Episodes
Challengers sees top star Zendaya (Dune) playing a top tennis star, torn between two competing suitors, Mike Faist (West Side Story) and Josh O'Connor (TV's The Crown). Directed by Luca Guadagnino (Call me by your name).
Published 04/24/24
Paolo Rotondo introduces this season of the Italian Film Festival, which includes a biopic of bad-boy painter Caravaggio, the first solo film by tbe legendary Federico Fellini, and last year's box office sensation There's still tomorrow, which trounced both Barbie and Oppenheimer in Italy.
Published 04/24/24
Simon Morris introduces an all-Italian show - from Luca Guadagnino's Challengers, starring Zendaya, to an overview of this year's Italian Film Festival road show with Festival Director and film-maker, Paolo Rotondo. Challengers sees top star Zendaya (Dune) playing a top tennis star, torn between two competing suitors, Mike Faist (West Side Story) and Josh O'Connor (TV's The Crown). Directed by Luca Guadagnino (Call me by your name). And Paolo Rotondo introduces this season of the Italian Film...
Published 04/24/24
Published 04/24/24
Origin is a semi-fictionalised adaptation of a Pulitzer Prize-winning book about racism. It's a serious film with a strong cast and some fresh and intriguing ideas, says Simon Morris.
Published 04/17/24
In Late Night with The Devil, a 1970s TV host goes for the ultimate shock interview at Halloween. "Absolutely brilliant," says Stephen King. Is he right?
Published 04/17/24
Civil War imagines a future America torn apart by another civil war, and the people who have to cover the story. Written and directed by Alex Garland (Ex Machina), it stars Kirsten Dunst (Power of the Dog) and Caelee Spaeny (Priscilla).
Published 04/17/24
Simon Morris looks at Hollywood's endless fascination with the crusading reporter, and the less than noble version, hungry for ratings
Published 04/17/24
Dev Patel is best known for playing nice chaps in Slumdog Millionaire, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and Lion. Who knew he wanted to write, direct and star in a ferocious revenge movie like Monkey Man?
Published 04/10/24
Jack Black tackles Po's final Dragon Warrior adventure with his usual exuberance​, says Simon Morris, but the animation is what carries Kung Fu Panda 4.
Published 04/10/24
Love Lies Bleeding sees two women falling in love in the worst possible way. There will be blood…. Starring Kristen Stewart (Twilight), Katy O'Brien (The Mandalorian) and Ed Harris (Apollo 13).
Published 04/10/24
Simon Morris buckles up for an all-action show - a drug-fuelled bloodbath, an Indian martial arts revenge thriller and the return of an animated kung-fu favourite.
Published 04/10/24
The Mountain sees three plucky kids attempt to get to the top of Taranaki to save the life of one them. Debut directing feature of actress Rachel House (Cousins, Boy, Moana).
Published 04/03/24
Io Capitano is an Oscar-nominated Italian film about two boys who run away from their village in Senegal in search of fame and fortune in Europe. Directed by Matteo Garrone (Gomorrah).
Published 04/03/24
Netflix's Damsel sees Millie Bobby Brown (Stranger things) marry a handsome Prince - though he may not be much help when it comes to fighting dragons. With Robin Wright (The Princess Bride), Ray Winstone (Beowulf) and Angela Bassett (Black Panther).
Published 04/03/24
Simon Morris looks at three films, all based on journeys - to safety, to a better life, to some sort of happy ending.
Published 04/03/24
Simon Morris reviews three films all dependent, more or less, on audiences already softened up to like them.
Published 03/27/24
Road House is a reboot of an Eighties thriller starring Patrick Swayze, no stranger to ghosts himself. Stars Jake Gyllenhaal, with guest appearances by MMA star Conor McGregor and singer Post Malone. Available on Prime Video.
Published 03/27/24
Immaculate sees teen favourite Sydney Sweeney (Euphoria) play an American nun in Italy, who finds that her new spiritual home isn't as safe as they thought. Produced by Sweeney herself.
Published 03/27/24
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire sees the return of the new cast - and most of the old cast - of the rebooted franchise. Stars Paul Rudd (Antman) and Finn Wolfhard (Stranger Things) join old favourites Dan Aykroyd and Bill Murray as the Ghostbusters get back to the Big Apple.
Published 03/27/24
The Convert is that rare thing, a New Zealand costume drama, this time set during the notorious Musket Wars of the early 1800s. Directed by Lee Tamahori (Once Were Warriors), it stars Guy Pearce (L A Confidential) and Lawrence Makoare (Fellowship of the Ring).
Published 03/20/24
Wicked Little Letters is based on a real-life event in 1920s England, in which a small town is terrorised by abusive poison pen letters. Stars Olivia Colman (The Favourite), Jessie Buckley (Wild Rose) and Timothy Spall (Mr Turner).
Published 03/20/24
Simon Morris looks at three films based on real life, but wonders if that necessarily means a good story.
Published 03/20/24
Goodbye Julia is an award-winning drama set in Sudan, North East Africa, just before it split into two separate countries. A tragedy unexpectedly brings two women together in an unlikely friendship.
Published 03/20/24
How to Have Sex is a comedy-drama of three teenager best friends, off to have "the best holiday ever" in Crete. Sun, sea, booze and multiple hook-ups - that's the plan. What could go wrong? Stars Bafta Rising Star 2024 Mia McKenna-Bruce.
Published 03/13/24