Spy Kids 4: All The Time in the world: Blu Ray Review

Rating:PG
Released by Roadshow Home Ent

So, the popular Spy Kids franchise gets another outing.

Superspy Marissa (Jessica Alba) is back - and this time, heavily pregnant and on the tail of a villainous baddie called Timekeeper.

But when she rounds up one of his underlings, Tick Tock, she's forced to quit the spy game as her waters break just after busting the bad ass. So, with a baby in tow and a step family after marrying Joel McHale's TV reporter, she decides to settle for the quiet(ish) life.

However, Timekeeper's not one for keeping his plans under wraps for long and Marissa's forced out of retirement to try and catch the bad guy - only this time she's not alone as she inadvertently gets her step kids Rebecca and Cecil involved too...

Spy Kids 4 is definitely one for the younger end of the spectrum. It's bright, brash and kiddy in tone and plot - plus the younglings will adore the use of the 3D which has been shoehorned in as much as is humanly possible for one film.

There's slapstick along the way and a reasonable performance for the cast - including some typically deadpan and dry humour for Ricky Gervais' mechanical dog which protects the family. The story's fairly disposable and while it's not a patch on the original film, it's a smart and sensible way to extend the franchise and keep it a little fresh.

It won't win any awards and it won't be one the adults will be able to endure - but in all honesty, the kids will love it - and enjoy some of the fart humour and general silliness of the franchise.

Extras: The Blu Ray repeats the "Aromascope" experience of the movie's cinematic release by throwing in scratch and sniff cards which must be rubbed off everytime a number pops up. A nice touch but really something which is just of use the one time. Deleted scenes are also thrown in.

Rating:

PS Vita hits shops this week

There can be no denying there's a weight of expectation for the launch of the PS Vita this week.

While as I've already explained, a lot of the push for this portable console is on the social side - but it's also going to need to offer something a little different from what's already out there.

Launch titles are pretty much the main thrust of a lot of this week's activities - and it's important to note that the games which are available are new entire games rather than just PS3 games ported across to appease the format's lovers.

That said there's some pretty impressive titles coming out this week - here's a rundown of some of them:

WipeOut 2048 -once again, the game which defined the PlayStation for me doesn't disappoint as it leaps onto the VITA console. It's not too much of a departure from the previous games to be honest; crystal clear graphics shine and soundtrack impresses but it's the use of the Vita's opportunities which doesn't let it down. The interactive touch rear pad can be used to help get ahead in the game - and the options to take part in online play or against any other VITA gamer gives this series more legs and fun than ever before.

ModNation Racers - Road Trip - The karting game moves to the VITA - and continues to showcase the fun and frivolity of the original game. The simplicity of the controls and the smaller size - coupled with new weapons -make it easier to race through the series of tracks if you fancy a solo competition. However, it's in the building and creation as well as sharing of new tracks you build this title comes alive. Pinching, rotating, pushing and pulling (a la iPhone) helps bring this to your fingertips. It's wildly addictive and no doubt as more users come online, this title will grow in scope once again.

Little Deviants - a little bit of an odd title this one. Sure, it showcases the use of the interactive touch pad on the back of the VITA, but it takes a little time to adjust to what's required of you. When a horde of creatures attack, it's upto you to try and help them into portals while avoiding robots trying to grab you and sap your life force. It's great to see a title try to make use of the new tech, but to be honest, this game is the one I've actually spent the least time on because I currently can't see its endurance factor.

Uncharted - Golden Abyss - Nathan Drake's return is always one for celebration. And this title certainly packs the punch of the series once again as Drake tries to discover the secret behind a 400 year old Spanish massacre. It looks brilliant and in the time I've had with it, I've only had a little chance to scratch the surface of the gaming capabilities but early signs are once again that this title will keep up the brilliance of the Naughty Dog development team.

