Doctor Who: Dot and Bubble: Review

The fifth episode of the first full season of Ncuti Gatwa's 15th Doctor sees him and his companion Ruby Sunday visiting the planet of Finetime.

The latest episode dives into a world where a seemingly innocent woman Lindy (Callie Cooke, all Barbie one moment, something else entirely the next) is going about her daily business with no real issues.

Stuck in a world run by social media and circles, Lindy is suddenly interrupted by the appearance of the Doctor and Ruby who warn her danger is coming and they can help her escape. But before help can arrive, Lindy is forced to face reality after she sees her friends devoured by slugs on the streets of Finetime.

Dot and Bubble is perhaps one of the weaker episodes of the season, a second in a row to feature less of the Doctor and this time around, less of Ruby Sunday. Maybe the feeling it's a truncated season does little to soften that blow - and certainly the moments when Ncuti Gatwa's Doctor appears at the end are blistering and go to great lengths to demonstrate what a talent he is.

While Cooke is impressive as the self-obsessed narcissist stuck in a social media bubble, it's Davies' script that lacks subtlety and smartness as it takes on Black Mirror-esque edges and a powerfully harrowing final message.

Perhaps it's also the creatures in this which seem like budget-restricted CGI bugs as well - something just feels inherently off about the execution of this episode throughout. While the pastel colours of Finetime and the social media bubble are all excellently put together, there are just moments when it feels like Dot and Bubble isn't quite visually firing as it should.

Stellar Blade: PS5 Review

Developed by Shift UP
Published by Sony Interactive
Platform: PS5

Shift UP's entry into the action-adventure world is a slickly polished piece of HD fluff that somehow finds a way to keep you engaged in its somewhat formulaic story.

A simple story of a protagonist named EVE who finds herself at the front of a post-apocalyptic battle against an invading enemy, Stellar Blade is more about the visuals and basics of a game than a deep dive into the worlds of RPGs in the mold of Final Fantasy. 

Refreshingly easier on the combat front, Stellar Blade is about guiding the player into the top tiers of the action, providing opportunities to build combos and unleash on baddies with ease, rather than forcing a player to complete a series of actions before rewarding them with a smackdown.

There's a feeling of simplicity which permeates the game throughout and while there are elements that will be familiar to those who have played the Nier: Automata games, Stellar Blade glosses over the familiarity with ease, settling for a well-executed copy of what many games have done before.

It helps that the game looks gorgeous throughout - aside from its obviously over-sexualised imagery and presentation of the female form. But don't expect to be immersed in the characters - they're largely cyphers for the story and dialogue and any perception of depth likely comes from the polished way they look.

Battle scenes are wonderfully rendered, there's little blurring of the action as the fights are enacted - and while cut scenes are a little middle of the road and less emotionally engaging than perhaps you would expect, Stellar Blade acquits itself well in the genre pool it's playing in.

There's a lot to enjoy in Stellar Blade, and while it may fade in the pantheon of its genre, thanks to a lack of development of skills that have been deployed in other games, its polished look and presence will guarantee it a degree of longevity that may surprise.

Endless Ocean Luminous: Nintendo Switch Review

Developed by Arika
Published by Nintendo
Platform: Nintendo Switch

Having been enamoured recently by Dave the Diver's simple relaxing ocean world, there was high hopes for Endless Ocean Luminous, a game that promises to have you cataloguing the very best of the underwater world in the Veiled Sea.

It's a very basic premise that surrounds this game, and one that will find you oscillating wildly dependant on which mood you find yourself in.

With over 500 species of marine life, it has to be said there's more than enough to be done here - and while the ocean waves are inviting enough, the lack of any real pull here leaves this feeling somewhat shallow. 

The real problem is the fact that every dive randomly produces what's in the water, and so if you're intent on cataloguing the world under the water, it can be deeply frustrating. But perhaps at its heart this isn't really what Endless Ocean Luminous is really about.

It's akin to having your own aquarium to scoot around, and explore at your own pace. There aren't many relaxing games out there so Endless Ocean Luminous goes someway to scratching that itch. Perhaps it's more aimed at a younger audience or a family wanting to learn about the depths of the ocean.

But more hardcore gamers will become bored with the offering, no matter how transcendental it feels if you're in the right mood.

Pulse Elite Wireless Headset: Review

Sony's latest PlayStation headset doesn't exactly represent a giant leap forward from its Pulse 3D headset but what it does do is show that consistently the Sony technology is some of the best for audio gaming.

While a similar white design aesthetic fits in with the native eco-system that Sony has developed, the headphones seem to be technologically geared for being used outside of the house. But what Sony has failed to grasp here is that the headset doesn't really suit the minimalist approach many commuters or daily headphone users would favour for venturing out.

That said, when it comes to the gaming side of the headphones, what they offer is second to none.

Firstly, the ease of set up is to be commended. Simply plug in a dongle at the front of the PlayStation and you're good to go - it's that simple. In a world where there's a continual need to fiddle with the set up, the simplicity offered is refreshing.

While the headset's plastic outer casing may be prone to cracking later on in life, and the retractable microphone in the headset could prove a little too flimsy over time, the immersive audio quality offered is superlative.

For games like Dave the Diver, the ambience from the sound is deeply immersive, making you feel like you are actually diving under water. But perhaps surprisingly, while the headset offers some deeper bass, there's actually clarity of audio, leading to some sounds being heard on the headphones that hadn't been witnessed on the television.

For more action-led games like Stellar Blade or The Last Of Us Part II Remastered, the sound's crisp clarity again is filtered through and leaves you feeling like you're in the game, rather than being overwhelmed by the sound. It's all thanks to the planar magnetic drivers - and in long late night gaming sessions, the clarity is to be commended.

While the buttons on the side of the headset are less than ideal due to size, once you've worked out where they are and how to operate them in-game, it makes life a lot easier. But again, it takes time to adjust, and to be honest, the smaller buttons are less than ideal.

With a long battery life as well (some 30 hours on a full charge), these sets will rarely need recharging - perhaps once a week along with a controller - and it's somewhat of a boon to simply turn on the PS5 and be ready to go.

As the phone uses bluetooth it can connect to other devices, meaning you can listen to music when gaming if you wanted - though that takes you out of the Sony listening eco-system. However, while they are exceptionally comfortable headsets thanks to the ear pieces which just barely feel like they exist, the idea of walking around wearing these day-to-day is frankly confounding and highly unlikely.

Ultimately, these headphones represent a good mid-range quality set. While a flimsy microphone and its occasionally hit-and-miss audio call quality do let it down from time to time, for in-gaming sessions, the comfort and quality of the audio makes them a set to appreciate and frequently use.

Copa 71: Movie Review

Director: Rachel Ramsay, James Erskine

An amiable documentary that follows the story of the 1971 Women's World Cup, COPA 71 wants to give you enough ammunition to feel outrage.

And in truth, that's no bad thing - because the pioneering footballers who took place in the tournament, which saw some of the biggest crowds, have had their time in the sun unceremoniously wiped from sporting history.

