Tokyo Jungle: PS3 Review

Tokyo Jungle: PS3 Review

Platform: PS3
Released by Sony Computer Entertainment

Never before has the phrase It's a Dog Eat Dog World been so spot on.

In this latest game, Tokyo has been devoid of humankind and the animals have gone feral, feeding on whatever they can to survive. No-one's got a clue what's happened to the men and women of the region, but as the story mode of the game plays out, clues are dropped in and out to start to build up an idea.

Tokyo is now a decaying region with various pockets of different animals roaming and picking whatever they can to eat and survive.

This is where you come in - initially, you start off as either a meat-eating Pomeranian dog or a herbivore Silka deer (bear with me) and scroll left and right through the terrain, finding what food you can, marking territory and eating and fighting your fellow predators/ creatures in a fight for survival.

Gradually, as you build up your rank, mark enough territory and complete enough missions, you get the chance to mate and breed another generation. That means your life span is extended by passing on your skills to your progeny and you get to roam around, build up packs and explore a very wide world.

Tokyo Jungle is an odd sort of a game to be honest. Survival is the aim of the game and you really have to learn whether to eat, run, fight or hide when necessary. It's a tactical survivalist game which, while not looking graphically stunning or originally presented, actually is fiendishly playable. (It's also not for the animal lover as well, so if you're a bit squeamish about the circle of life, it may be one to pass on).

With unlockable playable animals like chickens, deer, cats and a whole range of critters, it may seem a bit a bizarre to be playing as these creatures but as you start to understand the tactics of it all, the different selections make sense; herbivores are easier to build packs up for meaning that some of your group can be picked off while you survive. Likewise, with carnivores, packs can help you survive by getting them to act as decoys while you run for cover.

It's a peculiar concept and idea but it's actually so engrossing a game that you can lose hours playing; that said, it's not without a couple of flaws. A lack of being able to continue the game when it ends and having to start again is a little frustrating particularly when you have to repeat a lot of the same challenges you've already completed in a previous game during survival mode. Though there is an argument that perhaps by doing that, you rethink some of your original decisions and survive a bit longer.

Tokyo Jungle represents an intriguing level of stealth and fiendish simplicity but it is a game that may not appeal to all. If you're after an original idea, simply presented and with a depth that can suck hours of your life, then it's time to join the animals and see if you've got what it takes to survive.

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Being Elmo: DVD Review

Being Elmo: DVD Review

Rating: G
Released by Madman Home Entertainment

Unknown to many outside the industry, this is the tale of Kevin Clash.

He may be an anonymous name to many; particularly those outside of puppeteering, but if I say the word, Elmo, to you, you'll know instantly what I am talking about.

Simply shot, using archive footage of Clash's early days, Being Elmo this joyous film will leave you smiling from the moment it begins to the very end. There's an infectious innocence to this tale which will leave you inspired by the man who dreamed of Muppets in his hometown of Baltimore and went on to create one of the most beloved characters of the fuzzy felt world.

Believe it or not, that wasn't just by chance.

There's the irony though of Clash losing time with his daughter growing up because of the demands of Elmo and the continual on the road commitments to the red furry loveable character.

Director Constance Marks has fashioned a simply marvellous tale which is undoubtedly feel good and will leave you with a really fuzzy glow.

It's an inspiration to some and just plain enjoyable to all.

Wholeheartedly recommended for all the family.

Extras: Q&A from Sundance, Thoughts from filmmakers, trailer, and performances from Macy's Thanksgiving Parade

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Dredd 3D: Movie Review

Dredd 3D: Movie Review

Cast: Karl Urban, Olivia Thirlby, Lena Headey
Director: Pete Travis

In this radically gritty reboot of the iconic and long running Brit sci-fi comic book 2000AD series, our very own Karl Urban (a lifelong fan of Dredd himself) dons the helmet of Judge Dredd and heads out into Mega City One to dispense justice for Dredd 2012.

On a routine day out bringing law to the lawless, Dredd is called on to evaluate rookie judge Anderson (Olivia Thirlby) to see if she's good enough to make the grade. Anderson's failed the aptitude tests but is one of the strongest psychics ever seen.

So, the duo is paired up and by Anderson's choice, take on a triple homicide inside the Peach Trees mega complex.

But when they get there, they find the 200 level block is under the control of cold hearted bitch Ma-Ma (Game of Thrones' Lena Headey) who immediately locks everything down and orders the judges executed.

