News & Opinion

Fleabag viewers will find so many reasons to love the NT Live solo performance
Revel in the singular, virtuosic performance of Phoebe Waller-Bridge herself.


Guns Akimbo’s juvenile, punk rock vibe mostly works, despite flaws
There’s an infectious, wild energy and much of the gleefully crude humour hits its mark.


Gaslighting torment of The Invisible Man is perfectly-timed horror
Perhaps never has the empty corner of a room or a hallway taken on more menacing overtones.


Girl on the Third Floor isn’t a horror to renovate your Netflix queue
Noble but frustratingly uneven attempt to revitalise stale haunted house conventions.


Call of the Wild, an entertaining heart-on-sleeve old-school adventure
It favours emotive performances over hyper-realism. *glares at Lion King*


The Legend of Baron To’a is a kick-ass crack-up
“Expect to be impressed by how the action’s staged.”


“Absolutely loved this movie” and more Baron To’a audience reviews
“Almost like watching a South Auckland Karate Kid.”


Come to Daddy is a wonderfully grotty film not for the faint of heart
“Here’s hoping it’s recognised as the local success story it is.”


The Lighthouse is immaculately engineered nightmare fuel
One of the most uniquely deranged buddy movies to come out in quite some time.


Sonic the Hedgehog’s film bludgeons the character into blandness
It’s amazing that Carrey still manages to haul in a solid joke or three.


Jane Austen comedy Emma avoids stuffiness thanks to Kiwi Eleanor Catton’s screenplay
It’s fun, though it does quite match the brilliance of Clueless.


Netflix’s Horse Girl: Alison Brie shines in this rewatchable oddity
If it sounds a bit too weird for you, then you’re probably right.


Harley Quinn spin-off Birds of Prey is a buoyant blast
Made over and reimagined, it’s the same Harley but newly fleshed out.


Oscar nominated doco For Sama is absolutely essential viewing
An amateur documentarian’s portrait of Syrian Civil War is a testament to the power of film.


La Belle Époque is boomer nostalgia wish-fulfillment – and charming
Hints of whimsy don’t overwhelm, even as the film embraces the melodramatic.


Now on Netflix, Adam Sandler sparkles in thriller Uncut Gems
It’s infectiously good fun to join him on numerous harebrained adventures.


Bombshell expertly delivers a complex exposé of sexual harassment
A thoroughly entertaining and riveting behind-enemy-lines watch.


“Eye-opening movie with terrific cast” and more Bombshell audience reviews
“Great story, great acting and lots to digest and discuss later.”


The action in 1917 is so visceral you can almost taste it
Technically 1917 is absolutely extraordinary, even if it’s a far from perfect film.


The Gentlemen is a Guy Ritchie throwback (and his “PC’s-gone-mad!” pic?)
A flawed, potentially offensive, but stylish treat for fans of Ritchie’s early flicks.


Only Cloud Knows, the Otago-set Chinese romance based on a true love story
And it’s just so damn wholesome, Liam Maguren writes.

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