The Mexico-held event and the lead up to it shows a shameful approach by FIFA and wider sections of the media who belittle and bully the women footballers, reducing them to sorry stereotypes of "tomboys" who are to be patted on the head and sent back to the kitchen.

But with the voices of the players from the teams amplified on screen and archive footage of the matches presented in a Match of the Day style highlights with insight from players, COPA 71 makes a strong argument for how pitiful the male ego is when the beloved football is threatened.

Yet, while directors Ramsay and Erskine assemble a terrific collage of moments and feelings from the time, they fall foul of never really getting any comment from FIFA - or even acknowledging they had tried to do so, leaving this documentary one of the many that has its own agenda to pursue.

It's a worthy agenda and an important one, and really the story sells itself thanks to a punchy run time (there's an irony that a doco about football is but 90 minutes long) and some great use of archive and current interviews.

Ultimately, Copa 71 tells an important story - and while things have changed slightly for the better in terms of women's football, the lack of accountability for past actions makes this piece as troubling as it is inspiring.

Pac-Man Mega Tunnel Battle: Chomp Champs: PS5 Review

Developed by Bandai Namco
Released by Bandai Namco
Platform: PS5

It has to be said Pac-Man Mega Tunnel Battle: Chomp Champs has potential but it feels largely like this is a game that has been ported over from mobile rather than consideration for the console itself.

Controls are disappointingly slow to respond, something which is particularly vital for a Pac-Man game - and something which is frustrating given how the game leans into its Battle Royale edges. 

That said, the game itself is fun in parts as Pac-Man crashes other players' mazes leading to a feeling of scope that was previously offered by the never-ending maze of Pac Man 256.

There is a real thrill as well to see various other Bandai Namco properties painted into The mazes. Galaga was a particular favourite and even though they don't come to life in the maze, it's great to see the heritage being referenced as the game plays out.

There's an idea and premise here that has promise, but with limited reasons to keep re-engaging with the game, there's a general feeling this Pac-Man outing isn't here for a long time.

Customisation extends as far as cosmetics and skins but Pac-Man really has never been about upgrades and while the thrill of taking on others worldwide has an appeal, it's sort of limited by the repetitive nature of the game that plays out.

Ultimately disposable, Pac-Man Mega Tunnel Battle: Chomp Champs offers enough for a good night in in front of the console - but with frustrations over response times, that may be something that hinders it from being a long-term proposition.

Moto GP24: PS5 Review

Developed by Milestone Games
Published by Milestone Games
Platform: PS5

The annual chance to hoon around a race course in a vehicle you're more than likely to never get your hands on is not a bad thing.

However, as always with simulators like this, how much enjoyment you get from it will largely be down to what you bring to the table in terms of bike knowledge.

The newest chapter of the official game series brings with it the chance to change teams as part of the new Riders' Market, a much-requested feature that has finally been granted.

But it balances a difficult line in welcoming new players to the franchise and satiating veterans of the series, in ways that aren't always obvious. But a lot of the gameplay is very similar to the previous year's entry, meaning your patience for taking on new challenges may be tested.

Milestone Games has once again brought the ruthlessness to the game, with crashes and penalties dished out for the most minor of infractions - it's a steep learning curve admittedly in among the great sound of crunching gears, popping exhausts and squealing tyres.

This time around, AI players can also get stung, leading to a feeling more of a level-playing field, something which is to be welcomed in the Career Mode, where in the past it can feel like you're the only one being punished.

With detailed bikes graphics, impressively rendered environments and great weather iterations, MotoGP24 offers more than enough to get everyone into the game - even if the punishments still can feel unfair and the learning curve can occasionally be off-putting. 

Doctor Who: 73 Yards: Review

When the TARDIS lands in rural Wales, the Doctor and Ruby find a mysterious circle just outside their destination.

Seconds later, the Doctor disappears and Ruby finds herself alone and haunted from a distance by an old woman who appears to be following her everywhere. Holed up in a local pub and waiting on the Doctor's reappearance, Ruby goes back to her old life, trying desperately to work out how to reconnect with her past and solve the mystery.

73 Yards is a terrific tale that manifests mystery at every edge and provides terror and tension throughout. 

But while the suspense is brilliantly articulated in the episode and held together by a mightily impressive performance from Gibson as Ruby Sunday, the Doctor-lite episode seemingly makes little sense upon conclusion.

A puzzle box episode that revels in its vagueries and is all the better for it, 73 Yards feels oblique and oddly unusual as it plays out. Yet the promised answers never reveal themselves and the mysterious edges never quite clear enough to provide definitive resolution.

Conversely though, this is also the show's strength in this particular episode. 

A more fantastical story that benefits from interpretation, the premise is terrifically executed and plays out brilliantly on screen. A story of parallel timelines and of isolation in more ways than one, 73 Yards is haunting as it plays out, but frustrating when examined more closely.

Much like previous Doctor-lite episodes, the show works best as a showcase for Gibson to shine, and like others have done before (most notably, Catherine Tate in Turn Left) she rises to the occasion with ease.

Fascinating, frustrating and frightening, 73 Yards is perhaps the most ambitious Doctor Who has been thus far in its latest iteration; its ambiguous nature and ambivalence to answers will be polarising, but it demonstrates that even 61 years on, this is a show willing to gamble it all on a concept.

IF: Movie Review

Cast: John Krasinski, Ryan Reynolds, Cailey Fleming, Steve Carell, Phoebe Waller-Bridge
Director: John Krasinski

Undoubtedly whimsical and almost a touch too saccharine for its own good, A Quiet Place's John Krasinski's latest is an ode to memory and the power of imagination.

Focussing on The Walking Dead's Cailey Fleming's Bea, it's the story of a family torn apart by tragedy as Bea's father has to go into hospital for a broken heart, not long after the death of her mother from cancer. Placed with her grandmother (Fiona Shaw), Bea befriends Ryan Reynold's Cal who lives upstairs and who shares his apartment with a group of Imaginary Friends, chiefly Steve Carell's Blue and Waller-Bridge's Blossom.

After being urged by her father to tell her story, Bea begins an adventure of her own with Cal and the Friends.

Chiefly aimed at the family audience, Krasinski's IF veers dangerously close to cloying early on with an overload of whimsy that threatens to topple proceedings in a sentimental slop. With narrative elements that don't make sense, character actions that seem at best wildly off, an obvious twist and an overly OTT twinkling score from Michael Giacchino, IF's heart comes through when cynicism and modern day sensibilities threaten to derail it all.

With some wondrous visuals and touches that recall Pixar moments as well as Hollywood's golden age, it's almost as if Krasinski is channeling his inner child with recollections of yesteryears from Tinseltown. There's nothing wildly original on show here, but thanks to an earnestness of direction, this reeks of Amblin-level Spielberg as it angles for the family audience.

Packed with an almost incredible level of actor cameos and a raft of characters that will tickle all imaginations, If's power lies in its visual inventiveness above all else. (Expect either a series of prequel shorts or Monsters University-style spinoffs soon.) A sequence set inside a retirement home for former Imaginary Friends comes alive with a little imagination and a series of visual flourishes that sparkle.

But too often, the film relies on its own twee-ness and mawkishness to sell proceedings - there's a darker film here that explores trauma and loss, but it's not a film Krasinski wants to explore or expose.

That's fine - as a rebuttal to cynicism and an ode to the power of memory, this aimed-at-family film works its audience well. Perhaps some of the older end of the audience may be resistant to its powers of persuasion - but much like the central message of the film itself, If is more interested in reminding you of the power of imagination and pure unbridled joy.

What's on Prime Video in June

The Boys are back for another explosive season from June 13. With the world on the brink and the stakes higher than ever, it’s the seemingly powerless against the super powerful…you’re all f*cking welcome! 

The highly anticipated I Am: Celine Dion, gives a raw and honest behind-the-scenes look at the iconic superstar’s struggle with a life-altering illness - exclusively on June 25.

Gird your loins for the tragic tale of Lady Jane Grey, the young Tudor noblewoman who was Queen of England for nine days and then beheaded in 1553... F*ck that. A radical retelling of history, the way it should have happened: the damsel in distress saves herself. My Lady Jane launches June 27. 

Also in June:

Federer: Twelve Final Days, an intimate follow-along through the final 12 days of Roger Federer’s illustrious career.

Anne Hathaway and Jessica Chastain star in psychological thriller, Mothers’ Instinct.

Jeremy Renner returns in season three of Mayor of Kingstown.

Paul Dano, America Ferrera, Seth Rogan and Pete Davidson star in the ultimate David vs Goliath film Dumb Money - the insane true story of the everyday people who turned mall video store GameStop into the hottest company on Wall St. 

For all this and more, please find highlights for June below.

THE BOYS

SEASON 4 AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY WEEKLY FROM THURSDAY 13 JUNE 

The world is on the brink. Victoria Neuman is closer than ever to the Oval Office and under the muscly thumb of Homelander, who is consolidating his power. Butcher, with only months to live, has lost Becca’s son as well as his job as The Boys’ leader. The rest of the team are fed up with his lies. With the stakes higher than ever, they have to find a way to work together and save the world before it’s too late. 

The Boys is a fun and irreverent take on what happens when superheroes—who are as popular as celebrities, as influential as politicians, and as revered as gods—abuse their superpowers rather than use them for good. Intent on stopping the corrupt superheroes, The Boys, a group of vigilantes, continue their heroic quest to expose the truth about The Seven and Vought—the multibillion-dollar conglomerate that manages the superheroes and covers up their dirty secrets. It’s the seemingly powerless against the super powerful.

The Boys Season 4 stars Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, Antony Starr, Erin Moriarty, Jessie T. Usher, Laz Alonso, Chace Crawford, Tomer Capone, Karen Fukuhara, Colby Minifie, Claudia Doumit, Cameron Crovetti. And Season Four will welcome Susan Heyward, Valorie Curry, and Jeffrey Dean Morgan.

I AM: CELINE DION 

AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY ON TUESDAY 25 JUNE 

Directed by Academy Award nominee Irene Taylor, I Am: Celine Dion gives us a raw and honest behind-the-scenes look at the iconic superstar’s struggle with a life-altering illness. Serving as a love letter to her fans, this inspirational documentary highlights the music that has guided her life while also showcasing the resilience of the human spirit.

MY LADY JANE

AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY FROM THURSDAY 27 JUNE 

Gird your loins for the tragic tale of Lady Jane Grey, the young Tudor noblewoman who was Queen of England for nine days and then beheaded in 1553... F*ck that. We’re retelling history the way it should have happened: the damsel in distress saves herself. This is an epic tale of true love and high adventure set in an alt-universe of action, history, fantasy, comedy, romance, and rompy-pompy. Buckle up. 

Inspired by the best-selling book, My Lady Jane is a radical retelling of English royal history, in which King Henry VIII’s son Edward does not die of tuberculosis, Lady Jane Grey is not beheaded, and neither is her rascal of a husband Guildford. At the centre of this rollicking new series is the brilliant and headstrong Jane who is unexpectedly crowned queen overnight and finds herself the target of nefarious villains coming for the crown (and her head)... My Lady Jane is an epic tale of true love and high adventure, where the damsel in distress saves herself, her true love, and then the Kingdom.

My Lady Jane stars Emily Bader, Edward Bluemel, Jordan Peters, Anna Chancellor, Dominic Cooper, Kate O'Flynn, Rob Brydon, Abbie Hern, Isabella Brownson, Robyn Betteridge, Henry Ashton, Máiréad Tyers, Michael Workeye, Joe Klocek, Brandon Grace and Will Keen.

FEDERER: TWELVE FINAL DAYS

AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY FROM THURSDAY 20 JUNE 

Helmed by Academy Award-winning director Asif Kapadia and director Joe Sabia, Federer: Twelve Final Days is an intimate follow-along through the final 12 days of Roger Federer’s illustrious career. Originally a home video never intended for public viewing, the film captures Federer at his most vulnerable and candid self, as he says goodbye to a game and the fans that shaped his life for the last two decades. Featuring interviews from legendary rivals and close friends Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokivic, and Andy Murray, Federer: Twelve Final Days provides unprecedented access to the relationship between these unparalleled stars.

MOTHER’S INSTINCT

AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY FROM THURSDAY 7 JUNE 

Mothers’ Instinct is an unnerving psychological thriller about two best friends and neighbours, Alice and Céline, whose perfect lives in ‘60s suburbia are shattered by a tragic accident involving one of their children. Marking the directorial debut of acclaimed cinematographer Benoit Delhomme, we follow Alice and Céline as their familial bonds are gradually undermined by guilt and paranoia and a gripping battle of wills develops, revealing the darker side of maternal love.

Mother’s Instinct stars Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Josh Charles and Caroline Lagerfelt, 

MAYOR OF KINGSTOWN

SEASON THREE AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY FROM MONDAY 3 JUNE 

In season three, a series of explosions rock Kingstown and its citizens, as a new face of the Russian mob sets up shop in the city, and a drug war rages inside and outside prison walls. The pressure is on Mike McLusky (Renner) to end the war but things get complicated when a familiar face from his incarcerated past threatens to undermine the Mayor's attempts to keep the peace among all factions.

Mayor of Kingstown stars Jeremy Renner, Hugh Dillon, Taylor Handley, Emma Laird, Tobi Bamtefa, Derek Webster, Nishi Munshi, Hamish Allan-Headley and Michael Beach.

DUMB MONEY

AVAILABLE FROM MONDAY 10 JUNE 

Dumb Money is the ultimate David vs. Goliath tale, based on the insane true story of everyday people who flipped the script on Wall Street and got rich by turning GameStop (yes, the mall videogame store) into the world's hottest company. In the middle of everything is regular guy Keith Gill, who starts it all by sinking his life savings into the stock and posting about it. When his social posts start blowing up, so does his life and the lives of everyone following him. As a stock tip becomes a movement, everyone gets rich -- until the billionaires fight back, and both sides find their worlds turned upside down.

Dumb Money stars Paul Dano, America Ferrera, Seth Rogan, Pete Davidson, Shailene Woodley, Talia Ryder, Olivia Thirlby and Sebastian Stan. 

FREELANCE 

AVAILABLE FROM FRIDAY 28 JUNE 

Ex-special forces operative Mason Pettis is stuck in a dead-end desk job when he reluctantly takes on a freelance gig to provide private security for washed-up journalist Claire Wellington as she interviews the ruthless - but impeccably dressed - dictator, Juan Venegas. When a military coup breaks out just as she's about to get the scoop of a lifetime, the unlikely trio must figure out how to survive the jungle AND each other in order to make it out alive!

Freelance stars John Cena, Alison Brie, Christian Slater, Pierre Morel and Christian Slater. 

MOB LAND

AVAILABLE FROM MONDAY 10 JUNE 

Deep in the heart of Dixie, in a small town struggling with the ravages of addiction, a local sheriff tries to maintain the peace when desperate family man Shelby robs a pill mill with his reckless brother-in-law, Trey. But the supposedly easy score takes a violent turn, alerting the New Orleans mafia's revenge-seeking enforcer, who threatens Shelby's wife and daughter. With its unpredictable twists and turns, Mob Land is a heart-pounding, action thriller.

Mob Land stars John Travolta, Shiloh Fernandez, Kevin Dillon, Stephen Dorff and Ashley Benson.

THE OLD OAK

AVAILABLE FROM MONDAY 24 JUNE 

The Old Oak is the last pub standing in a once thriving mining village in northern England, a gathering space for a community that has fallen on hard times. There is growing anger, resentment, and a lack of hope among the residents, but the pub and its proprietor TJ are a fond presence to their customers. When a group of Syrian refugees move into the floundering village, a decisive rift fueled by prejudices develops between the community and its newest inhabitants. The formation of an unexpected friendship between TJ and a young Syrian woman named Yara opens up new possibilities for the divided village in this deeply moving drama about loss, fear, and the difficulty of finding hope. 

The Old Oak stars Dave Turner, Ebla Mari and Trevor Fox. 

CHICAGO MED

SEASON 5-7 AVAILABLE FROM SATURDAY 1 JUNE 

Members of the city's most highly skilled medical team save lives while navigating their unique interpersonal relationships. The Gaffney Chicago Medical Center's elite team of dedicated doctors, nurses and staff face challenges each day as they do what it takes to treat their patients, sometimes in surprisingly inventive ways. As the city's last line of defence, doctors Charles, Halstead, Marcel, Choi and Manning; nurses Sexton and Lockwood; and hospital administrator Sharon Goodwin embody the heart of Dick Wolf's triad of Chicago series.

Chicago Med stars Nick Gehlfuss, Yaya DaCosta, Torrey DeVitto, Colin Donnell, Brian Tee, Marlyne Barrett and Oliver Platt. 

JUNE 2024 TOP PICKS:

LEGO NINJAGO S1-S4 (TV) 1/06/24

ROBOCOP (1987) (MOVIE) 1/06/24

ROBOCOP (2014) (MOVIE) 1/06/24

ROBOCOP 2 (MOVIE) 1/06/24

ROBOCOP 3 (MOVIE) 1/06/24

RED DAWN (1984) (MOVIE) 1/06/24

AMERICAN NINJA (MOVIE) 1/06/24

AMERICAN NINJA 2: THE CONFRONTATION  (MOVIE) 1/06/24

AMERICAN NINJA 3: BLOOD HUNT (MOVIE) 1/06/24

AMERICAN NINJA 4: THE ANNIHILATION (MOVIE) 1/06/24

FLESH + BLOOD (MOVIE) 1/06/24

VAMPIRE'S KISS (MOVIE) 1/06/24

OVER THE TOP (MOVIE) 1/06/24

BREATHLESS (MOVIE) 1/06/24

IF I STAY (MOVIE) 1/06/24

NO WAY OUT (MOVIE) 1/06/24

ROLLING THUNDER (MOVIE) 1/06/24

CHICAGO MED S5-S7 (TV) 1/06/24

LAW & ORDER: SVU S21-S23 (TV) 1/06/24 

CHICAGO FIRE S8-S10 (TV) 1/06/24

CHICAGO PD S7-S9 (TV) 1/06/24

PRIMAVERA SOUND LIVE - DAY 3 (EVENT) 1/06/24

MAYOR OF KINGSTOWN S3 (TV) 3/06/24

MARLON WAYANS: GOOD GRIEF S1 (SPECIAL) 4/06/24

WNBA: CHICAGO SKY AT WASHINGTON MYSTICS (SPORT) 6/06/24

MOTHERS' INSTINCT (MOVIE) 7/06/24

DUMB MONEY (MOVIE) 10/06/24

MOB LAND (MOVIE) 10/06/24

1122 S1 (TV) 14/06/24

WNBA: LAS VEGAS ACES AT PHOENIX MERCURY (SPORT) 14/06/24

FEDERER: TWELVE FINAL DAYS (DOCU-FEATURE) 20/06/24

WNBA: LOS ANGELES SPARKS AT NEW YORK LIBERTY (SPORT) 20/06/24

UGLY DOLLS (MOVIE) 23/06/24

THE OLD OAK (MOVIE) 24/06/24

I AM: CELINE DION (DOCU-FEATURE) 25/06/24

MY LADY JANE (TV) 27/06/24

WNBA: LAS VEGAS ACES AT CHICAGO SKY (SPORT) 27/06/24

FREELANCE (MOVIE) 28/06/24

WNBA: INDIANA FEVER AT SEATTLE STORM (SPORT) 28/06/24

LEGO FRIENDS THE NEXT CHAPTER S2 (TV) 29/06/24

What's on DocPlay in June

This June, we’re proud to present the first DocPlay Original series - Second to None. This 3-part series follows the world’s best female cyclists, including Olympian and World Champion Australian rider Amanda Spratt, as they take on the sport’s toughest challenge – the Tour de France Femmes. Produced by Sweetshop & Green (Aus) and Yuzu Productions (Fr), this thrilling and timely series premieres exclusively on DocPlay from June 17.

Ready your dancing shoes and your lamp - the blissful 4K remaster of Jonathan Demme’s Talking Heads concert film Stop Making Sense screens from June 13.

Helicopter Warfare |  10 June  |  Series

Featuring stories from the Vietnam, Falklands, Afghanistan and Iraq wars, Helicopter Warfare tells the stories of some of the most daring helicopter missions of all time.

Stop Making Sense (4K)  |  13 June

Newly restored in 4K to coincide with its 40th anniversary, the 1984 film was directed by renowned filmmaker Jonathan Demme and is considered by critics to be the greatest concert film of all time.

The Art of Silence  |  13 June

The first feature-length documentary about Marcel Marceau and his work, which inspired and accompanied several generations of artists.

Second to None (episode 1)  |  17 June

After years of riding in the shadow of men, one team of incredible athletes must band together, overcome the lows, and ride the highs to claim their place at the top of the professional cycling world. 

Episode 2 premieres on 24 June; episode 3 premieres on July 1.

The Last Goldfish  |  20 June

A daughter's search for her lost family stretches from Australia to Trinidad and WWII Germany. Rich with archival images, Australian director Su Goldfish's autobiographical documentary echoes through all those touched by forced migration. 

What's on Neon in June

Here's what's streaming on Neon in June.

House of the Dragon (Season 2, June 17)

Based on George R.R. Martin's Fire & Blood, this prequel - which is set 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones - tells the highly anticipated story of House Targaryen. Stars: Olivia Cooke, Matt Smith, Emma D’Arcy, Steve Toussaint, Eve Best, Fabien Frankel, Sonoya Mizuno, Rhys Ifans

War of the Worlds Season 3 (June 1)

After a devastating alien attack, humanity is all but wiped out across the Earth. In an eerily deserted world, pockets of survivors must team up to avoid the invaders bent on destruction. A bold re-imagining of H.G. Wells' classic story. 

Stars: Daisy Edgar-Jones and Gabriel Byrne 

We're Here Season 4 (June 4)

Small-town residents are recruited and trained to participate in a one-night-only drag performance. Former RuPaul's Drag Race contestants will help prepare their "drag daughters" by teaching them how to step outside their comfortzones. 

Stars: Caldwell Tidicue, Eureka O'Hara

The Cleaning Lady Season 3 (June 5)

A whip-smart Cambodian doctor arrives in the U.S. to seek a medical treatment to save her ailing son. But when the system fails and pushes her into hiding, she becomes a cleaning lady in the world of organised crime and starts playing the game by her own rules. 

Stars: Elodie Yung

The Equalizer Season 4 (June 12)

A mysterious former CIA operative draws upon her vast range of skills to defend innocent people. Robyn McCall may appear to be an ordinary single mother, but when injustice arises, this enigmatic vigilante evens the odds for those who need it most. 

Stars: Queen Latifah

MOVIES

Retribution (June 6)

When a mysterious caller puts a bomb under his car seat, Matt Turner's commute  becomes a twisted game of life or death.  With his kids trapped in the back, and a bomb that will explode if they get out, he's  racing against time to save his family. 

Stars: Liam Neeson

Dumb Money (June 10)

The wild true story of everyday people who flipped the script on Wall Street and got rich by turning Gamestop - a mall videogame store - into the world's hottest company. 

Stars: Paul Dano

Blue Beetle (June 13)

An ancient alien scarab chooses college  grad Jaime Reyes to be its symbiotic host.  Bestowing on him a suit of armour capable  of extraordinary and unpredictable  powers, and forever changing his destiny  as he becomes the Blue Beetle. 

Stars: Xolo Maridueña, Adriana Barraza,  Susan Sarandon, George Lopez

Uproar (June 20)

1981 New Zealand, a rugby-obsessed  nation is divided over the South African  Springboks tour. As countrywide protests  spark, 17-year-old Josh is inspired to step  off the fence and find his voice. 

Stars: Julian Dennison, Rhys Darby, Minnie  Driver  

What's on Disney+ in June

Here's what's streaming on Disney+ in June.

Star Wars: The Acolyte (June 5)

Two episode premiere

In “Star Wars: The Acolyte,” an investigation into a shocking crime spree pits a respected Jedi Master (Lee Jung-jae) against a dangerous warrior from his past (Amandla Stenberg). As more clues emerge, they travel down a dark path where sinister forces reveal all is not what it seems…

The series stars Amandla Stenberg, Lee Jung-jae, Manny Jacinto, Dafne Keen, Charlie Barnett, Jodie Turner-Smith, Rebecca Henderson, Dean-Charles Chapman, Joonas Suotamo, and Carrie-Anne Moss.

Leslye Headland created the series, based on Star Wars by George Lucas, and serves as an executive producer along with Kathleen Kennedy, Simon Emanuel, Jeff F. King and Jason Micallef. Charmaine DeGraté and Kor Adana are the co-executive producers. Rayne Roberts, Damian Anderson, Eileen Shim and Rob Bredow are the producers.

Headland also directed the premiere episodes (Eps. 101 & 102). Directors Kogonada (Eps. 103 & 107), Alex Garcia Lopez (Eps. 104 & 105) and Hanelle Culpepper (Eps. 106 & 108) round out the directing duties on the series. Award-winning composer Michael Abels, known for his work on “Get Out” and “Us,” scored “Star Wars: The Acolyte.”

The Bear Season 3 (June 27)

Season three of FX’s “The Bear” follows Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White), Sydney Adamu (Ayo Edebiri) and Richard “Richie” Jerimovich (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) as they do what it takes to elevate The Bear, their beef stand turned fine dining establishment, to the highest level, all while doing their best just to stay in business. It’s a losing battle every single day in the restaurant business. Carmy pushes himself harder than ever, and demands excellence from his crew, who do their best to match his intensity.

Their quest for culinary excellence will propel the crew to new levels and stress the bonds that hold the restaurant together. As the team grows in size, each member will strive to reach a greater level of service within their role. In the restaurant industry, you’re never on solid ground, and with that ever-changing landscape comes new challenges and opportunities. Our chefs have learned that every second counts, but this season we’ll find out if they have what it takes to make it to tomorrow.  

The half-hour series also stars Abby Elliott, Lionel Boyce, Liza Colón-Zayas and Matty Matheson, with Oliver Platt and Molly Gordon in recurring roles.

What's on Shudder in June

Here's everything that is streaming on Shudder during June.

The Devil’s Bath

 

Streaming Exclusively on Shudder and AMC+ 

Film Premieres Friday 28 June 

In 1750 Austria, a deeply religious woman named Agnes has just married her beloved, but her mind and heart soon grow heavy as her life becomes a long list of chores and expectations. Day after day, she is increasingly trapped in a murky and lonely path leading to evil thoughts, until the possibility of committing a shocking act of violence seems like the only way out of her  inner prison. Giving a voice to the invisible and unheard women of the rural past, The Devil’s Bath is based  on historical court records about a shocking, hitherto unexplored chapter of European history. 

The Babadook 

Streaming on Shudder and AMC+ 

Film Premieres Monday 3 June 

A single mother and her child fall into a deep well of paranoia when an eerie children’s book titled “Mister Babadook” manifests in their home. 

June 1 

Dr. Caligari (1989) 

The granddaughter of an infamous doctor experiments with hormone and shock therapies at her asylum  for the insane. 

June 3 

#Float 

When a vlogger and her crew embark on their annual river float to commemorate the untimely loss of  their friend, they are plunged into a life and death battle with a mysterious local, a sinister paranormal  force, and their own fears.  

June 10 

Night of the Bastard 

After an injured woman takes refuge in a gruff recluse’s home, the two must find a way to escape  from a game of bloodthirsty demonists.  

Body Melt 

Residents of peaceful Pebbles Court, Homesville, are being used unknowingly as test experiments  for a new “Body Drug” that causes rapid body decomposition and painful death.  

