Movie Shorts- Film Reviews

Hi, I’m Andy Mc and welcome to Movie Shorts — the podcast that gives you honest, spoiler-free reviews of the latest releases in under ten minutes.Today we’re looking at California Schemin’, a gripping and surprisingly tense film based on a true story, following two Scottish men who attempt to break into the American hip-hop scene by pretending to be Californian rappers.What starts as ambition quickly spirals into something far more complex, as the film explores identity, authenticity, and the uncomfortable truth about an industry obsessed with image. It raises a fascinating question: who’s really at fault — the individuals behind the lie, or the system so eager to believe it?Featuring strong performances and a confident directorial debut from James McAvoy, this is a film that balances tension with sharp commentary on fame and perception.If you enjoy quick, honest film reviews, make sure to follow Movie Shorts wherever you get your podcasts.

Hi, I’m Andy and welcome to Movie Shorts — the podcast that gives you honest, spoiler-free reviews of the latest releases in under ten minutes.Today I’m taking a look at Super Mario Galaxy.It’s a film that clearly understands its audience, packed with familiar music, visuals, and gameplay references that tap into that shared nostalgia. But in trying to deliver everything fans might want, it sometimes feels like it throws too much at you, losing a sense of focus along the way.There’s plenty to enjoy here, but the question is whether it all comes together as a complete story.🎬 Is it a faithful celebration of the games, or a film that struggles to balance it all?

In this episode of Movie Shorts, I take a look at Project Hail Mary, starring Ryan Gosling and directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller.This is a film that blends science fiction with something far more personal — exploring isolation, problem-solving, and what it means to carry responsibility when everything depends on you.I talk about why Gosling’s performance works so well, how the film balances scale with emotion, and why its central relationship is such a bold choice that pays off.It’s not just a space film — it’s a story about uncertainty, persistence, and what it means to keep going when you don’t feel ready.

In this episode of Movie Shorts, Andy Mc takes a look at How to Make a Killing (2026), a darkly comic crime film directed by John Patton Ford and starring Glen Powell, Margaret Qualley, Zach Woods and Ed Harris.With an intriguing premise and a strong opening act, the film sets out to balance dark comedy with crime thriller elements. But as the story develops, questions emerge about tone, momentum, and whether the film fully delivers on the promise of its early ideas.This spoiler-light review explores the performances, the film’s tonal shifts, and why a story like this might have benefited from more space to develop.

In this episode of Movie Shorts, Andy Mc takes a close look at Shelter, an action thriller starring Jason Statham that resists spectacle in favour of restraint.The film follows a man living on the margins, carefully constructing a quiet life built on routine, integrity, and control. When that stability is threatened, Shelter shifts into a more physical register, delivering grounded, gritty action that prioritises effort and consequence over flair.This episode explores the film’s approach to character, its use of violence as necessity rather than bravado, and how familiar genre elements — including institutional power and professional pursuit — shape the story. While the film doesn’t offer major surprises, it delivers a consistently engaging ride anchored by a restrained central performance.A spoiler-light review focusing on story, tone, and why Shelter works best when it holds back.

In this episode of Movie Shorts, Andy Mc reviews Mercy, a near-future thriller starring Chris Pratt that places justice, technology, and human judgement on a ticking clock.The film follows an LAPD detective put on trial for his wife’s murder — overseen not by a human judge, but by an AI system designed to remove emotion and bias from justice altogether. As evidence is reduced to probability and guilt becomes a percentage, Mercy asks uncomfortable questions about process, responsibility, and what happens when systems stop listening.This episode explores the film’s performances, its cinematic influences, and the tension between strong ideas and uneven execution — balancing entertainment with a more uneasy reflection on power, accountability, and control.Thoughtful film discussion that goes beyond plot and into what cinema is really saying.Please follow this podcast and leave a comment. Thanks