NZIFF reveals its Cannes do attitude

NZIFF reveals its Cannes do attitude

The full list of the 20 Cannes films playing at this year's New Zealand International Film Festival has been revealed.

Read on to see what lies ahead:

Cannes Official Competition

In addition to Winter Sleep, NZIFF will be screening Grand Prix winner The Wonders, Best Screenplay winner Leviathan, Jury Prize winner Jean-Luc Godard’sGoodbye to Language in remarkable 3D, and David Cronenberg’s Maps to the Stars which won the award for Best Actress (Julianne Moore). 

From the same category comes Cannes-veteran Ken Loach’s Jimmy’s Halland the compelling new African feature Timbuktu, as well as Wild Tales from Argentina and the Dardenne Brothers’ Two Days, One Night featuring a stellar performance from Oscar-winner Marion Cotillard.

Un Certain Regard

We have a number of exciting titles from the Un Certain Regard category at Cannes, which supplements the competition selection by recognising fresh talent and daring new films. 

Dog enthusiasts will be captivated by top Prize winner White God ‘s depiction of a canine uprising (which also won Cannes' most endearing film award, the Palm Dog). We can’t wait to screen Jury Prize winner Force Majeure, Special Prize winner The Salt of the Earth, Wim Wenders’ spectacular documentary portrait of photographer Sebastião Salgado; and from Australian director Rolf de Heer, Charlie’s Country which collected the award for Best Actor (David Gulpilil).

Directors’ Fortnight

Ant Timpson has selected Jim Mickle’s indie thriller Cold In July for Incredibly Strange. Elsewhere on the programme you will find Frederick Wiseman’s insightful documentary National Gallery and from Japan, the new Studio Ghibli animationThe Tale of The Princess Kaguya - a gorgeously animated interpretation of the ancient Japanese folk tale.

Critics’ Week

The creepy and suspenseful It Follows also features in Incredibly Strange. You’ll find art-house werewolf horror When Animals Dream in our juicy line-up of genre thrills. 

We’re also featuring two films that screened out of competition: Ukraine’sMaïdan, and starring Robert Pattinson in a fantastic performance, we’ve got The Rover from Australian director David Michôd (Animal Kingdom), which looks at powerful human connections within the bleakness of a post-economic collapse in Western Australia.

All of these films are confirmed to screen in Auckland and Wellington. Further location listings will be advised on our website once availability and distributor arrangements are confirmed as NZIFF travels around New Zealand. 

The complete NZIFF programme will be available in Auckland from Tuesday 24 June and in Wellington from Friday 27 June. NZIFF screens in Auckland from 17 July to 3 August, and in Wellington from 25 July to 10 August

The Returned: DVD Review

The Returned: DVD Review

Rating: R16
Released by Madman Home Entertainment

French series Les Revenants is one of the spookiest supernatural dramas committed to the small screen.

The 8 part series, which has already been commissioned for a second run, is a character driven piece set in a French mountain village where people previously thought dead start re-appearing. From a child missing in a bus crash (a freaky opening sequence) to a man's wife who died 30 years ago, this is not a zombie piece in the slightest.

By choosing to follow their reintegration into normal life, the series follows the turmoil that's instigated by their return. Spookily put together and atmospherically acted, Les Revenants is an excellent piece of genre TV that has intelligence as well as mystery.

Rating:

Brand new final Dawn of The Planet of the Apes trailer drops

Brand new final Dawn of the Planet of The Apes trailer drops

The latest trailer for Dawn of the Planet of The Apes is here.

A growing nation of genetically evolved apes led by Caesar is threatened by a band of human survivors of the devastating virus unleashed a decade earlier. 

They reach a fragile peace, but it proves short-lived, as both sides are brought to the brink of a war that will determine who will emerge as Earth's dominant species.

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes hits next year.






Check out the Dawn of the Planet of the Apes posters

Transformers: Age of Extinction plot revealed

Transformers: Age of Extinction plot revealed

Details of the Transformers: Age of Extinction plot have just dropped.

The official word from the production notes ahead of the launch of the movie globally next week is as follows:

TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION begins after an epic battle left a great city torn, but with the world saved.  As humanity picks up the pieces, a shadowy group reveals itself in an attempt to control the direction of history…while an ancient, powerful new menace sets Earth in its crosshairs.

With help from a new cast of humans (led by Mark Wahlberg), Optimus Prime and the Autobots rise to meet their most fearsome challenge yet.  In an incredible adventure, they are swept up in a war of good and evil, ultimately leading to a climactic battle across the world.

Transformers: Age of Extinction hits cinemas June 26th


There's a brand new trailer for Transformers: Age Of Extinction out now.

It looks like the latest Transformers movie is going to be bringing all of the bang for your buck.

Watch the Transformers: Age of Extinction trailer here.

Blended: Movie Review

Blended: Movie Review

Cast: Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore, Terry Crews, Kevin Nealon, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Joel McHale
Director: Frank Coraci

Re-teaming after the success of The Wedding Singer and 50 First Dates, you'd think Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore could knock it out of the park as the third time rolls around.

