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REVIEWS

this sequel to the surprise comedy hit, a cappella

hamps the Bellas find themselves disqualified from

ompeting at the collegiate level when a performance

r Obama’s birthday ends in disaster. Fortunately,

ommentators Elizabeth Banks and John Michael Higgins

ome to the rescue, and the rest of the film follows Anna

endrick, Rebel Wilson and the rest of the gang as they

urney to “find their sound” again.The best thing about

is sequel is it doesn’t mess with a successful formula.

Yes, it’s full of lame jokes at the expense of the black

lesbian. Yes, Fat Amy (Wilson) is always the one making the jokes. Yes,

Bumper (Adam DeVine) is still awkward. But it works. Add to this some

international competition and a cameo from Snoop Dogg, and you’ll be

more out of breath than Rebel Wilson vertical running. Aca-awesome!

The Pitches are back

PITCH PERFECT 2

Release Date:

03/09/15

Format:

Unfriended

represents the next step in the evolution

of the found-footage horror movie. It's also the best

example to date of using teens' obsession with social

media as a focus for terror. The film plays out entirely on

a computer screen, where four friends are engaging in a

Skype conversation on the anniversary of the suicide of a

girl they all knew. Then an unknown avatar joins the chat

session, making threats and posting incriminating photos,

suggesting a literal ghost in the machine.

Unfriended

uses the online world to good effect, toggling between

Facebook chat, YouTube videos and Wikipedia entries to drive the plot and

provide character background. The impact of stalking and cyberbullying is

also pertinently addressed within a slasher film format. Needless to say,

watch this on your laptop for maximum effect.

Cybernatural

UNFRIENDED

Release Date:

09/09/15

Format:

Disney’s latest theme park spin-off is unlikely to prove

as lucrative as

Pirates of the Caribbean

, but the child-

like wonder director Brad Bird brings to this vision of

the future is utterly captivating. Taking its cues from

Walt Disney’s original vision of how technology could be

harnessed to create a utopian paradise,

Tomorrowland

follows the adventures of a plucky teenager (rising star

Britt Robertson), who stumbles upon the mysterious

futuristic world and sets out to unlock its secrets with

the reluctant help of a grouchy exile (George Clooney)

and an otherworldly young girl (Raffey Cassidy). Although the twists and

turns of the plot will even have some grown-ups scratching their heads in

puzzlement, the day-glo visuals, retro gadgetry and breathless pacing make

this a ride well worth queuing up for.

A magical ride into the future

Chase-ing the Hollywood dream

TOMORROWLAND

Release Date:

30/09/15

Format:

Four years after the hit HBO show wrapped, Vincent Chase

(Adrian Grenier) and his gang are back with a hefty dose

of Hollywood hedonism. Vince is making his directing

debut with a mega-budget remake of

Dr. Jekyll and Mr.

Hyde

for agent-turned-studio-head Ari Gold (Jeremy Piven).

Eric (Kevin Connolly) is producing; the now svelte Turtle

(Jerry Ferrara) is a tequila millionaire; and Vince’s brother,

Johnny Drama (Kevin Dillon), is where he’s always been

– living in his famous sibling’s shadow. However, Vince’s

‘masterpiece’ requires more money for completion and

Texan investors (Billy Bob Thornton and Haley Joel Osment) are demanding

changes, including cutting Drama’s supporting role. With the scene-stealing

Piven in top form and more celebrity cameos than a decade of

The Simpsons

the

Entourage

movie delivers exactly what fans of the series expect.

ENTOURAGE

Release Date:

16/09/15

Format: