REVIEW: How to Please a Woman (2022) Starring Sally Phillips

Review by Jon Donnis

Let it be known before I start writing this review that I am a big fan of Sally Phillips and have been probably since her Smack the Pony days, so I might be a little biased.

Sally Phillips plays Gina, a middle-aged woman working in a middle management job, in a middling sexless marriage to a mid-range husband. On her birthday her friends arrange for a male stripper Tom (played by Alexander England) to turn up at her house and give her a show. She turns down the offer of "extras" but instead realising he is booked for 2 hours; she gets him to clean the house.

After being the only one made redundant and hearing that Tom's moving company is about to be closed down by the very same people who fired her, she remembers Tom cleaning her house topless, and the light bulb goes off in her head, turn the moving company into a cleaning company, with the gimmick being that men will clean topless and give frustrated women something to ogle. After Tom has sex with the first client, Gina soon realises that this could be an even better idea, men that will not only clean your house but also take care of those sexual frustrations.

Insert slightly awkward men who quickly learn the art of pleasuring women, as well as the sexual awakening of Gina and you have a very decent comedy drama.

Sally Phillips is of course great as the lead, very convincing as the shy older sexless woman, finding herself not only helping other women but also herself as she grows.

There is some nudity in the film, as well as some nice shots of Sally Phillips bum, now I do not think they used a body double here, but I would like to think that Sally Philips at some point said "I have a great arse, so please get a nice camera shot". But that might just be my filthy mind.

Regardless of that, this is a really fun, enjoyable film, with some great comedy moments as well as some very serious drama, and it walks the line between both very well.

The Good

It has the gorgeous Sally Phillips in it, and she is awesome as Gina. A fun story and satisfying ending.

The Bad

I wish we could have had a little more of the sexual awakening of the Gina character.

Overall

Really good film, I recommend it to everyone old enough to see it.

I score How to Please a Woman a solid 8.5/10

Out now on Sky Cinema, and is screening now in Australian cinemas.

REVIEW: The Gray Man (2022) - Starring Ryan Gosling, Chris Evans and Ana de Armas

Review by Jon Donnis

I always find it fascinating that Netflix will put down $200m for a movie, then basically keep it only for Netflix subscribers. I guess they have money to burn, as I don't think anyone is specifically subscribing to Netflix to see just one film, and if they did they would probably take advantage of a free trial period.

Anyway, The Gray Man is the newest addition to the Netflix line up, and stars Ryan Gosling as "Sierra Six", a CIA black ops assassin who is forced to go on the run after uncovering incriminating secrets about the agency, and Chris Evans as Lloyd Hansen, a psychopathic former CIA agent who is contracted by CIA bosses to capture Six.

The film starts in 2003 with Senior CIA official Donald Fitzroy (played by Billy Bob Thornton) visiting a convicted murderer in prison, the murderer killed his abusive father in 1995, to protect his brother. Fitzroy offers the murderer freedom, but there is a catch, he will have to work as an assassin for the CIA's Sierra program. These assassins work off the books, and take out enemies of the State with no questions asked. The murderer (Ryan Gosling ) agrees and takes the codename Sierra Six. (Basically, known now as Six throughout the film).

Fast forward to 2021 and Six finds himself on a mission in Bangkok, he is told he has to assassinate someone who has been selling national security secrets to enemies of the country. Six is working alongside Dani Miranda (Ana de Armas), as he is about to assassinate the target, a child walks into view, so he holds back, despite his bosses ordering him to take out the target and that the child is acceptable collateral damage. He fakes a gun jam, and moves in to take out the suspect in close quarters instead, after pulling a fire alarm. He takes down the suspect, but before he dies he reveals he worked for the same people who hired Six, and that he was known as Sierra Four, he then hands him an encrypted USB drive hidden in a necklace, and tells him it has details of the corruption of CIA Official Denny Carmichael (Regé-Jean Page), Carmichael is also the lead agent on this mission and Six's boss. When Carmichael is elusive about why this man was to be assassinated, Six refuses evacuation and escapes.

The CIA realise that Six is a problem and now need to take him out. Carmichael hires mercenary Lloyd Hansen, a former CIA agent who was kicked out of the agency for his psychopathic tendencies. It is up to him to track down Six, and retrieve the USB drive.

What follows is a nonstop 2-hour action film, that really does have everything, double crosses, hand to hand fights, car chases, shoot outs, young kid being kidnapped, you think of the action film cliche scene and this film has it.

Ryan Gosling is strong in the lead, and pulls off the calm sort of good guy killer role very well. Chris Evans is excellent as psychotic Lloyd Hansen, you know he is psychotic because he wears a moustache, and the rest of the cast is just full of big-name stars.

The Good

If you like big action, big budget films, then this really does tick all the boxes. Strong characters all around, the multiple fight scenes never get repetitive and they do a good job of changing things up.

The Bad

Sometimes it does all seem a bit too much, and the whole one vs the world story has been done a million times before, and when you have one man taking out what seems like a never-ending queue of bad guys, you might find yourself rolling your eyes slightly.

Overall

I like a big budget action film, and this really did satisfy my genre needs.

I score The Gray Man a solid 7/10.

Out now on Netflix.

https://www.netflix.com/title/81160697

COMPETITION: Win Snakehead on DVD

Snakehead DVD - Released on 1st August

And to celebrate we have a great competition for you and 3 copies to give away.

Synopsis: 

In a tense crime story inspired by true events, Sister Tse travels from Taiwan to New York with the help of a human smuggler known as a “Snakehead”. Gaining favour with the matriarch of a crime family, she quickly rises through the ranks. However, a better way of life isn’t the only reason she came to America, and desperately searches for her daughter.

Starring Shuya Chang (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny), Jade Wu (Luke Cage), Richie Ng (Killerman), Devon Diep (Honest Thief) and Sung Kang (Fast & Furious franchise), Snakehead is written and directed by Evan Jackson Leong (Linsanity).

Dazzler Media presents Snakehead on DVD & Download-to-Own from 1st August

Order from Amazon at https://amzn.to/3z5H35x

For your chance to win just answer the question below.

COMPETITION CLOSED

Quick Terms and conditions - For full T&C click here
1. Closing date 08-08-22
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: Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank - Starring Michael Cera, Ricky Gervais, Mel Brooks and Samuel L. Jackson

Review by Jon Donnis

Paws of Fury is one of these films that seem to take forever to be released, originally due for 2017! And you can tell as there are a few slightly dated references, a big Gangnam Style number perhaps the most obvious.

Anyway, the film itself is a loose adaptation of the 1974 Mel Brooks film Blazing Saddles, and is full of big-name actors voicing the characters, including Michael Cera, Ricky Gervais, Mel Brooks, George Takei, Aasif Mandvi, Gabriel Iglesias, Djimon Hounsou, Michelle Yeoh, and Samuel L. Jackson.

Set in Japan and a land inhabited by talking cats, we are quickly introduced to Ika Chu, a warmongering  Somali cat, voiced by Ricky Gervais and based on Hedley LaMarr from Blazing Saddles. Ika Chu is a high ranking official of Shōgun of Kakamucho, Toshi played by Mel Brooks, which is basically a version of Brooks' role as Gov. William J. Le Petomane from Blazing Saddles.

Ika Chu is the baddie in this film, and Ricky Gervais plays the character well, although I always think any time a well-known actor plays the part of a cartoon character, that character needs to look a bit like the actor, sadly in this film no one looks anything like the actor playing them, which is a bit strange, because young kids won't know who these people are, so they should have given adults something to notice.

Any who, Ika Chu has a big palace, and it is perfect, well almost, the problem is right next to the palace is the village of Kakamucho, and basically it spoils the view so Ika Chu wants it wiped out, so sends gangs of thugs to destroy it. The village has a Samurai to protect it, but flees when he sees the invasion.

The villagers need a new Samurai, and the Shogun orders Ika Chu to appoint a new one, not knowing that he was behind the invasion.

With this being a world of cats, Ika Chu decides to send Hank (Michael Cera) a beagle dog who was about to be executed, and who dreams of being a samurai, based on Sheriff Bart from Blazing Saddles. Since dogs are illegal in the village, he believes that the town will just kill him.

At first the town wants to kill him, but eventually Hank manages to get Jimbo (Samuel L. Jackson) to train him as a Samurai. During the training Hank manages to take down Sumo, (Djimon Hounsou) a giant dim witted cat sent to destroy the village, by doing this the village finally learns to believe in Hank. Of course, this new found acceptance goes straight to his head, and Ika Chu convinces Hank to go to a club and celebrate (insert outdated Gangnam Style party scene), and while partying the village gets devastated by more thugs since Ika Chu knew Hank wouldn't be there to protect them.

Hank leaves the village in shame when he realises what happened, but of course comes back for the redemption story.

Paws of Fury is a simple yet fun story, a nice enough kids film, that is littered with adult references to keep the parents who are dragged along to see it happy.

The animation throughout is decent, some interesting styles used, voice acting is all good as you would expect from the big name actors.

The film at times feels a bit of a rip off of films like Kung Fun Panda, yet it is based on a 1974 film so perhaps they can get away with a bit here and there.

The Good

Fun story, nice animation, satisfying ending. Only 85 minutes, which the characters like to remind the audience, in a few breaking of the 4th wall moments.

The Bad

I hate films that break the 4th wall, especially cartoons, it is not clever, and kids wont really understand it.

Overall

An enjoyable animated film, perhaps not a cult classic, but will surely deliver a sequel or two.

Good for the kids, and since that is who it is aimed at, they will ultimately decide if it does any good or not.

I score Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank a solid 7/10

Out in Cinemas Now! And you can pre-order the Home Entertainment release at 

https://amzn.to/3zuIITB

REVIEW: Black Site (2022) - Starring Michelle Monaghan, Jason Clarke & Jai Courtney

Review by Jon Donnis

The last time I can recall seeing Michelle Monaghan in anything, was TV show Messiah, which sadly was cancelled after one season, well she is back now and leading the cast in new thriller Black Site.

Michelle Monaghan plays Abigail "Abby" Trent, she works as a CIA analyst. She recently lost her family to a terrorist attack in Istanbul, Turkey, and is still coming to terms with such a loss. Despite this she decides she needs to get back to work, so she can find out who was behind the attack.

Abby soon finds herself stationed at a secret underground black site facility that imprisons the worst criminals and the highest risk terrorists. Just before her new assignment is to begin, a special ops group bring in "Hatchet Meyers", played by Jason Clarke. He is notorious for the way he tortures and brutally murders his enemies, and Abby soon realises he is the one behind the attack that killed her husband and daughter.

Despite this being supposedly the best place to keep prisoners, Hatchet soon escapes, and starts killing everyone at the base, one by one. Throw in some moles working on the inside for Hatchet, and Abby will have a tough job surviving this one and trying to get revenge on the man who killed her family.

The film is slightly paint by numbers, and you will not find yourself seeing anything original here, with that said the film does seem to walk the line between your typical political thriller, and classic evil horror. With Hatchet being the guy methodically taking people out is gruesome fashion.

I am a fan of Michelle Monaghan, and I think she fits well as the strong badass woman lead in this, and Jason Clarke just kind of looks a bit evil anyway, so always happy to see him play the bad guy in a film.

Special mention also should go to Uli Latukefu who plays Captain David Palau, if you are a fan of Young Rock, you will instantly recognise Latukefu.

The Good

Strong protagonist and strong antagonist does help what is a weak script as you want the Abby character to succeed and Hatchet to fail.

The Bad

The script is not original, and a moderate budget stifles the creativity of some scenes.

Overall

This is a 90 minute thriller, which has its high points as well as low ones, I would say there are more high than low, and I would say at 90 minutes it is an easy film to watch.

I score Black Site a fair 7/10

Pre-Order now - https://amzn.to/3HrV2ql

NEWS: RAW 'contender for best horror movie of the decade' gets Standard Ed. Blu-ray release 8 August from Second Sight Films

Get ready for a second helping of Raw, as the deliciously dark tale of a strict vegetarian who discovers a taste for human flesh after heading to a brutal veterinary college where initiation ceremonies are the norm, gets a Standard Edition Blu-ray release thanks to Second Sight Films. This horror hit will be dished up on 8 August 2022. Pre-Order at https://amzn.to/3amweUr

BAFTA nominated and Palme d’Or winner Julia Ducournau's (Titane) shocking feature film debut was acclaimed by critics after a barnstorming debut at Toronto International Film Festival, where paramedics had to be called after audience members fainted at the film's premiere. Now, after wowing audiences on its initial release and its hugely successful Limited Edition, Second Sight has once again pulled the Raw ingredients together for the brilliant Raw Standard Edition release, that has a full menu of extras.

Shy student Justine (Garance Marillier – Warning, Titane), heads to a veterinary school and is subjected a tough series of hazing rituals from fellow students. And it's even tougher for vegetarian Justine as she is covered in blood and forced to eat raw meat. But after tasting the flesh, Justine finds herself craving even more meat - and it doesn't matter if it's animal or human as her uncontrollable desires lead to a horrific outcome.

Second Sight has produced a sumptuous buffet for your delectation, with features including interviews with star Garance Marilier and producer Jean des Forets, commentary from critic Alexandra West, as well as interviews and commentaries from Julia Ducournau and plenty more, this is a dish that tastes as good as it looks.

Pre-Order at https://amzn.to/3amweUr

REVIEW: Rubikon (2022) - Starring Julia Franz Richter, George Blagden and Mark Ivanir

Review by Jon Donnis

The year is 2056 and we find ourselves with a skeleton crew of astronauts aboard the space station Rubikon, we have German-born Captain Hannah Wagner (Julia Franz Richter), British male Gavin (George Blagden), and Russian Dimitri (Mark Ivanir).

The world below is facing huge changes to what we know, the world is run by giant corporations where the rich live in paradise while the poor starve and choke. Ok not that much of a huge change, in fact pretty much identical to 2022.

Seemingly out of nowhere, a giant toxic cloud starts to cover the face of the earth, but without any signs of a Super Volcano erupting or an asteroid strike, the crew aboard the Rubikon apparently have no idea what has caused it, nor do they have communications with anyone on earth to tell them what is happening.

The astronauts eventually make contact with people in the bunker, 300 of them, but their oxygen is running out, it just so happens that our space crew have the technology to help them filter out the harmful toxins so they can survive. The question now becomes how can they help, should they risk their lives to save these 300 survivors, or should they just wait and keep themselves safe.

As you will have guessed the crew is an international one, everyone speaks in English of course, which is lucky for the viewer. The film excels at the start and at the end, really delivering a scifi story to captivate the viewer. The cinematography is fantastic, and as the tensions grow between the crew, you do find yourself being dragged in and really caring what happens.

At nearly 1 hour and 50 minutes, the film is quite long, especially considering the modest budget, and the middle of the film does drag a bit. I think this film would improve massively with a much tighter cut of around 85 minutes.

You will probably see the twist a mile off, but it is a pleasing one.

The Good

A well made film on a modest budget, with strong characters.

The Bad

The middle feels like a bit of a grind at times, and really should have been edited down.

Overall

A simple sci-fi film with a respectable plot, decent acting and strong ending.

I score Rubikon a respectable 7/10

Out now on Digitla and DVD at https://amzn.to/3zetJx5

REVIEW: Firestarter (2022) Starring Zac Efron, Ryan Kiera Armstrong, Sydney Lemmon, Kurtwood Smith, John Beasley, Michael Greyeyes and Gloria Reuben

Review by Jon Donnis

Today's film is Firestarter, basically about a young girl who has the ability to set things on fire! Now this is a remake of a 1984 film of the same name that featured a young Drew Barrymore in just her 3^rd film after Altered States and ET. I have to say I do not recall ever seeing the original film, so I come into this 2022 version completely fresh, and without a preconceived idea of what the film should be.

The film starts off with a dream/flashback scene, whereby a baby Charlene "Charlie" McGee (later played by the excellent Ryan Kiera Armstrong), is resting in her crib, when out of nowhere it seems that she starts to set the room on fire starting with the mobile above her. Suddenly Charlie's father Andrew "Andy" McGee, (Zac Efron) runs into the room. Picks up the baby, when suddenly the baby sets on fire too. Andy wakes up in bed in the present. After going downstairs, he finds Charlie sat at the table, now a bit older. After having a nightmare, Charlie is sat playing with a lighter, Victoria "Vicky" Tomlinson-McGee, Charlie's mother, played by Sydney Lemmon joins Andy to talk with Charlie, Charlie's powers are becoming more unstable and they talk to her about how to control them.

We get another flashback of sorts this time through recorded tape interviews with a Dr. Joseph Wanless, (Played by Robocop legend Kurtwood Smith), this time with Andy and Vicky taking part in an FDA clinical trial. The questions start to move towards psychic powers. And through the flashbacks we learn that they are to be injected with an experimental chemical compound drug called Lot-6, which unbeknownst to them, gives them supernatural powers, Andy gains telepathy, and Vicky obtains telekinesis.

Back in the present day, and Charlie has had an "event" at school, and a bathroom stall has exploded after she was being bullied. 

In a secret facility , Captain Jane Hollister (Gloria Reuben) is monitoring Charlie, and goes to meet Dr. Joseph Wanless, he tells Hollister she needs to kill Charlie before her powers become too strong. Hollister enlists the help of John Rainbird, (Michael Greyeyes) a bounty hunter with powers of his own to help track down Charlie.

What follows is a decent horror/thriller. There are quite a few decent set pieces, and plenty of shots of Charlie screaming and setting things on fire, as well as her attempts to develop her powers and learn to control them.

The film starts off strong, the opening scene with the baby is excellent and really catches the viewer's attention, unfortunately things go a bit dull before we get to see the Charlie character really let off the shackles, and that is where the film hits full stride.

Watching this film does make me want to watch the original now, as the original is something of a cult favourite, I hear.

The Good

Ryan Kiera Armstrong is excellent as the young Charlie, and as already mentioned she really nails the role down in the last third of the film, with some edge of your seat action. Zac Efron also puts in a strong performance as the father, and delivers the lines convincingly.

The Bad

Despite being only 90 minutes long, there are some dull scenes which come across as filler.

Overall

I enjoyed Firestarter, it was way better than I thought, and the strong start will help you forgive the dull parts to get through to the final big finish.

I score Firestarter a hot 8/10

Out Now at Cinemas and on Digital (Peacock).

And you can pre-order the home entertainment release at https://amzn.to/3tu6VGe

WIN GREEN LANTERN: BEWARE MY POWER ON BLU-RAY™

GREEN LANTERN: BEWARE MY POWER IS AVAILABLE ON DVD & BLU-RAY™ 

FROM 25th JULY, AND ON DIGITAL FROM 26th JULY 

To celebrate its release, we're giving three lucky winners a copy of the latest DC Animated Movie, Green Lantern: Beware My Power on Blu-Ray™!

In Green Lantern: Beware My Power, recently discharged Marine sniper John Stewart is at a crossroads in his life, one which is only complicated by receiving an extraterrestrial ring which grants him the powers of the Green Lantern of Earth. Unfortunately, the ring comes with baggage, like a horde of interplanetary killers bent on eliminating every Green Lantern in the universe. Now this reluctant soldier must somehow succeed where all other Green Lanterns have failed…

Aldis Hodge (Black Adam, One Night in Miami, City on a Hill) stars as John Stewart/Green Lantern, closely supported by Jimmi Simpson (Westworld, The Man Who Fell To Earth, Pachinko) as Green Arrow. Green Lantern: Beware My Power is directed by Jeff Wamester (Justice Society: World War II) from a script co-written by John Semper (Static Shock, Fraggle Rock) and Ernie Altbacker (Justice League Dark: Apokolips War). Jim Krieg (Justice League vs. The Fatal Five) is producer, supervising producer is Butch Lukic (Batman: The Long Halloween), and Sam Register is Executive Producer.

Green Lantern: Beware My Power is set for release on Blu-ray and DVD on 25th July 2022 and on Digital Download on the 26th July 2022.

For your chance to win a copy of Green Lantern: Beware My Power on Blu-ray™, simply answer the following question:

COMPETITION CLOSED

Quick Terms and conditions - For full T&C click here
1. Closing date 01-08-22
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.

COMPETITION: Win The Lost City on Blu-ray

The Lost City Blu-ray - Released on July 25th

And to celebrate we have a great competition for you and 3 copies to give away.

Synopsis: 

Starring Sandra Bullock, Channing Tatum, Daniel Radcliffe, and Da’Vine Joy Randolph, this jungle comedy adventure is “HILARIOUS & WILD” (Indiewire). Fans can enjoy THE LOST CITY at home on Digital*, 4K Ultra HD™, or Blu-ray™ and get over 50 minutes of fun-filled bonus content, including hilarious bloopers, deleted scenes not seen in theaters, and multiple behind-the-scenes featurettes.  Take a trip to the movie’s exotic filming location, see how the incredible action set pieces were filmed, discover the story behind the infamous jumpsuit, and much more!

