Juliet Naked: DVD Review

Juliet Naked: DVD Review

Crowd pleasing in extremis, the adaptation of Nick Hornby's Juliet, Naked is a charming film that leans on its screwball edges more than it should.

Chris O'Dowd, in a sly mix of both humour and pathos, stars as Duncan, a man obsessed with disappeared rocker Tucker Crowe (Ethan Hawke, looking like a Reality Bites reunion 20 years on). His long-suffering partner Annie (Rose Byrne) is nearing the end of her patience at his obsession which has seen their lives affected and put on hold.

When Duncan receives a hitherto-unknown copy of one of Crowe's beloved albums, Annie posts a less-than effusive review online - and is stunned to be contacted by Crowe himself. As their friendship grows from afar, things begin to change....

Juliet, Naked is your typical spin on the usual Nick Hornby fare - a manchild forced to confront his ways and with music involved, it's the same story, just told differently.

And whilst it has an ending that suddenly appears as if an author's reached his page limit, what Juliet, Naked manages to do is carve a path to mainstream rom-com that's both commendable and comfortable at the same time.

Issues of regret, longed for family, teen obsessions and desires to rectify past mistakes all swirl together in one crowd-friendly mix that never once loses sight of a simple desire to entertain above all else.

Frivolous and flighty, and actually laugh-out-loud funny in places, Juliet, Naked's central trio add much to proceedings, with each capturing an element of the same lost coin; from Duncan's desire to hold true to what mattered when he was young, to Crowe's realisation of life lost, never to be regained to Annie's stuck in this life trajectory, there's much to hit an audience of a certain age.

Certainly, Hawke's never been better - an antithesis to the festival's earlier First Reformed, his Tucker Crowe is an extension of the slacker from Reality Bites, a musician now facing mortality and looking for one more chance even though he doesn't know it.

And while Juliet, Naked's desire to simply amuse and spin a nice romantic comedic yarn usually would be roundly mocked, (and deserves to be thanks to a trite unformed ending), what actually emerges is a rare commitment to mainstream fare, that's both pleasantly watchable and also richly resonant in the sum of its charming parts. 

She Shears: DVD Review

She Shears: DVD Review

Director Jack Nicol's She Shears has ambitions.

But it seems primarily these ambitions are confined to presenting a story rather than digging a little deeper.

Entrenched in bucolic touches, She Shears takes a look at the sport of sheep shearing, an industry dominated by men back in the 80s and now seeing an increase in the number of women taking part.

In the 80s, it was 1 woman in 5000, now it's 1 in 40, so there's clearly been a sea change in righting the gender imbalance.

Following five shearers, two of whom are established names - Emily Welch, and Jills Angus Burney -
She Shears is a pleasant doco that is graced by some stunning cinematography and slow mo shots of the work being done.

It takes a look at this quintet as they look to either enter the world of competitive sheep shearing (Hazel, Pagan and Catherine being the youngest and newest) and their drive and reasons to do so. It goes some way to give us their backstories on the Road To The Golden Shears competition held in Masterton with Pagan's history being the most intriguing thanks to the traditional sports underdog /hit by injury story.

However, it's potentially fair to say that perhaps She Shears should have narrowed its focus a little more on maybe three of these competitors as some have longer in the spotlight than others, and certainly, given the way the competition pans out, not everyone gets to where they want.

It's a frustration to be borne with She Shears - and certainly, the focus feels a little more like it could have done better to spotlight the problems of getting women into this industry.

All five talk of various levels of discrimination in among the support as well - and it's at this stage, the most intriguing and strongest element of the doco emerges that could have provided a sharp sting in a post MeToo world.

Certainly there's great disparity on display when the commentators of the Golden Shears markedly and pointedly refer to the male and female competitors in different terms. "Two little girls there" is the worst offender and points to some signs the entrenched sexism exists within - certainly, there's no diminutives levelled at the male competitors. It's a shame this narrative isn't expanded out, and Nicol's spotlight wasn't shined more at this, because it provides a stronger proposition to the film as it goes on. (And is mentioned by all five in their careers and how people view it).

That said, Nicol gives his doco a wondrously filmic approach in its shots of competition, with wool being flung in slow motion, shears guided around hindquarters and sweat dripping from competitors all looking glorious in slow mo and on the big screen. Nothing's been held back in ensuring the look of this generally pleasant piece is anything but top notch.

Ultimately, She Shears feels like a doco that slightly tracked down the wrong way for its focus. Granted, it gives the women competitors their time in the spotlight, and while narrowing that focus may have paid dividends, it does show that when it comes to showcasing and capturing the countryside, its animals and its people, Nicol has a sharp eye for what looks sensational on screen.  

Kingdom Hearts III: Gameplay Overview Trailer

Kingdom Hearts III: Gameplay Overview Trailer

BECOME A KEYBLADE MASTER WITH NEW

KINGDOM HEARTS III GAMEPLAY OVERVIEW VIDEO

New Gameplay Video Offers an In-Depth Look at Keyblades, Magic, Combat and More

SYDNEY, 25^th January 2019 –  With today’s release of the gameplay overview video, KINGDOM HEARTS and Disney fans can find out everything they need to know to master the powerful Keyblades and help the light prevail against the darkness ahead of the launch of KINGDOM HEARTS III on 29^th January.

As the Heartless invade the universe, players must prepare Sora and his friends to protect the Disney and Pixar worlds against darkness and unlock the mysterious power of the Keyblades, which only the strong of heart can wield. For the first time in the KINGDOM HEARTS series, the Keyblades have the ability to transform into different forms with powerful new abilities and dazzling attacks inspired by the characters and elements of each world.

Players can also learn how to use elemental magic for offensive and defensive purposes, such as creating ice slides and wind vortexes to navigate through the chaos in battle. Taking the form of classic Disney rides, players can utilize the power of the Attractions, or team up with Donald, Goofy and other legendary characters from Disney and Pixar worlds to turn the tides against the darkness.

The new footage also gives fans a glimpse of the Gummi Ship and how to augment its speed, shield, firepower, and design as they journey between worlds, as well as the various other activities they will encounter along the way, including a trip down memory lane with classic Kingdom mini-games inspired by 1980’s-era LCD games and iconic Disney animated shorts.

KINGDOM HEARTS III will be available for the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system and Xbox One family of devices, including Xbox One X on the 29^thJanuary 2019. For more information, visit http://www.kingdomhearts.com/

Life is Strange 2: Episode 2 Out Now

Life is Strange 2: Episode 2 Out Now

LIFE IS STRANGE 2 EPISODE 2 IS AVAILABLE NOW

The Second Episode is Entitled Rules in the All-New Five-Episode Season

SYDNEY, January 25^th 2019 – SQUARE ENIX® is delighted to announce that Life is Strange™ 2 Episode 2: ‘Rules’, the next entry in the critically-acclaimed and award-winning franchise is available now.

The second episode in the all-new five-episode season of Life is Strange 2 from Square Enix External Studios and DONTNOD Entertainment, is out now on XBOX ONE®, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system and Windows PC.

Episode 2: Rules reunites players with Sean and Daniel Diaz a few months after the events of the first episode, as the brothers are on the run from law enforcement following a tragic incident in Seattle and the manifestation of a strange supernatural power. The journey is long and the story of Life is Strange 2 takes place over the course of a year in-game, as they make their way across the USA in an effort to get to Mexico.

The power takes a central position in Episode 2, as Daniel is slowly coming to terms with his supernatural abilities. The brothers must attempt to find the balance between practicing Daniel’s control of his power, while also hiding his abilities from a world that won’t understand. Guiding them is a set of rules they’ve set for themselves: Never in public. Never talk about it. Run from danger.

Can Daniel truly hide the truth from the people around them, or will the temptation to explore the immense power within him be too much? Will he break the rules in a time of need?

“One of the main themes in Life is Strange 2 is coming-of-age, and the rules you sometimes have to follow, or break, when you’re on the run like Sean and Daniel is. In this episode, the power will be a very interesting element the brothers will have to deal with. It allows us to create compelling situations that will evolve the relationship between the two brothers. We can’t wait for the players to discover the new environments and characters the brothers will meet in this episode.” said Michel Koch and Raoul Barbet, Co-Creators and Directors of Life is Strange 2. “And of course, we are really happy to give the players the chance to meet Chris again, our beloved lead character in The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit. We strongly advise the fans to play this game before playing Episode 2, as the experience will be more enjoyable. Also, it’s free!”

Previously featured in the The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit, a 100% free narrative adventure demo on XBOX ONE, PlayStation 4 and Windows PC, Captain Spirit returns in Episode 2 of Life is Strange 2. Seeking shelter from the winter cold, Sean and Daniel encounter next-door neighbour Chris Eriksen and come face to face with his superhero alter ego, Captain Spirit. Episode 2 takes into account players’ save games, and certain actions taken in The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit will have repercussions in Episode 2.

“The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit is a highlight in our portfolio. We’re all very fond of Chris and his story and we’re excited to bring him back in Episode 2” said Jon Brooke, Co-Head of Studio at Square Enix External Studios. “Episode 2 of Life is Strange 2 is a pivotal moment for this story, and the season will only become even more intense from here.”

Tune in here to find the latest updates from the Life is Strange 2 developer blog: http://lifeisstrange-blog.tumblr.com/

RESIDENT EVIL 2 AVAILABLE ACROSS AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND

RESIDENT EVIL 2 AVAILABLE ACROSS AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND

RESIDENT EVIL 2 AVAILABLE ACROSS AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND TODAY

AUS, Sydney – Jan. 25, 2019 – Capcom, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced the hotly anticipated reimagining of the horror classic Resident Evil 2 is now available in Australia and New Zealand. This retelling of the survival horror masterpiece was built from top to bottom using Capcom’s proprietary RE Engine, delivering breathtakingly realistic visuals, chilling sound design, an over-the-shoulder perspective, and modernized controls. This 2019 release offers a deeply immersive and terrifying account of the Raccoon City outbreak through the eyes of two of the franchise’s most beloved characters. Resident Evil 2 is available for PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, Xbox One and Steam.

Originally released in 1998 on the PlayStation® console, Resident Evil 2 is one of the most revered entries in the Resident Evil series, which has amassed nearly 85 million units sold worldwide to date. The original game embodied the grisly action, suspenseful exploration and puzzle-solving gameplay that set a standard for survival horror games. In Resident Evil 2, players join rookie police officer Leon S. Kennedy and college student Claire Redfield as they travel to Raccoon City to investigate the mysterious events taking place, only to find themselves trapped in a zombie nightmare from which they must escape. Their collective experiences piece together a comprehensive story revealing the reprehensible actions of Umbrella Corporation, which has thrown Raccoon City into a chaos of zombies and horrifically mutated monsters.

Once players complete Leon and Claire’s campaigns, they can unlock additional game modes offering a whole new perspective of the events unravelling in Raccoon City through the eyes of an Umbrella Corporation operative HUNK and a piece of tofu with a knife, in 4^thSurvivor and Tofu mode, respectively. If players choose to restart their adventures as Leon and/or Claire from the beginning of the game, they will be rewarded with the option to tackle a more challenging version of the main campaign with deeper story elements and content. For added variety, additional costumes for Leon and Claire can also be unlocked or purchased.

In addition to the standard edition of Resident Evil 2, the Deluxe Edition includes the full game plus the downloadable Extra DLC pack, which includes five character costumes (two for Leon and three for Claire), the Albert Model: Samurai Edge weapon, and the retro soundtrack players can choose to enable as an option during gameplay. Physical copies of the Deluxe Edition will also include a reverse box cover featuring Claire.

Coming soon, free additional content titled “The Ghost Survivors,” will be available for Resident Evil 2. This content explores ‘what if’ scenarios around victims of the Raccoon City outbreak and what happens if they survive the events of the main game. Turn the clock back a little, and challenge the fate that awaits a U.S.S. agent, the daughter of the mayor, and a gun shop owner.

The Making of Metro Exodus - Episode Two

The Making of Metro Exodus - Episode Two

THE MAKING OF METRO EXODUS

EPISODE TWO

The second episode in this three-part documentary series exploring the origins of the team behind the Metro videogame series is out now

Deep Silver and 4A Games today released Part Two of The Making of Metro Exodus – a three-part documentary series filmed on location in Kiev and Malta at 4A Games’ two studios as they put the finishing touches on the upcoming Metro Exodus.

Featuring interviews with key personnel at 4A Games, archive footage and photos, and never-seen-before materials from the 5-year development of Metro Exodus from the earliest concept stage, this series takes fans to the heart of the creative process behind 4A Games’ most ambitious project to date.

In Episode Two, we learn about the powerful 4A Engine - the studio’s cutting-edge in-house tech - and the incredible attention to detail that goes into creating Metro’s distinctive weapons.

Episode Three follows in February - be the first to be notified by subscribing to our YouTube channel at YouTube.com/metrovideogame; or by registering at MetroTheGame.com, following us on Twitter and Instagram @MetroVideoGame or on Facebook at Facebook.com/MetroVideoGame.

Metro Exodus will release on 15^th February 2019, on Xbox One, the all-in one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PlayStation® 4 computer entertainment system and PC.

MORE ABOUT METRO EXODUS

The year is 2036.

A quarter-century after a nuclear war devastated the earth, a few thousand survivors still cling to existence beneath the ruins of Moscow, in the tunnels of the Metro.

They have struggled against the poisoned elements, fought mutated beasts and paranormal horrors, and suffered the flames of civil war.

But now, as Artyom, you must flee the Metro and lead a band of Spartan Rangers on an incredible, continent-spanning journey across post-apocalyptic Russia in search of a new life in the East.

Metro Exodus is an epic, story-driven first-person shooter from 4A Games that blends deadly combat and stealth with exploration and survival horror in one of the most immersive game worlds ever created.

Explore the Russian wilderness across vast, non-linear levels and follow a thrilling story-line that spans an entire year through spring, summer and autumn to the depths of nuclear winter.

Inspired by the novels of Dmitry Glukhovsky, Metro Exodus continues Artyom’s story in the greatest Metro adventure yet.

• Embark on an incredible journey - board the Aurora, a heavily modified steam locomotive, and join a handful of survivors as they search for a new life in the East
• Experience Sandbox Survival - a gripping story links together classic Metro gameplay with new huge, non-linear levels
• A beautiful, hostile world - discover the post-apocalyptic Russian wilderness, brought to life with stunning day/night cycles and dynamic weather
• Deadly combat and stealth – scavenge and craft in the field to customise your arsenal of hand-made weaponry, and engage human and mutant foes in thrilling tactical combat
• Your choices determine your comrades’ fate - not all your companions will survive the journey; your decisions have consequence in a gripping storyline that offers massive re-playability
• The ultimate in atmosphere and immersion - a flickering candle in the darkness, a ragged gasp as your gasmask frosts over, the howl of a mutant on the night wind - Metro will immerse and terrify you like no other game…

Overwatch Year of the Pig – Now Live!

Overwatch Year of the Pig – Now Live!

Overwatch Year of the Pig – Now Live!

  

Ring in the Year of the Pig in true Overwatch style from now until 19 February

Collect hundreds of Lunar New Year themed seasonal cosmetic items, enjoy a festive Capture-the-Flag version of Busan, and welcome the return of our previous Lunar New Year themed maps: Ayutthaya and Lijiang Tower.

But the real highlight of the seasonal event is the skins! This year, unlock new legendary skins like Lü Bu Reaper, Guan Yu Reinhardt, Zhuge Liang Zenyatta, Hong Gildong Tracer, Zhang Fei Torbjorn and Huang Zhong Hanzo. Don’t forget to collect epic skins Sanye Orisa and General Brigitte!