June 15 

Gateway 

In an ordinary abandoned house – on what could be an ordinary street – a gang of desperate criminals  have found something, or has it found them? 

Mother, May I? 

When Anya starts behaving like her fiancée’s recently deceased mother, Emmet must confront his  deepest traumas to free his fiancée from this bewildering possession.  

June 17 

Houseboat Horror 

When a music video shoot on the seemingly tranquil Lake Infinity turns into a smorgasbord of horror,  death and blood-gushing mayhem, it can only mean one thing…ACID HEAD, a horribly scarred axe wielding maniac with a grudge against interlopers is on the loose! 

June 24 

Night of Fear 

Insane sadistic hermit stalks and captures those who get lost in his part of the woods. A young woman whose car broke down is about to find out what he does with them next. 

Sons of Steel 

In a futuristic Australia, a scheme to blow up the Sydney Opera House is discovered. The only way to stop it is to send an agent back in time to prevent the plotters from hatching it. 

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga: Movie Review

Cast: Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Hemsworth, Tom Burke
Director: George Miller

It's back to the Wastelands for George Miller's latest Mad Max outing, a prequel to 2015's Mad Max: Fury Road that is all about spectacle and less about depth.

Centring on an origin story for Taylor-Joy's Furiosa may seem like a good idea, but in truth, as ever with prequels, placing the character in danger proves to be dramatically counter-productive due to the fact Furiosa forms a large part of Fury Road.

However, Miller's more concerned with outrageous action sequences, endless shots of revving motorbikes and Chris Hemsworth's theatrical villain Dementus than anything else. When Furiosa's mother is killed by Dementus, she swears revenge and sets off on a journey to get it - the plot isn't exactly a strong one, with Miller more concerned with expanding the Wasteland world he already has in play, rather than bringing major new elements to the fore.

Consequently, what plays out is perfectly fine and impressive, but ultimately feels shallow and less focused than Mad Max: Fury Road's pomp and spectacle did. 

Divided into five chapters and spanning years rather than Fury Road's few days, there are times when Furiosa feels less sharp than it could - or should - be, despite Taylor-Joy's steely-eyed focus throughout. An attempt to inject a Mad Max-esque character in Tom Burke's fellow convoy driver seems to offer promise, before sadly dwindling into the background.

Yet that all plays to what Miller wants to achieve with Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga - visuals and action.

As the red sands of the outback swirls viciously on screen, and the soundtrack ramps up its aural assault, Miller puts into play various chase sequences. From a bastardised Ben Hur chariot-riding Hemsworth to swathes of bikes and whited-out War Boys, there's no easing off on the visual overload.

And whilst there's no knocking the technical expertise needed to helm the onslaught, there is an overriding feeling that perhaps Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga has little else to offer, a kind of dramatic wasteland populated solely by intense bursts of action.

There's not quite enough focus on Furiosa herself and despite Taylor-Joy's efforts, she feels secondary to the onscreen action - it's disappointing in ways, but perhaps speaks to the problems faced by the Mad Max franchise itself.

The more the enigma is poked and explored, the less enigmatic and interesting it becomes. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga satisfies in parts, but is wanting in others.

The Garfield Movie: Review

Voice cast: Chris Pratt, Samuel L Jackson, Hannah Waddingham, Nicholas Hoult, Brett Goldstein, Harvey Guillen
Director: Mark Dindal

There have been plenty of attempts to bring Jim Davis' perennially popular lasagne-loving kitty Garfield to various media.

From the 1980s TV show voiced by Lorenzo Music to a blocky computer game with an irritating soundtrack, the appeal of the cynical cat and his fourth wall-breaking antics have always been obvious.

So Mark Dindal's 2024 animated version enters the fold, trying to create a film that pastiches everything you love about the cat with a heist-movie that blatantly riffs on Tom Cruise's antics in Mission: Impossible.

But it's a bit of an ask to do it all justice and while there are moments of madcap mayhem, the film's desire to please family audiences more than overcompensates and somewhat overwhelms the original intentions of the cat, who's delighted audiences for decades in various formats.

When Garfield and Odie are kidnapped, they find themselves thrust into a plot set in motion by Hannah Waddingham's maligned Jinx. Forced to reunite with his seemingly errant father Vic (Jackson in more chilled, relaxed mode), Garfield must find a way to break into milk manufacturer Lactose Farms and save the day.

There's much of the plot's premise here that feels ripped from Sony stablemate Peter Rabbit's second cinematic excursion at times - yet while the parallels stop early on and the film moves to mock Mission: Impossible - complete with Ving Rhames riffing on his MI role as Luther.

Unfortunately, Pratt is no dead ringer for the laconic tones of the cat, and most of the moments that would have soared with a more laidback, cynical, rich honey-toned delivery, just don't - his Garfield sadly doesn't feel like one for the ages.

But while the film is weak in some parts, its action-filled relatively generic heist elements at the end come together nicely, leaving family audiences with something that will keep young ones amused, but will fill older fans of Garfield and his antics with a slight feeling of disappointment.

Stylebender: DVD Review

Director: Zoe McIntosh

Dark Tourist director Zoe McIntosh's take on the fighting icon that is Israel Adesanya purports to be an intimate look at the UFC champion, but early on nearly wobbles in the ring before going on to be something that's more about the need for companionship and brotherhood.

With access to Adesanya over five years, in which time he rose to the title of UFC middleweight champion, McIntosh has a ringside seat into what makes the man tick - and emerges with an intriguing portrait of the psyche of a formerly bullied boy and an occasionally insecure champion in the making.

It's fascinating stuff, and while McIntosh falters badly in her treatment of Adesanya's 2021 rape comments by never challenging him on camera about it and allowing others to do so, there's an odd feeling that for this one moment alone, she's got too close to her subject.

But open access to his coach Eugene Bareman and comments from his parents lay out a complicated yet familiar relationship between mentors, friends and family. Clearly torn by being beaten by his parents when he was young, Adesanya bears the marks of trauma to full effect and long sequences show him undergoing therapy or talking about the effect on his life and trajectory.

Equally, the relationship with Bareman is one of both friendship, fraternal instincts and a pushy manager - but throughout the bond shines in McIntosh's examination of what makes brothers. Frank discussions are aired when needed and shine a light on a complex yet loving familial bond.

Central to all of this is Adesanya himself, unveiling layers you wouldn't expect of the almost arrogant MMA fighter in the ring. Full of puffed-up bravado and dance-led performance, his sensitive side comes more to the fore here as he reveals bullying from early days in Rotorua, his love of dancing and performance and his almost-petulant approach to fighting.

In all of this, McIntosh stitches together fight footage, weigh-in confrontations, scenes of Adesanya bigging himself up in a mirror with bon mots and assertions - it's a fascinating paradigm that's been placed on screen. And for those who know nothing about the Nigerian-born fighter beyond the headlines, it's an engrossing journey.

Crisply edited and sharply shot, McIntosh pulls together an energetic portrait of an enigmatic man, leaving a documentary that, while occasionally failing the odd insight, brings together a truly compelling and fascinating look into what makes a champion tick - their foibles, their failures and their highs.

Doctor Who: Boom: Review

Essentially a rejoinder against faith and a rebuttal of the loss felt in life, Steven Moffat's latest Doctor Who script is packed with the kind of tension and character moments that signal the show working at its best.

However, while it is let down by a deus ex machina and a sentimental ending to offset some of the bleakness, what Boom does is showcase Ncuti Gatwa at his best. 

Set on the war-torn planet of Kastarion 3, the Doctor comes running when he hears an unknown scream, and ends up stuck on a landmine about to explode if he moves any further. Placing him in one position focuses the story scope and while a few scenes take in some cursory exposition over the clerics who are fighting against forces unknown, Boom is an exercise in tension that sees Moffat rip from his own playbook.

From flirtatious tensions between seemingly opposed lovers to AI elements, you only have to look back at what Moffat's done in stories like Silence in Library to see where he's coming from.

But what sells Boom outside of its premise are the character moments between Millie Gibson's Ruby Sunday and Ncuti Gatwa's 15th Doctor. 

Whether it's her resolve not to leave him at a time when death could claim them both, or his demeanour at how events play out, both actors continual to sell the relationship of the two, no matter how few episodes there have been (and are) to play out the dynamic.

With nods to Matt Smith and Peter Capaldi the show continues to move forward while slyly looking backwards, but what Boom does is demonstrate there is a more serious side to the casual almost puerile nature of the opening episodes.

Perhaps more disconcertingly, there are several nasty swipes at faith, before deciding that having something like that is not necessarily a bad thing and that love is signified by loss as well - these are not new ideas in Doctor Who and get bandied around a lot, despite this time feeling a little more cynical and mean-spirited.

Ultimately, though Boom is perhaps the strongest episode of the season - with tension and a taut performance from both Gatwa and Gibson, and a surprise early turn from new companion to be Varada Sethu, it makes a compelling and explosive case for the series' latest iteration.

Joika: Movie Review

Cast: Talia Ryder, Diane Kruger
Director: James Napier Robertson

The Dark Horse's James Napier Robertson's take on a ballet film follows a fairly formulaic approach to storytelling. 

And in truth, this tale that follows American Joy Womack as she battles to be part of the Bolshoi Ballet offers little original in terms of trajectory and final destination.

But thanks to some magnificently helmed moments and a stunning lead performance from Never Rarely Sometimes Always' Ryder as Womack, the film transcends its roots to provide a psychological film about obsession that has more in keeping with The Novice than the inevitable comparison to Black Swan.

Ryder's Womack is under pressure to achieve in the world of dance - but it's all self-imposed, fed by a sport that's elitist. As Womack heads to Russia to reach the pinnacle of her desires, she finds herself an American in foreign lands, and one who is hounded by instructor Tatiana (Kruger, in a seemingly cruel role that opens up later on).

But as Womack approaches her dream, she finds obstacles in her way - will she make it?

Joika uses every visual and aural trick in the book to create a pinchingly painful experience. 

From the cracking of bones to Ryder's crescendo of swirling on stage, Robertson uses the camera to tell the tale of obsession, rather than pepper the dialogue with obvious exposition. Central to it all is Ryder, who acquits herself brilliantly in this tale and who, you have to wonder, may have pushed herself too far to achieve it.

Stress, fear and determination drip from the screen - and while the story may present no points for originality, its execution shows every sign of getting into the psyche of those who push themselves to the edge for their careers and dreams.

Easy to dismiss initially but hard to shake after an investment of time, Joika's bound to leave audiences dancing to its own tune - and grateful they're not on stage being made to pursue it.

Carve your legacy as Shinobi and Samurai in Assassin's Creed: Shadows

Ubisoft announced that the next installment in the Assassin’s Creed® franchise, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, will release worldwide on November 15. The game will be available on Ubisoft+*, PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, Macs with Apple silicon via the Mac App Store** as well as Windows PC through the Ubisoft Store and the Epic Games Store.  Players who subscribe to Ubisoft+ or purchase the Ultimate Edition can get the game three days early on November 12.

Led by Ubisoft Québec (Assassin’s Creed Odyssey), Assassin’s Creed Shadows will immerse players in 16th century Japan. The country is heading towards a brutal path to unification, and unrest grows as new coalitions appear and corruptive foreign influences infiltrate the land.

Players will experience the intertwined stories of Naoe, an adept shinobi Assassin from the Iga Province, and Yasuke, the powerful samurai of historical legend. Discover their personal stories, meet pivotal historical figures, and shape the duo’s common destiny as they usher in a new era for Japan.

As Naoe and Yasuke, players can master two complementary playstyles, with each character featuring their own progression paths, skills, weapon options, and stats. Whether they embrace Naoe’s stealth skills or Yasuke’s combat prowess, players will have plenty of ways to approach objectives. With Naoe, they will experience refined infiltration mechanics, using light, noise, shadows, and changing surroundings to avoid detection. With Yasuke, they will be able to take on larger groups of enemies with brutal precision.

The game will let players explore a vast open world with a variety of landscapes evolving through weather and seasons. From spectacular castle towns and bustling ports to peaceful shrines and pastoral landscapes, feudal Japan comes to life with unprecedented dynamism built from the ground up with the latest version of Anvil engine and the power of new-gen consoles.

In this troubled period, information is key and will be at the heart of the renewed exploration mechanics. Players will build their own spy network to unveil new areas and hunt down targets. Allies with highly specialized skills and abilities can also be recruited to help during missions. The creation of their own customisable hideout will enable players to enhance their network and train their new crew. From base building and layout to decorations and accessories, they will be able to craft a unique place to call home.

The standard edition of the game will be available here for a price of AU$109.95 on new-gen platforms and AU$99.95 on PC and Macs with Apple silicon via the Mac App Store. Additionally, fans pre-ordering Assassin’s Creed Shadows will receive an additional quest for any pre-ordered edition. The Gold, Ultimate, and Collector’s Editions of Assassin’s Creed Shadows have also been announced:

·        The Gold Edition will include the base game, the Season Pass (including a bonus quest with additional unlockable content as well as two upcoming expansions) and 3 days early access to the game.

·        The Ultimate Edition will include the base game, the Season Pass, the Ultimate Pack and 3 days early access to the game. The Ultimate Pack will contain the Sekiryu Character Pack (Naoe and Yasuke outfit and weapon, trinket and mount), the Sekiryu Hideout Pack, 5 Skill points and a Red and black photo mode filter.

·        The Collector’s Edition will include the base game, the Season Pass, the Ultimate Pack, physical content and 3 days early access to the game. The physical content will be a Steelbook, the World map, Naoe & Yasuke Figurine, life-size Naoe's Katana Tsuba, a Wall Creed Scroll, an 84 pages collector's artbook and 2 sumi-e lithographs.

The first gameplay trailer will be revealed in June.

The Holdovers: Blu Ray Review

Cast: Paul Giamatti, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Dominic Sessa
Director: Alexander Payne

The Holdovers is a classic in the making.

With a premise that begins like a sort of Breakfast Club update (5 boys are made to stay behind at a 1970s prep school during Christmas under the curmudgeonly eye of a joyless teacher), The Holdovers could easily be dismissed.

But within moments, the film's easy charms become apparent, and its whimsical warmth and smart humour kicks in. 

Giamatti plays professor Paul Hunham, a brutal tutor who doesn't have time for his presumed spoiled students and the college staff; Sessa plays the obstreperous Angus, who believes he's about to escape for the holidays but is let down at the last moment and Only Murders in the Building star Randolph, plays Mary, the college cook who has just recently lost her son to the Vietnam war.

When all three are forced to spend time at Barton Academy, it's no surprise what happens to them all, nor does Payne care to deviate from the obvious cliches of where the story could - and indeed does - go.

But that's not to dismiss The Holdovers in the slightest.

If anything, after reuniting with his Sideways star Giamatti in what will undoubtedly be an Oscar-nominated role, The Holdovers makes a great fist of examining relationships and grief in all stages of life. From Hunham's denial that he's stuck, through to Mary's abject grief at her still-raw loss via Angus' punkish misplaced anger at everyone and everything, The Holdovers becomes a metaphor for stasis and being shocked out of it.

Yet, it's also acutely funny as well. Hunham's cantankerous verbosity is beautifully realised by Giamatti who has the kind of sadsack appearance in this that's perfect for conveying what's needed. 

As the gradual sadness between the professor and Angus is brought to the surface, Payne does nothing orginal to convey it, and does nothing to overegg it either. In truth, it's the previous 2 hours of the film that have managed to cast a compassionate lense over their lives and leave the audience caring for this core trio of characters.

The Holdovers is one of those films where nothing major happens, but everything changes within the course of its unspooling. As a result, don't be surprised if you fall hard for it.

The Beekeeper: Blu Ray Review

Cast: Jason Statham, Josh Hutcherson, Jeremy Irons, Emmy Raver-Lampman
Director: David Ayer

While beginning like an extended ad warning of the perils of scam sites and clicking on wrongful links on your computer, David Ayer's The Beekeeper soon reveals its shoddy action intentions.

When Statham's Adam Clay finds out the woman who rented him land to keep his bees has committed suicide after being caught in an online scam, he vows one man revenge and sets about burning down the world of those who burned down his friend's world.

But with the FBI in pursuit, and with Clay discovering there is more to the infestation than he first thought, his one man campaign threatens to overturn more than he could have ever believed.

Admittedly pulpy and OTT in parts, The Beekeeper works in some of its action sequences (and one particularly brutal fight toward the end) but on all other levels, it's risible fare.

With laugh out loud dialogue that sees plenty of characters espousing their horror that Clay is just a beekeeper who's trying to protect the hive, and with one on his tail taking the philosophy and ethos of beekeeping from a manual, the film tries to lean too heavily on the symbolic and actually feels like a film in search of some kind of meaning it's too thick-headed to even grasp.

If you're willing to suspend your disbelief there are moments that The Beekeeper works. Given Statham's propensity for action films and his continued presence within fight sequences, there's a grittiness to proceedings that allows for the crunching of bones, the offing of bad guys and the idea of one man outwitting everyone despite being monotone and invulnerable to feel almost plausible at times.

But The Beekeeper never leans into those intentions, preferring instead to go po-faced and feel restrained rather than fully embracing what it really is at heart - a poor man's Wrath of Man set within a scam system.

There's little buzz about The Beekeeper despite well choreographed action sequences, and it's more than inevitable you'll end up being stung by how bad it actually is in parts. Statham feels at times like he's phoning it in rather than imbuing his Terminator-like character with any kind of charisma.

The most frustrating thing about The Beekeeper is the potential that's wasted here - it could have been more than what it was; instead it's an occasionally competent action film that buzzes and subsequently irritates.

Trolls: Band Together: Blu Ray Review

Cast: Justin Timberlake, Anna Kendrick, Eric Andre, Amy Schumer, Andrew Rannells
Director: Walt Dohrn, Tim Heitz

With some shameless puns, a hyperactive sparkle and a jukebox full of music, Trolls: Band Together knows exactly what it's doing - and does it with reasonable aplomb.

When Poppy (Kendrick, endlessly hyper) discovers Branch (Timberlake) was part of her favourite boyband Brozone, she's shocked. But things get worse when Branch is approached by a former member John Dory (Andre) and told Brozone member Floyd is in danger thanks to new pop sensations Velvet and Veneer (Schumer and Rannells).

Setting out on a rescue mission to reunite Brozone and save Floyd, Poppy and Branch must dig into their family pasts to save the day.

Trolls: Band Together is a film that simply goes for nostalgia - whether it's on the music front with its montage mixes of songs by Lizzo, Dolly Parton and Sister Sledge or whether it's down to the fact the Trolls series goes back to basics, the film's keen to hit all the right (auto-tuned) notes as it plays out.

Eschewing some of the formulaic but also heading into psychedelia overload thanks to its colour scheme and trippy visuals, Trolls: Band Together is a candy-covered confestion that manages to make a case for the franchise continuing. 

At a little shy of 90 minutes, there's no sign that this one feels like the series is outstaying its welcome, but creatively, it all leads up to a shameful marketing ploy for N'Sync's latest film and a feeling that the shine may be coming off the Trolls the next time unless they radically reinvent the perenially popular formula which is in danger of becoming safe and stale.

Silent Night: Blu Ray Review

Cast: Joel Kinnaman, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Kid Cudi

Director: John Woo

It would take a cinematic simpleton to bet against the outcome of Silent Night, a revenge movie about a man seeking justice after his son is accidentally killed by a stray gang member's bullet in suburbia.

With its trademark John Woo slow-mo shots and extreme violence in parts, Silent Night has all the hallmarks of an 80s revenge thriller. But what marks Silent Night out is its use of sound from its mute protagonist. It's less a film, more an extended tease with the heightened anticipation of a showdown.

Beginning with a slowed down shot of a Christmas-jumpered Godlock (Kinnaman) chasing after the cars who wreaked havoc on his domestic bliss, Silent Night ends with a shock as the protagonist is shot in the throat rendering him mute.

It's a clever touch that instantly rids most of the movie of the usual cliched trappings of revenge movie dialogue (which, let's face it, is never the most nuanced) and frees the film to concentrate on its physicality instead. 

As a result, Kinnaman's thrust into the spotlight in various training montages, some close quarter combat and some frustrated reflections on life snatched brutally away. But the film is more a balletic dance through depression and destruction as tightly choreographed fight scenes propel the film along.

Its soundscapes and OST do much of the heavy lifting, but fight sequences feel real, painful and carry an unusual emotional heft.

Just occasionally, there's the feeling the concept is creaking under the atmospheric execution, but given the novelty factor helping to kick some ass when needed, Silent Night provides some welcome escapism from the usual action movie fare to concentrate more on their emotional devastation wrought by grief, loss and revenge.