Elden Ring: Nightreign: PS5 Review

Developed by From Software
Published by Bandai Namco
Platform: PS5

If you've ever thought the world of Elden Ring would benefit from having other players alongside you, then Bandai Namco and From Software have a deal for you.

But while Elden Ring: Nightreign still has the same killer instincts as the original game and is in some ways just as brutal. Teaming up in squads of three - or even risking going solo - the aim of the game is outlasting a three day-and-night cycle. 

From combat and exploration across a map that has changing biomes, and terrifying bosses, the game's simply about capturing the essence of what works well with Elden Ring and trying to put a multiplayer spin on it for Nightfarers.

However most of what makes the game work will depend largely on your internet connection - and also your fellow players. Ending up with a squad of lesser balanced fighters means you're on the backfoot immediately, and while that's something some Elden Ring players will be okay with, there will be others whose prowess for the From Software's brutality won't be as good.

Yet with the ability to revive fallen colleagues, the game's giving you enough chances to try and survive - but the learning curve can once again be steep to say the least.

It's a solid game though and one which builds on upgrades and the chance to customise - but while the game's perfectly thrilling while it takes place, the desire to keep going back and do it all again is a little bit of a long bow to draw. Elements of chaos are randomly thrown in and while the game makes it challenging, the longevity of the Nightreign remains to be seen.

Tron: Catalyst: PS5 Review

Developed by Bithell Games, Disney Games and Big Fan Games
Published by Devolver Digital
Platform: PS5

The Tron series has always been a hard one to translate to various mediums.

While it's a visually led franchise and series, it doesn't always mean that what plays out is the best it could ever be - and storytelling has always been somewhat of a mixed bag.

However, the new isometric game from Bithell Games, Disney Games and Big Fan Games is a bit of  a different beast that takes a little while to adapt to - but proves to be enjoyable enough if you just roll with it.

You play a courier named Exo, who's caught in a plot between a disgruntled police force and a band of resistance fighters. Using your powers granted to you as a glitch in the system, you get to fight your way in and out of the Arq Grid while simultaneously trying to save it.

Tron: Catalyst's simplicity of gameplay initially makes things enjoyable, but occasionally the game borders on the repetitive. Visually, it captures the world of Tron nicely from graphics feeling like they're enhanced by lights and blue looks - but the downside is outside of cut scenes where there's talking going on, none of the characters massively stand out from anything else.

Combat is lithe, responsive and relatively agile - even if initially, especially for console users, it takes a lot of time to adjust to all the various buttons and requirements. Though the addition of loops for each time Exo gains her powers makes things interesting and gives the game a hint of something different - but somehow also manages to feed in to the feeling of repetition.

Ultimately, Tron: Catalyst requires a bit of patience with its storytelling and gameplay, but it represents an indication of what the game world of Tron could be with a development team that's willing to pour some time into the Grid.

Tinā: Blu Ray Review

Cast: Anapela Polataivao, Beulah Koale, Antonia Robinson, Nicole Whippy
Director: Miki Magasiva

There's nothing in Tinā that's new.

In many ways, it's a very familiar story told within a very familiar framework, with an outcome that won't surprise really anyone who is worth their cinematic worth.

But where Tinā does surprise is in its powerful performance from its lead Polataivao, who elevates the well-trodden story high above its roots thanks to her subtle and crowd-pleasing performance.

She plays Mareta, a school teacher, whose life is irrevocably changed when she loses her daughter in the 2011 Christchurch earthquake. Robbed of her will to live and her desire to even exist properly, she's stumbling through a shadow of a life in one of the city's poorer suburbs. But when her electricity is threatened with disconnection, she's forced to take a teaching job at an upper-class school across the city. 

Coming into conflict with an overly ambitious deputy headmaster keen to make his mark, and trying to start a choir in a mainly sports-led school, it's obvious Mareta is not going to have the easiest of rides. The script doesn't exactly pull any original punches here - and when one of the girls from the school, Sophie (played with restraint by Robinson) is seen pulling away from her mother in anger, it's no surprise where that relationship will go and how it will play out.

But Magasiva manages to keep things on the right side of crowd-pleasing throughout (even if some hamminess from an almost pantomime-villain threatens to derail proceedings) and the city of Christchurch has never looked so beautiful and grounded in the camerawork (credit to cinematographer Andrew McGeorge) - meaning Tinā falls just on the right side of the cinematic ledger throughout.

It could have lost a little in the edit, but sequences such as the choir finding each other and their voice add new visuals to a genre that's become soaked by the likes of Pitch Perfect and Mr Holland's Opus. 

There's a heart here which is hard to deny - and as Tinā, Polataivao is the beating heart of the proceedings. There's an aching sadness to her performance and just something that she manages to capitalise on perfectly. The film's name is Samoan for Mother and franjly Polataivao delivers the mother of all performances here to keep both her cheekiness, her resolve and her tragedy all bubbling away.

Doc Edge NZ Festival is here

The 20th annual Doc Edge NZ Festival has now started, with 79 films showing first in Auckland until July 13, before running in Wellington and Christchurch from July 16 - 27 and finally going online nationwide until 28th July to 24th August.

But with all these films to see what should you watch?

Here are five films to see at the DocEdge NZ Festival.

Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror

Richard O'Brien's son director Linus O'Brien takes a look at the impact the Rocky Horror Picture Show had on the culture - and also his family.

Chaplin: Spirit of the Tramp

Charlie Chaplin's family reveals a side of him the world has never seen that inspired the creation of his infamous and beloved character The Tramp.

Mother of Chooks

New Zealand loves a chicken film - and this latest doco is no exception. After losing her sister, Elaine discovers a surprising new companion in a chicken named Flapper. Now, with a flock of chooks and a mission to change how people see them, she’s become a local legend.

No Tears On The Field

New Zealand's heartland rugby is a breeding ground for much talent. But also, as this doco finds, there are teams of aspiring female rugby players that must shatter glass ceilings both on and off the field to achieve their improbable dream of international glory.

Numakage: Public Pool

Getting its world premiere at the festival, this doco follows a community as they grieve the loss of its beloved swimming pool as it faces demolition to make way for urban development after having had it in their lives for more than 50 years.

For more details on everything playing at the festival, visit docedge.nz/films to read more and book tickets.

Heads of State: Movie Review

Cast: John Cena, Idris Elba, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Paddy Considine, Carla Gugino, Jack Quaid, Stephen Root
Director: Ilya Naishuller

In the latest action film to be launched onto Prime Video, it's a case of the Special Relationship between the US and the UK coming under the spotlight.

Angry at being forced to spent time with the popular former movie star turned US President Will Derringer (Cena), UK Prime Minister Sam Clarke (a gruff Elba) is reluctant to say the least. Irritated by his easy-going approach and alienated by his populist approach as opposed to years of public service, Clarke finds things go from bad to worse when they're shot out of the skies while on a PR trip to the UN aboard Air Force One.

Suddenly forced to get along, the pair find unless they work together, they won't survive.

Heads of State delivers a typical Odd Couple comedy predicated on squabbling between Elba and Cena.

But it's boosted greatly and removed from the tedium of repetition by the inclusion of Chopra Jonas, who builds on the action chops she displayed in Citadel.

Her appearance on the film also removes some of the gruffness of Elba's prime Minister, who's more about the job than the impact it has on his life. It's about interesting notion that both the brash well-liked US president and the action-heavy spy manage to wear down the English reserve. Perhaps it's a subtle commentary on how the special relationship between the two countries has devolved over the years.

Elsewhere, the rest of the film is as predictable as you'd expect and while all those involved commit to the bit, it never quite manages to provide something different to the genre - even with some decent chemistry between the leads.

A lot of what transpires is rote fare; yet while the action sequences are predictable enough, they're reasonably well enough executed, particularly in an opening gambit in Spain.

Yet the villain of the piece- a nefarious arms dealer played by Considine - never feels like enough of a threat to anyone. The biggest tension comes from wondering when the relatively straight Elba will finally snap and lash out at the occasionally mugging Cena.

As it is, Heads of State is passable enough streaming fare with its message of collaboration and cooperation despite your differences, but a relative lack of bite and ability to rise above the ordinary is what really keeps this straight to streaming movie from soaring.

Heads - of State or otherwise - should indeed roll.

Heads of State begins streaming on Prime Video on July 2.

What's new on Netflix in July

Here's everything that's streaming on Netflix in July.

HAPPY GILMORE 2

Premieres on July 25, 2025 

Happy Gilmore returns!

Starring: Adam Sandler, Julie Bowen, Christopher McDonald, Ben Stiller, Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, John Daly, Sadie Sandler, Sunny Sandler, Conor Sherry, Ethan Cutkosky, Philip Fine Schneider, Maxwell Jacob Friedman, Travis Kelce, Blake Clark, Justin Thomas, Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Bryson DeChambeau, Paige Spiranic

Country of Origin: United States

THE OLD GUARD 2

Premieres on July 2, 2025 

Andy and her team of immortal warriors fight with renewed purpose as they face a powerful new foe threatening their mission to protect humanity.

Starring: Charlize Theron, KiKi Layne, Marwan Kenzari, Luca Marinelli, Matthias Schoenaerts, Vân Veronica Ngô, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Uma Thurman, Henry Golding

Country of Origin: United States

THE SANDMAN: SEASON 2 VOLUME 1

Premieres on July 3, 2025 

A reunion of the Endless thrusts Lord Morpheus onto a perilous path, where a fateful choice makes him the target of a relentless quest for vengeance.

Starring: Tom Sturridge, Gwendoline Christie, Vivienne Acheampong, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Mason Alexander Park, Donna Preston, Patton Oswalt, Jenna Coleman

Country of Origin: United States

TOO MUCH

Premieres on July 10, 2025 

When a heartbroken New Yorker moves to London hoping for a love story, she falls for an indie musician who's anything but the typical romantic hero.

Starring: Megan Stalter, Will Sharpe, Michael Zegan, Janicza Bravo, Richard E. Grant, Leo Reich, Daisy Bevan, Adele Exarchopoulos, Dean-Charles Chapman, Rita Wilson, Naomi Watts, Andrew Scott, Prasanna Puwanarajah, Andrew Rannells, Rhea Perlman, Emily Ratajkowski, Stephen Fry, Kaori Momoi, Adwoa Aboah

Country of Origin: Great Britain

KATIE TAYLOR VS. AMANDA SERRANO 3

LIVE on Netflix July 12, 2025 AEST

Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano headline a historic all-women’s boxing mega-event from Madison Square Garden. Presented by Most Valuable Promotions.

Starring: Katie Taylor, Amanda Serrano

Country of Origin: United States

THE HUNGER GAMES: THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS AND SNAKES

Premieres on July 12, 2025 

Mentor to an idealistic tribute in the 10th Hunger Games, a young Coriolanus Snow battles between their growing connection and his bottomless ambition.

Starring: Tom Blyth, Rachel Zegler, Peter Dinklage, Jason Schwartzman, Hunter Schafer, Josh Andrés Rivera, Viola Davis, Fionnula Flanagan, Ashley Liao, Max Raphael, Zoe Renee, Aamer Husain, Lilly Cooper, Nick Benson, Mackenzie Lansing, Cooper Dillon, Kjell Brutscheidt, Sofia Sanchez

Country of Origin: United States

UNTAMED

Premieres on July 17, 2025 

In the vast expanse of Yosemite National Park, a woman's death draws a federal agent into lawless terrain — where nature obeys no rules but its own.

Starring: Eric Bana, Sam Neill, Lily Santiago, Rosemary DeWitt as Jill Bodwin, Wilson Bethel

Country of Origin: United States

NOSFERATU

Premieres on July 26, 2025 

In 19th century Germany, an ancient evil sets its sights on a lonely young woman, haunting her with eerie visions and terrifying her devoted husband.

Starring: Bill Skarsgård, Nicholas Hoult, Lily-Rose Depp, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Emma Corrin, Willem Dafoe, Ralph Ineson, Simon McBurney, Adéla Hesová, Milena Konstantinova, Stacy Thunes, Gregory Gudgeon, Robert Russell, Curtis Matthew, Claudiu Trandafir, Georgina Bereghianu, Jordan Haj, Katerina Bila, Maria Ion, Tereza Duskova, Liana Navrot, Mihai Smarandache 

Country of Origin: United States

WWE: UNREAL

Premieres on July 29, 2025 

For the first time ever, step into the WWE writer's room and outside the ring with your favourite WWE Superstars, where the drama is just as intense offstage as it is under the spotlight.

Starring: John Cena, Rhea Ripley, Cody Rhodes, Logan Paul, Rey Mysterio, Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso, Bron Breakker, Roman Reigns, Solo Sikoa, Damian Priest, Triple H

Country of Origin: United States

GLASS HEART

Premieres on July 31, 2025 

An aspiring drummer suddenly loses her spot in the band. But when a brilliant musician recruits her for his new band, her life takes a passionate turn.

Starring: Takeru Satoh, Yu Miyazaki, Keita Machida, Jun Shison, Masaki Suda, Erika Karata, Akari Takaishi, Pistol Takehara

Country of Origin: Japan

M3gan 2.0: Movie Review

Cast: Allison Williams, Violet McGraw, Amie Donald, Jemaine Clement, Jenna Davis, Ivanna Sakhno, Bryan Jordan Alvarez, Jennifer Epps, Aristotle Athari
Director: Gerard Johnstone

Upping the sci-fi elements and dialling down the horror this time around, the sequel to Gerard Johnstone's M3Gan provides plenty of sass and thrills - even if it does become bogged down with technobabble in parts.

When AI robot Amelia goes rogue under their control, the US government comes to the one person who survived another killer AI to help. But with Gemma (Williams) unable to commit to resurrecting M3Gan amid fears she'll try to kill them all again, it looks as if all is lost.

However, with the fears she'll be blamed for the tech being stolen and with Cady (McGraw) under threat, Gemma has no choice - and soon, the bitch is back with a new mission.

M3Gan 2.0 mixes elements of Raid-style heist action, Mission: Impossible shenanigans with large portions of Terminator 2 (once killer robot, now a colleague) and Metropolis references with veritable aplomb, with Johnstone upping the action ante while not always forgetting the comedy that made this (and Housebound) such crowd-pleasing favourites.

That said, while it's a heady mix, it’s also one that doesn't entirely always convince, despite the best intentions of everyone involved. There may be an evolution here and the requisite amount of sass between Gemma and M3Gan (much at the expense of the relationship with Cady that was so central to the first), but some of the freshness of the initial outing is lost amid the expanded and overly convoluted story.

Chiefly, Johnstone draws parallels with the march of AI in the real world, a bow that really doesn't need drawing and one which chooses to set aside the reason the first one worked - its campy, schlock-heavy vibe. And while Jemaine Clement provides the cheesy camp edge as a sleazy tech bro early on, the sequel soon shifts into more action-heavy sequences, giving expanded roles to Gemma’s tech team and moving away from the central family unit which worked so well first time.

There’s also a lot of talk about the dangers of AI among the wordy dialogue, a message that’s over-simplified and was already used first time around – and the tech bros as villains isn’t exactly new. Yet in parts, given the 1980 and 1990s edges and references that soak this kung-fu infused sequel, it’s perhaps in keeping with the vibe Johnstone’s gone for.

Some of the fight sequences impress though, with swirling cameras and tightly-focussed elements delivering a powerful punch when they need to and showing that lower-budget adept film-making will always triumph.

M3Gan 2.0 isn’t a disaster by any means, but it is a reminder that going bigger, bolder and brighter in this tech world doesn’t necessarily mean gifting the film with the upgrade that it clearly wants.

Ironheart: Review

Marvel's latest TV series feels like a smaller, more intimate fare but one that follows the impacts of trauma explored in the recent Thunderbolts* movie.

Dominique Thorne returns as Riri Williams, who's convinced she could be the greatest inventor of her generation. However, despite having a scholarship at MIT, she's expelled after yet another experiment goes awry. Stripped of her assets to build an Iron Man style suit, she steals the one she's been working on and heads home to Chicago with her tail between her legs and penniless, but determined to find funding somehow to achieve her dreams.

It's on the way home that she gets noticed by seemingly small-time criminal Parker Robbins (a magnetic Anthony Ramos) and enticed to become a part of his gang for the promise of money. But she soon finds herself deeper than she'd wanted to be and haunted by her past...

Ironheart is a solid series that has a pep in its step initially before it calms down to something a little deeper about relationships, family and ambition as well as the self-imposed pressure to meet your own expectations.

Central to this is Thorne as Riri, who manages to channel bluster, self-doubt and sadness with aplomb. It sounds trite to say she's the backbone of this and while the series initially threatens to be a heist of the week show early on, it wisely changes direction three episodes into its six-episode run, gifting the show its more personal and intimate edges.

It's great to see an inner city figuring largely as a show character too. From burger bars to overground trains, Chicago is a locale that feels rarely seen in this world of the MCU - and is all the better for it.

It may have implications for the wider universe in its conclusion and much of what should be discussed falls too much into spoiler-filled territory, but Ironheart is a compact serial that plays to the scope of its ambition and wisely knows to stay in its lane for maximum impact

Ironheart debuts on Disney+ on Wednesday June 25. 6 of 6 episodes were viewed for the purpose of this review.

F1: Movie Review

Cast: Brad Pitt, Javier Bardem, Kerry Condon, Damson Idris

Director: Joseph Kosinski

In many ways the racing film has become largely narratively redundant.

An underdog story in whatever form it takes with the inevitable mix of racing and a diabolical crash that threatens everything, its beats are obvious to all.

So it is with F1 the movie, a film that brings nothing new to the genre and despite the promises of its director to take you further into immersion than you've ever been before and yet somehow offers nothing different to donning a VR helmet and playing PlayStation's Gran Turismo series.

What it does have - aside from a fawning approach to glamourising the world of the track so much that it becomes a corporate video extolling its brilliance - is the laconic charm of Brad Pitt as washed-up racer Sonny Hayes.

With his surfer sunglasses, physique and laid back attitude Pitt exudes calm - albeit too much for a man whose demons are supposed to haunt him early on in the film.

Offered a chance by former colleague and now struggling team owner Ruben Cervantes (Bardem) to recapture his glory days and slay that white whale of defeat once and for all, Hayes finds himself embedded in the world of Formula 1 and in a team that doesn't want him complete with a rising star colleague who resents him.

But as Hayes brings his own unique style of maverick (and somewhat underhand) behaviour to the sport, is he doing what's best for him or for the team?

F1 the movie is cliché riddled with perfunctory dialogue that is as shallow as it comes. From exposition spouted by commentators as track voiceover and races that are reduced to truncated moments rather than a full-on event, the film finds itself saddled with elements of shallowness that are hard to shake.

And while the action is immersive enough and as high octane as you'd expect from a production scared to upset its endorsers, there's little tension on the track to warrant real suspense.

Off track doesn't fare much better unfortunately.

But in scenes where Pitt engages with others  - chiefly love interest and team head technician Kate, played by Kerry Condon with warmth and heart there's a hint of what this redemption story could have been, rather than a cursory once-over the tropes of the genre.

Sadly though this is a film less interested in those vignettes and keener on impressing petrolheads revved up on Netflix series Formula 1: Drive to Survive.

Consequently this Pitt stop ends up feeling like nothing new, like a race has been run many times before and with results that are obvious to see from anyone who's ever watched any sporting underdog movie ever made.

Death Stranding 2: On The Beach: PS5 Review

Developed by Kojima Productions
Published by Sony Interactive Entertainment
Platform: PS5

The latest outing from Hideo Kojima retains a lot of the stubborn edges he and his studio brought to the first Death Stranding.

There's an inordinate amount of time to be spent just walking cargo from one destination to the next, stumbling in the wilds and losing it and plenty of obtuse cut scenes that look cinematically enthralling, but are utterly inpenetrable in parts as to what's going on.

And yet, if you're willing to forego the eccentricities and go on the journey, Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is a weird, wild and haunting experience that builds on the nightmare of the first game.

The Walking Dead's Norman Reedus returns as Sam Porter Bridges, who (as a handy recap from the first game will remind you) went AWOL with his baby Lou after the end. Trying to live life off the grid, Sam's contacted by one of the characters from his past and asked to try connecting others in Mexico and Australia to the Chiral network - meaning he has to once again head out into the wilds and face the unknown.

To say more about Death Stranding 2: On The Beach's plot is to rob it of both the mystery and the surprises that evolve. But suffice to say, what transpires has Kojima's eclectic touches all over it.

But there's much of this game that feels like it's repeating the first. 

From endless deliveries to a degree of a walking simulation, the game has much of a deja vu element to overcome. Yet it does achieve a degree of that after it changes location to Australia where Sam gets more access to vehicles and thr drudge of walking across wilds is somewhat lessened.

It's a wise move to open up the world like this and allows some of the combat edges to shine. The sequel is more interested in taking down enemies with increased amounts of weapons and skill trees coming to the fore and proving a point of difference this time around.

As ever, there are different ways to play the game and common themes with the first.

Offline offers you a lone experience, one where help has not been left by others who've ventured on your path. Connecting to the game's network gives you enticing shortcuts that occasionally leave you feeling cheated of the challenge. 

Though this time around, weather seems to play a larger part with quakes and rain figuring greatly as Kojima makes vague parallels between our connection with the world we live in currently.

It's a game that's open to interpretation once again and will be as polarizing as ever.

With overly cinematic cut scenes and characters that look incredible, the game visually pushes the PS5 to its limit.

From treacherous mountains that are littered with detailed rubble to rivers that swell and threaten, the artistic attention to detail is astounding - even if it's never quite as immersive as you'd hope it would be. 

Weirdly this still feels like a game series that wants to hold you at length, something that's surprising given it's about connection.

Ultimately Death Stranding 2 feels like the ps5's most singular experience of 2025.

Whether that's enough for casual players is debatable, but for hard-core Kojima fans, it's nothing short of gaming catnip.

What's on DocPlay in July

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

3 July

Johatsu: Into Thin Air • Exclusive

In Japan, thousands of people disappear voluntarily every year. And there are companies ready to help those who want to disappear without a trace and start a new life somewhere else. Meet some of them in a film that soberly examines a modern phenomenon.

6 July

For National NAIDOC Week 2025, DocPlay is proud to present a collection of films that champion Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander culture, and share vital perspectives on our shared history. The below films are free to view in Australia from 6-13 July (no subscription required).

Connection to Country

The Dark Emu Story

Incarceration Nation

Like My Brother

Ningla-Ana

Still We Rise

Voice

Winhanganha

14 July

Architecton • Exclusive

Award-winning director Viktor Kossakovsky’s striking new documentary takes audiences on an extraordinary journey through the material that makes up our habitat: concrete and its ancestor, stone.

17 July

Richard Linklater

Slacker. Indie filmmaker. Oscar nominee. Writer, director, producer, actor Richard Linklater is all these things and more, a poster boy for the fiercely independent style of filmmaking that emerged out of Austin, Texas in the late 1980s and 1990s.

Senses of Cinema

The cultural life of late 20th century Australia through the rise, fall and afterlife of the Filmmakers' Co-operatives. 

The Story of Film: A New Generation

A decade after The Story of Film: An Odyssey, Mark Cousins returns with an epic and hopeful tale of cinematic innovation from around the globe.

21 July

One to One: John & Yoko • Exclusive • AU only

An inside look at John Lennon and Yoko Ono's time living in Greenwich Village, and Lennon's only full-length, post-Beatles concert. 

24 July

Mayor

A look at the life of Musa Hadid, the charismatic mayor of Palestinian city Ramallah, who aspires to lead the city into the future.

28 July

Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill

A musician from San Francisco finds meaning to his life when he starts to care for dozens of wild parrots. The beloved break-out hit celebrates 20 years since its theatrical release.

The Pool - available to stream in NZ

New Zealand films coming to 2025 NZIFF

The NZIFF has revealed a clutch of New Zealand movies coming to the 2025 festival.

Among the lineup is Kiwi horror-comedy The Weed Eaters, about a group of carnivorous tokers, shadowy gothic psychodrama Went Up the Hill, comedy-romance in a crumbling theatre, Workmates, and Kaikohe Blood & Fire, a story of how the grassroots combat sports scene is transforming lives in the Northland town.

Also on the Māhutonga strand, TOITŪ Visual Sovereignty follows curator Nigel Borrell on a journey to create a groundbreaking large-scale exhibition of Māori art, and

Notes from a Fish follows a struggling writer on a comic odyssey through the underbelly of Auckland’s rare fish black market.

Kiwi music fan? You won’t want to miss Life in One Chord, a documentary about punk renegade and Dunedin Sound pioneer Shayne Carter. Narrated by broadcaster Carol Hirschfeld (Shayne’s idea), the film takes viewers on a self-deprecating tour of Dunedin suburbs, setting the scene for Shayne’s trademark colourful tales.

And speaking of music legends, Anchor Me: The Don McGlashan Story lets us in on the lesser-known sides of the man behind some of the country’s biggest hits. From Don’s early days playing gigs at student flats, to fronting The Mutton Birds and making it big, this film from acclaimed documentarian Shirley Horrocks delves into the highs, lows, backstage antics and deeply personal insights from the homegrown star.

We’re excited to have two documentary features from pioneer filmmaker Dame Gaylene Preston at this year’s festival! Grace: A Prayer for Peace is a slice-of-life portrait of one of Aotearoa’s greatest living artists, Dame Robin White. Alongside musings on her work from her younger years and scenes from time spent in Japan and Kiribati, much of the film focuses on seventy-something Robin as she is now, at the height of her artistic powers and still moving her practice forward.

As part of the Treasures strand, we’re also featuring War Stories Our Mothers Never Told Us, three decades on from its 1995 debut. The acclaimed documentary includes candid wartime recollections from seven women who navigated life-changing challenges during World War II, as well as stories of resilience and hope.

Bati, the first ever Fijian feature to screen at NZIFF, will premiere at this year’s festival! Beautifully filmed in Suva and the highlands of Namosi, the film tells the story of an aspiring boxer who gets into the ring to support his struggling family. Made with heart and infused with Fijian spirit, Bati also boasts a soundtrack of local faves including InsideOut, Sailasa Tora, Matanibola and the Viwalu Family Gospel.

We've made a change to one of our most important competitions and combined what were previously two separate collections. Ngā Whanaunga Māori Pasifika Shorts and New Zealand’s Best have been merged into a single, inclusive competition, Ngā Whanaunga: Aotearoa New Zealand’s Best. This year, we have a stellar lineup of finalists carefully selected from 88 submissions.

What's on Shudder in July

Here's everything that's streaming on Shudder in July.

Push – Shudder Original Film

New Film Premieres Exclusively on Shudder and AMC+ Friday 11 July

Haunted by the memory of her late fiancé, Natalie Flores (Alicia Sanz, El Cid) finds herself 8 months pregnant and in desperate need of a new start. Determined to regain her sense of self, she moves to America and uses her real estate license to take on a challenging listing. However, she soon discovers her new beginning may be a deadly end when she catches the eye of a sadistic killer (Raúl Castillo, Smile 2) at her open house. 

After becoming stranded at the property, Natalie falls into premature labour, starting a physiological ticking clock as she must find a way to escape before she gives birth.

Monster Island – Shudder Exclusive Film

New Film Premieres on Shudder and AMC+ Monday 

25 July

Based on Malay Folklore and drawing inspiration from Creature From the Black Lagoon, this creature feature is set in World War II. A Japanese ship transporting prisoners of war to occupied territories for slave labour.  After being torpedoed by allied submarines, a Japanese soldier and a British POW are stranded on a deserted island and soon discover that they’re being hunted by a ferocious mythological creature, the Orang Ikan. 

Both the soldier and POW realize that they must work together to survive the unknown, despite their differences. Starring Dean Fukjioka (Fullmetal Alchemist) Callum Woodhouse (All Creatures Great & Small).

Hell Motel – Shudder Original Series

New Episodes Every Tuesday Until Season Finale 

29 July Exclusively on Shudder, AMC+ 

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.

NOS4A2 – Shudder Exclusive Series

Series Binge Premieres Thursday, 24 July 

Exclusively on Shudder and AMC+ 

Vic McQueen (Ashley Cummings, Citadel) is a young, working-class artist who discovers she has a supernatural ability to track the seemingly immortal Charlie Manx (Zachary Quinto, American Horror Story). Manx feeds off the souls of children, then deposits what remains of them into Christmasland – a twisted Christmas Village of Manx’s imagination where every day is Christmas day and unhappiness is against the law. Vic must strive to defeat Manx and rescue his victims – without losing her mind or falling victim to him herself.

NEW ADDITIONS TO SHUDDER’S FILM LIBRARY

1 July

Puppet Master

After being contacted by their mysterious former colleague, four psychics arrive at a secluded hotel where they are stalked by a group of murderous puppets.

Puppet Master II

The puppets return and hunt paranormal researchers in an attempt to take their brain fluid for their master, Andre Toulon. 

Puppet Master III

A puppeteer’s ability to bring inanimate objects to life attracts the attention of Nazis during World War II. 

The ABCs of Death 

A 26-chapter anthology that showcases death in all its vicious wonder and brutal beauty. 

7 July

Trash Humpers

Follows the lives of a small group of elderly sociopaths in Nashville, Tennessee. 

The Chaser

A disgraced ex-policeman who runs a small ring of prostitutes finds himself in a race against time when one of his women goes missing.

What's on Neon in July

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

Outrageous (Wednesdays from July 30)

Public scandal. Political extremism. Personal heartache. Based on the true story of the Mitford sisters who played by their own rules – with sometimes devastating consequences. Set against the gathering storm clouds of the 1930s, this is a family saga like no other. The Mitford’s as they really were: unapologetic, outrageous and utterly human. 

Licence to Drive (July 2)

Learner drivers with disabilities tackle the road in a bid to gain the independence that driving brings – and like all learner drivers, there’s never a dull moment! A Sky New Zealand Originals production, from the makers of Wheel Blacks: Bodies on the Line, Sweet Productions. Made with the support of NZ On Air. 

Movies 

Sonic The Hedgehog 3 (July 7)

With a mysterious villain outmatching their abilities in every way, Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails seek an unlikely alliance to protect the planet. Stars: Keanu Reeves, Idris Elba, Jim Carrey, Ben Schwartz, Shemar Moore, James Marsden 

Lee (July 20)

The story of American photographer Lee Miller, a fashion model who became an acclaimed war correspondent for Vogue magazine during World War II. Stars: Kate Winslet, Andy Samberg, Alexander Skarsgard, Marion Cotillard 

Better Man (July 26)

The true story of the meteoric rise, dramatic fall, and remarkable resurgence of one of the greatest entertainers of all time, Robbie Williams.  Stars: Robbie Williams, Jonno Davies, Steve Pemberton, Damon Herriman, Raechelle Banno, Alison Steadman, Kate Mulvany 

Joker: Folie A Deux (July 1)

Awaiting trial for his crimes as Joker, Arthur Fleck is  institutionalised at Arkham State Hospital. Struggling with his  dual identity, Arthur meets the love of his life, Harley Quinn,  and finds the music that's always been inside him. 

Stars: Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Brendan Gleeson,  Catherine Keener, Zazie Beetz, Steve Coogan, Harry Lawtey,  Leigh Gill 

JULY - NEON TV  

CONTENT BY DATE 

01 Blue’s Clues & You S1-3 

01 Bubble Guppies S6 

01 Butterbean’s Café S2 

01 Dora and Friends: Into the City! S2 01 Days of our Lives S61 

02 The Loud House S4-6 

02 Rugrats (2021) S1  

02 Spongebob Squarepants S10-13 02 Nicole Kidman, Eyes Wide Open  02 Mia Farrow – Shadows & Light  02 Licence To Drive S1 

09 Outback Farm S1 

16 Glenn Close: A Feminist Force 

16 Martin Scorsese, The Italian-American Master 23 Kate Winslet: A Quest for Authenticity 24 Murdoch Mysteries S16-17 

28 The Last Musician of Auschwitz 30 Outrageous S1 

JULY - NEON MOVIE  CONTENT BY DATE 

01 Joker 

03 Practical Magic 

04 Monster Summer 

05 Richard the Stork and the Mystery of the Great  Jewel  

05 Sniper: The Last Stand  

07 Sonic The Hedgehog 3 

09 10 Lives 

10 Panda Bear in Africa 

10 Ambush 

11 The Canterville Ghost (2023) 

11 Assassin's Plan 

12 Just Go With It 

14 5lbs Of Pressure 

16 Cash Out 

18 Ghost Rider 

19 Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 19 Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 20 Lee 

22 Dirty Pretty Things 

24 Crank: High Voltage 

25 Lord of Dogtown 

26 Better Man 

28 The Lobster 

29 Funny Girl

31 Red Mole: A Romance

JULY – MAX ON NEON TV  CONTENT BY DATE 

01 Murder Under The Friday Night Lights S4 04 Polyfamily S1 

04 Mystery at Blind Frog Rach S4 07 Krypto the Superdog S1 

07 Grizzy and the Lemmings: World Tour S4 11 Super Mega Cakes S11 

14 Jellystone! S3 

14 My Adventures with Superman S2 21 Tom and Jerry Tales S1 

27 Toxic S1 

28 Bug Bunny Builders S2 

29 1000lb Sisters S6 

29 1000lb Sisters: Clapback  

29 Expedition Bigfoot S5 

31 Chowder S2-3 

31 Tom and Jerry Tales S2

JULY - MAX ON NEON MOVIE CONTENT BY DATE 

01 Joker: Folie A Deux 

07 Superman: Doomsday 

30 The Commandant's Shadow 

Kōkā : Movie Review

Cast: Hinetu Dell, Darneen Christian, Te Kohe Tuhaka
Director: Kath Akuhata-Brown

Released in time for the Māori New Year and with a venerable lead in Hinetu Dell, Kōkā has its heart in the right place – but a flawed execution of a thin story prevents it from really rising above good intentions.

Dell is Māori kuia elder Hamo who, as the film begins, appears to be on her death bed. Rising from it, Hamo leaves hospital only to inadvertently hit local delinquent Jo. Forced into helping her, Hamo's ripped off by Jo who steals her car, makes her an associate to theft and ultimately is robbed blind.

But when Hamo sees Jo is beaten in police custody, she takes her under her wing as they head to their ultimate destination, troubled as she is by past relationships and decisions.

Director Kath Akuhata-Brown's bilingual story is blessed with some uneven performances at best and a story that seems to have one foot in the spiritual world and one in a more broad brushstrokes world that borders at times on caricature. Consequently, while Dell delivers an earnestly studious and quiet performance, the film struggles with its own strength of identity.

Yet when it slows and moves into the wilds of New Zealand and away from some of its more broader moments, Kokā delivers a visually stunning (if occasionally overly CGI-rendered) world of stars in the sky and spiritual edges, perfect for the Matariki release date.

However, with a paper-thin story that wants to be both road movie and odd couple, along with the film's insistence in indulging its story holes, Kōkā feels like it could have been much more, a springboard for a discussion about poverty, generations and racism.

Yet, Kōkā fumbles some of those, dwelling on frustrating flashbacks that don't quite offer enough depth to supplement the story or help secure it in the pantheon of te reo Māori cinema.

Elio: Movie Review

Cast: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldaña, Remy Edgerly, Brad Garrett, Jameela Jamil and Shirley Henderson

Director: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi and Adrian Molina

Elio feels exactly like the kind of film Pixar would make in the face of accusations of going woke.

But it's actually a beautifully put together ode to our place in the universe, feeling alienated and Voyager, the first probe sent into space. Albeit with some largely forgettable characters the moment it's done, something which is sad to relay.

Kibreab plays the recently orphaned Elio, a space obsessive who longs for aliens to abduct him because it's better than being offloaded on his aunt (Saldaña). However, when first contact is made, Elio finds himself whisked away to the Communiverse, "where tolerance and open-mindedness" rule. But he soon finds himself out of his depth when he volunteers to try and negotiate with a warlord (Garrett) who's intent on destroying them all.

With its adulation of the space race (there's never been this many mentions of the Voyager craft since the first ever Star Trek movie) and its examination of the message of are we alone in the universe, Pixar's latest has the depth it needs on hand. 

But it largely eschews that to dwell on Elio's trauma of loss, and his anger and lack of acceptance at what's happened to him. While also throwing in messages about bullying, what it means to be unique and the sad "what if there's nothing in me to want" attitude of an orphan - there's a lot to juggle here, and not all of it is successfully done in this.

It's beautiful to look at and while it's packed with sci-fi references for celluloid lovers (Terminator 2, Invasion of the Body Snatchers to name but two), there's a general feeling that most of the main characters aren't as memorable as some of Pixar's previous output.

It's a shame because as Elio plays out, it's a magically enjoyable experience - albeit one that's more or less forgotten the moment it's ended. Perhaps it speaks to the problems Pixar has with its output currently - it's still chasing another character that will stand the test of time.

But while it does that, it produces little nuggets like this that revel in existential angst - and parallel perhaps some of the uncertainty Pixar itself faces as it tries to find its own identity in 2025 and beyond. 

Borderlands 4 release date, pre-orders unveiled

The first details of Borderlands 4 release date and its pre-orders have been unveiled.

Its worldwide launch will be on 12 September, 2025. The game is releasing on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC through Steam and the Epic Games Store, and will also be coming to Nintendo Switch 2 later in 2025.

There will be three editions of Borderlands 4: Standard Edition, Deluxe Edition, and Super Deluxe Edition.

• Standard Edition (AUD$109.95) includes:
• The base game
• Deluxe Edition (AUD$159.95) includes:
• The base game
• Bounty Pack Bundle, featuring four post-launch DLC packs
• Firehawk's Fury Weapon Skin
• Super Deluxe Edition (AUD$199.95) includes:
• All content from the Deluxe Edition
• Vault Hunter Pack, featuring two new Vault Hunters and Story Packs
• Ornate Order Pack, featuring new gear, weapons, and Vault Hunter cosmetics

Players who pre-order the game will receive the Gilded Glory Pack, which includes one Vault Hunter Skin, one Weapon Skin, and an ECHO-4 Drone Skin.

Borderlands 4 Now Available for Pre-Order; Post-Launch Content to Include Story Missions and All-New Vault Hunters

Boldest Borderlands to date launches September 12, starting at AUD$109.95

June 17, 2025 – Today, 2K and Gearbox Software announced that Borderlands® 4 is now available for pre-order. The next instalment in the critically and commercially-successful franchise that started a new genre of games will launch worldwide on September 12, 2025 via PlayStation®5 (PS5®), Xbox Series X|S, and PC through Steam and the Epic Games Store. It will also be coming to Nintendo Switch 2 later in 2025.

“I’ve been blown away by how high the team at Gearbox have raised the bar for Borderlands 4,” said David Ismailer, President of 2K. “The development team crafted a premium AAA adventure that evolves the series’ gameplay and storytelling in new ways, while delivering on the quintessential Borderlands looter-shooter experience fans know and love.”  

 

"Borderlands 4 is the most excited the team and I have ever been to launch a Borderlands game," said Gearbox founder and President Randy Pitchford. "Borderlands 4 is the best entry point for new players while also being a heartfelt love letter to fans of the original games."

Players will take up the mantle of one of four new Vault Hunters, each with unique abilities that, combined with literally billions of weapons, introduce even more ways to crush, bash and destroy enemies. With the biggest Borderlands world ever, brand new traversal mechanics help them explore the sprawling planet Kairos to face off against the tyrannical Timekeeper and his Order.

Additionally, players can look forward to a robust roadmap of free and paid post-launch content rolling out following the launch of Borderlands 4 so they can continue their adventures on Kairos. Depending on which content pack they own, paid DLC can include two new Vault Hunters, all-new regions of Kairos, new story missions, side missions, challenges, enemies and more. Full details will be revealed at a later date.

Borderlands 4 offers three editions of the game: Standard Edition, Deluxe Edition, and Super Deluxe Edition.

All editions are available for pre-order today and will release worldwide on September 12, 2025. Players who pre-order one of these editions will receive the Gilded Glory Pack*, which includes one Vault Hunter Skin, one Weapon Skin, and an ECHO-4 Drone Skin.

• The Standard Edition includes the base game and will be available for AUD$109.95 on PlayStation®5 (PS5®), Xbox Series X|S, and PC through Steam and the Epic Games Store.
• The Deluxe Edition will feature a variety of bonus items and will be available for AUD$159.95 on PlayStation®5 (PS5®), Xbox Series X|S, and PC through Steam and the Epic Games Store.
• This edition includes the Bounty Pack Bundle**, featuring four separate post-launch DLC packs, each with distinct areas, new missions, and unique bosses; four Vault Cards with unique challenges and rewards; new gear and weapons; four new vehicles, and Vault Hunter cosmetics; and the Firehawk's Fury Weapon Skin.
• The Super Deluxe Edition will include all bonus digital content from the Deluxe Edition and will be available for AUD$199.95 on PlayStation®5 (PS5®), Xbox Series X|S, and PC through Steam and the Epic Games Store.
• This edition also includes the Vault Hunter Pack***, featuring two new Story Packs, each featuring a new Vault Hunter, story, and side missions; two new map regions; new gear and weapons; more Vault Hunter cosmetics; and new ECHO-4 cosmetics.
• Additionally, it offers the Ornate Order Pack with four Vault Hunter Skins, four Vault Hunter Heads and four Vault Hunter Bodies.

Borderlands 4 is rated MA 15+. Additionally, once purchased on Steam or Epic Games Store, the game will also be available to play on NVIDIA GeForce NOW.

For the latest information on Borderlands 4, wishlist the game, visit www.borderlands.com, and follow the game across YouTube, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

Gearbox Software is a 2K studio. 2K is a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).

28 Years Later: Movie Review

Cast: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ralph Fiennes, Alfie Williams, Jodie Comer, Jack O'Connell
Director: Danny Boyle

Three decades after the original 28 Days Later leant into the vibe of a disease being released from a lab and infecting the whole world, director Danny Boyle has returned to the scenario that gave the world the then-unknown Peaky Blinders star Cillian Murphy.

This time around, the story follows a group of survivors quarantined on a heavily guarded island. But when one of them heads away from the island, what they discover rocks the core of their foundations of belief...

To say much about 28 Years Later is to steal away from what threadbare plot there is - which sounds like a disservice but is anything but. The story revolves around the loss of innocence of a child, of discovering a role model is not what you thought they were and of the lies we tell ourselves and others to survive.

Taylor-Johnson is Jamie, who, as the film begins - after a brutal massacre of children watching of all things Teletubbies - is taking his younger than hunting age son Spike (a terrific Williams) out for his first kill on the mainland they live over the water from. However, things don't go entirely to plan...

The best thing to say about 28 Years Later is that it's a film that does everything new with the post-apocalyptic zombie genre that's been run ragged by countless copies and revitalised by The Last Of Us. Not once does Boyle follow the pack, and spends most of the film breaking out from doing so. Even a coda at the end delivers one heck of a punch that will land with those au fait with British pop culture. ("Let's be pals" will be the most terrifying of words uttered this year for those who know about tracksuits and children).

From having the zombie kills play out like elements of the X-Ray cam on Rebellion Games' Sniper Elite to an entirely elegaic ending that is not what you'd expect, but is entirely what you deserve, 28 Years Later delivers nerve-shredding moments mixed with a disturbing calm, and a rich world that brims with contemporary allegories and parallels. (An isolated Britain filled with rage-hating populace covers so many bases right now).

But central to it all is Williams' brave portrayal of the coming-of-age Spike, forced to kill out of goading from his father and uncertain of his right to do so before inevitably having to take the lead and become his own man.

The film looks spectacular too - lush green run-riot plants curl over decrepit buildings; the infected have evolved into different types of creatures and the passing visuals are nothing but upsetting in a hope-less way.

28 Years Later is visceral cinema at its finest - and it's an unmissable in-cinema experience.

What's on Disney+ in July

Here's everything streaming on Disney+ in July.

“Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+” a continuation of the beloved Disney Jr. series “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” is set to premiere Tuesday, July 22 on Disney+ in New Zealand.

From Disney Branded Television, “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+” continues the adventures of Mickey and pals from the original global hit which aired from 2006-2016 and is still breaking records as a Top 3 series for preschoolers on streaming and over 5 billion views on YouTube, including for the iconic “Hot Dog!” song, which alone has amassed over 1.1 billion views to date and has officially been certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Performed by the GRAMMY® Award-winning They Might Be Giants, the song is featured in the new series.

Incorporating memorable components like the Mousekedoer, Mouseketools and Toodles, “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+” introduces the new handy helping friend Little Helper and Duffy the Disney Bear, who will make surprise appearances. Other “plussed up” elements include the expansion of the Clubhouse with the Laughing Loft, a hilarious hangout zone, and the Wacky Tube, which gets Mickey and pals where they need to go in fun and silly ways. Minnie, Daisy, Donald and Goofy will also each get their own personalised clubhouses, which will be revealed throughout the series. 

Many of the creative team from the original Emmy® Award-winning series have returned, including executive producer Rob LaDuca, art director Sy Thomas and songwriter/composer Mike Himelstein. Kim Duran serves as co-producer/story editor, and Mark Drop is story editor. The series is a production of Disney Television Animation. 

“Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+” is a flagship series of the “Disney Jr. Let’s Play!” global campaign, designed to inspire preschoolers to experience the joy of play through Disney Jr.’s beloved characters and stories.

1 July

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives: Reunion Special

Star Original

Episode Premiere

After a shocking end to Season 2, host Nick Viall reunites all of #MomTok and #DadTok to uncover secrets and scandals, never-before-seen footage, and a surprise announcement in the first-ever reunion special for "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives".

11 July

ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires

Disney+ Premiere

Zombie/cheerleader power couple Zed and Addison are on a summer road trip when it takes an unexpected detour — landing them in the middle of a monster rivalry: Daywalkers vs. Vampires. Tensions flare when Zed and Addison find themselves acting as camp counsellors between the two opposing supernatural factions. With help from friends Eliza and Willa, they must convince sworn enemies Nova, a radiant daywalker, and Victor, a brooding vampire, to try to unite their warring worlds before an even greater threat endangers them all.

23 July

Washington Black

Star Original Series

Premiere

Starring: Sterling K. Brown, Tom Ellis and Ernest Kingsley Jr. Based on the bestselling novel of the same name, “Washington Black” follows the 19th-century odyssey of George Washington “Wash” Black, an eleven-year-old boy born on a Barbados sugar plantation, whose prodigious scientific mind sets him on a path of unexpected destiny. When a harrowing incident forces Wash to flee, he is thrust into a globe-spanning adventure that challenges and reshapes his understanding of family, freedom and love. As he navigates uncharted lands and impossible odds, Wash finds the courage to imagine a future beyond the confines of the society he was born into.

11 July

Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story

Disney+ Premiere

JAWS @ 50: THE DEFINITIVE INSIDE STORY is the authorised documentary celebrating the film that redefined Hollywood, 50 years after its premiere. Alongside Steven Spielberg, JAWS @ 50 charts the extraordinary journey from Peter Benchley’s bestselling novel to one of the most iconic films ever made. Featuring rare archival footage and interviews with acclaimed Hollywood directors, top shark scientists, and conservationists, the documentary uncovers the behind-the-scenes chaos and how the film launched the summer blockbuster, inspired a new wave of filmmakers, and paved the way for shark conservation that continues today.

16 July

FX's It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia: Season 17

Star Original Series

Premiere

In Season 17 of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, the Gang craves money and parasitic social privileges. That’s been plain since 2005. But they’re also human beings. They crave love, respect, conditional freedom, constant adulation, histrionic amounts of attention, non-stop gratification, and unfiltered, slaphappy eroticism. Produced by FX Productions.

 

Top Picks for ESPN on Disney+ JULY

4 July - 8 July

Australia Tour of West Indies

Second Test Grenada

13 July - 17 July

Australia Tour of West Indies

Third Test Jamaica

14 July

The Championships, Wimbledon

Gentlemen’s Championship

27 July

UFC Fight Night

Whitaker vs de Ridder

 

ALSO IN JULY

1 July

ESPN

The Championships, Wimbledon

First Round

 

2 July

Disney+ Original

ZOMBIES (Sing-Along version)

ZOMBIES 2 (Sing-Along version)

ZOMBIES 3 (Sing-Along version)

ESPN

The Championships, Wimbledon

Second Round

Series

Hamster & Gretel: Season 2

 

3 July

ESPN

The Championships, Wimbledon

Second Round

CONCACAF: Gold Cup

Semi-Finals

 

4 July

ESPN

The Championships, Wimbledon

Third Round

Movies

Miraculous World London: At the Edge of Time

 

5 July

ESPN

The Championships, Wimbledon

Third Round

Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

 

6 July

ESPN

The Championships, Wimbledon

Third Round

Round of 16

NBA Summer League

Starts 6th July

SHARKFEST

Sharks of the North

Sharks Up Close with Bertie Gregory

Investigation Shark Attack

 

7 July

ESPN

The Championships, Wimbledon

Round of 16

CONCACAF: Gold Cup

Finals

 

9 July

ESPN

The Championships, Wimbledon

Quarter-finals

WNBA

Las Vegas Aces vs New York Liberty

Star Original

Born To be Viral: The Real Lives of Kidfluencers

International

Team Players (AKA Jogo Cruzado)

 

10 July

ESPN

The Championships, Wimbledon

Quarter-finals

Star Original

Suspicious Minds

 

11 July

ESPN

The Championships, Wimbledon

Ladies’ Semi-finals

Mixed Doubles Championship

 

12 July

ESPN

The Championships, Wimbledon

Gentlemen’s Semi-finals

 

13 July

ESPN

The Championships, Wimbledon

Gentlemen’s Doubles Championship

Ladies’ Championship

UFC: Fight Night

Lewis vs Teixeira

 

14 July

ESPN

The Championships, Wimbledon

Ladies’ Doubles Championship

 

15 July

ESPN

MLB

Home Run Derby

Series

The Rookie: Season 6

 

16 July

ESPN

MLB

All Star Game

Star Original

International

BULLET/BULLET

Movies

Transformers

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

Transformers: Dark of the Moon

Transformers: Age of Extinction

Transformers: The Last Knight

Bumblebee

 

17 July

Series

America's Funniest Home Videos: Seasons 13-15

 

18 July

Star Original

Zarna Garg: Practical People Win

International

The Nice Guy

 

19 July

ESPN

WNBA: All Star Weekend

Skills Competition

 

20 July

ESPN

UFC: UFC 318

Holloway vs Poirier 3

WNBA: All Star Weekend

All Star Game

 

21 July

ESPN

Australia Tour of West Indies

1st T20 (Jamaica)

Star Original

Trophy Wife: Murder on Safari

 

22 July

Series

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+

 

23 July

Disney+ Original

International

20.000 Leguas De Viaje Submarino

ESPN

Australia Tour of West Indies

2nd T20 (Jamaica)

WNBA

Indiana Fever vs New York Liberty

Atlanta Dream vs Las Vegas Aces

Series

Kiff: Season 2

 

26 July

ESPN

Australia Tour of West Indies

3rd T20 (St. Kitts)

 

27 July

ESPN

Australia Tour of West Indies

4th T20 (St. Kitts)

 

28 July

ESPN

WNBA

Indiana Fever vs Chicago Sky

 

29 July

ESPN

Australia Tour of West Indies

5th T20 (St. Kitts)

WNBA

New York Liberty vs Dallas Wings

 

30 July

Series

StuGO

Shorts

StuGo

 

31 July

ESPN

WNBA

New York Liberty vs Minnesota Lynx

 

New Episodes

Ironheart 3x new episodes, including the finale on 2 July

Criminal Minds: Evolution: Season 18 New episode on Fridays

Bob's Burgers: Season 15 New episode on Wednesdays

Suspicious Partner New episode on Wednesdays

Our Movie New episode Saturdays and Sundays

Kindergarten: The Musical New episodes on Wednesdays