The Weight: Movie Review

Cast: Ethan Hawke, Russell Crowe, Julia Jones, Austin Amelio
Director: Padraic McKinley

A Depression-era film with a bit of directorial flair and clout and an actor who's getting better with age, Padraic McKinley's tale of a man separated from his daughter has all the heft its title promises.

Hawke is Samuel Murphy, a former soldier turned mechanic who has a knack of getting things done. However, as it's 1933 and America's suffering, those skills land him and his daughter nowhere as he's forced out onto the street with his child. Things get worse when he ends up in jail after a street brawl.

Sentenced to a labour camp and with only a desire to do his time to get back to his daughter, Murphy is offered an out by camp boss Warden Clancy (Crowe, mainly bookending the movie). The only catch is he and a group of men have to transfer gold across the wilderness before President Roosevelt snatches it from the mines.

Tasked with the perilous journey and the wilderness, as well as the untrustworthiness of his colleagues, Murphy finds his route to would-be freedom is anything but simple.

There's a veritable grit to The Weight, which is carried largely by one of Hawke's best performances. A knotty role delivered by a sinewy and taut lead, the film wastes none of its time getting down to the plot - even if it could do with losing maybe a little of its 2-hour runtime.

An action-adventure survival thriller that offers up at least one moment of directorial flair (within a storm sequence), McKinley's story does little to tug at the heartstrings, but plays all the classic trappings of a film built on twists and the violence that men do in desperate times.

But wisely, he never loses the heart of his lead Murphy, a man who's caught between reality and the promise of something he desperately wants. It helps that Hawke never overplays his hand and is restrained in extremis, but offers the kind of compelling performance you'd want from a film that feels like it's come from yesteryear.

Whether it's the villainous terrain or the actual villains of the piece, The Weight manages to make the most out of both its setting and its leads, crafting levels of suspense that are hard to resist. There's a grittiness to the drive on display here and the film goes to lengths to ensure that the rawness felt by all feels as real as the lines etched on Hawke's face.

Hunt for the Wilderpeople: Collector's Edition: Blu Ray Review

Released by Madman Home Entertainment

There's a certain sadness to the 10th anniversary release of this gorgeous Collector's Edition set.

With the death of Sir Sam Neill in July this year, the arrival of this set, which includes the 4K version of the film, a 40 page booklet, art cards and the book of Barry Cump's 1986 novel Wild Pork and Watercress, signals one of the last appearances of the Jurassic Park star in public as he undertook 10 year anniversary live Q&As with the cast.

And yet this film continues to provide joy in all its many forms, a truly New Zealand film about foster kid Ricky Baker (Julian Dennison, in his breakout role) going to live with a grumpy foster uncle (Neill, in his best role) and aunt (Housebound's Rima Te Wiata).

But it's in the collection that this set really shines.

Beautifully packaged together, it represents the true pinnacle of what a celebration of a local film should be. Whether it's behind the scenes footage or the aforementioned 10th anniversary screening Q&As, love pours out of this release. Plus, along with the 4K version of the film, there's never been a better way to see Ricky Baker in his adventures.

Do yourself a favour and make sure you own the ultimate edition of this beloved film - it's what Sir Sam Neill would have wanted.

Special Features 

Q&A at 10th Anniversary Screening (2026) 

Behind-the-scenes Footage (2016) 

Champion Local Cinema (2026) 

Seven Sharp Interview: Kate Rodger Interviews Taika Waititi and Sam Neill (2026) 

Flicks Talks: 'Hunt for the Wilderpeople' Director Taika Waititi Interviewed by Liam Maguren (2016) Hunt for the Wilderpeople Red Carpet Premiere (2016) 

Cast And Crew Interviews (2016) 

Audio Commentary with Taika Waititi, Sam Neill and Julian Dennison (2016) 

Featurette Bloopers 

Theatrical Trailer

Doctor Who Season 2: Blu Ray Review

Published by BBC and Disney
Released by Madman Home Entertainment

What is there to say about the 2025 season of Doctor Who that's not already been said?

The series that saw the shock departure of its star Ncuti Gatwa and led to the show being put on hiatus has already been mired in controversy and years of debate to come.

But the Fifteenth Doctor's adventures in this second run - with the exception of the finale - show a marked improvement in both quality and tone, even if the run does feel somewhat truncated thanks to a shorter amount of episodes.

Including the Christmas special, Joy To The World, which starred Bridgerton's Nicola Coughlan and the series of Doctor Who Unleashed, there are a few conventional extras, but there are no specially commissioned features made for this set, which will be an annoyance to Doctor Who fans who've come to relish the love poured into the Collection classic series franchise.

And while the Robot Revolution sends things on a shaky start, the quality noticeably begins to increase with episode two, Lux, and continues on from there. The Well, Lucky Day and The Story and The Engine push the show into the kind of territory that had been expected from the start, but it feels a little too late and it certainly all collapses with Wish World and The Reality War.

As a second season set, the collection is well put-together and while it can't escape the issues that have dogged it since, in terms of a season set, it's a handsomely collected piece of sci-fi and Doctor Who work.

It's just a shame that for many, this set will feel like a could have been, rather than a slightly shambolic farewell to a Doctor who impressed briefly and a show that now faces an unknown future.

EA releases official Soundtrack for EA SPORTS FC™ 27

The official Soundtrack for EA SPORTS FC™ 27 has been released, bringing together 120 tracks from 36 nations to mark the start of the new 2026/27 football season.

Key Details:

• Artists include Interpol, The Strokes, Royal Blood, Chase & Status, Little Simz, and more.
• Through The Grounds*, a new shared social football playground in FC 27, players will experience distinct musical identities across three districts inspired by English, French and Argentinian football heritage: Parkside, Montclair, and Zeiza. Each location is brought to life through its own curated Soundtrack.
• FC Mobile players will also have the chance to make their voice heard and vote on which of five songs from the new FC 27 Soundtrack should be added to the game
  
  
  

Featuring 120 tracks from 36 nations, the EA SPORTS FC™ 27 Soundtrack builds on more than 20 years of music discovery - bringing together global artists, emerging talent and unreleased music to The World's Game PRE-ORDER EA SPORTS FC 27 TODAY Listen to the full EA SPORTS FC™ 27 Soundtrack on Spotify and vote for your favourite track to be added to FC Mobile. For more than two decades, the EA SPORTS FC Soundtrack has become part of the ritual of a new season, and been one of football and music’s most recognisable cultural touchpoints, connecting millions of fans with new artists from around the globe. 

As anticipation builds ahead of Early Access on 18 September and the game’s worldwide launch on 25 September, the EA SPORTS FC™ 27 Soundtrack continues its legacy with a diverse mix of internationally renowned artists, breakthrough talent and unreleased music, reflecting the global communities that make up The World's Game. 

The FC 27 Soundtrack, exclusively on Spotify, spans established artist favourites, including Interpol, The Neighbourhood, The Strokes, The War on Drugs, Royal Blood, Nia Archives, Chase & Status, Little Simz and Barry Can't Swim, alongside exciting emerging talent such as The Itch, Sycco, Bruvvy, Temper City, bed and Rose Gray. Fans can also discover unreleased gems from Cage The Elephant, Mura Masa and many others, alongside Sayf’s “TOP OF THE POPS (Red Bull 64 Bars)” track, in a collection that captures the anticipation, energy and excitement for the football season ahead. 

"I’ve been playing EA SPORTS' football games since 2007; It’s something that’s been with me since I was a kid," said KYAN, EA SPORTS FC 27 Soundtrack Artist. “I always had this dream of one day turning on the game and hearing my own song playing there. It’s crazy that it's happened now, with the track ‘Garage’ with Enzo from the Block and Mu540, because our friendship also started through the game. We didn’t even speak the same language, but we could spend hours playing and understanding each other. I feel like 10-year-old Kyan would go crazy if he knew that one day this was going to happen." 

“EA always puts together a killer soundtrack for FC, so we were thrilled to have our brand-new song ‘Dying In Reverse’ make its debut this year,” said Cage the Elephant, EA SPORTS FC 27 Soundtrack Artist. “We can’t wait to hear it in the game.” 

This year, music plays a bigger role than ever before across the EA SPORTS FC experience. Through The Grounds*, a new shared social football playground in FC 27, players will experience distinct musical identities across three districts inspired by English, French and Argentinian football heritage: Parkside, Montclair, and Zeiza. 

