Full details of Armageddon 2012

Full details of Armageddon 2012

Below are the full details of the Auckland Labour Day Weekend Armageddon Expo - as ever you can find more out about the guests at the event by visiting the official Armageddon website!

See you there???

Dates:                           ASB Showgrounds: Friday 19^th October – Monday 22^nd October 2012

Opening Hours:            Friday October 19^th – 6pm to 9pm - Preview night!

Saturday October 20^th – 10am to 6pm

Sunday October 21st – 10am to 6pm

Monday October 22nd– 10am to 6pm

Website:                       www.armageddonexpo.com/nz

Ticket prices:               SINGLE DAY ENTRY - Friday to Monday

                                    Adult - $20.00 (presale only) - $23.00 at the door

Student (with ID) $17.00 (presale only) - $20.00 at the door

Child (5-12) $10.00 or FREE with a full paying adult

Family (2 adults and 3 child) $50.00 

THREE DAY PASS

                                    Adult - $50.00 (presale only) - $56.00 at the door (save $10.00)

Student (with ID) $45.00 (presales only) - $50.00 at the door

Child (5-12) $25.00

FOUR DAY PASS

                                    Adult - $60.00 (presale only) - $65.00 at the door

Student (with ID) $55.00 (presales only) - $60.00 at the door

Child (5-12) $30.00

Tickets will be on sale through www.iTicket.co.nz

Event Description

The ASB Showgrounds will look like the scene of the most thrilling zombie apocalypse ever with Armageddon Expo 2012 hitting town from Friday October 19^th to Monday October 22^nd. Comic, sci-fi, anime, gaming and pop-culture curious are taking over this Labour Weekend, with a special discounted preview night on the Friday. One thing is guaranteed, this year will be the biggest and most impressive Armageddon yet!

With more entertainment, celebrities, mind-blowing exhibits and live shows imaginable, Armageddon promises to provide everything fans need to fulfill their pop-culture desires.  With interactive gaming stands, lasertag, comics, anime, voice artists, TV and movie stars the creators of some of the most iconic comics and animation as well as the ever-breathtaking Burning Man and a whole lot more.

The celebrity guest lineup will need to be seen to believed, including cult-star Cindy Morgan of Tron fame as well as a trip back to 90s Nintendo gaming heaven with Charles Martinet, the voice of Mario and Luigi! The mega celebrity lineup also includes huge names like Sebastian Roche of Supernatural, Fringe and Vampire Diaries fame; the legendary Aron Eisenberg from Star Trek Deep Space Nine and ultimate cult-classic star Bruce Boxleitner from the inaugural sci-fi classic Tron!

Anime / Manga / Cartoons:

Trans-Tasman Cosplay Contest: Judging by past years’ huge successes, the annual Cosplay Contest is going to be a huge hit at Armageddon 2012. Having become a full-on war with Australia we Kiwis need to take the win in 2012. It’s a contest for all fans of any genre or ability and is open to TV, movies and Anime on Monday October 22^nd at 10.30am.

Kamehameha Contest: Once again the massively entertaining scream-fest that is the Kamehameha Contest is back with a vengeance. Visitors can take part or simply sit back and watch, as Dragonball Z enthusiasts battle it out at 4pm on Saturday October 20^th to find the most powerful, awe inspiring “KAMEHAMEHA” in Auckland.

Cosplay Parade: For anyone wanting to join the madness the Cosplay Parade is perfect for those that want to don their costumes, jump on stage and take part in the madness by way of performances and skits.

Comics/Sci Fi/ Fantasy / Cards:

Comic Guests: The always-popular guest panels this year will feature the impressive Frontier Animation. Also for the comic fans will be multi-talented celebrity guests like Ian Churchill, the brilliant artist responsible for such classics as Hulk, Supergirl and Titans and Bob Layton, the man who reinvented Iron Man, making it one of Marvel’s best-selling series of all time. These two are just a small sample of the big comic names in attendance.

Beyond Reality Media:  This is a big one for comic fans - Beyond Reality Media launched online in July 2011 and has been growing at a rapid pace ever since. The company offers readers FREE new stories in the world of comics at www.beyondrealitymedia.com.  Fans can check out the BRM stand at Armageddon and meet creators Christian Gossett and William Geradts.

Magic: The Gathering: Anyone who’s ever wondered exactly what Magic: The Gathering is all about, can head along to the Wizards area for a free ‘learn to play’ session. After honing their online skills with Duels of the Planewalkers, players can test their offline skills with the physical card game.

Special Movie Screenings and Guest Panels:

This year’s expo has it sorted for the film-geek in everyone, with special screenings of the first ever computer generated film Tron will take place at 9:30am on Sunday October 21^st at the United Sweets Main Stage, followed at 11am by a panel with two of the stars of the film, Bruce Boxleitner and Cindy Morgan!

Batman Returns: The Dark Night Returns Part 1 animation film takes place on Saturday October 20^th at 10:30am at the United Sweets Main Stage.

And for horror fans, be the first to watch the New Zealand Horror Film, The Collection (strictly R18) at Stage 3 on Monday 22^nd October at 2pm.

Gaming/ Technology:

Gaming: Armageddon has become the place to be for state of the art interactive gaming and this year Armageddon is upping the ante yet again. Industry giants PlayStation, Microsoft, Xbox, Total Interactive, EA Games and Adversity Gaming will have must-see-to-believe stands as well as hands-on previews from all the best new releases including Halo 4, Skylanders: Giants, 007 Legends, Alienware, FIFA 13, Medal of Honor: Warfighter, Need for Speed: Most Wanted and a whole lot more.

V8 Supercar Simulator: There will be a desperate sprint for any petrol heads and V8 enthusiasts to hit the V8 Supercar Simulator. It’s a state of the art machine that gives wannabe speed-demons the experience of driving a FORD or HOLDEN without any chance of writing off around those sharp corners, and for as little as $10 they can relive it over and over again.

Sports:

IPW Live Wrestling: Impact Pro Wrestling is New Zealand’s premier wrestling group and some of the country’s top wrestlers will be laying the smack down daily at 11:30am, 1:30pm and 4pm. Wrestling fans can witness the moves, grudge matches and challenges live to the Kiwi public.

Nerf Shooting Range: The ultimate Nerf experience will test players’ skills absolutely free of charge at this year’s Armageddon Expo. Available to trial are the brand new Nerf Elite blasters – faster and further fire power – and the new Nerf Lazer Tag as well as the brand-spanking new Nerf Firevision!

Lasertag: Operating all weekend, the Megazone Lasertag indoor battle area will be the place for teams of five to wage laser war on each other. It’s a lot of fun, there might even be a little bit of exercise involved AND it’s free!

Aqua Bubble: If anyone’s ever wanted to run on water and note get wet, they can for just $10 with the Aqua Bubble – Using the latest technology to create an air bubble; it’s amazing, fun and ridiculously easy!

Fun for Everyone:

Armageddon Burning Man: Having made his flaming debut in 2010, Armageddon is bringing the much-acclaimed Burning Man for another massive year of big heat, flames and dazzling fireworks. A phenomenal show for the entire family - check it out on Friday October 19^th at 9:45pm. With a special performance by Tamashii Taiko Drummers.

Zombiethon: For just $20 this year everyone who has ever watched zombie movies with awe and or just wished they could groan, moan and chase people slowly down the street can do so. Not only that but they’ll be donned head to toe in the best zombie special effects that Auckland has to offer. Armageddon 2012 is delivering all that and more with the inaugural Zombiethon. Taking place on Sunday October 21^st, the Zombiethon will help raise money for the The Haemophilia Foundation of New Zealand.

Eating Contests: For the food fanatics or perhaps just the slightly insane, stomachs will be taken to their absolute limits with the Hell Pizza eating contest and if that’s not enough, top it off with the Tip Top ice-cream eating competition. Whether taking part or just wanting to witness the food carnage, the eating contests are guaranteed to provide entertainment and gut-expanding mayhem for all.

Foam Party: Just like the movies and Ibiza, this year’s foam party, complete with two foam jets firing up to 8 metres at phenomenal speed, will have partiers welcoming the 2012 Armageddon Expo just like they plan to end it – Sticky, soaking and covered in sweat! The foam party takes place on Friday 19^th October from 6pm till 9pm.

For more information on any of the above, head to www.armageddonexpo.com/nz for a full schedule of guest panel times and Armageddon Expo Auckland events!

Brand new Gangster Squad trailer on way

Brand new Gangster Squad trailer on way

Starring Sean Penn, Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, Gangster Squad is already shaping up to be one of the must see films of 2013.

It's about the LAPD's fight to keep East Coast Mafia types out of Los Angeles in the 1940s and 50s and also stars Giovanni Ribisi and Josh Brolin.

GANGSTER SQUAD releases in NZ cinemas on Jan 17th

The new Gangster Squad trailer is due tomorrow - but for now, feast your eyes on the brand new Gangster Squad poster below....

Hollywood hits HALO 4

Hollywood hits HALO 4

Exciting news for HALO fans today - the launch trailer for the XBox release's gonna have some touches of Hollywood.

The release has just come in:

"Famed Hollywood Visionaries David Fincher and Tim Miller Team Up with Microsoft to Create “Halo 4” Launch Trailer

Legendary director of award-winning films like “Fight Club” and “The Social Network” and acclaimed visual effects lead for “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” collaborate with 343 Industries to ignite anticipation for the year’s biggest entertainment launch

Today Microsoft and 343 Industries announced renowned Hollywood director David Fincher (“Fight Club,” “The Social Network,” “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”) as executive producer and acclaimed visual effects lead Tim Miller (“Scott Pilgrim vs. the World,” “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”) as the director of the launch trailer for the most anticipated blockbuster game of the year, “Halo 4¹.” In partnership with 343 Industries and agency twofifteenmccann, Fincher and Miller will help deliver an emotionally-charged look at the backstory of “Halo’s” iconic hero, the Master Chief.

The extended two-minute trailer will make its world premiere during the Oct. 18 (Oct. 19 NZST) episode of “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” (airs weeknights on NBC at 12:35am ET/4:35pm Oct 19 NZST) before the launch of “Halo 4” on November 6.  It will be available on Halo Waypoint and the Xbox YouTube channel immediately following the broadcast debut.

Titled “Scanned,” the trailer is an action-packed cinematic production that offers a captivating look at the backstory of Master Chief, and provides a glimpse of the new threat he will encounter in “Halo 4.” Filmed in Prague, “Scanned” continues the franchise’s tradition of expanding the universe through award-winning live-action stories, adding to the lore and anticipation for the next chapter in the landmark franchise that has sold more than 43 million game copies worldwide and generated more than $3 billion in franchise sales.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to direct the ‘Halo 4’ launch trailer in creative partnership with 343 Industries and David Fincher,” said Miller, who also collaborated with Fincher to create the title sequence for the Academy award-winning 2011 film, “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.” “‘Halo is one of the most iconic sci-fi universes, with a depth that allows for amazingly cinematic and emotionally riveting stories.  The chance to tell a story that explores never-before-seen facets of Master Chief’s journey is an honour. Our goal is to deliver a blockbuster, Hollywood-quality trailer that raises the bar for the award-winning legacy of live-action ‘Halo’ storytelling and gets fans stoked for the return of Master Chief.”

Reinforcing the talent behind the powerhouse team, Fincher stated, “I enjoy collaborating with Tim Miller, who is at the visual and technical forefront of hybridized live-action/CGI – not only pushing the boundary but defining it.”

“As a studio, we’re incredibly excited to be working with one of Hollywood’s most acclaimed directors and one of its top visual effects leads to bring our creative vision for the launch trailer to life,” said 343 Industries’ franchise development director Frank O’Connor. “Their involvement is a testament to the significance of ‘Halo’ as a pop culture touchstone, and we think fans are going to be blown away when they see the final piece.”

Launching worldwide exclusively on Xbox 360 Nov.6, 2012, “Halo 4” is the next blockbuster installment of the iconic franchise that has shaped entertainment history and defined a generation of gamers. Developed by 343 Industries, “Halo 4” continues the story of the series’ iconic hero the Master Chief as he returns to confront his destiny and face an ancient evil that threatens the fate of the entire universe. “Halo 4” takes the series in a bold new direction by delivering its most epic and explorative campaign yet, alongside an emotionally resonant story and a groundbreaking multiplayer offering unlike anything before it – setting the stage for an epic new sci-fi saga."

Assassin's Creed III Developer diaries

Assassin's Creed III Developer diaries

As the release of Assassin's Creed III grows ever closer, there's been further releases from the developer diaries and trailers to get us ready.

First up, we have the Assassin's Creed III - Official Developer Diary - Liberty Chronicles...



Next up, the creators of Assassin’s Creed III shed some light on what it takes to redesign one of gaming’s most iconic franchises from the ground up. Part three in a four-part documentary series, Inside Assassin’s Creed III: Episode Three is all about Connor, the all-new hero of mixed British and Native American ancestry on a mission to save his homeland. Get a behind the scenes look at what makes Connor the true hero behind the war and a sneak peek at the new combat and animation systems that will allow you to experience more intense, gut-wrenching battles than ever before.



And finally, the making of trailer...

LEGO LOTR Developer Diaries

LEGO LOTR Developer Diaries

Fans of Lego and Hobbitses can rejoice as the upcoming Lego Lord of the Rings release is likely to tick all of the boxes.

But as ever with these LEGO releases, it's all about the fun elements.

Thankfully, Travellers Tales look like they're pushing that theme - here, collected all together are the LEGO Lord of the Rings Developer Diaries for you to enjoy!

Whether or not you’re familiar with the epic moments from the films, LEGO The Lord of the Rings is set to take you on an unforgettable journey. And if you’re teaming up with a friend or family member, you’ll both be able to tackle the thrilling adventure in a phenomenal, unique co-op experience. Take control of your favourite characters to take part in huge battles, complete imaginative puzzles, collect astonishing treasures, and overcome any number of fantastic challenges as you trek and build your way through Middle-earth.

While the developer diary series may have come to an end, the real journey is soon to begin! Stay tuned, as there are plenty of updates to come leading up to the release of LEGO The Lord of the Rings this Summer for Xbox 360®, PlayStation®3, Wii™, Nintendo DS™, Nintendo 3DS™, PlayStation® Vita, and PC.

Safety Not Guaranteed: Movie Review

Safety Not Guaranteed: Movie Review

Cast: Aubrey Plaza, Mark Duplass, Jake Johnson, Karan Soni
Director: Colin Trevorrow

A quirky little indie film, Safety Not Guaranteed is a gentle nugget of quirky cinematic genius.

Aubrey Plaza is Darius, a grad who's unable to get a job and ends up working as an intern at Seattle magazine. When reporter Jeff (a Mark Ruffaloesque Jake Johnson) suggests he looks into an ad in a newspaper promising to take a trip back in time, but with "safety not guaranteed", Darius, along with studious intern Arnau head to Ocean View to find out more.

But while Jeff uses the opportunity to look up an old flame, Darius discovers that the guy who placed the ad, is a curious oddball called Kenneth (a brilliant Duplass). Kenneth works at the local store and is convinced the authorities are following him as he nears completion of his time machine.

So, the question is - is Kenneth telling the truth or is it the mutterings of a mid American nutjob?

Safety Not Guaranteed is a real charmer of a film and an unexpected humour filled delight, which will amuse and engage your heart too.

From its start where we first meet Darius being rejected for a job right to its final shot where something unexpected happens, it's a film which confounds your expectations and surprises you.

It's a low key, lo fi indie film in many ways which hits all the right notes; part rom com, part sci fi flick, part road trip and part relationships/ hipster film, it's a mash up of many genres and all of them sensitively and sensibly handled with charm and ease.

The central premise is an intriguing one and throwing together the trio works very well; from the lazy, just out to hook up Jeff to the uptight Indian intern Arnau, mixed in with a dash of sullen sarcasm courtesy of Aubrey Plaza, the final resulting cocktail works very well.

But the film scores its major points with Mark Duplass as Kenneth, a denim jacketed slight oddball of a man about whom you're never quite sure if he's a sandwich short of a picnic or actually onto something with his notion of time travel and reasons for it. (And his occasional resemblance to 1990s Scott Bakula in time travelling TV series Quantum Leap is uncanny at times - or perhaps, a deliberate nod). Thanks to sensitive acting and a bit of depth of character, he remains an enigma throughout and a character you can't quite get a handle on.

However, the director wisely chooses not to dwell on this or reflect on a character who could be unhinged but instead propels the story forward with an energy and zest that's perfectly in keeping with this delightful little charmer.

With an eye for some sharp dialogue as well, Safety Not Guaranteed is as much of a treat as you're likely to get at the movies these days. Thanks to some great central turns from Johnson, Plaza and Duplass who give 110% in a never anything less than riveting watch, you're engaged at every level and when the movie ends, you find yourself puzzling about what actually transpired.

As one character remarks "This mission has to do with regret, mistakes and is about love" - it's an adage which helps us identify with the characters and engage with what could be a lunatic proposition.  With dashings of deadpan humour thrown in, and a final act which once again confounds your expectations by swiftly whipping the carpet from asunder, Safety Not Guaranteed deserves to be a hit thanks to its charm, performances and touchingly heartfelt and yet universal story.

Whether or not it will be depends on how much you're willing to gamble on this - my advice, roll the dice and enjoy every moment of what is one of the best character films of the year.

Rating:

The Dictator: Blu Ray Review

The Dictator: Blu Ray Review

Rating: R16
Released by Universal Home Entertainment

Sacha Baron Cohen's latest creation was always going to be divisive and when a film begins with a freeze frame of Kim Jong Il and the words "In loving memory", you're pretty much going to have a clue what's ahead.

In this outing, Cohen plays General Haffaz Aladeen, a dictator of Wadiya in North Africa. Summoned to the UN in America to face concerns over his nuclear programme, Aladeen finds his world turned upside down when he's abducted, shorn of his beard and cut adrift in America by his cousin Tamir (Kingsley) who's jealous of his power and installs a doppelganger as Aladeen.

When Tamir's plan to turn his beloved Wadiya into a democracy instead of a dictatorship, Aladeen schemes to get back power and ensure his way of life isn't changed.

Scabrous, satirical and scatalogical, The Dictator is a patchy but funny affair, helped by some truly hilarious one liners and some provocatively offensive gags.

That's the thing with Sacha Baron Cohen - he's never afraid to push the envelope and I'm grateful for that. Unfortunately this time, it feels like the joke's gone on a little too long and has ceased to be as hilarious as it used to be.

It starts off very well, mixing in verite news footage culled of figures of power warning the Dictator must step down - and even shows Aladeen's birth (complete with the mother being snuffed out by a pillow, as she "dies in childbirth") - it's almost as if Cohen and Charles decide early on to shock and make you question whether you should even be laughing in the first place.

But once it settles in there are some very funny moments, great visual gags and some amusing set pieces. A clever sequence inside a small American plane mocks stereotypes of beliefs and 9/11; news commentators are shown as idiots when they speculate on what Aladeen's saying and doing; and a final speech where Cohen mocks America is frankly intelligently funny fare which is sly and spot on. Granted, there's some satire over UN treatments of dictatorships when it suits at play here, but it's buried among the offensive.

However, let's be clear though - this isn't all sophisticated humour throughout the film; it's one of those no holds barred, everything's up for the offending - there are poo jokes, masturbation and male nudity as you'd come to expect from an offensive Baron Cohen film.

If you're after a no brainer bit of occasionally puerile fun, then The Dictator is for you. Otherwise, you can join the ranks of the apparent infidels who feel The Dictator isn't as good as it promised to be, and while it's content to offer some hearty belly laughs, there's just the feeling that this scripted piece could have been a little more.

Extras: Deleted and extended scenes, music video, Larry King interview

Rating: