Dreams of A Life: DVD Review

Dreams of A Life: DVD Review

Rating: M
Released by Madman Home Entertainment

A simple mystery - how could a woman, so loved by so many, be found in a London bedsit with no clue how she died?

This is the simple premise of the doco Dreams of A Life which is the story of Joyce Vincent, a vivacious and outgoing woman whose demise was unsolved and who was found in a severely decomposed state in a block of flats surrounded by Christmas presents to friends....

Using recreations and interviews with people who knew Joyce, doco maker Carol Morley pulls together a story of a woman whose death is forever to be a mystery. Every single person she talks to was a friend of Joyce's but who was never there for her at the end.

It's the singlemost saddest, most haunting doco I've seen in a long time. With no answers, there's no sense of closure but it's so well put together, I couldn't help but be drawn into the tale. This doco will make you think of that neighbour you've not seen or that friend you've not contacted.

Sensitively and sensibly put together, it's a chilling story and the fact there is no resolution is emotionally devastating.

Extras: Interviews with the makers and a short film 

Rating:

Simon Pegg, Nick Frost and Edgar Wright to hit New Zealand in July

Simon Pegg, Nick Frost and Edgar Wright to hit New Zealand in July

Wellington will roll out the carpet to celebrate The World's End on July 14th.

It's been announced today that actors Simon Pegg, Nick Frost and director Edgar Wright will be in the capital to walk the red carpet for the film's release.

In the most exciting news for a while, Paramount Pictures sent out this release:

Paramount Pictures NZ is pleased to announce that Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Martin Freeman and Director Edgar Wright will attend the New Zealand premiere of The World’s End in Wellington.  Fans will get a chance to see them walk the red carpet and sign autographs.

The World’s End marks the third instalment of Edgar Wright’s trilogy of comedies, following the successes of Shaun of the Dead (2004) and Hot Fuzz (2007).  As with the two earlier pictures, Mr. Wright co-wrote the script with Simon Pegg, who will once again star alongside Nick Frost.  Joining the team in the film are actors Martin Freeman (Shaun of the Dead, The Hobbit), Paddy Considine (Hot Fuzz, The Bourne Ultimatum), Eddie Marsan (Sherlock Holmes), and Rosamund Pike (Jack Reacher).

In The World’s End, 20 years after attempting an epic pub crawl, five childhood friends reunite when one of them becomes hellbent on trying the drinking marathon again. They are convinced to stage an encore by mate Gary King (Simon Pegg), a 40-year-old man trapped at the cigarette end of his teens, who drags his reluctant pals to their hometown and once again attempts to reach the fabled pub – The World’s End.  As they attempt to reconcile the past and present, they realise the real struggle is for the future, not just theirs but humankind’s.  Reaching The World’s End is the least of their worries.

It's been a busy week for news for this film:

A brand new The World's End trailer has just dropped (warning - some spoilers ahead)

The World's End releases in NZ on July 18th.



There's a brand new poster for The World's End, starring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost - directed by Edgar Wright

The Cornetto trilogy is coming to an end.

And here's the first trailer for The World's End, starring the brilliant comic duo of Simon Pegg and Nick Frost.

The Queen of Versailles: DVD Review

The Queen of Versailles: DVD Review

Rating: PG
Released by Madman Home Ent

This doco from Madman Home Ent, which recently screened at the NZIFF's Autumn Events, proved to be a crowd favourite.


It centres on the riches to rags story of the Siegels, a billionaire couple (Jackie and David) who decide to build a home on a par with the legendary palace of Versailles. But halfway through the construction of this disgustingly opulent palace in Florida, the economic recession bites, causing the plan to go on stand by - but not the ambitions of the wife, Jackie. She has an inability not to spend and it causes pressure for David.

What's amazing about The Queen of Versailles is that it's not a mocking film nor one that causes anything less than compassion for the duo. Granted, you feel a certain kind of pity and disbelief over the continual spending and how they still get by, but you're still stuck by how the recession has affected everyone. Through sensitive and sensible film-making, The Queen of Versailles is an enjoyable and interesting watch - and becomes a thoughtful meditation on how the American dream continues to grow, even in the worst of times.

Extras: Deleted scenes, trailer

Rating:

Get ready for Hamilton Armageddon

Get ready for Hamilton Armageddon

Armageddon's coming back to Hamilton this weekend and Wellington next weekend.

The phenomenally popular pop culture expo hits Hamilton on May 25th and 26th at the Claudelands arena and then into the capital on June 1st to the 3rd at the Westpac Stadium.

Don't forget you can get all of the information on the guests at the official Armageddon site - and we'll see you at the show!

Game of Thrones actor Jason Momoa has just confirmed he will be attending the Hamilton and Wellington editions of the Armageddon Expo on 25^th - 26^th May and 1^st – 3^rd June respectively.

