The Angry Birds Movie 2: Film Review

The Angry Birds Movie 2: Film Review

Cast: Jason Sudeikis, Josh Gad, Leslie Jones, Bill Hader, Danny McBride, Rachel Bloom
Director: Thurop van Orman

The birds are back to slingshot and likely to catapult their way back into tiny minds, even if the older ones may be a little more resistant to the charms of the mobile phone based movie.

In this second, Sudeikis' Red returns, as the hero having saved Bird Island from the perils and pranks of Piggy Island.

Revered as a hero, Red's deepest insecurities come to the fore again when he's co-opted as part of a team to take on the insurgents of Eagle Island, which are threatening both Piggy and Bird Island.

An uneasy alliance is formed between the Pigs and Birds, as they unite to fight the common foe - but for Red, the enemy lies within.

Functional and occasionally funny, The Angry Birds Movie 2 relies on sight gags for its moments, and generally succeeds.

But it's never more than solid to anyone but its target audience to be frank.

A sub-plot with three hatchlings trying to rescue their eggs feels like an ode to Ice Age's Scrat and his nut that nobody asked for - and while cutely executed, it adds little to the overall plot and feel of the film other than to serve to show the flow isn't quite there and the main story is thin at best. This isn't a deep level movie, more a surface once over lightly to replenish a franchise. (Though a toilet sequence is genuinely side-splitting in its execution).

There are signs that the female led empowerment of Silver, the extra element into the already-recognised team is there to teach kids that girls can be part of it too, and deserves to be commended. But the female leader of Eagle Island seems like a step back in terms of women, no matter how well voiced she is by Leslie Jones. Its obvious message of teamwork and male insecurity can be seen a mile off - but again, this is for kids.

Yet, at the end of the day, the animation looks pliable, lush and squishy enough, and while you sense some of the cast has been expanded, along with the location, simply to provide a game update, The Angry Birds Movie 2 does what it says on the tin.

Nothing more, and nothing less. And sometimes, for a kid's film that wants simplicity, that's no bad thing.

Mystify: Michael Hutchence:Film Review

Mystify: Michael Hutchence:Film Review

Director Richard Lowenstein pulls together a relatively intimate portrait of the famed INXS rock icon, in a documentary that soars for the majority of its time before crashing into more sombre territory in its final 30 minutes.

Eschewing talking heads and having them provide soundbites over footage from the archives, concert moments and Hutchence himself gives the feel of a family album being narrated by mates and family around a good bottle of wine.

But Lowenstein's also smart enough to pepper the piece with moments of Hutchence himself, allowing the man's clear charisma to shine forth and illuminate the screen.

Vignettes from Kylie Minogue about their relationship and earlier lovers help build a portrait of a man lost in the world at some point - but also humanise Hutchence beyond the rock icon label that he's gained since his death at 37.

In some ways, Mystify: Michael Hutchence is a relatively formulaic doco presented in an albeit unusual way.

There's no denying the music still stands strong, and Lowenstein wisely uses only a smattering of the live footage to boost the appeal of the Aussie.

But the film hits a screeching halt and almost derails as it reveals the change in Hutchence after a head injury. It appears to echo Michael himself in that the tone shifts awkwardly from more hedonistic fare to an almost funereal pace that wonders dangerously close into mawkish territory.

And there's an odd feeling towards the end that veers dangerously into hagiography with various drugs issues mentioned, albeit fleetingly, and hinted at rather than doing anything to darken the appeal of Michael Hutchence.

There's a sense of being too close to the subject - but it's a double-edged sword, as without the closeness, there wouldn't have been the abundance of footage to present something compelling.

All in all, Mystify: Michael Hutchence is a fine tribute to the star, and one that explains the appeal to all, rather than just fans. 

High Life: Film Review

High Life: Film Review

More of a frustration than an outright success, Claire Denis' High Life is an intriguing space odyssey which doesn't quite know what exactly it wants to say.

Equal parts mesmerising and equal parts confusing to its narrative, High Life focuses on Robert Pattinson's Monte as he tries to bring up his daughter in what appears to be the confines of outer space.

But as the film progresses, the reasons for his isolation play out, leaving you with more questions than perhaps answers.

And yet some of the visuals that Denis commits to the screen convey both the isolation of the void and the beauty of it. There's a feeling science is at play here, and an idea perhaps that this is the future we get not the one we aspire to in many ways.

Slow and moody, frustratingly paced, there are many arguments why High Life is not the full package, but a mesmerising turn from Robert Pattinson gives the film the life it needs. There's a feeling of redemption from his character, given his predicament, and a broodiness in the opening sequences that doesn't quite feel right.

Yet, as the elements combine toward the end of High Life, there's a desperation and a sadness which sets in that's hard to shake off. It may be arty, it may be moody, and it may fall short of what you'd expect, but there's no doubting that High Life will provoke some form of discussion long after it's done.

Gears fans assemble: Xbox ANZ create limited-edition Gears 5 inspired jewellery

Gears fans assemble: Xbox ANZ create limited-edition Gears 5 inspired jewellery  

Gears fans assemble: Xbox ANZ create limited-edition Gears 5 inspired jewellery  

Crafted by fire, cast in ice-cold silver: renowned Aussie jeweller Jason Moss creates bespoke range inspired by the COG 

 

AUCKLAND, New Zealand: Friday 6 September 2019 – As gamers around New Zealand prepare to lift their Lancers for the launch of Gears 5, Xbox ANZ has revealed an exclusive range of bespoke unisex jewellery inspired by the iconography of the fan-favourite franchise.  

Crafted by fire and cast in ice-cold silver, Australian designer, Jason Moss, took inspiration from the mysterious Locust necklace owned by Gears 5’s lead protagonist, Kait Diaz, to create a limited edition ring and pendent design that any COG would be proud to wear. 

Most famous for his custom creations, some of the world’s most recognized celebrities wear Moss’ work, including recent Rolling Stones cover artist, Harry Styles. Designed in his trademark style, these handmade creations reflect the visual themes of the fire and ice locales from the game while leaning into the aesthetic of one of gaming’s most acclaimed sagas.  

The pendant pays homage to the iconic Gears COG tag and the trials and tribulations faced by our heroes. Featuring a split Crimson Omen interweaved on a chain necklace, the piece is weighted like the expectations placed on the Gears shoulders to save humanity.   

The ring sees an entangled Crimson Omen take centre stage. It features a complex design reflective of the unanswered questions of Kait’s bloodline, and the tensions bubbling under the surface as the squad fights off the Swarm and learns about her past. 

Encased in a chamber emblazoned with each piece’s production number, only 100 of each design have been created. Gears 5 fans around New Zealand can visit the Xbox ANZ Facebook today for more information on how to claim a piece of history for themselves.  

“We know that fans of Gears are loud and proud when it comes to their passion for the franchise, and we wanted to create something that would allow them to showcase their pride every day. With so many complex themes weaving throughout the Gears universe, Jason Moss with his experimental, raw style was the perfect artist to bring this collection to life.” says Tania Chee, Xbox Lead for ANZ. 

Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can play the highly-anticipated title as part of their monthly subscription from today. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate includes Xbox Live Gold and unlimited access to over 100 high-quality console and PC games. New members can subscribe for just $2 for the first two months, then $15.95 thereafter. Gears 5 is also available at the Microsoft Store and other retailers in Australia and New Zealand from 10^th September (RRP AU$99.95).

  

Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with #Gears5. 

Monster Hunter World: Iceborne Available Globally on PlayStation®4 and Xbox One Starting Today

Monster Hunter World: Iceborne Available Globally on PlayStation®4 and Xbox One Starting Today

An all-new Monster Hunter adventure begins today! Monster Hunter World: Iceborne, the massive, highly anticipated expansion to Capcom’s best-selling Monster Hunter: World, is now available globally for PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system and the Xbox One family of devices, including Xbox One X. A PC release will follow in January 2020.

Monster Hunter World: Iceborne builds on every aspect of Monster Hunter: World, with an enormous amount of new content including the largest region in the game so far, a multitude of new monsters and subspecies for hunters to challenge, several new gameplay options, and more.

The Monster Hunter World: Iceborne journey begins with an all-new story that picks up right after the main Monster Hunter: World game. Players fly off to explore the newly discovered Hoarfrost Reach, a snow-covered locale that progressively expands with the story which revolves around the mysterious new Elder Dragon, Velkhana.

The expansion also allows hunters to achieve a higher difficulty rank called Master Rank. This advanced level introduces a ferocious line-up of new, returning fan-favorite, variant, and subspecies monsters. Players must use their expert skills and thorough preparation to succeed against each and every quest’s formidable monsters.

To aid hunters in these challenging fights, Iceborne introduces several new gameplay options. The all-new Clutch Claw mechanic expands on the Slinger tool to grapple onto monsters for more direct control and more strategies for combat. Updates to each of the 14 weapon types also open up possibilities and techniques to learn. Additional “series first” gameplay features also offer player-friendly options such as: a two-player balanced difficulty scale, ability to ride small monsters to traverse maps, and a Hunter Helper player incentive to encourage veteran helpers to aid Low and High Rank players.

Hunters must have completed the main story in Monster Hunter: World through Hunter Rank 16 in order to access the new Iceborne story and quests. A free Guardian Armor set is available now to players of World and Iceborne, offering increased defense and skills that provide a boost to help hunters through the main World story.

As with previous series iterations, Iceborne will include robust free post-launch support. The first free title update is planned for October 2019, featuring the returning fan-favorite Rajang, a hyper-aggressive monster that becomes even more lethal when angered. More information on this and other title updates will be revealed in the coming months.

For existing owners, the Monster Hunter World: Iceborne expansion is available as digital DLC for MSRP $39.99 / €39.99. A Digital Deluxe version including both the expansion and a Monster Hunter World: Iceborne Deluxe Kit DLC of cosmetic items is MSRP $49.99 / €49.99. For newcomers, the Monster Hunter World: Iceborne Master Edition containing both the main game and the Iceborne expansion is available either digitally or at participating retailers for MSRP $59.99 / €59.99. The Monster Hunter: World base game is required for Iceborne.

NBA 2K20 - Available Now

NBA 2K20 - Available Now

OUT NOW

To view the momentous trailer click the image below

 

Brightburn: Blu Ray Review

Brightburn: Blu Ray Review

More than just its idea of what if Superman was bad one shot comic foundations, horror Brightburn is a slow-burning claustrophobic film that plays with the puberty tropes and chilling edges.

Banks and Denham are Tori and Kyle Breyer, haunted by infertility and proffered hope when a spaceship crashes to Earth at the back of their farmyard. (So far, so Smallville).

Growing up loved, Brandon (Dunn, at times distant, and other times intense and unsettling) takes a turn for the worse on the cusp of his 12th birthday with something awakening deep inside of him.

Brightburn's a taut and occasionally frightening film, with jumps coming from the atmosphere of unease spun by Yarovesky.

Sure, it mixes edges of The Omen with Chronicle, flirts with the Smallville origins, and plays a little too close with its core small cast of characters, but within its 90 minute run time, it offers up something that's a mix of originality with a dash of We Need to Talk About Kal-El than anything.

It messes with the innocence of boys, and plays on the fact their nature can turn, regardless of whether the love is there or not. It's a nice twist on the concept, and Banks sells it well, always wanting to believe the best of their gift from the skies.

While Yarovesky's to be applauded for being less interested in setting up the mythology of where Brandon's from, and concentrating more on the jolts and creepier edges, there's definitely a feeling that Brightburn could expand further (though a final reel moment seems misjudged in the wash) and provide more than just a take on skewed adolescence.

Ultimately, Brightburn delivers on its premise within a brisk run time and works well due to the mother / son relationship, as well as the Take The World storyline that develops.

It may be criticised for some of its more open edges, but in truth, what's laid out on the screen is smartly executed, and riveting, in spite of some minor narrative flaws.