Each location is brought to life through its own curated Soundtrack, immersing players in the sounds and atmosphere that represent the identity of each football hub. Additionally, FC Mobile is celebrating its third anniversary by allowing players to vote for music to be added in-game. Following a vote on fan-favourite tracks from across EA SPORTS FC Soundtrack history, players will also have the chance to make their voice heard and vote on which of five songs from the new FC 27 Soundtrack should be added to the game from September 10-12. 

The winning retro track will arrive in FC Mobile on 24 September, followed by the community’s favourite FC 27 track on 12 October. 

“Over the past 20 years, the EA SPORTS FC Soundtrack has become an international institution,” said Steve Schnur, Worldwide President of Music & Marketing for EA Games. “The world’s game is annually enhanced by the world’s soundtrack, and FC 27 delivers one of our most globally representative playlists yet. These are the songs that will both define the year ahead and last a lifetime. We’re proud to deliver this exceptional celebration of artistry, culture and the power of music to bring people together like never before.” 

Listen to the EA SPORTS FC 27 Soundtrack on Spotify today. 

Players can go back in time and relive some of the most iconic songs from FC soundtracks through the Ultimate Mix playlist also on Spotify. Pre-orders are now available for EA SPORTS FC™ 27, which will launch on PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2. 

EA SPORTS FC™ 27 will be available worldwide to play on September 25, 2026, with Ultimate Edition and Ultimate Plus Edition early access beginning September 18, 2026.

** For more information on EA SPORTS FC™ 27, please visit ea.com/fc27 and ensure you’re following our global social channels for all the latest upcoming news and announcements for EA SPORTS FC™. 

 *The Grounds mode, including Clubs, only available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC and Nintendo Switch 2 versions. 

**Conditions & restrictions apply. See ea.com/games/ea-sports-fc/fc-27/game-disclaimers for details.

Passenger: Blu Ray Review

Cast: Lou Liobell, Melissa Leo, Jacob Scipio
Director: André Øvredal

The latest horror movie gets its kicks on Route 666 in this creepy new movie from Troll Hunter director André Øvredal.

When young travelling couple Maddie and Tyler give up their stable life and apartment to go live on the road,they witness a horrific accident on a highway, they begin to realise they didn't leave the scene alone - as a demonic presence known as The Passenger is haunting their every move.

Passenger has a very simple premise and for some two-thirds of the film, it's an effective unsettling ride that makes great fist of the rising tension and the more-or-less two-handed pairing.

Maddie's less keen on life in a van, but sees the joy it brings Tyler. Subsequently, the film taps nicely into her rising discomfort at the van life and the fact she begins to see things gives it an edge too. Wisely, rather than have the pair bicker and disagree, the story pushes them together, rather than apart.

As the early tension builds, there are some impressively upsetting moments, including a fantastic sequence in a car park that has to be seen to be believed, but taps into every woman's feeling of unease late at night.

Unfortunately though, Passenger finds itself in need of a desire to over-explain its urban myth, its connections to a Hobo code and history, thus robbing it of some of the illusion of horror.

Things are made worse when an exposition-heavy sequence sees one character spill all the details before having their head removed from their neck.

It's at this stage that Passenger abandons all pretensions of being anything more than a schlock horror fest and betrays some of the subtler edges of the start.

It'd be wrong to say this Passemger isn't worth hitching a ride with. But at some point, you'll want to get off before it's way too late.

Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle, launching 29th October

Start your engines and race across a sprawling world with the Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle. Available from 29th October on Nintendo Store and select retailers, this console bundle comes with a Nintendo Switch 2 console, a download code for Mario Kart World, and a download code for a Nintendo Switch Online Individual 3-Month (90-Day) Membership.

In Mario Kart World, you’ll go beyond the course and speed around vast, interconnected environments in heated 24-driver races. Burn rubber across plains, cities, water, volcanoes and more, exploring the open road at your own pace in Free Roam, barrelling through courses in Grand Prix or driving to survive in the non-stop transcontinental rally, Knockout Tour. 

With up to four players in local multiplayer and 24 players online*1, you can race as familiar favourites and collect and choose their outfits and vehicles before you hit the road. With the recently-announced free update, players can also check out 10 new classic courses from Super Mario Kart, as well as two new Knockout Tour routes, Propeller Rally and Turnip Rally.