As if that wasn't bad enough, a new drug called Slo-Mo (which makes the user feel like time's moving very, very slowly) is infiltrating Mega City One - can Dredd and Anderson make a difference - and more importantly, stay alive?

Firstly, a confession - I've been a life long fan of the Dredd comics and 2000AD as a whole. So it's probably fair to say that I had high hopes for this (given the debacle that was the Stallone version years ago) - and I can safely say, they've been met - and exceeded.

The main reason is Karl Urban. His screen Dredd is everything and more I'd have wanted for the gritty, urban and violent reboot. Urban's got Dredd down to a tee - from the stony faced chin and sneer to the gravelly, enforcer (almost Robocop-like) voice of Dredd. It's a perfect version of the law dispensing judge -and more than fans could have ever hoped for. Credit has to go to Urban, who owns the role from the get go and who knows the source material as well as having been there from the start - having seen this reboot, it's hard to now imagine anyone else as Dredd (and yes, I am talking about that version that should be erased). But Urban's also to be praised for bringing a bit of humanity to Dredd with humour; he clearly shows this is a Judge not to be messed with, but a bad ass with a way with an occasional quip.


Meanwhile, Olivia Thirlby is the perfect foil to Dredd - her Anderson is vulnerable, human and gives us the ideal way into Mega City One and the way of the Judges. Her character has hints of an arc (as much as you can in a film where two people shoot their way out of a building) and a backstory which would give some exploration in any future films. Lena Headey has little to do as MaMa except be a cold, evil sneering presence but she makes the most of her onscreen time and has the cruel veneer down to a tee.

Likewise director Travis and writer Alex Garland have done a great job of bringing a high octane, gritty feel to the film; with measured bursts of violence, and an opening sequence which establishes Dredd more than any pointless exposition ever could, it's certainly stylish despite the occasionally sparse level of the script.

Equally, the scenes where the 3D brings the film to life are the Slo-Mo drug taking sequences; thrilling, hypnotic, visceral and with heightened colours, they're definitely eye catching and probably one of the most original things you'll see on screen this year.

While Dredd certainly hits the right notes for the comic book fans (certainly, the fan pleasing nods within structures will give 2000AD fans a tingle of nerdy excitement), there are moments when some parts of the audience may feel a little left out or if they've seen The Raid or Die Hard, a sense of deja vu.

A lack of real strong plot is not a major distraction but becomes evident occasionally (and the rookie out with Dredd story is a familiar one from the comics), as does the over-use of zoom ins on Anderson's spider-sense like psychic abilities, which due to over-reliance loses its novelty.

At the end of the day though, this reboot deserves to be seen by many; sure, it's violent but it's slick, original and probably the closest thing to a live action comic book of Dredd you'll ever see. I hope it gets the mass market appeal it needs to ensure a sequel, because there's plenty of exciting potential here.

Thrilling, high octane, and visceral, Dredd 3D is anything but Dredd-ful. In fact, it's actually completely awesome.

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Titanic 3D: Blu Ray Review

Titanic 3D: Blu Ray Review

Rating: M
Released by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment

Can there really be anyone who's not witnessed the film phenomenon that is Titanic?

It took mega billions (well, around 1.8 billion to be precise) at the global box office and made a star out of Leonardo di Caprio 15 years ago when it first set sail into the cinemas and our collective movie going hearts.

Now, with the 100th anniversary of the sinking of RMS Titanic, it was inevitable the story would get a re-release - and perhaps, no surprise, a 3D makeover.

So, here is the Titanic 3D Blu Ray for you to be part of it once again.

If you were one of the 12 people on the whole planet who didn't see this film, then you'll want to know the plot. (Such as it exists).

Di Caprio is Jack Dawson, a pauper who wins a ticket to the first ever sailing of the RMS Titanic; on board are Kate Winslet's Rose, a woman trapped in a loveless relationship with Cal Hockley (Billy Zane). When the pair's paths cross, it's love at first sight as Dawson offers Rose a chance to live and love again, and offers also, a chance of freedom from the repression of the tyranny of a society which has forced her to take up with Cal to return some honour to her family.

But in true star crossed lovers' way, the pair are forbidden to see each other; and this only serves to fuel their passion. Sadly, though, an iceberg is about to cool everything down - permanently.

What to say about Titanic that hasn't been said before and by so many - and to an audience which has already made this film such a massive commercial success the first time around?

Yes, it's still bum numbingly long at 190 minutes long and yes, there are still moments which appal (on both fronts) as well as moments which appeal.

First up, the 3D is the real reason for the re-release of this film; and to be honest, it's a little bit of a mixed bag.

Granted, Cameron's retooling of the flick and some 60 weeks of toil has rendered some scenes simply incredible - such as the horrifying moment when the ship splits in half.

Whereas this was tragic in its original incarnation, this latest tweak of it has captured the full breath taking horror of what the passengers faced; the depth which the 3D gives is nothing short of jaw dropping breathtaking appallingness. The scope and scale of the destruction and hopelessness of the reality is still emotionally stunning and really does prove to be the real reason for the disaster movie to work so well. Likewise, sweeping aerial shots and 3D sequences inside the Titanic give the rooms depth and the boat a scale of grandeur that was denied it during its 2D release - so for that, Cameron and his team deserve recognition and praise.

Not quite as successful perhaps are the shots around the rest of the drama - because the film wasn't made for 3D, the post conversion really does add little to the whole spectacle of what unfolds around; close range two shots don't quite work and occasionally jar as well.

Except to say that the added extra dimension can't add to the one dimensional corny dialogue and characters housed within the very big boat. 

Ultimately, though, I still can't fault the audacity and sheer spectacle of this love story in the middle of a disaster movie.

It's the extras which help this set to sing though - a 4 disc re-release is packed with a wealth of extras including 2 new documentaries and 6 hours of material - it's a great reason for the release, packing in alternate endings, looking at the FX, a final word with James Cameron. Great stuff to go deeper this time round.

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Two Little Boys: Movie Review

Two Little Boys: Movie Review

Cast: Bret McKenzie, Hamish Blake, Maaka Pohatu
Director: Robert Sarkies

Adapted from Duncan Sarkies' 2008 book of the same name (which I will confess I've not read), Two Little Boys stars Bret McKenzie in his first cinematic lead role.

It's off to Invercargill in the early 1990s as this dark comedy centres on two very good mates, both mulleted and both looking distinctly bogan.

McKenzie plays Nige, who's been living with Blake's Deano in relative domestic bliss (but not like that) for some 15 years.

As it begins, Nige's doing some laps around the centre of Invercargill and inadvertently knocks down and kills a Norwegian tourist. Panicking, Nige throws the body into a hole, conveniently in the centre of the road and runs to his mate Deano for help.

But, after 15 years of friendship, Deano and Nige have had a falling out and Deano, the slightly psychotic bullying type isn't going to forgive Nige any time soon for leaving their home and shacking up with general nice guy and security guard Gav (Pohatu).

However, when Nige reveals what he's done, Deano's got no choice but to try and help his mate - and so begins a massive misadventure as the three of them (and a body) head down to the Catlins to dispose of the evidence.

Only Deano's got more than the disposing of one body on his mind...

Two Little Boys is an odd film - a twisted tale of bromance gone bitter; of friendship heading south, of finding your own confidence to stand on your own two feet and of how far you'd go for your mates.

It makes a good fist of the moody Southland coast and the Catlins themselves but does little to populate the tale with either comedy or dramatic weight to flesh it out. Sure, there are some good one-liners throughout
and some amusing sight gags (a panicking Nige tries to carry out CPR on the tourist despite his body being upside down) but all in all, this has such a mismatched mix of tones veering from dark, gruesome and attempting comedic that it doesn't come out smelling of, unfortunately, anything other than a bit of a mess.

McKenzie (when his Nige is not having a panic attack) does relatively well for his mulleted bogan but has little to work with; likewise Blake has a few darkly comic moments but is saddled with some pretty unfunny lines for a supposed comedy.

I think the problem with Two Little Boys is one of tone throughout; it has throwbacks to the bleak comedy of Predicament but doesn't have enough to really back it up with any dramatic meat or real character engagement.

Director Sarkies really comes alive with some brilliant touches towards the end (which had been deployed throughout would have sent this into offbeat watchable kookiness) but it's an incredibly long slog getting to that point. While there are touches of the dark underbelly of New Zealand being exposed, Two Little Boys is an uneasy and occasionally queasy mish-mash which feels like an opportunity much squandered.

Rating:

Brand new Hobbit trailer is here

Brand new Hobbit trailer is here

This week is Tolkein week and the celebration of the writer's life, culminates with Bilbo and Frodo's birthday on 22nd September.

But even more exciting than that is a brand new Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey trailer which has dropped today.

And there could be more stuff on the way this week - speaking on his Facebook page, Sir Peter Jackson's revealed it will be an interesting week with some behind the scenes content available as well as a brand new trailer for the Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.

 

Dredd Q+A with Karl Urban

Dredd Q&A with Karl Urban

Judge Dredd is a comics icon. The original strip started off over 35 years ago and was created by icons Carlos Ezquerra and John Wagner.
Kiwi Karl Urban has now taken on the mantle of the famous character, Dredd in a brand new film hitting cinemas from October 4th.
Karl was generous enough with his time to answer the following questions about his current role, what inspired him to take it and how he feels to get the official nod from the lawman's creator, John Wagner.
Dredd 3D opens October 4th in New Zealand. And head back to this blog on September 21st for the Dredd 3D movie review..

The big question is – aside from the Stallone film – how much did you know about Dredd before taking the role?

My first introduction to Judge Dredd was as a teenager - a friend switched me on to the Quality Comics series which was being published in the early 90s. I really liked Dredd, stoic Lawman with a dry sense of humour. The comics provided a rich tapestry of morality tales set in a futuristic totalitarian society where the judges have stepped out of the court room and onto the streets.

What was it about taking on such an iconic British comics character that appealed to you?

I guess being a long term fan of Judge Dredd was a big factor in my decision to take the role, but also the fact that writer Alex Garland had delivered a really solid, action packed, character driven narrative.

As a long term Dredd fan, I felt pretty confident that the sum of the creative elements involved would ensure a real quality in its execution. Also, I was drawn to Dredd's brand of heroism.

Were you aware of the 30 plus year history of the character before you took it on? And if not, what kind of research did you do?

My research consisted of reading every Judge Dredd comic that I could lay my hands on. It was fun reconnecting with characters and stories that I had enjoyed as a teenager, but the real bonus was discovering  new material that was written after I had stopped buying the comic.

Stories like Tale of a Dead Man, through to Necropolis. Origins is a fantastic story about the birth of Dredd and his world. What I discovered was that a wonderful maturity had developed in the writing, the stories and characters attained a much greater depth.

Tell us a little more about this incarnation of the character – who is Dredd and what kind of man is he?

Dredd is the law personified. He's a walking judge, jury and executioner. His job is to protect the citizens of Mega City One and uphold the law. He's enigmatic, feared and respected, Dredd has no "superpowers", just an extraordinary skill set, a versatile gun and a cool bike. He is the type of man who walks towards a disaster when everyone else is running in the opposite direction. He is a laconic man of few words with a dry sense of humour.

What more can you tell us about the film's story?

Dredd is about a day in the life of Judge Dredd as he puts his rookie Anderson through her paces to see if she has got what it takes to become a full judge. The day takes a turn for the worse when Dredd and his rookie are trapped in a mega block by Ma-ma, leader of a brutal Mega City One gang. The assessment turns into a brutal fight for survival.

Fans of Dredd will be wanting to know if you are going to avoid the furore of the helmet issue – and keep it on at all times?

The helmet stays on the entire film - it wouldn’t be a true Dredd movie if I took it off!

What was the shoot like?

It was a tough shoot, even before the cameras started rolling, 13 weeks of intense gym work, a tough 2 week military style boot camp.

The uniform was basically a leather motorbike suit and body armour and we shot through the South African summer so at the end of a day, you'd have to peel the uniform off.

But, as uncomfortable as it could be, it was well worth it when we shot scenes like the bike chase. 
There are a few points in your career where you can’t believe that they're actually letting you do this. The Moscow car chase with Matt Damon in The Bourne Supremacy was one, and riding that bike in full Dredd mode through the streets of Cape Town was definitely another.

You’ve had the blessing of the character’s creator, how does that feel?

To have Mr Wagner’s blessing was a fantastic endorsement, and a testament to the hard work and attention to detail that everybody involved in bringing Dredd to the big screen. We all strived to achieve it.

Give us a secret from the filming on set – and tell us what you all got up to after filming finished on the day?

The virtue of a secret is that is that the contents of the secret remain secret!

After work finished, I'd hit my favourite restaurant, play poker with my driver and good friend through dinner, then head back to the apartment and look at the next days work. Pretty low key.

Rumour has it this may be the first of a series of Dredd movies – would you want to do more of them?
Sure, if this movie finds an audience at the box office, then I'd love the opportunity to continue the story. But, if Dredd is a stand alone film then I'm equally happy with that, it’s an instant cult classic.

How would you describe Dredd to the people who’ve never heard of it?

It’s the must see movie of 2012 - definitely a film that you need to take your friends to at least twice.

We’ll see you back on the screen in the next Star Trek film, what more can you tell us about that?

It’s going to be so epic, multi-coloured and awesome.