What's on Neon in December

Here's everything that's streaming on Neon in December.

Murder Is Easy Season 1 (December 18)

A star-studded cast feature in this gripping Agatha Christie  classic. One death is a tragedy – are four deaths a crime? 

Nothing is what it seems in a deceptively sleepy English village. 

Stars: David Jonsson, Penelope Wilton, Mark Bonnar 

Bookie Season 2 (4pm, December 13)

A veteran bookie struggles to survive the impending legalisation of sports gambling, some increasingly unstable relationships, and a lifestyle that bounces him around every corner of Los Angeles. 

Stars: Sebastian Maniscalco, Omar Dorsey, Andrea Anders, Vanessa Ferlito, Jorge Garcia, Maxim Swinton, Charlie Sheen 

The Big Brunch Season 1 (December 4)

Created and hosted by Dan Levy (Schitt’s Creek), this delectable cooking competition gives 10 talented chefs the opportunity to share their culinary skills… through brunch! 

Gremlins: Secret of the Mogwai (December 6)

1920s Shanghai, 10-year-old Sam and his friend Elle go on an epic adventure to return the Mogwai Gizmo back home to the lush and perilous Valley of Jade. An animated prequel to the original Gremlins. 

Stars: Izaac Wang, Gabrielle Nevaeh Green, B.D. Wong, Ming-Na Wen, James Hong, Simu Liu, George Takei 

THE CAPTURE S1-2 (December 9)

In this mystery thriller, ambitious DI Rachel Carey unravels a complex web of lies, as she investigates the case of a British solder that unravels into a conspiracy involving surveillance, misinformation, and video manipulation. 

Stars: Holliday Grainger, Callum Turner (Fantastic Beasts), Ben Miles (The Crown), Laura Haddock, Barry Ward 

TREADSTONE S1 (December 15)

From the world of Jason Bourne, having first created the eponymous super-spy, the Treadstone Project turns its attention on a new protocol to develop unstoppable superhuman assassins around 

Rose Matafeo: On and On and On (December 21)

BAFTA-nominated, Billy T Award-winning Kiwi comedian Rose Matafeo (Starstruck) returns for her second stand-up special, filmed at London’s Britten Theatre. Building her hour-long set around a 16,000-word note kept over time on her phone, Matafeo leans into her insightful and self-deprecating humour to share candid takes on relationships – from dating in her 20s vs. 30s, to supporting friends through breakups, and the stark differences between herself and her parents at the same age. She explores if she wants children, how aging has impacted her comedy, and her strong feelings about online relationship coaching. 

MOVIES

Arcadian (December 1)

Paul and his twin teenage sons, Thomas and Joseph live on a decimated Earth. When night falls, ferocious creatures awaken and consume all living souls in their path. When Thomas doesn’t return before sunset, Paul must leave the safety of their fortified farm to find and bring him back home. 

Stars: Nicholas Cage, Maxwell Jenkins, Jaeden Martell 

Dune Part Two (December 12)

The saga continues as Paul Atreides unites with Chani and the Fremen on a path of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. He must face a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the unknown universe. 

Stars: Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya , Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Dave Bautista, Christopher Walken 

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (December 19)

When the discovery of an ancient artefact unleashes an evil force, Ghostbusters new and old must join forces to save the world from a second ice age. 

Stars: Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard, McKenna Grace, Kumail Nanjiani, Patton Oswalt, Ernie Hudson, Annie Potts 

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (December 26)

The almighty Kong and the fearsome Godzilla face a colossal threat hidden deep within the planet, challenging their very existence – and our own. 

Stars: Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, Dan Stevens, Kaylee Hottle, Alex Ferns, Fala 

Black Friday tech gift guide 2024

With Black Friday sales and Christmas 2024 on the way, many will be looking at tech gifts for friends and family.

These are just a few recommendations for what could be good gifts for Black Friday and Christmas for tech lovers.

JBL Soundgear Frames

Wearable tech that are also sunglasses, these light on your face stylish frames mixes both the best for your ears and also your eyes. Equipped with speakers on both of the arms, the audio glasses represent something that's more personal for you, but something which allows you to appreciate your surroundings as well. Everything's customisable as usual via the JBL app, meaning you can get the best of what you need.

GuliKit KK3 Max

Handheld controllers these days seem to be a dime a dozen, with most offering the basics to replace a general controller and do little else. But with the design resembling that of a Xbox controller, the Max is mainly designed with PC gaming in mind, but works equally as well with a Nintendo Switch. Lightweight and sleek in design, the controller is exceptionally easy to pair to a machine of choice. A simple depression of the pairing button and selection of settings on your device of choice and a few seconds later you're away.

JBL Clip 5

The Clip 5 is a speaker that looks like a padlock in some ways, but locks in decent sound while doing the basics. Its Bluetooth capability works well and quickly, and with a 12-hour battery life, this larger speaker certainly has the base level requirements more than ticked off. It's intended to be a static device to be listened to, but also one to be used on the go with sound quality being good. Slightly better is the JBL Go 4, a sturdy portable speaker that offers robust sound and a quality that's hard to deny.

Amazon Echo Show 5

This is the smallest Alexa-powered Echo smart display with a five-inch screen, making it perfect for the bedroom or kitchen. With a cheaper price and the option to add video into a compact display, the Amazon Echo Show 5's pristine screen is readable in night mode, and compact enough to sit anywhere you want in the house. It's the little things like the ability to show photos off while on standby in a slideshow that just gives it the edge over competitors - particularly when it comes to personalising the device and making it feel part of your home, rather than just a piece of tech that happens to live there.

Technics AZ80 Flagship Noise-Cancelling True Wireless Headphones

The Technics range's flagship earbuds are designed for all day comfort, and an easy fit in the ears. But it's the noise-cancelling aspects of the buds that make them an important purchase. With seven different tips included in the package and a sleek design, and an option to isolate sound for calls, these earbuds more than solidify their place in a crowded marketplace. 

Amazon Echo Spot

With the Amazon Echo Spot, the company's made a strong argument for the return of the bedside clock by piling more than just time-telling into a handy and compact device. With a speaker and crystal-clear display, the Echo Spot's place in the future is assured, and Amazon's swift kick up the backside of any other clock combinations is a welcome one. Whilst it can't play video or connect to the Ring doorbells, its speaker offers crisp clear audio that's more than enjoyable enough and also loud enough to neatly fill up the airspace of any bedroom.

Logitech Pro X Superlight 2 Dex

With its light feel and speed of response, the cumbersomely titled Pro X Superlight 2 Dex wireless gaming mouse is about one thing - ensuring that your continual use of this technology feels responsive and easy to use. Sleek and sophisticated in its design (although potentially a little chunkier looking than most of its ilk out there) the taller body gives it some height on a desk. But that's no bad thing given how you soon become used to the device around you and how natural it feels in the hand.

The Sticky: Review

There's much to admire in Prime Video's The Sticky, a fictitious retelling of the great Canadian maple syrup heist which saw a group steal millions of dollars worth of stuff from the stockpiles held by the country.

But equally, there's also a distinct feeling The Sticky could have been more and it's certainly frustrating this 6 episode, 30 minute series feels like it unnecessarily delivers an anti-climactic ending and somehow derails the event it's been leading up to.

A ferocious Margo Martindale plays Ruth Landry, a syrup farmer forced to take over the operation after her husband fell and went into a coma. Threatened with the closure of her business by the corrupt head of the Quebec Maple Association, Ruth fights back felling one of her trees and taking it on a demolition derby through town, before smashing it through the association's door.

Equally frustrated is security guard Remy Bouchard (Guillaume Cyr) who keeps a watchful eye over the massive warehouse that has been housing the syrup. Stealing a barrel a month for 3 months, Remy is on to an idea how to wreak revenge on those who'd belittle him - but he just needs some collaborators.

Step forward Bostonian mobster Mike Byrne (Chris Diamantopoulos) who's also looking for a big score...

The Sticky's roots lie in the Fargo-esque crime-comedy genre it treads lightly in. But being afraid to go full-bore into the tropes means the series feels slight where it shouldn't and leaves it somewhat floundering in its identity. Pratfalls in the snow, and caustic one-liners sit alongside an unsaid tragedy in the oppression of the underdogs.

And make no mistake, it is an underdog tale in extremis, albeit one that offers vicarious pleasures.

While the 30 minute episode durations feel like a welcome relief in a sea of hour-long crime dramas, weirdly it also leaves the show floundering in its final two episodes with a finale that feels unusually flat and anything but a perfect payoff to what's transpired.

Martindale, Diamantopoulos and Cyr make great bedfellows as the trio and each relishes their moment in the sun. But the scripts fail them slightly and while the end hints at more to come (a mid-credits tease scene hints at darker edges), it may be this black dramedy needs to decide which side of the fence it's on - and fully embrace it for its own good.

The Sticky begins streaming on Prime Video from December 6. 

Moana 2: Movie Review

Cast: Auli'i Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Rose Matafeo, Dave Fane, Awhimai Fraser, Alan Tudyk, Temuera Morrison

Director: David G Derrick Jr, Jason Hand, Dana Ledoux Miller

In the way that The Empire Strikes Back chose to be a darker sequel than its initial lighter first outing, Moana 2 strives for more cloudy sailings for the titular wayfaring heroine.

But unfortunately, the darker edges are purely represented by the animated colour palette rather than a narrative theme.

This time around Auli'i Cravalho's Moana is on a mission in uncharted waters after saving her island from an environmental disaster. Looking for other societies, she discovers proof they're out there, and returns home to a vision that shows her the way to where she needs to go.

Gathering together a ragtag crew, Moana sets out - in a collision course with both danger and a reunion with Dwayne Johnson's demi-god Maui.

There's much in the visuals of Moana 2 that impresses.

Whereas the coral clear blues and topaz have been jettisoned in favour of darker waters, purples and stormy greys, the story, with its message of togetherness and reuniting races, feels rote and underwhelming.

Again, much like the 2016 film, there's a deep appreciation of cultural significance, traditions and myths, but this time around, it largely feels like an episodic storyline that draws from the roots of the proposed Disney+ series rather than a fuller filmic sequel.

The quest storyline is solid enough and the likes of Rose Matafeo and Dave Fane impress in their respective roles, but a lack of a strong villain and a definite sense of purpose leaves the film floundering in waters that are clearly in place for a set up for future installments than a clear sequel tale.

Equally disappointing are the songs. This time around, many feel formulaic and lacking in the strength and life of the first (although the bar was set extremely high) - with perhaps only Maui's Can I Get a Cheehoo being the one that will be lodged in the brain after the lights have gone up.

While the movie's perfectably serviceable for fans of the not-Disney princess desperate to revisit that world, it doesn't seem poised for domination in perhaps the ways the first did. Its structural issues compete with its heroine and hero's energetic and vibrant performances.

Moana 2 is not exactly lost at sea - but it does feel like it's sadly lacking a definitive course and in need of a narrative correction for future installments hinted at in its denouement and mid-credits scene. 

Longlegs: DVD Review

Cast: Maika Monroe, Blair Underwood, Nicolas Cage, Alicia Witt
Director: Oz Perkins

Potentially the victim of its own incredible trailer campaign, writer / director Oz Perkins' weirdly unsettling Longlegs won't be for everyone.

With its quirks, occasional crash cuts and potential desire to show it all early on (needless to say more of its potentially polarising finale), the elevated horror's movie seems to be more about singular moments than an entire whole.

Monroe is rookie FBI agent Lee Harker, who appears to share some kind of connection with a cultist serial killer called Longlegs (Cage, in some kind of prosthetics heavy homage to Justin Hawkins of The Darkness, T-Rex's Marc Bolan and Heath Ledger's Joker) who has killed 10 families over 30 years - despite never being seen at their homes.

So, with deadlines creeping in until his next potential kill, and deemed a "half[-psychic" Harker is assigned the case....but finds her past may hold the key to what's happening.

Longlegs thrives on an atmosphere of unease, its story drip fed over a series of parts rather than one continual narrative.

Perkins' desire to shoot scenes from afar and on angles leads to a feeling of upending expectations and a desire to keep audiences unsure about what's going on. But with homages to Manhunter and Silence of the Lambs - former US President Bill Clinton's visage looms large in many FBI-set scenes - Longlegs struggles to remove itself from the shadows of its forebears.

Equally, Cage's performance benefits more from the adage of "don't show, tell" and the ultimate reveal of the creepy character feels like a formative let down for the narrative. While it may perhaps be a victim of its own hype, Perkins' film delivers some requisite jump scares in a fairly new way; but its resolution feels more head-scratching than terrifying.

It's more interested in rug-pulling, in depriving the senses (Monroe's FBI Agent says she's suffering from insomnia, and every line of her visage demonstrably points to it) and just trying to unsettle you - but Longlegs is a singular experience, destined for cult love rather than widespread fervent admiration.

Gloomy, grey, washed out and haunting, Longlegs may have a muddled denouement and a desire to not go further but its journey towards resolution is one that greatly benefits from Monroe's performance and will provoke reaction once the lights finally go up.

Blink Twice: Blu Ray Review

Cast: Naomi Ackie, Channing Tatum, Alia Shawkat, Adria Arjona, Christian Slater, Haley Joel Osment, Geena Davis
Director: Zoë Kravitz

A psychological thriller that's deeply unsettling in parts and reminiscent of both Jordan Peele's Get Out and Us, first-time director Zoë Kravitz delivers a story that will remain with you long after the lights have gone up - even if you don't like yourself for doing so.

Ackie is the down-on-her-luck Frida, a cocktail waitress with an infatuation to disgraced tech mogul Slater King (Tatum, charm and sinister in equal measure). When King apologises steps down from his company due to some vague abuse of power accusations, Frida and her friend Jess (Shawkat) attend a swanky event in his honour.

Sensing an attraction, the pair are invited to King's private island, a place where he claims he will spend his penitence in therapy. Initially unsure, the pair join the island's bacchanal, overdosing on never-ending champagne, drugs and prestige food. But when Jess disappears and nobody seems to notice, Frida finds her paradise soon becoming a nightmare.

Blink Twice is a captivating debut, that's reminiscent in part of the unfolding unease of the likes of Get Out, but also The Menu. Kravitz loads the directorial deck with quick cut shots of opulence and extravagance, layering on a soundscape that ratchets up every single moment with unease.

It may be a deeply unoriginal critique in parts for many but given the parallels with current US politics and life in general, it's not unintentional that Kravitz once again pushes a message that depressingly needs to be constantly relaid. The clues are there in the opening moments, from the seemingly sincere but doubtlessly hollow apology to the reasoning for the stepdown - it's an aggressively familiar trope that Kravitz more than lays her stamp on.

Ackie is impressive, along with Arjona later on in the film - both commanding presences for different reasons. Certainly, Ackie's demand that she no longer be invisible has much societal emphasis on the position of a black woman in a white man's world - and while some will slam the obvious nature of the message, Ackie's to be commended for imbuing her Frida with aspirations that feel real and achievable.

There's much to be said about Tatum's performance too, though currently that goes too far into spoiler territory for now. But needless to say the effortless charisma deployed to maximum effect early on makes later events feel more gut-wrenching than anything.

But Blink Twice is Kravitz's film. From close ups on actors that make for disorienting moments, to an otherworldly nature that oozes through much of Blink Twice, she's clearly in control of her destiny - even in the film's final horror stages.

Blink Twice may not have a new message to tell, and may really add its fuel to the pantheon of disgust in a post MeToo world, but when the message is as thrillingly presented as this, it's well worth dining out on.

Anora: Movie Review

Cast: Mikey Madison, Mark Eydelshteyn, Karren Karagulian, Yura Borisov, Vache Tovmasyan
Director: Sean Baker

Sean Baker continues his predilection for characters in industries or lifestyles usually vilified by outsiders in this entertaining, if occasionally unwieldly, film about a Cinderella tale.

Russian-American exotic dancer Anora (Madison, a breakout performance), who prefers to be known as Ani, is working in a local club in New York, when she's asked to "look after" the young Vanya (Eydelshteyn) for the night.

Seemingly drowning in cash, Vanya asks Ani to be exclusive to him for a week during New Year's and whisks her away to a luxurious mansion, endless drinks and continual parties. One thing leads to another, and the pair end up in a whirlwind marriage in Vegas. But when Vanya's absentee Russian parents find out, they send a group to ensure the nuptials are annulled.

Elements of Keystone Cops and general broad stereotyped comedy follow in Anora, and while it's perhaps here the movie begins to feel some of its bloat and sag as the belittled Ani and her "captors" traipse round Brooklyn at night looking for the errant Vanya, it never settles for anything less from its protagonist.

Madison delivers the kind of performance that you can't look away from here. Equal parts spiky, vitriolic, angry and vulnerable as the girl whose dream is slipping away from her, she could easily have made the role the kind of cliche one would expect from a sex worker. But crafting the role with Baker's eye for humanism in such circumstances and also giving plenty of heart and humanity to her plight, Madison's anything but a wide-eyed naif as she tackles everything that's thrown in her way. 

And while some of the comedy of the goons trying to find their lost charge grates occasionally, Baker manages to keep things on the right side of unexpectedly funny as he winds his way through some gorgeously shot nighttime vistas.

There's heartbreak and hope in equal measure through this, much like many of Baker's other films such as The Florida Project and Red Rocket. But what's most prominent about Anora is its lead actress. Make no mistake, Madison's destined for greater things.

Ultimate Ears Miniroll Review

Retailing at around $130 for a portable speaker, Ultimate Ears Miniroll is a bit of an ask, given there are similar devices on the market that offer perhaps a little more for the package.

But to say it's basic is to dismiss it perhaps unfairly in some ways.

Lacking a charging cord in the package (the fact you'll need to get your own USB-C charging cord is nothing short of criminal) and missing a companion app as well, it seems like the odds are particularly against the speaker early on. 

But taking it out of the package and getting it going almost allays some of those initial disappointments. 

Quick to pair across Bluetooth, this light speaker, that fits inside the palm of your hand, packs a veritable oomph given its compact nature. 

Yet that comes with its downsides too - while the Miniroll is good on the bass levels, its circular nature means it vibrates repeatedly to the beat being pumped out. That led to it toppling a few times during the opening of New Order's Blue Monday thanks to the fact that outside of the strap attached to it, there's no way for it to support itself.

Measuring only around 4.83 inches and weighing just shy of 10 ounces, this speaker works on the compact scale - and does certainly support some of the beefier sound when it's turned up higher. But having to control everything through a phone can be a bit of a burden at times. 

While the external design has little to no bells and whistles (a USB port and a pairing and power button on the side are all), this speaker feels pretty nice to handle and can easily blend in around an event or an outside party. Placing at one end of the house and turning it up from the other works a treat too - with the sound pouring out. Though that comes with the caveat of needing the speaker to be hung from its plastic strap to ensure it doesn't fall over.

A lack of an app means purists won't get the thrill of tweaking things to perfection - but if you're after a decent sound for around 12 hours of battery life that doesn't bring much else to the party, then you can't really go wrong with the Ultimate Ears Miniroll.

It's one of those portable speakers that really does just what it says on the tin. Maybe a few more bells and whistles would make it a little more essential, but it's impressive enough for what it is. 

Amazon Kindle 11th Generation review

Over the years, the Kindle has been quietly trundling away in the background, largely replaced by the smartphone as the number one choice of reading devices for those on the go.

But rather than back down from the continued smartphone push, Amazon has doubled down releasing four new Kindles to take on the market in the run up to Christmas.

But what's most noticeable about the new Gen 11 Kindle (the 16GB version of which has been tested for this review) is just how small and light it is, in comparison to the more bulky e-readers that there used to be.

On the plus side, that makes this infinitely more portable (and it's recommended that if you're a reader on the go, a cover to protect it is needed). With a 6 inch glare-free display, the screen makes you feel like you're reading a book rather than staring at yet another device and trying to avoid the sun with it.

Hitting a 300 pixels per inch high resolution, there's enough on display to be seen, but while you can't adjust the warmth like other devices, the clear-cut reading material is easy to master within. And power's not an issue either, given the device itself has a long battery life and with only a USB-C needed to charge it, there's not an over-reliance on cords and cables to keep going.

It's in the simplicity that the Amazon Kindle 11th Generation tends to win. 

While set-up's relatively easy and the browsing of the library is equally easy, the device's propulsion to get you to use it as a reader is its secret weapon. Rather than bundling people up in plenty of click here, go there ideas, the commitment to just letting you read is the bonus, if you don't fancy handling a massive book.

Perhaps the only downside is, bizarrely, its size - it doesn't feel like it sits as comfortably in your hand as say a book does and while that may be a bugbear for some readers who prefer their older methods of viewing, it's a bonus for those of us who have to commute and don't want to be endlessly scrolling on phones.

The Amazon eco-system is also easy to navigate and the Kindle app makes life easier than you'd expect - all in all, this e-reader is a shot in the arm for the tech and against its competitors.

With an affordable entry price point and plenty of space for thousands of books, the Amazon Kindle 11th Generation definitely is something you should be considering for the upcoming festive period as a gift - it works easily and will make reading on the go a lot easier than it's been for years.

Alien: Earth: First details revealed

Disney+ unveiled the new key art and teaser for the highly anticipated Original series, FX’s “Alien: Earth” from creator Noah Hawley. “Alien: Earth” is set to stream exclusively on Disney+ in 2025 in New Zealand.

When a mysterious space vessel crash-lands on Earth, a young woman and a ragtag group of tactical soldiers make a fateful discovery that puts them face-to-face with the planet’s greatest threat in the sci-fi horror series “Alien: Earth.” As members of the crash recovery crew search for survivors among the wreckage, they encounter mysterious predatory life forms more terrifying than they could have ever imagined. With this new threat unlocked, the search crew must fight for survival and what they choose to do with this discovery could change planet Earth as they know it.

 
Lead by Sydney Chandler, the series showcases an expansive international cast which includes Alex Lawther, Timothy Olyphant, Essie Davis, Samuel Blenkin, Babou Ceesay, David Rysdahl, Adrian Edmondson, Adarsh Gourav, Jonathan Ajayi, Erana James, Lily Newmark, Diem Camille and Moe Bar-El.

Robust parental controls ensure that Disney+ remains a suitable viewing experience for everyone in the family. Subscribers can set access limits on mature content and create PIN-protected profiles alongside the already existing Junior Mode profiles to give parents and guardians peace of mind.

What's on Disney+ in December

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

Dream Productions (December 11)

Pixar Animation Studios’ all-new series “Dream Productions” returns to Riley’s mind, where dreams really do come true—every night, on time and on budget. Check out the new trailer, images and key art, which are available to download and share. Taking place in between the events of “Inside Out” and “Inside Out 2,” all four episodes of the limited series come to the streamer beginning Dec. 11, 2024. Riley is growing up and when her memories need some extra processing, Joy and the rest of the Core Emotions send them to Dream Productions. Acclaimed director Paula Persimmon (voice of Paula Pell) faces a nightmare of her own: Trying to create the next hit dream after being paired up with Xeni (voice of Richard Ayoade), a smug daydream director looking to step up into the big leagues of night dreams.

Also featuring the voices of Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph, Ally Maki, Kensington Tallman, Liza Lapira, Tony Hale, Lewis Black and Phyllis Smith, the hilarious, mockumentary-style series is written and directed by Mike Jones and produced by Jaclyn Simon. Featuring score by composer Nami Melumad.

3 December

Skeleton Crew

Disney+ Original Series Premiere

Starring: Jude Law "Skeleton Crew" tells the story of four kids searching for their home planet after getting lost in the Star Wars galaxy, and the strange aliens and dangerous places they encounter on their adventure.

11 December

Dream Productions

Disney+ Original Series Premiere

Taking place in between the events of “Inside Out” and “Inside Out 2” is “Dream Productions,” an all-new series about the studio inside Riley’s mind where dreams really do come true—every night, on time and on budget. Riley is growing up and when her memories need some extra processing, Joy and the rest of the Core Emotions send them to Dream Productions. Acclaimed director Paula Persimmon (voice of Paula Pell) faces a nightmare of her own: trying to create the next hit dream after being paired up with Xeni (voice of Richard Ayoade), a smug daydream director looking to step up into the big leagues of night dreams. Pixar Animation Studios’ hilarious, mockumentary-style series is written and directed by Mike Jones and produced by Jaclyn Simon.

13 December

Elton John: Never Too Late

Disney+ Premiere

Directed by R.J. Cutler and David Furnish, the documentary follows Elton John as he looks back on his life and the astonishing early days of his 50-year career in this emotionally charged, intimate and uplifting full-circle journey. As he prepares for his final concert in North America at Dodger Stadium, Elton takes us back in time and recounts the extraordinary highs and heartbreaking lows of his early years and how he overcame adversity, abuse and addiction to become the icon he is today.

22 December

What If...?: Season 3

Disney+ Original Series Premiere

Marvel’s animated series “What If...?” returns in Season 3 for its culminating adventure through the multiverse. Watch as classic characters make unexpected choices that will mutate their worlds into spectacular alternate versions of the MCU. The Watcher (voice of Jeffrey Wright) will guide viewers as the series traverses new genres, bigger spectacles, and incredible new characters.

Also in December…

3 December

Star Original

International

Jung Kook: I Am Still - The Original

4 December

Disney+ Original

International

Los Montaner: Season 2

Star Original

International

Light Shop

Series

Mickey and Minnie's Christmas Carols

10 December

Movies

Sugarcane

11 December

Star Original

Vow of Silence: The Assassination of Annie Mae

13 December

Disney+ Original

Invisible

17 December

Series

The Simpsons: O C'mon All Ye Faithful

Movies

Blink

20 December

Star Original

Ilana Glazer: Human Magic

27 December

Movies

John Williams in Tokyo

New Episodes

The Simpsons: Season 36 New episodes Wednesdays

FX's What We Do in the Shadows: Season 6 New episodes weekly on Wednesdays, finale 17 December

Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War: Season 3 New episodes weekly on Sundays

Marvel's Spidey and his Amazing Friends: Season 3 1 x new episode 11 December

Return to Las Sabinas 5 x new episodes weekly from Monday- Friday

The Fiery Priest: Season 2 2 x new episodes weekly on Saturdays and Sundays, finale 15 December

SuperKitties: Season 2 3 x new episodes 11 December

ZOMBIES: The Re-Animated Series 9 x new episodes 18 December

What's on Netflix in December

Here's everything streaming on Netflix in December.

SQUID GAME: SEASON 2

Premieres on December 26, 2024 

Heralding the return of the worldwide hit, a new chapter unfolds as Gi-hun comes back with an agenda, having given up on leaving for the US.

Starring: Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Wi Ha-jun, Gong Yoo, Yim Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Park Gyu-young, Lee Jin-uk, Park Sung-hoon, Yang Dong-geun, Kang Ae-sim, Lee David, Choi Seung-hyun, Roh Jae-won, Jo Yu-ri, Won Ji-an

Country of Origin: South Korea

A NONSENSE CHRISTMAS WITH SABRINA CARPENTER

Premieres on December 6, 2024 

Pop icon Sabrina Carpenter jingles all the bells in her first-ever variety music special full of Christmas hits, unexpected duets and comedic cameos.

Starring: Sabrina Carpenter

BLACK DOVES

Premieres on December 5, 2024 

When a spy posing as a politician's wife learns her lover has been murdered, an old assassin friend joins her on a quest for truth — and vengeance.

Starring: Keira Knightley, Ben Whishaw, Sarah Lancashire, Andrew Buchan, Adeel Akhtar, Tracey Ullman

PAPER DOLLS: SEASON 1

Premieres on December 1, 2024 

In 1999, an all-girl pop group formed on reality TV navigates intense infighting and corporate control for a shot at stardom.

Starring: Emalia, Miah Madden, Courtney Clarke, Naomi Sequeira, Courtney Monsma, Emma Booth, Thomas Cocquerel, Ditch Davey

CHURCHILL AT WAR

Premieres on December 4, 2024 

This captivating docuseries examines Winston Churchill's pivotal role in World War II and the formative events that made him an ideal leader for the era.

THAT CHRISTMAS

Premieres on December 4, 2024 

It's an unforgettable Christmas for the townsfolk of Wellington-on-Sea when the worst snowstorm in history alters everyone's plans — including Santa's.

Starring: Brian Cox, Fiona Shaw, Jodie Whittaker, Lolly Adefope, Alex Macqueen, Katherine Parkinson, Sindu Vee, India Brown, Zazie Hayhurst, Sienne Sayer, Jack Wisniewski

QUEER EYE: SEASON 9

Premieres on December 11, 2024 

The Fab Five welcome a new member as they head to Vegas to transform more inspiring heroes with makeovers that dazzle like the neon-lit Strip.

Starring: Antoni Porowski, Bobby Berk, Jonathan Van Ness, Tan France, Karamo Brown

DUNE: PART TWO

Premieres on December 12, 2024 

Paul Atreides unites with Chani and the Fremen to seek revenge against those who destroyed his family, leading to a struggle for power and spice.

Starring: Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Dave Bautista, Christopher Walken, Léa Seydoux, Stellan Skarsgård

NO GOOD DEED

Premieres on December 12, 2024 

The sale of Paul and Lydia's picture-perfect LA home forces them to face painful family secrets — and hide them from prying eyes and cutthroat buyers.

Starring: Lisa Kudrow, Ray Romano, Linda Cardellini, Abbi Jacobson, Matt Rogers, Luke Wilson

CARRY-ON

Premieres on December 13, 2024 

An airport security agent races to outsmart a mysterious traveler who blackmails him into letting a dangerous item slip onto a Christmas Eve flight.

Starring: Taron Egerton, Jason Bateman, Sofia Carson, Danielle Deadwyler, Sinqua Walls, Logan Marshall-Green, Theo Rossi, Josh Brener, Dean Norris, Tonatiuh, Curtiss Cook, Joe Williamson, Gil Perez-Abraham

VIRGIN RIVER: SEASON 6

Premieres on December 19, 2024 

New beginnings, uncovered secrets and second thoughts: As Mel and Jack prepare for the wedding, they learn more about each other — and their loved ones.

Starring: Alexandra Breckenridge, Martin Henderson, Tim Matheson, Annette O’Toole, Colin Lawrence, Benjamin Hollingsworth, Zibby Allen, Sarah Dugdale, Marco Grazzini

NFL ON BOXING DAY: BALTIMORE RAVENS VS. HOUSTON TEXANS FT BEYONCÉ HALFTIME SHOW

LIVE on December 26, 2024 @ 8:30AM AEDT 

The Baltimore Ravens face the Houston Texans in the second of two NFL matchups, after the Kansas City Chiefs play the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The NFL games featuring Beyoncé’s performance will be available to Netflix’s 283 million members on December 26.

What's streaming on Shudder in December

Here's everything streaming on Shudder in December.

The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula – Shudder Original Series

Season Finale Premieres Exclusively on Shudder and AMC+ Tuesday 3 December

Who will be the winner of the coveted Dragula crown and take home the $100,000 grand prize? Dubbed “Season 666,” the next chapter of Emmy-nominated The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula is the most ambitious and terrifying yet, with world-renowned actors and directors joining the judges' panel, raising the stakes to hellish new heights. Every episode promises spine-chilling, extreme physical feats that will push the cast of drag superstars to confront their darkest fears.

The Creep Tapes – Shudder Original Series

Season Finale Premieres Exclusively on Shudder and AMC+ Friday 13 December

From writers and executive producers Mark Duplass and Patrick Brice, The Creep Tapes continues to unravel the mind of a secluded serial killer who lures videographers into his world with the promise of a paid job documenting his life. Unfortunately, as the tape rolls, the killer’s questionable intentions surface with his increasingly odd behaviour and the victims will learn they may have made a deadly mistake.

Joe Bob Christmas Carnage – Shudder Original Special

Special Premieres Exclusively on Shudder and AMC+ Sunday 15 December

Snow is falling and the bodies are piling up for Joe Bob's Christmas Carnage, when Joe Bob and Darcy host a holiday horror flick featuring so much bloodshed that Santa will think twice before coming down this chimney.

Just Joe Bob – Shudder Original Series

Binge Premieres Exclusively on Shudder and AMC+ Friday 13 December

All the rants, raves and reviews you can handle... without the movies. Gather ‘round with Joe Bob Briggs and Darcy for segments and commentary from Seasons 4 and 5 of The Last Drive-In, along with specials: Goultide Get-Together, Creepy Christmas, Haunted Halloween Hangout, Heartbreak Trailer Park, Helloween, Very Violent Valentine, Vicious Vegas Valentine and A Tribute to Roger Corman.

Horror’s Greatest – Shudder Original Series

Series 2 Premieres Exclusively on Shudder and AMC+ Tuesday 31 December

A deep dive into everything we love about horror -- from fresh looks at classics to unearthing scores of hidden gems, this series has something for every fright film enthusiast. A gallery of ghoulish pros, including actors, directors, writers, composers, and special effects artists, draw on their unique knowledge to answer the big questions: What are the must-see films in horror’s many sub-genres? What’s the appeal of horror tropes, and how do today’s filmmakers subvert our expectations?

What shape does horror take in countries outside of the United States? The answers encompass the breadth of the nightmares we watch for our entertainment.

The Haunted Season: To Fire You Come At Last

Film Premieres on Shudder and AMC+ Sunday 1 December

In rural 17th-century England, a group of men gathers to carry a coffin to the graveyard for burial. Much ancient folklore and superstition surround the pathway to the church, and several members of the party are afraid to walk it after dark. The grieving father promises to double their wages if they make the frightening journey.

What's on Prime Video in December

Here's everything that's streaming on Prime Video in December.

Things are getting sticky this December! Inspired by the true story of the “Great Canadian Maple Syrup Heist”, The Sticky follows tough maple syrup farmer, Ruth Landry (Margo Martindale) as she turns to crime to save everything she loves. Along for the ride is a hot-tempered Bostonian mobster (Chris Diamantopoulos), and a mild-mannered French-Canadian security guard (Guillaume Cyr). What could go wrong?

The love story of Noah and Nick continues in Culpa Tuya (Your Fault), the second instalment of the hugely popular Culpables trilogy.  On top of the changes that work and college bring, the couple faces the surprise appearances of a revenge-seeking ex-girlfriend and Nick’s mother. With all this against them, their love may prove not so unbreakable after all…

Liam Neeson plays an ageing gangster with unfinished business in Absolution; get quizzy with Colin Jost in brand-new game show Pop Culture Jeopardy!; and celebrate the world of games and gamers in the star-studded anthology series Secret Level featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Kevin Hart and Keanu Reeves.

Celebrate the Christmas season with a collection of great films, old and new! New release, Jack in Time for Christmas sees a stranded Jack Whitehall attempt to travel from the USA to the UK in just four days, to make it back in time for Christmas, with some help from the likes of Michael Bublé, Dave Bautista, Rebel Wilson and Jimmy Fallon. 

Prime Video has an array of Christmas content to catch up on. For a little holiday romance, check out Something From Tiffany’s or treat yourself to a movie night with a double screening of Your Christmas or Mine? and Your Christmas or Mine 2. 

Prefer your more unconventional Christmas movies? Revisit EXMas where exes Graham and Ali find themselves unexpectedly spending the holiday season together. If you want something for the whole family, you can’t go wrong with the peculiar tale of a bizarre elf and a quiet young boy in  Elf Me. If you want something decidedly not for the whole family, Violent Night is for you.

On November 13, Prime Video Store launched in New Zealand. Thousands of movies, including new releases and blockbusters, are available for customers to rent or buy. Prime Video Store does not require a Prime Video subscription, allowing anyone to create an account on primevideo.com and the Prime Video app.

THE STICKY

AVAILABLE FROM FRIDAY 6 DECEMBER

The Sticky, inspired by the true story dubbed the "Great Canadian Maple Syrup Heist" is from showrunners Ed Herro and Brian Donovan and follows Ruth Landry (three-time Emmy winner Margo Martindale), a tough, middle-aged maple syrup farmer who turns to crime when the bureaucratic authorities threaten to take away everything she loves. She teams up with the hot-tempered Bostonian mobster (Chris Diamantopoulos), and a mild-mannered French-Canadian security guard (Guillaume Cyr) to carry out a multi-million dollar heist on Quebec’s maple syrup surplus. Oscar and Emmy winner Jamie Lee Curtis also appears as a guest star in the series in addition to executive producing.

The Sticky stars Margo Martindale, Chris Diamantopoulos, Guillaume Cyr and Jamie Lee Curtis.

CULPA TUYA (YOUR FAULT)

AVAILABLE FROM FRIDAY 27 DECEMBER

In this sequel to 2023 global hit Spanish Original, Culpa Mia (My Fault), the love between Noah and Nick seems unbreakable, despite the manoeuvres of their parents to break them up. But his job and her entry into college open their lives to new relationships. The appearance of a revenge-seeking ex-girlfriend and Nick's mother with unclear intentions will shake the foundations not only of their relationship, but of the Leister family itself. When so many people are out to destroy a love story, can it really end well?

Culpa Tuya (Your Fault) stars Nicole Wallace, Gabriel Guevara, Marta Hazas, Iván Sánchez, Eva Ruiz, Víctor Varona, Goya Toledo, Gabriela Andrada, Álex Béjar, Javier Morgade, Felipe Londoño and Fran Morcillo.

SECRET LEVEL

AVAILABLE FROM TUESDAY 10 DECEMBER

Secret Level is a new adult-animated anthology series featuring original stories set within the worlds of some of the world’s most beloved video games. From the creative minds behind LOVE, DEATH + ROBOTS, each of the episodes is a celebration of games and gamers. The series showcases a star studded cast from Arnold Schwarzenegger and Keanu Reeves, to Kevin Hart, Temuera Morrison and more.

Secret Level stars Arnold Schwarzenegger, Kevin Hart, Keanu Reeves, Temuera Morrison, Ariana Greenblatt, Heaven Hart, Emily Swallow, Gabriel Luna, Ricky Whittle, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Merle Dandridge, Claudia Doumit, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Clive Standen, Laura Bailey and Michael Beach.

ABSOLUTION

AVAILABLE FROM TUESDAY 3 DECEMBER

An ageing Boston gangster (Liam Neeson) attempts to reconnect with his family and rectify the mistakes in his past, but the criminal underworld won't loosen their grip willingly.

Absolution stars Liam Neeson, Ron Perlman, Frankie Shaw and more.

JACK IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS

AVAILABLE FROM TUESDAY 3 DECEMBER

In this hilariously festive adventure, Jack Whitehall finds himself stranded in the USA with just four days to make it back to the UK for Christmas. With time ticking away, Jack embarks on an incredible and, some would say, implausible journey involving planes, trains, huskies, and bobsleighs.  Along the way, some of his famous friends join the fun, lending a hand (or hoof!) as Jack navigates the chaos of Christmas and tries to make it home in time.

Part scripted comedy, part unscripted travelogue, Jack is joined by Michael Bublé, Dave Bautista, Rebel Wilson, Jimmy Fallon, Daisy May Cooper, and Tom Davis, who, together with Jack’s unmistakable British wit, deliver a sparkling international cast set to deliver heaps of laughter. Will Jack make it home in time to hang his stocking, or will he be spending the holidays in the doghouse?

Jack in Time for Christmas stars Jack Whitehall, Michael Bublé, Dave Bautista, Rebel Wilson, Jimmy Fallon, Daisy May Cooper, and Tom Davis.

POP CULTURE JEOPARDY!

AVAILABLE FROM WEDNESDAY 4 DECEMBER

Hosted by Colin Jost, Pop Culture Jeopardy! is a brand-new twist on the classic quiz show’s “answer-and-question” format that combines the academic rigour of Jeopardy! with the excitement and unpredictability of pop culture. Contestants, playing in teams of three, will need to be experts in categories from Alternative Rock to The Avengers; Broadway to MMA; Gen Z to Zendaya as they compete in a tournament-style event for the grand prize of $300,000 and ultimate bragging rights.

Pop Culture Jeopardy! is hosted by Colin Jost.

BANDISH BANDITS

SEASON TWO AVAILABLE FROM FRIDAY 13 DECEMBER

The new season of musical drama Bandish Bandits continues its journey, artfully blending the intricate ragas, talas, and bandishes of Indian classical music with the bold, electrifying beats of modern rock and pop. The lead characters, Radhe and Tamanna, now face off against each other in the quest for acceptance and glory. The narrative delves deeper into family legacy and brings in themes of individuality, empowerment, and the balance between old and new to the forefront, as each character discovers and embraces their true self.

Bandish Bandits Season Two stars Shreya Chaudhry, Ritwik Bhowmik, Sheeba Chaddha,and Rajesh Tailang.

GHOSTBUSTERS: FROZEN EMPIRE

AVAILABLE FROM THURSDAY 19 DECEMBER

In Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, the Spengler family returns to where it all started - the iconic New York City firehouse - to team up with the original Ghostbusters, who've developed a top-secret research lab to take busting ghosts to the next level. But when the discovery of an ancient artifact unleashes an evil force, Ghostbusters new and old must join forces to protect their home and save the world from a second Ice Age.

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire stars Paul Rudd, Finn Wolfhard, Bill Murray, Dan Akroyd, Ernie Hudson, Carrie Coon, McKenna Grace and Kumail Nanjiani. 

CHRISTMAS MOVIES TO CATCH UP ON

YOUR CHRISTMAS OR MINE?

AVAILABLE NOW

Students Hayley and James are young and in love. After saying goodbye for Christmas at a London train station, they both make the same mad split-second decision to swap trains and surprise each other. Passing each other in the station, they are completely unaware that they have just swapped Christmases. Hayley arrives at a vast mansion in a small village in the Gloucester countryside to find a place where Christmas does not exist, whilst James heads north to a small semi-detached in Macclesfield and steps into the warm and chaotic pandemonium that only a large family Christmas can bring. When the entire country is blanketed in the biggest snowfall on record, our star-crossed lovers are trapped at the most manic time of the year. Christmas traditions are turned on their head, secrets are revealed, and family truths are told with hilarious consequences. The couple realise that there is an awful lot they don’t know about each other. Will they be able to swap back in time for Christmas Day? And will Hayley and James’ fledgling relationship make it through to the New Year?

Your Christmas or Mine? stars Asa Butterfield, Cora Kirk, Jim O’Hanlon, Alex Jennings, Harriet Walter, Daniel Mays, David Bradley, Angela Griffin, Natalie Gumede, Lucien Laviscount and Ram John Holder.

YOUR CHRISTMAS OR MINE 2

AVAILABLE NOW

It’s the most wonderful time of the year … but will it be for James and Hayley? James’ father has invited the Taylors to spend Christmas in a luxury ski resort in the Austrian Alps, so they can meet his new American girlfriend. However, Hayley’s dad Geoff insisted on handling his family’s side of the booking and something clearly got lost in translation. After a mix-up with transport at the airport, the two tribes end up at each other’s accommodations, on different sides of a valley and opposite ends of the Tripadvisor ratings scale. Can Hayley and James' relationship survive another turbulent family Christmas, or has their future together gone off-piste?

Your Christmas Or Mine 2 stars Asa Butterfield, Cora Kirk, Alex Jennings, Angela Griffin, Daniel Mays, Jane Krakowski, Rhea Norwood and David Bradley.

SOMETHING FROM TIFFANY’S

AVAILABLE NOW

Nothing compares to the magic and excitement of the holidays in New York City, where the streets blaze with lights, windows dazzle and a special box from Tiffany could change the course of a person’s life. Or several lives. Rachel and Gary (Zoey Deutch, Ray Nicholson) are happy enough but not quite ready for that big commitment. Ethan and Vanessa (Kendrick Smith Sampson, Shay Mitchell), the perfect picture, are just about to make it official. When a simple mix-up of gifts causes all of their paths to cross, it sets off a series of twists and unexpected discoveries that lead them where they’re truly meant to be. Because love – like life – is full of surprises, in the holiday romance Something from Tiffany’s.

Something From Tiffany’s stars Zoey Deutch, Kendrick Smith Sampson, Ray Nicholson, Shay Mitchell, Leah Jeffries and Jojo T. Gibbs.

EXMAS

AVAILABLE NOW

When Graham decides to surprise his family by travelling home for Christmas, he is shocked to discover them already celebrating with an unexpected guest of honour, his ex-fiancée, Ali. The two exes battle it out to see who the family will pick to stay through Christmas Day and who must go. Let the holiday chaos begin!

EXMas stars Leighton Meester, Robbie Amell, Michael Hitchcock, Kathryn Greenwood, Veronika Slowikowska and Steven Huy.

ELF ME

AVAILABLE NOW

Trip is an unconventional elf. As Santa's helper, he seems to succeed only in building bizarre weapons rather than toys. Fate will lead him to meet Elia, a shy and unconventional boy pursued by a gang of bullies. The two will help each other and together discover the value of friendship.

Elf Me stars Lillo, Federico Ielapi, Anna Foglietta, Giorgio Pasotti, Caterina Guzzanti, Claudio Santamaria, Vincenzo Sebastiani, Giulietta Rebeggiani, Francesco Liso, Linda Zampaglione, Orlando Mazza, Cosimo Mazza and Fabio Rovazzi.

NEW MOVIES TO RENT OR BUY

HERETIC 

COMING SOON TO RENT OR BUY

Two young missionaries become ensnared in a deadly game of cat and mouse when they knock on the door of the diabolical Mr. Reed. Trapped in his home, they must turn to their faith if they want to make it out alive.

Heretic stars Hugh Grant, Sophia Thatcher, Chloe East.

DECEMBER 2024 TOP PICKS:

RENT OR BUY

HERETIC (MOVIE) COMING SOON TO RENT OR BUY

AVAILABLE ON PRIME VIDEO

LOVE ACTUALLY (MOVIE) 1/12/2024

DR SEUSS’ THE GRINCH (MOVIE) 1/12/24

ABSOLUTION (MOVIE) 3/12/2024

JACK IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS (MOVIE) 3/12/2024

POP CULTURE JEOPARDY! (SERIES) 4/12/2024

DR SEUSS' HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS (MOVIE) 4/12/2024

LA VIRGEN ROJA (MOVIE) 5/12/24

THE STICKY (SERIES) 6/12/24

SECRET LEVEL (SERIES) 10/12/2024

BANDISH BANDITS S2 (SERIES) 13/12/2024

KANGUVA (MOVIE) 13/12/2024

CHIEFSAHOLIC: A WOLF IN CHIEFS CLOTHING (MOVIE) 17/12/24

GHOSTBUSTERS: FROZEN EMPIRE (MOVIE) 19/12/2024 

CULPA TUYA (YOUR FAULT) (MOVIE) 27/12/24

SINGHAM AGAIN (MOVIE) 27/12/2024

VIOLENT NIGHT (MOVIE) AVAILABLE NOW

ELF ME (MOVIE) AVAILABLE NOW

EXMAS (MOVIE) AVAILABLE NOW

SOMETHING FROM TIFFANY’S (MOVIE) AVAILABLE NOW

YOUR CHRISTMAS OR MINE? (MOVIE) AVAILABLE NOW

YOUR CHRISTMAS OR MINE 2 (MOVIE) AVAILABLE NOW

Red One: Movie Review

Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans, JK Simmons, Kiernan Shipka, Lucy Liu, Nick Kroll
Director: Jake Kasdan

There's a kernel of a great idea and concept in Red One, a film about the kidnapping of Santa Claus on Christmas Eve.

It has potential for a perennial Christmas Odd Couple film, but what permeates much of a bloated runtime is a lot of dark and dour CGI that never quite hits the mark.

Johnson plays the wearied bodyguard Cal, the head of security for Red One (AKA Santa AKA JK Simmons). On the eve of his retirement because he can't see the good in people anymore, Cal finds himself paired off with the world's number one tracker and perennial naughty list inhabiter, The Wolf aka Jack O'Malley (Evans, in a flatly humorous role) as they try and save Christmas - while working out who is behind the snatching.

While having a lot of potential as a festive film, Kasdan drapes proceedings in so much visual darkness, dour tones and a lot of ropey CGI. The end result means what could have been a frothy odd couple dramedy, complete with two leads who usually radiate charisma, is little more than a snoozefest that squanders its high concept.

Johnson is dialled down gruffness - with an obvious arc of a cynic being once again turned into a believer - and Evans is a wearied disbeliever whose journey is also obviously signposted. But whereas the two could have had frothy chemistry, most moments between the pair (other than toward the end) feel flat and uninspired.

It's a shame because the world-building and the Christmas backstory sets up several intriguing propositions and potential for enough mythos to propel any further stories and ideas. Bringing in the Krampus story and the idea of the world being swamped in naughtiness are good solid ideas, but here in Kasdan's hands, they feel limp, unexplored and unnecessarily dour.

Sadly, this Christmas tale lacks any of the magic you'd expect of a film entrant this time of year - complete with any lacking stand-out sequences, it's incredibly flat and while not entirely without some charm and potential, Red One feels like it could have placed just a little bit more under the cinematic Christmas tree.

Wicked: Part One: Movie Review

Cast: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Ethan Slater, Michelle Yeoh
Director: Jon M Chu

There's a scene early on in Jon M Chu's audacious staging of Wicked where his professor character Dr Dillamond, a talking goat, denounces one of the student's assignments as being little more than "form over content."

In some ways, that could be applied to the first part of the adaptation of Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman's musical, a film that's largely about setting up a payoff that won't come until November 2025.

A breathtakingly impressive Erivo stars as the green-skinned outcast Elphaba, who lives in the land of Oz and is destined to become the Wicked Witch of the West. Determined to meet the Wizard of Oz (Goldblum, in an eccentric and whimsical performance), she enrols at Shiz University. 

But appalled at her treatment by the powers that be, blonde-haired mean girl Glinda (Grande, a natural at the comedy airhead routine needed by the Good Witch) tries to ostracise her. However, when the pair actually form a friendship, they find they have more in common as a dark conspiracy swirls around Oz itself.

While the film is largely a great deal of style over substance, set in a derivative version of a Hogwarts-style university complete with talking animals and nods to the Wizard of Oz and what's to come, the incredible costumes and look and feel of the musical is actually astounding to behold.

Covering only the musical's first act, a colourful array of props and scenes litter proceedings, with various songs peppered throughout. It does fall to mention that unfortunately, unless you're a fan of the original musical, many of the numbers are lost to the memory the moment the lights go up.

The central narrative of how wickedness happens is a soft one in many ways, a chance to revamp a story that's previously been doused in evil and all the better for it. But with horrifying imagery such as how the flying monkeys got their wings and emotional betrayal at its heart, most of what transpires in Wicked: Part One is infinitely more enjoyable than you'd come to expect.

Both Erivo and Grande excel, and while the whole gimmick of singing live during filming is fairly tame given both have live music backgrounds, there's no doubting their chutzpah and delivery whatsoever. Taking the traits of a musical that panders to audience knowledge and laughs (from a few knowing cameos to Grande's continual Glinda hair toss routine), the film does much to ingratiate itself in those who aren't familiar with the source material.

Yet at its heart, the film belongs solely to those behind the camera. From visions of bursting colour and exquisitely choreographed and clear scenes of crowds, Chu's eye for what transpires as spectacle is hard to deny - and deserves plenty of praise.

In hindsight, while Wicked: Part One does little in terms of strong narrative and character depth, what it achieves within its genre is completely impressive. It remains to be seen whether the second act is as good as the first's bum-numbing 2hr 40 minutes, but it'd be Wicked to dismiss this film's execution as anything but a triumph within its class.

JBL Soundgear Frames review

The idea of wearable tech is one that's grown over the years, with each subsequent item released pushing the boundaries of what's fashionable and what's practical.

With summer coming up, JBL's push is the JBL Soundgear Audio Glasses - something that mixes both the best for your ears and also your eyes. Equipped with speakers on both of the arms, the audio glasses represent something that's more personal for you, but something which allows you to appreciate your surroundings as well.

Making it a piece of kit that's enjoyed on the go, these audio glasses work effectively on an 8 hour battery, with a short charge giving a few hours of pleasure as well. A simple cable charges both of them, but it's highly advised to do this before you head out.

Cleverly, the glasses turn themselves off and on when you fold in the arms, so there's no accidentally leaving them on to drain the power. But in truth, the arms could do with being a little tighter on the screws, given how easily they close on you.

As such the sound is a little tinny if you like your bass elements, but generally, the audio performs well given the size of the speaker and the positioning near your ears. Everything's customisable as usual via the JBL app, meaning you can get the best of what you need.

In terms of the frame - it's either rounded or square and while the lenses work well to block the UV and look like a pair of RayBans in parts, those who wear glasses and not contacts may find themselves having to fork out for new lenses to incorporate into the frames, something which will bump up the price obviously and may be an option to see some avoid buying them. 

It's not recommended they be worn over glasses as the speakers don't measure up in terms of sound delivery and don't give you the optimaal experience you need for them. While this is not JBL's fault in a mass market, and there is the chance to adapt, it is one thing that's possibly going to prevent people from investing in them.

Ultimately though, with good solid sound from music and decent call quality as well, thanks to a lightweight feel, these audio glasses, with their lower end pricing, mark a good sounding off point for trying out something new. 

With summer coming up, there's likely to be nothing better than chilling in the garden, sunnies on, enjoying sounds without the hindrance of in-ear buds.

A pair of JBL Soundgear Frames were provided for the purposes of this review.

Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person: DVD Review

Cast: Sara Montpetit, Félix-Antoine Bénard, Steve Laplante, Sophie Cadieux, Noémie O’Farrell
Director: Ariane Louis-Seize

Mixing hipster vibes and vampire lore, Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person proffers a slice of cool cinema, that's perhaps a little too relaxed in its execution.

It's the tale of sensitive teenage vampire Sasha (Montpetit), who, traumatised after the family slaughter of a clown ordered for her birthday, is struggling to adjust to her lifestyle. Instead of chomping down on hapless victims, Sasha prefers to suck her sustenance from bloodbags - much to the frustration of her mother.

Sent away to live with her cousin (O'Farrell) as a sharp shock to the system and to help her get over the compassion she feels for dying animals, Sasha forms a bond with Paul (Bénard), a depressed teen who's planning his own death.

As she helps him edge closer to his mortal end, Sasha finds herself embracing a new life through Paul - and helping him live out his dying wishes - something which pushes her desire to help him to breaking point.

Pushing quirk and aesthetics above all else, Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person spends a little too long revelling in its oddness and not enough time building the depth of poignancy that it so clearly wants to achieve.

Montpetit is great as Sasha, imbuing her character with the teenage angst and outsider-vibe than many feel, helping her double down on her ostracism from life and the lifestyle of her family. But Benard simply gives his Paul nothing more than wide eyes and a kind of simpering vibe that doesn't help his case or his character.

That's not to say there aren't laughs from unexpected places within Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person; but they come from minor moments rather than a script that feels polished.

More successful perhaps is the overall execution of Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person. From a sweet and aching tone to some impressively-lit and staged scenes, the film's more about a swoon-worthy vibe in places than a deep narrative engagement.

It has charm aplenty and a lead actor to die for, but it's not quite enough to ensure this vampire tale is one for all eternity.

This film is playing as part of the 2024 Whanau Marama New Zealand International Film Festival. For more details, visit nziff.co.nz

The Exorcism: Shudder Movie Review

Cast: Russell Crowe, Ryan Simpkins, David Hyde Pierce, Sam Worthington, Chloe Bailey, Adam Goldberg
Director: Joshua John Miller

The idea of an actor losing their mind while making a film about dealing with possession is a great one. 

As a concept, the dramatic possibilities of the premise are endless. Unfortunately, while The Exorcism spends a lot of time breadcrumbing its ideas and giving its star a chance to play up the ambivalence and brooding, when it comes to the crunch, it simply abandons it in favour of rote schlock horror shenanigans.

Crowe is Tony Miller, an actor coming onto a horror project as a priest. Troubled by his own demons and forced to take in his daughter (Simpkins) after she's been expelled from school, he already appears on the edge.

But things get worse as he gets into filming - leading to suspicions he's falling back on old addictions. However, is something more sinister at play?

The Exorcism has a great moody atmosphere and plays on its spiritual connections to the original film (its director is the son of one of the actors from The Exorcist) - but when push comes to shove, the film falls back on a few lazy jump scares and schlock to bring the horror.

Yet in its moments such as this, it gives Crowe the chance to bring some of the power he's not shown for years in terms of menace and malevolence. Watching his Tony twist, writhe and glower reminds you of the absolute command Crowe had during Romper Stomper.

Simpkins also deserves praise for a relatively thankless role - their interaction with Frasier's David Hyde Pierce make the more pedestrian and plodding sections of the film feel a little more alive with a degree of intelligence and depth the script hasn't quite afforded them.

Ultimately, The Exorcism stands as middling curio that offers brief pleasures but feels frustratingly like it could have done much more with its intriguing premise.

Deadpool and Wolverine: Disney+ Review

Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin, Matthew MacFadyen
Director: Shawn Levy

Ryan Reynolds returns as the motor-mouth Wade Wilson for yet another outing - but for the first time, Reynolds' wise-cracking, fourth-wall breaking antihero is joining the Disney universe. However, he's not alone in the ride into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Despite trying to join the Avengers in Earth-616, Wade Wilson finds himself rejected. Lacking purpose, he gives up on being Deadpool until the Time Variance Agency (from Disney+ show Loki) shows up on his doorstep on his birthday, saying they need his help.

Abducted, Deadpool is offered a chance in his eyes to redeem himself as the self-confessed Marvel Jesus and bring life to the fracturing timelines...

To say more about Deadpool and Wolverine's (admittedly slight) plot is to rob it of its many reveals.

Needless to say Levy and a team of five writers have pulled together a love letter to both the Marvel and the 20th Century Fox Universe, with a slew of cameos and unexpected moments to thrill fans of the genre. (A moment even Deadpool self-referentially tells nerds to get their sock out to cope with their excitement).

But, if the humour occasionally grates by hitting low-hanging fruit and staying there, and if the pace feels a little bit of a lag over a near 130 minutes run time as the continuing asides fall from his mouth, what Deadpool and Wolverine manages to do is to make essentially what was becoming tired feel somewhat fresh again. However, there are moments when the humour feels a little forced and the script lacks some of the looseness that has previously been brought to table - no doubt thanks in large part to the actors' strike constraints.

Yet, deep within the film Reynolds and Jackman's bond is evident. From continual fights and bickering between the two to a glowering nihilistic Wolverine from Jackman, the chemistry in this Odd Couple companionship is there from the get-go. Of the pair, Jackman is the more successful, having to reinvent yet again another version of the X-Men favourite - but there's a despondency and resentment that Jackman brilliantly mines here to great effect, and which Logan's harder-edge and rating have clearly influenced. (And the script doesn't hold back either, with one moment referencing Jackman's recent divorce).

However, there's a respect for the characters - both the main and the cameos that borders on reverential; at times, the story feels more like it's going for sentiment and saccharine having blown plenty of its cinematic load on some gory, all-out action scenes.

Corrin's take on their character feels both familiar, yet new, exuding menace when needed in the brief appearances she makes as the unsettling antagonist - though the less said about their final moments the better. It's in moments like this, the script's weaker edges come to the fore.

Maybe a tighter edit could have reined in some of Deadpool and Wolverine's less alive moments (which really feel their weight as the story goes on) as it borders on too indulgent (but Marvel famservice) - but as a distinctive love letter to a world, Deadpool and Wolverine strikes the right tone. While it's best to go in cold for maximum enjoyment, the characters will win you over.

It's bitterly ironic for a character who spends so much of his time snarking and poo-pooing sentiment, that Deadpool and Wolverine's central message of mattering to others and heart comes so close to saccharine overload in the final moments. Though, on reflection, perhaps that's Deadpool's ultimate joke on all of us - that no matter what we feel or think, this film and its main character - much like the Marvel Cinematic Universe's legion of fans - just want to be loved.