REVIEW: Kung Fu Panda 4 (2024 Film) - Starring Jack Black, Awkwafina, Viola Davis and Dustin Hoffman

By Jon Donnis

Kung Fu Panda 4 brings back the beloved Po, voiced by the comedic genius Jack Black, in another uproarious adventure filled with martial arts mayhem and heartwarming moments. Directed by Mike Mitchell, this installment retains the essence of the franchise while introducing new challenges and characters to keep audiences entertained.

The plot centers on Po's unexpected role as the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace, a position that he feels ill-prepared for. His journey to embrace this new responsibility is complicated by the emergence of the villainous sorceress Chameleon, brilliantly portrayed by Viola Davis. Chameleon's ability to shapeshift poses a grave threat as she seeks to seize Po's Staff of Wisdom and wreak havoc on the world.

One of the highlights of the film is the dynamic between Po and the quick-witted thief Zhen, voiced by the charismatic Awkwafina. Their unlikely partnership forms the backbone of the story, leading to moments of humour and personal growth for both characters.

The voice cast delivers stellar performances across the board, with veterans like Dustin Hoffman reprising his role as Master Shifu and newcomers like Viola Davis adding depth to the roster of characters. Bryan Cranston's portrayal of Po's biological father adds emotional resonance to the narrative, further enriching the familial themes explored throughout the film.

Visually, Kung Fu Panda 4 continues the tradition of stunning animation that the franchise is known for. The action sequences are expertly animated, showcasing the characters' martial arts prowess with fluidity and precision. From the serene landscapes of the Valley of Peace to the dark lairs of the villains, each scene is meticulously crafted to immerse viewers in the world of Kung Fu Panda.

While the film delivers on its promise of entertainment, it may fall short in comparison to its predecessors in terms of depth and originality. Some jokes and plot points feel familiar, echoing themes and gags from previous installments. However, these shortcomings are overshadowed by the film's charm and humour, making it a worthy addition to the franchise.

Kung Fu Panda 4 is a delightful continuation of Po's adventures, offering a blend of action, comedy, and heartwarming moments that will appeal to audiences of all ages. Despite its minor flaws, it remains a solid entry in the series, earning a commendable rating of 8.5 out of 10. Fans of the franchise can rest assured that their favorite panda is back and better than ever.

Out in cinemas now and coming soon to digital at

Apple TV - https://apple.co/43gEcoX

And you can watch the first 3 films at https://amzn.to/48SADqv

COMPETITION: Win Green Room on 4K UHD

The brand-new Limited Edition release of Green Room will be music to your fears, as Second Sight Films gives acclaimed director Jeremy Saulnier’s (Blue Ruin) hit horror the physical release it deserves on 18 March 2024, standard editions will also be available.

And to celebrate we have a great competition and 2 copies on Standard 4K UHD to give away.

Synopsis

In a masterclass in casting, national treasure Patrick Stewart gives an outstandingly terrifying turn as a sadistic neo-Nazi and stars alongside stellar cast, the late Anton Yelchin (Star Trek, Hearts in Atlanta), Imogen Poots (Vivarium, 28 Weeks Later) Alia Shawkat (Arrested Development, Whip It), Joe Cole (Peaky Blinders, Skins) and Callum Turner (War & Peace, Victor Frankenstein), who all give unwavering performances. This, accompanied by a stomping soundtrack and a bucket load of bloody violence makes for ‘A debilitating, white-knuckled thrill fest’ says Starburst Magazine.

Struggling punk band Ain't Rights are in the Pacific Northwest for a gig, but when it’s cancelled, Pat, Sam, Reece and Tiger must find another way of making the money that they desperately need. When an opportunity for a show in the sticks arises, they can’t say no… but what the hell have they walked into?

The venue turns out to be a neo-Nazi bar… and when the band witness a brutal murder, things quickly spiral out of control and they find themselves trapped in the green room, with little chance of escape…  Forced to fight for survival using anything and everything at their disposal, can they make it out alive?

Take your seat in the Green Room for a ‘Brutal, vicious, cerebral and expertly acted movie that will get your heart thumping, and your adrenaline rushing’ (Film Threat).

 

Pre-order on Amazon at https://amzn.to/3wWarO5

Enter now for a chance to win.

COMPETITION CLOSED

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

1. Closing date 25-03-24

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 Brandon Cronenberg's Possessor on 4K UHD

Visionary director Brandon Cronenberg's ‘terrifying sci-fi horror freak-out’ (The Guardian) Possessor garnered international acclaim on its 2020 release from critics and audiences alike and now, masters in the field, Second Sight Films work their magic with a brand-new Limited Dual Edition 4K UHD/Blu -ray Box set due for release alongside Standard Edition releases on 4K UHD and Blu-ray, on 18 March 2024.

And to celebrate we have a great competition and 2 copies on Standard 4KUHD to give away.

Synopsis

On the surface Tasya Vos (Andrea Riseborough – Mandy, Nocturnal Animals, Birdman) appears to be a regular woman with a son and husband waiting for her at home when she returns from her ‘business’ trips. But there’s more to her than meets the eye… As an elite corporate assassin, Tasya takes control of other people's bodies using brain implant technology to execute high-profile targets. With each hit comes a stronger lust for blood, and her newfound thirst for killing throws the whole operation into jeopardy.

Described as ‘One of the best and smartest films of the decade’ by New Scientist and with a spellbinding turn from Riseborough, alongside stand-out performances from co-stars Christopher Abbott, Sean Bean, Jennifer Jason Lee and Tuppence Middleton, prepare for an ultra-violent, mind-blowing experience, like nothing you’ve seen before.

You’re guaranteed to be possessed by Possessor – so make sure you get your hands on this ultimate release.

 

Pre-order on Amazon at https://amzn.to/3TvQLK4

Enter now for a chance to win.

COMPETITION CLOSED

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

1. Closing date 25-03-24

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 Comedy Man (Vintage Classics) on Blu-ray

The Comedy Man is released on DVD and Bluray from March 18th as part of the Vintage Classics releases.

And to celebrate we have a great competition and 3 copies on Blu-ray to give away.

Synopsis

THE COMEDY MAN is a 1964 British kitchen sink drama directed by Alvin Rakoff, featuring a performance from Kenneth More critics hailed as his finest work. With a superior supporting cast in Cecil Parker, Dennis Price and Billie Whitelaw, THE COMEDY MAN depicts the life of a struggling actor in Swinging London. 

Fired from his job in repertory theatre after seducing the producer’s wife, Chick Byrd (Kenneth More) moves to London. At 40 years old, he realises this is his last chance to make it as an actor. After moving into digs in London with Julian, a fellow actor, Julian’s career soars after a successful screen test, but Chick’s meets with continued failure. After a tumultuous event, Chick finally gets a break and finds the fame he has always craved, but even with a bank balance, celebrity and settled way of life, Chick needs to finally face the truth. EXTRAS: The Show Must Go On: An Interview with Alvin Rakoff, More to the Point: An Interview with Neil Sinyard, Trailer

Pre-order on Amazon at https://amzn.to/3Vdt7mK

Enter now for a chance to win.

COMPETITION CLOSED

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

1. Closing date 25-03-24

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.

REVIEW: Spaceman (2024 Film) - Starring Adam Sandler

By Jon Donnis

Usually I will watch a film and then write the review soon after, but with Spaceman, I just felt like I needed to let it sit in my brain for a few days, as it did affect me in a way I never expected, especially not from an Adam Sandler film.

Directed by Johan Renck and written by Colby Day, Spaceman is a mesmerizing blend of retro-futuristic aesthetics (set in alternative 1990s) and profound psychological drama set against the backdrop of space exploration. The film follows Czech astronaut Jakub Procházka, portrayed with surprisingly raw emotional depth by Adam Sandler (this is not your usual Adam Sandler film), on a daring mission to investigate the Chopra cloud beyond Jupiter. As Jakub grapples with the isolation of space and his strained relationship with his wife Lenka, played with poignant sincerity by Carey Mulligan, he encounters a telepathic extraterrestrial creature named Hanuš, voiced hauntingly by Paul Dano, basically a 3 foot long tarantula like spider.

One of the film's standout features has to be Sandler's transformative performance as Jakub Procházka. Shedding his comedic persona, Sandler delivers a riveting portrayal of a man haunted by his past, wrestling with loneliness, guilt, and the weight of his choices. It is hard not to be drawn into Jakub's inner turmoil with compelling authenticity. I think there is only one moment in the film where Sandler shouts and for a moment you are reminded of his usual performances.

The narrative unfolds in a non-linear fashion, weaving together Jakub's present struggles in space with fragments of his past, revealing the layers of trauma and regret that define him. The incorporation of Hanuš, the enigmatic spider-like creature, adds an intriguing element of mystique and existential contemplation. Through Jakub's interactions with Hanuš, the film delves into themes of connection, empathy, and the search for meaning in an indifferent universe.

Renck's direction imbues the film with a dreamlike atmosphere, enhanced by stunning visual effects that evoke both the wonder and the isolation of space. The retro-futuristic aesthetic of the 1990s setting lends a unique flavor to the film, blending nostalgia with speculative futurism in a visually arresting tableau.

At its core, Spaceman is a thought-provoking exploration of human frailty and resilience in the face of existential challenges. The film's ambiguous ending invites interpretation, sparking discussions long after the credits roll. While some viewers may find the narrative ambiguity frustrating, others will appreciate the opportunity for introspection and debate. Was it all a dream, was Jakub hallucinating, was it real, that is up to each individual person watching to decide.

In conclusion, Spaceman is a bold and immersive experience that defies genre conventions. With its powerhouse performances, evocative visuals, and thematic richness, it stands as one of the most compelling films of the year. While it may not be to everyone's taste, those willing to embrace its unconventional narrative will find themselves rewarded with a deeply resonant journey into the depths of space and the human soul.

Personally I loved Spaceman, I loved Sandler's performance, and although Hanuš might not be your usual buddy type character, it strangely works well here. I score Spaceman a very strong 9 out of 10. I will still be thinking about this film in weeks to come. And that is high praise.

Many fans who like Sandler always buy some items related to him, such as cheering ribbons, bracelets, or custom keychains. Custom keychains can be printed with elements related to the characters played by Sandler, which can be used as a commemoration of the movie and the character. It can transform fans' love and memories of the characters into a physical item and accompany them at any time.

Out now on Netflix - https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/81301595

Did you know that this film is based on Spaceman of Bohemia by Jaroslav Kalfař, which is available at https://amzn.to/3TtprvX