At 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.
The brand-new trailer for Spider-Man: Brand New Day, in cinemas July 30, has been released.
The world may have forgotten Peter Parker, but he hasn't forgotten them.
Watch the new trailer for #SpiderManBrandNewDay, in cinemas July 30, and tickets for the film are on sale now.
About Spider-Man: Brand New Day
It's a BRAND NEW DAY for Peter Parker. Fighting crime full-time as Spider-Man in a world that doesn’t remember him—and the pressure of seeing his old friends move on without him—sparks a change in Peter he may not have the power to control. But that transformation might also be the only thing that can stop a shocking new threat to the city and those he loves - a powerful villain no one can even see.
The world may have forgotten Peter Parker, but he hasn’t forgotten them.
Directed by: Destin Daniel Cretton
Based on the MARVEL Comic Book by: Stan Lee and Steve Ditko
Cast: Tom Holland, Zendaya, Sadie Sink, Jacob Batalon, Jon Bernthal, Tramell Tillman, Michael Mando and Mark Ruffalo.
Developed by Milestone Published by Milestone Platform: PS5
Racing on 2 wheels has always had a checkered past on consoles.
Games have either tended to be extraordinarily technical and suited to fans of the genre, or they've been arcade-friendly outings that have alienated their core fanbase.
The Moto GP series has undertaken to have feet in both camps, and with last year's addition of a more arcade-led ethos, the series built to something of a crescendo. Fortunately, rather than ending up in the pits, the latest game is something that keeps the goodwill going and the rubber burning on the track.
With the option to race as a MotoGP Star, the game's built itself into a corner that shows how seriously it's taking it - and how widely accepted it is as a game that knows its apples. Rivalries, career modes, race offs - there's a lot to keep track of and much to ensure that petrolheads of all skillsets have enough to keep them engaged.
However, that depth of content does mean there's a somewhat sharp skill level to climb and those not au fait with some of the racing sims' need to keep all camps happy means that some players who are new to the genre may feel like it's too hard an ask early on.
But patience is to be rewarded in Moto GP26 and the more time that's sunk into Milestone's world, the more you appreciate that this is perhaps one of the ultimate two wheel sims out there.
Here's everything that's streaming on Netflix in July 2026.
Enola Holmes 3 (July 1)
In this next chapter of the franchise, Millie Bobby Brown reprises her role as Enola Holmes — Sherlock Holmes’ equally brilliant younger sister.
Also returning are Henry Cavill (Sherlock Holmes), Louis Partridge (Tewkesbury), Helena Bonham Carter (Eudoria Holmes), Himesh Patel (Dr. John Watson), and Sharon Duncan-Brewster (Moriarty).
Emmy Award-winning director Philip Barantini (Adolescence) joins the franchise for the first time, taking the helm for this third installment.
The film is written by Tony and BAFTA Award-winning screenwriter and playwright Jack Thorne (Enola Holmes, Enola Holmes 2, Adolescence). It is based upon the Enola Holmes Mysteries' book series by Nancy Springer.
The latest action-adventure sees Enola Holmes tackling another mystery, this time on the island nation of Malta.
As the private detective juggles the new case and the next stages of her relationship with Tewkesbury (Louis Partridge), the game is truly afoot.
Here's everything that's streaming on Disney+ in July.
Furious (July 27)
From creator and executive producer Elizabeth Meriwether, “Furious" follows an FBI agent, Alice Black (Emmy Rossum) on the hunt for a mysterious and calculating female serial killer. Both walk their own paths toward justice, and as their lives start to intertwine, the line between right and wrong begins to blur.
The series stars Emmy Rossum, Lola Petticrew, Scoot McNairy, Quincy Tyler Bernstine and Jake Lacy.
“Furious” was created, written and executive produced by Elizabeth Meriwether. Emmy Rossum executive produced for Composition 8, along with Ronald Bass, Matt Olmstead, and Sam Hoffman. Brian Kirk executive produced and directed episodes 101 and 102. The series is produced by 20th Television and Searchlight Television.
Vocal cast: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Tony Hale, Greta Lee, Ernie Hudson Director: Andrew Stanton, Kenna Harris
One of Disney's most beloved franchises returns for a new outing and once again, places Woody, Jessie and Buzz in an existential crisis.
This time, the toys need to learn new tricks if they're to compete with the greatest threat any child's imagination can face - that of electronic tech. When Lilypad, an iPad-style toy, finds its way into their home and owner Bonnie after her parents worry about her lack of friends to play with, the gang finds they're facing the biggest threat that could see them sidelined forever.
Pixar's latest is determined to continue the trend the franchise has delivered for decades - strong storytelling with a heavy nostalgia element at its core. But it's more at home this time giving Joan Cusack's Jessie the limelight and a chance to lead the film as she tries to essentially do what Tom Hanks' Woody did in the first - ward off an incursion.
However, the final result, while still impressive Pixar work, does end up feeling like the franchise doesn't really have anywhere else to go in terms of trauma of the toys, acceptance of their fate in a modern world and what happens next.
It's also notable how Pixar doesn't quite know what to say about electronic devices and the invasion of tech into children's lives. There's a hint that it's a bad thing, especially with a condemnation of a group chat and the effect it has on Bonnie - but on the other, this is the company that's released a Lilypad as merchandise outside of the film's release, so the savagery that the device faces early on soon gives way to a more sanguine and almost redemptive arc.
And yet, there is fun to be had with the toys once again - albeit more of a sweeter approach this time. From Buzz's desire to be more with Jessie than just her deputy through to Jessie's post-traumatic life with her abandonment issues, Toy Story 5 knows how to craft something that's got heart and soul.
But it has to be said Rex and the gang - and even Woody to some degree - are sidelined here, there's no memorable Randy Newman song and the sidestory with a battalion of Buzz Lightyears abandoned after a shipping container runs aground spilling its cargo feels superfluous until it intersects - albeit in a way that feels like a slighter pay-off than expected.
All in all the toys are back in Toy Story 5 - but there's a nagging feeling that perhaps Pixar should put them away for good after this outing and maybe think about growing up, rather than being concerned with the idea that play is eternal, instead of fleeting in children's lives.
He spent time discussing what's ahead for the new season, which launches Monday, June 22 on HBO Max NZ, as well as previewing the show's eventual end and revealing which role he'd love to have played in the Westeros Universe.
So what can fans expect from the upcoming season?
Steve: Well, when I read
the scripts, my first thought was that it was an extraordinary mix of violence and political intrigue, because it's Westeros, you've got to have some
violence! But also that combination of political intrigue, emotion. I
think we get the balance right.
It's a heck of an opening as well with the Battle of
the Gullet, which a lot of people have been expecting and waiting for. Knowing that, were
you nervous filming all of that?
Steve: Yeah, it's all of those
things! I wasn't aware, okay, I'm
not in touch with the fans, so I wasn't aware of how much people were
anticipating it. I just knew it was something that we had thought we were going to do in Season 2, and then we couldn't because we cut down the number of episodes and so forth. So I knew we were going to do
it. I had
been told, I think it was around the end of Season 1, I had been told, when we shoot this big battle, we're going to shoot it in South
Africa. And I was like, "Oh my God, I've never been to South Africa. And
it's going to be hot, and the lovely blue water, and it's going to be
great."
When we came back to
Season 2, they said, "Oh, it's not going to be South Africa." And I was
like, "Oh, where's it going to be?" And they went, "Wales." I was like, "Okay,
well, Wales is nice, we can do that." Finally, when we came to
shoot it in Season 3, they were like, "It's not going to be Wales, we're
going to do it around the back." So I was more feeling aggrieved about that! (laughs)
And then, of
course, Loni (Peristere), our director, then took me through what we're going to be
shooting, and he showed me all the models and the visualisations and
stuff like that. Yes, there was a certain amount of trepidation, but
also just excitement, because when I read it, I just thought, I don't
know how they're going to do this. And now I've been through, and I
finally got to see it just recently.
Yeah, it's amazing. I
can't wait for people to see it.
It's obviously one of those kind of
things that as a fan they're excited for, but also as a fan boy, a young
boy playing with swords and that sort of stuff, it must have been quite cool to be part of. Was there ever a moment
you thought, I can't believe I'm doing this, and I don't want to mess
this up for anyone around me?
Steve: Do you know what? This is going to sound
really cliché, but every day, really. Because initially, when you first walked on there, they built these ships, and they're huge. So I walked onto that, and Loni says to me, "This is yours, man. This is your world." I was
like, "Oh my God."
Then as you're going
through the fight sequences, myself and Abu and Abigail, yeah, you
couldn't help but pinch yourself, because you wanted to sort of go, "You
know, like when you're a kid? Yeah. And then I do that, and then you do that." You wanted to do that. It was just the best!.
Tell us a bit about the dynamic of your character this season. I can't
really go into spoilers for obvious reasons, because dragons will fly
by, and we'll all be torched! But it is quite an emotional arc, I think, for Lord Corlys this time.
Steve: (Laughs) Yes, and I was really
happy about that. Because where we meet him at the beginning of this season, he's still grieving for the loss of his wife. She was his rock. She was the person that he was most
comfortable with. And now she's gone, so he's kind of ruthless.
At the same time,
trying to forge some kind of link with his illegitimate son, trying to
make up for all the years of neglect, or maybe neglect, abandonment. And
that's not easy, because of course, Alyn, who is very similar to Corlys in many ways, is a man who wants to forge his own way. He's got this far,
taking care of his brother and himself. And he's just got a lot
of resentment towards his dad. So Corlys has had to show vulnerability,
show some humility. In episode one,
there's that scene in the cabin where he says, worse to the effect of, "This breach between us, it's my fault and I'm sorry." That is seismic for
Corlys. He doesn't apologise to anybody, and now he's having to do that.
The rest of the season is about him dealing with the grief, dealing with
a sense of rage. Because he feels that he and his family have sacrificed way, way more than anybody else in the realm. He's lost his children, he's
lost his wife and so forth. So having to come to do with that, and his place in the realm, and whether he wants to be part of the realm has
been a lot of what we explore.
Westeros isn't really a place for
regaining humanity, but I'd suggest perhaps that Lord Corlys does gain a
lot of humanity in the early episodes.
Steve: Yes,I think so. I
think so. Because I think for a lot of his life that we see in the first two
seasons, he's about legacy and about getting close to the throne and
about what's right and so forth. This season is
about him going, there are more important things. Interpersonal
relationships, the relationship with my children is very important. You
can't take those things for granted, which I think he did.
I think he loved
his children, but I think there was all that there was going to be there, and there will be pawns that I will move and so forth. And now he's
having to learn otherwise.
What's the vibe like on set? Do you enjoy
the work with the cast? Is there a lot of time for messing about?
Steve: Oh, I hate them. No, I'm kidding. No,
they're lovely. It's a fantastic
set. I mean, we always feel sort of weird saying it because you just think, "Oh, you're supposed to say that, aren't you?" But no, they really are a
lovely bunch of people. And that's right down from the production
people, the ones that I know anyway, writers and so forth, the cast and
crew are just fantastic.
I really
enjoy going to work. Do you know what I mean? And then so that when characters, actors are no longer with us, it's a bit
of a wrench.
There's talk that season four will be the end of the prequel. Are you excited for what's ahead for your character? Do you know much
about what's planned?
Steve: I have no idea at all. I mean, we had the
premiere in London just recently of this episode [Episode one] And Ryan [Condal, showrunner] said to me, "Yeah, we've just finished a draft of the final episode."
And I was like, "And?". He was silent, so I have no idea what happens.
I'm excited because I
like this storyline and I like the idea of when we started this idea of
a family tearing itself apart and what that does, but where the story
will take us or me, our characters, I've got a clue.
There's obviously
been some talk of a Sea Snake prequel which would be animated, which you would be keen
to be part of?
Steve: I would love to be, but I have no idea where
that is in terms of development. I spoke to, I saw
George [ R R Martin, writer] earlier this year and all he could say was, "It's ongoing." I don't know what that means. Yeah, I'd love to.
But I think they've got, I'm not sure, but I'm sure I've read about at least three, maybe four Westeros- related projects and that's one of them.
When you
first started out, your first job was a genie in a Panto
in Bromley in the UK. Did you ever imagine that
you would end up at this stage of your career in this side of the world?
Steve: No, I didn't. I mean, I hoped after that pantomime that I wouldn't do
another and I haven't...
Oh no, you didn't....
Steve: (Laughing) See, that's why I
hate that. I didn't really get them. But no, when you start out, you you
have these dreams that you're going to be successful and then they get to the
point where you just want to be working.
And that's kind of where
I'm at, where I'm just like happy to work and I'm happy to enjoy each
moment as it comes. But no, I think if you had spoken to me as I was about to go on stage with the funny hat and the curled-up slippers and you're
going to be talking about what you do in New Zealand, I'd have been
like, no.
And someone's going to mention the genie role as well....
Steve: Yeah, exactly. I'm
trying to get away from that!
What do you think the fans will take
away from this season? What do you hope they'll take away from the
action, from the intrigue and also from your character and his place in Westeros?
Steve: I hope that they will be
engaged with it. I hope that they will be moved by it emotionally. Because one of the things you want to do with all the characters, especially in
a violent world, is you want to do as much as you can to get the audience
to identify with them so that when we do lose them, it is a real sense
of loss.
I just watched this first episode in Italy. We were in a really lovely venue
in Sicily just a couple of days ago. And as we were watching it, the audience were clapping and then going, "Oh." It was beautiful, actually. I hope that people are engaged
and I hope people go on a journey with us and feel that loss the way we
want them to.
Is there any other
character you'd have liked to have played in this prequel or in the
wider Game of Thrones universe itself?
Steve: In the wider universe? I
don't know the name of the character, but Pedro Pascal played a character in Game
of Thrones who was just so good. [Oberyn Martell] I mean, he ends up getting his face
bashed in Westeros, but he was such a good swordsman and also played so
beautifully. I would
love to have had a go at that.
Of our lot, probably Daemon. I don't think I am totally the wrong person. I couldn't have played
it, but I like that character. I like the fact that he just walks
to the rhythm of his own drum and just does what he wants to do. And
yet at the same time, there is a sense of vulnerability there, the fact that he
really wants to be loved by his brother and so forth. I like that as
a character.
It does seem that this season, everyone has a moment of
humility and humanity in the episodes that have been made available.
Steve: I think so. It's
important. Somebody said there are no heroes and villains. I agree. I
think that was George's intent. And then Ryan and our makers, that was
their intent too. I think
that's important. (10:33) I look at, for example, I look at someone like Aemond,
for example, and you just go, "Oh, he's horrible and cold." But
actually, when you watch him and against the way Ewan plays him, you
just kind of think he just needs a hug! He just needs someone
to say, "I see you. It's OK." I love that about these characters.
You've had quite a few
varied roles for your career, what do you want to do next?
Steve: I'm just a day-by-day kind of person. I'm currently in production on a film that I wrote. So
we've shot an awful lot of it back home in London. There's some more
shooting to be done in Africa. And then we're going to try and get that
out.
If I could do more stuff that I, if I could create some stuff,
that would be ideal. There was a point
when I first started where I was like, "what would be the dream? Would it be to make stuff and work with my friends?"
And
so that's what I'd like to do.
House of the Dragon streams Mondays on HBO Max New Zealand.
It's finally here - HBO Max has launched in New Zealand.
The streaming service has been highly anticipated in the market, giving customers access to the likes of the upcoming third season of House Of The Dragon (which launches Monday June 22, at the same time as the US), the entire run of Euphoria and Succession, as well as fan favourites such as Rick and Morty.
The service also announced special pricing and promotional offer information for the coming months to attract customers.
The launch was also kickstarted by Lord Corlys Velaryon aka actor Steve Toussaint who flew in to also promote the upcoming third season of The House of the Dragon.
Toussaint also spoke to media and was welcomed into New Zealand with the customary greeting.
Steve Toussaint is welcomed to Auckland by Joseph Royal (Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei).
Subscribers can also stream Warner Bros.’ vast library of movies, including recent Oscar®-winning films One Battle After Another and Sinners, blockbusters like Wuthering Heights and beloved franchises including Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings and the DC Universe. Fan favourites such as Friends, The Big Bang Theory and Rick and Morty also feature on the platform.
The second half of 2026 will see the arrival of brand new shows including Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness (with Michelle and Barack Obama as Executive Producers - 27 June), Stuart Fails to Save the Universe (from The Big Bang Theory universe – 24 July), Lanterns (from DC Studios – 17 August), Youth (from Sharon Horgan), the fourth season of The Gilded Age and the highly anticipated first season of the HBO Original Harry Potter series, titled Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, debuting at Christmas.
Michael Brooks, Managing Director Australia and New Zealand, Warner Bros. Discovery, said: “Today is an incredibly exciting moment for Warner Bros. Discovery as HBO Max officially launches in Aotearoa New Zealand. HBO content is creative, brave and has an innovative streak, which are also some of the characteristics the world has come to know and love New Zealand for. Our HBO and Warner Bros. content has always performed strongly with Kiwi audiences, and we are thrilled to now bring that content directly to New Zealand.
“From House of the Dragon and The White Lotus through to Harry Potter, DC and our award-winning film slate, HBO Max offers an extraordinary depth of storytelling for Kiwi audiences from day one — with even more to come throughout 2026.”
Jason Monteiro, APAC Streaming Lead, Warner Bros. Discovery, said: "The APAC region has played a key role in HBO Max's impressive global growth. With today’s launch in New Zealand, as well as in Vietnam, Cook Islands and Tokelau, the service is now available in more than 35 markets in the region, reaching more fans with our premium content than ever before.”
HBO Max is available on both Standard and Premium plans, with monthly and annual subscription options available. Customers who subscribe by 16 July 2026 can take advantage of a limited-time introductory launch offer. Prime Video has been confirmed as launch partner, with HBO Max available as a subscription for customers who want to subscribe, be billed and watch via the Prime Video app.
HBO Max will be the only place New Zealanders can catch new and returning HBO and Max Original series, including the third season of House of the Dragon, premiering 22 June, DC Studios’ Lanterns, premiering in August and the highly anticipated first season of the new HBO Original Harry Potter series, titled Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, debuting at Christmas.
At launch, local subscribers can enjoy Oscar®-winning movies, such as One Battle After Another and Sinners, culture-defining HBO and Max Originals like The Last of Us, The White Lotus, Euphoria and The Pitt, and movie collections from hit franchises such as Harry Potter and the DC Universe. Fan favourites, including Friends, The Big Bang Theory and Rick and Morty will also be on platform.
HBO Max will be available on ad-free Standard and Premium plans, with a special introductory promotional offer for customers who subscribe by 16 July 2026. The streaming service will also launch in the Cook Islands and Tokelau at the same time, with plans and pricing mirroring those in New Zealand.
HBO Max’s premium content can be enjoyed through an elevated streaming experience on multiple devices, with 4K UHD and Dolby Atmos available (on select plans and devices), and an easy to navigate interface including personalised recommendations, seamless search, genre rails and brand hubs.
In addition to accessibility features such as audio description, closed captioning, subtitles, screen readers and more, HBO Max also includes parental control features such as four age-appropriate kids’ profile options (up to age 5; ages 6+; ages 10+; ages 13+) and the option to apply Kid-Proof Exit, requiring a pin.
Standard Plan:
Launch price offer of $10.99 per month for the first six months, or $109.99 for the first year.
Regular price after the promotion will be $15.99 per month or $159.99 per year.
Users can stream content on 2 devices simultaneously.
Content will be available in Full HD 1080p resolution.
Plan allows for up to 30 downloads of available content to watch offline.
Ad-free viewing experience.
Premium Plan:
Launch price offer of $15.99 per month for the first six months, or $159.99 for the first year.
Regular price after the promotion will be $20.99 per month or $209.99 per year.
Provides the best consumer experience.
Users can stream content on up to 4 devices simultaneously.
Full HD or 4K resolution and with Dolby Atmos sound (as available).
Plan allows for up to 100 downloads of available content to watch offline. (Limits apply.)
Ad-free viewing experience.
Subscribers can stream HBO Max on phones, tablets, computers, TVs, streaming players and game consoles.
It was also announced last week that subscribers to Prime Video in New Zealand can add HBO Max as a subscription.
The launch reinforces Prime Video's position as a one-stop entertainment destination for New Zealand audiences. Subscriptions on Prime Video enable customers to discover and subscribe to additional streaming services directly within the Prime Video app, for a separate fee and with the convenience of a single account, login, and user experience. No Prime Video membership is required, and the service is available to anyone. Customers in New Zealand will have access to the monthly HBO Max Standard and Premium plans and can take advantage of the launch offer of $10.99 per month for the Standard plan (usual price $15.99) or $15.99 per month for the Premium plan (usual price $20.99) for the first six months if they sign up by July 16.*
As the latest addition to Prime Video’s extensive and growing collection of premium subscriptions, HBO Max includes access to groundbreaking HBO Original series, including House of the Dragon (season three launching June 22), Euphoria, Succession and The White Lotus, as well as highly anticipated upcoming HBO Originals like Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Lanterns from DC Studios and season four of The Gilded Age. Subscribers will also have access to Warner Bros. blockbuster hits including Wuthering Heights, One Battle After Another, and Sinners, key Max Originals like The Pitt and Stuart Fails to Save the Universe (launching 24 July), and perennial favourites such as Friends, The Big Bang Theory,Rick and Morty, and more.
“Prime Video is a first-stop entertainment destination offering a wide selection of premium programming - including Amazon MGM Studios Originals - and encompassing original series and movies, licensed content, live sports, thousands of movies to rent or buy, and premium subscriptions from leading entertainment brands,” said Alexandra Gilbert, Head of Content Prime Video Australia and New Zealand. “We’re thrilled to welcome HBO Max to Prime Video as our 26th subscription in New Zealand, growing our stellar entertainment catalogue and giving our customers an even greater selection of world-class series and blockbuster movies, all in one app experience.”
“As we prepare to bring HBO Max to Kiwi audiences, it’s fantastic to extend our partnership with Prime Video into New Zealand,” said Shonali Bedi, Head of Strategy, Partnerships and Insights, APAC at Warner Bros. Discovery. “Prime Video have been strong and collaborative partners for us, and the HBO Max subscription has been very successful in other markets, including Australia. We’re looking forward to working with the team again as we gear up for the New Zealand launch.”
HBO Max joins Prime Video’s growing lineup of 26 subscription partners in New Zealand, which are available alongside Amazon MGM Originals like The Boys, The Summer I Turned Pretty, The Lord of The Rings: The Rings of Power, Young Sherlock, and Fallout; blockbuster movies to rent or buy; and a robust slate of live sports. Customers can subscribe to HBO Max with no extra apps to download beyond Prime Video.
.jpg "What's on Disney+ in July")
.jpg "HBO Max launches in New Zealand")