Barrymore is uptight organiser and single mom of two boys Lauren and Sandler is sports shop worker and single dad of three girls Jim, a pair who meet on a blind date at reputable establishment Hooter's at his behest. Needless to say the date doesn't go well and the pair vow never to meet again.

However, in true romcom style, that's not what transpires and through a series of massive coincidences, the pair - and their respective siblings - end up on a holiday together in Africa.

Stuck together at a blended relationships hotel (a place where mixed families go to strengthen their bond), the pair's mutual dissatisfaction and initial frostiness begins to thaw....

Blended has a kernel of a good solid story idea within, but thanks to all involved, that nugget of an idea is wasted in the kind of unfunny sugar-coated slop that betrays all the talent. At its heart, the story of two single parents with mismatched siblings (she yearns for a girl to do girly things, he pushes his eldest into playing sport cos he wants a boy) and the innate sadness could have mined for a neat cross of tragedy and pathos, as both parents learn to let go.

Instead, what's served up in this mix, is a tonally mismatched piece that throws in broad "comedy" (a term used extremely lightly in this case) and a sentimental story; elements that could have worked in tandem a lot better had the effort been put in at a script level. With not enough laughs and not enough heart, it just doesn't gel.

Barrymore and Sandler have chemistry and sell the relationship well (even if Sandler goes from relatively downbeat sad-sack to usual shouting schtick) but it's not enough to pull Blended out of the mire. Scenes with the kids have a tenderness and heart (particularly on Sandler's part, whose Jim has a valid reason for the innate sadness) but it's not enough to spread the love during the 2 hour run time, thanks to a lack of jokes that are anything but predictable, strong set ups or pay-offs.

Terry Crews brings an OTT manic touch to the leader of an African style Greek chorus that interject for no reason whatsoever throughout the proceedings - and produce an earbleeding set of puns from "Love is a many Blended thing" to "My Blended love" as the whole thing creaks to a close.

The fact that even long time Sandler cameoist/ collaborator Rob Schneider doesn't even deign to appear should give you all you need to know about Blended - quite frankly, this bomb skimps on way too many of the elements to even guarantee you a modicum of a good time at the cinema. It's clear that the third time of teaming up just isn't the charm.

Rating:

What We Do In The Shadows - Taika Waititi Q&A

What We Do In The Shadows - Taika Waititi interview

Taika Waititi talks to us about the movie, the movie process in our quick Q&A ahead of the NZ release of the movie on June 19th.

For the What We Do In The Shadows Review, just click here.

Tell us about your character in the movie
I play a 106 year old vampire called Viago. He is the nice and clean one of the house, always trying to keep the peace!

How did you get involved and what did you make of the initial pitch?
Jemaine Clement and I initially shot a short film version with all of our mates and then post-that decided it would make an awesome feature. Seven years later here we are.

How much input did you have into the character?
Everything! Alongside Jemaine I wrote and co-directed it. I also was one of the only people that saw the script we wrote. Which made life interesting when we shot it.

What was the best moment of filming?
We had a revolving room which we used for some stunt scenes and it was pretty bad ass. It was like we were in Inception.

What was the worst? And why?
Having to rush when you are running out if time. It's always the worst.

Give us a secret from the set
We had a competition to see who could eat the most pudding across the shoot. Bad thing was is we all lost because we got fat.

How do you feel about the reaction the film’s already getting?
So proud. It is being really well received and we are stoked with that.

What’s the one moment of the film that you’re the proudest of?
When we finally locked it off. I was pretty proud that day.

What’s your favourite moment from the film and why?
There is a scene where the Werewolves meet Stu. I love that scene.

What We Do In the Shadows hits NZ Cinemas on June 19th. 
Read why it's fangtastic here.

GTA Online I'm not a Hipster Update drops

GTA Online I'm not a Hipster Update drops

Express your incredible individualism and stand out from the herd with The post ironic, artisanal, organic, entirely independent, 100% re-claimed “I’m Not a Hipster” Update now available for Grand Theft Auto Online. This new content update features new retro print tees, skinny jeans, hairstyles, tattoos, animal masks and more, as well as additional enhancements to general gameplay to ensure the world is constantly evolving.

Choose from seven new vehicles including classic nostalgia rides like the Glendale, Warrener, Bladeand Rhapsody – affordable cars that seem casual on the surface, but have hidden potential to be unleashed with a few modifications. The environmentally conscious set can check out the Pantomicrocar, while those looking to roll with their Crew in more ostentatious style can add the massive 3-axel, 6-seater Dubsta (unlocks at Rank 100) to their fleet.

A tuned up Rhapsody and Warrener hit the streets.

Even Ammu-Nation is getting in on the latest non-ironic trends with the Vintage Pistol and Antique Cavalry Dagger now in stock. Make sure to try all these out in the slew of new Jobs, as part of your long arduous journey to become one of Los Santos' effortlessly cool.

Along with today's update, gear up for 12 new Jobs across an assortment of game modes, including Races that provide showcase opportunities for these new retro rides, a Deathmatch in Puerta Del Sol, two new Captures and more. There are also three new Gang Attacks in Chumash, East Vinewood and Mirror Park.

 Airwaves (Rank 15, 1-8 Players)
Students of style know that what comes up must go down. Drop 4,370 feet while imagining you're over all the bands you listen to on Radio Mirror Park, as you twist and turn sharply down to the pond below.

 Beach Odyssey (Rank 15, 1-16 Players)
Nothing says artistic credibility like a grainy image of trash next to a burnt out RV, so get your butt off a nice beach, and go to a nasty one. This is a Point to Point Race for Sports Classics starting in Chumash, ending in Sandy Shore, mainly on-road with opportunities to hit top speed.

 Before It Was Cool (Rank 15, 1-8 Players)
Any skinny jeans wearer will tell you, sometimes things just don't fit. Try and squeeze up to eight compact cars around the tight corners of this lap Race in Mirror Park.

 Caffeine Rush (Rank 1, 1-8 Players)
If your friends caught you drinking anything except a flat white at an independent coffee house it would be social suicide, but when you need java, you need java. This is a Point to Point Sedan Race from Del Perro to Mirror Park passing by four 'Cool Beans' coffee shops.

 Contend: Condo-monium (Rank 1, 2-8 Players)
Make a statement about late capitalism or income equality or art or pointless statements or something by trashing condos in Puerto Del Sol. This is a Contend style Capture going for the last of the party supplies in the courtyard between two identical apartment blocks.

East Vinewood LTS (Rank 9, 2-16 Players)
They don't know how it started, maybe two girls got the same tattoo, or reposted a Snapmatic without giving photo credit. What they do know is sides have been chosen and East Vinewood's gone to hell in this two team Last Team Standing.

 Embracing America (Rank 1, 1-8 Players)
All your friends are going East in search of the last un-gentrified patch of turf in the country, and you're heading West. Load up a so-uncool-it's-cool Sedan, and race toward Little Seoul. Lots of straights and a few tight turns at the end of this point to point track.

 GTA: Grab a Cab (Rank 1, 2-8 Players)
After twelve hours 'rolling' at your local post-industrial techno-house night, your tattooed friends will be too wide-eyed to drive themselves. Pick up some taxis for them in this two team GTA-style Capture based around the Downtown Cab Co depot in East Vinewood.

 Hip to be Cool (Rank 1, 1-8 Players)
Because driving around Rockford Hills in nice cars is too mainstream, and going through Vespucci Beach in low riders is kinda yesterday... This Compact class Race takes you back and forth over the Los Santos Freeway and in and out of the Casino parking lot.

 Legion Square Survival (Rank 25, 1-4 Players)
Freedom of speech is dead as the cops crack down on Legion Square protesters. Battle the police on foot, in SUVs, and eventually in Buzzard helicopters. And remember that the real bad guys are the bankers looking down on the action from their office windows.

 Puerta Del Sol (Rank 1, 2-8 Players)
Every artist wanted to die young, then they wanted to mock their predecessors with an ironic statement about dying young, now it's a post-ironic statement and they might end up actually dying.

Trend Setting (Rank 1, 1-16 Players)

A Lap circuit Race with muscle cars around Mirror Park for simple people who want to seem complicated.

The brand new Dubsta unlocks at Rank 100 and can accommodate up to 6 players, perfect for rolling out in force with Crew members.

There are also tons of tweaks and updates made to Grand Theft Auto Online as part of this update. A few notable ones include:

·         Ten existing GTAV vehicles have been added to the southernsanandreassuperautos.com website for purchase, including Story Mode characters’ vehicles:

·         Albany Primo

·         BF Surfer

·         Bravado Buffalo

·         Franklin's Bravado Buffalo S

·         Bravado Youga

·         Cheval Picador

·         Dundreary Regina

·         Trevor's Karin Rebel (clean version)

·         Trevor's Nagasaki Hot Rod Blazer

·         Michael's Obey Tailgater

·         Pure Gold and Brushed Gold paint colors have been added to LS Customs in the ‘Metals’ category. These unlock at Rank 100.

·         A new Pure Black window tint has been added to LS Customs, along with four new jazzy vehicle horns (including one which loops and speeds up / slows down as you drive).

·         Eight new individual player celebrations and four new paired Celebration animations have been added.

·         Players will no longer be charged Insurance costs if their vehicle is destroyed by another player who does not have enough GTA$ to pay.

·         Fixed an issue where, if an insured Personal Vehicle was destroyed, both parties had to pay the insurance costs.

·         Fixed an issue where some four-wheel drive vehicles had reverted to two-wheel drive.

·         Players are now able to bookmark Jobs whilst in a Playlist from the Pause menu.

·         Tear Gas now does more damage and lasts longer.

·         A small tick has been added to the first screen in the corona if a player has played a Job before, much like in the pause menu or Next Job Voting Screen.

·         The level of difficulty is now displayed when pressing D-pad down when playing Missions.