Loretta Sage’s (Sandra Bullock) novels are filled with ancient tombs and daring adventures, but that doesn’t mean she’s prepared for them in real life. When she is kidnapped by an eccentric billionaire (Daniel Radcliffe) to locate a legendary lost city, Loretta's handsome cover model, Alan (Channing Tatum), sets off on a heroic but hapless rescue mission. Thrust into an epic thrill-ride through the jungle, the unlikely pair must work together to survive the elements, and survive each other, to find the city's fabled treasure before it’s lost forever.

The Lost City is available to Download & Keep now and on 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-Ray™ & DVD July 25.

Order from Amazon at https://amzn.to/3aS2RJL

For your chance to win just answer the question below.

COMPETITION CLOSED

Quick Terms and conditions - For full T&C click here
1. Closing date 01-08-22
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.

COMPETITION: Win The Burning Sea on Blu-ray

The Burning Sea Blu-ray - Released on July 25th

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

Synopsis: 

Produced by the Norwegian-based Fantefilm Fiksjon, the team behind the highly acclaimed THE WAVE and THE QUAKE, THE BURNING SEA takes the company’s trademark tense and gripping take on the environmental disaster genre and pushes it to a whole new level. 

 

From director John Andreas Andersen (THE QUAKE) and starring Kristine Kujath Thorp, Rolf Kristian Larsen, Anders Baasmo, Bjørn Floberg, Anneke von der Lippe, Ane Skumsvoll, Cengiz Al, Nils Elias Olsen, THE BURNING SEA is a nail biting, action-packed thriller for our times.

 

In 1969, the Norwegian government announces their discovery of one of the world's largest oil fields in the neighbouring North Sea, launching a prosperous period of offshore drilling. 

 

Fifty years later, the environmental consequences begin to manifest - a crack has opened on the ocean floor, causing a rig to collapse. A team of researchers, including submarine operator Sofia (Kristine Kujath Thorp), rushes in to search for the missing and assess the cause of the damage. But what they discover is that this is just the start of a possible apocalyptic catastrophe. As rigs are evacuated, Sofia's partner Stian (Henrik Bjelland) becomes trapped in the depths of the sea, leaving Sofia to come to his rescue. 

Order from Amazon at https://amzn.to/3uXABw9

For your chance to win just answer the question below.

COMPETITION CLOSED

Quick Terms and conditions - For full T&C click here
1. Closing date 01-08-22
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.

COMPETITION: Win Operation: Wolf Hound on DVD

Operation: Wolf Hound DVD - Released on July 25th

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

Synopsis: 

Based on true events. One of the most shocking moments in World War II history is brought to life in this action packed thriller. In 1944 German-occupied France, the Nazis developed a Trojan horse plot that aimed to incapacitate the allied forces in the skies and was the beginnings of an enemy action to level a major European city! The only resilience against this Nazi threat are those allied officers caught and captured in its web. With time running out and the plan laid out before them, it’s up to a rag-tag bunch of soldiers to put an end to this critical ambush tactic which could turn the tide of war. Operation: Wolf Hound stars James Maslow (Big Time Rush), Trevor Donovan (90210), John Turk (Transformers: Dark of the Moon, Prison Break) and is directed and co-written by Michael B. Chait (B-52: Three Generations).

Signature Entertainment presents Operation: Wolf Hound on Digital Platforms 4th July and DVD 25th July.

Order from Amazon at https://amzn.to/3yN3pJ0

For your chance to win just answer the question below.

COMPETITION CLOSED

Quick Terms and conditions - For full T&C click here
1. Closing date 01-08-22
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: Lightyear (2022) - NOT Starring Tim Allen - But does star Peter Sohn as Sox

Review by Jon Donnis

In the Toy Story films, there was a toy called Buzz Lightyear, that toy was based on a film, that film was called Lightyear, and this is that film that has now been released, so in some ways this is a prequel to the origin of a Toy from a film that was made 27 years ago.

Now in the Lightyear film, Buzz Lightyear is voiced by Chris Evans, yet the toy that was made from that film, instead of casting Chris Evans, they cast the much superior voice of Tim Allen.

This is what Disney Pixar want us to believe. Can you think of any toy that has ever been released that did not have the voice of the original actor?

First of all, Buzz Lightyear will ALWAYS be Tim Allen, anyone else is just a poor imitation, and with that said, that is the first huge problem with this film. They changed the actor who played the character. So instantly I dislike the new Lightyear, even though it is not the toy character but instead a real character from a film.

Now I have that off my chest, let's get to the story.

Buzz Lightyear is a space ranger in Star Command, and along with his commanding officer Alisha Hawthorne (Uzo Aduba) they explore the planet T'Kani Prime along with rookie Featheringhamstan played by Bill Hader. They soon realise that the planet is already inhabited by hostile plant lifeforms forcing them to make a quick retreat. As Buzz is flying the "Turnip" to escape, he makes a mistake and it clips the side of a mountain and they crash back down on the planet.

The damages mean they are stuck on the planet. Fast forward 1 year and the crew have constructed a colony as well as infrastructure to make full repairs. They have had to develop a new fuel source, Buzz tests the new fuel and tries to make a hypersonic test flight, but something goes wrong and when he lands 4 years have passed due to time dilation.

At this point we get introduced to the real star of the film; a robotic cat called Sox (voiced by​ Peter Sohn). Buzz repeats his hypersonic test flight, but each time the test fails and 4 more years pass. Quickly we see Alisha get older, have a lesbian relationship, because of course they have to shoehorn it in for "reasons". She has kids (despite being a lesbian), and of course one of those kids grows up to be a gay man. And yes, the various relationships are all interracial too. I cant imagine why people have called this film ridiculously "woke".

More and more tests, more things go wrong, and blah blah blah.

This film is everything that is wrong with Disney these days. They do not know how to write good characters, instead they seem to have a check list and they go through each one to make sure they keep a tiny minority of twitter trolls happy.

The result is wonderfully animated, yet with characters that are incredibly dull and unlikeable.

The ONLY saving grace is Sox the cat, who is actually interesting, has some comedy moments and is by far and away the one character that kids will be interested in.

Outside of Buzz and Sox all the other characters are stereotypes, and instantly forgettable. And even Buzz has just lost something about him since they went with Chris Evans.

The film has flopped in the cinemas and I can understand why. This was a film that never should have been made in the first place as it makes little sense. Fans of Toy Story will hate it because it lacks all of the Toy Story characters outside of Buzz, and they will also hate it because it is NOT Buzz Lightyear the toy voiced by the legend that is Tim Allen.

The Good

The animation is fantastic, and Sox the robot cat stands out as the only likeable thing about the film.

The Bad

Everything else. Poorly written, ridiculous stereotype woke characters, Chris Evans is good as Captain America, but he is no Buzz Lightyear. He should apologise to Toy Story fans right now.

Overall

If a kid has never seen any of the Toy Story films, they may like it as a stand alone cartoon, but for me the film failed in its most important job, that being to entertain me, make me laugh and make me feel engaged with the characters.

Lightyear will quickly be assigned to the trash can of history.

I score Lightyear 0/10, and Sox 3/10, so combining the scores, I have the film a 3/10, and that is purely due to Sox.

Out now in cinemas, but make sure you buy this super cool Sox Plush, Space Mission Robot Cat, Movie-Inspired Talking Soft Toy at https://amzn.to/3o7tDB0

Imagine if they voice the toy cat with an actor other than Peter Sohn, that would be really dumb.

REVIEW: The Princess (2022) - Starring Joey King, Dominic Cooper, Olga Kurylenko and Ed Stoppard

Review by Jon Donnis

For a moment I thought we had a 2022 remake of The Princess Bride, but alas we must wait longer for that. Instead we have a classic story, a Princess (Joey King) is to be married off, and of course she is not interested.

Set in medieval times in a realm run by a King (Ed Stoppard) and Queen (Alex Reid), it becomes apparent that they have no male heir to the throne. Just two daughters. The film starts with one of those daughters chained up in a bed at the top of the tower. The King had planned for her to wed Julius (Dominic Cooper) the evil son of a diplomat, but after she left him at the altar Julius and his whip wielding henchwoman Moira (Olga Kurylenko) take the castle by force, and ultimately force the Princess to marry him, so he can have an undeniable claim to the throne.

The Princess quickly escapes her bonds, and starts to fight her way through the castle, floor by floor. She clearly knows Kung Fu which we are told she learnt as a child from Linh, the neice of one of The King's advisors. How lucky for her.

The film is a story as old as time, but without your classic "man comes to save the day", instead this is all about kick ass women, especially the Princess and Linh.

The film is quite lighthearted but also pretty violent, so not for kids. There are plenty of fun moments, and some pretty decent fight scenes. It may lack the intelligence of The Princess Bride, but does share some of the humour of the cult classic, without ever quite going as full on parody as that film.

The Good

Excellent fight scenes, a likeable Princess and an equally dislikeable Julius. Also special mention has to go out to the awesome Olga Kurylenko as henchwoman Moira. Perhaps my favourite character in the whole film.

The Bad

The plot is paper thin, and I would have liked to have seen them go full comedy as opposed to just the odd funny moment here and there.

Overall

An enjoyable film, perfect early evening watching.

Out now on Hulu

REVIEW: Hot Seat (2022) - Starring Kevin Dillon, Mel Gibson, Michael Welch, Sam Asghari, Eddie Steeples and Shannen Doherty

Review by Jon Donnis

With Mel Gibson taking on more of these low to mid budget films, I can say I am firmly in the approval section, for I like Mel Gibson, and despite his problems over the years, he is a good actor and does bring something to the roles he takes on. With that said Kevin Dillon is the true lead in this film.

Kevin Dillon plays Orlando Friar a reformed hacker who now works as an IT expert, spending his days helping old ladies with their internet routers over the phone. 

After being called into work on his daughter's birthday, Orlando gets on a zoom call with his wife, and with his daughter, neither are very happy with him, suddenly he finds that his computer has been hacked, and a mysterious voice tells him if he gets off his chair, it will explode. Caught in such a position, Orlando agrees to help this mysterious person with some hacking with the knowledge if he doesn't, not only will he go boom, but the mysterious person will go after his family. And even worse the mysterious man has already framed Orlando as the bomber of an earlier explosion.

Elsewhere bomb disposal expert Wallace Reed (Mel Gibson) arrives on the scene with his younger partner Jackson (Eddie Steeples). Can they help get to the bottom of what is going on, and not only diffuse any bombs, but also help save Orlando? Are they trying to recreate the chemistry between Gibson and a funny black guy from Lethal Weapon? Does anyone really care as long as the film is good?

The film has a modest budget, and as such most of the film is set in the office where Orlando is trapped, however there is some great interaction between the Reed and Jackson characters, something I think should have taken a much more central role, as Gibson and Steeples have great chemistry.

There quite a few scenes showing Orlando fake typing, and doing the kind of cliche hacking stuff you have seen in Hollywood a million times before, it comes across a bit like what your granny thinks hacking is as opposed to what it really is.

Throw in an aggressive SWAT team guy who wants to just go in and kill everyone, Police Chief Pam Connelly played by Shannen Doherty who is trying to learn from the mistakes of her past and make the right decisions, and you have a decent cast of characters that although unoriginal do their jobs pretty well.

Gibson works best when he has someone to work off and Steeples plays that part well, Kevin Dillon does a good job as the man with the weight of the world on his shoulders, and stuck in pretty much one position for most of the film.

The twist you will see a mile off, however when it is revealed, they slightly drag it out a bit, but then recover it with the extra bad guy scene at the end, just to send everyone home happy.

In general, I did enjoy the film, however I have a feeling that either something got left on the cutting room floor, or they really did just do one character dirty. I don't want to say exactly what, as I don't want to spoil the film, but I completely expected something at the very end that did not happen, which leaves me wondering why they would do that, when everything else kind of goes according to what you would expect.

The Good

Simple, straightforward action thrillers are what I live for. I do not care if they are that original, I just want likeable characters, decent tension build up, and a nice finale, and Hot Seat gave me everything I could ask for. It may not be Lethal Weapon, but then nothing is.

The Bad

I want to know what happened to that one character, that is my one annoyance with the film.

Overall

I enjoyed Hot Seat, not going to break any records, but a perfectly watchable action thriller that ticks all of the boxes.

I score Hot Seat a solid 8/10

Out Now on Apple TV - https://apple.co/3P6y7DT