STACK March 2017 Issue 149

he Underworld franchise is as tenacious as its

mortal vampires, having survived for 13 years

nd five films. The conflict between Vampires and

ycans heats up again in the aptly titled

Blood Wars

hich fortunately opens with a handy "Previously,

n Underworld..." recap that brings us bang up to

ate. Selene (Kate Beckinsale) is recruited by the

ampire elders to train an army in the ways of the

eath Dealers, in order to take the fight to a new

nd unstoppable Lycan leader. But the power-hungry

Samira (Lara Pulver) needs Selene's blood to take control of the

coven, resulting in the Death Dealer fleeing to a Nordic hideout with

new ally Thomas (Theo James). When it comes to vampire/werewolf

conflict, we'll take Underworld over Twilight every time.

Protect the bloodline.

UNDERWORLD: BLOOD WARS

Release Date:

22/03/17

Format:

Every office-bound worker looks forward to the annual

Chrissie party. A chance to let the hair down, and

celebrate 12 months of a job (sometimes) well done.

This expectation is keeping many at Zenotek going, but

with their quarterly quota unmet, the Grinch is about to

strike. She would be Carol Vanstone (Jennifer Aniston,

rekindling her

Horrible Bosses

fire), who threatens

to rain down layoffs, cut bonuses and – in true Alan

RIckman style – cancel Christmas. Or at least the party.

Her brother Clay (T.J. Miller), who also happens to be the

branch manager, has other ideas though, and the party to end all parties

launches complete with sex, drugs, rock ’n’ roll and, erm, roly-poly

snowman suits. Not for the prudish, this

Office Christmas Party

is a near-

literal riot – and you’ll also hear ‘Gone Girl’ used as an adjective.

Party like your job depends on it.

OFFICE CHRISTMAS PARTY

Release Date:

15/03/17

Format:

Nocturnal Animals

unfolds through two distinct and

different timeframes. In one, Susan (Amy Adams), a

wealthy art gallery curator, is surprised to receive the

proofs of a forthcoming novel written by her ex-husband

Tony (Jake Gyllehaal). In the other, the novel's story plays

out in Susan’s mind, with Gyllenhaal also taking on the

role of the book’s lead character, who falls foul of some

redneck psychos while on a road trip through the Texas

badlands with his wife and daughter. Fashion designer

turned filmmaker Tom Ford seamlessly knits the disparate

strands of the film together and his cool, fluid visuals provide the perfect

counterpoint to the melodramatics that unfold on screen. A thoughtful

treatise on revenge and the life choices we all must make,

Nocturnal

Animals

comes highly recommended.

(See page 30)

When you love someone you can't just throw it away.

NOCTURNAL ANIMALS

Release Date:

01/03/17

Format:

When Lisa Simpson tripped out at Duff Gardens and

declared, “I can see the colours!” we suspect that she

was hallucinating Trolls. The gaudily-hued little folk with

backcombed hair that makes Robert Smith look comparatively

hairless have existed for some 60 years, entertaining kids and

often horrifying parents. There’s no need for the latter to freak

out about

Trolls

the movie, however, as it’s a hearty – and

very colourful, naturally – slice of relentlessly happy musical

kiddie fun (with a few morsels for patient grown ups). The

little guys even maintain good humour when a grumpy old

Bergen kidnaps their friends, embarking upon a rescue mission that’s both

bold and, of course, colourful. Featuring original songs from Justin Timberlake,

plus everybody from Simon & Garfunkel to The Notorious BIG getting covered,

this could be the cheeriest movie ever. C’mon get happy – and colourful.

Find your happy place.

TROLLS

Release Date:

15/03/17

Format:

REVIEWS

DVD&BD