Bring Her Back: Blu Ray Review

Cast: Billy Barrett, Sally Hawkins, Sora Wong, Jonah Wren Phillips
Director: Danny Philippou, Michael Philippou

There's something deeply disturbing and yet elegantly elegaic in the Philippou brothers' latest film.

The story of siblings Andy and Piper who are fostered out after tragedy comes knocking on their door. Sent off to live with Sally Hawkins' counsellor Laura, the pair find life becomes a little more tricky as time goes on - and Laura's son Ollie, who's turned mute after something happened, does nothing to dispel that concern.

To say more about Bring Her Back is really to take the beats out of the film.

And while it's marketed as a horror, no doubt after the success of debut flick Talk To Me, this sophomore release from the Rackarackas contains some thematic similarities with said film.

Grief, family, trauma, ostracism - they all sit alongside an increasingly disquieting tone of unease that builds constantly throughout. From dismal settings to torrential rain and psychosomatic concerns over showers and water, there's a lot here to build a slow-burning atmosphere.

And build it does thanks in great part to Barrett's anguished performance as the recently bereaved teen who also takes the care of his younger sibling very seriously. In an unshowy performance, Barrett deals with much going on under the surface while bristling up against Hawkins' seemingly troubled Laura.

But the direction keeps the film anything but cliche and a restrained delivery of a slow simmering and bubbling upset proves to be distinctly immersive and entirely traumatising. While perhaps the use of cult material that sets things up is the only weak link of the film, Bring Her Back proves to be a deeply unsettling film that keeps itself grounded while haunting as well.

It may be a grim outing but Bring Her Back really does show the Philippou brothers know how to spin a tale that subverts some of the genre and produce something intimate that stays with you long after the cinema lights have gone up.

A Working Man: Blu Ray Review

Cast: Jason Statham, Jason Flemyng, Michael Pena, Maximillian Osinski, David Harbour, Arianna Rivas
Director: David Ayer

If Jason Statham was hoping to reclaim some of the energy and excitement he garnered with The Beekeeper in his latest outing, he's sorely mistaken.

While A Working Man, with its Sylvester Stallone-helmed plot and production, has elements that work well colliding the everyday with the muscle-crunching fights, most of what transpires is just unterminably dull and dour.

Statham is divorced dad Levon Cade, a former Marine Commando living in Chicago and now working a construction site for a family-led business. A wayward soul, who's given food by plenty of members of the workforce, Cade's the reliable force who sticks up for his immigrant colleagues when the bad guys show but rarely allows himself to be part of a family.

However, when the construction boss's daughter is kidnapped after a night out celebrating school, he's spurred into action at the behest of the family, setting him on a path with a group of child sex traffickers, Russian mobsters and his own troubled past - all while trying to negotiate life as a single dad.

A Working Man is just endlessly and needlessly slow, promising to build to a climax that promises much as the angered sides converge on a single location. But despite maybe 10 minutes of well-orchestrated mayhem, the result is anything but enticing, a damp squib of an ending that hints at Cade colliding with an angered Russian again.

Statham does what he does in the genre - and what he has been doing for years - but the dour touches of the script do little to lighten the mood and even give a hint of warmth to the character. Maybe Cade is damaged by his time in the marines, but the script cares so little for depth that it barely even registers after an initial mention and his father-in-law ranting about how damaged he is.

Ayer's penchant for dyeing everything in a perma-yellow and quick cutting during the action sequences soon grows tired too, leaving you longing for either some well-choreographed fight scenes rather than brutally cut encounters that deny you the thrill of the chase.

It helps little there's no fun nor charisma on show here - and if anything it may be called A Working Man, but you can't help but shake the feeling that it's the audiences that have to work for anything in this film - and that's nothing short of a travesty.

From the World of John Wick: Ballerina: Blu Ray Review

Cast: Ana de Armas, Gabriel Byrne, Anjelica Huston, Ian McShane, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Keanu Reeves, Lance Reddick, Norman Reedus

Director: Len Wiseman

Early on in the latest John Wick spinoff, Ana de Armas' character Eve is told the best way to fight is to improvise, to step away from the expected and to go rogue.

In truth, it's something this new film (easily written off as a Jane Wick) seems to have taken literally - because while the fight choreography is taut and as expected for a John Wick franchise entrant (and matches the work done by The Continental Prime Video series), the rest of what transpires on the screen feels like a collection of episodes pieced together by bone-crunching fights and little else to thread it together.

For what plot there is, a powerful de Armas' Eve witnesses the murder of her father early in life. Shattered by his death, she's co-opted into the world of the assassins by Ian McShane's Winston Scott, who puts her in the care of Anjelica Huston's Director.

Despite being trained and told to not chase those responsible, Eve goes off the beaten path to pursue vengeance.

From the World of John Wick: Ballerina does little to subvert the expectations of a John Wick movie and director Len Wiseman brings a workmanlike edge to the proceedings, something akin to what you'd expect from the eye behind the Underworld franchise. There's nothing showy nor original here whatsoever.

Neon-soaked club fights, the aftermath of carnage after one of Eve's contracts is carried out and on-street gun-fu is all very well, but the film can't quite kick the idea of something new - other than having a leading lady doling out the beatings.

For her part, de Armas has little emotional depth to work with in a linear story - her pain and sadness is what fuels her, but there's little sign of that on display other than early on. However, she more than gets the job done and proves worthy of her place in the John Wick world. (But she fares better than The Walking Dead's Reedus who barely merits more than a slightly extended cameo's worth of screen time).

Creatively, the franchise feels on a knifepoint - and while the inevitable showdown between Wick and the Ballerina eventually appears, the film does little else to provide a new power to what's going on.

A final snow-set village showdown complete with the fact everyone's an assassin (one of the film's high points) and some flamethrower escapades try to enliven the film's back third, but emotionally, audiences will be checked out by this point, wearied - and dare you say it, bored - by a lack of heft other than multiple beat downs. 

LEGO® Batman™: Legacy of the Dark Knight to Launch Worldwide on May 29, 2026; Pre-Orders Available Now

Warner Bros. Games and DC announced LEGO® Batman™: Legacy of the Dark Knight is scheduled to launch worldwide on May 29, 2026, for PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam and Epic Games Store). Pre-orders are available now for the Standard and Deluxe Editions of the game on the aforementioned platforms* (full content details below).

As part of the announcement during The Game Awards, the audience was greeted by a special guest presenter – LEGO Batman live from the Batcave, who introduced a brand-new trailer with a first look at action-packed gameplay of several playable characters and DC Super-Villains.

Joining the Caped Crusader in the fight to save Gotham City are Robin with his trusty line launcher, Nightwing and his battle staff, Batgirl sporting her versatile hackarang, and Catwoman with her signature whip and loyal companion kitten – all equipped with their own unique abilities, progression trees, combos, and gadgets.

The trailer also revealed new DC Super-Villains that players will take on, such as Two-Face, Poison Ivy, Firefly, and Mr. Freeze, along with other members of the notorious Rogues Gallery in The Joker, The Penguin, Ra’s al Ghul, and Bane. Plus, fans will catch an initial glimpse of the iconic Batmobile from Batman: The Animated Series and Batpod from The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises films, which can be used to traverse the in-game open world.

LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight Standard Edition

Pre-Order Now – Available now ($109.95) on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam and Epic Games Store)

Main Story Campaign

Bruce Wayne’s journey from origin to legend as he trains with The League of Shadows, becomes the hero of Gotham City, and forges a new family of allies with Robin, Nightwing, Batgirl, Jim Gordon, Catwoman, and Talia al Ghul who each bring unique skills and signature gadgets to uncover crimes, complete challenges, and explore an immersive Gotham City full of secrets and surprises.

Players will confront an ever-growing threat from across Batman’s Rogues Gallery, facing off against The Joker, The Penguin, Mr. Freeze, Poison Ivy, Ra's al Ghul, Bane, and more.

100 Suits & Outfits

An array of Batsuits and individual outfits for every playable character, inspired by Batman’s legacy in film, television, comics, and games.

Over 20 Vehicles

A range of Batmobiles and Batcycles to drive around Gotham City's open world in style, including rides like the legendary Tumbler.

Over 250 Batcave Props & Trophies

A wide range of items to display and customise the Batcave and celebrate achievements.

Pre-Order Bonus

All pre-orders will receive The Dark Knight Returns Batsuit (at launch), inspired by the acclaimed comic book series.

 LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight Deluxe Edition

Pre-Order Now – Available now ($139.95) on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam and Epic Games Store)

All LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight Standard Edition Content & Pre-Order Bonus

Legacy Collection (Available at Launch)

Arkham Trilogy Pack, Batman Beyond Pack, and Party Music Pack – Over 30 launch-day items across three (3) themed content packs, each with seven (7) new suits (one [1] per playable character), one (1) new Batmobile, and a set of five (5) Batcave customisation props.

Mayhem Collection (Available Sept. 2026)

New Mayhem Mode featuring The Joker and Harley Quinn as playable characters with their own abilities, gadgets, and takedowns.

New Story Mission with The Joker and Harley Quinn breaking out of Arkham Asylum and causing chaos on the streets of Gotham City.

Sinister Pack – Seven (7) new suits (one [1] per original playable character), one (1) new Batmobile, and a set of five (5) Batcave customisation props.

Pre-Order Bonus

Deluxe Edition pre-orders will receive 72-hour early access to the game beginning on May 26, prior to the main launch on May 29.

Players can unlock the Golden Age Batsuit (at launch), a classic outfit based on the Caped Crusader’s debut look from Detective Comics #27 (1939), accessible for eligible users who create a Warner Bros. Games account, as well as those who already have an account.

 

Additionally, four new LEGO DC Batman sets are available for pre-order now (launching March 1) and will include in-game digital content redeemable when LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight releases. The LEGO® DC Batman™: Batman Logo set will unlock an exclusive gold Batsuit for the videogame, while the LEGO® DC Batman™: The Batman™ Batmobile™, LEGO® DC Batman™ Batman v Superman™ Batmobile™, and LEGO® DC Batman: Batman & Robin™ Batmobile™ sets will each include a playable version of the respective vehicle, plus an exclusive gold variant of that vehicle, for the videogame. Please note, the exclusive in-game gold Batsuit and gold vehicle variants are only available through purchase of the sets.

 

*Release timing in 2026 for the Nintendo Switch™ 2 version of the game will be announced at a later date. The Nintendo Switch 2 version is available to Wishlist now.

Splitsville: Blu Ray Review

Cast: Dakota Johnson, Adria Arjona, Michael Angelo Covino, Kyle Marvin, Nicholas Braun
Director: Michael Angelo Covino

One of the more unexpectedly riotous comedies of the year meshed together with an adult drama, Splitsville is more about upending expectations than conforming to them.

And yet, with its simple and familiar story of falling for the wrong people and dealing with the fallout, Covino and his frequent collaborator Marvin have created something that's as recognisable as it is original.

Heading to his friend's lake house, Carey (Marvin) is caught out by his life coach wife Ashley (Blink Twice's Arjona) who declares that despite their recent marriage, she wants to break up after witnessing a car crash. Determined to push ahead with his holiday, Carey is stunned to learn his friend Paul (Covino) and Julie (Johnson) have an open marriage - and things are further complicated when Paul heads away, leaving Julie and Carey to act impulsively on their connection....

Splitsville delights in the unexpected.

Whether it's a fight sequence between Carey and Paul that's as messy as it is funny, or a rollercoaster ride that is laugh-out-loud, Splitsville has its sights set on the unconventional and achieves it with farcically good effect.

But its more screwball edges are tempered with grounded characters that feel as relatable as they are messy in a story that trucks along with pace. Yet rather than overwhelm proceedings with silliness, the film keeps its sensibilities in check to provide a screenplay that crackles with chemistry as well as veracity.

While both Johnson and Arjona feel slightly underdeveloped on the character side of things, it's not a fatal flaw and it's clear that Marvin and Corvino have workshopped their own relationship in the movie ahead of those who orbit them.

However, when a film as fresh as Splitsville comes along, these minor niggles are nothing but churlish. At its heart, Splitsville represents a great time in the cinema and shows that even though we're late in 2025, some movies can still deliver pleasant surprises.

One Battle After Another: Blu Ray Review

Cast: Leonardo di Caprio, Teyana Taylor, Chase Infiniti, Benicio del Toro, Sean Penn, Regina Hall

Director: Paul Thomas Anderson

In this latest, a mix of action and comedy from Phanton Thread director Paul Thomas Anderson, Leonardo di Caprio plays ex-revolutionary Bob.

Living off the grid and with his daughter Willa, Bob's forced into action when his nemesis resurfaces and his daughter goes missing.

But does he have what it takes to battle with the consequences of his own past?

One Battle After Another's occasionally rambling free-form feeling narrative is fun to watch play out, but while the film's very good, it's not quite up there with Anderson's best.

There's a dry, whimsical edge to some of the dialogue and large hints of screwball scattered throughout as well as DiCaprio's Bob tries to deal with his former revolutionaries - one of the film's enduring highlights remains an extended conversation and simmering frustrations and rage over a password.

But a large part of this film feels like it's receiving plaudits because of its parallels to what's transpiring in America currently. With camps filled with immigrants and swoops by police and army soldiers into territories, there's plenty of familiar touches with what's happening in Donald Trump's America. Likewise, the cabal of old racist white men defining the course of the narrative is nothing new, but again, timely parallels help sell it.

Yet while these moments are timely, they're not timeless as despite Anderson's insistence that the film seeks to comment on the powerless nature currently of revolutionaries and those who speak up against the powers that be, there's a surface-level of commentary and little else to go on.

Thankfully, the performances are what marks this out as exemplary.

From Benicio del Toro's dry sensei who gradually is revealed as a person hiding immigrants through to Teyana Taylor's firecracker turn as the revolutionary Perfidia Beverly Hills early on, there's much to catch the eye here.

Penn turns his Lockjaw nemesis into something truly odious and distinctly uncomfortable in most of his scenes and DiCaprio has fun playing fast and loose with Bob, the revolutionary who'd rather stay at home and be paranoid than be involved once again.

At its heart, One Battle After Another is about a father and daughter relationship. And it's here that Chase Infiniti excels, bringing both a toughness garnered from her absent mother and a vulnerability of a daughter unable to fully move out from under the wing of her father.

There are many vicarious thrills to be had with One Battle After Another and while there's nary a hint of bloat despite the 160 minute run-time, there is a feeling that in parts, the film could have spent more on its themes rather than just its parallels.

Merry Christmas

Just a note to wish readers of this site a very Merry Christmas.

While there's no denying 2025 has been hard for many of us, and in unexpected ways, it's appreciated that you all keep reading this site.

Hopefully you all find peace and some comfort this Christmas - and see you in 2026.

Anaconda: Movie Review

Cast: Jack Black, Paul Rudd, Thandiye Newton, Steve Zahn
Director: Tom Gormican

The 2025 version of Anaconda is an odd piece of film-making.

Wanting to be a comedy first and foremost, it fails to deliver a large number of laughs, despite some genuinely funny moments.

Jack Black and Paul Rudd star as best friends Doug and Griff, who’ve drifted apart over the years. The pair has always dreamt of remaking their all-time favourite movie Anaconda, thanks to a love of gonzo film-making in their younger years.

But when Doug, who’s now stuck making wedding videos and wanting to be more, catches up with his pal, who’s a failing bit part actor in Hollywood, fired for overplaying his scenes, they, coupled with a midlife crisis, decide to give it a go. Especially when Griff tells him they have the rights to the film.

So heading to the jungles of the Amazon, along with friends Claire and Kenny (Thandiye Newton and Steve Zahn, largely overlooked) they start filming. But when they cross paths with an on-the-run Ana (Daniela Melchior) and a large anaconda, things get more complicated.

Unsure if it wants to be a meta-nod to the original or mocking the cheesy quality of the Jon Voight, Ice Cube and Jennifer Lopez-starring vehicle which became a cult hit, the 2025 Anaconda suffers from a crisis of confidence. As it slithers between comedy, knowing winks to the audiences and commentary on who owns IP these days, coupled with Black’s manic OTT performance and Rudd’s easy-going charm, the film itself sheds as many skins as its own snake, before ultimately devouring itself ouroboros style.

The mix of tones doesn’t help matters and for every low-level gag there is, there’s a smart one hiding in the background, trying desperately for air. As the low-rent CGI anaconda continues to slither on and off screen, things take a turn for the less-ambitious (although one questions whether this is a nod to the B-movie madness of the original or a budgetary necessity.

Most egregiously, Newton is criminally overlooked in this bro-heavy story outing, a fact that seems more ironic than intentional.

Ultimately, the film collapses on itself, delivering a just-above average time depending on how many drinks you’ve had. And no matter how often they show montages of Black’s character trying to write a script, the film never works as a tribute to its roots or a modern-day satire on filmmaking.

It should have been hiss-terical – instead, it’s anything but.

What's on Prime Video in January 2026

Here's everything that's streaming on Prime Video in 2026.

Prime Video kicks off 2026 with a strong mix of returning global hits, new series and high-octane standout films.

Action heavyweights Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista team up in The Wrecking Crew, which was filmed in New Zealand, and following a record-breaking debut, Beast Games returns for a second season, raising the stakes as competitors face even tougher challenges in the quest to bag USD$5 million.

Espionage thriller The Night Manager continues with its long-awaited second season with Tom Hiddleston at the helm, and Sophie Turner stars in new heist thriller, Steal.

All this and more, streaming this January on Prime Video.

THE WRECKING CREW

STREAMING WEDNESDAY 28 JANUARY

In this action comedy, two estranged half-brothers, Jonny (Jason Momoa) and James (Dave Bautista) are forced to reunite after their father’s mysterious death. As they set out to uncover the truth, buried secrets resurface and loyalties are tested, unveiling a conspiracy that can tear their family apart. Together they are ready to WRECK anything that gets in their way. Set in the streets of Hawaii, the film is directed by Ángel Manuel Soto (Blue Beetle) and also stars Claes Bang, Jacob Batalon, Morena Baccarin, Temuera Morrison, and Frankie Adams. The Wrecking Crew was filmed in New Zealand.

The Wrecking Crew stars Dave Bautista, Jason Momoa, Claes Bang, Temuera Morrison, Jacob Batalon, Morena Baccarin, and Frankie Adams.

 

BEAST GAMES SEASON TWO

STREAMING WEDNESDAY 7 JANUARY

After a record-shattering first season, Beast Games is back! Bigger, bolder, and more intense than ever. MrBeast has assembled 100 of the planet’s strongest competitors and 100 of the world’s smartest minds. “Strong vs. Smart” will battle for an eye-watering USD$5,000,000 prize. As players face off in the ultimate collision of brain and biceps; alliances will form and trust will break. Every challenge pushes the limits of human strength, intelligence and strategy. What wouldn’t you do for USD$5,000,000? 

Beast Games Season Two stars Jimmy Donaldson aka MrBeast.

 

THE NIGHT MANAGER SEASON TWO

STREAMING SUNDAY 11 JANUARY

Jonathan Pine (Tom Hiddleston) thought he’d buried his past. Now living as Alex Goodwin – a low-level MI6 officer running a quiet surveillance unit in London – his life is comfortingly uneventful. Then one night a chance sighting of an old Roper mercenary prompts a call to action and leads Pine to a violent encounter with a new player: Colombian businessman Teddy Dos Santos (Diego Calva).

On this perilous new journey, Pine meets Roxana Bolaños (Camila Morrone), a businesswoman who reluctantly helps him infiltrate Teddy’s Colombian arms operation. Once in Colombia, Pine is plunged deep into a deadly plot involving arms and training of a guerrilla army. As allegiances splinter, Pine races to expose a conspiracy designed to destabilise a nation. And with betrayal at every turn, he must decide whose trust he needs to earn and how far he’s willing to go before it’s too late

The first three episodes of The Night Manager Season Two will debut on Sunday, January, 11 on Prime Video, with one new episode releasing every Sunday, until the season finale on Sunday, February 1.

The Night Manager Season Two stars Tom Hiddleston, Camila Morrone, Diego Calva, Olivia Colman and more.

 

STEAL

STREAMING WEDNESDAY 21 JANUARY

Steal is a contemporary, high-octane thriller about the heist of the century and the ordinary office worker, Zara (Sophie Turner), who finds herself at the heart of it. A typical work day at a pension fund investment company, Lochmill Capital, is upended when a gang of violent thieves burst in and force Zara and her best mate Luke (Archie Madekwe) to execute their demands. But who would steal billions of pounds of ordinary people’s pensions and why? DCI Rhys (Jacob Fortune-Lloyd) is determined to find out, but as a recently relapsed gambling addict, Rhys must keep his own money problems at bay while dealing with the secret agendas and competing interests at the center of this far-reaching crime.

Steal stars Sophie Turner, Archie Madekwe, and Jacob Fortune-Lloyd.

MOLLY MAE: BEHIND IT ALL SEASON TWO,

 PART TWO

STREAMING FRIDAY 16 JANUARY

One of Britain’s biggest influencers - Molly-Mae Hague - returns to the spotlight. With exclusive access, Molly embarks on an exciting new chapter as she takes her business empire to the next level while navigating the challenges of motherhood under the scrutiny of millions.

Molly-Mae: Behind It All Season 2, Part 2 stars Molly-Mae Hague.

SPRING FEVER

STREAMING TUESDAY 6 JANUARY

Based on a web novel, Spring Fever is a Korean rom-com series that follows Yoon Bom (Lee Joo-been), who moves to the small town of Sinsu for a new beginning. Initially detached and cold, she gradually opens her heart after meeting Sun Jae-gyu (Ahn Bo-hyun).

Spring Fever stars Ahn Bo-hyun, Lee Joo-been, Cha Seo-won, Cho Jun-young, Lee Jae-in, Jin Kyung, and Bae Jung-nam.

 

STREAMING ON PRIME VIDEO

NBA: HAWKS VS. KNICKS (LIVE SPORT) 3/1/2026

NBA: THUNDER VS. WARRIORS (LIVE SPORT) 3/1/2026

NBA: SWARM VS. GRAND RAPIDS (LIVE SPORT) 6/1/2026

NBA: VIPERS VS. KINGS (LIVE SPORT) 6/1/2026

SPRING FEVER (SERIES) 6/1/2026

BEAST GAMES SEASON TWO (SERIES) 7/1/2026

NBA: TIMBERWOLVES VS. CAVALIERS (LIVE SPORT) 10/1/2026

THE NIGHT MANAGER SEASON TWO (SERIES) 11/1/2025

NBA: KINGS VS. NETS (LIVE SPORT) 13/1/2026

NBA: GRIZZLIES VS. MAGIC (LIVE SPORT) 15/1/2026

NBA: KNICKS VS. WARRIORS (LIVE SPORT) 16/1/2026

MOLLY MAE: BEHIND IT ALL SEASON TWO; PART TWO (SERIES) 16/1/2026

NBA: THUNDER VS. ROCKETS (LIVE SPORT) 16/1/2026

NBA: 87ERS VS. SKYHAWKS (LIVE SPORT) 17/1/2026

NBA: MAGIC VS. GRIZZLIES (LIVE SPORT) 18/1/2026

STEAL (SERIES) 21/1/2026

NBA: WARRIORS VS. MAVERICKS (LIVE SPORT) 23/1/2026

NBA: ROCKETS VS. PISTONS (LIVE SPORT) 23/1/2026

NBA: LAKERS VS. CLIPPERS (LIVE SPORT) 23/1/2026

NBA: PACERS VS. THUNDER (LIVE SPORT) 24/1/2026

NBA: SKYFORCE VS. WARRIORS (LIVE SPORT) 25/1/2026

NBA: CAPITANES VS. LAKERS (LIVE SPORT) 25/1/2026

NBA: RAPTORS VS. MAGIC (LIVE SPORT) 27/1/2026

THE WRECKING CREW (MOVIE) 28/1/2026

NBA: BUCKS VS. WIZARDS (LIVE SPORT) 29/1/2026

NBA: THUNDER VS. TIMBERWOLVES (LIVE SPORT) 30/1/2026

NBA: SPURS VS. HORNETS (LIVE SPORT) 31/1/2026

NBA: WOLVES VS. WARRIORS (LIVE SPORT) 31/1/2026

Not Only Fred Dagg: Movie Review

Director: Lorin Clarke

To label a doco genial may appear at first glance to be dismissive of it.

In this case, that's far from the truth. Lorin Clarke's tribute to her father, who shaped the early days of New Zealand comedy before being dropped from his own show by the state broadcaster at the height of his fame, could have a bitter edge, once again demonstrating how the country treats those whose star is in ascent.

But by opening up her own archive after she decided no one was asking much about him, Lorin shapes a portrait of her father that's very much more about the man and what achieved than any particular form of grandstanding.

From commentary during his rebellious school days where he was dismissed as a smartarse because of his correction of teachers through to the joy the comedy of Peter Cook and Dudley Moore brought him, Not Only Fred Dagg shines a welcome light on the icon that lit up Australasian comedy for 40 years.

In many ways, it's a very formulaic documentary, one that captures talking heads recounting either their encounters with the man or his impact, and which uses footage from the archives to show his successes on screen. 

Yet it also shows how the formative comedy edges of both New Zealand and Australia were shaped by Clarke - and while shots of Lorin talking to her interviewees is perhaps the only major directorial change to a workmanlike piece of film, there's something understated about the final product which proves to be as compelling as it is rich.

Perhaps the key takeaway from this is just how much John Clarke off screen was like John Clarke onscreen. Audiences recognised his everyday persona - certainly in the guise of the Fred Dagg character - and accepted him for it. And the fact that Clarke was happy to do that and allow it is a key pointer to what makes a decent human being; something that daughter Lorin has captured sensitively here and which will ensure anyone watching this will be swept away by the fact of how much they knew the bloke, despite having never met him.

The Long Walk: Blu Ray Review

Cast: David Jonsson, Mark Hamill, Cooper Hoffman, Ben Wang, Judy Greer

Director: Francis Lawrence

In this latest film to be adapted from a Stephen King book (after this year's earlier The Life of Chuck), Alien: Romulus' David Jonsson is DeFries, one of a group of boys stuck in a terrible game.

Against a backdrop of a depressed America, that's suffered a wide yet never explained dystopia meltdown, the boys are summoned to be part of a walk without a finish line.

The Long Walk is a brutal tale of brotherhood, friendship and inner demons, simply shot and grounded by two stunning lead performances from Hoffman and Jonsson.

And while the wider world is rarely explored, the brief snapshots provided along the way show a country in ruins as spectators watch on to see who will won.

Most heartbreaking though is Judy Greer as the mother of Garraty (Hoffman). In just a few brief scenes, she will destroy you as you see her world crumble as her son is enrolled into the walk. 

Large swathes of this are just numbing and devastating, a shocking story playing out more emotionally raw than the likes of Squid Game have conditioned us.

But with a simplicity of direction, a script that favors banter between the boys rather than in-depth character, The Long Walk is singlehandedly one of the bleakest - and best - films of the year.

Logitech Pro X Superlight 2C: Review

It's hard to go past the gaming market without considering the impact of Logitech's entry into the brand.

From headsets to keyboards, there's been no sign of easing off of the quality of devices they bring to the average gamer.

That trend continues with the Logitech Pro X Superlight 2C mouse, a piece of kit which can be used for everyday use as well as more specifically for the hours spent gaming on a machine near you.

Lighter than the previous iteration, the Superlight 2, the Superlight 2C weighs in at around 50g, making it easy to cart around if you're a portable gamer and also easier to use if you're at a desk as well. With a sturdy plastic matte body, the mouse feels like it can take prolonged abuse in any shape or form and in any test that's needed of it.

Perhaps the only downside to the mouse is the force that's needed to click the central wheel to get it working effectively, but given the right and left paddles and the tracking itself work fine, then this is a minor bugbear to deal with.

With a HERO 2 sensor that tracks flawlessly for what you need of it, the mouse works well for its response time and its need to activate quickly. It's not a mouse that has any kind of lag and that's as important as it must be when it comes to gaming and also to daily use. Perhaps the central wheel issue is the biggest problem, given that the tracking is so intuitive and responsive.

And the mouse's battery life, which ranks at about 95 hours, is also impressive and useful for those looking to do long sessions or heavy workdays. Along with the G-Hub's useful features, the Logitech Pro X Superlight 2C becomes an essential item that rewards gamers and also users with its sleek look and quality design.

Now if they could just do something about the response time of the central wheel and the slightly odd look of it being raised above the base, it'd be a superlative winner.

What's On Prime Video in 2026

THE UNTITLED AFL DOCUSERIES (W/T)

COMING IN EARLY 2026

From the creative team behind Drive to Survive, Prime Video has partnered with Emmy-Winning production company Box To Box to propel the Australian Football League (AFL) to global audiences with a new docuseries. 

The Untitled AFL Docuseries (w/t) will show a character-driven snapshot of the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership season, providing an inside look as it unfolds and immersing viewers in the competition. Launching globally on Prime Video in 2026, the docuseries promises an unprecedented, behind-the-scenes glimpse into one of the biggest sports in Australia. It will also give audiences outside of Australia unique insight into a sport celebrated with near religious fervor in the southern hemisphere.

 

DEADLOCH SEASON TWO

STREAMING FRIDAY MARCH 20

Prime Video's global hit Australian series, Deadloch is back and Season Two heads to Australia's Top End.

 

Forget Tassie Noir - Deadloch is entering its Tropical Gothic era. Detectives Dulcie Collins (Kate Box) and Eddie Redcliffe (Madeleine Sami) are in Australia’s sweltering Top End, aka the Northern Territory, investigating the death of Eddie’s former policing partner, Bushy. But when the body of a local icon is discovered in a remote town, they are flung into a sweatier, stickier, croc-ier crime case.

 

Returning to Deadloch are Kate Box, Madeleine Sami, Nina Oyama and Alicia Gardiner. Joining the cast for Season Two is Luke Hemsworth, Steve Bisley, Shari Sebbens, Jean Tong, Genevieve Morris, Byron Coll, Nikki Britton, Anthony J Sharp, Blake Pavey, Damien Garvey, Ngali Shaw, Bev Killick, Ling Cooper-Tang, Ursula Yovich, Syd Brisbane, Ines English, Lennox Monaghan, Reiden Corpus and Storm Murgha.

 

NBA

CONTINUES IN 2026

 

The NBA season continues on Prime in 2026 and you have courtside access anytime, anywhere. Stream live games, catch the massive matchups, and never miss a highlight, from the regular season to the playoffs (specific games TBC).

 

Prime Video is the exclusive streaming service for 67 regular-season NBA games beginning in 2025, including the Emirates NBA cup and the NBA Playoffs, as well as regular and postseason WNBA games beginning in 2026. Prime Video brings the action closer than ever—whether you’re backing your team, following your favourite stars, or just here for the slam dunks.

 

BLADE RUNNER 2099

COMING IN 2026

Blade Runner 2099, Prime Video's highly-anticipated limited series, will launch in 2026. The cast is led by Michelle Yeoh and Hunter Schafer.

 

ELLE

COMING IN 2026

 

Elle, the highly-anticipated Legally Blonde prequel series from Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine, will launch on Prime Video in 2026.

 

Elle follows Elle Woods in high school as we learn about the life experiences that shaped her into the iconic young woman we came to know and love in the first Legally Blonde film.

 

Starring Lexi Minetree as Elle Woods.

 

SPIDER-NOIR

COMING IN 2026

 

Starring Nicholas Cage, Spider-Noir is a live-action series based on the Marvel comic Spider-Man Noir.

 

The story follows an aging and down-on-his-luck private investigator in 1930s New York, played by Academy Award winner Cage, who is forced to grapple with his past life as the city’s one and only superhero.

 

THE BOYS SEASON FIVE

COMING IN 2026

 

Prime Video’s Emmy Award winning series, The Boys, returns for a diabolical fifth and final season.

 

Starring Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, Antony Starr, Erin Moriarty, Jessie T. Usher, Laz Alonso, Chace Crawford, Tomer Capone, Karen Fukuhara, Colby Minifie, Cameron Crovetti, Susan Heyward, Valorie Curry and more.

 

THE WRECKING CREW

COMING IN 2026

An action-comedy film starring Dave Bautista and Jason Momoa who play an unlikely duo of half-brothers, one an impulsive detective and the other a disciplined Navy SEAL, drawn together by their father's murder in Hawaii, leading them on a perilous journey to expose a far-reaching conspiracy.

 

The Wrecking Crew was filmed in New Zealand.

 

Starring Jason Momoa, Dave Bautista, Morena Baccarin, Temuera Morrison, Jacob Batalon, Frankie Adams and more.

 

YOUNG SHERLOCK

COMING IN 2026

Young Sherlock is the thrilling origin story of the world’s most famous detective, Sherlock Holmes, as he unravels a global conspiracy.

 

Directed by Guy Ritchie, Young Sherlock stars Hero Fiennes Tiffin in the title role along with Dónal Finn, Joseph Fiennes, Max Irons, Natascha McElhone, Zine Tseng, and Colin Firth.

 

SCARPETTA

STREAMING WEDNESDAY MARCH 11

 

Scarpetta brings Patricia Cornwell's  iconic literary character to life in a gripping series starring Nicole Kidman as “Dr. Kay Scarpetta.” With skilled hands and an unnerving eye, this unrelenting medical examiner is determined to serve as the voice of the victims, unmask a serial killer, and prove that her career-making case from 28 years prior isn't also her undoing. Set against the backdrop of modern forensic investigation, the series delves beyond the crime scene to explore the psychological complexities of both perpetrators and investigators, creating a multi-layered thriller that examines the toll of pursuing justice at all costs.

 

Featuring an all-star cast including Nicole Kidman, Jamie Lee Curtis, Bobby Cannavale, Simon Baker, Ariana DeBose, Rosy McEwen, and Jake Cannavale.

 

BEAST GAMES SEASON TWO

STREAMING WEDNESDAY JANUARY 7

  

After a record-shattering first season, Beast Games is back! Bigger, bolder, and more intense than ever. MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson) has assembled 100 of the planet’s strongest competitors and 100 of the world’s smartest minds. “Strong vs. Smart” will battle for an eye-watering USD$5,000,000 prize. As players face off in the ultimate collision of brain and biceps; alliances will form and trust will break. Every challenge pushes the limits of human strength, intelligence and strategy. What wouldn’t you do for USD$5,000,000?

 

Beast Games' debut season quickly became Prime Video’s most-watched unscripted show ever, amassing 50 million viewers after only 25 days on platform and has already been renewed for a Season Three as announced at the Amazon upfront presentation in May.

 

BALLS UP

COMING IN 2026

Balls Up is an upcoming American action comedy film directed by Peter Farrelly and written by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick.

 

The film follows two American marketing executives who are fired for blowing a client sponsorship opportunity and decide to use their free tickets to a major soccer match. Their drunken debauchery leads them to be hunted by every person across the country.

 

Starring Mark Wahlberg, Paul Walter Hauser, Molly Shannon, Benjamin Bratt, Daniela Melchior, and Eric André.

 

OFF CAMPUS

COMING IN 2026

A college soap based on the bestselling book series, Off Campus follows an elite ice hockey team, and the women in their lives, as they grapple with love, heartbreak, and self-discovery—forging deep friendships and enduring bonds while navigating the complexities that come with transitioning into adulthood. Season 1 follows the sexy and fun “opposites attract” romance between quiet songwriter, Hannah, and Briar University’s all-star hockey athlete, Garrett.

 

Starring Ella Bright, Belmont Cameli, Mika Abdalla, Antonio Cipriano, Jalen Thomas Brooks, Australian Josh Heuston, Stephen Kalyn, Khobe Clarke, Steve Howey and more

 

EVERY YEAR AFTER

COMING IN 2026

Every Year After is a YA series based on Carley Fortune‘s best-selling romantic novel Every Summer After, which spent 14 weeks on the New York Times best-seller list and has sold over 1 million copies to date.

 

The cast includes Sadie Soverall and Matt Cornett in the lead roles of Percy and Sam, along with Michael Bradway as Charlie, Aurora Perrineau as Chantal, Abigail Cowen as Delilah, and Joseph Chiu as Jordie.

 

STEAL

STREAMING WEDNESDAY JANUARY 21

 

Steal is a contemporary, high-octane thriller about the heist of the century and the ordinary office worker, Zara (Sophie Turner), who finds herself at the heart of it. A typical work day at a pension fund investment company, Lochmill Capital, is upended when a gang of violent thieves burst in and force Zara and her best mate Luke (Archie Madekwe) to execute their demands. But who would steal billions of pounds of ordinary people’s pensions and why? DCI Rhys (Jacob Fortune-Lloyd) is determined to find out, but as a recently relapsed gambling addict, Rhys must keep his own money problems at bay while dealing with the secret agendas and competing interests at the center of this far-reaching crime.

 

THE NIGHT MANAGER SEASON TWO

STREAMING SUNDAY JANUARY 11

 

Jonathan Pine (Tom Hiddleston) thought he’d buried his past. Now living as Alex Goodwin – a low-level MI6 officer running a quiet surveillance unit in London – his life is comfortingly uneventful. Then one night a chance sighting of an old Roper mercenary prompts a call to action and leads Pine to a violent encounter with a new player: Colombian businessman Teddy Dos Santos (Diego Calva).

 

On this perilous new journey, Pine meets Roxana Bolaños (Camila Morrone), a businesswoman who reluctantly helps him infiltrate Teddy’s Colombian arms operation. Once in Colombia, Pine is plunged deep into a deadly plot involving arms and training of a guerrilla army. As allegiances splinter, Pine races to expose a conspiracy designed to destabilise a nation. And with betrayal at every turn, he must decide whose trust he needs to earn and how far he’s willing to go before it’s too late.

 

Starring Tom Hiddleston, Diego Calva, Camila Morrone, Indira Varman, Paul Chahidi, Hayley Squires, Alistair Petrie, Douglas Hodge, Michael Nardone, Noah Jupe and Olivia Colman.

 

INVINCIBLE SEASON FOUR

COMING MARCH 2026

 

While the world recovers from catastrophe, a changed Mark fights to protect his home and the people he loves, setting him on a collision course with a threat that could alter the fate of humanity forever.

 

Based on the award-winning comic book series by Robert Kirkman, co-creator Cory Walker, and contributing creator Ryan Ottley, Invincible stars Steven Yeun, Sandra Oh, J.K. Simmons, Seth Rogen, Walton Goggins, Gillian Jacobs, Lee Pace, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Matthew Rhys, Jason Mantzoukas, Zazie Beetz, Grey DeLisle, Zachary Quinto, Chris Diamantopoulos, Ross Marquand, Khary Payton, Andrew Rannells, Kevin Michael Richardson, Ben Schwartz, Clancy Brown, Jay Pharoah, Mark Hamill, and Melise Jow.

 

CROSS SEASON TWO

STREAMING WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 11

 

Starring Aldis Hodge, Cross is a Washington DC based crime drama that follows Alex Cross, a brilliant homicide detective and forensic psychologist, uniquely capable of digging into the minds of serial killers in order to identify and catch them. In Season Two, Cross is in pursuit of a ruthless vigilante who is hunting down corrupt billionaire magnates.

 

LOVE ME, LOVE ME

COMING IN EARLY 2026

 

June moves to Italy for a fresh start after her brother's death. At her new elite school, she is drawn to James, a dangerous bully involved in clandestine MMA fights, but begins dating his best friend, Will, the perfect honor student. However, appearances can be deceiving, and June soon discovers that no one at her school is who they seem, as everyone is hiding a secret. As tensions rise and hidden truths come to light, June must decide where her heart truly belongs.

 

The new Italian Original film is based on the first hit novel of the Love Me, Love Me tetralogy by Stefania S which has over 23 million reads on the Wattpad platform.

 

MAN ON THE RUN

STREAMING WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 25

 

Man on the Run takes viewers on an intimate journey through Paul McCartney's extraordinary life following the breakup of The Beatles and the formation of Wings with his wife, Linda.  From Academy Award®-winning director Morgan Neville, the film chronicles the arc of McCartney's solo career as he faces down a myriad of challenges while creating new music to define a new decade. Through unprecedented access to previously unseen footage and rare archival materials, the documentary captures Paul’s transformative post-Beatles era through a uniquely vulnerable lens.

 

MOLLY-MAE: BEHIND IT ALL

SEASON TWO, PART 2

COMING IN EARLY 2026

 

One of Britain’s biggest influencers - Molly-Mae Hague - returns to the spotlight. With exclusive access, Molly embarks on an exciting new chapter as she takes her business empire to the next level while navigating the challenges of motherhood under the scrutiny of millions

 

FINDING HARMONY: A KING'S VISION

COMING IN EARLY 2026

In an unprecedented portrait of King Charles III, Finding Harmony: A King's Vision provides intimate insight into His Majesty's passionate quest to reunite humanity with nature. Academy Award-winner Kate Winslet narrates this journey through The King's Foundation's vital work.

 

56 DAYS

COMING IN 2026

A thriller series based on Catherine Ryan Howard's best-selling novel 56 Days. Starring Dove Cameron, Avan Jogia, Dorian Missick, Karla Souza and more.