COMPETITION: Win Billy Idol: State Line - Live at Hoover Dam on Blu-ray

Kaleidoscope Home Entertainment is announced that the spectacular special event, Billy Idol: State Line, will be coming to DVD, Blu-Ray and UK digital platforms from December 11th. The film features a career-spanning run of timeless hits including ‘Dancing with Myself’, ‘Eyes Without a Face’, ‘Rebel Yell’ and ‘White Wedding’.

And to celebrate we have a great competition and a 2 copies to give away.

Synopsis

Immortalised for the big screen, Billy Idol: State Line - Live At Hoover Dam​ sees legendary punk icon, Billy Idol, making history by playing the first-ever live concert in front of the world-famous Hoover Dam. Performing two unique sets in front of only 250 fans: an electrifying full band concert at sunset with special guests that illuminated the surrounding Black Canyon of the Colorado River, and an acoustic duo set on the roof of the powerhouse directly at the foot of Hoover Dam on the Nevada/Arizona state line.

 

The hell-raising rock star is joined on stage by his longtime band including his collaborator and lead guitarist of over 40 years, Steve Stevens, with special guest stars including The Kills' Alison Mosshart, former Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones, and No Doubt bassist Tony Kanal. 

 

“Our show at Hoover Dam was a monumental and surreal career highlight,” notes Idol. “I’m excited to get State Line out into the world. With this film we set out to highlight the continued importance of one of the most inspiring infrastructural achievements of the 20th Century, while also bringing the power of rock n roll to a stunning, magical location. I think we more than succeeded on both accounts.”

 

For 46 years, Billy Idol has been of the most recognisable faces and voices of rock n' roll, with over 40 million album sales, and numerous platinum albums worldwide. Between 1977 and 1981, Idol released three albums with Generation X as their camera-ready frontman. In 1982, he embarked on a transatlantic/trans-genre solo career that integrated the bold and simple lines of punk and rock’n’roll decadence. Last year, Idol released his latest project, The Cage EP, via Dark Horse Records. The new music follows Idol’s 2021 The Roadside EP, which received praise from fans and critics alike. In January, Idol cemented his name among Hollywood legends with the first Hollywood Walk of Fame Star of 2023. Idol recently wrapped the first-ever Generation Sex tour in the U.K. and E.U. The punk supergroup is comprised of Idol and Tony James from Generation X, and Steve Jones and Paul Cook from Sex Pistols. November 10 marks the 40th Anniversary of Idol’s seminal record Rebel Yell, with an expanded edition of the album due in early 2024.

Buy from Amazon at - https://amzn.to/47IqTyZ

Enter now for a chance to win.

In what year did Billy Idol get his Hollywood Walk of Fame Star?

Send your name, address and of course the answer to competition365@outlook.com

Quick Terms and conditions - For full T&C click here

1. Closing date 18-12-23

2. No alternative prize is available

3. When the competition ends as indicated on this page, any and all entries received after this point will not count and emails blacklisted due to not checking this page first.

4. Winners will be chosen randomly and will be informed via email.

5. Entries that come directly from other websites will not be accepted.

REVIEW: Your Lucky Day (2023 Film) - Starring Angus Cloud, Elliot Knight and Jessica Garza

Review by Jon Donnis

Your Lucky Day," the 2023 action thriller directed by Daniel Brown, takes audiences on a heart-pounding journey into the dark underbelly of the American dream. The film boasts an ensemble cast led by the late Angus Cloud, delivering a riveting performance that adds an extra layer of poignancy to the already intense narrative.

The plot unfolds in a seemingly ordinary convenience store, but as the characters' lives intersect over a winning lottery ticket, the atmosphere shifts from mundane to menacing. The ensemble cast, including Elliot Knight, Jessica Garza, and Mousa Hussein Kraish, skillfully portrays a group of individuals brought together by chance, only to find themselves entangled in a deadly hostage situation.

Angus Cloud's portrayal of the enigmatic Sterling is particularly noteworthy, showcasing the actor's talent that left audiences mourning the loss of a promising star. The chemistry among the cast members elevates the tension, creating a sense of urgency that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

The film masterfully explores the corrosive effects of capitalistic greed on societal dynamics. Through well-crafted dialogue and intense sequences, "Your Lucky Day" serves as a thought-provoking commentary on the lengths people are willing to go for a slice of the American dream, even if it means descending into violence and chaos.

Clocking in at a brisk 90-minute runtime, the film efficiently weaves its complex narrative, leaving no room for unnecessary filler. The pacing is relentless, with each twist and turn adding a layer of suspense that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish.

However, "Your Lucky Day" is not without its flaws. Some of the chaotic scenes feel slightly contrived, bordering on cliché, as the characters navigate the high-stakes situation. Despite these moments, the film's overall impact is not significantly diminished.

A decent action thriller, I score Your Lucky Day a solid 8 out of 10.

Out Now on Apple TV at https://apple.co/3uNr5i8

REVIEW: It's a Wonderful Knife (2023 Film) - Starring Jane Widdop and Joel McHale

Out Now on Amazon at https://amzn.to/46Im8Eo

And Apple TV at https://apple.co/47JO6Ry

Review by Jon Donnis

"It's a Wonderful Knife" delivers a thrilling and blood-soaked spin on the classic Christmas film, presenting viewers with a unique combination of horror, comedy, and holiday cheer. Directed by Tyler MacIntyre and written by Michael Kennedy, the film manages to strike a delicate balance between gruesome kills and heartfelt moments, offering a fresh take on the beloved genre.

The plot follows Winnie Carruthers (Jane Widdop), who, a year after thwarting a psychotic killer on Christmas Eve, finds herself in an alternate reality after wishing she had never been born. In this nightmare parallel universe, Winnie discovers the dire consequences of her absence, with the killer returning to wreak havoc once again. To set things right, she teams up with the town misfit, portrayed by Justin Long, to identify the murderer and return to her own reality.

One of the film's standout features is its enthusiastic approach to holiday-themed horror-comedy. "It's a Wonderful Knife" skillfully weaves blood-spattered twists on traditional holiday movie tropes, creating a unique viewing experience that is both shocking and entertaining. Despite its horror elements, the film manages to capture the true spirit of Christmas, combining charm, blood, and a touch of angst in a way that feels surprisingly cohesive.

The cast, led by Jane Widdop as Winnie, Joel McHale as David Carruthers, and Justin Long as Henry Waters, delivers strong performances that enhance the film's overall appeal. Widdop, in particular, shines as the lead, successfully conveying the emotional weight of her character's journey through the gruesome and fantastical events.

While the film excels in delivering a captivating blend of horror and comedy, it may fall short for hardcore horror film enthusiasts seeking genuine scares. "It's a Wonderful Knife" prioritizes its holiday-themed narrative and character dynamics over relentless horror, making it more suitable for a broad audience that enjoys a mix of genres.

In summary, "It's a Wonderful Knife" is a must-watch for those who appreciate a horror film during the Christmas season. With an 8 out of 10 score, the film succeeds in offering a fresh perspective on the holiday genre, combining festive charm with blood-soaked excitement. Add this to your holiday viewing list for a unique and entertaining cinematic experience.

Out Now on Amazon at https://amzn.to/46Im8Eo

And Apple TV at https://apple.co/47JO6Ry

REVIEW: Candy Cane Lane (2023 Film) - Starring Eddie Murphy

Review by Jon Donnis

Directed by Reginald Hudlin and penned by Kelly Younger, "Candy Cane Lane" is a 2023 American Christmas comedy that blends holiday magic with a twist. Starring Eddie Murphy as Chris Carver, the film weaves a tale of family, Christmas decorations, and unexpected challenges.

The plot follows Chris Carver, a skilled woodworker struggling to win his neighborhood's annual Christmas decoration contest. Facing unemployment, he stumbles upon a Christmas store, unwittingly making a Faustian bargain with Pepper, an evil Christmas elf. As Chris and his family navigate slapstick shenanigans to collect the "five golden rings" from the Twelve Days of Christmas, the film delivers a mix of laughter, magic, and heartfelt moments.

Eddie Murphy's performance as Chris Carver is low-key yet entertaining, allowing the storyline and special effects to shine. Tracee Ellis Ross as Carol Carver, alongside supporting cast members, adds depth to the ensemble.

"Candy Cane Lane" successfully delivers a heartwarming message about the true spirit of Christmas, emphasizing the importance of family during the holidays. The film's fun and lighthearted approach, coupled with festive visuals and great Christmas music, contribute to its charm.

However, the film has its drawbacks. Clocking in at 2 hours, "Candy Cane Lane" feels overly long, testing the audience's patience with excessive character information and overplotting. The production occasionally falters, displaying moments of lethargy and disappointment. Some jokes fall flat, and the film's algorithmic origin by Amazon Prime makes it feel instantly forgettable.

Despite its flaws, "Candy Cane Lane" is an enjoyable addition to the holiday film lineup. Its festive atmosphere, coupled with the underlying message of joy and love, make it suitable for a family movie night. While it may not reach the heights of timeless classics, it offers a decent dose of Christmas cheer and a reminder of what truly matters during the holiday season.

I score Candy Cane Lane a fair 6 out of 10.

Out now on Amazon Prime Movies at https://amzn.to/3GpnOIr

REVIEW: In the Land of Saints and Sinners (2023 film) - Starring Liam Neeson

Review by Jon Donnis

"In the Land of Saints and Sinners," directed by Robert Lorenz and featuring Liam Neeson in the lead role, delivers a gripping Irish action thriller that effectively blends Neeson's signature tough-guy persona with a compelling narrative set against the stunning backdrop of 1970s Donegal. With a solid supporting cast and engaging cinematography, the film stands out in the crowded genre, despite some formulaic elements.

The plot revolves around Finbar Murphy (Liam Neeson), a former assassin trying to distance himself from a shadowy past. Employed by local figure Robert McQue (Colm Meaney) as a hitman, Finbar's life takes a dark turn when terrorists enter the picture, threatening the peace of his quiet coastal town. Drawn into a dangerous game, Finbar must confront his own secrets to protect his community.

Liam Neeson delivers a familiar yet compelling performance, showcasing his ability to portray the reluctant tough guy with a heart of gold. The film successfully utilizes the picturesque Irish landscape, creating an immersive experience for the audience. The accompanying score enhances the overall atmosphere, contributing to the film's emotional depth.

The supporting cast, including Kerry Condon, Jack Gleeson, and Ciarán Hinds, delivers stellar performances, adding layers to the narrative. Jack Gleeson, in particular, shines as the second hitman, creating a memorable dynamic alongside Neeson. The film's cinematography captures the essence of the small Irish coastal town, providing a visually appealing backdrop for the unfolding events.

While the movie initially appears to follow the standard Liam Neeson action-revenge formula, "In the Land of Saints and Sinners" distinguishes itself through its strong supporting cast, fantastic cinematography, and engaging storytelling. The film successfully explores themes of redemption and sacrifice, adding depth to the overall narrative.

However, the film is not without its flaws. The narrative, while engaging, follows a somewhat formulaic and predictable trajectory, lacking the thematic complexity seen in some other thrillers. The exploration of Finbar's past and his involvement with McQue's operations feels somewhat shallow, leaving potential for a more profound examination of his character.

In conclusion, "In the Land of Saints and Sinners" is a highly enjoyable Irish action thriller that leverages Liam Neeson's strengths while offering a visually stunning and emotionally resonant experience. Despite its narrative predictability, the film's strong performances, captivating scenery, and well-executed action sequences make it a worthwhile addition to the genre.

I score In the Land of Saints and Sinners a decent 8 out of 10.

Out now on Digital