Edge of Tomorrow: Movie Review

Edge of Tomorrow: Movie Review

Cast: Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt, Bill Paxton, Brendan Gleeson
Director: Doug Liman

Blockbuster season is upon us - and the latest entrant to the popcorn pantheon sees Tom Cruise stuck in a war is hell analogy.

With the earth invaded by creatures known as the Mimics and with nations toppling around them, Tom Cruise's spin doctor Major William Cage finds himself thrust onto the front line by a vindictive general (Brendan Gleeson) on the eve of a major last push from UK soil.

Unable to cope with the concept of fighting, and with a Normandy style beach landing just around the corner, Cage does all he can to escape the war - but to no avail. Thrust into the theatre of war, Cage is killed by a Mimic - only to wake up and find that he's jumped back in time and is being forced to live the same 2 days over and over again....

Edge of Tomorrow is based on the Japanese novel, All You Need Is Kill and is a heady mash up of the sci fi and other genres you've seen before - from Starship Troopers to Groundhog Day, Saving Private Ryan to Looper, Elysium with its exo-suits and even Cruise's last outing, Oblivion,  it's derivative in many ways.

Humour permeates the first third of the film with Cruise's Cage being offed in a variety of ways, in a plethora of situations that if you're not a fan of the superstar may bring you an element of perverse glee (as well as make you think it's some kind of bizarre cinematic video-game).

Though, it's Cruise that shines through in this as he starts out as a smug PR weasel of a man forced into a baptism of fire on the battlefield; with each death, there's a grim edge that creeps into his character and an attitude that he manages to sell incredibly well, with his own old age helping.

Equally, Blunt impresses as the bad-ass Rita Vrataski, despite starting out as the "Full Metal Bitch", heroine of the army and gradually softening to Cage's continued assault. Toned and combat ready, she carries her no-nonsense one-note heroine as Cage's foil throughout - she shoulders the burden of the bulk of the laughs during the reset sequences in a nice twist of expected gender stereotypes. Mention must also go to the evangelical Bill Paxton who, as a base sergeant, spouts such litany of Biblical proportions on combat that you almost feel like signing up yourself.

Liman's brought together an alien invasion that's visually original too, with spidery-style octopus like creatures ripping through the troops during the Saving Private Ryan beach landings. Speed and visual FX impress and make up for some of the convenient lapses in time travel logic and plotholes that permeate parts of the film (why is Gleeson's general so adamant that Cage will fight, how does an airship get off a base during lockdown).

Though it has to be said, the final portion of the film almost muddies the whole experience with a showdown that's as generic and predictable as most sci fi fare and derails the sparkiness and edge that delivered a freshness so early on, despite the sci-fi hokum and flimsy premise.

All in all, Edge of Tomorrow is a fine example of its oeuvre, a fun blockbuster sci-fi blast that reinstates Cruise as the king of the popcorn flick and proffers up Blunt as the queen of kick-ass.

Rating:

Edge of Tomorrow: Blu Ray Review

Edge of Tomorrow: Blu Ray Review

Rating: M
Released by Roadshow Home Ent

With the earth invaded by creatures known as the Mimics and with nations toppling around them, Tom Cruise's spin doctor Major William Cage finds himself thrust onto the front line by a vindictive general (Brendan Gleeson) on the eve of a major last push from UK soil.

Unable to cope with the concept of fighting, and with a Normandy style beach landing just around the corner, Cage does all he can to escape the war - but to no avail. Thrust into the theatre of war, Cage is killed by a Mimic - only to wake up and find that he's jumped back in time and is being forced to live the same 2 days over and over again....

Edge of Tomorrow is based on the Japanese novel, All You Need Is Kill and is a heady mash up of the sci fi and other genres you've seen before - from Starship Troopers to Groundhog Day,Saving Private Ryan to Looper, Elysium with its exo-suits and even Cruise's last outing,Oblivion,  it's derivative in many ways.
Humour permeates the first third of the film with Cruise's Cage being offed in a variety of ways, in a plethora of situations that if you're not a fan of the superstar may bring you an element of perverse glee (as well as make you think it's some kind of bizarre cinematic video-game).

Though, it's Cruise that shines through in this as he starts out as a smug PR weasel of a man forced into a baptism of fire on the battlefield; with each death, there's a grim edge that creeps into his character and an attitude that he manages to sell incredibly well, with his own old age helping.

Equally, Blunt impresses as the bad-ass Rita Vrataski, despite starting out as the "Full Metal Bitch", heroine of the army and gradually softening to Cage's continued assault. Toned and combat ready, she carries her no-nonsense one-note heroine as Cage's foil throughout - she shoulders the burden of the bulk of the laughs during the reset sequences in a nice twist of expected gender stereotypes. Mention must also go to the evangelical Bill Paxton who, as a base sergeant, spouts such litany of Biblical proportions on combat that you almost feel like signing up yourself.

Liman's brought together an alien invasion that's visually original too, with spidery-style octopus like creatures ripping through the troops during the Saving Private Ryan beach landings. Speed and visual FX impress and make up for some of the convenient lapses in time travel logic and plotholes that permeate parts of the film (why is Gleeson's general so adamant that Cage will fight, how does an airship get off a base during lockdown).

Though it has to be said, the final portion of the film almost muddies the whole experience with a showdown that's as generic and predictable as most sci fi fare and derails the sparkiness and edge that delivered a freshness so early on, despite the sci-fi hokum and flimsy premise.

All in all, Edge of Tomorrow is a fine example of its oeuvre, a fun blockbuster sci-fi blast that reinstates Cruise as the king of the popcorn flick and proffers up Blunt as the queen of kick-ass.

Rating:

Dolphin Tale: Blu Ray Review

Dolphin Tale: Blu Ray Review

Rating: PG
Released by Warner Home Video

From the people who brought you the inspirational Blind Side, comes Dolphin Tale, a similarly spirited family movie based on a true story.

Gamble stars as Sawyer, the young kid of a broken family; his dad left him and his mum (Judd) years ago and as the flick starts, Sawyer’s about to lose his cousin to the war abroad and is forced to go to summer school to boost his grades.

However, whilst heading in on the first day, Sawyer finds a dolphin on the beach caught up in a crab trap. Sawyer helps cut the dolphin free and it ends up in the local marine aquarium, where Dr Clay Haskett (Connick Jr) and his co-workers try to nurse it back to health.

But things get worse for Winter (the name they end up giving the dolphin) when her fin has to be amputated – and facing an uncertain future.

And it’s not just Flipper’s pal who’s got trouble – Dr Clay’s Marine centre’s in dire financial straits and Sawyer’s schooling has also taken a dive.

The thing with a Dolphin Tale is you can see what it’s doing a mile off; it’s one of those films which feels like a made for TV movie that occasionally the American audiences revel in and the rest of us wonder why schmaltz like this continues to be made.

Firstly, aside from the opening where the dolphins frolic in the water, the 3D in this film is pointless; it adds little to the story.

Secondly, there are so many clichés at play in this you can see them before they even show; every stereotype is here – from the kid with a broken family who needs the wounded animal to heal – both for his well being and the animal’s - to the doctor facing financial adversity.

And yet, for everything that’s served up in this overtly sickly sweet film with terribly earnest acting, there’s just something about it which keeps it engaging – just.

That would be Morgan Freeman’s appearance as a prosthetic limbs specialist. He brings a welcome note of humour which pricks the dour feel of the film just at the right moment. Essentially he’s playing another nice guy, but the warmth he brings just about saves this saccharine celluloid outing.

All of the cast give it their all and there’s certainly something to be said for the family feel of this film – if you’re willing to leave your day to day cynicism at the door.


Extras: Animated short, behind the scenes with the real dolphin, spotlight on scene, additional scene and gag reel

Rating:

The Five(Ish) Doctors are here

The Five(Ish) Doctors are here

Hot on the heels of the Day of The Doctor, 5th Doctor Peter Davison has launched his mini episode, The Five(Ish) Doctors.

With no Classic Doctors in the 50th anniversary Doctor Who celebrations, Peter Davison joins forces with other Time Lords to be involved.

This mini episode is available to view on the BBC Iplayer and also features Lord of The Rings director Sir Peter Jackson and Ian McKellen, as well as Sylvester McCoy, Colin Baker and Paul McGann.

http://www.doctorwhonews.net/2013/11/the-fiveish-doctors-reboot.html

Dolphin Tale: Movie Review

Cast: Harry Connick Jr, Winter the dolphin, Morgan Freeman, Ashley Judd,  Nathan Gamble, Kris Kristofferson

Director: Charles Martin Smith

From the people who brought you the inspirational Blind Side, comes Dolphin Tale, a similarly spirited family movie based on a true story.

Gamble stars as Sawyer, the young kid of a broken family; his dad left him and his mum (Judd) years ago and as the flick starts, Sawyer’s about to lose his cousin to the war abroad and is forced to go to summer school to boost his grades.

However, whilst heading in on the first day, Sawyer finds a dolphin on the beach caught up in a crab trap. Sawyer helps cut the dolphin free and it ends up in the local marine aquarium, where Dr Clay Haskett (Connick Jr) and his co-workers try to nurse it back to health.

But things get worse for Winter (the name they end up giving the dolphin) when her fin has to be amputated – and facing an uncertain future.

And it’s not just Flipper’s pal who’s got trouble – Dr Clay’s Marine centre’s in dire financial straits and Sawyer’s schooling has also taken a dive.

The thing with a Dolphin Tale is you can see what it’s doing a mile off; it’s one of those films which feels like a made for TV movie that occasionally the American audiences revel in and the rest of us wonder why schmaltz like this continues to be made.

Firstly, aside from the opening where the dolphins frolic in the water, the 3D in this film is pointless; it adds little to the story.

Secondly, there are so many clichés at play in this you can see them before they even show; every stereotype is here – from the kid with a broken family who needs the wounded animal to heal – both for his well being and the animal’s - to the doctor facing financial adversity.

And yet, for everything that’s served up in this overtly sickly sweet film with terribly earnest acting, there’s just something about it which keeps it engaging – just.

That would be Morgan Freeman’s appearance as a prosthetic limbs specialist. He brings a welcome note of humour which pricks the dour feel of the film just at the right moment. Essentially he’s playing another nice guy, but the warmth he brings just about saves this saccharine celluloid outing.

All of the cast give it their all and there’s certainly something to be said for the family feel of this film – if you’re willing to leave your day to day cynicism at the door.

Dolphin Tale: Movie Review - Rating:

The Secrets We Keep: Film Review

Cast: Noomi Rapace, Chris Messina, Joel Kinnaman
Director: Yuval Adler

The Secrets We Keep could have been a tense chamber piece of claustrophobia and nagging doubt - a story of identity, trauma and unreliable memory that kept audiences guessing.

But instead what emerges - aside from a twitchy whirling Rapace - is a film that doesn't really offer much tension, or opportunity to make you wonder who is right and who is wrong.

Rapace is Romanian gypsy Maja, a woman rebuilding her life in post World War II America with new husband, doctor Lewis (Messina, in a relatively straight and thankless role). One day when out with her son, she hears a whistle and her bubble is burst.

Obsessed that the whistle is from one of her former tormentors from her days in a camp, Maja stalks the man, kidnapping him and plunging him into the family basement.

Despite his protestations that he's not the man she remembers, and with a loosening grip on her own sanity, Maja is put on a path with her past that could permanently derail her future.

The Secrets We Keep is a lesson in patience.

But the almost chamber piece nature of the film doesn't really lend itself to any lingering doubts over who is right, who is wrong, and what has happened unfortunately. 

While Rapace turns in a nervy, edgy performance of a woman on the verge of losing everything, the cat and mouse game isn't nearly as strong as it could be - and the psychological elements don't grip as bitingly as they could.

The period detail and the use of beige and green palettes suggest much provocatively during the film, but the overall tone is one of indifference.

Kinnaman delivers a strong and emotionally wrenching performance in the one scene he's gifted as the captive, and Messina is solid but never spectacular. This is Rapace's film, and while she steals every moment she can, the script doesn't do enough to service the kind of range she delivered in the Dragon Tattoo series.

A lack of real tension proves fatal to The Secrets We Keep and the lack of intensity proves deflating to the overall mystery. There may be secrets in this film, but in honesty, the knowing of them doesn't sadly prove worth the journey.

Lucky: DVD Review

Lucky: DVD Review

There's no denying the poignancy thrust deep upon Lucky, by first time director John Caroll Lynch, and with Harry Dean Stanton as the lead.

With Stanton leaving us last year, the tale of Lucky, and his impending mortality is more than touching - it's lent a kind of moving tribute that seems woefully unprepared for its effect on audiences.

Stanton plays Lucky, a former Naval officer, who lives a day-to-day existence in an Arizona town, negotiating the banalities of life with the grace that comes from the end of your life. Ambling from one moment to the next - be it a series of yoga moves in the morning, a visit to the local diner for coffee and the crossword or the bar to see friends, Lucky does little except survive - and he's content with his lot.

But one day, after collapsing for no real reason, other than the town doctor telling him he's old, Lucky's routine is shattered by the impending sense of mortality.

Lucky is the kind of film where nothing happens, but everything matters.

From the central character's rugged face, worn down by a life that's been mixed and blessed to a truly wondrous speech inside a bar that's as bittersweet as it is joyous, there's a certain mournful tone that overtakes this film and shakes your core. A resonant rumination wrapped up in an enigmatic intriguing tone.

But it's also one of immense joy as well - an appreciation of Harry Dean Stanton's work, his character so imbued with both sadness and fear of what's next - you simply couldn't have picked anything better for his final film.

However, Carroll Lynch's camera settles into the lyrical poetic moments here, but also captures what are at times, little more than moving photographs, vistas of the deserted mountains, a tortoise ambling by - and he wraps it all up in a script that's as wry as it is whimsically witty. Settle into the rhythms early on, and Lucky is deeply rewarding.

There's a lyricism at play here, a feeling of the motions of life lived and of death faced. And it's wondrous to behold. Poignant and powerful, a celebration of the human connection it may well be, but it's also about the unsaid bonds that bind us all.

At its heart though is Stanton. His delivery of just two words - "I'm scared" - carry more in the cinema and in life than could be believed; it's both heartbreaking and universal, a tacit admission of what comes next and what dogs us through our life. But at the same time, Stanton's insertion into this world of quirk and humanity proves to be deeply moving - and with a final shot that's as perfect as ever a send-off could be, Lucky proves to be a lyrical salute to both Stanton and life itself. 

Lucky: NZIFF Review

Lucky: NZIFF Review

There's no denying the poignancy thrust deep upon Lucky, by first time director John Caroll Lynch, and with Harry Dean Stanton as the lead.

With Stanton leaving us last year, the tale of Lucky, and his impending mortality is more than touching - it's lent a kind of moving tribute that seems woefully unprepared for its effect on audiences.

Stanton plays Lucky, a former Naval officer, who lives a day-to-day existence in an Arizona town, negotiating the banalities of life with the grace that comes from the end of your life. Ambling from one moment to the next - be it a series of yoga moves in the morning, a visit to the local diner for coffee and the crossword or the bar to see friends, Lucky does little except survive - and he's content with his lot.

But one day, after collapsing for no real reason, other than the town doctor telling him he's old, Lucky's routine is shattered by the impending sense of mortality.

Lucky is the kind of film where nothing happens, but everything matters.

From the central character's rugged face, worn down by a life that's been mixed and blessed to a truly wondrous speech inside a bar that's as bittersweet as it is joyous, there's a certain mournful tone that overtakes this film and shakes your core. A resonant rumination wrapped up in an enigmatic intriguing tone.

But it's also one of immense joy as well - an appreciation of Harry Dean Stanton's work, his character so imbued with both sadness and fear of what's next - you simply couldn't have picked anything better for his final film.

However, Carroll Lynch's camera settles into the lyrical poetic moments here, but also captures what are at times, little more than moving photographs, vistas of the deserted mountains, a tortoise ambling by - and he wraps it all up in a script that's as wry as it is whimsically witty. Settle into the rhythms early on, and Lucky is deeply rewarding.

There's a lyricism at play here, a feeling of the motions of life lived and of death faced. And it's wondrous to behold. Poignant and powerful, a celebration of the human connection it may well be, but it's also about the unsaid bonds that bind us all.

At its heart though is Stanton. His delivery of just two words - "I'm scared" - carry more in the cinema and in life than could be believed; it's both heartbreaking and universal, a tacit admission of what comes next and what dogs us through our life. But at the same time, Stanton's insertion into this world of quirk and humanity proves to be deeply moving - and with a final shot that's as perfect as ever a send-off could be, Lucky proves to be a lyrical salute to both Stanton and life itself.

Land of The Giants: Complete Collection: DVD Review

Land of The Giants: Complete Collection: DVD Review

Released by Madman Home Entertainment

There's just something about Irwin Allen's early 1960s TV series that appeals.

From Lost In Space to The Time Tunnel, Allen had a way of capturing the world of fantasy with imagination, never letting FX budget constraints hold him back and ensuring the shows' key push was their narratives.

So it is with Land Of the Giants, a show that essentially has all the elements of an Allen serial and that very occasionally looks dated, in the way that old episodes of Doctor Who have lost a little of their sheen.

In this 14 disc set, over 51 remastered episodes, we follow the crew of the commercial spaceship The Spindrift, after it crashes on a remote planet similar to Earth, but where everything is 12 times larger.

Cue the over-sized props, and menacing animals that are insignificant in this day and age.

Escapism is what Land of The Giants is about as the crew are separated, captured and have to survive in this series that ran from 1968. The remastering is solid, but the special features are exceptional on this with things ranging from unaired pilot to interviews with the actors, through to stills galleries; It's as complete as it can be - though a longer documentary would be nice.

A blast of 60s nostalgia and imagination, Land of The Giants: Complete Collection is for fantasy fans only really - but that audience will be satiated by this nice complete collection.

Dr Who: Paradise Towers: DVD Review

Dr Who: Paradise Towers: DVD Review

Dr Who - Paradise Towers
Rating: PG
Released by BBC and Roadshow

This four part serial from 1987 is not one of Who's finest hours.

When Sylvester McCoy's 7th Doctor takes Bonnie Langford's Mel to Paradise Towers to relax, the pair finds themselves in a world that's fallen into ruin.
Overrun by gangs and with a series of sinister goings on, the Doctor realises he must save the day - once again and overthrow a vicious evil lurking deep within Paradise Towers.

This adventure is a difficult watch - even for fans of the show.

McCoy spends a lot of the story gurning and Richard Briers is barely much better as the fascistic Chief Caretaker of the block; it's a serial which verges on tedious rather than entertaining.

Extras: Thankfully, these are a slightly higher quality bunch (almost as if those behind the release knew how weak it was) with a doco looking back at the making of the serial; a vignette on how McCoy was cast as the Doc and an interesting three hander where Sophie Aldred, Janet Fielding and Sarah Sutton reflect on their time as Who companions.

Rating: 4/10 

Win a double pass to attend Auckland's Armageddon Expo!

Win a double pass to attend Auckland's Armageddon Expo!

To celebrate the upcoming Armageddon Expo, you can win a double pass to the event thanks to our friends at the festival!

Pop culture merchandise, a star-studded guest lineup and the latest in gaming, cosplay comics and animation and film are proving to be a recipe for success for this year’s Auckland Armageddon Expo ticket sales. 
                    

Anticipation for the largest event in the history of the expo is building ahead of the Labour Day weekend event.

Returning to Auckland’s ASB Showgrounds this October the 2017 event features the biggest line-up of celebrity guests the expo has ever hosted including stars from HARRY POTTER, CASTLE, DOCTOR WHO, ARROW, TEEN WOLF, THE 100, SUPERNATURAL, GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY and more, as well as a myriad of other activities including; Drive-In Movie Screenings, the Brother Cosplay Contest, Zombie Alley, E-Sports competitions and wrestling among other things. The show will continue to host a massive range of exhibitors from home crafted artist alley stalls, collectibles, anime merchandise to a number of MASSIVE Gaming and entertainment areas with Disney/Marvel, PlayStation, Nintendo, MightyApe Hewlett Packard, Samsung and more!

Event organizer, William Geradts says of the anticipation, “The public response to our announcements so far have been insane, amazing but insane. I’m confident we are on track for the biggest event we have ever had bar none and to see it coming all together after 22 years of building this event from the ground up is immensely satisfying”.  

Get ready to meet your favorite stars and experience the incredible that is #AUCKGEDDON 2017!

Auckland Armageddon, October 20^th-23^rd, ASB Showgrounds #AUCKGEDDON

To win a copy thanks to the Armageddon expo team, all you have to do is email  your details to this  address: darrensworldofentertainment@gmail.com or CLICK HERE NOW!

Include your name and address and title your email ARMAGEDDON!
Competition closes Oct 15th

Good luck!

A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon: Neon NZ Review

A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon: Neon NZ Review

Director: Will Becher, Richard Phelan

It's hard to explain why A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon works so well.

From its sci-fi easter eggs to its general desire to encapsulate timeless British silliness with throwaway gags (a bull in a china shop being the best), there's something about Aardman's work that just feels iconically English, yet universally funny.

While this latest may lack the heart of the first Shaun The Sheep movie, it's lost none of the madcap charm as we return to Mossingham. With a UFO sighting in the village, the farmer decides to cash in to try and make some money to upgrade his harvester.

However, Shaun's already met the alien, and in true buddy movie mentality, sets out to get the little critter home before the shady government agencies capture him first....

From slapstick silliness to pratfalls, scifi gags that include ET, Doctor Who, a wonderful Hitchhiker's nod and a truly brilliant 2001: A Space Odyssey pastiche, A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon is family fare for everyone to enjoy.

Once again, Aardman's homed in what makes British humour so amusing, and shows once again this animation studio's spent more time than any other weaving in gags into every single frame.

Sure, under closer analysis, it does lacks the emotional edge of the 2015 debut, but it over-delivers the silliness and packs in more jokes than you can take in. A finale doesn't quite match up all the pieces, but all in all, Aardman's still delightful and determined to leave you grinning.

There's also an opening reminder of how Wallace and Gromit led the way with their Grand Day Out (even down to the robot's roots in Farmageddon), but while they may be benched due to the sad death of Peter Sallis, Shaun The Sheep has certainly got years to go - here's hoping we don't have to wait another 5 years for the next outing.

A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon: DVD Review

A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon: DVD Review

It's hard to explain why A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon works so well.

From its sci-fi easter eggs to its general desire to encapsulate timeless British silliness with throwaway gags (a bull in a china shop being the best), there's something about Aardman's work that just feels iconically English, yet universally funny.

While this latest may lack the heart of the first Shaun The Sheep movie, it's lost none of the madcap charm as we return to Mossingham. With a UFO sighting in the village, the farmer decides to cash in to try and make some money to upgrade his harvester.

However, Shaun's already met the alien, and in true buddy movie mentality, sets out to get the little critter home before the shady government agencies capture him first....

From slapstick silliness to pratfalls, scifi gags that include ET, Doctor Who, a wonderful Hitchhiker's nod and a truly brilliant 2001: A Space Odyssey pastiche, A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon is family fare for everyone to enjoy.

Once again, Aardman's homed in what makes British humour so amusing, and shows once again this animation studio's spent more time than any other weaving in gags into every single frame.

Sure, under closer analysis, it does lacks the emotional edge of the 2015 debut, but it over-delivers the silliness and packs in more jokes than you can take in. A finale doesn't quite match up all the pieces, but all in all, Aardman's still delightful and determined to leave you grinning.

There's also an opening reminder of how Wallace and Gromit led the way with their Grand Day Out (even down to the robot's roots in Farmageddon), but while they may be benched due to the sad death of Peter Sallis, Shaun The Sheep has certainly got years to go - here's hoping we don't have to wait another 5 years for the next outing.

A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon: Film Review

A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon: Film Review

Director: Will Becher, Richard Phelan

It's hard to explain why A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon works so well.

From its sci-fi easter eggs to its general desire to encapsulate timeless British silliness with throwaway gags (a bull in a china shop being the best), there's something about Aardman's work that just feels iconically English, yet universally funny.

While this latest may lack the heart of the first Shaun The Sheep movie, it's lost none of the madcap charm as we return to Mossingham. With a UFO sighting in the village, the farmer decides to cash in to try and make some money to upgrade his harvester.

However, Shaun's already met the alien, and in true buddy movie mentality, sets out to get the little critter home before the shady government agencies capture him first....

From slapstick silliness to pratfalls, scifi gags that include ET, Doctor Who, a wonderful Hitchhiker's nod and a truly brilliant 2001: A Space Odyssey pastiche, A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon is family fare for everyone to enjoy.

Once again, Aardman's homed in what makes British humour so amusing, and shows once again this animation studio's spent more time than any other weaving in gags into every single frame.

Sure, under closer analysis, it does lacks the emotional edge of the 2015 debut, but it over-delivers the silliness and packs in more jokes than you can take in. A finale doesn't quite match up all the pieces, but all in all, Aardman's still delightful and determined to leave you grinning.

There's also an opening reminder of how Wallace and Gromit led the way with their Grand Day Out (even down to the robot's roots in Farmageddon), but while they may be benched due to the sad death of Peter Sallis, Shaun The Sheep has certainly got years to go - here's hoping we don't have to wait another 5 years for the next outing.

The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus: Blu Ray Review

The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus: Blu Ray Review

The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus

Rating: PG
Released by Sony Home Pictures

Forever determined to be known as Heath Ledger's final film this is the fantasy tale of Dr Parnassus (a wonderfully world weary Christopher Plummer) who travels the land with his carnival troupe (including Verne Troyer of Austin Powers fame) and his daughter Valentina (a porcelain doll like Lily Cole).

Granted immortality, Parnassus is locked in an ongoing battle with Tom Waits' Devil - and the Devil has arrived to collect his due. You see, years ago, Parnassus wagered his first born and now to stop the Devil taking what's his, he bets he can win over five souls.

Into this mélange of madness in modern day London, arrives Heath Ledger's shyster Tony. Mysteriously left for dead, he's taken in by the troupe - and could be the tipping point in Parnassus' quest to finally beat the Devil.

Yes, it's sprawling and a bit unfocussed at times, but The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus is perhaps one of the most visually original pieces of cinema you'll ever see - even on the small screen (and particularly in Blu Ray).

There are flashes of pure genius from director Terry Gilliam as he weaves his surreal web. It's a wonderfully talented ensemble cast who make this film work - and a real tribute to Gilliam's genius that the film continued with the likes of Jude Law and Colin Farrell coming onboard.

Recommended without a shadow of a doubt.

Extras: The disc is really a tribute to the Ledger legacy with exclusive featurettes forming the majority of the extras and a packed disc it is too.

Rating: 9/10 

Brittany Runs a Marathon: NZIFF Review

Brittany Runs a Marathon: NZIFF Review

Easily one of the most commercial films of the festival, and crowd-pleasing in extremis, Brittany Runs a Marathon's commitment to good humour and geniality is obvious from the get go.

Jillian Bell is Brittany, an overweight party goer who's in a dead end attendant job at the local theatre, and whose propensity for casual hook ups and nothing serious has sent her into an early downward spiral.

Heading to the doctor to score some free drugs, Brittany gets a wake up call and decides to lose some weight and shake her life up.

The lifestyle-choices-catch-up-with-you sentiment is not exactly a new one, and the sentimental edges of Brittany Runs a Marathon can be seen coming a mile off, but that doesn't mean Paul Downs Colaizzo's screenplay doesn't present some highlights and positivity for everyone to take away.

Pitch Perfect's Jillian Bell makes great fist of the comedic elements of the script, and there are some genuine laugh-out-loud moments as the authentic and earnest film plays out, and deals out a character that's messed up and not necessarily one that's going to get perfection by the final frame.

Internal loathing, social awkwardness and lashing out as well as self-deprecation are the orders of the day as Brittany Runs a Marathon's body image message is got across through great swathes of recognition. It's hard to negotiate both insecurities and deal out empathy, but Colaizzo and Bell deliver in spades.

Brittany Runs a Marathon may collapse in gooey sentiment at the end, but it's almost forgivable, given how criminally enjoyable it is.

Sherlock: Series one: Blu ray review

Sherlock: Series one: Blu ray review

Sherlock Series One
Rating: M
Released by BBC and Roadshow

A new Sherlock Holmes for the 21st Century?

Didn't Robert Downey Jr already do that on film last year?

Well, he did - but to be honest, he never reached the heights of this brilliant 3 parter from the team who helped with the reinvention of Dr Who, Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss.
Starring Benedict Cumberbatch as Holmes and a BAFTA award winning Martin Freeman as Watson, this is compelling viewing from the get go as it takes Holmes from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's books and updates him to the 21st century crime world of London.

This Holmes though is somewhat of a sociopath; he consults with Scotland Yard as a hobby because he has little else in life to keep him intellectually involved; so when Watson, a former army doctor ends up meeting Holmes, the pair become allies - albeit unlikely ones as they investigate a clutch of cases in London.

Over the course of three 90 minute stories, this modern day new version shines through - even though the second story isn't as compelling as those either side of it. And it's the writing, the clever visual touches and the brilliance of the main duo which make it so spinechillingly good.

Perhaps the highlight though is the third tale which introduces Holmes' nemesis and ends on a cliffhanger that you're screaming at the screen when the credits come up.

Clever, smart and confoundingly enjoyable, this is a Sherlock to love - and thank goodness more is on the way.

Extras: Commentary from creators, unaired pilot and a making of - a decent bunch

Rating: 8/10 

Peter Capaldi leaving Doctor Who

Peter Capaldi leaving Doctor Who

The Twelfth Doctor is leaving at the end of Series 10 of new Doctor Who.

Talking on BBC Radio 2, he's revealed he's leaving this year. He'd been asked to stay on but has said that he felt 3 years in the job is enough for him. Confirming that he'll leave at the end of the year with Steven Moffat, he's said there's never been anything more special to him.

But he also revealed he's keen to work on other jobs  as well and that he feels it's time to move on.

He's revealed his regeneration scene has not yet been filmed. His last episode will be Christmas Day 2017.

Doctor Who will return to BBC1 on April 15th.

Dr Who: A Christmas Carol: DVD Review

Dr Who: A Christmas Carol: DVD Review

Dr Who - A Christmas Carol

Released by BBC and Roadshow
Rating: PG
So Matt Smith's first Christmas outing as the Eleventh Doctor arrives - and it's a complete rip off of Dickens.
With Amy and Rory on honeymoon and trapped on a space liner about to crash, it's upto the Doc to save the day.
But standing between him and a rescue effort is Michael Gambon's Kazran Sardick, a Bah humbug character who doesn't believe anyone deserves a happy ending.
So, with the Doc taking on the role of Christmasses past, present and future (Time travelling's never been so convenient), he sets out to melt Sardick's heart and save his pals.
Firstly, this is about as Christmassy as Who gets - which coming after Tennant's Festive Farewell in 2009 is a relief; but it does have the feeling of being a little too fluffy at times - and even has a flying shark.
No seriously, it does.
But,ultimately this does melt your heart and before you know it (and with a second viewing) you're swept along with the adventure and feeling festive. However, Steven Moffat really does need to up the writing to match Matt Smith's impeccable performance - and it remains to see if Series six will deliver later this year.
Extras: Dr Who at the proms and Behind the scenes - a rounded if unspectacular package.

Rating: 7/10 

Dr Who: Colony in Space: DVD Review

Dr Who: Colony in Space: DVD Review

Dr Who - Colony in Space
Rating: PG
Released by BBC and Roadshow

It's to 1972 we head for this six part slice of time travelling with Jon Pertwee's Dr Who.

When the Time Lords realize the Doc's nemesis, the Master's got his hands on a Doomsday device, they send the Doc and his companion Jo to the 25th century to try and save the day.

Slightly wonky and aged sets aside, this serial isn't a bad entry into the final batch of releases from the Who range. Atmospherically put together and acted with such purpose by Pertwee and Katy Manning, plus a great chemistry between Roger Delgado's The Master and The Doctor, it's a fairly pacy romp which looks at the consequences of weaponry - but in a non overtly preachy way.

An average set of extras for the release include commentary and a doco looking back - but nothing sensational.

Rating: 6/10