Game of Thrones: Season 2: DVD Review

Game of Thrones: Season 2: DVD Review

Rating: R18
Released by HBO and Warner Home Entertainment

The first series of Game Of Thrones was an extremely popular affair, with worlds of fantasy and politics meshed together so perfectly and so brilliantly realised that there were very few who weren't swept along in it.

So, it's no surprise that the second series of the show continues the trend.

In this latest batch of 10 episodes, the seven kingdoms are at war - and with cruel child king Joffrey on the throne, there is a struggle brewing. While the power politicking continues, Daenerys and a small band of followers is on a quest to raise the three dragons she's borne and ensure they grow up to be the powerhouses they need to seize power.

Game of Thrones: Season 2 is as compelling and as gritty a watch as the first series was. Production values remain extremely high as the story plays out and the worlds created are totally believable and completely engrossing.

It builds up to a massive key battle which is brilliantly carried out and while there may be some who are resistant to this mix of fantasy, politics and sex, there are those who are passionate about it. You'd be wise to join them - this series is one of the best releases so far this year.

Extras: A wealth of content which expands the worlds - and concentrates on the characters as well as ongoing storylines.

Rating:

Brand new True Blood Season 6 trailer

Brand new True Blood Season 6 trailer

Here's your first look at the brand new True Blood Season 6 trailer.

True Blood season 6 is due out on US TV in June.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower: Movie Review

The Perks of Being a Wallflower: Movie Review

Cast: Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Ezra Miller, Kate Walsh, Dylan McDermott, Nina Dobrev, Paul Rudd
Director: Stephen Chbosky

Based on Stephen Chbosky's novel, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is likely to strike a note with anyone who ever felt alienated at school.

15 year old Charlie (Logan Lerman) is an outsider, and an introvert. When he doesn't fit in at high school, he figures the time he spends there will be nothing short of horrific. But, when he's taken under the wings of two seniors Sam (Harry Potter's Emma Watson) and Patrick (a scene stealing Ezra Miller), he's introduced into the real world - and suddenly finds that by being an outsider, he actually fits in.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a coming of age film which fires on all cylinders.

From its strong trio of leads to a brilliant soundtrack of the times, it's likely to connect with anyone who's ever made a mix tape for a wannabe lover or felt a little on the edge of the popular world. Lerman particularly impresses in a performance which packs layers on underneath the awkwardness of being a teen at school; and Watson certainly does all she can to say "Expelliarmus" to her time as Hermione, encapsulating the insecurity of the teenage years. There's a tenderness to Lerman and Watson's relationship on screen and is immediately relatable. Miller is also incredibly good in the outgoing flamboyant role of Patrick, whose bravado masks a secret.

Throw in a hint of sadness, mix in some adolescent angst amongst an occasionally hit and miss script and you're pretty much likely to get one of the best teen coming of age films in a long time. Occasionally nostalgic and totally memorable, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a film which will speak to a generation and is one to be treasured and enjoyed with a cast who impress from the beginning.

Rating:

SkyFall: Blu Ray Review

SkyFall: Blu Ray Review

Rating: M
Released by Universal Home Entertainment

Daniel Craig returns for his third outing as James Bond 007 in the Skyfall release.

Tasked with retrieving a hard drive, containing a list of undercover British agents, the pressure mounts for Bond to ensure success in his latest mission. But when it looks like he's about to fail,M (Judi Dench) orders Bond's fellow agent Eve (Harris) to take a shot and take out the man who's stolen the hard drive.

However, the agent accidentally hits Bond and sending him plummeting from the heights of a moving train in Turkey, he's believed dead...

When MI6 comes under attack and M is targeted, Bond decides, out of a fierce loyalty, to come out of his shell to track down the people behind the threat - no matter what the cost....

Skyfall is as thrilling a James Bondyou'd expect to get for the franchise's 50th anniversary - and one from such a director as Sam Mendes.

Tautly pulled together and respectful of the franchise's past, it's a pulse-racing ride - right from the beginning with an opening sequence which takes in rooftop bike chases, street chases, and a crane atop a train in Turkey. The opening packs in as much tension and spectacle as you'd expect from the franchise.

Daniel Craig is very good as a wounded Bond - through his piercing blue eyes and pursed lips, the hurt he conveys after returning from the dead to confront M, says more than any exposition and over-acting could ever do. This is a Bond who's faced a near-death experience, begrudgingly lived to tell the tale and appears slightly resentful of the loyalty he's expected to show. Towards the end, when Bond reveals a little more of his past, it seems to add a level to the agent and give him an emotional resonance which has been missing in previous outings. But, in all honesty, this film truly belongs to an exceptional performance by Judi Dench as M - as her past catches up to her, Dench conveys a whole range of emotions, from haunted to hunted, with a deft turn which commands the screen whenever she appears. 

That's not to say that Skyfall doesn't have its flaws, though.

After an exceptional start and opening sequence, the very slight story (it's just about revenge, folks) appears to sag slightly during its middle section as the relatively threadbare plot starts to shine through. While it's a relief that the plot's a little lighter after the last Bond Quantum of Solace's muddled bland mess, the 150 minute running time could have been trimmed a little to give it a hint of leanness it needs.

Also, I have to admit, I'm somewhat on the fence over Skyfall's bad guy, Raoul Silva, under-played by Javier Bardem in a blond wig. While he brings some of the unhinged menace, with a hint of sexual ambivalence, he doesn't quite hit the mark as a truly memorable Bond villain in my eyes. (I think in fairness though, everyone, Bond included, are incidental to this film with the whole movie pivoting around Dame Judi's M.)

"Sometimes, the old ways are the best" is an adage quoted a few times in the knowing script - and this in many ways, could be applied to the whole film and franchise itself.

Better than Quantum of Solace but not matching the highs of Casino Royale, with crisply lean action sequences, a few knowing quips, some impressive acting and an emotional resonance,Skyfall is perhaps the perfect Bond for a 50th anniversary. It shows the franchise has a life to live and effortlessly demonstrates the best is yet to come.

Extras: Shooting of, commentary
Rating:

Disney Planes characters revealed

Disney Planes characters revealed

We've got a look at some of the characters for the upcoming Disney movie, Planes.

It's due to hit cinemas on September 26th.

Disney's Planes Voice Cast revealed

Disney's Planes Voice Cast revealed

Audiences worldwide are fastening their seatbelts as “Disney’s Planes” prepares to take off this summer. Joining Dane Cook, who provides the voice of Dusty, are Stacy Keach, Brad Garrett, Teri Hatcher, Cedric the Entertainer, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, John Cleese, Carlos Alazraqui, Priyanka Chopra, Gabriel Iglesias, Roger Craig Smith, Colin Cowherd, Sinbad, Oliver Kalkofe and Brent Musburger. 

Adding some high-flying flair from a classic feature film are Anthony Edwards and Val Kilmer. 

 Inspired by the world of “Cars” and directed by Disneytoon Studios veteran and aviation enthusiast Klay Hall (“King of the Hill,” “The Simpsons”), “Disney’s Planes” is an action-packed 3D animated comedy adventure about Dusty’s dream of competing as a high-flying air racer—and his decidedly unfortunate fear of heights. The film takes off in theaters in 3D on Aug. 9 2013. 

 • Stacy Keach (“The Bourne Legacy,” Alexander Payne’s upcoming “Nebraska,” Robert Rodriguez’s and Frank Miller’s “Sin City: A Dame To Kill For”) provides the voice of Skipper, a reclusive old Navy Corsair who takes Dusty’s training to new heights.

• Brad Garrett (“Everybody Loves Raymond,” “How to Live with Your Parents for the Rest of Your Life”) lends his voice to fuel truck Chug, Dusty’s buddy, coach and biggest fan. 

• Teri Hatcher (“Coraline,” ABC’s “Desperate Housewives”) brings life and charm to the say-it-like-it-is mechanic Dottie.

• Cedric the Entertainer (“Barbershop,” “Larry Crowne, “Madagascar”) as Leadbottom, a puttering old biplane who has no time for Dusty’s far-fetched flights of fancy.

• Julia Louis-Dreyfus (“Veep,” “The New Adventures of Old Christine,” “Seinfeld”) lends her voice to Rochelle, a tough and confident racer who is the pride of the Great White North.

• John Cleese (TV’s “Whitney,” “A Fish Called Wanda”) is the voice of Bulldog, the oldest and arguably wisest racer on the circuit. 

• Carlos Alazraqui (James Garcia on Comedy Central’s “Reno 911”) brings to life the intensely charming El Chupacabra, a racer with more dramatic flair than is recommended at high altitudes.  

• Priyanka Chopra (“Barfi!”) voices the exotic, mysterious and ruthless Ishani, the reigning Pan-Asian champion from India. 

• Roger Craig Smith (Captain America in Disney XD’s “Marvel’s Avengers Assemble,” voice of Sonic The Hedgehog in “Wreck-It Ralph”) voices world champion racer Ripslinger—wings down, the biggest name in air racing—and he knows it.

• Gabriel Iglesias (Comedy Central’s “Gabriel Iglesias Presents Stand-up Revolution”) provides the voices of both Ned and Zed, two not-so-sharp saboteurs who work for Ripslinger.  

• Val Kilmer (“Batman Forever,” “Top Gun”) provides the voice of Bravo, a member of the Jolly Wrenches and a fan of air racing.

• Anthony Edwards (TV’s “Zero Hour,” “Top Gun”) is the voice of Echo, a member of the Jolly Wrenches and a fan of air racing. 

• Colin Cowherd (ESPN) gives play-by-play coverage as Colin Cowling, an affable blimp and an eye-in-the-sky reporter for the Racing Sports Network.

• Sinbad (Comedy Central’s “Where U Been?”) brings to life Roper, an irascible race official pitty full of sly remarks and colorful commentary. 

• Oliver Kalkofe (“Neues vom Wixxer”) provides the voice of meek German minicar Franz and his brazen airborne alter ego Fliegenhosen.

• Brent Musburger (ESPN, ABC Sports) brings Brent Mustangburger, the excitable 1964½ Ford Mustang sports broadcasting icon, back to the big screen.

ABOUT THE MOVIE

From above the world of “Cars” comes “Disney’s Planes,” an action-packed 3D animated comedy adventure featuring Dusty (voice of Dane Cook), a plane with dreams of competing as a high-flying air racer. But Dusty’s not exactly built for racing—and he happens to be afraid of heights. So he turns to a seasoned naval aviator who helps Dusty qualify to take on the defending champ of the race circuit. Dusty’s courage is put to the ultimate test as he aims to reach heights he never dreamed possible, giving a spellbound world the inspiration to soar. “Disney’s Planes” takes off in New Zealand theaters on September 26, 2013.

Brand new Kick Ass 2 trailer is here

Brand new Kick Ass 2 trailer is here

Good news for fans of Hit Girl - a brand new Kick Ass 2 trailer has just dropped.

It's due out later this year - and will see Aaron Johnson and Chloe Moretz reprising their roles asKick Ass and Hit Girl.

And Jim Carrey will be starring in Kick Ass 2 as well.