From adrenaline-charged action to aching romance, from heart-splitting tragedy to nostalgia that clung like perfume – we felt it all this year....
COVER STORY
From adrenaline-charged action to aching romance, from heart-splitting tragedy to nostalgia that clung like perfume – we felt it all this year. The screen gave us closure for some stories, lit the fuse of exciting new beginnings in others, and tossed in a few unexpected sparks along the way.
Cinema showed up with its full spectrum of glory. So, settle in – coffee steaming, popcorn glistening with butter, blanket pulled close. Here’s our year in film, wrapped, replayed, and ready for you to devour.
A blockbuster that’s literally made of blocks.
A delightfully blocky movie bursting with charm, chaos, and enough references to make any Minecrafter giddy. It feels like watching the game come to life – all the blocks, the cute mobs, and the silly adventures. Jack Black as Steve had us in stitches, and the whole movie had this goofy, energetic vibe that put a smile on your face the whole time.
The story isn’t super deep, but then, what else should we expect? You would still want to grab your friends and play Minecraft afterwards. If you love the game or just enjoy colourful, funny adventures, it’s definitely a good watch.
To be honest, when the teasers for Superman came out, we all missed Henry Cavill (or at least I did). However, this year’s Superman made me realize it’s about the character more than the actor. James Gunn brings back the timeless hero and proves that Superman is never fading away.
David Corenswet looks, moves, and smiles like he was born in a sunbeam. This Superman movie brings back the adrenaline rush you feel while watching any other superhero movie and the excitement doesn’t fade till the end. No
wonder it became one of the highest grossers
this year. If you love capes, courage, and seeing the nicest superhero alive throw tanks like they are made of wool, this movie is just for you.
Here we go again. Just like Superman, dinosaurs are here forever. No matter how many times Jurassic Park reinvents itself and comes out with a refreshed franchise, people are still going to go for it. It, hence, proves that we all absolutely love dinosaurs.
So, the blockbuster numbers went off the chart but was it worth it? Not really! Taking a critical look, you will realize that the story was mediocre, the CGI average, and the thrill sequences were not something we have never seen before. Sure, people will still flock to the theatres for dinosaurs, but filmmakers should be somewhat responsible for bringing something new to the table when they are reinventing an already established franchise. Here’s still hoping that the upcoming Jurassic World movies can bring back the same magic that made us fall in love with the beasts.
Whether you are familiar with Lilo & Stitch animation or not, this live action movie is cute, fun, and appealing. It is an adorable mix of heart and humour. Lilo’s quirky charm meets Stitch’s mischievous energy, creating a story that’s both hilariously unhinged and surprisingly emotional. The Hawaiian setting adds value and gives a unique outlook to the usual Disney movies. The soundtrack is a vibe, and the message – ohana means family, and family means nobody gets left behind – hits every time.
If you haven’t seen it because you were unsure how Disney would pull a live-action with this, then give it a shot. The storyline may differ from the original, but it’s still worth watching.
From Superman to dinosaurs to Lilo & Stitch to now Fantastic Four, this year was all about rekindling old flames. It was a wild, heart-pounding, gadget-packed superhero joyride that finally makes you feel what it’s like to watch your favourite heroes come alive – cosmic chaos, epic action, and family vibes all in one.
Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards is brilliant, Vanessa Kirby’s Sue Storm is inspiring, and the team chemistry makes every scene sparkle.
The villains are massive, the stakes feel sky-high, and the sci-fi gadgets are too cool. Although the Fantastic Four series dates back to the 1960s and 1970s, it was still fun to see how kids from this generation felt connected to the characters and enjoyed their adventures.
Some side characters don’t get all the spotlight they deserve, but honestly, who cares when the Fantastic Four are assembling like this? It’s pure superhero magic from start to finish.
It feels unfair for me to write about How to Train Your Dragon as I may be biased. I have always been a huge fan. To know that one of my favourite animated movies is getting a live-action movie was already very exciting for me. And I wasn’t disappointed. Toothless is still loveable, but the animated one has my heart.
The live-action movie revolves around an ancient threat that looms over Vikings and dragons alike, and how Hiccup (played by Mason Thames) and Toothless assemble their army to fight against the evil. Like the animated series, this movie is all about friendship and courage too. A heart-warming, thrilling ride from first flight to the last roar.
If you are a follower of this magazine and have read movie roundups year after year, you all know no roundup is complete without the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Yes, Captain America was gone after Avengers: Endgame but don’t you
forget, we had Falcon taking over as the new Cap. Sam Wilson as the new Captain America is charming, heroic, and totally earns his wings … err, shield. However, the story lets him down. The villains were a mixed bag, the plot jumped around too much, and the action didn’t pack a punch too. If the MCU wishes to keep the Captain America legacy going, they need to work harder on establishing Falcon as Captain America by giving him a better story, better supporting cast, and better action for sure.
With so much talk going around Mission Impossible – The Final Reckoning being the last in the franchise, it came as no surprise that movie buffs lined up in queues for the movie in theatres. Like every Mission: Impossible movie, The Final Reckoning had some of the most
daring stunts, performed by Tom Cruise himself, adding more value to the overall movie experience. It is pure cinematic adrenaline. Every leap, crash, and high-speed chase feels dangerously real, pulling you to the edge of your seat from start to finish.
Beyond the explosions, the film carries a pulse of nostalgia and closure – a reckoning not just of bombs and bullets, but of choices, scars, and the consequences of every daring leap. The opening act lingers a bit too long in exposition, and the
plot occasionally tangles itself, but when the action lands, it’s breathtaking.
This isn’t just a blockbuster; it’s a visceral, pulse-quickening experience – sleek, daring, and unforgettable.
Starring Brad Pitt and Javier Bardem, F1: The Movie revolves around Formula One racing driver Sonny Hayes, who returns after a 30-year absence to save his former teammate's underdog team from collapse. F1 did exceptionally well at the box office, which came as no surprise. Brad Pitt’s effortless charm drives this film forward and helps it reach the finish line.
The movie had impeccable racing scenes, engaging performances, and a thrilling storyline to keep us hooked throughout. As for worldwide reviews, it is termed as one of the most authentic racing movies ever made and the best sports movie of the year. Besides the rush of the racetrack, F1 has its heart in the right place. A must-watch.
Gosh, we have been missing this genre from our screens for a long time and what a way to make an entry. A horror family drama directed by Rafay Rashdi is a significant film for the Pakistani horror genre.
Deemak is a bold leap forward for Pakistani horror cinema. It is tense, spine-chilling, and surprisingly ambitious, blending folklore-inspired terror with real emotional stakes. Sonya Hussyn, Faysal Quraishi, and Samina Peerzada deliver performances that anchor the supernatural chaos in raw, believable emotion.
While the CGI and ghostly effects occasionally wobble, and a few horror beats lean on familiar tropes, the film’s ambition and effort are worth praising. It’s not just about jump scares – it’s about fear rooted in story, tradition, and human conflict.
For anyone craving a Pakistani horror experience that dares to push boundaries while keeping you on the edge of your seat, Deemak is a thrilling, must-watch ride.
We all agree that when Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan come together, they sizzle. And having them together in a romantic genre just had our hearts from the get-go. Neelofar is a soft, warm, and emotional love story. The movie revolves around a visually impaired woman who enters the life of an introverted writer and transforms him along with his perception of life and love. Sure, the story drifts here and there, and some scenes could have been chopped or amped a bit, but honestly, it has the moments that hit your heart – the quiet glances, the laughter, the small gestures, and the soulful music. If you are in the mood for a romantic, feel-good ride that doesn’t take itself too seriously, Neelofar is a delightful watch.
A romantic comedy starring Humayun Saeed and Mahira Khan, Love Guru follows a flirtatious man hired to woo a businessman’s daughter to prevent her marrying a man she loves. The film was a major box office success in Pakistan, breaking opening weekend records.
Love Guru is a colourful rom-com with some swoon-worthy moments and good music. Humayun Saeed and Mahira Khan’s on-screen chemistry is pure magic, making you root for them every step of the way.
The songs are catchy, the visuals are bright and sparkly, and both the leads look immaculate. Sure, the story is a little predictable and some characters feel like background decorations, but honestly, the charm and romance make up for it. If you want a light-hearted, feel-good movie that makes you smile, swoon, and tap your feet, Love Guru delivers.
