STACK New Zealand December Issue 69

44 / 60

visit REVIEWS DVD&BD
44 DECEMBER 2015
It is an end of an era with this, the last-ever series of
Downton. The curtain is gradually coming down on a way
of life and both those upstairs and downstairs realise
that times are a-changing. Before that happens, though,
romance, scandal and heartache, once again, take centre
stage in an absolute cracker of a series. Lady Mary
(Michelle Dockery) seems to have met her match in suave
racing driver Henry Talbot (Matthew Goode) but fears that
he, like her husband Matthew, will perish in a car crash.
Below stairs, troublemaking under-butler Thomas (Rob
James-Collier) is consumed with concerns about his future, while there are
further woes for Anna and Bates. A familiar face make a welcome return,
weddings are hastily arranged and the waspish Dowager (Maggie Smith) is,
of course, full of priceless put-downs. In short, all is right in the world.
Abbey ever after?
Downton Abbey: SEASON six
From Max Joseph, co-host of
MTV series Catfish, comes the
inspirational story of an up and
coming DJ and his buddies as
they attempt to make it big in
the EDM world and escape the
confines of the San Fernando
Valley. Cole (Zac Efron) has a
great ear as a DJ, and when he's
noticed at an LA rave by James
(Wes Bentley) and his girlfriend
Sophie (Emily Ratajkowski), he's
quickly mentored in the art of
playing dance music. An authentic
and intriguing look at the EDM
scene, We Are Your Friends is shot
like a music video and packed with
visual gimmicks, beautiful people
and pulsating rhythms.
WE ARE YOUR
FRIENDS
Release Date:
16/12/15
Format:
Microsoft and 343 Industries’ Halo
series introduced us to Master
Chief Petty Officer Spartan John
117 on his quest to save mankind
and the galaxy. But where did he
come from? The animated series
Halo: The Fall of Reach gives
Halo fans a chance to get into
the history of John-117 and the
other Spartans inducted into the
SPARTAN-II recruitment program
by Doctor Catherine Halsey. Follow
the stories of John and his friends
from when they were young
children, taken from the novel by
Eric Nylund. The Fall of Reach is
an insightful prequel to the Halo
series’ storyline, and features all
the beloved voice talents from the
games.
HALO: THE FALL
OF REACH
Release Date:
03/12/15
Format:
Release Date: 04/12/15 Format:
When it comes to reconfiguring popular TV shows for the big
screen, the Brits tend to stick to comedies. However, this
reboot of the BBC spy series that ran from 2002 to 2011,
makes a welcome exception to the rule. Because Spooks
seemed to delight in killing off its lead characters, there aren’t
many survivors from the show, with Kit Harington – aka GoT's
Jon Snow – taking the lead role this time around. However,
fans will be pleased to know that Peter Firth is back reprising
his role as MI5 chief Harry Pearce, who here teams up
with reluctant former agent Will Holloway (Harington) in an
unsanctioned operation to track down a recent escaped terrorist and expose a
suspected US mole in the service. Die-hard Spooks followers will be delighted
by its comeback, but you don't have to have seen the show to enjoy this
suspenseful – and sadly very topical – spy thriller.
The name's Snow... Jon Snow
SPOOKS: THE GREATER GOOD
Creator John Logan's bewitching
gothic horror series returns with
10 new episodes. There's more to
discover about its core group of
characters, plucked from classic
19th century literature and set
loose on the streets of Victorian
London to hunt and confront evil
creatures and demonic forces.
The true nature of the enigmatic
Vanessa Ives (Eva Green) is
finally revealed, while the sinister
Madame Kali (Helen McCrory) is
moved centre stage. And there's
more Dorian Gray and Billie
Piper. To say any more would
be spoiling things. If you're not
watching this already, you really
should be.
PENNY DREADFUL:
SEASON 2
Release Date:
02/12/15
Format:
Given enough rope, found-
footage films will eventually...
well, you know. But until then,
teen audiences simply can't get
enough handheld horror and
consequently will be, er, hanging
to see this latest entry involving a
high school stage production of the
eponymous play – a period piece
which culminated in cast member
Charlie losing his life when the
noose tightened for real. 20 years
later, a new group of students are
resurrecting the play, and also,
unbeknownst to them, the vengeful
ghost of Charlie. Some clever
juggling of character perspectives
and a creepy backstage setting
helps to distinguish The Gallows
from its FF peers.
THE GALLOWS
Release Date:
02/12/15
Format:
Release Date: 17/12/15 Format: