The Whale: Blu Ray Review

Cast: Brendan Fraser, Hong Chau, Sadie Sink, Ty Simpkins, Samantha Morton
Director: Darren Aronofsky

Adapted from the Samuel D Hunter 2012 play of the same name, Darren Aronofsky's The Whale is a complicated beast that appears to struggle at times with its message.

Central to proceedings is Fraser's Charlie, a 600 pound gay morbidly obese man who is on the cusp of dying after abusing food for an unspecified amount of time. As the movie begins, Charlie appears to be on the last week of his life, teaching an online class from behind an apparently broken webcam. 

Telling the students to be honest, and striving for them to be original, he himself is railing against his own message, desperately seeking redemption for his mistreatment of his daughter Ellie (Sadie Sink) when he was younger.

Having reconnected with her against the wishes of his carer Liz (The Menu's stand out Hong Chau), Charlie is trying to do what's right - even though the anger and disgust of his daughter is barely disguised. Bribing her with the promise of money, and the chance to rewrite her school papers, Charlie is against the clock in more ways than one.

There's an odd tone to The Whale, a film that feels almost voyeuristic in its treatment of Charlie and how the camera sees him. As the audience is both repulsed and fascinated by the character, the film veers between empathy and eliciting large swathes of disgust at his plight. 

Labouring under the fat suit is Fraser, whose plaudits for the role are richly deserved. Using some physical tics and a great deal of subtlety, Fraser's able to ensure the character of Charlie has more depth than you'd expect - and there are great elements of compassion from the actor's performance. 

But it's more a chamber piece than anything massively cinematic, with Aronofsky gradually building a sense of sadness and claustrophobia from the fact Charlie can barely move off the couch. It also helps little than the gradual reveals of why he's ended up the way he has don't quite come together to give us too much insight into the tragedy that drove this man to be what he has become.

There is a sense of a soul falling apart here, but that's largely due to Fraser's poetic and pertinent work as the story unfolds over five days - Sink's Ellie feels largely one note as she spits and snaps at her errant father, matching both the petulance of a teenager with the hurt of an abandoned child.

There is complexity at work in The Whale, but its emotional cohesiveness never quite comes together in perhaps the way you'd expect, and while the story goes exactly the way you'd expect, its catharsis is not complicated or unexpected, more a punctuation mark to a dramatic flourish than a glowing full stop.

Ultimately, The Whale rises on Fraser's work alone - paired with Chau, the two are electric, reminders of what depths human empathy and compassion can sink and rise to. Whether that's enough for The Whale remains to be seen, but expect to see Fraser's work here rightly rewarded come award time - even if the film itself falls short.

What's on Netflix in May

With longer nights upon us, there's no better excuse to get comfy on the couch and get acquainted with the latest content on Netflix. To help plan your upcoming watch list, check out the Netflix highlights for May.

Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story (May 4) 

Young Queen Charlotte's marriage to King George of England sparks an epic love story and transforms high society in this "Bridgerton" universe prequel. Created by the incomparable Shonda Rimes and Shondaland, the highly anticipated Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story premiers on May 4. 

Hannah Gadsby: Something Special (May 9) 

Emmy and Peabody Award winning comedian Hannah Gadsby is back for their third Netflix comedy special, Something Special, and it's a feel good show. Seriously. In this smart and dare we say...feel good set, the comedian talks about a wedding (theirs!), more than one traumatic encounter with a bunny and much more. Filmed at the Sydney Opera House, Something Special premieres globally on Netflix on May 9.

The Mother (May 12) 

The Mother, starring triple threat Jennifer Lopez, premieres on May 12 and follows a military-trained assassin who comes out of hiding to protect the daughter she's never met from ruthless criminals gunning for revenge.

Black Knight (May 12)

On service May 12, this Korean sci-fi adventure is set in a dystopian 2071 which is devastated by air pollution. The survival of humanity depends on the Black Knights — and they’re far from your average delivery men.

XO, Kitty (May 18) 

In this TV series spinoff To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, a new love story unfolds when teen matchmaker Kitty reunites with her long-distance boyfriend at the same Seoul high school attended by her late mother, only on Netflix May 18.

Selling Sunset: Season 6 (May 19) 

Season 6 of Selling Sunset is back on screens May 19 and this season the stakes and stilettos are as high as they’ve ever been at the brokerage, as longtime agents make big changes and two new team members bring the heat.

I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson: Season 3 (May 30)

The critically acclaimed and hilariously absurdist comedy series, I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson returns for a third season on May 30. Creators and writers Tim Robinson and Zach Kanin bring their distinct comedy style and observational humor to the forefront, continuing to poke fun at life's most bizarre and mundane situations.

Love Village (02/05/2023)

Singles 35 and over of various backgrounds relocate to a house in the countryside for another chance at love. Will they find "the one" — or leave alone?

The Tailor (02/05/2023)

A famous tailor begins to sew a wedding dress for his best friend’s fiancée – but all three have dark secrets that will soon upend their lives.

Jewish Matchmaking (03/05/2023)

When Jewish singles are ready to get serious, they call on Aleeza Ben Shalom to find their perfect romantic match from across the US and Israel.

Sanctuary (04/05/2023)

A tough, desperate kid becomes a sumo wrestler, captivating fans with his cocky attitude — and upsetting an industry steeped in tradition.

Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story (04/05/2023)

Young Queen Charlotte's marriage to King George of England sparks an epic love story and transforms high society in this "Bridgerton" universe prequel.

Dance Brothers (10/05/2023)

Two brothers trying to make it as dancers open their own club, but their artistic drive soon clashes with the business, threatening their relationship.

Black Knight (12/05/2023)

In a dystopian 2071 devastated by air pollution, the survival of humanity depends on the Black Knights — and they’re far from your average deliverymen.

Mulligan (12/05/2023)

In this satirical comedy, when most of Earth is destroyed by aliens, can a few survivors rebuild what’s left of America and form a more perfect union?

Queer Eye: Season 7 (12/05/2023)

Join the party with the Fab Five in the city of New Orleans for a new season of inspirational heroes — and beautiful before-and-afters.

Rhythm + Flow France: Season 2 (Rolling Episodes)

Episodes 1-4 (17/05/2023)

Episodes 5-7 (24/05/2023)

Episode 8 (31/05/2023)

A fresh batch of aspiring artists competes for a 100,000 euro prize and the claim to French rap fame in this competition judged by Niska, Shay and SCH.

