tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46946141065423164292024-03-18T16:44:21.368+13:00At Darren's World of EntertainmentAt Darren's World of Entertainment - a movie, DVD and game review blog.
The latest movie and DVD reviews - plus game reviews as well. And cool stuff thrown in when I see it.Darrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02780586901533093889noreply@blogger.comBlogger9071125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4694614106542316429.post-47920364373920468772024-03-18T00:00:00.001+13:002024-03-18T16:43:28.736+13:00What's on Shudder in April<h1 style="text-align: left;">What's on Shudder in April</h1><p>Here's everything streaming on Shudder on April.</p><p>SHUDDER ORIGINALS AND EXCLUSIVES </p><p>Infested </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwP4b3Lb6gbaM_XhSaERdjWg47dERwKQTRus34uDw3Uk6geLSD7XVxMp7Y5Wr5fZLwUE0F_QXqoAzQexLvTqEjGdZicDsCeWfOrvyQIb7MtdvBI1_CEu0UHLJeiaYt1CEs0BonHoXMmOugwJgzqH5rGWRf2GFcMsFoTMqIKvIeExzCkolj7ij7_S41Vs/s1559/infested.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="What's on Shudder in April" border="0" data-original-height="867" data-original-width="1559" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwP4b3Lb6gbaM_XhSaERdjWg47dERwKQTRus34uDw3Uk6geLSD7XVxMp7Y5Wr5fZLwUE0F_QXqoAzQexLvTqEjGdZicDsCeWfOrvyQIb7MtdvBI1_CEu0UHLJeiaYt1CEs0BonHoXMmOugwJgzqH5rGWRf2GFcMsFoTMqIKvIeExzCkolj7ij7_S41Vs/w640-h356/infested.JPG" title="What's on Shudder in April" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Streaming Exclusively on Shudder and AMC+ </p><p>Film Premieres Friday 26 April </p><p>Director Sébastien Vanicek makes his feature film debut with a story that follows Kaleb, who is about to turn 30 and has never been lonelier. He’s fighting with his sister over a matter of inheritance and has cut ties with his best friend. </p><p>Fascinated by exotic animals, he finds a venomous spider in a bazaar and brings it back to his flat. It only takes a moment for it to escape and reproduce, turning the whole place into a dreadful web trap. </p><p>Starring Théo Christine (Suprêmes), Finnegan Oldfield (Final Cut), Jérôme Niel (Smoking Causes Coughing), Sofia Lesaffre (Les Misérables) and Lisa Nyarko. </p><p>Mute Witness </p><p>Streaming Exclusively on Shudder and AMC+ </p><p>Film Premieres Monday 1 April </p><p>From director Anthony Waller (An American Werewolf in Paris), A mute makeup artist working on a slasher movie being shot in Moscow, is locked in the studio after hours. </p><p>While there, she witnesses a brutal murder, and must escape capture. </p><p>The Tunnel: The Other Side of Darkness </p><p>Streaming Exclusively on Shudder and AMC+ </p><p>Film Premieres Monday 15 April </p><p>On the 10th anniversary of the Australian found footage film The Tunnel, this documentary delves into the filmmakers endeavors to challenge how films are financed and distributed, and the lasting impact The Tunnel had internationally. </p><p>*The original film The Tunnel also available on 15 April.</p><p>NEW ADDITIONS TO SHUDDER’S FILM LIBRARY </p><p>April 1 </p><p>Vesper </p><p>Struggling to survive with her father after the collapse of Earth’s ecosystem, 13-year-old Vesper must use her wits, strength and bio-hacking abilities to fight for the future. </p><p>April 4 </p><p>Gateway </p><p>In an ordinary abandoned house – on what could be your ordinary street – a gang of desperate criminals have found something – or it has found them. </p><p>April 15 </p><p>The Tunnel </p><p>An investigation into a government cover-up leads to a network of abandoned train tunnels deep beneath the heart of Sydney. As a journalist and her crew hunt for the story, it quickly becomes clear the story is hunting them. </p><p>April 22 </p><p>13th Floor </p><p>As a child, a girl witnessed her father electrocute a young boy. When she grows into an adult, the ghost of the murdered boy appears to her, and together they set out to expose the crimes of her father. </p><p>Final Cut (aka Death Games) </p><p>A reporter and his girlfriend follow around a famous actor/entrepreneur and discover some dirt on him to be made public. </p>Darrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02780586901533093889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4694614106542316429.post-30247091417152648762024-03-17T00:00:00.001+13:002024-03-17T10:10:05.843+13:00Road House: Movie Review<h1 style="text-align: left;">Road House: Movie Review</h1><p>Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Daniela Melchior, Conor McGregor, Jessica Williams, Billy Magnussen<br />Director: Doug Liman</p><p>Much like a punch to the face, the 2024 version of Road House offers some vicarious hits in among the bruises.</p><p>A buffed up Jake Gyllenhaal brings a degree of charm and smarm to his ex-UFC fighter Elwood Dalton, a man who doesn't like to get angry and who is grappling with issues from his own past.</p><p>After a fight he is due to take part in is cancelled last minute, Dalton is approached by Frankie, (Williams) the owner of a road house in the Florida Keys and offered a job in security. Reluctantly he takes it, and finds himself slap bang in the middle of a war between the owners of the Road House and local real estate broker Ben Brandt (Magnussen) who wants to close down the establishment and take the land for nefarious reasons.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLLlVaHwjWUJ3tKwVWOs50UDGBgyiXxs8wRVRcjlW_XbE2nKyurG46uutSb7JYdKAq9SUWAQQ0_noZlaFerLNtO917tsoJuby41cgLKbUITzuJlOYXSph4n2JyNJIsvd-kt514CNuHo73m_iEzwobt4ehag9fFakoJOMYEfjsN-P8tv__tR27BRjj2TCM/s1200/Road-House-2024.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Road House: Movie Review" border="0" data-original-height="502" data-original-width="1200" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLLlVaHwjWUJ3tKwVWOs50UDGBgyiXxs8wRVRcjlW_XbE2nKyurG46uutSb7JYdKAq9SUWAQQ0_noZlaFerLNtO917tsoJuby41cgLKbUITzuJlOYXSph4n2JyNJIsvd-kt514CNuHo73m_iEzwobt4ehag9fFakoJOMYEfjsN-P8tv__tR27BRjj2TCM/w640-h268/Road-House-2024.jpg" title="Road House: Movie Review" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>The thing with the 2024 remake of Road House is that it veers between tones with nary a moment of consideration for the viewers.</p><p>On the one hand, it's a film about a man dealing with his past demons; on the other, it's a film of cartoonish violence shot from a POV camera that feels like something from the 80s. Yet at the same time, it's possibly destined to become a guilty pleasure of a film, one that is solidly watchable in parts despite its absurdities.</p><p>Gyllenhaal is impressive as Dalton, and his obvious charisma and appeal is on show throughout. But his appeal becomes somewhat one dimensional as the movie goes on and his lack of any potential relationship with an ER doctor (Melchor) as hinted at earlier on, just fizzles out.</p><p>As for controversial UFC fighter McGregor, it's hard to know exactly what tone Liman wanted from his villain - other than "shoot for OTT and then go even further". After a memorable entrance, McGregor's character simply becomes a cartoon threat, one that's snarling and snapping and acting in a different film to everyone else.</p><p>There are moments when the fight choreography shines in its frenetic ways, but coupled with some poor lighting and some editing, it doesn't quite gel as perhaps it should. Certainly there's plenty of bone-crunching violence, but not the relevant amounts of gore to match what transpires.</p><p>Ultimately, the 2024 Road House is the kind of B-movie you'd probably watch after a few beers with some mates; it has a few pervasive pleasures, but feels like a movie that's confused by what it wants to be - an updated homage to the Patrick Swayze great.</p><p>Road House begins streaming on Prime Video from March 21.</p>Darrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02780586901533093889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4694614106542316429.post-50637712015792753062024-03-15T00:00:00.001+13:002024-03-15T13:47:57.152+13:00Win a Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire prize pack<h1 style="text-align: left;">Win a Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire prize pack</h1><p>To celebrate the release of Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire in cinemas March 21, thanks to Sony Pictures New Zealand, you can win a prize pack.</p><p><b>About Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire</b></p><p>In Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, the Spengler family returns to where it all started – the iconic New York City firehouse – to team up with the original Ghostbusters, who’ve developed a top-secret research lab to take busting ghosts to the next level. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdqyUII5zV6WHVhBoZdNm3BauKswi7Ir18mcQZIiig3U_cMLTW98SmdxRI7MeCGb3aWQgs8bbON8tRzqfBpgHR_SU5PxzzBgGPmDfZr1kiwpCvwkbSZzst8p06c41STJCdrZJzMsh1q1kcBw3a7PfM85vje7LAPuloG7kq49eFp345cQsR2dhlelaMgmI/s1600/10062-SON-GHOSTBUSTERS-FE-Montage-Poster%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Win a Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire prize pack" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdqyUII5zV6WHVhBoZdNm3BauKswi7Ir18mcQZIiig3U_cMLTW98SmdxRI7MeCGb3aWQgs8bbON8tRzqfBpgHR_SU5PxzzBgGPmDfZr1kiwpCvwkbSZzst8p06c41STJCdrZJzMsh1q1kcBw3a7PfM85vje7LAPuloG7kq49eFp345cQsR2dhlelaMgmI/w432-h640/10062-SON-GHOSTBUSTERS-FE-Montage-Poster%20(1).jpg" title="Win a Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire prize pack" width="432" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>But when the discovery of an ancient artifact unleashes an evil force, Ghostbusters new and old must join forces to protect their home and save the world from a second Ice Age.</p><p>Starring Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard, Mckenna Grace, Kumail Nanjiani, Patton Oswalt, Celeste O’Connor, Logan Kim, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, Annie Potts</p><p><b>Inside each prize pack is:</b></p><p>Squishy keychain</p><p>Pencil case</p><p>Car window vinyl</p><p>Double pass to the movie</p><p><b>Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is in cinemas March 21</b></p>Darrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02780586901533093889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4694614106542316429.post-19225959013554527492024-03-14T00:00:00.008+13:002024-03-14T09:25:13.125+13:00Skull and Bones: PS5 Review<h1 style="text-align: left;">Skull and Bones: PS5 Review</h1><p>Developed by Ubisoft Singapore<br />Published by Ubisoft<br />Platform: PS5</p><p>Skull and Bones has had a long gestating pre-release period.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5RsPGsHMRk4CTTt5OyyqAGLQsP7r03qVbyELbzYI-QrJJyNM5BXIwJlWKD7K4luHMvYeDVUUjW1txXuL3V-wviYNODwuKtAn1tPi1esEZZZvqxsrKxxNoABrLkAoP10oepbUiaYUVMbbqgB8vcvvsNi2wJ23jL9A-C2kVJr5VJpEdMSl3IFbryfSIOBo/s1364/skullbones-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Skull and Bones: PS5 Review" border="0" data-original-height="874" data-original-width="1364" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5RsPGsHMRk4CTTt5OyyqAGLQsP7r03qVbyELbzYI-QrJJyNM5BXIwJlWKD7K4luHMvYeDVUUjW1txXuL3V-wviYNODwuKtAn1tPi1esEZZZvqxsrKxxNoABrLkAoP10oepbUiaYUVMbbqgB8vcvvsNi2wJ23jL9A-C2kVJr5VJpEdMSl3IFbryfSIOBo/w640-h410/skullbones-1.JPG" title="Skull and Bones: PS5 Review" width="640" /></a></div>First touted back in 2017, the live-action RPG went through many iterations and was seemingly inspired by the naval battles of Assassin's Creed: Black Flag. But finally bursting onto the waters of the 2024 release schedule, the game's been somewhat battered by underwhelming reaction to what really is a very solid tactical game.<br /><p></p><p>Perhaps some of the issue is the fact this high seas adventure looks graphically a little weak, with very little sign that any of it has been fixed up for the next gen consoles. But in truth, some of that can be overlooked by very polished mechanics of boats at sea, plundering the waves, even if some of the game feels like a grind and feels a touch repetitive at times.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlEASpu4Smr3MX_cKRrdaph5QoF39UnpkrTZ8sSqdtXX4PZPHj4CMIGtWlluF8WnOY8baMXGMeIo9q7lpBiz-_u80JO5SBQ-5XoEzChtEOczIztuYkMJYK2Xg1vNRXyovuZeiJjd_q_uZ6WSKe0mqhr18DxG9lOlqbF9zUhf3T56hzwKwgYQmFlHmbnKU/s1187/skullbones-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Skull and Bones: PS5 Review" border="0" data-original-height="663" data-original-width="1187" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlEASpu4Smr3MX_cKRrdaph5QoF39UnpkrTZ8sSqdtXX4PZPHj4CMIGtWlluF8WnOY8baMXGMeIo9q7lpBiz-_u80JO5SBQ-5XoEzChtEOczIztuYkMJYK2Xg1vNRXyovuZeiJjd_q_uZ6WSKe0mqhr18DxG9lOlqbF9zUhf3T56hzwKwgYQmFlHmbnKU/w640-h358/skullbones-2.JPG" title="Skull and Bones: PS5 Review" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>From building craft to securing gold, upgrading cannon, it's a very realistic pirate experience that trades off a suspension of disbelief as well as a willingness to forego some of the moments where the game falls short.</p><p>Chiefly, the game does fall apart a little when it's played solo, as other players can take you down, and it feels in the early stages of it like it doesn't quite give you enough power to beat the combat at sea or avoid a fate in Davy Jones locker.</p><p>But pairing up with others provides spoils and plunders worth exploring and gives you a chance to build your boat up to a ferocious scurvy dog of the seas. Ship to ship combat is naturalistic and relies on your understanding of life on the water, from harnessing the best winds to make a speedy getaway or powering into combat with an all-powerful cannon.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSVKw_jL00hVQFATNr6mKTIY9Fwludwc04M5823pwpvUG66jeRT1O6q2nGN4xP4wAF7d5kARMKvXnIsZJsYUUCSum2ZIKnnuhz7qoxg5KPvijkh8nvTwZFmg-Xxnty1ktjCc1keVU7j3v51GbcaDSJf7BnottYe174AZGv9q9AEUp8iQiYfrS88kdtyqw/s1324/skullbones-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Skull and Bones: PS5 Review" border="0" data-original-height="870" data-original-width="1324" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSVKw_jL00hVQFATNr6mKTIY9Fwludwc04M5823pwpvUG66jeRT1O6q2nGN4xP4wAF7d5kARMKvXnIsZJsYUUCSum2ZIKnnuhz7qoxg5KPvijkh8nvTwZFmg-Xxnty1ktjCc1keVU7j3v51GbcaDSJf7BnottYe174AZGv9q9AEUp8iQiYfrS88kdtyqw/w640-h420/skullbones-3.JPG" title="Skull and Bones: PS5 Review" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>There's much here to engage in and while the game takes its time to unfurl its grip, some will say it's only an extension of AC: Black Flag. But for those not familiar with the Animus' water offering, Skull and Bones proves to be the foundation of a very solid RPG set on the sea - particularly with a year's worth of content roadmap all laid out.</p><p>Maybe its narrative is somewhat lacking, and the single-player campaign is not as engaging as it could be - but Skull and Bones proves to offer fertile rewards when played online, and with others. It's a solid start that lays down the promise of something further. </p><p>Hopefully that future promise won't be lost at sea.</p>Darrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02780586901533093889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4694614106542316429.post-21259233884346679952024-03-13T00:00:00.003+13:002024-03-14T09:20:26.046+13:00Helldivers 2: PS5 Review<h1 style="text-align: left;">Helldivers 2: PS5 Review</h1><p>Developed by Arrowhead Games<br />Published by Sony Interactive Entertainment<br />Platform: PS5</p><p>Easily dismissed as Starship Troopers the video game, Helldivers 2's commitment to its own OTT language and visuals makes it a game that knows what it's doing and will have a damn good time doing it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCXZd_IEOs7GfHpr-xJL5lzrMcvQRwNufYRYeubqqvBQQj-1my4bOC_bU1tdqgnI4O4HkDSC75nIXPUdAuXfzVtsTSurOs-jI11Tqttmgv9HJWdl2LwThVHPdtX8H7gaPDyX0usTeM7con63tAW8ScAiEK-PXA-BNXlnTCps27VDYW0uyHcFvIu1gQXlI/s1405/helld2-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Helldivers 2: PS5 Review" border="0" data-original-height="846" data-original-width="1405" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCXZd_IEOs7GfHpr-xJL5lzrMcvQRwNufYRYeubqqvBQQj-1my4bOC_bU1tdqgnI4O4HkDSC75nIXPUdAuXfzVtsTSurOs-jI11Tqttmgv9HJWdl2LwThVHPdtX8H7gaPDyX0usTeM7con63tAW8ScAiEK-PXA-BNXlnTCps27VDYW0uyHcFvIu1gQXlI/w640-h386/helld2-3.JPG" title="Helldivers 2: PS5 Review" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>A Sequel to the top down 2015 hit Helldivers, Arrowhead Games' latest sees you back in the thrall of the Helldivers as they head to the outer reaches of space to bring their own level of justice and colonisation to their exploration.