Monday, 4 March 2024

COMPETITION: Win Padre Pio on Blu-ray



Dazzler Media presents stirring historical drama Padre Pio, starring Shia LaBeouf and helmed by legendary director Abel Ferrara, arriving on Blu-ray, DVD and Download-to-Own from 11th March!

And to celebrate we have a great competition and 2 copies on Blu-ray to give away.

Synopsis
BAFTA winner Shia LaBeouf (Honey Boy, The Peanut Butter Falcon) gives a powerful and deeply committed performance in this new film from legendary director, Abel Ferrara (Bad Lieutenant, King of New York).

It is the end of World War I and the young Italian soldiers are making their way back to San Giovanni Rotondo, a land of poverty, historic violence and the iron-clad rule of the church and its wealthy landowners. Families are desperate, the men are broken, but victorious. Padre Pio (LaBeouf) also arrives to a remote Capuchin monastery, to begin his ministry evoking an aura of compelling charisma, saintliness, and storied visions of Jesus, Mary and the Devil himself. The eve of the first free election in Italy sets the stage for a historic, and metaphoric massacre, an apocalyptic event, one that changes the course of the world.

Dazzler Media presents Padre Pio on Blu-ray, DVD and Download-to-Own from 11th March

Pre-order on Amazon at https://amzn.to/49XUTYm


Enter now for a chance to win.

COMPETITION CLOSED


Quick Terms and conditions - For full T&C click here
1. Closing date 18-03-24
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 Shamrock Spitfire on DVD


Garnering critical acclaim at festivals, Shamrock Spitfire – from writer-director brothers Dominic and Ian Higgins gets its UK premiere this March just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, courtesy of 101 Films. 

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

Synopsis
Take flight with Shamrock Spitfire, a multi-award-winning, gripping World War II feature that chronicles the remarkable true story of Brendan “Paddy” Finucane – the legendary Irish pilot who became one of the most celebrated fighter aces of the Second World War and youngest Wing Commander in RAF history. 

The future of Europe hangs by a thread as fierce battles rage in the skies over southern England. With his dreams of being a pilot, Brendan Finucane (Shane O’Regan) is one of the first Irish men to enlist in the Royal Air Force – despite the fears of his loving mum (Emily Outred – Johnny English Strikes Again), dad (Eoin Lynch – Poldark) and fiancé, Grace (Sophia Eleni – Casualty).


The infamous Battle of Britain is his baptism of fire, the ace takes to the sky with a shamrock painted on the side of his iconic Spitfire and in a show of pure grit and determination, Finucane proves he’s a natural-born fighter pilot. Overcoming adversity, he lands victorious and gains the respect he deserves from his officers and battalion.

It’s not long before Finucane is given command of the 452 Australian Squadron – a group of young men who need whipping into shape to prepare to fly – and fight – for their country, and under his diligent leadership this Squadron become the stuff of legend 

A powerful and poignant tale of courage, camaraderie and the indomitable human spirit, this enthralling feature reminds viewers that even in the darkest of times, heroes emerge. 

Fly high with  Shamrock Spitfire – the heroic true story of a young man from Ireland who, against all odds, became a symbol of hope and pride, inspiring an entire nation.

Pre-order on Amazon at https://amzn.to/3P4x2OO

Enter now for a chance to win.

COMPETITION CLOSED


Quick Terms and conditions - For full T&C click here
1. Closing date 18-03-24
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 One Percenter on Blu-ray



Third Window Films is releasing 1%er on Blu-ray on March 11th.

Tak Sakaguchi, the legendary Japanese action star of Versus, Re:Born and Crazy Samurai Musashi teams up with director Yudai Yamaguchi (Meatball Machine, Yakuza Weapon) to invite you to experience the birth of a new form of "Real Action"! 

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

Synopsis
Action film actor Takuma Toshiro is a man  with only one goal: the perfection of action film acting.

But when his samurai-approach to the profession clashes with an industry addicted to wires, CGI and quick edits, Toshiro and his trusty apprentice Akira decide to make their dream film themselves.

When actual violence finds  its way onto their film set in the form of yakuza  mobsters looking for a hidden cache of drugs, Toshiro and Akira are suddenly thrust into action. Is this the ideal  opportunity to take his “Real Action” to the next level? As lives are lost and chaos ensues, Toshiro finds  that the gap between action “fantasy” and “reality” isn’t quite what he thought!

Enter now for a chance to win.

COMPETITION CLOSED


Quick Terms and conditions - For full T&C click here
1. Closing date 18-03-24
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.

Saturday, 2 March 2024

REVIEW: Dune: Part Two (2024 Film) - Starring Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgård, Dave Bautista, Zendaya, Charlotte Rampling, and Javier Bardem

Review by Jon Donnis
"Dune: Part Two" is a monumental cinematic achievement that expands upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, delving deeper into the rich and intricate world of Frank Herbert's iconic novel. Denis Villeneuve once again demonstrates his masterful storytelling prowess, delivering a visually stunning and thematically resonant epic that captivates from start to finish.


The plot of "Dune: Part Two" picks up the threads left dangling at the end of the first installment, weaving a narrative tapestry that explores themes of power, religion, and destiny with remarkable depth and nuance. Paul Atreides' journey takes center stage as he navigates the treacherous political landscape of Arrakis, forging alliances, confronting enemies, and grappling with the weight of his own prophesied destiny. Timothée Chalamet delivers a compelling performance as Paul, capturing the character's internal conflict and evolution with skill and nuance.

The supporting cast is equally impressive, with standout performances from Zendaya as Chani, Rebecca Ferguson as Lady Jessica, and Austin Butler as the enigmatic Feyd-Rautha. Each actor brings their respective character to life with depth and authenticity, adding layers of complexity to the already rich tapestry of the film.


Visually, "Dune: Part Two" is a feast for the eyes, with breathtaking cinematography, stunning visual effects, and meticulous production design that bring Herbert's world to vivid life. From the sweeping desert landscapes of Arrakis to the intricately designed spacecraft and futuristic technology, every frame is a work of art in its own right.

The film's score, editing, and pacing are also worthy of praise, seamlessly blending together to create a cinematic experience that is both immersive and exhilarating. Despite its lengthy runtime, the film never feels sluggish or overstays its welcome, maintaining a brisk pace that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish.

One of the film's greatest strengths is its willingness to tackle complex and thought-provoking themes, including the nature of power, the corrupting influence of religion, and the cyclical nature of violence. Villeneuve and co-writer Jon Spaihts are unafraid to explore the darker aspects of Herbert's novel, resulting in a film that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.


In summary, "Dune: Part Two" is a true cinematic masterpiece, a worthy continuation of Villeneuve's epic adaptation of Frank Herbert's seminal work. With its breathtaking visuals, compelling performances, and thought-provoking themes, it stands as one of the greatest achievements in modern filmmaking.

I score Dune: Part Two a near perfect 9.5 out of 10

Out now in cinemas, and coming soon to digital.

Watch Dune Part One at 
Coming soon to digital Dune Part Two at 

Friday, 1 March 2024

REVIEW: Lisa Frankenstein (2024 Film) - Starring Kathryn Newton

Lisa Frankenstein

By Jon Donnis
"Lisa Frankenstein" is a delightful rollercoaster ride of horror and hilarity, brought to life by the creative minds of Diablo Cody and Zelda Williams. Set against the backdrop of 1980s nostalgia, the film follows the misadventures of Lisa, a lonely teenager still grappling with her mother's tragic death, and her unlikely romantic interest, the resurrected Victorian-era corpse known as the Creature.


One of the film's greatest strengths lies in its ability to blend horror and comedy seamlessly. From the playful yet macabre circumstances that bring the Creature to life to the witty banter and clever dialogues peppered throughout, "Lisa Frankenstein" keeps audiences engaged and entertained from start to finish.

Kathryn Newton shines in her portrayal of Lisa, bringing a magnetic presence to the screen that anchors the film amidst its zany plot twists. The supporting cast, including Cole Sprouse as the Creature and Liza Soberano as Lisa's stepsister Taffy, deliver solid performances that enhance the film's quirky charm.


While "Lisa Frankenstein" revels in its campy humour and nostalgic references, it does suffer from occasional pacing issues and a lack of narrative cohesion. At times, the film feels like a series of comedy skits strung together rather than a cohesive story. Additionally, its runtime of 100 minutes may test the patience of some viewers, suggesting that tighter editing could have enhanced the overall experience.

Nevertheless, "Lisa Frankenstein" remains a wildly entertaining romp that pays homage to classic horror tropes while injecting them with a fresh and irreverent energy. With its colourful visuals, clever humour, and memorable characters, this film has the potential to become a cult classic in its own right.


In summary, "Lisa Frankenstein" is a fun and nostalgic throwback to 1980s horror comedies, offering plenty of laughs and thrills along the way. While it may not be without its flaws, its charm and inventiveness make it a film worth revisiting. I wholeheartedly recommend giving "Lisa Frankenstein" a watch, and I rate it a solid 8 out of 10.

Out on Apple TV now at - https://apple.co/3STtbVY