XO, Kitty (18/05/2023)

A new love story unfolds when teen matchmaker Kitty reunites with her long-distance boyfriend at the same Seoul high school attended by her late mother.

Muted (19/05/2023)

Sergio hasn't spoken since he murdered his parents six years ago. Now, a psychiatrist aims to uncover what happened through a twisted investigation.

Selling Sunset: Season 6 (19/05/2023)

The stakes and stilettos are as high as they’ve ever been at the brokerage, as longtime agents make big changes and two new team members bring the heat.

Young, Famous & African: Season 2 (19/05/2023)

The celebrity crew is back — and their claws are out. Join the stars as they return to Johannesburg for another season of fun, fights and drama.

The Ultimatum: Queer Love (Rolling Episodes):

Episodes 1-4 (24/05/2023)

Episodes 5-8 (31/05/2023)

Episodes 9-10 (07/06/2023)

Tie the knot or call it quits? Five long-term couples are put under pressure to get married or move on in this queer-centric spin-off of "The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On”.

FUBAR (25/05/2023)

When a father and daughter learn that they’ve each secretly been working as CIA Operatives for years, they realize their entire relationship has been a lie and they truly don’t know one another at all. Forced to team up as partners, the series tackles universal family dynamics set against a global backdrop of spies, action and humour.

Turn of the Tide (26/05/2023)

When a boat loaded with cocaine sinks off the Azores, Eduardo sees a risky but exciting opportunity to make money and fulfill impossible dreams.

Barbecue Showdown: Season 2 (26/05/2023)

New host Michelle Buteau ("The Circle") joins the judges for a fresh round of heated competition between eight of the best barbecuers in the country.

Siren: Survive the Island (Coming Soon)

24 female police officers, firefighters, bodyguards, soldiers, athletes and stuntwomen team up by profession to compete for survival on a remote island.

NETFLIX FILM

Royalteen: Princess Margrethe (11/05/23)

In the wake of her prom scandal, Princess Margrethe longs for normalcy as she struggles to maintain her perfect facade while dealing with family drama.

The Mother (12/05/2023)

A deadly female assassin comes out of hiding to protect the daughter that she gave up years before, while on the run from dangerous men.

Fanfic (17/05/2023)

Two high school students form an intense connection as they navigate the challenges of discovering and expressing their truest selves.

Faithfully Yours (17/05/2023)

Using each other as alibis, two friends sneak off to indulge in secret affairs — but their elaborate web of lies unravels when one of them goes missing.

Kathal - A Jackfruit Mystery (19/05/2023)

When two prized jackfruits disappear from a politician's garden, a spirited cop's investigation takes an unexpected turn as she digs for the truth.

Hard Feelings (24/05/2023)

Two best friends try to make it through high school while dealing with embarrassing new urges — and their very inconvenient feelings for each other.

Mother’s Day (24/05/2023)

When the son she's never known gets kidnapped, former special agent Nina dusts off her deadly skills to bring him home — no matter who gets in her way.

Blood & Gold (26/05/2023)

At the bitter end of WWII, a German deserter and a young woman are drawn into a bloody battle with a group of Nazis hunting for hidden gold.

Tin & Tina (26/05/2023)

After a traumatic miscarriage, a young couple adopts two peculiar twins from a convent whose obsession with religion soon disturbs the family.

Mixed by Erry (31/05/2023)

Smuggling self-made mixtapes in 1980s Naples, an aspiring DJ and his two brothers become surprisingly powerful record producers wanted by the law.

NETFLIX COMEDY SPECIALS

Hannah Gadsby: Something Special (09/05/2023)

Emmy and Peabody Award winning comedian Hannah Gadsby is back for their third Netflix comedy special, Something Special, and it's a feel good show. Seriously. In this smart and dare we say...feel good set, the comedian talks about a wedding (theirs!), more than one traumatic encounter with a bunny and much more. Filmed at the Sydney Opera House, Something Special premieres globally on Netflix on May 9.

Wanda Sykes: I'm An Entertainer (23/05/2023)

Legendary comedian, actress and producer Wanda Sykes returns for her second hour-long Netflix comedy special. From the challenges of raising Gen Z teens to the dilemmas of being a liberal in a hyper charged political climate, Sykes, renowned for her social commentary, delivers her insightful and ferocious wit and candor audiences have come to know and love.

I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson: Season 3 (30/05/2023)

The critically acclaimed and hilariously absurdist comedy series, I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson returns for a third season. Creators and writers Tim Robinson and Zach Kanin bring their distinct comedy style and observational humor to the forefront, continuing to poke fun at life's most bizarre and mundane situations.

NETFLIX DOCUMENTARIES 

Queen Cleopatra (10/05/2023)

From Executive Producer Jada Pinkett Smith comes a documentary series exploring the lives of prominent and iconic African Queens. This season will feature Queen Cleopatra, the world’s most famous, powerful, and misunderstood woman - a daring queen whose beauty and romances came to overshadow her real asset: her intellect. Cleopatra’s heritage has been the subject of much academic debate, which has often been ignored by Hollywood. Now our series re-assesses this fascinating part of her story.

Missing: Dead or Alive? (10/05/2023)

Follow officers from a South Carolina sheriff’s department as they urgently search for individuals who've disappeared under troubling circumstances.

Anna Nicole Smith: You Don't Know Me (16/05/2023)

From the heights of her modeling fame to her tragic death, this documentary reveals Anna Nicole Smith through the eyes of the people closest to her.

Working: What We Do All Day (17/05/2023)

What brings you joy in work? What gives you purpose? What makes a good job…good? These are the questions at the center of WORKING: WHAT WE DO ALL DAY, a compelling documentary series that explores the ways in which we find meaning in our work and how our experiences and struggles connect us on a human level. Narrated by President Barack Obama, who makes appearances alongside everyday people in their homes and places of work, the series follows individuals at all levels of the workforce — from service jobs all the way up to the C-suite — across the industries of home care, tech, and hospitality. As a college student, Obama was inspired by Studs Terkel’s 1974 book Working, which revolutionized the conversation around work by asking ordinary people what they did all day. The series brings this idea into the modern world by offering intimate, behind-the-scenes portraits of people’s lives and giving viewers a new understanding of and appreciation for the jobs they do each day. Executive produced by Barack and Michelle Obama and directed by Caroline Suh, WORKING: WHAT WE DO ALL DAY is a Higher Ground and Concordia Studio Production.

McGREGOR FOREVER (17/05/2023)

Conor McGregor's brutal strikes and trash-talking swagger made him the UFC's biggest draw. This rousing docuseries follows his dynamic career.

Victim/Suspect (23/05/2023)

When a journalist digs into a case of a woman charged with falsely reporting a rape, a pattern emerges: authorities turning the tables on victims.

Merpeople (23/05/2023)

MerPeople dives into the fascinating world of underwater performers who have turned their love for the mystical sea creatures into real-world careers. From putting on dazzling small-town shows in Florida to the crowning of the King and Queen of the Seas in the Bahamas, this series will take you on a journey of passion and perseverance. Get ready to set sail on an unforgettable voyage and immerse yourself in a world where fantasy becomes reality.

NETFLIX KIDS & FAMILY

Larva Family (04/05/2023)

The Larva family is growing! When Red and Yellow welcome a baby caterpillar into their lives, they get a crash course in parenting and all things putrid.

Spirit Rangers: Season 2 (08/05/2023)

Eddy, Summer and Kodi are back in action at Xus National Park, learning about nature on exciting adventures with new visitors — and old friends, too!

Kitti Katz (18/05/2023)

Three teenage girls transform into fierce feline superheroes to save the world from an evil Egyptian goddess — and still have time for soccer practice.

The Creature Cases: Chapter 3 (22/05/2023)

Sam and Kit are back to collect the clues and solve more animal mysteries from around the world with new cases, new rides and new creature pals!

NETFLIX ANIME

Ultraman: Season 3 (11/05/2023)

As public sentiment turns against Ultraman, Shinjiro learns that his inherited powers may come with a heavy price, in this exciting series conclusion.

Yakitori: Soldiers of Misfortune (18/05/2023)

With Earth colonised by a superior alien civilisation, Akira's only chance at a better future is to enlist as an expendable Yakitori foot soldier.

LICENSED HIGHLIGHTS

Scream 4 (01/05/2023)

Sidney Prescott is now a self-help writer whose book tour stops in Woodsboro. As she reunites with old friends, another face from the past returns.

The Blacklist: Season 10 (15/05/2023)

America's favourite criminal hangs up his hat — but not before a Blacklister recruits a deadly team to get revenge on him for putting them behind bars.

Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain (15/05/2023)

This documentary chronicles the life of culinary icon Anthony Bourdain and explores his larger-than-life personality and adventurous spirit.

Aftertaste: Season 1 (16/05/2023)

After finishing off his career overseas with an explosive serving of rage in Shanghai, celebrity chef Easton West retreats to his Australian hometown.

Peter Pan & Wendy: Movie Review

Cast: Ever Anderson, Jude Law, Alexander Molony, Yara Shahidi, Jim Gaffigan

Director: David Lowery

Disney continues its live action remakes of its own catalogue, cannibalising its own past and rewriting elements that feel more of the time.

The latest is JM Barrie's Peter Pan, given a 21st century makeover by Pete's Dragon director David Lowery and blessed with a diverse cast and a troubled Jude Law as Captain Hook.

For those unfamiliar with this tale as old as time, it's the story of Ever Anderson's Wendy, who's told to grow up by her father ahead of going on a trip. Feeling too young to be old and too old to be young,
Wendy's trapped in her world, until one night, Yara Shahidi's Tinker Bell flies through the window along with Alexander Molony's Peter Pan.

Transporting them off to Neverland, the crew flies right into danger as Jude Law's Captain Hook threatens revenge against Peter.

Peter Pan & Wendy may be packed with moments of recognition and 21st century upgrades, as the group flies through the skies like they're in some kind of warp space series (a Last Jedi lightspeed nod if ever there was one).

Whilst there is whimsy as well, the film benefits from a strong lead with Anderson who leads from the hilt and eclipses Molony, who's a rather softer choice for Pan and his youthful antics.

With most of the film being led by musical cues and a luscious soundtrack, there are echoes of Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean in both humour and the rapscallion of Hook's crew. But it does lack a magical edge that Peter Pan generally had and the magic of dreaming and staying young in a world that wants you to grow up.

Jude Law, complete with his lank locks of hair and mismatched eyes, goes for troubled more than deliciously evil as a villain who once again gets a Disney explanation as to why he's so troubled - the redemption of Disney villains continues apace, and while it's not quite as successful on that front, Law gives his all and chews every piece of scenery going.

With an absence of the crocodile and an ending that's more for the heart than the original, Peter Pan & Wendy feels like a family film writ large that doesn't quite hit the highs of the fondly loved original, but will hit a spot for anyone looking for a darker tone of a familiar favourite.

Peter Pan & Wendy is streaming now on Disney+

Citadel: Prime Video TV Review

The idea of the Russo Brothers executive-producing an action-led TV series must have been too delicious to resist. 

And given the reports of the sky high cost of this streaming show, it's easy to see why there's a heap of expectation squarely on its shoulders ahead of a second season having already been confirmed.

In truth, this mix of spy action, mystery and comedy feels occasionally a bit tonally all over the show in places.

Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra Jonas star as Mason Kane and Nadia Sinh a pair of spies who've been working for an organisation called Citadel. During a mission to intercept some uranium from an apparent bad guy on a train from Manticore, a rival operation, the one-time connected pair finds the carpet whipped out from under their feet, with the suggestion Citadel is not what they thought it was.

When Kane wakes from the aftermath, it's 8 years later and he has no memory of what happened, who he was or what he used to do. But his new apparently idyllic life is shattered when he and his family are kidnapped by Stanley Tucci's Bernard Orlick, who claims to have been a former colleague...

In many ways, Citadel is derivative of many other elements we've seen before.

A mix of James Bond style action sequences sit alongside comedic moments, riffs on Mr and Mrs Smith land, and all are mixed together with a pulpy spy novel feel as the conspiracy unwinds and the characters try and find their way through.

Tonally, it leaves Citadel feeling a little all over the show in places, but the action's solid, albeit somewhat derivative from the Bond stuff you've seen a million times before.

It has to be said Madden does blank spy fairly well, even if elements feel like they've been taken from his Netflix thriller Bodyguard. Unfortunately, after a somewhat kickass start of holding her own, Chopra Jonas is sidelined until the show's third episode (which itself is halfway through the run), leaving the strong start feeling more tokenistic than it should.

But when it works, Citadel slides into place nicely. Crammed into pacy 35 minute episodes, the show offers a dopamine hit that's worth indulging. 