</p><p>If you're not familiar with Starship Troopers, much of the game's opening sequence which seems like an updated satire on the alien invasion will be lost on you - but the game's fairly open about what it wants to achieve. It wants to send you down to an alien world with a desire to team up with others and to kill.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVLJQvhS_JOy13uU1nQPSCR2sncnsf0G2XMPML4Ok8Yt0oWdb00yM-TQ1fRmQ2IfjJnxEO3B9VKPGkpSUkGNysLBProEzzHgWPWD-mLcESyDVZIry4Q89Jw16g3VS9mwlH8VZKvGSQDYCN8ZLxOy7U6wBjZ1Ow9gVyQLjEujuZABVSRVf1pW2GsAg0jz0/s1192/helld2-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Helldivers 2: PS5 Review" border="0" data-original-height="847" data-original-width="1192" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVLJQvhS_JOy13uU1nQPSCR2sncnsf0G2XMPML4Ok8Yt0oWdb00yM-TQ1fRmQ2IfjJnxEO3B9VKPGkpSUkGNysLBProEzzHgWPWD-mLcESyDVZIry4Q89Jw16g3VS9mwlH8VZKvGSQDYCN8ZLxOy7U6wBjZ1Ow9gVyQLjEujuZABVSRVf1pW2GsAg0jz0/w640-h454/helld2-1.JPG" title="Helldivers 2: PS5 Review" width="640" /></a></div>From kitting out your crew member with the right kit, steeling them with strategems, and weapons, the game makes it pretty simple to face off against hordes of marauding aliens. But it's the element of strategy that comes largely into force with Helldivers 2 and the game's difficulty levels kick in the lower your ammo goes and the longer it takes for your various perks to cool down.<br /><p></p><p>It also becomes harder to achieve the more simplistic tasks the further into the game you go, and while you level up as time goes on, so does the achievement levels you need to meet.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIM19jNvgnMJBlANMXWs_6AOabDf8htF-xM1lzS6126TW3erTx54FCLrlxJz2tJCZxERQo3OMnVmAIKe4K5c11iCoQFTz_zf4TfVg68850oUYFNBAk4QMnxK8N1xYX1kyXC4f6HT6BnaOQpaQitfXAJCLCH_wHoBb7tvNbIoncoBh0VXTTQzDPN8YWA5Q/s1561/helld2-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Helldivers 2: PS5 Review" border="0" data-original-height="829" data-original-width="1561" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIM19jNvgnMJBlANMXWs_6AOabDf8htF-xM1lzS6126TW3erTx54FCLrlxJz2tJCZxERQo3OMnVmAIKe4K5c11iCoQFTz_zf4TfVg68850oUYFNBAk4QMnxK8N1xYX1kyXC4f6HT6BnaOQpaQitfXAJCLCH_wHoBb7tvNbIoncoBh0VXTTQzDPN8YWA5Q/w640-h340/helld2-2.JPG" title="Helldivers 2: PS5 Review" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>From chunky feeling weaponry that kicks in via the DualSense to crisp graphics on foreign worlds, Helldivers 2 is the kind of multiplayer shooter that's all encompassing - even if it's better played with friends than online unknowns who have a tendency to abandon the team on successful completion.</p><p>All in all, Helldivers 2 offers a strong argument for a simple co-op concept, brilliantly executed.</p>Darrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02780586901533093889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4694614106542316429.post-60292809753019872902024-03-12T00:00:00.008+13:002024-03-12T16:02:02.290+13:00Wicked Little Letters: Movie Review<h1 style="text-align: left;">Wicked Little Letters: Movie Review</h1><p>Cast: Olivia Colman, Jessie Buckley, Anjana Vasan, Hugh Skinner, Timothy Spall, Gemma Jones</p><p>Director: Thea Sharrock</p><p>Based on a true scandal that shocked 1920s England, comedic mystery movie Wicked Little Letters centres on the small town of Littlehampton as it recovers after the end of the war.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOr-4-KxUxvmoT3jPGmnz1jcqDSlU-ARblWPYkZRsewWIb9as1JEsnOBzBtOpZFeEP1gdLB6uRbIKB1w9syLvOcBrjlSzcRipH6dnONvqPD4AUZbkaTAvddG2NvGyHLglyKTnz_LZSkVB5ciW1xHo6X7NZUDCeUzZq5yGAEyU0vNTlgHOvqF3BEnXrYkE/s1200/wicked2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Wicked Little Letters: Movie Review" border="0" data-original-height="712" data-original-width="1200" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOr-4-KxUxvmoT3jPGmnz1jcqDSlU-ARblWPYkZRsewWIb9as1JEsnOBzBtOpZFeEP1gdLB6uRbIKB1w9syLvOcBrjlSzcRipH6dnONvqPD4AUZbkaTAvddG2NvGyHLglyKTnz_LZSkVB5ciW1xHo6X7NZUDCeUzZq5yGAEyU0vNTlgHOvqF3BEnXrYkE/w640-h380/wicked2.jpg" title="Wicked Little Letters: Movie Review" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Colman stars as the pious and prim Edith Swan who begins to receive obscenity-filled letters and suspects they have come from her liberal neighbour Rose Gooding (Buckley). After getting the police involved, Rose is thrown in jail.</p><p>However, local constable Gladys Moss (Vasan) believes Rose is not to blame - and sets out to solve this perplexing case of curse words and vendettas.</p><p>Much of Wicked Little Letters' humour derives from the continual arrival of letters at the Swan house, complete with their language that feels like it's written by someone who doesn't really know how to swear or be obscene. There's plenty of mirth to be mined from the likes of Colman and an extremely uptight Spall as her father reading them out loud.</p><p>But scratch beneath the veneer of Wicked Little Letters' seemingly profane journey, and you'll find a story of societal tragedy.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu5kicWR2emVujEsfsqr_NQG3ai6JoH5gjeg-prK8OSCV_MkJ2nFuir1FkXXJkK8Py7ANYBDMTm0rvLCi4ZRxn40umG_CvrNR1KPlsQfg7-VDH3_KJaFj9wTWpnx2AJKYiJGSJeEIeZ3Wn2GVS1mWCp21nobPm8sJpaibOgnqM40UhxU7mfYx_8xnEqPY/s2048/wicked1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Wicked Little Letters: Movie Review" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu5kicWR2emVujEsfsqr_NQG3ai6JoH5gjeg-prK8OSCV_MkJ2nFuir1FkXXJkK8Py7ANYBDMTm0rvLCi4ZRxn40umG_CvrNR1KPlsQfg7-VDH3_KJaFj9wTWpnx2AJKYiJGSJeEIeZ3Wn2GVS1mWCp21nobPm8sJpaibOgnqM40UhxU7mfYx_8xnEqPY/w640-h426/wicked1.jpg" title="Wicked Little Letters: Movie Review" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>From Edith's utter terror from her father's dominance in his house as he remonstrates against everything and everyone to Moss' frustration at her place as a woman police officer in a male-led environment and the subsequent prejudice, there's a social commentary going on here that's hard to ignore.</p><p>Yet most of the vicarious joys come from seeing the pairing of Colman's uptight God-fearing and darkly snobby woman pitched against Buckley's free-spirited honest immigrant. It's an odd couple story, a tale as old as time, a slight on gossip and malice in small towns, (and also social media tittle-tattle) given a fresh coat and tarted up for 2024.</p><p>From Colman's subtle facials, twitching at every salacious crumb that she overhears, delighted in the attention her situation has received through to Buckley's initially brash but gradually softening salt-of-the-earth mother, the two leads function excellently on the screen. Perhaps the only damp squib moment of the film is how Vasan's police officer suffers a little in amongst this boisterous triumvirate as she becomes confined to the sidelines and more part of a screwball detective spin-off.</p><p>Overall Wicked Little Letters coalesces into something that's a veritable crowd-pleasing affair, one that's simply deliciously told and pitch-perfectly executed. </p>Darrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02780586901533093889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4694614106542316429.post-1351610498634810292024-03-11T00:00:00.002+13:002024-03-11T16:01:40.182+13:00Oscars 2024: The Full list of winners<h1 style="text-align: left;">Oscars 2024: The Full list of winners</h1><p>Here is the full list of winners from the Academy Awards 2024.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS2_MhSME7_9B9YMwUohJMT7mFgOxYnLds3w9zyCAlvqlmXaLPCOVaP1KBOvJCVv3gCycbfjJBTDcJFdVhL7dVGHTXPuZWyrB3f0SXrPoP-VFBfnVsNGOS_lDhTrYJmBcOs4mgrkBvlAGlA2pPk1f_1d9bR9wd9R4cTssRltC9H7rTPpAnOZpwDIghD2w/s563/oppenheimer.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Oscars 2024: The Full list of winners" border="0" data-original-height="553" data-original-width="563" height="628" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS2_MhSME7_9B9YMwUohJMT7mFgOxYnLds3w9zyCAlvqlmXaLPCOVaP1KBOvJCVv3gCycbfjJBTDcJFdVhL7dVGHTXPuZWyrB3f0SXrPoP-VFBfnVsNGOS_lDhTrYJmBcOs4mgrkBvlAGlA2pPk1f_1d9bR9wd9R4cTssRltC9H7rTPpAnOZpwDIghD2w/w640-h628/oppenheimer.JPG" title="Oscars 2024: The Full list of winners" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><h2 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #414042; font-family: ArimoBold, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.5rem; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">Best Picture</h2><ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #414042; font-family: ArimoRegular, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px;"><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"> <i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">American Fiction</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Anatomy of a Fall</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Barbie</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> The Holdovers</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Killers of the Flower Moon</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Maestro</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoBold, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Oppenheimer - WINNER</span></i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Past Lives</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Poor Things</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> The Zone of Interest</i></li></ul><h2 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #414042; font-family: ArimoBold, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.5rem; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">Director</h2><ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #414042; font-family: ArimoRegular, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px;"><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"> Justine Triet, <i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Anatomy of a Fall</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"> Martin Scorsese, <i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Killers of the Flower Moon</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"> <span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoBold, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Christopher Nolan, <i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoBold, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Oppenheimer - WINNER</span></i></span></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"> Yorgos Lanthimos, <i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Poor Things</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"> Jonathan Glazer, <i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Zone of Interest</i></li></ul><h2 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #414042; font-family: ArimoBold, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.5rem; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">Actor in a Leading Role</h2><ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #414042; font-family: ArimoRegular, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px;"><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"> Bradley Cooper, <i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Maestro</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"> Colman Domingo, <i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Rustin</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"> Paul Giamatti, <i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Holdovers</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"> <span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoBold, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Cillian Murphy, <i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoBold, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Oppenheimer</span> - </i>WINNER</span></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"> Jeffrey Wright, <i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">American Fiction</i></li></ul><h2 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #414042; font-family: ArimoBold, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.5rem; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">Actress in a Leading Role</h2><ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #414042; font-family: ArimoRegular, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px;"><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"> Annette Bening, <i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Nyad</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"> Lily Gladstone, <i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Killers of the Flower Moon</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"> Sandra Hüller, <i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Anatomy of a Fall</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"> Carey Mulligan, <i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Maestro</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"> <span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoBold, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Emma Stone, <i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoBold, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Poor Things - WINNER</span></i></span></li></ul><h2 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #414042; font-family: ArimoBold, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.5rem; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">Actor in a Supporting Role</h2><ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #414042; font-family: ArimoRegular, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px;"><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"> Sterling K Brown, <i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">American Fiction</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"> Robert De Niro, <i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Killers of the Flower Moon</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"> <span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoBold, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Robert Downey Jr,<i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoBold, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Oppenheimer - WINNER</span></i></span></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"> Ryan Gosling, <i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Barbie</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"> Mark Ruffalo, <i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Poor Things</i></li></ul><h2 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #414042; font-family: ArimoBold, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.5rem; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">Actress in a Supporting Role</h2><ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #414042; font-family: ArimoRegular, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px;"><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"> Emily Blunt, <i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Oppenheimer</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"> Danielle Brooks, <i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Color Purple</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"> America Ferrera, <i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Barbie</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"> Jodie Foster, <i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Nyad</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"> <span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoBold, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Da'Vine Joy Randolph, <span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoBold, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Holdovers</span> - <span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoBold, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">WINNER</span></i></span></span></li></ul><h2 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #414042; font-family: ArimoBold, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.5rem; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">Writing (Adapted Screenplay)</h2><ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #414042; font-family: ArimoRegular, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px;"><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"> <i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoBold, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">American Fiction - WINNER</span></i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Barbie</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Oppenheimer</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Poor Things</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> The Zone of Interest</i></li></ul><h2 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #414042; font-family: ArimoBold, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.5rem; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">Writing (Original Screenplay)</h2><ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #414042; font-family: ArimoRegular, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px;"><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoBold, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoBold, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Anatomy of a Fall - WINNER</span></i></span></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> The Holdovers</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Maestro</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> May December</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Past Lives</i></li></ul><h2 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #414042; font-family: ArimoBold, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.5rem; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">Cinematography</h2><ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #414042; font-family: ArimoRegular, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px;"><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"> <i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">El Conde</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Killers of the Flower Moon</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Maestro</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoBold, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Oppenheimer - WINNER</span></i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Poor Things</i></li></ul><h2 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #414042; font-family: ArimoBold, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.5rem; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">Film Editing</h2><ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #414042; font-family: ArimoRegular, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px;"><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"> <i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Anatomy of a Fall</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> The Holdovers</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Killers of the Flower Moon</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoBold, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Oppenheimer - WINNER</span></i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Poor Things</i></li></ul><h2 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #414042; font-family: ArimoBold, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.5rem; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">Animated Feature Film</h2><ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #414042; font-family: ArimoRegular, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px;"><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoBold, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Boy and the Heron - WINNER</span></i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Elemental</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Nimona</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Robot Dreams</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse</i></li></ul><h2 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #414042; font-family: ArimoBold, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.5rem; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">International Feature Film</h2><ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #414042; font-family: ArimoRegular, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px;"><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"> <i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Io Capitano</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Perfect Days</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Society of the Snow</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> The Teachers' Lounge</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoBold, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Zone of Interest WINNER</span></i></li></ul><h2 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #414042; font-family: ArimoBold, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.5rem; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">Documentary Feature</h2><ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #414042; font-family: ArimoRegular, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px;"><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Bobi Wine: The People's President</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> The Eternal Memory</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Four Daughters</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> To Kill a Tiger</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoBold, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">20 Days in Mariupol - WINNER</span></i></li></ul><h2 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #414042; font-family: ArimoBold, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.5rem; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">Music (Original Score)</h2><ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #414042; font-family: ArimoRegular, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px;"><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"> <i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">American Fiction</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Killers of the Flower Moon</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoBold, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Oppenheimer - WINNER</span></i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Poor Things</i></li></ul><h2 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #414042; font-family: ArimoBold, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.5rem; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">Music (Original Song)</h2><ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #414042; font-family: ArimoRegular, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px;"><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"> 'The Fire Inside', <i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Flamin' Hot</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"> 'I'm Just Ken', <i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Barbie</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"> 'It Never Went Away', <i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">American Symphony</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"> 'Wahzhazhe (A Song for My People)', <i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Killers of the Flower Moon</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoBold, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> 'What Was I Made For?', <i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoBold, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Barbie - WINNER</span></i></span></li></ul><h2 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #414042; font-family: ArimoBold, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.5rem; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">Sound</h2><ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #414042; font-family: ArimoRegular, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px;"><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> The Creator</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Maestro</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Oppenheimer</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoBold, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Zone of Interest - WINNER</span></i></li></ul><h2 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #414042; font-family: ArimoBold, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.5rem; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">Production Design</h2><ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #414042; font-family: ArimoRegular, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px;"><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"> <i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Barbie</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Killers of the Flower Moon</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Napoleon</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Oppenheimer</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoBold, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Poor Things - WINNER</span></i></li></ul><h2 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #414042; font-family: ArimoBold, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.5rem; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">Makeup and Hairstyling</h2><ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #414042; font-family: ArimoRegular, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px;"><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"> <i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Golda</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Maestro</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Oppenheimer</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoBold, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Poor Things - WINNER</span></i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Society of the Snow</i></li></ul><h2 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #414042; font-family: ArimoBold, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.5rem; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">Costume Design</h2><ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #414042; font-family: ArimoRegular, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px;"><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Barbie</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Killers of the Flower Moon</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Napoleon</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Oppenheimer</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoBold, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Poor Things - WINNER</span></i></li></ul><h2 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #414042; font-family: ArimoBold, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.5rem; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">Visual Effects</h2><ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #414042; font-family: ArimoRegular, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px;"><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"> <i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Creator</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoBold, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Godzilla Minus One - WINNER</span></i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Napoleon</i></li></ul><h2 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #414042; font-family: ArimoBold, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.5rem; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">Documentary Short Subject</h2><ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #414042; font-family: ArimoRegular, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px;"><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"> <i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The ABCs of Book Banning</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> The Barber of Little Rock</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Island In Between</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoBold, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> The Last Repair Shop - WINNER</span></i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Nai Nai and Wài Pó</i></li></ul><h2 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #414042; font-family: ArimoBold, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.5rem; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">Animated Short Film</h2><ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #414042; font-family: ArimoRegular, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px;"><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"> <i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Letter to a Pig</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Ninety-Five Senses</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Our Uniform</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Pachyderme</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoBold, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> War Is Over! Inspired By the Music of John and Yoko - WINNER</span></i></li></ul><h2 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #414042; font-family: ArimoBold, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.5rem; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">Live-Action Short Film</h2><ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #414042; font-family: ArimoRegular, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px;"><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"> <i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The After</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Invincible</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Knight of Fortune</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Red, White and Blue</i></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;"><i style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoItalic, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArimoBold, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar - WINNER</span></i></li></ul>Darrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02780586901533093889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4694614106542316429.post-77855408139164610772024-03-10T00:00:00.001+13:002024-03-10T10:59:32.758+13:00The Convert: Movie Review <h1 style="text-align: left;">The Convert: Movie Review </h1><p>Cast: Guy Pearce, Tioreore Ngatai-Melbourne, Antonio Te Maioha, Jacqueline Mckenzie, Lawrence Makoare <br />Director: Lee Tamahori</p><p>Dark, moody and perhaps muted, Kiwi director Lee Tamahori's foray into New Zealand's past is solid movie that never quite hits its emotional footing.</p><p>Guy Pearce plays lay preacher Thomas Munro, caught between his own violent past and the violence of 1830s New Zealand. As Munro heads to the newly-established settlement of Epworth, his ship is forced to anchor for repairs. However, he finds himself in a battle between rival Māori tribes - and offered a choice between saving two rivals, he is tasked with looking after a grieving Rangimai (Ngatai-Melbourne).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTyR-IYj4i0ICIJNxwi0gnwgmGjgGkjKRZ4muT5gjPxUhAFj_-K2jlpTC9KmdiK0SieTljhvRJD_irtbwGDdGSGRc9ySzIeVtMpwWxV4yF4ipuy3XIlncJIjzsK9007S8AGZN9EmkayeLq2JNhnL7iG9OIzaQRpyYEU2sEVeKTc7Sx3ote1OTwCHij8OY/s1326/convert.