Arley, the hall is no stranger to the screen. Long-time TV fans may recognise it as the residence of Tommy Shelby, played by Cillian Murphy, in the BBC drama Peaky Blinders. It has also appeared on Antiques Roadshow and CBeebies’ Something Special, making it a familiar backdrop for British audiences.

With its rich architectural heritage and cinematic appeal, Arley Hall continues to be a favoured location for film and television producers, lending its grandeur to both gripping crime dramas and classic British shows.

David Metcalfe’s departure from Emmerdale marked the end of an era for fans of the long-running ITV soap. Played by Matthew Wolfenden for nearly two decades, David’s exit was confirmed a few months ago, and this week it was revealed within the storyline that he will not be returning to the village.

Viewers were reminded of David’s absence during a recent episode, where his family learned that he had chosen not to come back. This followed the emotional scenes that aired when David originally left the show, coinciding with Matthew Wolfenden’s decision to step away from the role.

At the time of his departure, speculation circulated that David might be written out permanently. One source close to the production hinted that the character could be killed off, suggesting that Wolfenden was ready for a new challenge after a period of limited dramatic storylines. “He’s a fan favourite,” the source noted, “so he’ll be supported in whatever comes next. There’s real excitement about what opportunities lie ahead.”

However, fans were relieved to discover that David’s departure didn’t involve a fatal storyline. Instead, he left the village to reunite with his ex-partner Priya and their daughter Amba. His decision came after he discovered that his son Jacob had fallen in love with Victoria, David’s former partner. Struggling to come to terms with their relationship, David felt he had no option but to leave. The news was met with heartbreak by Jacob and Eric Pollard, who were left reeling from his sudden exit.

Is David Metcalfe Gone for Good?

Matthew Wolfenden has addressed the question many fans have been asking: is this truly the end for David Metcalfe? Speaking candidly, the actor admitted that leaving was a daunting decision.

“I’m really nervous about leaving after almost twenty years,” he said. “But it feels like the right time. I’ve been told the door is open—they’re not killing me off. That’s something I can share. So, who knows? I might return one day.”

Wolfenden also reflected on how the show shaped his life beyond the screen. “I met my wife on Emmerdale, we’ve had three kids. It hasn’t just been 18 years of work—it’s given me my family. Leaving it behind is a huge change, no question.”

As for how the story played out on screen, the actor hinted that Victoria played a significant role in David’s departure. “There is a sort of resolution,” he said, careful not to reveal too much. “Let’s just say Victoria is the reason he leaves the village.”

This was confirmed during the dramatic reveal when David accidentally uncovered the secret romance between Jacob and Victoria. Unable to bear the emotional fallout, he made the painful decision to walk away from his life in the Dales.

While David’s future in Emmerdale remains uncertain, the character has been written out in a way that leaves the possibility open for a return. For now, fans are left to say goodbye to one of the show’s most enduring figures—at least for the time being.

When Nativity! hit UK cinemas in 2009, it quickly became a festive favourite thanks to its heartwarming story, laugh-out-loud moments and an endearing cast of schoolchildren. Among the standout characters was Bob, played by Ben Wilby, whose comedic dance moves and charming screen presence left a lasting impression on audiences.

Fourteen years later, Ben is no longer the cheeky seven-year-old who lit up the screen with pelvic thrusts and breakdancing. Now 21, he’s grown into a confident young man with a muscular build and sandy blonde hair, though his playful smile still echoes the boy fans remember.

Recently, Ben made an appearance at the Heart Breakfast radio studio, auditioning in front of Amanda Holden for the station’s upcoming Christmas production. He follows in the footsteps of stars like Leona Lewis, Tom Fletcher, and Ashley Roberts, continuing to stay active in the entertainment world.

The original Nativity! film followed the story of a primary school teacher who gets himself in a bind after falsely claiming that a Hollywood producer is coming to watch his class’s nativity play. Rather than admit the truth, he carries on the ruse with the help of an eccentric teaching assistant. The film became such a success that it spawned two sequels: Nativity 2: Danger in the Manger! and Nativity 3: Dude, Where’s My Donkey?, all of which featured Ben Wilby reprising his role.

Ben later pursued formal training at Emil Dale Academy in Cambridge, a performing arts school known for preparing students for careers in acting. He has also found a new platform in TikTok, where he enjoys a following of over 80,000 fans. On the app, he often reminisces about his time in Nativity!, sharing behind-the-scenes insights and updates from his life today.

In one of his videos, Ben explains how he landed the role of Bob through an agency looking for “chatty kids who could dance and sing a little.” That unique blend of confidence and charisma made him an instant standout during casting.

Ben wasn’t the only young actor from Nativity! to stay in the public eye. Krista Hyatt, who played Becky, is now 25. Before the film’s release, she had already gained national attention as one half of the dance duo The Cheeky Monkeys, who reached the final of Britain’s Got Talent.

Charlie Dixon, who portrayed Thomas from the rival private school Oakmoor, also shared the screen with Krista. Meanwhile, Maeve Dolan – known for always wearing a stripy hat in the film – gave an unforgettable audition with her rendition of “Teenage Dirtbag”. Now 23, she’s reportedly studying at a university in London and regularly posts content on TikTok, where she chats about everything from knitting to Teen Wolf and university life.

While the children of Nativity! have clearly grown up, their roles continue to hold a special place in the hearts of fans who revisit the film each Christmas. And with many of them pursuing careers in entertainment, it’s clear the festive classic was only the beginning of their journey.