Tucci is fantastic in every scene he's in - a real scene stealer in this, and it's great to see him sparring with the deliciously evil Lesley Manville. Perhaps it's a shame that most of the story veers on the predictable and it's only until the end of the third episode that the writers finally throw down a great twist - some of the other moments and revelations feel a little too obvious throughout, but the final moments offer up a truly delicious hook.

Ultimately, Citadel is a pulpy romp that while not perfect, offers the kind of popcorn level entertainment you'd expect in a series that has been done many, many times before - hopefully, the back half of the first season adds a bit more of a frisson than corniness, or this Citadel could be closed for business before it's even open.

The first three episodes of Citadel were viewed for the purposes of this review.

Citadel begins streaming on Prime Video from Friday April 28, with 2 episodes available to view then a new episode of the first six episode season released weekly.

Emily: DVD Review

Cast: Emma Mackey, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Fionn Whitehead, Adrian Dunbar

Director: Frances O'Connor

Sex Education's Emma Mackey burns brightly in this take on the Emily Bronte story, that's dulled only by its duration and fuelled by its speculation of her life.

As the film opens, Emily's about to pass on, asked by her sister "How did you write Wuthering Heights?" Despite a quip-led "I put pen to paper", the film then flashes back to take viewers through the life of the so-called "strange one" of the family.

When her stern father (Line of Duty's Dunbar) urges her to take up French lessons with the new curate Weightman (Jackson-Cohen), Emily's soon smitten with his ways and begins an ill-advised affair.

Emily has moments when it truly shines, but in truth, they're all led by Sex Education's Mackey.

A scene where she leads a seance behind a mask and seemingly conjures up her mother's spirit is utterly impressive, and Mackey's turn is what grounds it in its riveting atmosphere.

Equally, the scenes she shares with her brother Branwell show a character at ease and also at conflict with her place in the world. Again, it's Mackey's commanding turn that makes it so watchable.

But stretched out over a 2hr10 minute run time, the film starts to feel bloated and at times spineless, no matter how well shot the moorlands and their desolate vistas are.

One sequence sees her shouting "Freedom in thought" but the more Emily goes on, the more stilted and stifled it becomes. While O'Connor blurs the lines between the known and unknown, the end result is somewhat muddied - and would be written off as conjecture and stuffy period drama - were it not for the utterly compelling Mackey who dazzles more than her material does.

Doc Edge 2023 Festival programme revealed

DOC EDGE FESTIVAL 2023 REVEALS FULL PROGRAMME WITH 71 FILMS, 22 XR PROJECTS, AND MORE Image: In the Shadow of Beirut

The Documentary New Zealand Trust presents THE DOCUMENTARY EDGE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2023 (DOC EDGE) 24 May – 9 July 2023 The much-anticipated 18th edition of Doc Edge Festival is set to captivate audiences with its diverse and thought-provoking line-up. Featuring 71 films, 22 XR projects, a photo exhibition celebrating the work of the late documentary photographer Ans Westra, and an honorary recognition for this year's Doc Edge Superhero, Annie Goldson, the festival promises to be a must-attend event for documentary enthusiasts. The festival will open in Auckland on 24 May with the Australian film The Endangered Generation? directed by Celeste Geer. Narrated by Laura Dern, the film follows a new generation of scientists, artists, and First Nations leaders in the search for clues to our survival through the study of nature and indigenous peoples. The festival will also have a special opening in Wellington on June 7 with the U.S. film Love to Love You, Donna Summer directed by Roger Ross Williams and Brooklyn Sudano. The film pays tribute to the iconic musician Donna Summer and her impact on the music industry. The impressive line-up showcases a wide range of films from around the world, including several world and international premieres. Some of the notable films making their world premieres at the festival include: Seasick (New Zealand, director Simon Mark-Brown): A look at the degradation of Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf – one of only two marine parks in New Zealand. It is on the brink of collapse both in terms of sea life and pollution. One solution may be instigating traditional Māori fishing methods. In the Shadow of Beirut (Ireland, UK, Germany, Lebanon, directors Stephen Gerard Kelly, Garry Keane): A portrait of modern-day Lebanon as seen through the eyes of four families living in the impoverished Sabra and Shatila neighbourhoods of the city, the scene of an infamous massacre in 1982. One Bullet (UK, director Carol Dysinger): An Afghan mother and US filmmaker, connected through one stray bullet, forge a surprising friendship amidst America's longest war. All Static & Noise (USA, director David Novack): When Uyghurs and Kazakhs are arbitrarily detained in "re-education" camps by Chinese authorities, camp survivors and their families risk everything to expose the truth. The festival will also feature international premieres of compelling documentaries, including: Call Me Dancer (USA, directors Leslie Shampaine, Pip Gilmour): A street dancer from Mumbai struggles against his parents’ insistence that he follow a traditional path. Then he meets a curmudgeonly Israeli dance master, who inspires him to follow his dreams. Into the Shaolin (China, director Hongyun Sun): The film follows the lives of several Shaolin monks and a young Serbian anthropologist who came to conduct fieldwork. Can these insiders and outsiders find the Buddhist inner peace and the ending of suffering there? Knowing the Score (Australia, director Janine Hosking): Biopic of Simone Young, an inspiring woman who made it to the top of the classical conducting world in the face of sexism. In addition to screenings, the festival will feature an exciting XR Exhibition, showcasing 22 cutting-edge virtual reality and augmented reality projects that push the boundaries of storytelling and technology. Among the selected projects is the world premiere of Evoke by Wrestler Studios, a mesmerising New Zealand work that takes audiences on a poetic, embodied, transcendental journey. In Evoke, your body is invited to step into a vast desert landscape and experience yourself as a mystery, guided by fire, light, and universe goddesses. Through movements that awaken energy, fill you with light, relax and free the body, and fill you with light, Evoke offers a unique and immersive experience. Another intriguing XR project featured in the exhibition is Missing Pictures, which will premiere as a 5-part collection. For every movie made, dozens of pictures remain missing forever. Missing Pictures gives renowned directors from the USA, Taiwan, South Korea and Japan the opportunity to tell stories that would otherwise never be told. With Missing Pictures, audiences can expect to delve into untold stories and gain insights from the perspectives of these accomplished directors. Also part of this year's festival, a photo exhibition will pay homage to the renowned documentary photographer Ans Westra, celebrating her influential work capturing the social and cultural landscapes of New Zealand. Furthermore, the festival will honour the recipient of this year's Doc Edge Superhero Award, Annie Goldson, for her outstanding contribution to the documentary genre. Goldson is a critically acclaimed filmmaker known for her thought-provoking films that tackle complex social and political issues. The Doc Edge Awards will be held in Auckland on 3 June 2023. “We are thrilled to present the 18th edition of Doc Edge Festival, showcasing an incredible line-up of thought-provoking films, innovative XR projects, and honouring the work of documentary luminaries like Ans Westra and Annie Goldson,” said Alex Lee, Festival Director of Doc Edge. “This year's festival promises to be a celebration of documentary storytelling at its finest, and we look forward to welcoming audiences to be inspired, challenged, and entertained.” 2023 KEY DATES Programme Launch & screening of The UnRedacted: 26 April, SkyCity Theatre Auckland Festival: 24 May – 5 June, The Capitol Cinema Wellington Festival: 7 – 18 June, The Roxy Cinema Virtual Festival Nationwide: 19 June – 9 July

What's on DocPlay in May

Get in the groove with remarkable documentary cinema this May. Rediscover Wim Wenders' seminal musical doc Buena Vista Social Club; embark on a puzzling investigation in The Mystery of DB Cooper; or meet Bonds, James Bonds from across the world in Australian filmmaker Matthew Bauer's The Other Fellow.

The Mystery of DB Cooper | 4 May

2020 • M • 1h 25m

Who is DB Cooper? This roller-coaster ride of a documentary brings to life the stories of four individuals fervently believed by their family and friends to be the mystery man who, in 1971, hijacked a Boeing 727, then leapt from the plane, and was never heard from again.

The Other Fellow | 4 May

Australian Documentary • 2022 • M • 1h 20m

An energetic exploration of male identity via the lives, personalities, and adventures of a diverse band of men across the globe all sharing the same name – James Bond.

Buena Vista Social Club | 11 May

1999 • G • 1h 45m

Traveling from the streets of Havana to the stage of Carnegie Hall, this revelatory and beloved 1999 documentary captures a forgotten generation of Cuba’s brightest musical talents as they enjoy an unexpected encounter with world fame.

The Meaning of Hitler | 15 May

2020 • M • 1h 32m

Offering an interrogation of our culture’s fascination with Hitler and Nazism, this conversation-starting doc is set against the backdrop of the current rise of white supremacy, the normalisation of antisemitism, and the weaponisation of history itself.

Resident Evil 4: Remake: PS5 Review

Developed by Capcom
Released by Capcom
Platform: PS5

Resident Evil's fourth installment was the game that set the standards for the series, even way back in 2005 when it was first released.

Polished and rebuffed for a new generation, the 2023 version of Resident Evil 4 still retains the jump scares and the adrenaline-pumping horror the original was renowned for, even if its super slick graphics show you it's the next generation.

In the game, you take on the role of Leon S. Kennedy, who's out to try and save the president's daughter from being kidnapped in an European village. But the cult who's taken her has other plans...

Largely ditching the zombie ethos in favour of maniacs in masks and possessed villagers, Resident Evil 4 plays with horror tropes landing it more in the arena of folk horrors rather than just a straight up scares. With its slick look and polished gameplay, the horror feels more urgent this time around and every challenge feels difficult to win, and victories feel earned throughout.

By tweaking the gameplay to remove some sequences and adding in others, Resident Evil 4's remake has landed squarely in the improvement territory, even if uber fans of the Nintendo Game Cube original will whine about what's been done.

Giving it a faster approach and a slicker feel all benefits Resident Evil 4 from the player's point of view. It's a game that still thrills and terrifies but does so in ways that feel fresh, enticing and engaging - the opening fight is utterly terrifying, a kind of pre-credits sequence that requires nerves of steel but pays off once you're done.

Resident Evil 4 is the remake you've always wanted, and the horror game you need for 2023. 

Pearl: Movie Review

Cast: Mia Goth, Tandi Wright, David Corenswet, Emma Jenkins-Purro

Director: Ti West

More a a psychological tragedy than an outright slasher horror, Ti West's prequel to X is all about Mia Goth's performance.

Billed as an origin story, and washed in a technicolour swamp of Hollywood homage, it's the story of Pearl (the killer of X), who dreams of a life outside of the crushing confines of her farm, caring for her ill father and being beaten down daily by the psychological torture of her mother (Wright).

In the midst of the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918, Pearl believes she is more than a star, and ends up receiving hope in two forms - an audition at a local church for a talent scout and a projectionist who believes she should be up on the screen.

But hope is dangerous for Pearl...

If you're expecting a prequel soaked in blood that follows elements of X, then Ti West's latest will delightfully wrongfoot you and plant you squarely in Goth's orbit as she continues to impress.

From a pitchfork skewered goose to an ultimately upsetting final shot, Goth dominates the screen, riffing on Wizard of Oz references and dealing with Psycho-level portmanteaux. But it's not just the physical performance she delivers here, it's also one which plays into Pearl's psyche and psychosis. 

It's also extremely upsetting too to see this naive dreamer destroyed in many ways mentally as the film continues, her descent into madness both telegraphed by outside influences and internal doubts. Goth inhabits all of these with veritable aplomb, and while watching Pearl demands you rewatch X straight after, there are plenty of nods from the first film that play into this - an impressive sign of West and Goth's commitment to creating an iconic character of horror in just 240 minutes.

While other horror villains have had years to be portrayed on screen, Goth's Pearl is one for the ages already, and with its reverence of Hollywood's golden era from its score to its visuals, Pearl feels both timely and classic. What it ultimately does though is recontextualise its own pathos and provide something unsettling to audiences already versed in this new horror trilogy.

Pearl will be playing Whanganui, Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington for one off screenings at the Terror-Fi Fest.

Dead Island 2 is out now

DEAD ISLAND 2 IS OUT NOW

No more California dreamin’; it’s time to hit HELL-A

 

After announcing the game just eight months ago, Dambuster Studios and Deep Silver are thrilled that Dead Island 2 is out now.

 

Set in Los Angeles, or HELL-A as it’s known in Dead Island 2, gamers play as one of six survivors turned slayers – Amy, Bruno, Dani, Ryan, Carla and Jacob – each with their own personality and unique range of abilities, which can be customised using the brand new Skill Cards system.

 

With the city in quarantine thanks to a deadly virus, it’s down to the somehow immune slayer to embark on an epic pulp journey, meet a crazy cast of characters and explore well-known locations such as Beverly Hills, Venice Beach and Santa Monica to uncover the truth behind the outbreak and who or what they are turned into.

 

Killing zombies has never been so much fun and gamers will truly see and feel their slays thanks to Dambuster’s F.L.E.S.H. (Fully Locational Evisceration System for Humanoids) system, which makes dismemberment gloriously gory. To assist in this carnage the adventure offers tons of weapons, mods and skills to craft and equip, allowing full personalisation and crazy builds.

 

There are dozens of distinct zombie types, each with their own mutations, attacks and LA-themed variations. And if gamers need a helping hand, the exciting coop mode (up to three players) will ensure a lengthy stay in the City of Angels.

 

Dead Island 2 is out now on Xbox Series X and Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment systems from Microsoft, PlayStation®5 and PlayStation®4 computer entertainment systems and the Epic Games Store for PC.

 

For more information on Dead Island 2 follow us on Twitter, Instagram and on Facebook at @DeadIslandGame or at www.deadisland.com.

Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster is out now on PS4 & Nintendo Switch 

FINAL FANTASY PIXEL REMASTER SERIES OUT NOW ON PLAYSTATION®4 AND NINTENDO SWITCH

Timeless Classic RPGs Return with Unique Features for Console

 SQUARE ENIX® has announced that the beloved FINAL FANTASY® pixel remaster series, previously only available on Steam® and mobile platforms, is now available digitally for the PlayStation®4 (PS4™) console and Nintendo Switch™ system. The pixel remaster series, which comprises FINAL FANTASY I through FINAL FANTASY VI, brings all the magic of the originals combined with quality-of-life upgrades while staying faithful to the retro design of these masterpieces. 

In the FINAL FANTASY pixel remaster series, players can expect some unique features for the PS4™ and Nintendo Switch™ version, including the option to switch between the rearranged and original-based soundtrack for the game, as well as a choice of in-game fonts – players can now opt to play using the game’s default font or a pixel-based font. Additionally, PS4™ and Nintendo Switch™ players can also expect additional boost features to expand gameplay options, including switching off random encounters and adjusting experience gained multipliers between 0 and 4.

 

 

All six titles in the FINAL FANTASY pixel remaster series are now available to digitally purchase individually or as a complete series in the FINAL FANTASY I-VI BUNDLE from PlayStation™ Store or Nintendo eShop. Players who purchase individual game(s) before May 25, 2023 will receive either two themed wallpapers on the Nintendo Switch™ or a Theme and Avatar on PS4™ in accordance with the individual games(s) purchased. Players who purchase the complete series in the FINAL FANTASY I-VI BUNDLE by May 25, 2023, will receive either all 12 themed Wallpapers on Nintendo Switch™ or every Theme and Avatar included with the individual games on PS4™, which is a total of 6 Themes and 6 Avatars.

 

The FINAL FANTASY pixel remaster series is also available for purchase as part of the FINAL FANTASY I-VI Bundle on Steam, the App Store®, Google Play™ and the Amazon App Store.

 

To learn more about each game in the FINAL FANTASY pixel remaster series, visit the official website for more information at: https://ffpixelremaster.com/

 

Related Links:

Official Website: https://ffpixelremaster.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/finalfantasy

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/finalfantasy

Instagram: @finalfantasy

#FinalFantasy

 

 

About FINAL FANTASY
For over 35 years, the FINAL FANTASY® series has delighted generations of gamers and millions of players worldwide through beloved role-playing adventures that are built upon the benchmarks of spectacular visuals, highly imaginative worlds rich stories, memorable characters and technical and gameplay innovation leading the industry and earning the highest accolades from around the world. Each mainline game in the series is a completely new experience, and an ideal entry point to the series. Titles of the series have sold over 173 million units worldwide.
 
About Square Enix Ltd.
Square Enix Ltd. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX® and TAITO® branded entertainment content in Europe and other PAL territories as part of the Square Enix group of companies. The Square Enix group of companies boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property including: FINAL FANTASY®, which has sold over 173 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 85 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®. Square Enix Ltd. Is a London-based, wholly owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.
 

More information on Square Enix Ltd. Can be found at https://square-enix-games.com  

Dead Ringers: TV Review

A heady mix of Succession style skewering and a wonderful double performance from Rachel Weisz makes the TV version of Dead Ringers more of an intriguingly upsetting psychological take than an outright horror from David Cronenberg's 1988 original.

Weisz plays twins Beverly and Elliott Mantle, both of whom work as fertility experts and both of whom have singular obsessions and a yin and yang relationship.

Courting the rich to start their own clinic, both have different ways of living; Beverly's withdrawn whereas Elliott is more vivacious. Combined together, the pair are somewhat nightmarish to outsiders, and inpenetrable to those who would seek to either help or engage with them.

But as the pressures grow, through a series of dinner parties and emotional relationships, there seems to bloom a more sinister side of each other's character, as jealousies and ambitions collide in dark and dangerous ways.

Dead Ringers works solely because of Weisz.

While visually Weisz keeps her characters separate (one has hair tied up, the other loose), physically, the characters couldn't be more different - and it's a virtuoso performance from Weisz that makes for such compelling viewing. Even if at times, it is truly appalling.

Its opening scene sets the tone of Alice Birch's adaptation, as the twins are accosted at a diner and asked about threesomes; the language and the darker near-the-knuckle tone is set early on, but is disarming as the disquiet grows.

Perhaps more fascinating as a dichotomy of two sides of the same relationship than an extended six part serial, 2023's Dead Ringers sways away from Cronenberg's body horror, and lands more squarely in psychologically upsetting territory, and in examining power dynamics between not just the Mantle twins, but upper echelons of society.

It's not always as successful as it could be, and while all six episodes are releasing in one go, it's not a series to binge as the subtleties (and occasional repetitive nature of the scenarios) need to be savoured and occasionally endured. 

While supporting characters are more cyphers than fully-fleshed individuals, it's Rachel Weisz who remains the true reason to watch this series - she deserves all the accolades she'll get here, and her twin performance will haunt you for days after you've seen it.

Dead Ringers is streaming on Prime Video from Friday, April 21.

Polite Society: Movie Review

Cast: Priya Kansara, Ritu Arya, Nimra Bucha, Shobu Kapoor, Ella Bruccoleri, Jeff Mirza, Akshay Khanna

Director: Nida Manzoor

We Are Lady Parts and Doctor Who director Nida Manzoor's Polite Society is a whipsmart, whipcracker of an anarchic movie that draws inspiration from the quick-cut comedy of Edgar Wright and the insaner sensibilities of the likes of Tarantino as well as various kung fu and spy movies.

A stand-out Kansara plays Ria Khan, who believes she can be the next big stuntwoman and is practising daily to get an apprenticeship with her dream hero on the streets of West London. Despite her teacher telling her at career day her choices lie with doctor or receptionist, Ria has the belief of her elder sister Lena (Arya).

So when Lena seemingly gives up on her dream of becoming an artist, and becomes engaged to Salim, Ria goes into overdrive, convinced her sister is being kidnapped and coerced into a life she never wanted.

Imbued with a punkish energy, and gifted with some genuinely clever oneliners, sight gags and riffs on spy films (a spa day turned into torture is a delight), Polite Society moves at a cracking pace, and with a cracking eye for vibrant moments, even if it does head dangerously close to mother-in-law joke territory.

But while its ultimate reveals feel a little too silly and out there to build on their obvious Get Out elements, plenty of Polite Society works well thanks to a redoubtable lead performance from Kansara, who's clearly deft at all elements of the script and destined for great things.

But Manzoor also deserves praise too, chopping and changing between the narratives with aplomb, and gifting the movie some extremely well choreographer action as well as Bollywood elements. Even though the film heads down a sillier path, its lead in from coming of age and the unwavering belief of sisters more than gifts the movie with humanity and heart, no matter how familiar its tropes are.

A welcome mix of many different elements, all cleverly and smartly executed, this women-led outing is a blast of cinematic fresh air that shows cross-genre pollination soars when executed well.

What's on Neon in May

Here's everything on Neon in May

White House Plumbers (May 2)

White House Plumbers tells the story of how Nixon's own political saboteurs and Watergate masterminds, E. Howard Hunt (Woody Harrelson) and G. Gordon Liddy (Justin Theroux), accidentally toppled the presidency they were zealously trying to protect. 

Also starring Kiernan Shipka (Mad Men), Lena Headey (Game of Thrones), Domhnall Gleeson (About Time) and Kathleen Turner (The Kominsky Method). 

The Great (May 13)

Season three of The Great sees Catherine and Peter attempt to make their marriage work after some seemingly insurmountable problems 

Peter witnessed his own attempted murder at Catherine's hands and she also imprisoned all of his friends. While Peter sees visions of his late father, Catherine starts making a name for herself beyond Russian borders. 

Starring: Elle Fanning, Nicholas Hoult and Jason Isaacs. 

Louis Theroux The Interviews (May 4)

In this series, Louis Theroux interviews some of the biggest names in UK entertainment in his own inimitable style and is granted exclusive access to their lives at home and at work. 

Interviewees include Stormzy, Dame Judi Dench, Yungblud, Bear Grylls, Katherine Ryan, and Rita Ora. 

Bouncers (May 17)

A documentary team follows security officers Iwin, Doc and Shaq, along with supervisor Marty and bar manager Edna, as they work a wide variety of security assignments in Auckland, Aotearoa. Made with the support of NZ On Air. 

Starring Joe Daymond, Dre Skrila, Natalie Samy, Valeria Mendoza-Davies, and Karen O'Leary. 

The Heights (May 31)

A serialised character drama set in the inner city of Australia, The Heights focuses on the everyday lives and relationships of six families living in the Arcadia social housing tower and the rapidly- gentrifying neighbourhood that surrounds it. Featuring relatable characters dealing with complex and relevant issues, the series is a heartfelt, funny and emotionally engaging look at how people of different backgrounds come together to live as a community. 

East New York (May 18)

Deputy Inspector Regina Haywood Warren) is the newly promoted boss of the 74th Precinct in East New York - a working-class neighbourhood on the edge of Brooklyn that is in the midst of social upheaval and the early seeds of gentrification. With family ties to the area, Haywood is determined to deploy creative methods to protect her beloved community with the help of her officers and detectives. Also starring Jimmy Smits, Richard King, Kevin Rankin, Elizabeth Rodriguez, and Ruben Santiago- Hudson. 

Somebody Somewhere (May 10)

The series follows Sam, a true Kansan on the surface, but, beneath it all, struggling to fit the hometown mould. Grappling with loss and acceptance, singing is Sam's saving grace and leads her on a journey to discover herself and a community of outsiders who don't fit in but don't give up, showing that finding your people, and finding your voice, is 

is possible. Anywhere. Somewhere. Season two reminds us that families are hard, even the fun ones. Sam and Joel have settled into a comfy routine. But nothing stays the same forever. Starring: Bridget Everett and Jeff Hiller. 

Mayans (May 26)

After usurping Alvarez, EZ embraces his position as leader of the Santo Padre chapter. The Mayans have battled for respect, territory, and power, but in the show's final season, they'll face internal fractures and an all-out war with the Sons of Anarchy. Starring: Clayton Cardenas, Edward James Olmos, JR Bourne, Danny Pino, Carla Baratta, Michael Irby, Emilio Rivera, and Sarah Bolger. 

Fear The Walking Dead (May 16)

The eighth season of Fear the Walking Dead begins after the conclusion of season seven, when Morgan's and Madison's hopes to rescue Mo from PADRE did not go as planned. Per the official description, "Morgan, Madison and the others they brought to the island are living under PADRE's cynical rule. With our characters demoralized and dejected, the task of reigniting belief in a better world rests with the person Morgan and Madison set out to rescue in the first place Morgan's daughter, Mo." 

Duncanville (May 11)

Season three of the fan-favourite animated comedy about the wild world of an average 15- year-old and his family and friends. This season, Duncan visits a Twitch star's private island, becomes the school's alpha, and shares his first kiss with Mia, among many other adventures. The all-star voice cast includes Amy Poehler, Ty Burrell, Riki Lindhome, Joy Osmanski, Yassir Lester, Zach Cherry, Betsy Sodaro, Rashida Jones, Wiz Khalifa and returning guest star Jason Schwartzman. 

MOVIES

Bullet Train (May 9)

Ladybug is an unlucky assassin who's determined to do his job peacefully after one too many gigs has gone off the rails. Fate, however, may have other plans as his latest mission puts him on a collision course with lethal adversaries from around the globe all with connected yet conflicting objectives - on the world's fastest train. Starring Brad Pitt, Joey King, Aaron Taylor- Johnson, Michael Shannon and Joey King. 

Mrs Harris Goes To Paris (May 25)

In 1950s London, a widowed cleaning lady falls madly in love with a couture Dior dress, deciding she must have one of her own. After working to raise the funds to pursue her dream, she embarks on an adventure to Paris that will change not only her own outlook - but the very future of the House of Dior. Starring Lesley Manville, Isabelle Huppert and Lucas Bravo. 

Bros (May 25)

Comedy producer Judd Apatow teams with two comedy giants Director Nicholas Toller and Emmy Award Nominee Billy Eichner for the next romcom hit. Bros centers on two gay men as they stumble towards love, but their greatest obstacle will be overcoming their individual commitment issues. Starring: Billy Eichner, Luke Macfarlane, Guy Branum, Miss Lawrence, Ts Madison, Dot-Marie Jones, Jim Rash and Eve Lindley. 

After Ever Happy (May 7)

The fourth film in the After franchise finds Tessa and Hardin at a crossroads: Does Tessa continue trying to save him and their relationship, or is it time to save herself? While Hardin remains in London after his mother's wedding and sinks deeper into darkness, Tessa returns to Seattle and endures tragedy. 

Starring: Josephine Langford, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Louise Lombard, Chance Perdomo and Rob Estes. 

Halloween Ends (May 11)

Four years after her last encounter with masked killer Michael Myers, Laurie finally decides to liberate herself from rage and fear and embrace life. However, when a young man stands accused of murdering a boy that he that he was babysitting, it ignites a cascade of violence and terror that forces Laurie to confront the evil she can't control. Starring Jamie Lee Curtis, Andi Matichak and Rohan Campbell. 

Millie Lies Low (May 17)

Anxiety-ridden Millie is on her way from Wellington to New York for an internship at a prestigious architecture firm when a moment of panic causes her to miss her flight. Ashamed she lies low in her hometown while using her wits and Instagram to convince the world at large that she's successfully living the dream in NYC. Starring Ana Scotney, Rachel House and Chris Alosio. 

Armageddon Time (May 4)

Paul is a Jewish sixth grader in 1980 Queens, New York. He befriends his African-American classmate Johnny but after their friendship gets them both into trouble, Paul begins to see that the world isn't quite what he thought it was. Starring Banks Repeta, Anne Hathaway, Jeremy Strong and Anthony Hopkins. 

What's on Prime Video in May

Here's what lies ahead for Prime Video this May.

PLANE

AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY FROM FRIDAY 19 MAY

In the white-knuckle action movie Plane, pilot Brodie Torrance (Gerard Butler) saves his passengers from a lightning strike by making a risky landing on a war-torn island - only to find that surviving the landing was just the beginning. When most of the passengers are taken hostage by dangerous rebels, the only person Torrance can count on for help is Louis Gaspare (Mike Colter), an accused murderer who was being transported by the FBI. In order to rescue the passengers, Torrance will need Gaspare’s help, and will learn there’s more to Gaspare than meets the eye.

Plane stars Gerard Butler, Mike Colter, Yoson An, Daniella Pineda, Paul Ben-Victor, Remi Adeleke, Joey Slotnick, Evan Dane Taylor, Claro de los Reyes, and Tony Goldwyn. 

TOMMY LITTLE: PRETTY FLY FOR A DICKHEAD

AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY FROM FRIDAY 5 MAY

Tommy Little is the reigning rock star of Australian comedy. Now the country’s favourite dickhead has done something that nobody thought was a good idea, he became a pilot! While most of us were busy giving up on baking in the lockdowns, Tommy aimed for the heavens, taking flying lessons and nailing his first solo flight (well, sort of). You'll hear about this, and other adventures in Tommy Little: Pretty Fly For A Dickhead. On stage, Tommy is a perpetual motion machine, constantly working the crowd and landing line after line. 

JAMES MAY: OH COOK SEASON TWO

AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY FROM WEDNESDAY 24 MAY 

James May continues his gastronomical adventures in the kitchen as he attempts to make cuisines from around the world in Season Two of James May: Oh Cook! proves once again that you don’t need to be a gastronomic wizard to make delicious food as he goes from kitchen klutz to capable cook, whilst taking on the world’s most mouth-watering dishes and masters the tricks that can make good food great, using ingredients you can buy from your local shop and all without the usual television-cooking-format trickery.

ZARNA GARG’S: ONE IN A BILLION 

AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY FROM FRIDAY 16 MAY 

Zarna Garg's taking the comedy world by storm with her first streaming stand-up special One in a Billion. As an unapologetic, Indian-Immigrant mom, she has plenty to joke about, and the punch lines come fast and furious. After her epic rise on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, Garg has sold out show-after-show, everyone from tweens to seniors are looking to Garg for her unique brand of tough love humour, which always comes from a place of “like.” 

JIMMY O. YANG: GUESS HOW MUCH?  

AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY FROM TUESDAY 2 MAY

Actor, stand-up comedian, and writer Jimmy O. Yang returns for his second Amazon Original comedy special, Guess How Much? A follow-up to Good Deal, Yang’s beloved first global special, Guess How Much? dives into various topics including love languages, loser friends, and negotiating with his Asian parents. Known for his work in Crazy Rich Asians, Netflix rom-com Love Hard, and HBO’s Emmy-winning series Silicon Valley, Yang is currently filming the lead role in the Hulu series Interior Chinatown, which is produced and directed by Oscar winner Taika Waititi.

MAY SCHEDULE

JIMMY O. YANG: GUESS HOW MUCH? (SPECIAL) 2/05/23
ARMAGEDDON TIME (MOVIE) 4/05/23
TOMMY LITTLE: PRETTY FLY FOR A DICKHEAD (SPECIAL) 5/05/23
AFTER EVER HAPPY (MOVIE) 7/05/23
BULLET TRAIN (MOVIE) 9/05/23
THE INVITATION (MOVIE) 9/05/23
HALLOWEEN ENDS (MOVIE) 11/05/23
THE LEGEND & BUTTERFLY (MOVIE) 12/05/23
ZARNA GARG: ONE IN A BILLION (SPECIAL) 16/05/23
NEIGHBOURS S20 PART 1 (TV) 18/05/23
PLANE (MOVIE) 19/05/23
JAMES MAY: OH COOK S2 (TV) 24/05/23
DER GREIF S1 (TV) 25/05/23
A+ (TV) 25/05/23
BROS (MOVIE) 25/05/23
MRS. HARRIS GOES TO PARIS (MOVIE) 25/05/23
CARNIFEX (MOVIE) 25/05/23
BODIES BODIES BODIES (MOVIE) 30/05/23