Famous for his role as Dothraki warlord Khal Drogo in the popular series, Momoa is expected to face record-breaking crowds of fans upon his return to Armageddon this year.

Armageddon organiser William Geradts says he expects Momoa to bring a whole new hoard of fans to the expos, in particular females.

“Game of Thrones is huge, one of the biggest cult shows we’ve seen in years with awesome folklore, characters and costumes, which is the perfect mix for Armageddon. Ticket sales are already going well, but once the public hears that Jason is coming, we’re expecting a spike in sales, and hoping to see more females than usual,” says Geradts.

Momoa returns to New Zealand after visiting Auckland Armageddon in 2009.

Geradts says Momoa’s career has “expanded exponentially” since he last attended.

“After playing Ronan Dex on Stargate Atlantis Jason’s popularity has sky-rocketed. He’s gone on to play Conan in Conan the Barbarian, Keegan in Bullet to the Head and of course Khal Drogo in Game of Thrones for which he’s established a cult following,” he says.

Momoa will be joined by a range of other fantasy, comic book and sci-fi stars including fellow actors from the Stargate franchise, Jo Flannigan and Mitch Pileggi.

The voice of Lisa Simpson, Yeardley Smith is another big name attending both Hamilton and Wellington Armageddons this year along with Lance Henrickson of Aliens fame, Tony Amendola from Once Upon a Time and, Sylvester McCoy from Doctor Who and The Hobbit, 12 dwarves from The Hobbit (Wellington only) and so many more.

All celebrities attending will take part in panels, signings and photos, so fans can meet them in person.

To see a full list of stars and events happening at the expos go to www.armageddonexpo.com

Tickets are available now from Ticketek.co.nz

Armageddon Expo Hamilton

Saturday 25^th May and Sunday 26^th May, 2013
Claudeland’s Event Centre, Hamilton

Armageddon Expo Wellington

Saturday 1^st June, Sunday 2^nd June and Monday 3^rd June
Westpac Stadium, Wellington

Tickets

One Day Passes

Adult $23 ($20 for presales)
Student $20 ($17 for presales)
Child 12 and Under $11 ($10 for presales)
Child entry is free with an adult ticket
Family 2 adults and 3 children $50 ($45 for presales)

Two Day Passes

Adult $40 ($35 for presales)
Child $19 ($17 for presales)

Three Day Passes (Wellington only)

Adult $55 ($50 for presales)
Child $28 ($24 for presales)

VIP Gold and Silver passes also available, see Ticketek.co.nz for details

Joss Whedon and Alexander Skarsgård to hit New Zealand in July

Joss Whedon and Alexander Skarsgård to hit New Zealand in July

Well, let's just say, I'm not surprised.

And re: the above, let's say, sort of.

The latest round of NZFF titles for the 2013 programme have just been released. And one of those heading our way is Joss Whedon's Much Ado About Nothing.

Here's the full details - and some trailers to watch.

WORLD PREMIERE FOR NZ ROMEO AND JULIET IN JULY

The New Zealand International Film Festival today announced five film titles for the 2013 programme. The world premiere for New Zealand feature Romeo and Juliet: A Love Song and Joss Whedon’s Much Ado About Nothing are confirmed for the full NZIFF tour after premiering in Auckland and Wellington in July

“The Bard is in great form this year. Much Ado About Nothing is amazing fun. Watching this fresh take on a classic courtship with a delighted 2000-strong crowd of all ages, shapes and sizes was the highlight of last year’s Toronto Festival for me. And we’re thrilled to be presenting the first screenings in the world for Tim van Dammen’s Romeo and Juliet: A Love Song. Set in a caravan park called Verona this modern setting provides surprising opportunities for a riotous retelling of the world’s most famous romantic tragedy.” says NZIFF Director Bill Gosden.

Romeo and Juliet: A Love Song

World Premiere

New Zealand 2013

Director: Tim van Dammen

Shakespeare’s tale of teen love reimagined as a rock opera set in a beachside caravan park. A triumphant blast of style and 21st-century Kiwi trailer trash pop. Classic tragedy probably shouldn’t be quite this much fun.

http://www.romeoandjulietalovesong.com/

Much Ado About Nothing

USA, 2012

Director Joss Whedon

Joss Whedon and a cast of his TV regulars breathe fresh life into Shakespeare’s comedy of romantic gamesmanship. “The first great contemporary Shakespeare since Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet.” — The Guardian

Two films with theatre connections are confirmed for the national programme:

Becoming Traviata

Traviata et nous, France 2012

Director Philippe Béziat

Soprano Natalie Dessay, acclaimed for her dramatic brilliance, rehearses La Traviata in intense creative collaboration with director Jean-François Sivadier. “Ravishing… Time with Dessay is worth treasuring.” — Village Voice

Gebo and the Shadow

O Gebo e a sombra, Portugal/France 2012

Director/Screenplay: Manoel de Oliveira. Based on a play by Raul Brandão

Claudia Cardinale, Jeanne Moreau and Michael Lonsdale await the return of a prodigal son in an adapted play from the world’s oldest director. “A grand piece of cinematic chamber music for a cast of mighty soloists.” — New Yorker

A feature film based on the book by Henry James will screen in Auckland, Wellington, Dunedin and Christchurch:

What Maisie Knew

USA 2012

Directors: Scott McGehee, David Siegel

Steve Coogan and Julianne Moore are the divorcing parents seen from the viewpoint of six-year-old Maisie (amazing Onata Aprile) in this 21st-century Manhattan update of Henry James’ novel. With Alexander Skarsgård.

The programme for NZIFF Auckland will be announced on Monday 24 June and for NZIFF Wellington on Thursday 27 June. Tickets will be on sale in Auckland from Friday 28 June, and in Wellington from Tuesday 2 July from Ticketek. For Festival updates visit www.nziff.co.nz and register to receive e-newsletters.

Brand new The World's End Trailer is here

Brand new The World's End Trailer is here

Some good news this morning for fans of the Cornetto trilogy.

A brand new The World's End trailer has just dropped (warning - some spoilers ahead)

The World's End releases in NZ on July 18th.




There's a brand new poster for The World's End, starring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost - directed by Edgar Wright

The Cornetto trilogy is coming to an end.

The World's End releases in New Zealand on July 18th

And here's the first trailer for The World's End, starring the brilliant comic duo of Simon Pegg and Nick Frost.

The World’s End is the third installment of Edgar Wright’s trilogy of comedies, following the successes Shaun of the Dead (2004) and Hot Fuzz (2007). Mr. Wright co-wrote the script with Simon Pegg, who will once again star alongside Nick Frost. Joining the team are actors Martin Freeman (Shaun of the Dead, The Hobbit), Paddy Considine (Hot Fuzz, The Bourne Ultimatum), Eddie Marsan (Sherlock Holmes), and Rosamund Pike (Jack Reacher).

20 years after attempting an epic pub crawl, five childhood friends reunite when one of them becomes hellbent on trying the drinking marathon again. They are convinced to stage an encore by mate Gary King (Simon Pegg), a 40-year-old man trapped at the cigarette end of his teens, who drags his reluctant pals to their hometown and once again attempts to reach the fabled pub – The World’s End. As they attempt to reconcile the past and present, they realize the real struggle is for the future, not just theirs but humankind’s. 

Reaching The World’s End is the least of their worries.

The Master: Blu Ray Review

The Master: Blu Ray Review

Rating: R13
Released by Roadshow Home Entertainment

Joaquin Phoenix plays Naval veteran Freddie Quell, who's back home in America after the end of the war and who's unsettled and unsure about what's ahead. An alcoholic, he lurches from one job to the next in a booze fuelled   state and one day ends up as a stowaway on a ship.

However, it turns out that ship is being operated by a group called The Cause, led by their charismatic leader, Lancaster Dodd aka The Master. Soon, Freddie is taken in by The Cause and they try to convert him to their ways.

But, is Freddie beyond saving? And what is it that The Master sees in Freddie that's so mesmerising? None of these questions are really answered in Paul Thomas Anderson's The Master.

Granted, it's masterful performances from Seymour Hoffman and Phoenix which really anchor this film as it rolls from one moment to the next. Some have said that The Master is about Scientology and a thinly veiled attack on the religion which has swept Hollywood. I'm not 100% sure I see that in it, but I can understand where it's coming from given that it's about the hold one man has on a group of people who are completely in his thrall, despite some feeling that he's simply making it up as he goes along.

What is evident though is that the film from Anderson shows why he's such a searing talent in the film-making department. Scenes take a while to build up and when he keeps the camera on his two leads, it's mesmerising and utterly compelling to behold.

One sequence, an interrogation between Quell and Dodd, is just an absolute masterclass in how to frame a scene and how to get the best of your leads. It helps that Phoenix and Seymour Hoffman are at their absolute peak as Dodd tries to burrow into Quell's mental state of mind. That powerful scene alone stays with you long after the film's finished. Which is just as well, because there are a fair few unanswered questions throughout - such as why Dodd is so determined to stick by Quell when his wife (who at times appears to be the power behind the Cause) and family tell him to cut him loose. Granted, they're two sides of one coin with Dodd the charismatic, chiselled and sophisticated leader and Quell the base, loose scoundrel - but there's never any real reason given for the lifelong devotion.

Amy Adams delivers a masterfully understated performance and you have plenty of questions as to whether she's the actual power behind The Cause. (Behind every great man, and all that....) Once again, she shows that she's an incredibly versatile talent who's immensely watchable in anything she does.

All in all, The Master is an indispensable piece of film - it's likely to be loved by critics and award ceremonies but potentially will puzzle audiences who may be a little lost to its appeal. 

Extras: Teasers and trailers

Rating: