STACK NZ Sep #66

REVIEWS

DVD & BD

The Pitches are back PITCH PERFECT 2

Cybernatural UNFRIENDED

Release Date: 03/09/15

Format:

Release Date: 09/09/15

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In this sequel to the surprise comedy hit, a cappella champs the Bellas find themselves disqualified from competing at the collegiate level when a performance for Obama’s birthday ends in disaster. Fortunately, commentators Elizabeth Banks and John Michael Higgins come to the rescue, and the rest of the film follows Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson and the rest of the gang as they journey to “find their sound” again.The best thing about this sequel is it doesn’t mess with a successful formula. Yes, it’s full of lame jokes at the expense of the black

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

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!

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.

A magical ride into the future TOMORROWLAND

ENTOURAGE

Chase-ing the Hollywood dream

Release Date: 30/09/15

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Release Date: 16/09/15

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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)

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

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.

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.

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