The Witch: Blu Ray Review

The Witch: Blu Ray Review

More a lesson in psychological horror than abject terror first time director Robert Eggers' The Witch is a spiralling descent into madness in the 17th century.

Subtitled a New England Folk Tale, it's the story of a family excommunicated from a Christian Puritan plantation in 1630, because of an unexplained sin of their father. Despite being given the chance to repent, he leads the family out into the wilderness and near to a woods, choosing to reflect on their sins and seek internal and eternal forgiveness first.

But when Thomasin (Taylor Joy) is playing peek-a-boo with the family's baby Sam one day, she closes her eyes to find the baby snatched before her and with no clue over where he's gone. As the family's crops begin to fail and there's no return from Sam, the internal conflicts grow with the rumour that Thomasin is a witch being seeded and growing viciously, threatening the very fabric of their family unit.

The Witch is in some ways, the horrifying coming-of-age story of Thomasin (Anya Taylor-Joy). Taylor-Joy is wonderful from the start as she looks down the barrel of the camera and begs for forgiveness while her expressive brown eyes poke out from wafts of blonde hair. Her conflict and struggle is inherent from the beginning and Taylor Joy's commitment to underplaying the role helps sell her own demons and those around her. There's a wonderful ambiguity to her performance that's as gripping as it is sickening.

Elsewhere, creepy is the order of the day, with psychological terror being the serving of Eggers' film rather than lazy jump scares and terrifying set pieces.

While this film is bathed in the language of the time and with time taken in prayer, and elements of religious fervour displayed, it's essentially the tried and tested story of the destructive power of rumour. Thanks to debut director Eggers' incredible set design and unswerving dedication to evocation, the long sweeping camera shots, an ominous soundscape and brooding soundtrack, The Witch is a classic case of unnerving.

All of the cast acquit themselves excellently; from Ineson's determined father to Dickie's gradually dismantling mother this is a family unit on the edge, a family one moment away from cracking and whose ultimate fate is partially of their own doing. Equally, the twins of the film are unsettling and creepiness personified.

While it could be argued the ambiguity which serves the majority of the film well is wrongfully discarded in the final moments of the end (leading to a feeling of a desire to satiate audiences who wanted more due to their own expectations), The Witch is a masterclass in brooding atmosphere and growing sinister dread.

But it's also a masterclass in humanity and human reaction, thanks to Taylor-Joy's relatably innocent performance; her Thomasin is a deer stuck in the headlights of superstition and spiralling doubts, and she delivers on every level in this cautionary tale whose universal themes will ring true long after the lights have gone up.

Newstalk ZB Review - Talking War Dogs, The Shallows and Kubo and The Two Strings

Newstalk ZB Review - Talking War Dogs, The Shallows and Kubo and The Two Strings

This week, with Jack Tame, talking War Dogs, The Shallows and Kubo and The Two Strings

http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/saturday-morning-with-jack-tame/audio/darren-bevan-war-dogs-the-shallows/

Win The Boy and The Beast

Win The Boy and The Beast

When Kyuta, a young orphan living on the streets of Shibuya, stumbles into a fantastic world of beasts, he’s taken in by Kumatetsu, a gruff, rough-around-the-edges warrior beast who’s been searching for the perfect apprentice. 

Despite their constant bickering, Kyuta and Kumatetsu begin training together and slowly form a bond as surrogate father and son.

But when a deep darkness threatens to throw the human and beast worlds into chaos, the strong bond between this unlikely pair will be put to the ultimate test — a final showdown that will only be won if the two can finally work together using all of their combined strength and courage.

Special Features

• Making Of Documentary
• Cast Interviews
• Japanese Promotional Videos
• TV Spots
• Trailers

To enter simply email to this address: darrensworldofentertainment@gmail.com  OR simply CLICK HERE darrensworldofentertainment@gmail.com

In the subject line put BEAST

Please include your name and address and good luck!

