19 November 2020
Paradise Hills (2019)
Emma Roberts leads the rebellion in this gorgeous film set on a magical island. As amnesiac Uma, she’s been sent there to be reformed and more obedient. Think a watered-down Handmaid’s Tale (there’s no sexual abuse) in a world as pretty as the heaven in What Dreams May Come.
Paradise Hills is more likely to win a Raspberry Award than an Oscar, but it’s still decent. Don’t think too much about the plot holes. Rather fawn over the gorgeous colours of Paradise Island and the actors, including Milla Jovovich.
Monica Castillo at rogerebert.com comments, “When done well, sci-fis give filmmakers the chance to explore earthly problems through fantastical situations. The setting can be a futuristic world, the villains perhaps benevolent machines went bad or a society that turned technology against itself. Here, the costumes can be over the top as The Fifth Element and the design, dusty and dingy as Tatooine in the Star Wars.”
The Mommy Club NBO now streaming
The Chocolate Empire, now streaming
The best movies to stream

Here, and 15 more great movies to cry about
Whether you’re looking to shed happy tears or shed part of your soul, we have movies centred on love in all its forms to help you, starting with Tom Hanks and Robin Wright’s Here.

The best kids’ shows and movies to stream during school holidays
Showmax has loads of fun to look forward to during school holidays in June/July 2025, including blockbuster movies for the whole family.

Elphaba and Glinda’s Wicked little guide
Find out what Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande have to say about Wicked, pick up 10 magical behind-the-scenes facts, and explore 7 more schools of witchcraft and wizardry.

Twisters and 5 other man-versus-nature nail biters
Tornado alert! A category F5 spin on the blockbuster 1996 movie Twister has just touched ground to sweep us up in the terrifying power of nature. Find out about how it was made, and what to watch next.