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Convert: Movie Review" border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="1326" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTyR-IYj4i0ICIJNxwi0gnwgmGjgGkjKRZ4muT5gjPxUhAFj_-K2jlpTC9KmdiK0SieTljhvRJD_irtbwGDdGSGRc9ySzIeVtMpwWxV4yF4ipuy3XIlncJIjzsK9007S8AGZN9EmkayeLq2JNhnL7iG9OIzaQRpyYEU2sEVeKTc7Sx3ote1OTwCHij8OY/w640-h354/convert.JPG" title="The Convert: Movie Review" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>But as he heads to Epworth with his new charge, Munro finds he must battle entrenched racism and shifting allegiances as war begins to threaten.</p><p>With sparse locations adding to a feel of pre-colonisation, Tamahori's take on the bloody conflicts between the settlers and the land's inhabitants are perfect for world-building. In among the slow burn of The Covert, the film is less interested in any particularly deep characterisation outside of broad strokes for everyone.</p><p>Opening with a shot of one bird swooping the land before taking another out, The Convert is essentially about survival, as well as heavy-handed allegories about who exactly is converting - is it the local populace whose will must bend to the settlers, or is it Munro whose violent past is bending to something more akin to a saviour? (Perhaps Tamahori's biggest issue here is the white saviour trope).</p><p>There is a pensive almost aloof approach gifted Munro and while his more inward conflicts don't really bubble up until the end, Tamahori's lens on the Māori feels like it is less nuanced. Reduced only to conflict figures or objects by the villagers of Epworth, it's understandable to see for the narrative.</p><p>A proliferation of Māori language though marks The Convert out as a film that feels like it is paying debt to its forefathers, rather than simply using it to carry a story. And while it erupts in violence toward the end, both bloodied and shocking, the slow burn build serves The Convert well, even if its message of the dangers of imperialism is somewhat subdued in a well-shot period piece.</p>Darrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02780586901533093889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4694614106542316429.post-28749371119132480172024-03-09T00:00:00.001+13:002024-03-09T10:08:01.524+13:00Foamstars: PS5 Review<h1 style="text-align: left;">Foamstars: PS5 Review</h1><p>Developed by Toylogic<br />Published by Square Enix<br />Platform: PS5</p><p>Foamstars may have a spiritual forebear in Splatoon, but the latest from Square Enix is a mix of the more traditional Japanese RPG fare the studio produces and the traditional PvP shooter that's become prolific in the genre.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQmDNEUzJLDON1K5bXsexeDOzbi2abTsMJa1vNiG9S6UV23aFNfsxzEx7F7hXUy9DRynKzN3yRPbrfQglUPU-n575Uz-O2LRo_oMKA1nnxBydR08o0jFUT8qocqza0qWa3s_0rXKJPvIqTbEPDgtP-NbiYBR7_qkEm7eED-qAh38_MHYu-f63tflWwk4/s1920/foam1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Foamstars: PS5 Review" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQmDNEUzJLDON1K5bXsexeDOzbi2abTsMJa1vNiG9S6UV23aFNfsxzEx7F7hXUy9DRynKzN3yRPbrfQglUPU-n575Uz-O2LRo_oMKA1nnxBydR08o0jFUT8qocqza0qWa3s_0rXKJPvIqTbEPDgtP-NbiYBR7_qkEm7eED-qAh38_MHYu-f63tflWwk4/w640-h360/foam1.jpg" title="Foamstars: PS5 Review" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Stepping aside the absolutely abysmal pushing of a paid series of packs before you've even entered the arena, the game essentially equips your hero with a gun, a large amount of soapy goodness and the ability to simply go crazy.</p><p>The foam party fight is incredibly confusing, a mash of colour and blobs that makes it difficult to work out what to do straight off - so it's better to engage with Foamstars in its earlier single player format. But even that has a curse attached to it, given how much dialogue is spewed out by characters intent on interacting via text bubbles.</p><p>It's a shame because the actual mechanics of using a soapy blaster to dispatch hordes of Chocobo-like enemies as they head toward your power source to destroy it does require a bit of thinking and planning - after all, there's nothing worse than an empty shooter unable to perform.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ2FivqHsiUG94-mL5HIYLFfO9LlPxYbQw7YpdsFLJ7wDFTOA92IMwjudvtisZWlPDaYrMMgTz9uInH8F1gXlw8QBil3Eoiod0sFmF52MYZ2nEaP5JLZub7rbg5RvvhrPSGzBbXUiYos2gUDAFV3wLbNa1VF2WeXKJAuAxc-V-T5c6FjLyROUvOlIVW7g/s480/foam2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Foamstars: PS5 Review" border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="480" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ2FivqHsiUG94-mL5HIYLFfO9LlPxYbQw7YpdsFLJ7wDFTOA92IMwjudvtisZWlPDaYrMMgTz9uInH8F1gXlw8QBil3Eoiod0sFmF52MYZ2nEaP5JLZub7rbg5RvvhrPSGzBbXUiYos2gUDAFV3wLbNa1VF2WeXKJAuAxc-V-T5c6FjLyROUvOlIVW7g/w640-h360/foam2.gif" title="Foamstars: PS5 Review" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Along with some awful puns (Bath Vegas instead of Las Vegas) Foamstars' ability to engage the lower brow is never really far from its mind, but when the game calms itself down and concentrates on its mechanics, it does offer something a little more fun that's straying away from the traditional.</p><p>But unfortunately, along with aggressive microtransactions and a penchant for pushing its crazy dialogue in your face, those moments are few and far in between. From surfing through the foam to knock out your enemies to building an unassailable wall of foam to get high, there's a crazy inventiveness here that's not quite coalesced into something that's truly memorable, sadly.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_9Vx2sHKpRpB9W9lM0qvIs0eD1PX7gWcExHEYWXdnvUeq8sEge7-sBn7SFF3YsIZxwbaqwfZkjZDffO76HrwY1Kqr_Yumj8AH6rhZh0LWweCsNsoScAw6X_2PPUEjYuBsb1yAawM7rKc8eaS-ay-wMweCxxIIqDO7FAqhVu8Sf0HUrdM70q4Q1P9g8YM/s3840/foam3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Foamstars: PS5 Review" border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_9Vx2sHKpRpB9W9lM0qvIs0eD1PX7gWcExHEYWXdnvUeq8sEge7-sBn7SFF3YsIZxwbaqwfZkjZDffO76HrwY1Kqr_Yumj8AH6rhZh0LWweCsNsoScAw6X_2PPUEjYuBsb1yAawM7rKc8eaS-ay-wMweCxxIIqDO7FAqhVu8Sf0HUrdM70q4Q1P9g8YM/w640-h360/foam3.jpg" title="Foamstars: PS5 Review" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Mixing Capture the flag games with PvP, Foamstars stakes its claim - and while it's fun for a while, it's to be hoped the long term roadmap relies on more inventiveness and a little less over reliance on screeds of dialogue that's difficult to discern while playing.</p>Darrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02780586901533093889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4694614106542316429.post-24341401610138174942024-03-08T00:00:00.001+13:002024-03-09T10:03:27.792+13:00American Fiction: Movie Review<h1 style="text-align: left;">American Fiction: Movie Review</h1><p>Cast: Jeffery Wright, Sterling K Brown, Issa Rae, Tracee Ellis Ross<br />Director: Cord Jefferson</p><p>Not quite the savage satire that's been promised, but still engaging thanks to great performances from Jeffrey Wright and Sterling K Brown, American Fiction is an intelligent, well-acted drama that is more solid than spectacular.</p><p>Wright is resilient novelist Thelonious Monk, a frustrated writer whose contempt for people is palpable and forces him to take a break from his teaching post. Confronted by family issues, Monk revives his ailing career by writing a savage novel that takes down stereotypes of the black experience.</p><p>But against his every hope, the book becomes a bestseller, and Monk finds himself stuck in the world he's created - and raged against.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMntqX0avGCulLlumr9vdGBTwqmOz1siGQx0hr34brOw5TSU8JpxHv9QajmQUFRWPvTXvl2hbJklGAf5EqWq-k7zf28nA2_iHXemYVwV0iCUnnEbOVmvAMEWawGHlNysFp4p9TlZ0uMoEHHFOOndNs_N3CeeM1yP1e13TYk0RtlAZNskJ8l-IeUxrkdSA/s4500/afiction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="American Fiction: Movie Review" border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMntqX0avGCulLlumr9vdGBTwqmOz1siGQx0hr34brOw5TSU8JpxHv9QajmQUFRWPvTXvl2hbJklGAf5EqWq-k7zf28nA2_iHXemYVwV0iCUnnEbOVmvAMEWawGHlNysFp4p9TlZ0uMoEHHFOOndNs_N3CeeM1yP1e13TYk0RtlAZNskJ8l-IeUxrkdSA/w640-h426/afiction.jpg" title="American Fiction: Movie Review" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>There's a suppressed anger at play here, which Wright palpably turns into something eminently watchable and manages to turn the prickliness into something that's relatable and societal.</p><p>But whereas a film like Boots Riley's scabrous Sorry To Bother You goes to extremes in its satire, it's in the subtleties of American Fiction where the successes come from. Lacing the narrative with more family matters and concerns prove to be more effective, and while there are moments that feel heavy-handed, it's Wright's performance that makes American Fiction a drama to watch.</p><p>There is an irony here in the story of the black experience that the women of the place are sidelined throughout in favour of the men, and perhaps that's some of the movie's downfall, but while its savagery is contained, American Fiction's bite is still there in smaller moments.</p><p>American Fiction is streaming now on Prime Video.</p>Darrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02780586901533093889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4694614106542316429.post-23229247172740919152024-03-06T22:15:00.001+13:002024-03-06T22:15:06.758+13:00Imaginary: Movie Review<h1 style="text-align: left;">Imaginary: Movie Review</h1><p>Cast: DeWanda Wise, Taegan Burns, Pyper Braun<br />Director: Jeff Wadlow</p><p>Essentially a film of two halves, Blumhouse Production's latest Imaginary proves to have a killer second act even if it's a bit of slog to get there.</p><p>Centring on Wise's Jessica, a children's illustrator who's plagued by nightmares, it's the tale of what unfurls when she heads back to her family home (her only true happy place) as she negotiates step-parenting and a new relationship.</p><p>But when the youngest girl Alice (Braun) discovers new friend Chauncey, an old teddy bear, in the house, it sets in motion a chain of events that will force Jessica to confront her past.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidDpPv7ft02GOss3FQeyzGleRnFwUKHElYmTtokVQg4rCOXLV_4biGay0AiSbPCwDqA67AdQ9H-knDFQo1cNC-NKDixMSGfaQ1iFqBMo9FN4H0BOLO66iOZNz95krJ0eEsKx8MrkPYhYNTZ07OspRaz60GybUwdfngdi1XGGJr32HECtxsl1G1gLABoEQ/s1024/imaginary1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Imaginary: Movie Review" border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidDpPv7ft02GOss3FQeyzGleRnFwUKHElYmTtokVQg4rCOXLV_4biGay0AiSbPCwDqA67AdQ9H-knDFQo1cNC-NKDixMSGfaQ1iFqBMo9FN4H0BOLO66iOZNz95krJ0eEsKx8MrkPYhYNTZ07OspRaz60GybUwdfngdi1XGGJr32HECtxsl1G1gLABoEQ/w640-h360/imaginary1.jpg" title="Imaginary: Movie Review" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>If the poster with its teddy bear leads you to think Imaginary is a hybrid of Chucky and Ted, then Imaginary does much to dispel that idea very early on. Making use of an essentially muted OST, the terrors of childhood nightmares and the best of a very warm empathetic lead, Imaginary initially feels like a film dawdling on its way to its conclusion.</p><p>Throw in a very exposition heavy neighbour who seems to crop up when any plot needs simply laying out, there's a very real feeling Imaginary has nothing up its sleeve other than to apparently rip off Poltergeist's creatures through the screen ideas, this time phased into a creature that lives behind a blue door in a wall. Coupled with elements that reek of the Insidious franchise's execution and ideas, there's a degree of familiarity throughout.</p><p>But around the one hour mark, the solid foundations left by Wadlow cement and morph into something a little more thought provoking that ultimately somewhat ends up feeling stymied perhaps by budget considerations.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsAwx-Jytc_7FaG847fB0fz1zUEgw3ZU1Y3qYPbaAP3xt2vPERAERvOgcFcax59xXGiH5Ec6qvJUoyavDeSxJsa9PNUr5PZOW8fKOuEa7LqvBbdOpOxx5iBV05vNixTSluHvXeSNZKQl82ym6bD6ciwnXX6-C61_n4mhTZFlQ0NSkIB5rCBO8sYL3RwyM/s670/imaginary2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Imaginary: Movie Review" border="0" data-original-height="377" data-original-width="670" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsAwx-Jytc_7FaG847fB0fz1zUEgw3ZU1Y3qYPbaAP3xt2vPERAERvOgcFcax59xXGiH5Ec6qvJUoyavDeSxJsa9PNUr5PZOW8fKOuEa7LqvBbdOpOxx5iBV05vNixTSluHvXeSNZKQl82ym6bD6ciwnXX6-C61_n4mhTZFlQ0NSkIB5rCBO8sYL3RwyM/w640-h360/imaginary2.jpg" title="Imaginary: Movie Review" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Tackling trauma, dementia, loss and guilt all give Imaginary the basic tenets of a psychological horror, but a subtle twist perhaps best left untelegraphed turns the film on its head as it shifts into overdrive and moves away from cheap jump scares.</p><p>Effectively deploying a creepy dead eyed teddy bear and a troubled child, Imaginary is not exactly playing with an original canvas - but as it rattles toward its conclusion, Wadlow and his scriptwriters deliver something that's a lot more effective than really it deserves to be. (And there's much conjecture to be had over whether the final creature effects are due to where they're from, rather than the money running out).</p><p>Yet with Wise's plausible performance, along with admirable support from Braun and Burns, this female-led horror easily plays with perceptions and ideas to shape them into something a little deeper than expected.</p><p>It's not to say Imaginary is revolutionary by any stretch - and there's a distinct feeling a universe is being set up here at times - but by deploying and tackling expectations in ways that are unexpected, if you're willing to gloss over the set up, Imaginary more than delivers as an experience and on an idea.</p>Darrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02780586901533093889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4694614106542316429.post-59316924937319692122024-03-06T11:00:00.001+13:002024-03-06T11:00:00.130+13:00Ricky Stanicky: Movie Review<h1 style="text-align: left;">Ricky Stanicky: Movie Review</h1><p>Cast: Zac Efron, John Cena, Andrew Santino, William H Macy, Lex Scott Davis, Jermaine Fowler</p><p>Director: Peter Farrelly</p><p>Ricky Stanicky is the kind of film that frustrates in more ways than one.</p><p>A Farrelly film that somehow took the hollowed out cadavers of six people to script it, its central premise is not a bad one - namely, a trio of childhood friends (Efron, Santino and Fowler) always use a made up scapegoat named Ricky Stanicky for their escapades to avoid taking any blame. But what started as a childhood prank has become a part of their adult lives.</p><p>As the film begins, the trio use Stanicky's made-up cancer treatment as a last minute excuse to get away from partners (and in one case, their own baby shower) to head to Atlantic City. </p><p>There they accidentally meet Cena's washed up Rock Hard Rod, a Vegas style performer who turns famous songs into masturbation medleys (bizarrely one of the funniest parts of an increasingly unfunny film) and in a turn of events are forced to hire him to impersonate Ricky Stanicky when it appears their years of lies are about to catch up to them.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6bm8daAeIw3PrTzfuDU_yhT2JeRfnWNwcTIhhNcUo9ZDr7Hufjlwkm0c2cs9V_SM1_RJkTfETYW4dKO6r7K7cCVYt8nMS5LYWE2JtRCZbjvDbSj25wwSsVv5xuY6_BzcsC453RM0e7rPDkqAjkgkY6IhyphenhyphenItdBbzRm6u1Vogjrx9-Kchg8GNeOzC8V4M/s1204/ricky1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ricky Stanicky: Movie Review" border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="1204" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6bm8daAeIw3PrTzfuDU_yhT2JeRfnWNwcTIhhNcUo9ZDr7Hufjlwkm0c2cs9V_SM1_RJkTfETYW4dKO6r7K7cCVYt8nMS5LYWE2JtRCZbjvDbSj25wwSsVv5xuY6_BzcsC453RM0e7rPDkqAjkgkY6IhyphenhyphenItdBbzRm6u1Vogjrx9-Kchg8GNeOzC8V4M/w640-h340/ricky1.JPG" title="Ricky Stanicky: Movie Review" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>For an R-rated film comedy, Ricky Stanicky is surprisingly tame.</p><p>Though perhaps anyone tanked up after a night out and wanting to watch something on streaming - or perhaps a group of very puerile teens - may find a few laughs scattered throughout.</p><p>While Efron's straight man frustrated schtick counters nicely with Cena's deadpan dumbass, Farrelly's attempt to capture some prior highs (issues in a bowling alley like Kingpin) just really demonstrates how increasingly desperate Ricky Stanicky becomes.</p><p>Scattershot and largely flat, the film frustrates as the bone-headed mentality of the lead characters means they are less than empathetic leads to root for. It's the writing that is the crime here - not enough comedy is put into the writing and not enough laughs are forthcoming as a result.</p><p>Ultimately, while there are some attempts at sympathy, and Cena manages a somewhat decent arc, the denouement of this bro comedy is so muddled and unwarranted, it feels like all six of those who spent time writing it, should be shunned from any future development. If the script had been as committed as Cena is throughout this, Ricky Stanicky would have been a searingly funny story seeded from a good idea.</p><p>The truth of the matter though is it is anything but.</p><p>Ricky Stanicky streams from March 8th on Prime Video.</p>Darrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02780586901533093889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4694614106542316429.post-59878030284425462762024-03-05T00:00:00.001+13:002024-03-05T15:23:36.506+13:00Penny's Big Breakaway: PS5 Review<h1 style="text-align: left;">Penny's Big Breakaway: PS5 Review</h1><p>Developed by Evening Star<br />Published by Private Division<br />Platform: PS5</p><p>Penny's Big Breakaway may feel a touch like Banjo Kazooie in terms of its simple graphics and landscapes, but give it time and the game's skill sets and requirements may prove to be more of a challenge than you'd have anticipated in the first place.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizXvHHUB7_wu0of6B4Dj7Uchwo2S9IY6k6dYIKlFVojRJLE283m5DoaDCXalbn5X56h93a1tzW2dvQv1cmLz7_P2BVY0VFlSDOy06i4thhnkcDAyVALIaYwE_a6K-OUQKacy2tcLh4knuROgyfFC0RIIBA-ec2IJDKrTG7fUCsxSacZfXhnnKufn0G2Wo/s1200/pennys1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Penny's Big Breakaway: PS5 Review" border="0" data-original-height="676" data-original-width="1200" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizXvHHUB7_wu0of6B4Dj7Uchwo2S9IY6k6dYIKlFVojRJLE283m5DoaDCXalbn5X56h93a1tzW2dvQv1cmLz7_P2BVY0VFlSDOy06i4thhnkcDAyVALIaYwE_a6K-OUQKacy2tcLh4knuROgyfFC0RIIBA-ec2IJDKrTG7fUCsxSacZfXhnnKufn0G2Wo/w640-h360/pennys1.jpg" title="Penny's Big Breakaway: PS5 Review" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>A 3D platformer that puts you in the shoes of a kid with a yo-yo, who's being chased by penguins, Penny's Big Breakaway doesn't feel like it's based in any kind of reality in many ways - but thanks to some smart mechanics and a compelling need to finish every level before time builds up.</p><p>But it's the gameplay where Penny's Big Breakaway manages to shine. Basic controls belie the skills needed to achieve complicated moves or clever jumps; the game's more adept at having you slightly mistime something and having to do it all again.</p><p>From swinging from point-to-point to dashing around the screen, the game's reliance on a yo-yo and physics makes it stand out from the usual platformers that are over-reliant on timings. Along with colourful graphics and a simple aesthetic, Penny's Big Breakaway is easy to dismiss - but it's a mistake to do so.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45lMLHD2Cn90M1q-ZEPMQIW8kmuktfkf6U7RC6D8y0yxrYo5jWBnQyZX-eBtgIvzek6amaKJKhrcIrDBBdpAVHrt5bquOxHyjkBKLJWj0orwNfV3sw7VpvFdKLdORQa_4RLO_C8CZwsCVdT6Nvr9JECMqLnIMqDMydDToZeezfVjcpGhmGqlIHcFAZi0/s1400/pennys2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Penny's Big Breakaway: PS5 Review" border="0" data-original-height="787" data-original-width="1400" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45lMLHD2Cn90M1q-ZEPMQIW8kmuktfkf6U7RC6D8y0yxrYo5jWBnQyZX-eBtgIvzek6amaKJKhrcIrDBBdpAVHrt5bquOxHyjkBKLJWj0orwNfV3sw7VpvFdKLdORQa_4RLO_C8CZwsCVdT6Nvr9JECMqLnIMqDMydDToZeezfVjcpGhmGqlIHcFAZi0/w640-h360/pennys2.jpg" title="Penny's Big Breakaway: PS5 Review" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>It's about mastering momentum, and while it does take a little time for the game to fully click in to place, this is a rewarding platformer whose simplicity is in the gameplay rather than hidden mechanics.</p><p>While a lack of camera control does occasionally make movement somewhat trickier and timings a little harder, Penny's Big Breakaway proves that simple is effective and offers up a family platformer that's worth engaging in.</p>Darrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02780586901533093889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4694614106542316429.post-44072638966577413582024-03-04T00:00:00.001+13:002024-03-04T16:30:09.607+13:00How To Have Sex: Movie Review<h1 style="text-align: left;">How To Have Sex: Movie Review</h1><p>Director Molly Manning Walker's shocking debut mixes up teen hedonism, plenty of booze and stirs up much debate with its storyline.</p><p>But central to all of it is an absolutely stunning performance by Mia McKenna-Bruce as Tara, a girl whose life changes forever on what should be the "best holiday ever."</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvZFc6L5xNZkiV9ywZJ8lkeZFYJ1QLvos6omc0P8XI90j8rg4IVAfn9e4gxm0uJScDTQVeaxG0hAI5XxVIZgohVgKwplQf9V4gQ5oS_A09IYM7fYiFFgDNWU07YEZ4jx6elZ42WKVczg2nPOmceyyEaWzywUVtLtHMu_T-qgg7SGcWv65TBdbgAbSyUs/s2000/How%20to%20have%20Sex.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How To Have Sex: NZIFF Review" border="0" data-original-height="1330" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvZFc6L5xNZkiV9ywZJ8lkeZFYJ1QLvos6omc0P8XI90j8rg4IVAfn9e4gxm0uJScDTQVeaxG0hAI5XxVIZgohVgKwplQf9V4gQ5oS_A09IYM7fYiFFgDNWU07YEZ4jx6elZ42WKVczg2nPOmceyyEaWzywUVtLtHMu_T-qgg7SGcWv65TBdbgAbSyUs/w640-h426/How%20to%20have%20Sex.jpeg" title="How To Have Sex: NZIFF Review" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>The story follows a trio of BFFs (McKenna-Bruce, Lara Peake and Enva Lewis) as they head abroad on their first-ever unaccompanied holiday. Striking up a partying relationship with the boys in an apartment near theirs, everything seems to be going swimmingly - until it's not.</p><p>While How To Have Sex is at heart a cautionary tale, there's also a resounding sense of hope in the film as well - and most of that is due to McKenna-Bruce's acting. Simple adjustments of mood and reactions for her Tara add much to the movie where exploitation would have ruined it.</p><p>Walker's use of the mundanities of the partying life (the girls obsess over getting chips) sits alongside the worries of impending exam results, the peer pressures from friends and the obligatory push to grow up. Peake also deserves credit for her chilling portrayal of a friend who swings violently and quickly from compassion to burning jealousy on the turn of a dime.</p><p>There may be improvisational elements at work here, but most of what plays out follows a familiar (and somewhat depressing) route - but not once does Walker ever turn her characters into caricatures or victims, preferring instead to instil nuance in the relationships in the fallout.</p><p>Subtlety is the key here, despite the neon-drenched clothing, the excesses and the relentless partying. Consent issues have been tackled many-a time, but with this, Walker extends care and compassion into a depressingly familiar message - and as a result, churns out something powerful and important for the younger generations to both identify with and work on.</p>Darrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02780586901533093889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4694614106542316429.post-28911501625606474682024-03-02T00:00:00.001+13:002024-03-03T17:36:35.624+13:00Napoleon: Apple TV+ Movie Review<h1 style="text-align: left;">Napoleon: Apple TV+ Movie Review</h1><p>Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Vanessa Kirby, Tahar Rahim<br />Director: Ridley Scott</p><p>Napoleon had some real promise.</p><p>And make no mistake, the electric battle scenes are swift in their brutality (heads are severed, entrails exposed from shot horses), but as a film itself Napoleon is lost looking for a narrative thread to connect it all together.</p><p>It doesn't help the whole thing races through his life, beginning with the end of the reign of terror in 1793 and ending with his death in 1821, Scott's film is more interested in depicting the major battles of his campaign and peppering his story with brief life moments than providing a movie that's a compelling portrait of the man.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLrqs4-DvWE0I2JeDO_NxIkEVTt5EN8UT3dUZZtcHnSsalg-a15VXhupzs7dCvFe4gO6qQEI8PX7aZxVTUS5r-lsQzZ39VFIvdzRJ14EMcTtixbbdbPdYQ66g-KvJAETRcdeffAb8NDxTk6m4blQllTNceCQe6-RBv6-5kx_r6viGOqmA5Gk-1H34bgqE/s1240/nap1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Napoleon: Movie Review" border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="1240" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLrqs4-DvWE0I2JeDO_NxIkEVTt5EN8UT3dUZZtcHnSsalg-a15VXhupzs7dCvFe4gO6qQEI8PX7aZxVTUS5r-lsQzZ39VFIvdzRJ14EMcTtixbbdbPdYQ66g-KvJAETRcdeffAb8NDxTk6m4blQllTNceCQe6-RBv6-5kx_r6viGOqmA5Gk-1H34bgqE/w640-h360/nap1.jpg" title="Napoleon: Movie Review" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Phoenix is fine as Bonaparte, and Kirby maintains an air of something as Joséphine de Beauharnais, but the emotional thread to tie this together is severely lacking. But Scott's desire to race either through key moments or worse still, key battles mean this biopic has no pull, no depth and no heft to hang that famous hat on.</p><p>Proceedings are hardly helped by the fact there's a four hour version of this film in existence, ready to be unveiled next year; to be frank, it would have been infinitely better if that version had made its way to the cinema for viewing, because, based on this 157 minute version, nobody will be tempted to return.</p><p>While Phoenix gets some acid moments to revel in, Kirby's Joséphine de Beauharnais feels underwritten and pushed to one side, a woman who apparently had Napoleon transfixed - yet none of that is evident in Scott's telling of the affairs of the heart.</p><p>Admittedly some lines reek of corniness ("Destiny brought me this lamb chop" being chief among the offenders) but much of Napoleon feels underwritten; political intrigue is cast aside for the segue to the next battle scene and the whole movie begins to feel drawn out, a story in search of a raison d'etre for its two polished performers.</p><p>Perhaps running parallel storylines as Napoleon heads to battle and Joséphine stays at home was meant to prove the pull between them, but those storylines never really interconnect and cohere into something of suitable weight.</p><p>Ultimately, Napoleon feels like a missed moment - its dour depictions and cutdown edits make it more of a bore. And the prospect of having to sit through a four hour version would leave anyone craving the guillotine.</p>Darrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02780586901533093889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4694614106542316429.post-1411739962344879972024-03-01T13:08:00.003+13:002024-03-01T13:08:36.255+13:00Win a double pass to see How To Have Sex in cinemas<h1 style="text-align: left;">Win a double pass to see How To Have Sex in cinemas</h1><p>To celebrate the release of How To Have Sex in cinemas March 7, thanks to Ahi NZ, you can win a double pass to go to your nearest cinema playing the film!</p><p><b>About How To Have Sex</b></p><p>Winner of the Un Certain Regard prize at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, HOW TO HAVE SEX is a vibrant and authentic depiction of the agonies, ecstasies and ride-or-die glory of young female friendship, from rising British filmmaker Molly Manning Walker.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1mPzn3hA8vmXOObcI3e6bTvWNchVrzzi5q6Pu-omdl9rT1WBwolcwKM4GFo28iRWomCF8MMmT-grhRQ3eNUz3kvpd38yhaODg5OPxPO8Kv04KP0QIvizfzBD_c4OHCGGco7l25DY1QNb51PW03NMKT05T9pchyYzWm0PMgfAMN_cwKmDs8-UeI3BC28/s1920/HowToHaveSex_Social_Reel_9x16_BAFTAWinner_NZ_R16_March7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How To Have Sex" border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1mPzn3hA8vmXOObcI3e6bTvWNchVrzzi5q6Pu-omdl9rT1WBwolcwKM4GFo28iRWomCF8MMmT-grhRQ3eNUz3kvpd38yhaODg5OPxPO8Kv04KP0QIvizfzBD_c4OHCGGco7l25DY1QNb51PW03NMKT05T9pchyYzWm0PMgfAMN_cwKmDs8-UeI3BC28/w360-h640/HowToHaveSex_Social_Reel_9x16_BAFTAWinner_NZ_R16_March7.jpg" title="How To Have Sex" width="360" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Three British teenage girls go on a rites-of-passage holiday, drinking, clubbing and hooking up in what should be the best summer of their lives. As they dance their way across the sun-drenched streets of Malia, they find themselves navigating the complexities of sex, consent and self-discovery.</p><p>Captured with luminous visuals and a pitch-perfect soundtrack, Manning Walker’s directorial debut paints a painfully familiar portrait of young adulthood, and how first sexual experiences should – or shouldn’t – play out.</p><p>Starring award-winner Mia McKenna-Bruce.</p><p>How To Have Sex is in cinemas March 7</p>Darrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02780586901533093889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4694614106542316429.post-76508617290284025272024-02-29T00:00:00.017+13:002024-03-01T12:19:53.612+13:00FINAL FANTASY VII Rebirth | Out Now<h1 style="text-align: left;">FINAL FANTASY VII Rebirth | Out Now</h1><p>FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH AVAILABLE NOW ON PLAYSTATION®5</p><p>Critics Proclaim FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH “An Absolute Must-Play,” a “Masterpiece,” “One of the Best RPGs Ever Made”</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI3zgTJ-3I29-S4ktY4y68KY3OHbxWoRGzZyI1wdsZteERYxKrbsinKrKEchMhExMzpRphE8TuCzjYMCcsF2mp5SDA8mTCoioDYEvVY7KRYMVaPpxVDYKSn0FYdfqNO7pzu4U_259LQCvLlxeN4vID72T_BSL1sTC4KvIM8SR1APwh8OtdrWtlyXIjjl8/s1080/image001.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="FINAL FANTASY VII Rebirth | Out Now" border="0" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="1080" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI3zgTJ-3I29-S4ktY4y68KY3OHbxWoRGzZyI1wdsZteERYxKrbsinKrKEchMhExMzpRphE8TuCzjYMCcsF2mp5SDA8mTCoioDYEvVY7KRYMVaPpxVDYKSn0FYdfqNO7pzu4U_259LQCvLlxeN4vID72T_BSL1sTC4KvIM8SR1APwh8OtdrWtlyXIjjl8/w640-h356/image001.png" title="FINAL FANTASY VII Rebirth | Out Now" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>The groundbreaking fantasy is reborn. FINAL FANTASY™ VII REBIRTH, the new chapter in the epic FINAL FANTASY VII remake project, is now available worldwide for the PlayStation®5 (PS5®) console. Having earned a Metacritic “Must-Play” award, FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH has garnered over 50 perfect review scores from global gaming critics and has been heralded as an “Utterly massive RPG pushed to its limits” by VGC, “a rich lavish remake” by Eurogamer and “a RPG masterpiece” by GAMINGbible.</p><p>In FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH, players take on the role of mercenary Cloud Strife and his comrades as they pursue legendary swordsman Sephiroth, a haunting figure from Cloud’s past bent on ruling the planet, across a vast and vibrant world rife with danger, adventure, joy and uncertainty. These unlikely heroes, including beloved, iconic characters Tifa, Barret, Aerith and Red XIII, join forces with new companions like the spirited ninja operative Yuffie and the wisecracking, feline-shaped robot Cait Sith. FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH delivers an unforgettable experience to players filled with unexpected twists, memorable characters, and jaw-dropping set pieces that longtime fans and newcomers can both enjoy.</p><p>“As the director of the original FINAL FANTASY VII, I feel very proud that we were able to introduce a whole new generation to role-playing games and show so many newcomers a wider world of storytelling. Today, I’m filled with the same sense of pride when I look at what our development team has accomplished with FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH. This adventure offers rich rewards to longtime fans while welcoming in newcomers to begin their FINAL FANTASY adventure here and experience a similar sense of wonder as they would have felt in 1997. I hope that both fans and those who have never played FINAL FANTASY before will enjoy this game.” -Yoshinori Kitase, Producer</p><p>“FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH is a labor of love and our tribute to adventure – a massive world of compelling stories and our most ambitious game to date. Like those who first brought us the original FINAL FANTASY VII, we’ve reached for something that was never possible before today’s technology: a deeper portrayal of our main cast of friends, comrades and people of the Planet. By combining their powers in battle and strengthening their bonds through your choices, we hope you feel a powerful, connection with these characters and the world they inhabit.” -Naoki Hamaguchi, Director</p><p>“For many years, I wondered what a remake of FINAL FANTASY VII could look like. Above all else, I felt we would need to do justice to the characters and story that had become so beloved by fans around the world. FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH delivers on this vision and vastly expands upon the original title not only in the size of its world, but in the quiet moments shared by party members, where warmth, joy, sorrow and tenderness can be found. As they press on and forge deeper bonds en route to their ultimate fate, I hope you will open your heart to feel these feelings alongside them. As the second title in a trilogy, we’ve enjoyed hearing our fans’ feedback from the previous title and incorporating elements into FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH for a truly breathtaking follow-up. Thank you for playing our vision for a remake, in which the past is honored by the possibilities of the present to reimagine a story for future generations.” -Tetsuya Nomura, Creative Director</p><p>The FINAL FANTASY VII remake project began when FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE released in 2020 to universal acclaim from players and critics around the globe. After earning more than 20 perfect scores from media and being selected as a PlayStation® “Editor’s Choice” pick, FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE became the highest-selling digital release on the PlayStation® platform in SQUARE ENIX’s history, exceeding more than 7 million shipments and digital sales worldwide since its release.</p><p>Players eager for more FINAL FANTASY VII content can download FINAL FANTASY VII EVER CRISIS, the hit mobile RPG that has been downloaded over 7.77 million times, through the App Store, Google Play or STEAM for free, and take part in a limited-time FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH crossover event within the game. As a part of this event, players can experience the infamous Mt. Nibel incident and receive various in-game bonuses. For more information, visit the official FINAL FANTASY VII EVER CRISIS social channels.</p><p>FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH is now available for the PS5® console. For more information, visit https://ffvii.square-enix-games.com/games/rebirth/</p>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KOhs9ZLImgE?si=2ya795Ximnm7B6gt" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>Darrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02780586901533093889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4694614106542316429.post-4232467551803187082024-02-28T21:00:00.001+13:002024-02-28T21:00:00.131+13:00Iwájú: Review<h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Iwájú: Review</span></h1><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Disney's latest animated series feels like one of the best things they've ever done, thanks to pacy, zippy episodes that bristle with heart and excitement.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Walt Disney Animation Studios has teamed up with <span style="background-color: white; color: #212121;">Pan-African comic book entertainment company, Kugali, for an original animated series set in a futuristic Lagos, Nigeria that follows the story of Tola, a young girl from Lagos' more wealthy settings.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121;">Essentially a coming-of-age tale that deals with child kidnappings, the growing advent of Afro-futurism in Lagos and a cultural divide, </span>Iwájú's six episodes (that run between 17 and 23 minutes every other episode) prove to be engaging from the get-go.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj77OUud8lla62vaM_-YEAyX6mElGmj7zDHh7hDlCZzG4ZJ17eML1kkegB38snMAcY-qOy2hcF_A4CVBzHbjPVFNPP79sJIXEtr2NtXic7Tsx6H5MOqEKiN2EOIuVTw74tGX1QoZKbocmsNyuluWvHk9Z5zc3KoPTtizQBIFVIXBVE_soar6oAi2L1Wf0s/s1380/iwaju.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Iwájú: Review" border="0" data-original-height="869" data-original-width="1380" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj77OUud8lla62vaM_-YEAyX6mElGmj7zDHh7hDlCZzG4ZJ17eML1kkegB38snMAcY-qOy2hcF_A4CVBzHbjPVFNPP79sJIXEtr2NtXic7Tsx6H5MOqEKiN2EOIuVTw74tGX1QoZKbocmsNyuluWvHk9Z5zc3KoPTtizQBIFVIXBVE_soar6oAi2L1Wf0s/w640-h404/iwaju.JPG" title="Iwájú: Review" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Blessed with vibrant animation and colours as well as Nigerian voices and African cityscapes that evoke the dichotomy of its society, Iwájú's world-building and story happens at a pace that some may deem breakneck. But somehow it all feels natural, and engrossing.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">It's also extremely family-friendly, thanks to a techno gizmo in the form of a lizard gifted to Tola to keep an eye on from her father. Opening moments set out Iwájú's stall as the world comes vividly to life - and while the six episodes will be compared continually to Marvel's Black Panther in terms of integration and technology, the way Iwájú covers the chasm between the classes and the perils facing future worlds is subtle and smartly delivered.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">The six episode event series is worth investing - it's spread across roughly the time of a Disney movie, but never one does it feel its length, or sag.</span></p><p>Iwájú is streaming now on Disney+</p>Darrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02780586901533093889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4694614106542316429.post-14860589144753387212024-02-27T00:00:00.015+13:002024-02-27T15:45:25.420+13:00Dune Part Two: Movie Review<h1 style="text-align: left;">Dune Part Two: Movie Review</h1><p>Cast: Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Javier Bardem, Florence Pugh, Christopher Walken, Stellan Skarsgaard, Austin Butler, Josh Brolin</p><p>Director: Denis Villeneuve</p><p>The second part of director Denis Villeneuve's space opera take on Dune is an endurance in more ways than one.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgld0vLR9kVhusHtCDGyQt0MyGjIFJht3dKJ20w6fCN1a0j-49wJLf9UfwQSC24dsYOCbZuCbYLeJzIEiE5S2yg0K7WHq8fPvEsbcaHxfE-Sq9Dp9e02wILoQFcmYhGrH6SAQU2ObN6_o8_knkhW7S8t2ON1FKsfr1bzpC7-WnW25aTDrlQFAQoaafEpn0/s1200/dune2-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dune Part Two: Movie Review" border="0" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="1200" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgld0vLR9kVhusHtCDGyQt0MyGjIFJht3dKJ20w6fCN1a0j-49wJLf9UfwQSC24dsYOCbZuCbYLeJzIEiE5S2yg0K7WHq8fPvEsbcaHxfE-Sq9Dp9e02wILoQFcmYhGrH6SAQU2ObN6_o8_knkhW7S8t2ON1FKsfr1bzpC7-WnW25aTDrlQFAQoaafEpn0/w640-h268/dune2-3.jpg" title="Dune Part Two: Movie Review" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>But a visually stupendous one, make no mistake about that.</p><p>Continuing the adventures of Paul Atreides (Chalamet) as he joins the growing resistance fight on Arrakis with the Fremen tribe who are fighting back against the House of Harkonnen, Dune Part Two is more about spectacle than narrative.</p><p>Character beats and nuanced storytelling are dropped in favour of visuals and world-building, showing Villeneuve is moving more towards silent film than anything heavy with dialogue or deep emotional resonance. </p><p>Perhaps for the world of Dune that is no bad thing at all, but for those less ensconced in Frank Herbert's mind-bending book, Dune Part Two is nothing short of an at times tedious FX-fest filled with largely faceless characters or one note antagonists.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj07-zHjcLKTIvP65SscHxfzHbs2pXBJJEuwI8XX7eSXs8UvxP6INgfjTE-RRRtt6D77x2gUUiscAEYFkAPCDkUF7ZIVCopWXGmSk0Z5LwkWLvWghJz3l7DCpeL_pP9NCLNmnJXNovjdN6T3KZtgwzL6BVSk-DCsqhJ9qErfjEOFq7UOzIYoxzoRHF9hVU/s1676/dune2-2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dune Part Two: Movie Review" border="0" data-original-height="874" data-original-width="1676" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj07-zHjcLKTIvP65SscHxfzHbs2pXBJJEuwI8XX7eSXs8UvxP6INgfjTE-RRRtt6D77x2gUUiscAEYFkAPCDkUF7ZIVCopWXGmSk0Z5LwkWLvWghJz3l7DCpeL_pP9NCLNmnJXNovjdN6T3KZtgwzL6BVSk-DCsqhJ9qErfjEOFq7UOzIYoxzoRHF9hVU/w640-h334/dune2-2.JPG" title="Dune Part Two: Movie Review" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Rid of anything like a recap, the second film begins with the aftermath of a genocide and continues a very slow and inexorably languid pace toward no real kind of resolution; it is the very definition of a second set-up movie, coming on the back of a very successful first film that introduced strands before ending on no sign of conclusion. While that's no bad thing for those engaged in this world, it does mean the experience of the second film teeters dangerously close to frustration for casual audiences.</p><p>Yet there are some vicarious pleasures to be had by those just after spectacle. Villeneuve's penchant for visual mastery is well showcased here, with scenes of gravity-defying soldiers, stark monochromatic Gladiator-like conflicts and the all around fetishisation of stark imagery contributing to make Dune: Part Two a visual spectacle the likes of which are seldom seen - or indulged - on the big screen. A slippery snake-like Ferguson and a playfully comedic Bardem make for great bedfellows in their respective story arcs, with Ferguson's ascension into religious fervour delivering plenty of Oedipal undertones for future installments.</p><p>But there are equally frustrations within too - Dave Bautista's character, once integral to initial proceedings, is now reduced to a simply growling man unhappy at his lot; Zendaya's Chani character, almost pivotal in parts, is reduced to glowering in the back half of the film, her petulance and anger etched painfully across her face - and even Chalamet's Messianic yet somehow flat Paul Atreides appears to massively volte face in a rushed denouement to the 166 minute movie.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCYt0BSlUcZk2znLAbD3T4SPDDi7-qnSOsfNR4kZK0AduftWIU1MrwAyu8sifpzTpsoLLB9czMJF-bF_c-d4lfXF7UzbRNcq6VlbrBS3_bVcIqsxDzuLC9RcSUgWHXdQAznHp_k7C1QOTvOTyLjpQTJdylG97Z-v8qq_prqtu4whzN8Qk0V4XxAVsgv_c/s1531/dune2-1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dune Part Two: Movie Review" border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1531" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCYt0BSlUcZk2znLAbD3T4SPDDi7-qnSOsfNR4kZK0AduftWIU1MrwAyu8sifpzTpsoLLB9czMJF-bF_c-d4lfXF7UzbRNcq6VlbrBS3_bVcIqsxDzuLC9RcSUgWHXdQAznHp_k7C1QOTvOTyLjpQTJdylG97Z-v8qq_prqtu4whzN8Qk0V4XxAVsgv_c/w640-h356/dune2-1.JPG" title="Dune Part Two: Movie Review" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>There's nothing new here said about religion, prophesies or false prophets; nothing new about colonisation and oppression or radicalisation - it's all well etched out in front of viewers, but reduced to complement a series of bursts of action and bombastic Hans Zimmer score.</p><p>Visually, Dune Part Two is an ocean of imagery, welcoming for audiences to drink in; but narratively, it is as dry and arid as the sand-dune laden wastelands of Arrakis. </p><p>Whether that's enough for a third part to be commissioned isn't in doubt - and while the smorgasbord of FX, battles and bombast will likely pull in great audience numbers, unless the scope is widened for more emotional heft, the Dune franchise is in real danger of becoming an epic visual feast but an ongoing cinematic slog.</p>Darrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02780586901533093889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4694614106542316429.post-1497298085003334142024-02-25T00:00:00.001+13:002024-02-25T16:21:21.514+13:00What's on Neon in March<h1 style="text-align: left;">What's on Neon in March</h1><p>Here's what's streaming on Neon in March.</p><p>The Regime (March 4)<img alt="What's on Neon in March" height="358" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/ftU8Ttvzi43Yv2oQApOdbHcmo0fX9pn8hQNYilUtMSYtdN-Q8JvZKR_33_0Co1lu6OvWu0pXJSLlhVTQ5xW8TA5CQT3isL2YVmIpct5PLgGsAjjJ4ahunfKcPIA-HWLWE7YgGaCPhKvROPTegY6FAqc=w640-h358" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; white-space-collapse: preserve;" title="What's on Neon in March" width="640" /></p><p>The Regime is HBO's latest drama, featuring Kate Winslet as The Chancellor, the dictator of a fictional Middle European country. The series unfolds within the palace walls, capturing the intricate geopolitics as a modern European regime begins to unravel over the course of a year. </p><p>With political complexities and Kate Winslet's compelling performance, The Regime offers a gripping exploration of power dynamics and the unravelling of a nation. </p><p>Starring Kate Winslet, Matthias Schoenaerts, Martha Plimpton and Hugh Grant. </p><p>Dark City: The Cleaner (March 4)</p><p>Christchurch is a proud city of beautiful parks and good homes, but there’s a darker side to this place. When we first meet Joe, he looks like one of the many fine citizens of Christchurch, but we soon find that while Joe is a cleaner at a police station by day, by night he has another line of work – as a serial killer who’s been dubbed The Christchurch Carver. </p><p>When another woman is murdered, police suspect The Carver, but Joe knows it wasn’t him. As Joe sets out to find the copycat killer, he realises he is also being hunted, by an adversary who is more clever and even more dangerous than he is. A darkly funny thriller based on NZ writer Paul Cleeve's internationally best-selling novel. </p><p>Starring Cohen Holloway, Chelsie Preston Crayford and Robbie Magasiva. </p><p>Oppenheimer (March 22)</p><p>From iconic filmmaker Christopher Nolan, comes this biographical drama about the brilliant physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer’s role in the development of the atomic bomb and his pulse-pounding paradox of risking the world in order to save it . </p><p>Starring Cillian Murphy, Robert Downey Jr., Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Josh Hartnett, Florence Pugh and Rami Malek.</p><div>Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part 1 (March 10)</div><p>In the latest instalment of the epic Mission: Impossible franchise, Ethan Hunt and his IMF team embark on their most dangerous mission yet: To track down a terrifying new weapon that threatens all of humanity before it falls into the wrong hands. With the fate of the world at stake, and dark forces closing in, a deadly race around the globe begins where Ethan is forced to consider that nothing can matter more than his mission – not even the lives of those he cares about most. </p><div>Asteroid City (March 15)</div><p>The year is 1955. Asteroid City is famous for its gigantic meteor crater and celestial observatory. This weekend astronomers are welcoming five science award-winning children to the Junior Stargazing Convention, but their celebration receives an unexpected visitor. While back east, the characters of Asteroid City are on-stage, preparing a play that is called “Asteroid City.” The newest cosmic, dazzlingly creative comedy, from acclaimed director Wes Anderson. </p><p>Starring Jason Schwartzman, Scarlett Johansson and Jeffrey Wright. </p><div><br /></div><p>No Hard Feelings (March 20)</p><p>Maddie thinks she’s found the answer to her financial troubles when she finds a job listing placed by wealthy helicopter parents looking for someone to "date" their introverted son Percy, and bring him out of his shell before he leaves for college. But awkward Percy proves to be more of a challenge than she expected, and time is running out before she loses it all. </p><p>Starring Jennifer Lawrence and Andrew Barth Feldman. </p><div><br /></div><p><br /></p><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Darrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02780586901533093889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4694614106542316429.post-76688058535764238872024-02-24T00:00:00.001+13:002024-02-25T16:05:51.107+13:00Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League: PS5 Review<h1 style="text-align: left;">Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League: PS5 Review</h1><p>Designed by Rocksteady<br />Published by Warner Bros Games<br />Platform: PS5</p><p>Famed for their Batman: Arkham games, Rocksteady's more ramshackle approach to the Suicide Squad has annoyed many gamers and reviewers who feel this multiplayer shooter looter game should be more than it is.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9g63jv1LLVGZG5_xTCaOfPaUjxVei68MHAhBcM8aGAVjK8C2pVZ3kaEg9dpM6xlyzy3twv0HvZpqYFq3VPrX40fegB_B05DiIkK6HvuyRIeI7aZw-ZOkU7suSKqI1VMXdByzdIIbZvyfj4xCyiaWD_luQKpGB5zI1vW1JP_NxEkaMU4Mm-OfQZ3XkLA0/s1565/ss1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League: PS5 Review" border="0" data-original-height="883" data-original-width="1565" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9g63jv1LLVGZG5_xTCaOfPaUjxVei68MHAhBcM8aGAVjK8C2pVZ3kaEg9dpM6xlyzy3twv0HvZpqYFq3VPrX40fegB_B05DiIkK6HvuyRIeI7aZw-ZOkU7suSKqI1VMXdByzdIIbZvyfj4xCyiaWD_luQKpGB5zI1vW1JP_NxEkaMU4Mm-OfQZ3XkLA0/w640-h362/ss1.JPG" title="Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League: PS5 Review" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>But in truth, Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League's looser approach serves it well enough for what it wants to achieve.</p><p>It may be generic in parts, but much of what transpires in Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League feels like a comic book writ large as the Task Force X combination of Harley Quinn, Boomerang, Deadshot and King Shark are all forced to work together to take out the Justice League after Brainiac possesses them all after an invasion in Metropolis.</p><p>It's a very simple game at heart, but with core mechanics that work well and with shooting and swinging through the air that feels fluid and chunky at times, Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League really should embrace its simplicity a lot more for maximum effect. With elements that touch Sunset Overdrive's cartoony edges and an almost Overwatch approach to team playing, the game's less interested in the intricacy of the Arkham games and more content to simply let you loose in a world that's there for the smash and grabbing.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ67JH8iVRYZVfD0gRUGOACiGq1iTOwtUhOfMDAXYvBfPrMyYMPPVeUWdFTskx3a7rtaty0aKBQQO8tdU-aLDrjrSXyNtaM31kwFhj5HHE5XVg92_YXu_RMZLg6tOqkxxVXfdPHAj8sEpcmFr3JN_R1KdalcNKbpRb75udxpo4klGZBcqvi0Tfd-UpEoo/s937/ss2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League: PS5 Review" border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="937" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ67JH8iVRYZVfD0gRUGOACiGq1iTOwtUhOfMDAXYvBfPrMyYMPPVeUWdFTskx3a7rtaty0aKBQQO8tdU-aLDrjrSXyNtaM31kwFhj5HHE5XVg92_YXu_RMZLg6tOqkxxVXfdPHAj8sEpcmFr3JN_R1KdalcNKbpRb75udxpo4klGZBcqvi0Tfd-UpEoo/w640-h364/ss2.JPG" title="Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League: PS5 Review" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>With excellent voice work across the core crew, Suicide Squad does much to immerse players in the world - even if occasionally the game's graphics don't quite come up to par (static frizzes on Harley's face being the chief offender here). Solid cutscenes work help build where the gameplay doesn't.</p><p>It is fair to say that a lot of the gameplay becomes repetitive in terms of its simply being a shooter, the main antiheroes all share similar gameplay mechanics making them wildly interchangeable and also that the enemies are a fairly amorphous bunch that don't really stand out - but for a game that's all about fun and personality, Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League has it when it counts.</p><p>There's a brashness to Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League - and whether that's enough for those who want to pick up and play disposably is another matter. It's playable enough - just if you don't look too deep into what's going on around you on screen.</p><p><br /></p>Darrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02780586901533093889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4694614106542316429.post-64548329218061462492024-02-23T00:00:00.001+13:002024-02-25T15:57:29.224+13:00Shogun: TV Review<h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Shōgun: TV Review</span></h1><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Disney+'s epic new series is the kind of show you either surrender to or take against.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Based on James Clavell's 1975 historical fiction, and a stark step away from the 1980s limited series which starred Richard Chamberlain, the 2024 version of <span style="background-color: white; color: #161616;">Shōgun</span> is a measured, considered affair, whose pace in the back half may completely frustrate those who've not given in.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFmBk5DDbPkZcRN5o4h4WfmZRw_VBrMLtaX_THhgbjjGR4ZZKx5wz2M1rQN08yi9zq-6q0VDw93DD6_uOemuVBZMyx53qAizMayAS7o7Us61r2mPkef_a2T2jgsgB3o7x23iUd2AeWCyxLBEXhtmjX6NhlRqbjVvnK-eciDcI3hmciw-NRdJ5QRhqBW6M/s1469/shogun2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Shōgun: TV Review" border="0" data-original-height="834" data-original-width="1469" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFmBk5DDbPkZcRN5o4h4WfmZRw_VBrMLtaX_THhgbjjGR4ZZKx5wz2M1rQN08yi9zq-6q0VDw93DD6_uOemuVBZMyx53qAizMayAS7o7Us61r2mPkef_a2T2jgsgB3o7x23iUd2AeWCyxLBEXhtmjX6NhlRqbjVvnK-eciDcI3hmciw-NRdJ5QRhqBW6M/w640-h364/shogun2.JPG" title="Shōgun: TV Review" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Meshing the kind of sensibilities that made Game of Thrones such a hit (political posturing, love, war, conflict, a bit of violence), <span style="background-color: white; color: #161616;">Shōgun follows the story of John Blackthorne (Lady MacBeth's Cosmo Jarvis, with a penchant for a lot of shouting throughout) as he washes up in the year 1600 with feudal Japan falling apart at the seams.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #161616;">With his ship laden with cannon and weapons, Blackthorne could hold the key to the power vacuum that's emerged in the country - but viewed as a barbarian, he is sidelined, locked up and generally held at arm's distance.</span></p><p><span style="color: #161616;">Despite a council of regents being set up to deal with each other, Lord Yoshii Toranaga (producer Hiroyuki Sanada) has fallen out with the others, and faces the possibility of conflict and the threat of impeachment. </span></p><p><span style="color: #161616;">Throw into that mix, Toranaga's translator Toda Mariko (Anna Sawai, masterful in a role that requires her to play all levels of the emotional gamut) and the political pot is ready to be stirred in ways that will pay dramatic heft.</span></p><p><span style="color: #161616;">Yet, Shōgun is less interested in a speedy resolution to events unfolding; its keys to success lie in its world-building, its investment in characters and its utterly gorgeous period visuals. It is a struggle for survival story for all three of the main characters, but when the threads come together, it works both compellingly and beautifully for viewers to behold.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #161616;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdqJf97WNVf3DWgIK6bn6TH8DuQjsE3wpjpgLqq9h561AnOXr__JRH2vZywreW6oJ2F-4kW7_80yPM9gR1DGc233js8FEAk47iaCtNjUTBn6ruzKYBfcXlzREii_bQR_dvl6uQ6GP9C_XwbutAKE-_KRZJ3HTHsO5Wkm3CExA_EmydtwrifXpo4z_zXr8/s1323/shogun1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Shogun: TV Review" border="0" data-original-height="820" data-original-width="1323" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdqJf97WNVf3DWgIK6bn6TH8DuQjsE3wpjpgLqq9h561AnOXr__JRH2vZywreW6oJ2F-4kW7_80yPM9gR1DGc233js8FEAk47iaCtNjUTBn6ruzKYBfcXlzREii_bQR_dvl6uQ6GP9C_XwbutAKE-_KRZJ3HTHsO5Wkm3CExA_EmydtwrifXpo4z_zXr8/w640-h396/shogun1.JPG" title="Shogun: TV Review" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #161616;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #161616;">But there is a lot that feels like it could be excised from the 8 episodes which were viewed; after the fifth episode, much begins to feel like padding more than plotting, and in truth, Jarvis' penchant for bellowing lines as the barbarian of proceedings really begins to grate the longer time spent with him.</span></p><p><span style="color: #161616;">Despite its failings, Shōgun reveals some rich rewards. Sanada is both venerable and imbued with gravitas as the story plays out, a calm force that shows much going on beneath the understated performance. Equally, Sawai's peaceful turn shows inner conflict with just a few brief passive flickers on her face.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #161616; font-family: inherit;">Much needs to be applauded of the making of this series a multi-language affair. Rather than Anglicising all of it, with native Japanese speakers and subtitles splayed throughout, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #161616; font-family: inherit;">Shōgun feels like a testament to its world, rather than a hat tip. I</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #161616; font-family: inherit;">t looks cinematic as well, and the embracing of traditions makes much of the world-building incredibly successful and immersive.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #161616;">While </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #161616;">Shōgun falters on its central romance and some moments teeter dangerously close to narrative stereotyping, this is a series to enjoy, at times endure and at others, let it envelop you.</span></span></p><p><i><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Shogun premieres on Disney+ from February 27 with two episodes, before shifting to weekly releases. 8 out of 10 episodes of the first series of the show were previewed here for review.</span></b></i></p>Darrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02780586901533093889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4694614106542316429.post-68069114128616923712024-02-22T07:00:00.011+13:002024-02-22T17:50:31.334+13:00Drive-Away Dolls: Movie Review<h1 style="text-align: left;">Drive-Away Dolls: Movie Review</h1><p>Cast: Margaret Qualley, Geraldine Viswanathan, Beanie Feldstein, Colman Domingo, Bill Camp, Matt Damon, Pedro Pascal</p><p>Director: Ethan Coen</p><p>Ethan Coen's latest, a bawdy and brash road trip movie, is a film that, thanks to its appealing messiness, will test your limits in more ways than one.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3n-C93HRrXC44hryghC70C5xNK5IeZHbq9GvlXFyLWOpabLztKDLwf7Vw7s2X32EV8pPRl6lIwuoZVL64ausQTMD6ZKfWVFbyNvtyeicj81bKNPJ-RFhITFY2tUyjZILt4RdikA9upgUWtMdZaNYaYitRdb2ND0wPaqPNhfPeInGyDFecfO6ecw0SnXg/s1476/drive2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Drive-Away Dolls: Movie Review" border="0" data-original-height="835" data-original-width="1476" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3n-C93HRrXC44hryghC70C5xNK5IeZHbq9GvlXFyLWOpabLztKDLwf7Vw7s2X32EV8pPRl6lIwuoZVL64ausQTMD6ZKfWVFbyNvtyeicj81bKNPJ-RFhITFY2tUyjZILt4RdikA9upgUWtMdZaNYaYitRdb2ND0wPaqPNhfPeInGyDFecfO6ecw0SnXg/w640-h362/drive2.JPG" title="Drive-Away Dolls: Movie Review" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Despite only mustering a brisk 84 minutes in length, large swathes of this odd couple LGBT comedy road trip feel padded out filled by unnecessary quirks and visuals by a director who's a little unsure of what he wants to do.</p><p>Qualley and Viswanathan star as flatmates Jamie and Marian. Polar opposites - Jamie is a fast talking and fast and loose woman about town and Marian an uptight celibate - the pair find themselves on a road trip to Tallahassee to drop off a car.</p><p>But by confusion, they end up picking up a car that contains a very precious cargo - a suitcase with mysterious contents - and also pick up a pair of desperate thugs keen to get the case first.</p><p>Both are running from something - Jamie, a break up with Sukie her policewoman girlfriend and Marian, on the run from the tedium of daily life and desperate for a change of scene. Yet Coen doesn't quite seem to know what to do with them, frequently filling escalating screwball proceedings with occasionally lingering shots of women or using Qualley's star-making turn and accent to enliven what transpires.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0JCbTDhsaOF0VdtQAwNe4CNhEDWxfhww5OZnt7vixVjBFsbbjcifWm5nf1uQGVKZWgcngYqOgZnYRN5R_YlP9WjGM9_9tLs0qBOiSZF5mmz0Digsbu0tFcdavqR-zpo6bMFoFnx7Jo-p2FRdG1_wAmBHRiNmmvR6ir1pgqqHz68hryTRXV-1wIbWC6Ss/s1200/drive1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Drive-Away Dolls: Movie Review" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0JCbTDhsaOF0VdtQAwNe4CNhEDWxfhww5OZnt7vixVjBFsbbjcifWm5nf1uQGVKZWgcngYqOgZnYRN5R_YlP9WjGM9_9tLs0qBOiSZF5mmz0Digsbu0tFcdavqR-zpo6bMFoFnx7Jo-p2FRdG1_wAmBHRiNmmvR6ir1pgqqHz68hryTRXV-1wIbWC6Ss/w640-h266/drive1.jpg" title="Drive-Away Dolls: Movie Review" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>As with any Coen film, there are a number of quirky characters, who range from dim-witted to being overly precise with words - this is a world of extremes where misunderstandings are prevalent and contrived for the plot. But despite the excellent chemistry between Qualley and Viswanathan, there are too many moments when the story's freewheeling feels like it's overplayed and overcooked; yet bizarrely, there are parts when thanks to numerous cameos and distractions, much of it feels undercooked. It's rooted in the 90s in many way, and even the obsession with the case channels Pulp Fiction in more ways than one.</p><p>Yet, Drive-Away Dolls is a film of opposites in many ways, but while it's to be commended for presenting the kind of movie where the women are playing as freely as their male counterparts often do in the genre, you can't help but feeling Ethan Coen's storytelling prowess isn't nearly as strong here as it should - or could - have been.</p>Darrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02780586901533093889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4694614106542316429.post-56347284993615619912024-02-21T00:00:00.001+13:002024-02-25T15:36:26.552+13:00Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth: PS5 Review<h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth: PS5 Review</span></h1><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Developed by <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio</span><br />Published by SEGA<br />Platform: PS5</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">The ninth entrant into the Like A Dragon series may seem like an inpenetrable entrance point for those who've never touched the world, but thanks to its ease of accessibility, the latest game proves to be a solid jumping on point for all.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">The newest Yakuza episode sees you taking control of <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Ichiban Kasuga as he tries to help out others looking to get out of the Yakuza world. But while the game begins in Japan, it soon switches to a Hawaii locale as a seemingly long lost biological family member comes to the fore.</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhllXsoDwmCJHQagHfsknHZW658A9uK1l2wH1uiO8Cu-UkiTiKTqXvlhvs_VEOhWs5g2aZHb-i85MfcDQAJ-jp-XI7fi4SC700-XK27-hKE6snW6M3ycEm-x6LTm4CLNHTW2HeIaqQ56Dj3UiOCRsR8DXr6Oplp7FxYNWMLemuJnDQlcMdSqEOVvYloQkc/s1178/iw-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth: PS5 Review" border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="1178" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhllXsoDwmCJHQagHfsknHZW658A9uK1l2wH1uiO8Cu-UkiTiKTqXvlhvs_VEOhWs5g2aZHb-i85MfcDQAJ-jp-XI7fi4SC700-XK27-hKE6snW6M3ycEm-x6LTm4CLNHTW2HeIaqQ56Dj3UiOCRsR8DXr6Oplp7FxYNWMLemuJnDQlcMdSqEOVvYloQkc/w640-h446/iw-1.JPG" title="Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth: PS5 Review" width="640" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">With huge maps in Japan and an even bigger one in Hawaii, there is no denying there's plenty to do in </span>Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - and plenty that will frustrate if you're not really in the mood or in a financial position to walk everywhere. But while initially it all appears a little overwhelming, it soon becomes clear the game is about rewarding as much as you want to put in.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Essentially a turn-based game that relies on a bit of strategy and forethought, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is undoubtedly the kind of game that it's easy to immerse and lose yourself in. Combat relies on special skills, which work on button choices and allows for street objects to be used as weapons - realistic touches like this make the game feel like it's vibrant and alive rather than simply being part of its static environment.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">With mountains of story to get through initially, some of the text-based dialogue may seem like a bit of a bind, and in parts, the game feels like a little of a grind before it truly finds its momentum. But bearing with it pays dividends, as you get to wander around a world that has been set up for free-roaming and which benefits greatly from it with NPCs, mini-games and locales that positively sing and vibe with the game.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2h2y7yq8QVy9Y2OdKPITca-afBhOuSiVVAb3ccqkPcJfZrdycaOSD8rkUbFStvkrHCLYz6_17IrmjY4MwXNitEiliO462r0rrs3qqItHR1U35EdZjw3ESNzO1nX7ykWw-9moOgI1JfUtgxLOhExJDp0DM-tkkbfcjrONblhC3m4tu0ZOEe1FpBphka8s/s437/iw-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth: PS5 Review" border="0" data-original-height="248" data-original-width="437" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2h2y7yq8QVy9Y2OdKPITca-afBhOuSiVVAb3ccqkPcJfZrdycaOSD8rkUbFStvkrHCLYz6_17IrmjY4MwXNitEiliO462r0rrs3qqItHR1U35EdZjw3ESNzO1nX7ykWw-9moOgI1JfUtgxLOhExJDp0DM-tkkbfcjrONblhC3m4tu0ZOEe1FpBphka8s/w640-h364/iw-2.JPG" title="Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth: PS5 Review" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">From <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">photography shoots, delivery missions, escape missions, memory games, quick-time events, there's much to do if you don't feel like diving into the resonant main storyline.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Ultimately, </span><span style="color: #333333;">Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth may be the ninth entrant into the series, but with a realistic real life sensibility it shows the series is in very rude health.</span></span></p>Darrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02780586901533093889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4694614106542316429.post-13281774316466861142024-02-20T00:00:00.004+13:002024-02-20T12:59:13.925+13:00What's on Prime Video in March<h1 style="text-align: left;">What's on Prime Video in March</h1><p>One of the most highly-anticipated movies of the year, Road House, lands on Prime Video this month. Jake Gyllenhaal stars as an ex-UFC fighter trying to escape his dark past (and his penchant for violence) in this adrenaline-fueled reimagining of the 80s cult classic which also stars Post Malone and Conor McGregor in his acting debut. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_yXVMNJ7EE1HtdW9QS9KWLsC1EKV3nzKrV9xKsr_iI7EdilysLD5JpUxsMnnI7JmDOFK17TLpjxx59ha-7jYsXPst1ZT5VOEmyx80_xaK9_cNCsDU8PGBNd-ClcbK4ur3Hbvw0ZPC-T3cZb3a1w540xfteAAHvk3o6AmprD0nRKehyphenhyphenHFGP1yPOINNv5Y/s980/roadhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="What's on Prime Video in March" border="0" data-original-height="551" data-original-width="980" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_yXVMNJ7EE1HtdW9QS9KWLsC1EKV3nzKrV9xKsr_iI7EdilysLD5JpUxsMnnI7JmDOFK17TLpjxx59ha-7jYsXPst1ZT5VOEmyx80_xaK9_cNCsDU8PGBNd-ClcbK4ur3Hbvw0ZPC-T3cZb3a1w540xfteAAHvk3o6AmprD0nRKehyphenhyphenHFGP1yPOINNv5Y/w640-h360/roadhouse.jpg" title="What's on Prime Video in March" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Zac Efron and John Cena team up in hilarious new comedy Ricky Stanicky. Three childhood friends create an imaginary friend giving them an out to go wild, however things get sticky when real-life Ricky is introduced! </p><p><br /></p><p>March sees Jeff Daniels in American Rust: Broken Justice exploring a whole new storyline in its new home, Prime Video; George Clooney directed sports drama, The Boys In A Boat is a true story of the underdogs finding the spotlight; Invincible returns with new episodes but the same amazing star-filled line-up including Sandra Oh, Seth Rogan and J.K. Simmons; an intimately raw and magical journey through the life, mind, and heart of iconic artist Frida Kahlo in Frida; wedding bells seem vaguely familiar in Beautiful Wedding, the follow up to Beautiful Disaster starring Dylan Sprouse and Virginia Gardner.</p><p>ROAD HOUSE</p><p>AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY ON THURSDAY 21 MARCH</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Road House stars Jake Gyllenhaal as Dalton, an ex-UFC fighter trying to escape his dark past and his penchant for violence, in this adrenaline-fueled actioner. Dalton is barely scraping by on the reputation that still precedes him when he is spotted by Frankie (Jessica Williams), owner of a roadhouse in the Florida Keys. She hires him to be her new bouncer in hopes of stopping a violent gang, working for crime boss Brandt (Billy Magnussen), from destroying her beloved bar. Even five to one, Brandt’s crew is no match for Dalton’s skills. But the stakes get higher with the arrival of ruthless gun-for-hire, Knox (Conor McGregor). As the brutal brawls and bloodshed escalate, the tropical Keys prove more dangerous than anything Dalton ever faced in the Octagon. Also starring Daniela Melchior, Joaquim De Almeida, Lukas Gage.</p><p><br /></p><p>Road House stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Conor McGregor, Daniela Melchior, Billy Magnussen, Jessica Williams, Joaquim de Almeida, Lukas Gage, Arturo Castro, B.K. Cannon, Beau Knapp, Darren Barnet, Dominique Columbus, Bob Menery, Catfish Jean, Kevin Carroll, Travis Van Winkle, Hannah Lanier as well as Austin Richard Post aka Post Malone.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Image</p><p>RICKY STANICKY</p><p>AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY ON THURSDAY 7 MARCH</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>When three childhood best friends pull a prank gone wrong, they invent the imaginary Ricky Stanicky to get them out of trouble! Twenty years after creating this ‘friend,’ Dean, JT, and Wes (Zac Efron, Andrew Santino, and Jermaine Fowler) still use the nonexistent Ricky as a handy alibi for their immature behavior. When their spouses and partners get suspicious and demand to finally meet the fabled Mr. Stanicky, the guilty trio decide to hire washed-up actor and raunchy celebrity impersonator "Rock Hard" Rod (John Cena) to bring him to life. But when Rod takes his role of a lifetime too far, they begin to wish they’d never invented Ricky in the first place.</p><p><br /></p><p>Ricky Stanicky stars Zac Efron, Jermaine Fowler, Andrew Santino, Lex Scott Davis, Anja Savcic, Jeff Ross, William H. Macy and John Cena.</p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p>Image</p><p>AMERICAN RUST: BROKEN JUSTICE </p><p>SEASON 2 AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY FROM THURSDAY 28 MARCH</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Four months after the shoot-out in West Virginia, Del has returned to the Pittsburgh P.D. while the folks in Buell try to get their lives back on track. Del and his new work partner Angela, are assigned a high-profile bombing case that proves to be quite complex. Del finds himself back in the folds of The Brotherhood and he struggles to find the balance between his life in Pittsburgh and his life/ relationship with Grace back in Buell. Billy accepts a settlement for his injuries from his time in prison and he decides to try to move forward with his life. Billy uses the money from the settlement to buy Grace the property they lived on. Grace uses this land to give herself new economic/ work opportunities. Meanwhile, Billy and Lee try to figure out their relationship with each other as they navigate their own futures. Lee has taken a job working as a paralegal at a law firm in Pittsburgh. Billy decides to move in with Isaac and Lee and Isaac helps Billy get back into shape. Isaac has decided to make a life for himself in Buell and is working for Landwill Energy. Isaac has fully embraced his sexuality and pursues new romantic situations. Virgil is still up to his old ways but finds a way to get money from Grace so he can pursue a new business opportunity. Steve Park has taken over for Del as the Chief of Police in Buell and is determined to take Del down and prove his connection to the crimes that happened in West Virginia. The town of Buell is rocked by more murders that creates chaos in the lives of all of its residents.</p><p><br /></p><p>American Rust: Broken Justice stars Jeff Daniels, Maura Tierney, David Alvarez, Alex Neustaedter, Julie Mayorga, Mark Pellegrino, Kyle Beltran and Luna Lauren Velez.</p><p> </p><p>Image</p><p>THE BOYS IN THE BOAT</p><p>AVAILABLE FROM FRIDAY 29 MARCH</p><p><br /></p><p>The Boys in the Boat is a sports drama based on the #1 New York Times bestselling non-fiction novel written by Daniel James Brown. The film, directed by George Clooney, is about the 1936 University of Washington rowing team that competed for gold at the Summer Olympics in Berlin. This inspirational true story follows a group of underdogs at the height of the Great Depression as they are thrust into the spotlight and take on elite rivals from around the world. </p><p><br /></p><p>The Boys In The Boat stars Joel Edgerton, Callum Turner, James Wolk, Chris Diamantopoulos, Jack Mulhern, Sam Strike, Thomas Elms and Luke Slattery. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Image</p><p>INVINCIBLE SEASON 2 PART 2 </p><p>NEW EPISODES AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY FROM THURSDAY 14 MARCH</p><p><br /></p><p>Based on the groundbreaking comic book by Robert Kirkman, Cory Walker, and Ryan Ottley, the story revolves around 18-year-old Mark Grayson, who’s just like every other guy his age—except his father is (or was) the most powerful superhero on the planet. Still reeling from Nolan’s betrayal in Season One, Mark struggles to rebuild his life as he faces a host of new threats, all while battling his greatest fear - that he might become his father without even knowing it. </p><p><br /></p><p>Invincible Season Two stars Steven Yeun, Sandra Oh, Zazie Beetz, Grey DeLisle, Chris Diamantopoulos, Walton Goggins, Gillian Jacobs, Jason Mantzoukas, Ross Marquand, Khary Payton, Zachary Quinto, Andrew Rannells, Kevin Michael Richardson, Seth Rogen and J.K. Simmons.</p><p><br /></p><p>Image</p><p>FRIDA </p><p>AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY ON THURSDAY 14 MARCH</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>An intimately raw and magical journey through the life, mind, and heart of iconic artist Frida Kahlo, FRIDA is told through her own words for the very first time, drawn from her famed illustrated diary, revealing letters, essays, and candid print interviews — and brought vividly to life by lyrical animation inspired by her unforgettable artwork. The feature film directorial debut of acclaimed editor Carla Gutiérrez (RBG, La Corona), FRIDA posits a striking context as to why the artist – and her art -- remains as powerful as ever. Covering more than 40 years of her life, the filmmakers received unrestricted access to research materials, much never shown to the general public before. What is extraordinary about Kahlo's life and art is how her images would galvanize multiple generations of admirers worldwide, doing more than solidifying her status as a modern artist of timeless import. An intensive journey spanning two years, Gutiérrez and her formidable team of artisans, most of whom are women and proudly Latine, gathered together to craft a singular cinematic experience that could be no ordinary art history lesson. A living portrait emboldened by the magical realism befitting Kahlo's remarkable life emerges. Yet, her voice ultimately stands supreme, a complex and powerful sound of a multitude of Fridas: fearless, seductive, defiant, vulnerable, raucous, and wonderfully alive.</p><p><br /></p><p>Image</p><p>BEAUTIFUL WEDDING</p><p>AVAILABLE ON FRIDAY 1 MARCH</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Picking up where Beautiful Disaster left off, Abby and Travis wake up after a crazy night in Vegas as accidental newlyweds. With their best friends in tow and Abby's six-figure poker winnings, they travel to Mexico, where they can enjoy a wild, lavish honeymoon. But as chaos follows "Trabby" at every turn, they must decide if they belong together -- or if this marriage is another disaster waiting to happen.</p><p><br /></p><p>Beautiful Wedding stars Dylan Sprouse, Virginia Gardner, Austin North, Libe Barer and Rob Estes</p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p>Image</p><p>DAVEY & JONESIE’S LOCKER </p><p>SEASON 1 AVAILABLE FROM THURSDAY 22 MARCH</p><p><br /></p><p>The series follows Davey and Jonesie, two lovably eccentric best friends who have always felt out of step with their peers and the banal backdrop of their high school existence. So, when they discover their locker is actually a portal to the multiverse, they’re more than ready to escape their teenage prison of mediocrity in favor of new horizons. But the joke is on them when they only end up in bizarre, alternate versions of their high school, surrounded by offbeat versions of their classmates. Fortunately, these audacious and creative besties are ready to make the most of this vacation from reality by leaving their mark on every universe they visit…even if it means choosing interdimensional chaos while they’re at it. Worth it for the vibes.</p><p><br /></p><p>Davey & Jonesie’s Locker stars Veronika Slowikowska, Jaelynn Thora Brooks, Dan Beirne, Emily Piggford, Nikko Angelo Hinayo, Erika Swayze and Sydney Topliffe.</p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p>Image</p><p>BEACON 23</p><p>AVAILABLE FROM FRIDAY 15 MARCH</p><p><br /></p><p>In the farthest reaches of the Milky Way, a government agent and a stoic ex-military man find themselves trapped inside a beacon that serves as a lighthouse for intergalactic travelers.</p><p><br /></p><p>Beacon 23 stars Lena Heady, Stephan James, Wade Bogert-O’Brien, Natasha Mumba, Stephen Root, Eric Lange and Jess Salgueiro. </p><p> </p><p>MARCH 2024 TOP PICKS:</p><p>CHICAGO PD S5-S6 (TV) 1/03/24</p><p>LAW & ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT S19-S20 (TV) 1/03/24</p><p>JAQUE MATE (MOVIE) 1/03/24</p><p>RICKY STANICKY (MOVIE) 7/03/24</p><p>BEAUTIFUL WEDDING (MOVIE) 8/03/24</p><p>KING OF KILLERS (11/03/24</p><p>FRIDA: A SELF PORTRAIT (MOVIE) 14/03/24</p><p>INVINCIBLE S2 (New Episodes) (TV) 14/03/24</p><p>BEACON 23 S1 (TV) 15/03/24</p><p>DAVEY & JONESIE'S LOCKER S1 (TV) 22/03/24</p><p>MY LOVELY YOKAI GIRLFRIEND S1 (TV) 22/03/24</p><p>OPERATION VALENTINE (MOVIE) 22/03/24</p><p>OURIKA S1 (TV) 28/03/24</p><p>ROAD HOUSE (MOVIE) 21/03/24</p><p>TIG NOTARO: HELLO AGAIN S1 (TV) 26/03/24</p><p>THE BAXTER S1-S3 (TV) 28/03/24</p><p>HOPE ON THE STREET S1 (TV) 28/03/24</p><p>AMERICAN RUST: BROKEN JUSTICE S2 (TV) 28/03/24</p><p>THE BOYS IN THE BOAT (MOVIE) 29/03/24</p><div><br /></div>Darrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02780586901533093889noreply@blogger.com0