New addition to the METAL GEAR SOLID V experience, METAL GEAR SURVIVE.

New addition to the METAL GEAR SOLID V experience, METAL GEAR SURVIVE.

KONAMI ANNOUNCES NEW ADDITION TO THE METAL GEAR SOLID V UNIVERSE: METAL GEAR SURVIVE 

Konami Digital Entertainment B.V. today announced a new addition to the METAL GEAR SOLID V experience, METAL GEAR SURVIVE.  

Sydney, August 18 2016 - Available on PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft and PC via Steam in 2017, METAL GEAR SURVIVE is a brand new co-op, stealth game that takes a divergent look at familiar METAL GEAR themes and pursues a fresh spirit of exploration in unique gameplay mechanics.

  

"We are delighted to announce another exciting addition to the METAL GEAR franchise,” said Tomotada Tashiro, European President for Konami Digital Entertainment B.V.  "METAL GEAR SURVIVE will offer a fresh take on the series’ famed stealth elements but within a unique co-op setting that is designed for a truly engrossing multi-player experience.”

METAL GEAR SURVIVE picks up from the ending of METAL GEAR SOLID V: GROUND ZEROES, to an alternate timeline caused by unexplained wormholes forming in the sky. Players find themselves on distorted desert landscapes full of massive half-formed structures, living biological threats, and the remains of a once strong military force now litter the landscape. 

In a struggle to stay alive on this harsh terrain filled with deadly creatures, soldiers who were previously on Motherbase now must work cooperatively in order to survive. METAL GEAR SURVIVE continues the pedigree of METAL GEAR SOLID V's highly praised gameplay design, with a unique blend of stealth and co-op play mechanics. Players can strategically manage massive threats with the help of four-player online cooperative play. New weaponry will also be introduced to combat charging creatures and lethal environments as well.

Unveiling the Bounty Hunter mode for Watch Dogs® 2

Unveiling the Bounty Hunter mode for Watch Dogs® 2

UBISOFT^® UNVEILS NEW PvP BOUNTY HUNTER MODE IN WATCH DOGS 2

Today at Gamescom, Ubisoft^® unveiled the Bounty Hunter mode for Watch Dogs® 2, the upcoming installment in the blockbuster Watch Dogs franchise. Bounty Hunter enriches the online component of Watch Dogs 2 which is seamlessly integrated with the single player experience.

In Watch Dogs 2, the player will meet other friendly Dedsec hackers while exploring the city and participate in optional Dedsec Events without loading screens or matchmaking requests. If the player chooses to team up with others players thanks any of the three seamless online modes, he will have access to Cooperative missions located across the San Francisco Bay Area.

Click image below to watch the Online Trailer

A new approach to online play in Watch Dogs 2, the Bounty Hunter mode is tied to the police heat system and playable by two to four players. When a player creates too much chaos in the single player open world experience and is pursued by the police, the conflict may trigger a Bounty Hunter PVP event pitting the target against up to three rival hunter players who seamlessly join the pursuit and try to neutralise the target. Additionally, players can manually trigger a bounty on themselves using the Contacts app on Marcus’ in-game phone.

Another online mode players can experience is Hacking Invasion, a fan-favourite from the original Watch Dogs, the objective of this PVP mode is to download data from a target player while remaining undetected. Finally, Online Co-op, allows two players to team up seamlessly and lets players explore the San Francisco Bay Area and free roam in the city, or participate in almost limitless cooperative missions.

Also in co-op, players can participate in Online Hacking Invasion and Bounty Hunter activities, adding even more depth and excitement to their seamless online experience.

In Watch Dogs 2, hacking is the ultimate weapon, and players can not only hack into the city’s infrastructure, but also every person and any connected device they possess, to trigger unpredictable chains of events. With the ability to take control of drones, cars, cranes, security robots and much more at their disposal, players can choose whether to use stealth hacking to complete missions without killing a single enemy or go guns blazing for a more ferocious approach.

On the occasion of Gamescom, Ubisoft unveiled a brand new Ubicollectibles figurine representing The Wrench, Marcus’ closest friend in the game. The Wrench’s pose shows the madness of the character who doesn’t mind getting hurt as long as he reaches his objectives.

The Wrench figurine features a highly detailed figurine in an original pose (scribble tattoos, custom punk vest with studs, ripped jean…) and two additional removable masks. The Wrench figurine can be assembled to the Marcus one in an exclusive diorama.

The Wrench figurines can be pre-ordered now from the Uplay Shop on http://ubi.li/4svkq

The Ubicollectibles items are meticulously crafted in close collaboration with the studios to appeal to the fans of Ubisoft’s popular brands, including Assassin’s Creed, Tom Clancy’s The Division™, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon^® Wildlands, Watch Dogs^®, Rabbids^®, South Park™:The Fractured But Whole™ and more!

Watch Dogs 2 will release on November 15, 2016 on the PlayStation^®4 computer entertainment system, Xbox One and Windows PC. All PlayStation®4 players will be granted a 30-day exclusive access to all the post launch downloadable content.

For more information on WATCH DOGS 2, please visit watchdogs.com.

HIT THE SLOPES WITH STEEP™ ON DECEMBER 2

HIT THE SLOPES WITH STEEP™ ON DECEMBER 2

HIT THE SLOPES WITH STEEP™
ON DECEMBER 2

Exclusive equipment included in the Gold Edition

Cologne, Germany — August 18, 2016 — Today, during Gamescom, Ubisoft^® announced Steep, an action sports game set in the open world of the Alps, will be released on December 2, 2016 on Microsoft Xbox One^®, Sony PlayStation^®4 computer entertainment system and Windows PC. For the ultimate Steep experience, players can purchase the Gold Edition.

Steep’s Standard and Gold Editions are now available for preorder. The Gold Edition includes both the game and the season pass. The season pass gives players access to all major expansions as well as additional digital content, outfits, and equipment, including an exclusive costume.

To watch trailer please click image below

Players who pre-order the Standard or Gold Editions will be able to extend their night-riding experiences through The Moonlight pack. This pack contains new challenges and equipment, including:

·        Three extra night challenges

·        Three new night outfits

·        Glowing equipment for each activity (ski, snowboard, wingsuit and paraglide)

·        Wingsuit Rocket Flare

With development led by Ubisoft Annecy,* Steep drops players onto the Alps with exhilarating experiences that include skiing, wingsuiting, snowboarding and paragliding. These sports establish a never seen before freedom to explore the game’s open world, allowing players to choose the way they ride and play. Riders can travel the Alps solo or drop in side-by-side with friends to discover a wide range of activities for them to put their skills to the test, compete and share the most insane tricks and trails ever captured on the slopes. Designed for a generation that’s all about sharing their experiences with the world, Steep encourages players to challenge their friends to see who truly comes out on top of the world.

In addition to exploring the Alps, Steep riders will be able to traverse the majestic slopes of Alaska, available as a free update after launch.

To pre-order the game, please visit: http://store.ubi.com/steepgame

To have a chance to play first during betas, please register at http://www.steepgame.com.

For more information about Steep, please visit http://www.ubisoft.com, follow us on http://www.facebook.com/steepgame or http://www.twitter.com/Steep_Game.

For Honor ™ Reveals Full Roster Of Playable Heroes And Multiplayer Modes, Unveils Collector's Case Content At Gamescom

For Honor ™ Reveals Full Roster Of Playable Heroes And Multiplayer Modes, Unveils Collector's Case Content At Gamescom

REVEALS FULL ROSTER OF PLAYABLE HEROES AND MULTIPLAYER MODES, UNVEILS COLLECTOR’S CASE CONTENT AT GAMESCOM

Ubisoft^® has debuted its full roster of 12 playable heroes in For Honor™, the critically acclaimed new action IP at Gamescom. The Knight, Viking and Samurai legacies will each feature four true elite warriors, capable of making a major difference on the battlefield. In addition to the full-fledged story campaign revealed at E3 2016, For Honor includes five engaging Multiplayer modes: Dominion, Brawl, Duel, Elimination and Skirmish.

For Honor embarks players in the chaos, fury and brutality of ruthless, visceral close-quarter combat featuring the brutal Vikings, the deadly Knights and the cold-blooded Samurai. In each faction, players will be able to choose among four different types of Heroes:

-   Vanguards are well-balanced Heroes, with good attack, and defense capabilities and great versatility.

-   Assassins are swift and lethal characters, great duelists with very good offense

-   Heavies are the most resistant Heroes, their attacks are slow but deadly. They’re especially efficient for defending a point and annihilating AI enemies.

-   Hybrids mix elements and characteristics of other types. They are advanced characters fostering uncommon tactics

Heroes come with their own set of skills, weapons, armor and fighting style. With a wide library of customization options, players are able to personalize their Heroes to not only look and feel unique, but also tailored to their combat style.

For Honor’s in-depth progression is unique to each Hero, with select elements shared across PvE and PvP gameplay modes. At the end of each multiplayer match and each campaign mission, players are awarded XP that unlocks new combat abilities and new visual customization options. They also have the chance to loot armor and weapon parts on the battlefield, with specific stats allowing each player to adapt their gear to their playstyle while ensuring fairness and balance in multiplayer.

For Honor’s multiplayer modes are playable with and against other players or bots in split-screen co-op on consoles. These multiplayer modes offer each player a different way to live the fantasy of being a skilled melee warrior on a believable battlefield:

·         Dominion is a 4v4 objective-based mode in which two teams of four players fight for control of the battlefield. It’s a mode that relies upon skill, communication and teamwork.

·         Brawl 2v2: Each team of two players need to kill the two enemy Heroes to win a round. Skill, awareness, cooperation and the capacity to use the environment to the player’s advantage are key components.

·         Duel 1v1 puts two Heroes face-to-face in a fight to the death. Skill is fundamental in Duel of course, but as in Brawl, players have the possibility to use the environment to their advantage.

·         Skirmish is a 4v4 Team Death Match like mode. Combat skills are key in this mode as players score points for their team by killing enemy Heroes.

·         Elimination In this 4v4 mode, the last surviving player on the battlefield wins the round for their team.

Ubisoft is pleased to announce that For Honor on PC is being developed by Blue Byte, a Ubisoft Studio. Blue Byte is devoted to create a tailored and fully optimized experience on PC platforms that supports mouse and keyboard controls, giving PC players the option to choose how they play For Honor. 

Ubisoft^® also revealed the content of the For Honor Collector’s Case, a Uplay exclusive. Players will follow the path of the warriors and dominate the battlefield with the For Honor™ Collector’s Case, which contains premium digital and physical content along with three 1/3 scale full metal faction helmets replicas and the Season Pass. For Honor will be available on PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, Xbox One^®, and Windows PC on February 14^th, 2017.

The Collector’s Case of For Honor will offer:

·           For Honor™ Gold Edition: the base game, the Digital Deluxe Pack from the Deluxe Edition, and the full Season Pass

·            An exclusive Collector’s Box

·            Three 1/3 scale, full metal warrior helmets on wooden stands representing the Knights, the Vikings and the Samurai

·            An exclusive lithography

·            The game’s original soundtrack

Additionally, fans who pre-order For Honor will receive the Legacy Battle Pack. This pack includes three Hero outfits embodying the ferocious spirit of each faction. These three armor styles are exclusive to the Legacy Battle Pack and wearable by the Warden, Raider, and Kensei Heroes.

For Honor will be available on February 14, 2017 on PlayStation^®4 computer entertainment system, Xbox One and Windows PC.