Reality Fighters - This is a fun little title which uses the camera within the PS Vita to its maximum effect as you slug it out with contenders anywhere you want. First up the camera grabs your mugshot and you get to throw it on a body and bulk up wherever you want - and however much you want. Then it's using the camera to choose the venue for the fight - whether it's on your kitchen sink, dog or cat or even floor, the chance to smack someone about in familiar surroundings is undeniably fun. Whether that's short term fun or not, remains to be seen.

Cliff Diving (Also out - Fireworks, an Augmented reality game, Hustle Kings (a pool player), Table Football - again using the AR cards to build a world to play in) - All part of the Augmented Reality suite, these games make use of print outs of little cards which build worlds upon them when the PS Vita's camera hits them. Clever and again impressive, these are amusing good fun and offer up some clever uses of the AR capabilities.

Escape Plan - So far, this is easily the most addictive title on offer for the PS Vita. And definitely different as well - it's almost as if Tim Burton were given his chance to design a game. Using really only touch capabilities, you control Lil and Laarg who are trying to break out of a prison of a devious nature. Black and White in nature, with humour as black and twisted as it comes, you have to help them break out of little rooms - it sounds simple but it's not always clear what needs to be done. However, this puzzler, which is reminiscent of Lemmings in that creatures can die in all manner of ways, is fiendishly good fun and looks stunningly good despite the lack of colour. Using the front screen and back touch pad, you'll have to be a bit dextrous as you try and help the duo out - and you'll have to think laterally too. It's rewardingly good and intelligently moreish. Sadistic in its deaths at times (one area sees the duo swatted unexpectedly by a fly swatter if they're not quick enough) it's clever, original and a great use of the technology and opportunities offered by the VITA's new formats.

PS Vita's launch Date is set for 23rd February in New Zealand. Prices are $449.95 for the Wifi Model, $549.95 for the Wifi/3G Model.

Abraham Lincoln - Vampire Hunter....

It's Friday and time to have a little fun and kick back for the weekend.

So, here's a trailer for you to enjoy and share around - and it involves Presidents and Vampires - and things being lopped.



Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter hits our cinemas June 21st.

And it's the story of how one of our greatest US presidents was caught up in a story no-one knew anything about.
From director Tim Burton and Timur Bekmambetov, it's a sly look at Lincoln as a kind of Buffyesque figure - the world's greatest hunter of the undead....

Consider us sold!

The Ides of March: Movie Review

Cast: Ryan Gosling, George Clooney, Paul Giamatti, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood

Director: George Clooney

Fans of the Gos, stand by - he's back on the big screen.

And for all the ladies out there, it's a double whammy as he's on screen with Gorgeous George too.

Gosling is Stephen Meyers, an idealistic campaigner and second in command for Democrat hopeful Governor Mike Morris' (Clooney) push for the White House. Meyers believes deeply in the cause, the man and the mission to get Mike into the presidency.

However, in the crucial push in Ohio to secure the party vote, everything changes for Meyers; he's met by the opponent's campaign manager Tom Duffy (an ever brilliant Paul Giamatti) and offered the chance to switch sides before Morris's campaign takes a dive. Plus the Morris quest to secure the vote of a crucial senator (Jeffrey Wright) and his supporters hits a snag - and Meyers also ends up in a romantic relationship with young intern Molly (Rachel Evan Wood) which causes all kinds of issues.

Suddenly Meyers' world is mired in underhand politics, blackmail and mistrust - will his idealism help him make the right choices or will he become a casualty of the campaign?

The Ides of March is a loss of innocence tale in many ways; it's Gosling's performance which anchors this flick - but it's strong and assured supporting turns from the likes of Hoffman and Giamatti which give this a bit of edge.
And that's something which is sorely needed on this frankly unsurprising story of dirty politics and politicians. Every twist can be seen ahead of their appearance on screen - but it's the good solid cast performances which make it watchable and make it worthy of your time. Granted, it lacks the political edge, sizzle and incisive banter that we've come to appreciate as fans of The West Wing but it's still an interesting look behind the scenes at a campaign - and you get the feeling that it's probably quite close to reality in some moments.

Gosling's acolytes (Ryanites? Goslites?) will enjoy it and frankly, Hollywood's latest morsel du jour is impressive as he goes from the campaign master of spin to a steely glass eyed politician backroomer who realizes the game needs to be played dirtily to get what's needed - not necessarily what he wants to do. The fall from grace from the big man on campus as he deals with one upmanship and backroom deals and dirty politics is well conveyed by Gosling, who opts for moodiness and glares to get the inner turmoil across as the steely veneer begins to slip and the reality sets in.

But at its heart, it's really an ensemble piece which really helps it to soar above the predictable script as the drama unfolds and the ethics of betrayal, ambition and the fallibility of man are exposed.

Rating:


Watch the Ides of March trailer here.

Moneyball: Movie Review

Moneyball

Cast: Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, Philip Seymour Hofman
Director: Bennett Miller

It’s Oscar potential for Brad Pitt with this latest film about baseball.

But before you roll your eyes and get out your sports movie cliché bingo card for the inevitable cinematic moments (locker room chat, slow mo shots etc), this is one which is actually a good solid watch. Although a few of those clichés are present and correct, in case you’re worried.

It’s 2001 and Pitt stars as Billy Beane, failed former baseball prodigy and now general manager at the Oakland Athletics team.

When another loss to the New York Yankees sinks the team, Beane’s forced to recruit some new players as his big hitters are being poached by other major league teams.

Sick of being, as he terms it, "an organ donor" for the other sides, Beane ends up meeting Peter Brand (Jonah Hill, in a watchably restrained and quiet performance) who believes major players are overpaid, and that there’s a league of underused players who actually perform better when you look at their statistics rather than their showy team mates.

So, with nothing to lose (cliché bingo, anyone?) and despite his advisors disagreeing, Beane tries this strategy for the new season.

Unsurprisingly, in the face of staunch opposition from everyone, the method doesn’t work out and the Oakland Athletics fare worse than hoped.

Suddenly, Beane and Brand find themselves the outsiders of the game – and facing uncertain futures in the wake of dismal results…

Moneyball features a winning performance from its two leads – and its director also. It doesn’t fall into the usual trappings of a sports film as it’s really about the mentality and statistical mindset of the sport rather than what unfolds out on the pitch (or diamond if you will).

But it’s the turns by Hill and Pitt which make this so watchable; Hill gives a quiet and dialled down performance which makes him feel real rather than a character. Likewise, Pitt has energy and spikiness but he channels that into making Beane feel a flawed and yet rounded character – and in the one scene when he’s negotiating three contracts on three different phones, you find out everything you need to know about this character.

At the end of the day, while Moneyball is your traditional underdog sports film in many ways, it’s probably one of the more intelligent offerings into the genre and will hopefully score a home run (sorry) for its actors when awards season is upon us.

Rating:



Check out the trailer here:

Romantics Anonymous: Movie Review

Romantics Anonymous

Cast: Benoît Poelvoorde, Isabelle Carré, Lorella Cravotta, Lise Lamétrie, Swann Arlaud, Pierre Niney, Stephan Wojtowicz, Claude Aufaure

A French romcom set in a chocolate factory sounds about as light and breezy as a chocolate bar itself.

This latest from director Ameris is the tale of shy and retiring (and also incredibly socially frightened) chocolatier Jean-Rene who ends up hiring Angelique (Carre) when she walks into his factory one day.

The trouble is that Angelique is equally as timid, even though she’s hiding the fact she’s one of France’s top chocolate makers.

However, Jean-Rene’s set a few challenges by his therapist to try and help him come out of his shell – and one of them becomes a relationship with Angelique.

The duo are hyper emotional and at times, it makes this film spool out as quite quirky as you watch their collective neuroses unfold.

Unfortunately this chick flick style feel is also borderline a little sickly too – much like too much chocolate really.

Granted, there’s no denying the charm and sweetness of it all and it will appeal to a certain sector of the audience but personally, I found the quirkiness of it overall a little too much to bear.

Rating:

PS Vita - aka how I lost most of my weekend

I've been very lucky to have been given a review PS Vita, ahead of its launch here in New Zealand on Feb 23rd.

To be honest, I was surprised when the offer was made to me and I couldn't really say no to it now, could I?

The slimline handheld launches in NZ in a couple of weeks' time, so this is in no way a review - merely a collection of a few early thoughts.

I have to admit I never really got on board with the whole PSP phenomenon when it launched back in 2004 - I was just getting to grips with the PS3 and the fact it could indulge my gaming tendencies and my search of higher quality video formats like Blu Ray to really be invested in it.

So in many ways, the PS Vita is my first exposure to the handheld consoles outside of the flip screen games from Activision from in my youth.

But what an experience it looks like it'll be - and I say that writing this late on Sunday morning having no real  recollection of where the last 36 hours have gone.

The first thing to note is how slender and beautifully designed the console is - despite having a couple of mini analogue sticks out of the front of it which could be cumbersome. But they're not in any shape or form - they look smaller in some ways and that led to some initial worries that it a) wouldn't be easy to play or b) wouldn't be durable enough. Clearly after numerous hours of messing with it, that's not the case.

Crystal clear graphics on the OLED screen and a "bouncy" feel to the bubbles graphics which hit the front menu suggest that it feels very much like a 3D iPphone screen in some ways. It also makes use of the whole touch and pull finger technology of the iPhone  as well as the peeling back of screens to flip between menus. Throw into that mix, a touch pad on the back of the PS VITA which is going to be used on games and in use of the console and there's plenty of use for fingers when it comes to this handheld item.

There's a few games which have been kindly dropped into the review code and I'll come to those another time - but initial thoughts on the PS Vita are that it's going to be very well received by the gaming crowd - and as it incorporates a lot of social ideas as well, there'll be plenty of a community feel to it.

The games which I've tinkered with - including the new Wipeout 2048 and ModNation Racers - Road Trip - are simply visually stunning and endlessly playable. Graphically, they're just stunning and with such clarity of the screen at even a low brightness, you don't have to worry about reflection and sun strike issues which occasionally dog these kinds of small screens. It's very easy to utilise the Wifi aspects of the console and get into the network while you're on the go; meaning you're never disconnected from your gaming life and the latest on offer from the PlayStation Network store.
All of the gaming titles are new versions and not simply ported across from another platform. It gives the PS Vita something new to offer when it comes to the games side of it all as well when it launches on the 23rd of February. Plus throw in a new game for Uncharted, Uncharted Golden Abyss and simply, there's much to keep the most hardy of gamers amused for hours ahead.

The games have been upgraded in terms of how you load them - instead of the UMDs you used to have with PSP, a lot more of this gaming software is going to come in use via either the downloads from the network or via a memory card which slots into the side of the PS Vita (much like a camera memory card) and bingo, you can begin playing.

As I say, more to come (including a bit more of a breakdown of the capacities on offer and some of the games too)....so stay tuned; but the early signs are that the PS Vita will make a significant splash into the marketplace - it's fair to say that having never really embraced the portable gaming market before, this hasn't left my side since I got hold of it last week. It's handy, convenient gaming and with an eye for the social as well, it's clearly going to be something which will proliferate the marketplace.

It's playable, durable, and above all, easy to use - the PS Vita may already have launched in Japan, but in this marketplace, it's going to be a success - after all, PlayStation have fashioned a device which - bar mobile calling - fulfills a lot of the requirements of any gamer on the go. With social platforming, Skype, Twitter, Facebook et al being added on as well, it really will become the go to toy for the next generation.

PS Vita's launch Date is set for 23rd February in New Zealand. Prices are $449.95 for the Wifi Model, $549.95 for the Wifi/3G Model.

You can get more on the PS Vita by going to the official PlayStation site here - and take a look at the PS Vita with the official PlayStation blog below...