The Surfer: Movie Review

Cast: Nicolas Cage, Julian McMahon, Finn Little
Director: Lorcan Finnegan

Taking The League of Gentlemen's catch cry of "Are You Local?" to extremes, Vivarium director Lorcan Finnegan's The Surfer sees a typically eclectic performance from Nicolas Cage as a man pushed to extremes.

Heading out to the beach the week before Christmas with his son (Little), the Surfer is determined to catch some waves and show off his potential new purchase to his boy. But when a second deal threatens the future of his dream home, the Surfer starts to see things unravel. 

It's further complicated by revelations his wife's leaving him, about to remarry and his job is in jeopardy after he showed up to work without any shoes or socks on.

But that pales into insignificance when the locals at the beach admonish him that he "don't live here, don't surf here" threatening him and bullying him into submission. However, determined to fight back, the Surfer soon finds himself in a cat and mouse clash where his very sanity is questioned....

The Surfer makes good use of its lead - it's hard to imagine anyone else taking on the role with such chutzpah and determination. With his beard and hair dyed blonde, Cage catches the surfer vibe to a tee, but becoming wound up by every escalating moment, it soon becomes clear that Cage's propensity for manic intensity is the reason he's cast here.

As the menace builds up, Finnegan's film works better because it's not populated by a large cast. A gravelly, growly McMahon proves to be a suitable nemesis, but there's little here to suggest anything other than psychological terrorism.

It all comes spiralling to an end in a 15-minute exposition dump that seemingly explains everything and pushes the absurdism to its limits, but Finnegan keeps control of the vibe as the denouement comes crashing like a wave.

Yet another film to add to the pantheon of menacing Aussie locals in the wild, The Surfer is demented in its exploration of toxic masculinity, and yet it's also strangely upsetting as it charts the unravelling of a man and his dreams.

Doctor Who: The Reality War: Review

So after just eight episodes, the second season of Ncuti Gatwa's tenure behind the TARDIS console draws to a close.

Picking up after the end of Wish World, which saw the Doctor plunging seemingly to the Under-verse and his nemesis the Rani on the way to discovering the whereabouts of the first Timelord Omega, The Reality War has a lot of loose ends to tie up.

From the mystery of the reappearance of Poppy one of the Space Babies to the reason why he's unable to return Varada Sethu's Belinda Chandra to Earth as well as the reappearance of his granddaughter Susan (Carole Ann Ford) in his visions, the Doctor's got a lot to do in just 66 minutes....

But not all of these threads get tied up in an episode that's very much of two halves - and one which will polarize fandom in extremis. Firstly, it has to be said that this feels like an episode that had to rapidly adjust to production changes - and while the threat of the two Ranis is very easily and very sillily resolved, it feels a disappointment and disingenuous to what's been threaded through the season.

It means the threat of the return of Omega is reduced simply to a CGI baddie that's dispatched by being shot by the Doctor and done within 30 minutes of the episode, leaving around half to deal with the post-production reshoots that were called into place.

Through it all, Ncuti Gatwa shows what a presence he's been for the show - and while one cameo in this episode shows what a star both performers have been, the muddled-up ending feels like one that's done a disservice to Gatwa's portrayal of the Doctor. Certainly, the exit of Gatwa that should have been a surprise feels disappointingly disjointed and absolutely lacking in the emotional heft it should have.

Equally, it has to be said that Varada Sethu's Belinda Chandra was appallingly treated in the final episode, reduced to actually being locked in a box and given nothing to work with, while Millie Gibson's Ruby Sunday got moments to shine. Given how invested we as viewers were supposed to be in getting her home, it felt like the writing utterly failed her in the end - no matter how well she acquitted herself through the run.

And as for the final reveal, there's an unshakable feeling that for a show that's about renewal at its heart, there's little new here to settle the naysayers - it remains to be seen when (and indeed if, given the show's uncertain future) and how this can be resolved. Or even if it should - and if it's not time to let the show rest for a little until a fresher approach can come along and relaunch it.

Q&A with M3Gan star Amie Donald

We're very excited for M3GAN 2.0. You're going to the premiere, can you say that as we know you have to be careful about revealing too much? 

Amie Donald: Yes I am going to the premiere. I'm excited to see the movie all together because it was so much fun filming it, so it's going to be really fun to see it.

How has life changed for you since the first one came out, and what's been the most exciting thing that's come out of it?

I think the most exciting thing that has happened since the first movie came out is that a lot of people have been doing the dance that I did on the movie. And that was so awesome to see because I love dancing. I've been dancing since I was five. So it's really cool and I really enjoy watching people do the dance as well. 

I was not expecting the movie to be so big, which it was such a surprise when it did, and I'm just so grateful to be able to be a part of the movie.

People spoke about the incredible moves you did, the snake-like lift up from the ground. Can you still do that, or is that something you could only do when you were younger?

I can still do that. It's the cobra rise we called it. And on set, it was really funny because they got me on rig wires just in case something were to happen, and I said: “don't pull the wires because I can do it myself”. But the guys pulled the wires so I stopped really quickly. And they really liked how it looked and wanted to keep it in the movie.

Did you ever think your dance moves would go viral and, and you'd become a horror icon?

Yeah, I never thought that it would be this big, but I'm so honest to be a part of the movie because it's just gotten so big and I'm so grateful for everyone who's been watching it and. I couldn't believe that my dance that I got to perform was really viral, which was, which was amazing. It was such a shock to me, and I was, it made me so happy.

That dance, was it a long journey to get that dance perfected for the movie?

No, we actually didn't have the dance in the script, but Gerard was the director. He was watching my dance journey online and he came up to us and he was like: “how would you want to do a dance in the movie?” and I really want to do it because that's something I'm so passionate about. I love my dancing and so it took one day to create the dance with my dance teacher, Kylie Norris, and we put it in the movie. It was so much fun.

You've clearly got a great career forming ahead of you in movies. What kind of roles would you like to play and why?

I would love to either keep doing horror movies or action because they're so thrilling and it's really fun to watch. It's fascinating behind the scenes as well. And I love doing my own stunts, so I would love to be in more action movies.

You're not scared of fake blood then. You're not scared of copious bucket loads of gore?

No, I love it! 

Who do you reckon you could defeat in a dance off, and who would have maybe slightly better dance moves than your own?

Personally, I'd really like to do a dance battle with Abigail. Because she's a dancing vampire - I'm a dancing robot. It would be really cool to do that with her.

There are a lot of movies about how robots end up being superior to humans. Is that a fear that you have in real life?

I don't think it's a fear, but it is, it's really amazing how far AI has come. Like now, they can scan your face and they can create you in a video game or in a video. It's really crazy how far AI has evolved.

What's been your best fan interaction so far?

I love meeting all my fans. But I met this young girl - she was deaf, but because on Sweet Tooth, I got to learn a little bit of sign language, I was able to talk to her. And she was so happy when I was able to speak a little bit with her and sign with her. And that just made it so special because we had something in common and that we could talk to each other by using sign language.

Sweet Tooth was just such a good series, wasn't it? The premise of a mad scientist cobbling together animals and humans to try and defeat a virus. What a wonderful concept and all your characters were so interesting and unique and animal-like. What was the best part of being in Sweet Tooth? 

Sweet Tooth was my first TV series and I got to experiment a little bit with prosthetics, which I really enjoyed. Because I played 5 different characters, so I had 5 different prosthetic looks that I got to put on. And we also added animatronics for my tail when I played monkey. So I thought that was pretty cool as well.

What's been the best cosplay of your character that you've played?

I saw somebody dressed up as M3GAN , and they had wires showing, and oh, it looked really cool. It was from the scene after the battle damage - in the first movie at the end where she's fighting Gemma. It was really exciting to see people dressed up as one of my characters.

Amie Donald appears at the Armageddon Expo Wintergeddon edition, running across King's Birthday weekend in Auckland from May 31- June 2. For more info, details on how to buy tickets, and timetables, head to armageddonexpo.com

Q&A with Neil Fanning, the voice of Scooby Doo 

Hi Neil! Obviously, you're aware of the early days of animation - Steamboat Willie and things like that, when you started to get those first voices like the artist that did Goofy and all these other characters. Are you familiar with them? Are you fans of them? Did you have any knowledge of them before you ended up in the voice business?

Neil Fanning:  Absolutely, I did. I guess my voice hero would be Mel Blanc. He did all the Looney Tunes characters and growing up in Brisbane as a child, you know how you’d come home from school and you’d sit around and watch cartoons in the afternoon with your mates - and I had this ability that now I know is having a good ear, which is something that you need as a voice artist. So, I was able to pick up some voices very early on. I'm talking about like 10, grade six, yeah. And yeah, we'd all, the ads would come on and we'd all get up and recreate the scene we'd just seen on the cartoons. And they were mostly Looney Tunes cartoons. 

So, and I just did the voices and made my mates laugh and thought, "yeah, this feels pretty good. I like doing this!" Never thinking that I'd actually do it as a profession. That's where I sort of got the love to perform because I just got this good feeling about, and I felt at home, you know, in front of people and making people feel good. So that's pretty much where it came from.

But then there was others. Obviously, Scooby-Doo was a big influence on me - all the voice artists in that original 1969 Scooby-Doo, Where Are You. I fell in love with the character of Scooby-Doo and all the gang. I love the relationship between Scooby and especially, you know, it's the dog - everyone loves a dog and you've got all those great attributes that a dog has, you know, the loyalty, goofiness, food driven, you know, all those clever things that this character is. 

And then the amazing depth and tone that Don Messick, who invented the voice, he was the original voice of Scooby-Doo, he’s passed away now, unfortunately. Scooby was one of his hundreds of characters. It's something that I had the tone to do quite a deep voice. So it was one that I did really well always. And then they shot the first movie the Scooby-Doo one live action on the Gold Coast where I was living and working in the industry. I'd been a voice artist for about six years. Before I got the opportunity to be the voice actor on set.

They decided to shoot Scooby Doo in in Australia 2001 and at the time in Australian film history, it was one of the largest budgets ever and the names that they were able to get were pretty impressive. 

So just from a historical point of view they wanted some really big names and the top of their list was they wanted Robin Williams to do Scooby-Doo, but then they thought that really that's a bit of a waste of his talent. You're not really seeing him, obviously, so they dropped that pretty early, but then they really wanted Sarah Michelle Gellar as Daphne, because Buffy was huge. It was the number one show in the world at the time, and it was in its eighth series and last, so we actually began filming the Scooby-Doo one on the Gold Coast around her schedule because she was still wrapping on Buffy. 

So three times she'd go back to the States for two weeks and then we'd shoot around her and she'd come back and we'd do all those things. I mean, she's a Trojan, like what she was doing there, working on two shows and no breaks. She's just amazing and a beautiful person and a great friend of mine still. 

And her and Freddy got together on on Scooby Doo One and got engaged It's a beautiful story and they're still together and I stay with them when I'm in LA. So it's lovely that I maintained that friendship. And yeah, so they said to the voice artists at the time - there's been five of us that have been sanctioned by Warner Brothers to perform the voice commercially - and at the time, it was another voice artist. They said to him, "Oh, we're filming a live-action movie on the Gold Coast - Do you want to come down and spend five six months in Australia and perform the voice live because we need someone to bring Scooby to the set?" For whatever reason, he said no so they started started auditioning all around Australia. 

That's how I got that role as the voice, as the voice actor on set, delivering the lines live to the actors. 

You originally started out in stunts - how did you get into that world?

I started as a pre-opening performer, as an actor in the show and entertainment department at Warner Brothers Movie World on the Gold Coast, before it opened in 1991. They had four guys, four girls as their street performing team. And we'd do all the street scenarios. We'd rob the bank as Bonnie and Clyde five times a day, and then do a film crew scenario, and then you'd do the mafia show, and then you'd host Lunch with the Legends as another character, and then we were also doing the acting roles in the Police Academy Stunt Show, which is the flagship of the park. 

About four or five months after doing all the acting roles in the Police Academy Stunt Show, the stunt coordinator said, “Look might you be more versatile to us if you could do stunt roles. Do you want to try out?” and I did - so that's why my stunt the career started with the legendary Vic Wilson, who coordinated movies Mad Max and and Gallipoli and so on. 

I never thought about being a stuntee. I wanted to be an actor. I went to university and I thought that was my path, but yeah, just good opportunities. And my whole career, I've always been someone who has wanted to stretch myself as a performer. I had this credo of sort of never saying no to anything or anyone, as long as it wasn't against my values and so on. 

That's allowed me to sort of do a lot of things, wear a lot of hats in the industry. Normally it's the singer, dancer, actor trio, but I'm a voice artist, stunty, actor. It's quite an unusual combination. And it's been a wonderful career. And most of my credits and work has been as a stunty.

What do you make of the way stunts have evolved over the years? There's been a sea change with the big Fall Guy movie push to get stunties recognised at the Oscars, and that's paid off now. 

Absolutely, yeah, totally. I mean, we're going back to Buster Keaton, who was really the first Stuntie, for real. The things he did were just absolutely ball tearing. I mean, he's someone that we all admire - because no wire work, no mats, no nothing, all of that's real. He was just absolutely incredible. 

There's a whole host of other people from that era. Yeah, we should have been recognized then. I mean, I'm talking, you know, in the thirties when they became talkies at least. And we have our own awards, the Taurus Awards, for the stunt industry. And I'm so pleased that Furiosa just won a heap of categories, Best Stunt Sequence, of which a lot of my mates and colleagues were heavily involved in. 262 stunties worked on that show. Riggers, the rigging team, incredible. Yeah, support team, drivers of camera vehicles. Look, it's the epitome of team. Everyone has to be at the top of their game. And it's a super collaborative effort from everybody. And yes, that should be recognized, definitely, at an Academy Award level.

We've been lobbying for many, many, many years. Before me, before my career, they were lobbying the Oscars, whoever that is.

And Fall Guy was fantastic too. Shot here, the sequences were amazing, stunts were incredible. I know all those guys on that. I was doing Heartbreak High at the time and I caught up with them and it was just amazing.

Turning back to Scooby, what's the reaction of fans like when they hear that iconic voice come out of you?

A lot of people that I meet all around the world, they do their voices for me and they love it. They might do a Shaggy or a Scooby or whatever it is, Scrappy even, or Velma, whatever. I always respond in the other character, so if they do Scooby-Doo, I would do it like Shaggy, “man, oh man, excuse me, I've just had lunch. Man, oh man, that's pretty good.” You know, all that. I love what I do, Darren. I love what I do. Very, very privileged position to be able to put smiles on faces and make people happy.

The gift for me in a lot of ways is that nobody knows who I am. Until I open my mouth and so I've got this anonymity which I'm blessed with really - because I've hung around a lot of famous people and it's a bit of a curse dealing with the public and security and all that stuff. I'm just an average guy that has done a fair bit of stuff, but really no one knows who I am - until I go to places like Armageddon Expo in Auckland coming up in a few days.

I’m super excited to be coming back to beautiful New Zealand. I just did Wellington and Auckland in April and it was absolutely stunning. We drove around the motorhome between the shows, my wife and I, and enjoyed the absolutely breathtaking scenery and seafood and wine and beers. Very, very, very good. And so I opened my mouth and people light up and they're happy. They get really excited and I'm as you can see fairly excitable person. 

It's my personality. I'm normally going at a hundred miles an hour. And for me, that's just the reward, you know, I don't mind I've never minded performing the voice for anybody anywhere anytime because why wouldn't I? You know, it's just so easy for me. I don't need to warm up or anything. And yeah, I just go for it. And the joy and the excitement is palpable from coming from all of Scooby-Doo fans or anyone I meet really.

Is it a hard voice to do? Do you need to work up to it? 

Yeah, well, I've been doing it a long time, much more lately, because I've just come into the Comic-Con world. I didn't do anything with Scooby-Doo for 20 years. Because I was busy… my wife reckons I had imposter syndrome, where I didn't feel worthy of the adulation that was going to be on me. 

And you know, I'm older now and I'm in a better space in my life with my beautiful wife Jennifer. We just got married recently. And yeah, I'm glad I've stepped in. 

I've been asked a lot of times over the years to do Comic Cons and interviews and podcasts and stuff. And I'm like, yeah, nah, look, Scooby-Doo was great, highlight of my career, but it's okay. I'm fine. You know, I'm pretty private person. But when I did do my first one, it was quite incredible. And I, I said to myself, okay, well, this is incredibly humbling and rewarding for everybody to be so lovely to me. I owe it to them. I have a responsibility to this character, to the to my fellow cast members to uphold the joy that it brings to people. That's cool.

Do they turn up with their Scooby Snacks? Do you have a problem with dieting?

Yes, I do. They bring me gifts. It's really incredible. They draw pictures of me. They give me Tim Tams if I'm overseas and in Australia, it's Vegemite. All that stuff, it's really beautiful and I try and give back as much as possible - I do the voice for each and every person And I hope that the you know, they get the warmth from me that I appreciate for that from the fans and I really like it's so rewarding to do this and I maybe wouldn't have had earlier, but hey, it's all good now.

Have you got your eye on any other cartoon characters to voice?

I just finished a project, which I can't talk about at the moment!

Is that one of your lifetime heroes? 

No, it's one that I invented. I'm not gonna say any more because I might give it away. But it's gonna be a feature.

I did a character on Holey Moley in the UK so I'm still actively working. But is there a voice I really love? Hmm, well, I mean I admire a lot of my colleagues in the industry and of course, Muttley from Wacky Races. I mean, I don't know why I centre on dogs, but anyway, he's got a really difficult laugh. He doesn't say much, but that's one that is quite challenging, and I like to challenge myself.

There's a lot of characters – there’s Hannibal bear as well. These sorts of characters that have that deeper tone, which I naturally have. I can do I did Scrappy on that on set as well. So I can do high pitch, you've got to be versatile, but I’m more comfortable obviously with the deeper kind of stuff and you know, devil characters!

Neil Fanning appears at the Armageddon Expo Wintergeddon edition, running across King's Birthday weekend in Auckland from May 31- June 2. For more info, details on how to buy tickets, and timetables, head to armageddonexpo.com

What's on Neon in June

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

The Gilded Age (June 23 from 1pm)

The American Gilded Age was a period of immense economic  and social change, when empires were built, but no victory  came without sacrifice. Following the Opera War, the old  guard is weakened and the Russells stand poised to take their  place at the head of society.  

Stars: Carrie Coon, Cynthia Nixon, Morgan Spector, Louisa Jacobson 

Mountainhead (June 1 from 12pm)

A group of billionaire friends get together against the backdrop of a rolling international crisis. 

Stars: Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman, Cory Michael, Ramy Youssef 

Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice (June 4)

Three generations of the Deetz family return to Winter River. Their lives are upended when Astrid accidentally opens the portal to the Afterlife. 

Stars: Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara, Justin Theroux, Jenna Ortega, Willem Dafoe

Mind Menders (June 8)

In this two-part documentary, Sonia Gray goes on a mind-altering journey to find out if psychedelics could be the answer to New Zealand’s on-going mental health and addiction crisis. 

Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light (From June 24)

Thomas Cromwell navigates the Tudor court in the aftermath of the execution of Henry VIII’s second wife, Anne Boleyn. Based on the final book in Hilary Martel’s commanding trilogy. 

Stars: Damian Lewis, Jonathan Price, Mark Rylance, Claire Foy, Timothy Spall 

 

MOVIES

Anora (June 1)

Anora, a sex worker from Brooklyn, gets her chance at a Cinderella story when she meets and marries the son of a Russian oligarch. Once the news reached Russia, her fairytale is threatened as the parents set out for New York to get the marriage annulled. Oscar Award winner for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Editing and Best Original Screenplay. 

Stars: Mikey Madison, Mark Eydelshteyn, Yura Borisov, Karren Karagulian 

MEGALOPOLIS (2024) 

AVAILABLE JUNE 8 

A Roman Epic set in an imagined Modern America. In the city of New Rome, an artist seeks a utopian future, but is opposed by the greedy mayor. The mayor’s daughter finds herself caught between them. 

Stars: Adam Driver, Giancarlo Esposito, Aubrey Plaza, Shia LaBeouf, Job Voight 

HERETIC (2024) 

AVAILABLE JUNE 26 

Two young missionaries are forced to prove their faith when they knock on the wrong door and are greeted by the diabolical Mr. Reed, becoming ensnared in his deadly game of cat and-mouse. 

Stars: Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher, Chloe East, Topher Grace

Movie content by date

01 Anora 

01 How To Have Sex 

01 Ka Po 

01 The Seeding 

02 Blood For Dust 

02 Home Kills 

02 The Moon Is Upside Down 

03 Autumn and the Black Jaguar 

03 Lovely, Dark and Deep 

03 Old Henry 

03 Origin 

03 The Toll 

05 Bride and Prejudice 

08 Megalopolis 

11 Runt 

13 12 Strong 

14 Earth to Echo 

15 Saturday Night 

17 The Actress 

18 Charro! 

19 Swordfish 

20 Sicario 

20 Sicario: Day of the Soldado 22 No Country For Old Men  26 Heretic 

29 Sing Street 

30 My Fair Lady

TV Content by date

01 Murder Under The Friday Night Lights S4 01 1000-lb Sisters S5 

01 Naked and Afraid S10 

02 Cabin in the Woods S1 

02 Grizzy and the Lemmings: World Tour S4 05 Harpoon Hunters S1 

05 Outback Opal Hunters S11-12 09 Barney’s World S1 

10 Moonshiners: American Spirit S2 16 Bugs Bunny Builders S2 

18 Lost Monster Files S1 

21 Sherri Papini: Caught In The Lie S1 23 Salvage Hunters: The Restorers S5 23 The Gilded Age S3 

23 Ben 10: Alien Force S1 

24 Moonshiners S14 

26 Mystery at Blind Frog Ranch S2 30 Chowder S1 

30 Regular Show S1-2 

30 Ben 10 S3-4 

30 Ben 10: Alien Force S2

JUNE - MAX ON NEON MOVIE CONTENT BY DATE 

01 Mountainhead 

04 Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice 

30 Ben 10: Secret of the Omnitrix (Red)

Superheroes, Killer Robots, Cosplayers, and Anime Icons Join Forces with a Scooby Snack at Wintergeddon on King’s Birthday

This King’s Birthday Weekend, 31 May to 2 June, the Auckland Showgrounds will transform into a pop culture playground as Wintergeddon jumps in from the multiverse, bringing together superheroes, killer robots, cosplayers, and anime legends for a long weekend of pure fan-fuelled fun.

At the heart of this year’s star-studded lineup is Ioan Gruffudd, the charming Reed Richards from Fantastic Four and hero of Horatio Hornblower. He’s joined by international stars Jeff Ward (One Piece, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.); T.J. Thyne (Bones); Kim Rhodes (Supernatural, The Suite Life of Zack & Cody); and Australian voice actor Neil Fanning, the voice behind Scooby-Doo himself!

Kiwi fans are in for a very special treat with Lucy Lawless and Renee O’Connor, the iconic Xena and Gabrielle duo, reuniting on stage for a nostalgic deep dive into Xena: Warrior Princess (Sunday only).

Rounding out the guest list are lineup is New Zealand’s own Amie Donald (M3GAN, M3Gan 2.0) the actor/dancer whose unsettling moves terrified audiences worldwide. Plus anime voice stars Natalie Van Sistine (SPY x Family,Attack on Titan), Reagan Murdock (Chainsaw Man, One Piece), Jason Douglas (Dragon Ball, The Walking Dead), and Pete Capella (voice of Silver the Hedgehog). 

Together, they’ll bring panels, signings, and unforgettable fan moments to life across the weekend.

Cosplay fans are in for a treat too, with an all-star lineup of international cosplayers set to inspire with their craft and creativity. Alyson Tabbitha, master of transformations from Wonder Woman to Jack Sparrow, will appear alongside vintage crossover queen Rachel Maksy, Australia’s own Vera Chimera, and international cosplay superstar Ridd1e – one of the main cast members on both season of the reality show, Heroes of Cosplay, and feature of two award winning cosplay documentaries. 

And it wouldn’t be Wintergeddon without some crazy contraption to surprise and delight. This year marks the world debut of CARmageddon, a fully-drivable, fan-built supercar inspired by all those legendary cars from the likes of Batman, Nightrider and Back to the Future. This one-of-a-kind 1975 Cadillac Eldorado is packed with gadgets including a scissor-lift turret machine guns, missile launchers, smoke screens, voice warnings, and even a working flux capacitor - pure pop culture madness brought to life on four wheels.

For fans of Stranger Things, costume designers Amy Parris and Daniel Selon will present an exclusive display of original costumes from the hit show, giving attendees a rare glimpse at the looks that defined the characters of Hawkins, Indiana - the fictional American town where all the supernatural events unfold.

Xena star Renee O'Connor

Amy has worked on television series and movies across various genres and time periods, including HBO’s Westworld, Showtime’s Yellowjackets, and Netflix’s Stranger Things. And Daniel was an assistant costume designer on WandaVision, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, and Thor: Love and Thunder, and the head costume designer for Agatha All Along.

Wintergeddon also brings epic gaming action, with two massive esports tournaments - League of Legends and Marvel Rivals - a Minecraft VR zone, an Airsoft shooting range, X-Shot battle arena, Spookers horror hall, Just Dance disco, a Catan board game library, and live performances by the Auckland Wind Orchestra. 

Fans can also look forward to cosplay parades, author panels, anime screenings, wargaming displays, D&D sessions by Questbook, and a pop culture shopping paradise across Artist Alley and the retail floor.

Wintergeddon runs Saturday 9am-6pm, Sunday 9am-5pm, and Monday 10am-5pm at the Auckland Showgrounds. Tickets and the full event schedule are available at www.armageddonexpo.com.

About Armageddon Expo:

Proudly NZ-owned, Armageddon Expo has been celebrating pop culture since 1995 with events across Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and beyond – bringing fans closer to the biggest names in entertainment, gaming, and cosplay.

Revealed: The first NZIFF 2025 films

The first 13 films for NZIFF 2025 have arrived! 

With titles from Aotearoa, Australia, India, China, Norway and more, this selection has everything from heartwarming romance to classic chainsaw horror.

Films include Mistress Dispeller, an unflinching look into the life of a professional affair breaker-upper, Went Up the Hill, a psychological thriller set in rural NZ, and animated queer sci-fi comedy, Lesbian Space Princess. Also on the list is Sundance Grand Jury winner and romantic drama Cactus Pear, Brazilian dystopian fantasy The Blue Trail, and Dreams (Sex, Love) part of an award-winning Norwegian trilogy on modern love.

A politically charged near-future drama from Brazil, an acclaimed Norwegian trilogy exploring intimacy and desire, an Australian animated queer space opera, a haunting psychological drama set in remote Aotearoa, and a 70s horror classic restored to its full glory are among the first films revealed for Whānau Mārama New Zealand International Film Festival (NZIFF) in 2025.

Artistic Director Paolo Bertolin says these films offer an early glimpse of the energy, ideas and themes shaping this year’s festival and a taste of the adventurous and memorable stories awaiting audiences this year.

“These films reflect the pulse of contemporary cinema and speak powerfully to the moment we are living in. They ask big questions, take risks, and remind us why cinema matters more than ever.

“Thanks to the exceptional work of the NZIFF programming team, we are shaping this year’s festival as a chance to experience that urgency, curiosity and beauty together on the big screen,” Bertolin says.

Bertolin is joined in the selection of films by a renewed programming team composed of Programme Manager Michael McDonnell and programmers Carmen Gray, Heperi Mita, Amanda Jane Robinson and Jordan Salomen.

Each of the first films revealed is part of one of the ten strands that define the NZIFF 2025 programme. These curated pathways group films by theme, mood or perspective, helping audiences navigate the festival in ways that reflect their interests and curiosities.

First films announced by strand:

Māhutonga: Our constellation of Māhutonga lights the way to Aotearoa’s storytellers, shining through the Southern Skies via the Southern Cross.

Went Up the Hill (directed by Samuel Van Grinsven, New Zealand)

Fresh: First narrative features from bold new voices in international cinema.

Cactus Pears (directed by Rohan Parashuram Kanawade, India)

Visions: Works showcasing the distinct cinematic style of revered masters and emerging talents.

Sex Dreams Love trilogy (directed by Dag Johan Haugerud, Norway)

Comprising the films Sex, Dreams and Love. 

Journeys: Cinematic journeys through regions whose stories offer fresh insight into place, identity, and experience.

The Blue Trail (directed by Gabriel Mascaro, Brazil)

Widescreen: Narrative and documentary films offering vivid snapshots from diverse realities from across the globe.

Happy Holidays (directed by Scandar Copti, Palestine)

Portraits: Character-driven narrative and documentary films that draw us into the lives of ordinary and extraordinary people.

Blue Moon (directed by Richard Linklater, USA)

Frames: Works that explore and expand the language of documentary filmmaking.

Mistress Dispeller (directed by Elizabeth Lo, China)

Rhythms: Narrative and documentary films centered around music and its forms. 

One to One: John & Yoko (directed by Kevin Macdonald and Sam Rice-Edwards, UK)

Nocturnal: A late-night strand devoted to films that revel in genre, irreverence, and the unexpected.

Lesbian Space Princess (directed by Emma Hough Hobbs and Leela Varghese, Australia)

Presented in association with Phantom Billstickers 

Treasures: A section of hand-picked classics and recently restored films.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (directed by Tobe Hooper, USA)

Chain Reactions (directed by Alexandre O. Philippe, USA)

NZIFF 2025 opens in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland on 31 July before screening in nine other centres around the motu throughout August and into September.

NZIFF 2025 will screen in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland (31 July – 10 August), Ōtautahi Christchurch (8 – 24 August), Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington (14 – 24 August), Ōtepoti Dunedin (15 – 31 August), Kirikiriroa Hamilton (28 August – 10 September), Whakatū Nelson (28 August – 10 September), Ahuriri Napier (28 August – 7 September), Ngāmotu New Plymouth (28 August – 7 September), Tauranga-moana Tauranga (28 August – 7 September), and Whakaoriori Masterton (28 August – 7 September).

Elden Ring Nightreign Wylder trailer

Ahead of its release on May 30, Elden Ring Nightreign has released a new trailer.

A cursed blade, drawn not in rage, but in reverence. Primordial might churns beneath gilded graft, hungering for the Night's undoing. The latest character in Elden Ring Nightreign is revealed and has in his arsenal the ability to parry attacks from enemies.

Elden Ring Nightreign launches on PS5 and Xbox on May 30, 2025.

Doctor Who: Wish World: Review

The penultimate episode of the second season of Ncuti Gatwa's reign in the TARDIS picks up after the cliffhanging reveal from The Interstellar Song Contest.

Serving as the first part of a two-part finale, the episode also sees the first major appearance of Archie Panjabi as the Rani, a renegade scientist Time Lord who was pitted against the Doctor back in the 1980s.

Will the Doctor and Belinda survive the menace of the Rani and Mrs Flood? And what is the reason the Earth ended on May 24, 2025?

If you're expecting answers in the first part of this two part Doctor Who finale, then really you've not been following Russell T Davies' writing. By placing the Doctor and Belinda in a kind of WandaWision style world without rhyme nor reason is extremely disconcerting and really does buy into his attitude of proving more questions than answers.

With the Doctor and Belinda seemingly married and with child Poppy, Doctor John Smith's world is challenged when Ruby Sunday shows up on his doorstep placing doubts in his mind as to whether his Utopia is perfect.

As the seeds begin to grow, the Doctor's doubts spring forth - and it's here that it's revealed the Rani is using that doubt to crack open the world to find something that's been hidden forever....

To say more is to spoil the big reveal at the end, but there's a distinctly mixed feeling left by this episode that promises a more terrifying menace next week for its ending but leaves doubts that all of the various arcs will conclude neatly. And certainly the thread of his granddaughter Susan breaking through to him appears to just lay dormant in this episode.

Frustratingly, this also feels like it's an episode that spends an inordinate amount of time in mystery and confusion before ending on a The Beast from The Impossible Planet style reveal. It's in the scale that it appears the latest has lost its way - there's a distinct lack of intimacy here, of character moments that feel like they've built to something. 

And yet, again this episode will really truly only come to fruition after its second part - it may offer some surprises, but with just one episode to go, there's a lot riding on what lies ahead: particularly given the show's future and its main star's future with it has yet to be confirmed.

What's on Netflix in June

Here's what's streaming on Netflix in June

Squid Game Season 3 (June 27)

A failed rebellion, the death of a friend, and a secret betrayal. Picking up in the aftermath of Season 2’s bloody cliffhanger, the third and final season of Netflix’s most popular series finds Gi-hun, a.k.a. Player 456, at his lowest point yet. But the Squid Game stops for no one, so Gi-hun will be forced to make some important choices in the face of overwhelming despair as he and the surviving players are thrust into deadlier games that test everyone’s resolve. With each round, their choices lead to increasingly grave consequences. Meanwhile, In-ho resumes his role as Front Man to welcome the mysterious VIPs, and his brother Jun-ho continues his search for the elusive island, unaware there’s a traitor in their midst. Will Gi-hun make the right decisions, or will Front Man finally break his spirit? 

Director Hwang Dong-hyuk, who made history at the 74th Primetime Emmys®, becoming the first Asian to win Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series, once again helms the series as director, writer, and producer. Season 3 stars Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Yim Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Wi Ha-jun, Park Gyu-young, Park Sung-hoon, Yang Dong-geun, Kang Ae-sim, Jo Yu-ri, Chae Kuk-hee, Lee David, Roh Jae-won, and Jun Suk-ho, with special appearance by Park Hee-soon. 

Logitech G announces all new Logitech G522

Logitech G has announced the all-new Logitech G522 headset.

Key features:

• Bold, sleek design with customisable LIGHTSYNC RGB—up to 16.8 million colours.
• 48kHz/16-bit mic delivers crystal-clear voice and stream-ready sound.
• PRO-G drivers and 48kHz/24-bit audio for rich, low-distortion sound and deep bass.
• Switch seamlessly between LIGHTSPEED Wireless, Bluetooth, and USB-C.
• Lightweight build with breathable headband and cushioned ear cups for a better fit.
• Customise mic and EQ with Blue VO!CE and G HUB or the G mobile app.
• Up to 60 hours battery life and 30m wireless range with signature G5 performance.
  
  
  

Logitech G, a brand of Logitech and a leading innovator of gaming and sim racing technologies and gear, today announced the launch of the Logitech G522 Gaming Headset, a new addition to its award-winning G5 series, designed to elevate both gameplay and personal expression.

“G522 was made for gamers who bring passion and personality to everything they do,” said Ujesh Desai, vice president and general manager of Logitech G. “Whether you’re climbing the ranks, streaming for your audience, or pulling all-night gaming sessions, the G522 ups your game with top-tier performance, features, and style.”

G5 Series gamers play a wide variety of games. As a result, the new G522 headset had to perform to the level of the most discerning core gamers and be flexible enough to work seamlessly across all genres and types of gameplay.

Designed for long sessions, G522 delivers a significant leap forward in comfort, engineered with community feedback at its core. The ear cups have been redesigned with a wider shape and an added layer of memory foam to enhance cushioning and cooling, wrapped in a new fabric that’s both softer and more durable. A reversible suspension band now rests flatter and more evenly across the head, with added ridges to increase breathability and upgraded materials for extended durability. To ensure all-day comfort for every gamer, our player fit tests included individuals who wear glasses or earrings, making the G522 a headset built for everyone.

At the heart of the headset are new synchronised PRO-G drivers that deliver Logitech G’s highest-fidelity, paired with 48 kHz/24-bit digital signal processing for unparalleled immersion and precision. Gamers can hear subtle in-game cues—like distant footsteps or weapon reloads—with crystal clarity.

Communication is critical in competitive and online play, and the G522’s 48 kHz/16-bit microphone, enhanced by BLUE VO!CE technology ensures your voice cuts through the chaos. Customise your microphone audio with real-time filters and effects, delivering a professional sound for every session.

The G522 offers tri-mode connectivity, allowing seamless switching between LIGHTSPEED wireless, Bluetooth, and USB-C. It’s built for fluid transitions between platforms, PC, console, and mobile, without the lag or hassle.

G HUB software and the Logitech G mobile app allow gamers to fine-tune their audio with a 10-band EQ, personalise LIGHTSYNC RGB, adjust mic settings, and save up to three custom profiles directly to the headset.

Continuing Logitech G’s commitment to reducing environmental impact, the G522 is crafted with 27% post-consumer recycled plastic and low-carbon aluminium, aligning performance with purpose.

Availability The Logitech G522 Gaming Headset is available now in black and white at LogitechG.com and participating retailers for $349.95 NZD

G522 builds on the strong foundation of the widely popular Logitech G733 headset, carrying its legacy further while introducing an exciting evolution. At first glance, the family resemblance is clear, but as you look closer, the G522 reveals a fresh, elevated design. It’s all about progression – sleeker curves, a more sophisticated silhouette, and thoughtful design choices that reflect a modern take on performance and style. The sharper edges of the G733 have been transitioned into smooth, flowing lines showcasing a refined aesthetic.

“The G522 headset is the result of meticulous craftsmanship and a relentless attention to detail, every element is intentionally designed to deliver a curated, premium experience,” said Ahmed Riaz, Head of Design at Logitech G. “It builds on a proven formula for success that’s become synonymous with our G5 Series products, combining precision engineering with a deep understanding of what today’s gamers value most.”

Lilo & Stitch: Movie Review

Cast: Maia Kealoha, Chris Sanders, Sydney Elizabeth Agudong, Billy Magnussen, Zach Galifianakis, Courtney B Vance
Director: Dean Fleischer Camp

If you're willing to forego yet another live action remake of Disney's endless back catalogue and avoid weariness, then the 2025 rendition of Lilo & Stitch is actually a family outing that's worth going to - even if it does occasionally have an over-tendency to rush through some moments.

For those unfamiliar with the 2002 version, it's the story of Lilo, a Hawaiian girl who feels like an outsider and who one night sees a falling star and wishes for a friend. However, her wish comes true in the shape of an exiled alien named Experiment 626 made by its creator (Galifianakis). Crash-landing on Hawai'i, 626 adapts to the local life and uses his skills to become like a dog to secure adoption.

However, 626, who's named Stitch by Lilo, is a whirlwind of mayhem that causes more problems for Lilo and her older sister Nani (Agudong) who are already struggling after the loss of their parents.

More or less a word-for-word remake of the original (with only a couple of new characters thrown in), this is a fairly amiable piece of family entertainment that pushes a nice message that even if families are broken, they're still worth fighting for and being a part of.

Maintaining the original's tone of the wacky wrecking ball Stitch, Sanders brings the Jar-Jar Binks style gibberish to the fore, but the live-action animation doubles down on the cute furry elements of the original, without straying too far away from what made Stitch stand out.

Occasionally, the film does feel like it lacks moments to breathe. Certainly some of the more emotional elements of the script are abruptly dismissed either for action or for Stitch's insanity and as a consequence, it does occasionally feel rushed.

 And yet, with its heart squarely on its sleeve, and its central message none too pushy, the 2025 version of Lilo & Stitch is a solidly enjoyable outing that doesn't outstay its welcome. While there may be cynicism over Disney's constant back-plundering, this shows that with a little care and consideration and a respect for what made the original work, even a couple of new additions make it more than worthy - and more than fun for the whole family.

What's on Shudder in June

Here's everything streaming on Shudder in June.

Hell Motel – Shudder Original Series 

New Series Premieres Exclusively on Shudder, AMC+ Tuesday 17 June

From the creators of Slasher, this all-new horror anthology series, starring Emmy® Award-winner Eric McCormack, sees a group of 10 true crime obsessives invited to the opening weekend of the newly renovated Cold River Motel, the site of a 30-year-old unsolved Satanic Mass Murder. History repeats itself when the guests get stranded and start getting knocked off one by one during a murder spree that grows  exponentially more gruesome than the original with each kill. 

The Rule of Jenny Pen – Shudder Original Film 

New Film Premieres Exclusively on Shudder and AMC+ Friday 20 June 

Arrogant Judge Stefan Mortensen (Geoffrey Rush), who suffers a near-fatal stroke, leaving him partially paralysed and confined to a retirement home. There, Mortensen clashes with a seemingly gentle resident named Dave Crealy (John Lithgow) who is actually secretly terrorising the home with a sadistic game called “The Rule of Jenny Pen” while wielding his dementia doll as an instrument of cruelty. When Mortensen’s pleas to the staff go unanswered, he takes it upon himself to put an end to Crealy’s reign of terror. 

The Last Drive-In with Joe Bob Briggs – Shudder Original Series 

New Episode Premieres Exclusively on Shudder, AMC+ Sunday 8 June 

Lock your doors and crank the volume for a brand-new season of The Last Drive-In. Join Joe Bob Briggs and Darcy the Mail Girl the first Friday of every month for all new, bone-tingling double-features sure to delight horror buffs and video hounds alike, proving once again that the drive-in will never die.

The Stylist  

Film Premieres on Shudder and AMC+ Monday 16 June 

A lonely hair stylist becomes obsessed with the lives of her clients and descends into a murderous madness.  

NEW ADDITIONS TO SHUDDER’S FILM LIBRARY 

1 June 

The Righteous 

At burdened man feels the wrath of a vengeful God after he and his wife are visited by a mysterious  stranger.  

Hypochondriac 

A young potter’s life devolves into chaos as he loses function of his body while being haunted by the  physical manifestation of his childhood trauma.  

In My Skin 

A woman grows increasingly fascinated with her body after suffering a disfiguring accident.  

Wolfcop  

As a series of strange and violent events begin to occur, an alcoholic policeman realises that he has  been turned into a werewolf as part of a larger plan.  

*The Last Drive-In with Joe Bob Briggs episode featuring Wolfcop also available 

Another Wolfcop 

Alcoholic werewolf cop Lou Garou springs into action when an eccentric businessman with evil  intentions seduces Woodhaven’s residents with a new brewery and hockey team in this outrageous  horror-comedy sequel.  

9 June 

Goodnight Mommy (2022) 

Twin brothers arrive at their mother’s house and begin to suspect that something isn’t right.  

The Guyver 

A young man merges with a mechanical device, becoming a cyborg superhero. Strange creatures  emerge, seeking to reclaim the device. He uncovers a plot to genetically engineer monstrous  creatures. 

16 June 

The Addiction 

A New York philosophy grad student turns into a vampire after getting bitten by one, and then tries to  come to terms with her new lifestyle and frequent craving for human blood.  

The Crazies (2010) 

After a strange and insecure plane crash, an unusual toxic virus enters a quaint farming town. A young  couple is quarantined but they fight for survival along with help from a couple of people.  

23 June 

The Fifth Cord 

A maverick, heavy-drinking journalist pursues a killer who is targeting acquaintances of his, prompting  the police to brand him a suspect in their investigation.  

What's on Disney+ in June

Here's everything that's streaming on Disney+ in June.

Predator: Killer of Killers (June 6)

20th Century Studios announced that “Predator: Killer of Killers,” an original animated action-adventure film set in the Predator universe, will premiere June 6, 2025, exclusively on Disney+. Check out the first look and poster.

The anthology story follows three of the fiercest warriors in human history: a Viking raider guiding her young son on a bloody quest for revenge, a ninja in feudal Japan who turns against his Samurai brother in a brutal battle for succession, and a WWII pilot who takes to the sky to investigate an otherworldly threat to the Allied cause. But while all these warriors are killers in their own right, they are merely prey for their new opponent – the ultimate killer of killers.

“Predator: Killer of Killers” is directed by Dan Trachtenberg with Josh Wassung, from animation company The Third Floor, serving as co-director. The film is written by Micho Robert Rutare and story by Trachtenberg and Rutare, based on characters created by Jim Thomas & John Thomas. The producers are John Davis, Dan Trachtenberg, p.g.a., Marc Toberoff, Ben Rosenblatt, p.g.a., with Lawrence Gordon, James E. Thomas, John C. Thomas, and Stefan Grube as executive producers.

Call Her Alex (June 10)

Disney+ announced the brand new Original documentary series, “Call Her Alex,” which will launch June 10 on Disney+ in New Zealand.

“Call Her Daddy” creator, host and executive producer Alex Cooper is at the top of her game, signing one of the biggest deals in podcast history. This revealing two-part series gives audiences a behind-the-scenes, intimate look at her journey and the defining moments that shaped her influential voice.

“I’ve shared my life with the Daddy Gang since I started "Call Her Daddy"—but this documentary series takes it even deeper,” said Alex Cooper. “It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the moments that shaped me—the raw, the messy, the personal stuff I’ve never felt comfortable sharing until now. My hope is that by bringing people along for this part of my journey, they’ll feel both more connected to my life and more empowered in their own."

What does it take to become the most influential female podcaster of a generation? Following Alex Cooper as she prepares for her first tour, this compelling two-part documentary series traces Cooper's evolution—from a self-conscious kid growing up in Pennsylvania to the voice behind “Call Her Daddy,” a podcast that redefined the conversation for women everywhere. Directed by Ry Russo-Young ("Nuclear Family"), the series offers an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the life-defining events that shaped Cooper’s journey as she grew from a 24-year-old woman with a sex and dating podcast to the CEO of a media empire in just six years. More than just a success story, it's a portrait of a woman who is creating a space where women feel seen, heard, and empowered.

“Call Her Alex” is directed by Ry Russo-Young (Peabody Award-nominated “Nuclear Family”). Russo-Young also serves as an executive producer alongside Braden Bochner and Christopher Foss. Holly Siegel is producing. “Call Her Alex” is produced by Unwell.

26 June

FX's The Bear: Season 4

Star Original Series

Premiere

FX’s award-winning series "The Bear" is about food, family and the insanity of the grind. Season four finds the team pushing forward, determined not only to survive, but also to take The Bear to the next level. With new challenges around every corner, the team must adapt, adjust and overcome. The pursuit of excellence isn’t just about getting better – it’s about deciding what’s worth holding on to. 

25 June

Ironheart

Disney+ Original Series

Premiere

Set after the events of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” Marvel Television’s “Ironheart” pits technology against magic when Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne)—a young, genius inventor determined to make her mark on the world—returns to her hometown of Chicago. Her unique take on building iron suits is brilliant, but in pursuit of her ambitions, she finds herself wrapped up with the mysterious yet charming Parker Robbins aka “The Hood” (Anthony Ramos).

8 June

Ocean with David Attenborough

Disney+ Premiere

David Attenborough draws on a lifetime of experience to reveal Earth’s most spectacular underwater habitats, showing that we’re in the greatest age of Ocean discovery and highlighting its vital importance. While exposing the Ocean's biggest challenges, Attenborough’s message is one of hope: the opportunity for marine life recovery on an unprecedented scale is within reach.

Top Picks for ESPN on Disney+ JUNE

A new NBA Champion will be crowned as the best in the Western Conference faces off against the best in the Eastern Conference for basketball’s biggest crown.

6 June

NBA Finals Game 1

8 June

NHL Stanley Cup Finals Game 1

15 June

UFC Fight Night Usman vs Buckley

22 June

UFC Fight Night - Hill vs Rountree Jnr

From 30 June

The Championships, Wimbledon

Fans will be able to stream every ball of every match throughout Wimbledon via ESPN on Disney+.

ALSO IN JUNE

1 June

Movies

Mission Impossible

Mission Impossible II

Mission Impossible III

Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol

Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation

Mission: Impossible Fallout

2 June

ESPN

NBA: Western Conference Finals

Game 7 (If Necessary)

NHL: Conference Finals

Game 7 (If Necessary)

 

3 June

ESPN

NBA: Eastern Conference Finals

Game 7 (If Necessary)

NHL: Conference Finals

Game 7 (If Necessary)

4 June

Star Original

International

I, Addict

6 June

Series - Phineas and Ferb: Season 5

8 June

ESPN

UFC: UFC 316

Dvalishvili vs O’Malley 2

9 June

ESPN

NBA: Finals

Game 2

10 June

ESPN

NHL: Stanley Cup Finals

Game 2

12 June

ESPN

NBA: Finals

Game 3

13 June

Star Original

Atsuko Okatsuka: Father

ESPN

NHL: Stanley Cup Finals

Game 3

14 June

Star Original

International

Our Movie

ESPN

NBA: Finals

Game 4

15 June

ESPN

NHL: Stanley Cup Finals Game 4

17 June

ESPN

NBA: Finals -Game 5 (If Necessary)

Documentary Film

SALLY

18 June

ESPN

NHL: Stanley Cup Finals

Game 5 (If Necessary)

20 June

ESPN

NBA: Finals - Game 6 (If Necessary)

Movies

The Incredible Hulk

Special

Frozen: The Musical

25 June

Series

To Catch a Smuggler: Tropical Takedown

New Episodes

FX's Welcome to Wrexham: Season 4 New episode on Fridays

Criminal Minds: Evolution: Season 18 New episode on Fridays

Bob's Burgers: Season 15 New episode on Wednesdays

Suspicious Partner New episode on Wednesdays

Nine Puzzles New episode on Wednesdays

Go! Go! Loser Ranger! New episode on Mondays

What's on Prime Video in June

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

We Were Liars (June 18)

All eight episodes will be available on June 18, 2025, exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.

We Were Liars follows Cadence Sinclair Eastman and her tight-knit inner circle, nicknamed the Liars, during their summer escapades on her grandfather's New England private island. The Sinclairs are American royalty—known for their good looks, old money, and enviable bond—but after a mysterious accident changes Cadence's life forever, everyone, including her beloved Liars, seems to have something to hide. 

 Starring "the Liars": Emily Alyn Lind as Cadence Sinclair Eastman, Shubham Maheshwari as Gat Patil, Esther McGregor as Mirren Sinclair Sheffield, Joseph Zada as Johnny Sinclair Dennis; alongside Caitlin FitzGerald as Penny Sinclair, Mamie Gummer as Carrie Sinclair, Candice King as Bess Sinclair, Rahul Kohli as Ed Patil, and David Morse as Harris Sinclair. 

The series is written and executive produced by co-showrunners Julie Plec (The Vampire Diaries, Legacies) and Carina Adly MacKenzie (Roswell, New Mexico, The Originals). Also executive producing are Emily Cummins (The Endgame, Vampire Academy) for My So-Called Company, Brett Matthews (Legacies), Pascal Verschooris (The Vampire Diaries), and the novel's author, E. Lockhart. Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group, and Amazon MGM Studios are behind the project. The novel is published by Delacorte Press, an imprint of Random House Children's Books.

We Were Liars (June 18)

Based on the best-selling novel by E. Lockhart, We Were Liars, the series follows Cadence Sinclair Eastman and her tight-knit inner circle, nicknamed the Liars, during their summer escapades on her grandfather’s New England private island. The Sinclairs are American royalty - known for their good looks, old money, and enviable bond - but after a mysterious accident changes Cadence's life forever, everyone, including her beloved Liars, seems to have something to hide.

We Were Liars stars "the Liars": Emily Alyn Lind (Gossip Girl, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire) as Cadence Sinclair Eastman, Shubham Maheshwari (Haven Dust) as Gat Patil, Esther McGregor (Babygirl, The Room Next Door) as Mirren Sinclair Sheffield, and Australian Joseph Zada (Invisible Boys and upcoming The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping) as Johnny Sinclair Dennis; alongside Caitlin FitzGerald (Inventing Anna, UnREAL) as Penny Sinclair, Mamie Gummer (The Good Wife, True Detective) as Carrie Sinclair, Candice King (The Vampire Diaries, The Originals) as Bess Sinclair, Rahul Kohli (iZombie, Death and Other Details) as Ed Patil, and David Morse (The Chair, John Adams) as Harris Sinclair.

Deep Cover (June 12)

Deep Cover is a fast-paced action comedy starring Bryce Dallas Howard as Kat, an improv comedy teacher beginning to question if she’s missed her shot at success. When an undercover cop (Sean Bean) offers her the role of a lifetime, she recruits two of her students (Orlando Bloom and Nick Mohammed) to infiltrate London’s gangland by impersonating dangerous criminals.

Deep Cover stars Bryce Dallas Howard, Paddy Considine, Sean Bean, Orlando Bloom, and Nick Mohammed

Countdown Season 1 (June 25)

Countdown is a series filled with drama and thriller when an officer with the Department of Homeland Security is murdered in broad daylight, LAPD detective Mark Meachum, portrayed by Jensen Ackles, is recruited to a secret task force, alongside undercover agents from all branches of law enforcement, to investigate. But the hunt for the killer soon uncovers a plot far more sinister than anyone could have imagined, kicking off a race against time to save a city of millions.

Countdown is created by Derek Haas. The cast includes Jensen Ackles, Eric Dane, and Jessica Camacho

Saturday Night (June 15)

At 11:30pm on October 11th, 1975, a ferocious troupe of young comedians and writers changed television forever. Find out what happened behind the scenes in the 90 minutes leading up to the first broadcast of Saturday Night Live (1975).

Saturday Night stars Gabriel LaBelle, Rachel Sennott, and Cory Michael Smith

Venom: The Last Dance (June 22)

Eddie and Venom are hunted by both of their worlds, forced into a decision ending their last dance.

Venom: The Last Dance stars Tom Hardy, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Juno Temple

Beyond After (June 24)

Beyond After is a documentary exploring the social and cultural impact of the After franchise. It reveals how Anna Todd's novels became a cinematic phenomenon through interviews with Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Josephine Langford, and Anna Todd. The film features heartfelt testimonials from fans, showcasing their profound emotional connections. Narrated by Louise Lombard, it's a must-watch for fans.

Beyond After stars Josephine Langford and Hero Fiennes Tiffin

American Thunder: Nascar to Le Mans (June 12)

The 24 Hours of Le Mans is one of the crown jewels of international motorsports. It's a showcase of sports car racing excellence that tests the limits of man and machine. For the race's 100th anniversary running in June 2023, an invitation was extended to NASCAR to bring an American stock car Chevrolet Camaro to compete against the futuristic Ferrari and Porsche prototypes and attempt to complete the grueling 24-hour challenge that is Le Mans. It was NASCAR Chairman and CEO Jim France's dream since childhood to have one of his cars race at Le Mans, so he recruited NASCAR's most successful team, Hendrick Motorsports, to build and race the car. Along with world-class drivers Jenson Button, Jimmie Johnson, and Mike Rockenfeller, Hendrick Motorsports embarked on an eighteen-month journey to develop a race car designed to run three-hour races on ovals in the United States into one that could survive the challenge of racing 24 hours straight on an unforgiving road course.

Marry My Husband Japan (June 27)

Marry My Husband (JP) tells the story of Misa, a woman who has always lived her life as a "supporting character" in service of others. When betrayal by her husband and best friend leads to her death, she is mysteriously granted a second chance, traveling back in time by ten years. Determined to rewrite her fate, she sheds her former "nice person" persona to pursue revenge. However, her plans take an unexpected turn when she meets Section Chief Wataru Suzuki, a man absent from her previous life, who begins to change her revenge-focused heart. Through this second chance, Misa discovers what it means to truly become the protagonist of her own story.

Marry My Husband (JP) stars Fuka Koshiba, Takeru Satoh, Sei Shiraishi and Yû Yokoyama.

STREAMING ON PRIME VIDEO

GRIMM S1–S6 (SERIES) 1/6/2025

BILL & TED'S BOGUS JOURNEY (MOVIE) 1/6/2025

MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE (MOVIE) 1/6/2025

THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO (MOVIE) 1/6/2025

ROAD HOUSE (MOVIE) 1/6/2025

THE PINK PANTHER SHOW S1–S4 (SERIES) 1/6/2025

THE NEW PINK PANTHER SHOW S1–S2 (SERIES) 1/6/2025

MR. ROBOT S1–S4 (SERIES) 1/6/2025

LAW & ORDER: SVU S24 (SERIES) 1/6/2025

THE KING'S MAN (MOVIE) 4/6/2025

THE TWISTERS (MOVIE) 4/6/2025

WNBA: NEW YORK LIBERTY AT WASHINGTON MYSTICS (SERIES) 5/6/2025

TWO WEEKS NOTICE (MOVIE) 5/6/2025

WNBA: GOLDEN STATE VALKYRIES AT PHOENIX MERCURY (SERIES) 6/6/2025

ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD (MOVIE) 11/6/2025

DEEP COVER (MOVIE) 12/6/2025

AMERICAN THUNDER: NASCAR TO LE MANS (DOCUMENTARY) 12/6/2025

SATURDAY NIGHT (MOVIE) 15/6/2025

TERMINATOR: DARK FATE (MOVIE) 15/6/2025

WE WERE LIARS (SERIES) 18/6/2025

WNBA: PHOENIX MERCURY AT NEW YORK LIBERTY (SERIES) 19/6/2025

PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN (MOVIE) 19/6/2025

ACE (MOVIE) 20/6/2025

GROUND ZERO (MOVIE) 20/6/2025

WNBA: INDIANA FEVER AT GOLDEN STATE VALKYRIES (SERIES) 20/6/2025

VENOM: THE LAST DANCE (MOVIE) 22/6/2025

BEYOND AFTER (DOCUMENTARY) 24/6/2025

COUNTDOWN (SERIES) 25/6/2025

HERETIC (MOVIE) 26/6/2025

WNBA: LOS ANGELES SPARKS AT INDIANA FEVER (SERIES) 26/6/2025

MARRY MY HUSBAND (JP) (SERIES) 27/6/2025

WNBA: WASHINGTON MYSTICS AT LAS VEGAS ACES (SERIES) 29/6/2025

THE HUNGER GAMES (MOVIE) 30/6/2025

RENT OR BUY 

A MINECRAFT MOVIE (MOVIE) AVAILABLE TO RENT OR BUY NOW

THE AMATEUR (MOVIE) COMING SOON

THE WOMAN IN THE YARD (MOVIE) COMING SOON

LAST BREATH (MOVIE)  COMING SOON

What's on DocPlay in June

Here's everything that's streaming on DocPlay in June.

This month on DocPlay, celebrate local talent: new short documentaries from AFTRS graduates premiere exclusively on the platform, while School of Hard Knocks, from WA filmmaker Cristian Broadhurst, is a compelling portrait of Nik Tuhakaraina, a former professional wrestler-turned-mentor. Plus, two new bingeable Ken Burns series come to DocPlay: The Gene: An Intimate History and Lewis and Clark.

2 June

The Grab

An investigative journalist uncovers the money, influence, and alarming rationale behind covert land grabs by some of the world's most powerful countries. From director Gabriela Cowperthwaite (Blackfish).

5 June

Black Coast Vanishings • Series

A gripping investigation into the disappearance of six people in the small town of Piha Beach (New Zealand), which divides the locals and gives rise to fear and suspicion.

9 June

Nisman: The Prosecutor, The President and the Spy • Series

This must-see six-part documentary series recounts a true story steeped in high-level conspiracy, corruption and yet to be resolved mystery.

12 June

Elizabeth: A Portrait in Parts

From the director of Notting Hill and Tea with the Dames comes Elizabeth: A Portrait in Parts. A nostalgic, uplifting and modern documentary about Queen Elizabeth II – the greatest British monarch of all time and longest serving female head of state in history.

23 June

The Gene: An Intimate History

From director Ken Burns, The Gene weaves together science, history amd personal stories for a historical biography of the human genome, while also exploring breakthroughs for diagnosis and treatment of genetic diseases, and the complex ethical questions they raise.

Lewis and Clark

Discover the story of America’s greatest story of adventure - the Corps of Discovery - led by Lewis and Clark.

26 June

AFTRS Shorts • Exclusive

Six of Australia’s finest emerging documentary filmmakers present new works that span such diverse as urban beekeeping; Sydney’s marine ecosystem; masked wrestling; and art and queer identity. 

K’Road Chronicles Season 4 • Series

A look at homelessness from the inside. Six - once homeless herself, now a journalist, is our guide to the colourful, diverse, harsh and often tragic world of the people living on and around Auckland's Karangahape Road.

30 June

School of Hard Knocks • Exclusive

A former professional wrestler, now tragically confined to a wheelchair, runs a school for aspiring wrestlers in Perth, hoping to give them the physical, mental and emotional skills to succeed in the ring and in their troubled lives. 

Doctor Who: The Interstellar Song Contest: Review

The latest adventure for the Doctor and Belinda sees the pair ending up at the 803rd Interstellar Song Contest8, a camp mix of Eurovision and aliens (timed to release with the annual Eurovision Song Contest weekend).

The second series has just two more episodes to go after this and with an uncertain future for the show bubbling away in the background, the pressure's been on this year to turn it around.

But what begins as a harmless bit of fun for Ncuti Gatwa's Doctor and Varada Sethu's Belinda soon turns out to be a desperate battle for survival...

The key parts of this episode are riddled with spoilers for long-running mysteries seeded since the start of Gatwa's tenure and while they appear to set up further questions rather than answers, at least one of them is a genuine surprise. A mid-credits scene delivers something else too.

But what the Interstellar Song Contest has a main story is another parallel with current concerns.

As the main control room of the song contests broadcast is invaded by Freddie Fox's alien Kid, who's determined to sabotage the event and who coldly kills 100,000 people (seemingly including the Doctor), is a story that appears to parallel Israel and Palestine in a non-too subtle way. It's powerful stuff and given the current Eurovision has been hit by protests over sibgers from the Middle East, it's both prescient and chilling.

Equally chilling is Gatwa's turn as the Doctor here who effectively delves into a darker, more cruel side, hitherto unseen in this incarnation shocking his companion Belinda. But what's frustrating is that despite her initial contempt, by episode's end she's reverted back to not really caring, which is the fault of poor writing and perhaps a problem of the show's need for speed rather than depth.

With side characters getting more to do this episode,there's a feeling that it's more of a packed episode than normal. 

But in parts, it feels too totally jerky, a mix of camp comedy, Rylan Clark's awful acting and a Eurovision-style spectacle that doesn't quite gel in parts.

Overall, Doctor Who: The Interstellar Song Contest is an episode that has a strong central plot but is one which is more about its reveals and mysteries going into the two part finale than a fully-fleshed compact story.

Samsung launches 2025 Home Appliance & TV Range

Samsung has unveiled its 2025 line-up of home appliances and TVs — designed to make lives easier, more connected, and more stylish. 

Smarter Living Made Easy

The new home appliance range uses built-in AI to adapt to how people live. Whether it’s a fridge that helps manage groceries or a washer that learns your laundry habits, these products are all about simplifying everyday tasks.

One highlight is the Bespoke AI Jet Ultra – the world’s most powerful cordless stick vacuum with 400W suction power, smart self-diagnosis, and a display that shows battery, suction levels, and alerts.

Another product to note is the Smart Side By Side Refrigerator range, which flaunts which opens automatically to the touch, can be controlled by voice command, and even helps plan personalised meals and notify when your produce needs to be used.

Also new is the 9kg Smart Front Load Washer with Steam Wash Cycle, designed to tackle everyday stains with powerful steam cleaning, while being energy-efficient and gentle on fabrics.

TVs taking Home Entertainment to a New Level

The 2025 TV range is Samsung’s most advanced yet, featuring Neo QLED 8K, The Frame Pro, and OLED options.

The Neo QLED 8K range offers stunning picture quality and now features a wireless box to reduce cable clutter.

The Frame Pro combines art and entertainment, with customisable bezels and a glare-free screen that displays both shows and artworks beautifully.

OLED S95F is built for deeper blacks, brighter colours, and an immersive viewing experience — perfect for film buffs and gamers.

All TVs feature Vision AI, which adapts sound and visuals automatically; and come with access to 100+ free channels via Samsung TV Plus. What’s more, all the appliances connect to Samsung’s SmartThings app, so users can control and monitor their home from their phone, wherever they are.

“Recognising that every individual leads a unique lifestyle, Samsung is focused on ensuring its technology adapts to the specific needs of each user,” said Tura Gim, Group Head of TV & DigitalAppliances, Samsung New Zealand. “With the introduction of Vision AI and AI Home, more Samsung devices across the home are now equipped to deliver secure, highly personalised experiences. These innovations are designed to evolve over time, continuously learning and adapting to users' routines—offering smarter, more intuitive ways for Kiwis to enhance their everyday lives.

"For the past ten years, Samsung has been reimagining the role of smart devices with the aim of making everyday life easier for consumers. The 2025 line-up represents a culmination of that journey, showcasing how Samsung’s connected ecosystem of products is designed to reduce the mental load while promoting relaxation, assurance, immersion, and personal expression."