New The Last Of Us Part II trailer arrives

New The Last Of Us Part II trailer arrives

Ahead of the release of The Last Of Us Part II on June 19, Naughty Dog has unleashed a new story trailer for the return of Joel and Ellie.

Watch the trailer below, and get ready to see what's next for the series - and get ready for the PlayStation exclusive on June 19.

SPACE FORCE Teaser Trailer + Key Art Debut

SPACE FORCE Teaser Trailer + Key Art Debut

 SPACE FORCE 

TEASER TRAILER + KEY ART DEBUT + EXCLUSIVE CO-CREATOR Q&A

The new comedy series premieres globally Friday, May 29, 2020 on Netflix. 

A BRIEF ORAL HISTORY OF SPACE FORCE

WITH CO-CREATORS STEVE CARELL & GREG DANIELS

STEVE CARELL: Space Force came around in a rather atypical way. Netflix had this premise that they thought might make a funny show — the idea made everybody laugh in a meeting, an idea of a show about the origins of a fictitious Space Force. I heard about the idea through my agent, and Netflix pitched the show to me, and then I pitched the show to Greg, and we all had the same reaction to it. There was no show, there was no idea aside from the title. Netflix asked, ”Do you want to do a show called Space Force?" And I pretty much immediately said, "Well yeah, sure. That sounds great." And then I called Greg, and I said, "Hey, you want to do a show called Space Force?" And he said, "Yeah, that sounds good. Let's do it." And it was really based on nothing, except this name that made everybody laugh. So we were off and running.

GREG DANIELS: After that call, we had a bunch of creative sessions where we brainstormed at Steve’s house, outlining who his character would be and what pressures would be on him, and what we wanted to say about the notion of making space more military. We realized that the story had beautiful visuals and a mythic quality, and it echoed some of America's best moments. It had a lot of heroism and yet it also had a strong satirical element. Suddenly everybody has realized that there are riches to be had on the moon, and we’ve got to stake our claim. It feels like there’s now a scramble to colonize space. The contrast between that and the super hopeful early days of NASA, when it was just such an achievement for all of mankind to get a person on the moon, is a good subject for satire.

CARELL: Once we had just the concept of Space Force itself, Greg and I sat down and we asked, "Well, what's the show going to be? What will it be about?" And we landed on the idea that it should be about the inception of Space Force. It should be about the person who is entrusted with the development, the creation of a new branch of the Armed Forces. And my character, General Mark R. Naird, is the person who's drafted into creating this branch.

DANIELS: We wanted to make sure that we were being accurate and more than respectful — I would say complimentary — of the military virtues that Steve’s character holds. We have astronaut advisors, science advisors, and our military advisor, Mark Vazquez, has been very useful in teaching us about military behavior. Both Steve and I have relatives in the military who we love and respect, and hope are going to enjoy watching the show.

OFFICIAL SYNOPSIS

A decorated pilot with dreams of running the Air Force, four-star general Mark R. Naird (Steve Carell) is thrown for a loop when he finds himself tapped to lead the newly formed sixth branch of the US Armed Forces: Space Force. Skeptical but dedicated, Mark uproots his family and moves to a remote base in Colorado where he and a colorful team of scientists and “Spacemen” are tasked by the White House with getting American boots on the moon (again) in a hurry and achieving total space dominance. From co-creators Carell and Greg Daniels (The Office), SPACE FORCE  is a new kind of workplace comedy, where the stakes are sky high and the ambitions even higher. John Malkovich, Diana Silvers, Tawny Newsome, Ben Schwartz also star, alongside co-stars Lisa Kudrow, Jimmy O. Yang, Noah Emmerich, Alex Sparrow and Don Lake. Howard Klein/3Arts (The Office) serves as executive producer, as well

The Prisoner: The Complete Digitally Remastered Series: DVD Review

The Prisoner: The Complete Digitally Remastered Series: DVD Review

Released by Madman Home Ent

Essential viewing for Cult TV fans, and in many ways, setting the tone for the conspiracy mystery shows that now grace our screens, sixties' mind-bender The Prisoner is still a great, if confusing watch.

Patrick McGoohan is a high-ranking Government official who resigns and is promptly abducted. Awaking in the village, he's given a number, much like others there - and decides he will do what he can to escape.

But fighting against a system he doesn't understand, he finds it's not as simple as it could be.

All 17 episodes have been restored and look great in their latest incarnation.

As ever, the story remains as baffling as it always did, but this time, it looks great. Not really binge-worthy, this intellectual series mixed drama and mystery well, to ensure that each episode is rewarding.

Still resonant decades on, The Prisoner's a cult TV gem, and a worthwhile watch.

Doc Edge 2020 reveals first films and dates for their online festival

Doc Edge 2020 reveals first films and dates for their online festival

THE STORIES OF OUR WORLD DELIVERED TO YOUR BUBBLE: DOC EDGE ANNOUNCES DATES AND FIRST FILMS FOR 2020 ONLINE FESTIVAL

Just another day on the job for wildlife photographer, Amos Nachoum, Picture of His Life, Doc Edge Festival 2020. Photo Credit @JebCorliss.

The Documentary New Zealand Trust presents
THE DOCUMENTARY EDGE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2020 (DOC EDGE)

Doc Edge Festival will open on 12 June, becoming Australasia’s first major film festival to take on the challenge of Covid-19 by going fully digital. Last month Variety and The Hollywood Reporter covered Doc Edge’s plans, catching the attention of international filmmakers, including winners from Cannes and Sundance. 

In a full line-up of over 70 films, a record number of filmmakers will present their world premiere screenings at this year’s Doc Edge. The full programme will be released on Thursday 14 May.  

Over the past 15 years, the Doc Edge Festival has brought the world’s best documentaries and filmmakers to our shores. While 2020 will look different, the quality of award-winning films will continue to set the bar high.   

In a year when everything is out of kilter and Covid-19 is dominating news cycles, these films focus on ongoing challenges: crusading journalists, unscrupulous spin doctors and corrupt politicians, the struggles of refugees, meatless diets, new religions – and how to swim with a polar bear and survive.  

Doc Edge is proud to announce the first selection of films.

A Sundance favourite, Influence (ZA/CA), is a timely examination of the career of Tim Bell, one of the most powerful and notorious names in global public relations. From award-winning South African directors and journalists Diana Neille and Richard Poplak, this compelling film is steeped in the world of politics and weaponised communication, investigating the rise and scandalous fall of British multinational Bell Pottinger. 

Dive into the suspenseful journey of renowned underwater wildlife photographer Amos Nachoum in Picture of His Life (US/IL). Nachoum has shot close-ups of great white sharks, leopard seals, orcas, anacondas and crocodiles, but one animal has forever escaped him: the polar bear hunting underwater. Last time he took up this challenge it nearly cost him his life. Award-winning filmmakers Yonatan Nir & Dani Menki continue their success of capturing the unique and touching relationships formed between humans and nature. 

For more than 40 years, journalist Robert Fisk reported on some of the most violent and divisive conflicts in the world. Director Yung Chang captures Fisk in relentless action—feet on the ground, notebook in hand, as he travels into landscapes devastated by war, ferreting out the facts and firing reports back home to reach an audience of millions. This is Not a Movie (CA/DE) follows Fisk in his dogged quest of the truth in a world where fake news is a sad reality. His motto: Report what you see with your own eyes. Only then will you get close to the truth. 

Kiwi filmmaker Sally Williams celebrates the stellar 67-year long career of the remarkable New Yorker cartoonist James Stevenson in the biopic, Stevenson: Lost and Found (US/NZ). Williams creates an unexpectedly moving portrait that unearths the life, struggles and humour of an artist and his truly dazzling volume of work. 

Upon receiving a mysterious invitation, award-winning director Yoav Shamir sets off on a thought-provoking and humorous quest into the world's biggest UFO religion. The Prophet and the Space Aliens (ZA/IL/AT) follows leader Rael who founded the religion after an alleged encounter with extra-terrestrials, during which he was appointed the "last prophet". Through his ambitious attempts to find loyal followers, this gripping modern-day tale sheds light on some of the many themes and questions of religion and faith. 

With unprecedented access to World Economic Forum founder Klaus Schwab, Marcus Vetter becomes the first filmmaker to look behind the scenes of the controversial summit. The Forum (DE/CH) follows Schwab on his mission to improve the world through dialogue with some of the biggest names in politics and business. This absorbing documentary questions if the Forum can really contribute to solving global issues, or if it is just another part of the problem.

By partnering with New Zealand company Shift72, Doc Edge will realise its vision of offering all of New Zealand the chance to experience a documentary film festival, even it is in the comfort of their own home.

New Zealand’s largest Oscar-qualifying festival, Doc Edge will run nationwide for the first time. Directors Alex Lee and Dan Shanan said, “Reaching out in times of isolation enables us to express humanity at its best. We’re passionate about bringing important stories to everyone.”  

For more information and to keep up to speed with the 2020 season as more events and films are added, visit: www.docedge.nz, or follow Doc Edge on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Doc Edge is grateful to their partners who are helping make the online festival possible: RNZ, Rei Foundation, the New Zealand Film Commission, NZ On Air, Department of Post, MiNDFOOD, Shift72, Eventfinda, the University of Auckland, Auckland and Wellington Councils, and many more.

Win Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker on Blu Ray

Win Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker on Blu Ray

To celebrate the release of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker out now on DVD and Blu Ray, thanks to Disney Home Ent and Sony Home Ent, you can win a copy on Blu Ray

About Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

When it's discovered that the evil Emperor Palpatine did not die at the hands of Darth Vader, the rebels must race against the clock to find out his whereabouts. 

Finn and Poe lead the Resistance to put a stop to the First Order's plans to form a new Empire, while Rey anticipates her inevitable confrontation with Kylo Ren.

To win, all you have to do is email your details and the word SKYWALKER!

Email now to  darrensworldofentertainment@gmail.com 
Or CLICK HERE NOW  

Dolittle: DVD Review

Dolittle: DVD Review

Leaning heavily into the eccentricities and the weird Welsh whisperings of the titular character, the CGI heavy Dolittle comes across as a strange mix of Willy Wonka-cum-Jules Verne-cum Aladdin that never quite settles on a tone.

A wafer thin plot involving the grieving recluse being forced out of hiding to try and help save a terminally ill Queen Victoria is just the jumping off point for Downey Jr's Dolittle to head off with a menagerie of creatures and a potential apprentice in tow.

But the film is also there to give the man who imbued Iron Man with such gravitas a chance to make gorilla noises as well - it's that kind of movie.

In truth, it's not a mess, more an incoherent folly that dogs Dolittle throughout.

While the talking animals will amuse the kids, what they're saying will amuse the adults less, given most of it is relatively flat comedic fare that lands with nary a punchline.

The CGI is on overload, and maybe a little more breathing space would have given the frantic fare a bit more of the emotional appeal that it needs to counter the general broadness of the comedy and the attempted hits.

Downey Jr's Welsh accent isn't entirely convincing to start off with, and there's definitely a feeling some of it was redubbed afterwards, but it's the mumbling, withdrawn approach that ever so slightly holds this hero back from fully grasping the screen. He never seizes the moment, and while there's some Chaplin-esque clowning to be had, there's no defining moment for this incarnation of Dolittle.

Yet, there's also an other worldly old time quality to Dolittle, a film that wafts by insubstantially on more innocent fare (witness Sheen's cartoon pantomime villain) and feels  like it's from yesteryear as it flits quickly and awkwardly from one scene to the next.

Ultimately, this Dolittle is less a case of the man who could speak to the animals, more a case of should he have done so in the first place.

Bombshell: DVD Review

Bombshell: DVD Review

The most high profile of the post MeToo filmmaking choices, Bombshell is certainly a stylish and spirited affair, that's as interested in making sure you can't tell it's Charlize Theron under the make up as it is exposing the horrendous lascivious advances of John Lithgow's slimy take on Roger Ailes.

Mixing the kind of take that worked with Vice and the fourth wall breaking of The Big Short, director Roach tells the story of inside Fox News and Gretchen Carlson (Kidman, in a distracting chin) who sued sexual predator Ailes for harassment when he sacked her.

Combining and intertwining the stories of other women at Fox News - chiefly Theron's astounding take on Megyn Kelly and Robbie's composite cypher Kayla, a researcher who rose through the ranks after an appalling casting couch moment from Ailes - Roach's swift trawl through the worst of what was on offer is as shocking an affair as it is necessarily confronting.

It's fair to say that of the leads, Theron and Robbie are compelling.

Thanks to a transformational piece of make up work, Theron is unrecognisable as Kelly, the anchor whose views have bordered on racism and who's been happy to whip the arguments up when needed (a side barely explored in the script); but there's no doubt that as she parades around the screen initially, breaking the fourth wall, Theron deserves every accolade she's being afforded for this portrayal.

Equally, Robbie's Kayla is heartbreaking to watch - from innocent career-climber to deeer-stuck-in-the-headlights victim, Robbie gives her cypher character a heart and an arc to invest in.

In truth, Kidman's largely sidelined, but makes the most of her brief appearances as the chief instigator of the complaints that would bring Ailes down.

But in handling Carlson - and wider elements - is where Bombshell's script falls drastically short.
It ignores the fact Fox News has peddled fear and hate through the years, skates over the more dubious elements of Megyn Kelly's character and views and really presents a paper thin view of proceedings to give an air over definitive style over substance.

It may deliver a polished film that's about solidarity and the truly ugly side of Roger Ailes (Lithgow is fantastic throughout, a repugnant no-holds barred take on the man) but Bombshell never quite lives up to the title it aspires to. Sure, it's an explosive film in parts, but overall, it's a muffled muted bang that it delivers.