STACK NZ May Issue #62

DVD & BD

REVIEWS

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Arranged marriage THE WEDDING RINGER

A World War II story of resilience and redemption UNBROKEN

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Release Date: 20/05/14

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Release Date: 20/05/14

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Kevin Hart has struggled a tad to find vehicles worthy of his undoubted talents and this high concept comedy – ultimately – has to be seen as another missed opportunity. However, if you can get over the far-fetched premise – would anyone getting married really ever have to hire a best man? – Hart’s quickfire repartee will keep his fans happy for now. The American comic plays the titular wedding specialist, who sets out to pull off the never- before-attempted ‘Golden Tux’ – the provision of a fake best man plus seven groomsmen – for the desperate

Hollywood's output of inspirational true stories continues to introduce viewers to individuals who triumph over incredible odds. Louis Zamperini's story is a great example; an Olympic athlete who became a bombardier during World War II, he survived a plane crash into the ocean, and spent 47 days adrift before being captured by the Japanese Navy, then interred in a POW camp. Unbroken is a testament to Zamperini's courage and fortitude, adapted from Laura Hillenbrand's bestselling biography (with input from the Coen brothers) and directed for the screen by Angelina

Josh Gad, who has been fibbing to his bride-to-be ( Big Bang Theory ’s Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting) about his colourful collection of friends. It’s a bit hit-and-miss on the gag front, but there are a few nice surprises, like Gad’s unexpected prowess on the dancefloor.

Jolie. It's a big, epic and ambitious film, and Jolie impressively pulls it off; you can't fault her skill behind the camera, nor the committed performance by rising star Jack O'Connell ( Starred Up ). But something gets lost in translation: the film is never as involving or as moving as it should be.

THE RIOT CLUB

MR. TURNER

The filthy rich

Portrait of an artist

Release Date: 14/05/15

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Release Date: 06/05/14

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The infamous Bullingdon Club – whose alumni include British PM David Cameron and London Mayor Boris Johnson – is the thinly disguised subject of this venomous broadside against privilege from director Lone Scherg ( An Education ). Here, the centuries old Oxford University dining club of the title has just taken on two new members: Miles (Max Irons) is a wealthy but liberal first year student, while Alistair (Sam Claflin) is an arrogant toff struggling to follow in his brother's footsteps – a legendary former member. The jolly japes and hazing rites take a darker turn, however,

Mike Leigh departs from the housing projects of contemporary England for his third foray into historical drama. Set during the 19th century, Mr. Turner charts the final 25 years in the life of J.M.W. Turner, considered to be one of Britain's greatest landscape artists. Leigh's portrait focuses on the relationships that shaped the cantankerous and capricious painter during this period: notably his father, his housekeeper and lover, and an ex-mistress. Episodically constructed and exquisitely shot on a widescreen canvas, this biopic is anchored by

when the club convenes at a remote gastro pub for their annual dinner and Miles’ relationship with working class student (Holliday Grainger) comes under scrutiny. A withering attack on class snobbery and how it continues to taint Britain’s ruling establishment, The Riot Club is a bilious treat.

a superb performance from Timothy Spall, who received the Best Actor award at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival for his portrayal of Turner as a grunting, toad-like eccentric prone to moments of warmth. A must-see for lovers of quality British period drama.

MAY 2015 JB Hi-Fi www.jbhifi.co.nz

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