Geek of Oz

Based on the PSP game of the same name, La Storia Della Arcana Famiglia is exactly what the title suggests, a story about an arcane family. What ensues is a series which delivers on so many levels except the one that really matters most - story.

It’s an all out battle for her hand in marriage!

Felicita has had her hand in marriage unwillingly brought to the table to determine the future heir of the family. Not only does she have no choice in husband, it seems her suitors must come from the family itself! But Felicita is not going down without a fight.

As the head of the Swords Division, Felicita has decided that she will win herself back and claim the title that is rightfully hers. Although it might be easier said than done when your family is Italian mafia, and working with guns and knives is just a simple way of life.

It’s now a race against family to determine who wins, and Felicita is placing all bets on herself. Let the battle begin! - Hanabee

The harem genre is a staple of the anime realm and frankly, has been done to death but this series follows the source material in being an "otome" game. Otome games are a type of visual novel in which you control a female character as she befriends a willing suitor. It's basically a dating game. Seeing male characters all competing over the affections of Felicita is fantastic. Each of their efforts go towards exposing their character without resorting to forced exposition. That said, while all of this character work is being displayed, very little fisticuffs are taking place. Don't let the action poses on the cover or the glimmers of swordplay in the trailer fool you. There was more than enough for me, but if you're looking for a more typical shonen series you may be disappointed.

The character progression is fantastic and allows for many a laugh throughout this 12 episode series. In fact, it's quite surprising just how well we get to know these characters in such a short amount of time. Bravo to director Chiaki Kon. Also deserving of praise are the good folks at JC Staff, who are also responsible for Hanabee's Little Busters. The animation is sharp, fluid, vivid and is well representative of the tone of each scene. That is to say that they do action just as well as they do humour and as usual, they inject a healthy dose of CG animation but never enough for it to feel heavy handed. The Blu Ray quality is crystal clear with not a single noticeable artefact to be seen.

Unfortunately, this series isn't what some may expect based upon the DVD sleeve or even the trailer. Instead of a series filled with magic wielding tournament fighters, you get a delightfully comedic look at a group of diverse characters who are both likeable and well developed. But to be honest, I'm so glad that this series wasn't what I saw in the trailer. The characters are great, it looks great and it's just plain fun! But, and this is a huge but, the story is an absolute mess and at times is barely even existent. Sure, it's great to get to know some cool characters through their interactions, but when none of these characters seem to do anything of significance, you're left with a series with is fun, pretty but ultimately forgettable.

- Ryan

La Storia Della Arcana Famiglia is available on Blu Ray and DVD now.

Thanks to our wibbly-wobbly, timey-wimey friends at Roadshow, we've got 3 copies of Doctor Who: The Best of the Doctor 2005-2011 on DVD to give away.

Covering the Best of the Doctor Series 1 and 2 and the Best of the Christmas Specials, this collection is 6 hours and 40 minutes of Whovian awesomeness!

Keep tuned for even MORE Doctor Who giveaways in coming days!

All you have to do is fill out the form below and you're in the running to win one of these awesome prize packs. Don't forget, you can get yourself a bonus entry just by following us on Twitter or liking us on Facebook!

Entries close 11:59pm on Sunday 9th February 2014. Your details will not be used in any way other than for the delivery of your prize. Geek of Oz and Roadshow do not take any responsibility for the loss, damage or delay of/to prizes sent to winners (blame Australia Post for that one). The judges decision is final and no correspondence will be entered upon. One entry per person, subsequent entries will be void. Incorrect answers will be void. Prizes are not redeemable for cash or any other kind of trading currency such as creds, latinum, sen, kan, zeni, double dollars or Ankh Morpork dollars. Geek Of Oz take no responsibility for head explosions caused by utter awesomeness. This competition is only open to Australian residents. Any questions or queries can be submitted through the comment section at the bottom of screen. Good luck!

Thanks to our pals at Roadshow we've got 3 copies of Doctor Who: The Moonbase on DVD to give away.

In 2070 Earth's weather is controlled with ease from the Moon. When the TARDIS arrives at the Moonbase, the Doctor, along with his friends Polly, Ben and Jamie, is accused of starting a plague that is killing off the base's crew. It's not long, however, before the time travellers discover the true cause of the deaths - a powerful, unstoppable race that the Doctor has never met before: the Cybermen.

All you have to do is fill out the form below and you're in the running to win one of these awesome prize packs. Don't forget, you can get yourself a bonus entry just by following us on Twitter or liking us on Facebook!

There’s no doubt that director Steve McQueen makes confronting and thought-provoking cinema - his first two films tackled some pretty intense subject matter: the IRA hunger strikes (Hunger) and the perils of sex addiction (Shame). For his third film, 12 Years a Slave, McQueen adapts Solomon Northup’s 1853 account of his abduction and sale into slavery. This film not only lays bare the machinery of slavery, it examines the people who engaged with it. Only a few films each year leave a lasting impression on me and this film is certainly one of them. 12 Years a Slave could very well become one of the definitive films addressing slavery.

Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor) is a free black man. He’s married with two children and is an accomplished violinist. After accepting an offer to play violin with a group of travelling performers, he is abducted, imprisoned and shipped away in the dead of night. Solomon is plunged into a life that he couldn’t possibly have fathomed; one of cruelty and unquestioned servitude. Sold by Freeman (Paul Giamatti) to plantation owner Ford (Benedict Cumberbatch), Solomon begins his long and tortuous journey, being handed from man to man, each with their own unique style of slave ‘management’. The most villainous is Edwin Epps (Michael Fassbender): violent, unpredictable and possessive of his slave “property” . It’s on his plantation that the bulk of the story takes place.

The film has a stellar cast, however the standouts are Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Lupita Nyong’o and Benedict Cumberbatch. Chiwetel Ejiofor is masterful as Solomon, a character whose determination and pride are gradually whittled down by years of maltreatment. Cumberbatch’s Ford represents the portion of society which wasn’t entirely comfortable with slavery, yet still engaged in it - an interesting moral conundrum to watch play out. Michael Fassbender has starred in each of McQueen’s films and here is truly frightening as an unhinged, alcoholic and bible bashing Epps. Fassbender plays the role without a trace of character redemption, which reflects his commitment to making the character utterly, plausibly menacing. Lastly Lupita Nyong’o, in her first feature film, almost steals the entire film right out from underneath her seasoned co-stars. She plays Patsey, a slave who is the subject of Epps’s fixation, giving the film a deeply disturbing subplot.

In several scenes, Director McQueen strips away the sentimentality which otherwise may have worked as a buffer for his audience There are scenes which can only be described as relentlessly uncomfortable. For example, a shot of Solomon being hanged, his toes only just touching the ground, is held for a considerable time as we watch Solomon twist and gasp, to the point that it becomes unbearable to watch, yet the shot continues. Any other director may have accompanied this scene with stirring music to signify Solomon’s fighting spirit, but not McQueen. He doesn’t succumb to cheap manipulation; he simply shows life the way it was, which in turn pays far more respect for what they suffered through. He has an unflinching almost dispassionate style, which I found an ideal way to approach a story like this.

This isn’t a particularly easy film to watch, but one that is tremendously rewarding. The confronting imagery and powerful performances lingered with me well after seeing it. 2014 is shaping up to be a great year for the world of cinema.

If you see the film and agree or disagree with my review, feel free to drop a line below.

- Stu

Last Vegas ticks the boxes as a light-hearted, entertaining comedy, as long as you’re in the market for a multitude of clunky jokes about getting old. The film has been marketed as ‘the Hangover for oldies’, which initially concerned me, given my open contempt for the inane Hangover series, but this film has a lot more going for it. Just as I noted with last year’s One Chance,this film will play gangbusters to an older audience, so it’s not a bad one to recommend to your parents.

In a classic case of art imitating life, career bachelor Billy (Michael Douglas) has decided to settle down and marry, the only snag being that his bride-to-be is half his age. In an attempt to prove that he can still party like it’s 1972, he rounds up his childhood gang, comprising Paddy (Robert De Niro), Archie (Morgan Freeman) and Sam (Kevin Kline), for a bucks’ weekend in Las Vegas. Everything isn’t as rosy as Billy had wanted, as old rivalries are awoken when sultry lounge singer Diana (Mary Steenburgen) saunters into the action, prompting Billy to look deep into his past in order to work out his future.

This film worked for me because of the casting. Maybe it’s just me, but I get a kick out of watching veteran actors trading harmless barbs. The story is structured so that Douglas is pitted against De Niro, whilst Freeman and Kline are the comedic relief. De Niro is at his squinty-eyed, smirking best as he poo-poos every idea Michael Douglas comes up with. Despite the generally light tone of the film, De Niro and Douglas have their share of touching scenes, which they each deliver commendably to give the film more emotional weight than I was expecting. Mary Steenburgen (my Back to the Future 3 crush) isn’t given as much screen time as I would have liked, but she’s lots of fun and brings her special brand of sex appeal to the mix.

Directed by Jon Turtletaub (National Treasure, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice and Cool Runnings), the film has a direct-to-DVD quality, in that there isn’t anything particularly cinematic about it. Annoyingly, there are sequences that feel way too forced. For instance, for no plausible reason, the guys are recruited to judge a bikini contest. This serves no other purpose except as a protracted joke about older men ogling scantily clad 20 year olds. It’s not that funny and reeked of filler material.

There are enough chuckles to warrant a viewing but I wouldn’t race out to catch it in the cinema. There are far better films in cinemas at the moment and this one will play just fine at home.

- Stu

Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom is a film that has drawn a fair amount of attention, not least for being released not long after Mandela’s own passing. It is not a perfect film and is, for the viewer, an extensive journey (clocking in at 2 hours, 27 mins), but one that is worth taking. It is an inspiring, moving and shocking story beautifully acted by leads Idris Elba (The Wire, Luther, Thor) as Mandela and Naomie Harris (Skyfall, Pirates of the Caribbean) as Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.

From the very beginning, the film declares itself to be “a very important biopic”, with a sweeping score set to dramatic slow-motion, frequent captioning of locations & dates and comprehensive dialogue, unpacking every moment that is captured of Mandela’s life. It cannot be described as a subtle film and at times verges on seeming a tad simplistic. Mandela and Winnie look just so glamorous and striking compared to the white South Africans who are generally unimpressive, ordinary-looking, often cruel and at times sadistic.

The film moves quickly through events, from Mandela’s childhood in the South African countryside to studies in law and increasing involvement with the ANC (African National Congress) and acts of defiance. It only really slows down once we reach Mandela’s imprisonment on Robben Island, where he was to spend 18 of his 27 years of incarceration. The film’s pace suits Mandela, a person you feel thrived on momentum and his connections with others. When he reaches Robben Island, there is stark contrast between the action of his life and the monotony of the slow days in prison, isolated from his family & his ability to aid the cause, a reality that is shown as pure torture for such a driven man.

Having been based upon Mandela’s own autobiography “Long Walk to Freedom” it is the painstaking detailing of events which makes you conscious of the responsibility that the filmmakers must have felt ... and that sincerity is to their credit. The depiction of racism and horrors during apartheid are distressing to view ... and distressingly recent. The detailed recreation of the period is immersive and the film grants a fascinating insight into South Africa of the 50s through to the 80s and 90s, in particular the striking melding of Western style and influences with traditional South Africa. The soundtrack is a joyous mix of songs from the time and the traditional.

It is the performances that really grip you, in particular those of Elba and Harris. Elba’s Mandela is an impressive figure: a determined man always standing tallest in the crowd, but not without his faults. We see evidence of Mandela’s temper and fleetingly his infidelity during his marriage to his first wife, Evelyn. Anyone familiar with Elba from TV series The Wire or the Luther and Thor films will know that the man can do “intense” to the point of intimidating, but what was lovely to see here is his portrayal of Mandela’s intelligence and warmth, particularly in his protectiveness towards his people and love of his family. Elba gives a restrained yet sensitive portrayal of pain, particularly in a letter-opening scene in prison.

But Naomi Harris, as Mandela’s second wife Winnie, is the performance which really blind-sided me. Having only known Harris from the Piratesof the Caribbean films and Skyfall, this is a career-propelling role for her. She is luminous, spirited and a force to be reckoned with as Winnie. Her portrayal of unrelenting inner fight despite Winnie’s particularly personalised torture while acting as sole parent to her children, is acutely affecting.

The journey for husband and wife is moving and there is real chemistry between Elba and Harris. Nelson and Winnie are shown as a tour de force couple of strength, uncompromising and willing to sacrifice all for the cause of their people. You care deeply for them and mourn the tragedy of circumstance which afflicted their relationship.

I left Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom moved (and with U2’s apt and catchy “Ordinary Love” in my head) and wanting to know more about Mandela and Winnie and this period of strife in South Africa. I take this as a sign that despite its flaws, it is a successful film and biopic. Mandela: Long walk to Freedom is in cinemas on the 6th February. If you see the film, please share your thoughts below.

- Emily

For those unaware of what it means to go "gold" in the gaming world, here's the low-down. Unlike the US record industry in which a gold record accounts for 500,000 sales, a game going gold means that a game has finished its development and bug testing phases it is ready to enter the manufacturing phase.

Anyway, onto more important business. THIEF has gone gold and it is looking incredible! With just over 3 weeks until release, this is looking like a legit next-gen experience (on next-gen consoles). If the game is anywhere near as great as the trailer below suggests, we're in for a real treat. On a side note, I can't wait to see some awesome Garrett cosplay!

THIEF HAS GONE GOLD

WRAP YOUR EYES AROUND THE ‘THIEF - 101 TRAILER’ TO CELEBRATE

Sydney, 5th February 2014 - That’s right folks; Eidos-Montréal’s THIEF™ has GONE GOLD and will be in the hands of all would be Master Thieves later this month. To celebrate the news we’re releasing a brand new ‘THIEF - 101 TRAILER’ that details everything you need to know about THIEF.

“It’s a wrap, Thief is gold. It’s nearly time for the fans to fall in love with Thief all over again, and time for newcomers to finally see what all the fuss is about” said Stephane Roy, Producer. “Thief is one of the founding-fathers of the stealth genre; we’re proud to have worked on such a well-loved series and proud to say; Garrett, the Master Thief is back.”

THIEF is the second game from Eidos-Montréal whose previous title DEUS EX: HUMAN REVOLUTION also saw them breathing life back into a classic, critically acclaimed series. It’s not an easy challenge – but they’ve gone and done it again!

Today’s brand new ‘THIEF 101 trailer’ provides key insights on the game’s story, its key characters, key gameplay and key feature set (including the fact that the game’s main character is a Master Thief who doesn’t need keys).

THIEF is due for release on 27TH February 2014 across Australia & New Zealand for Windows PC, PlayStation®3, PlayStation®4, Xbox 360 and Xbox One.

Following the highly successful theatrical release, PUELLA MAGI MADOKA MAGICA THE MOVIE: REBELLION is set for a limited Blu Ray release which, frankly, is for hardcore fans only. First of all, this Blu Ray release is an import release, not a Madman localisation, and second, certain elements of this release won;t even have English subs! That said this is the perfect opportunity to prove just how devout an anime fan you are!

Not sure if you're willing to outlay the cashola? Check out the trailer below for all the feeeeeels!

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE:

Hot on the heels of the highly successful theatrical event, we are happy to announce that Madman are offering fans in Australia and New Zealand the chance to own a Collector’s Edition Blu-Ray release of PUELLA MAGI MADOKA MAGICA THE MOVIE: REBELLION, direct from Japan this April.

In a Madman first, we will be offering fans the chance to place pre-orders for this specially imported release, which features an extensive array of extras as well as the feature film presented in its original Japanese language with English subtitles.

The release will include the following extras, as well as a deluxe booklet complete with an English translation guide.

• Theatrical Trailer

• Commercials

• Textless Opening

• Audio Commentary

• Hard Box featuring new artwork

• Digipak featuring new artwork

• Blu-Ray exclusive feature: Rebellion Theatrical Release Audio Commentary – “Understand the hit anime Series ‘Madoka Magica’ in 2 Hours!”*

• Exclusive Original Soundtrack CD… and more!

Pre-orders are available now exclusively on madman.com.au for $109.95 AUD and will be closing on March 8th. Due to the limited nature of this release, we will not be able to accept any more orders after this date.

*NOTE: Audio commentary and extras are untranslated and do not include English subtitles.

Please note that this is intended strictly for collectors who want to get the jump on this release as it hits shelves in Japan. We anticipate a regular, fully-localised edition of this highly anticipated feature film will be released at a later date to be confirmed.

Thanks to our good friends at Beyond Home Entertainment, we've got 5 copies of Pokemon: Adventures in Unova Collection 1 on DVD to give away.

Ash and his friends Iris and Cilan have foiled Team Rocket’s latest evil plan, and a new danger lurks on the horizon! But first, with eight Gym badges in hand, Ash is ready to take on the region’s ultimate challenge: the Unova League, where he’ll face familiar rivals and new opponents in his ongoing quest to become a Pokémon Master! Meanwhile, Iris has been having some trouble connecting with her powerful and stubborn Dragonite—can a visit home to the Village of Dragons help sort things out for the aspiring Dragon Master? And what exciting new adventures await our heroes beyond the Unova League? The answers to come, as the journey continues!

All you have to do is fill out the form below and you're in the running to win one of these awesome DVDs. Don't forget, you can get yourself a bonus entry just by following us on Twitter or liking us on Facebook!

Entries close 11:59pm on Sunday 23rd February 2014. Your details will not be used in any way other than for the delivery of your prize. Geek of Oz and Beyond do not take any responsibility for the loss, damage or delay of/to prizes sent to winners (blame Australia Post for that one). The judges decision is final and no correspondence will be entered upon. One entry per person, subsequent entries will be void. Incorrect answers will be void. Prizes are not redeemable for cash or any other kind of trading currency such as creds, latinum, sen, kan, zeni, double dollars or Ankh Morpork dollars. Geek Of Oz take no responsibility for head explosions caused by utter awesomeness. This competition is only open to Australian residents. Any questions or queries can be submitted through the comment section at the bottom of screen. Good luck!

Oh my Lord Vader! In what just may be the best news of the year thus far, the good people at the house of mouse have announced that all 6 of the core Star Wars films will be shown in an epic movie marathon to celebrate international Star Wars Day. May the 4th be with you indeed!

Australia Celebrates International Star Wars Day with a Theatrical Marathon of All Six Films

February 10, 2014 – In celebration of the global Star Wars fan holiday, May the 4th, all six films from the epic space saga will be returning to movie theaters in Digital 2D across Australia on May 3rd and May 4th, 2014. “May the 4th Be With You” is the official Star Wars holiday created for the fans, by the fans, to celebrate their love of the galaxy far, far away.

On Saturday, May 3rd, the following movies will be shown:

Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace

Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones

Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith

On Sunday, May 4th, the following movies will be shown:

Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope

Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back

Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi

Single-day tickets will be available for either Episodes I-III and/or Episodes IV-VI. Location details and session times for the “Star Wars May the 4th Be With You” Movie Marathon will be announced at a future date.

#MayThe4thBeWithYou

Usually when events such as these are announced they're met by a song of "what about Queensland?" or "Perth never gets anything!" but this time SYDNEY misses out. Granted, so do a couple of other states as well but this is still a fantastic opportunity for QLD, WA and VIC otaku to get their fill at the Sword Art Online 2014 Exhibition Tour.

Following on from the hugely successful Evangelion exhibition, Madman are delivering Sword Art Online to our shores with art, storyboards, character designs, photo opportunities and MERCH available at each event.

SWORD ART ONLINE – 2014 EXHIBITION TOUR COMING TO AUSTRALIA.

Madman Entertainment, in conjunction with Aniplex of America, are thrilled to announce a Sword Art Online Exhibition Tour will be coming to select cities across Australia in 2014.

Featuring original artwork pieces from the show including character designs, storyboards, key animation frames and more, the Sword Art Online Exhibition will to give fans a unique behind the scenes look at the creative process and how the hit anime series was created.

The exhibition will also feature a photo area where fans will be able to take photos with Kirito and Asuna, the heroes of Sword Art Online. Additionally, ‘Lisabeth’s Smith Shop’ will be on site, offering patrons the opportunity to purchase official Sword Art Online merchandise never before available in Australia.

Ticketholders to any of the official partner events in each state (WAICON, Supanova) will receive free entry to the exhibition.

The following cities & events will be hosting the exhibition, with more to be confirmed throughout the year:

Perth

WAICON

March 1-2, 2014

Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre

Website: wai-con.org

Gold Coast

Supanova Pop Culture Expo

April 5-6, 2014

Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre

Website: supanova.com.au

Melbourne

Supanova Pop Culture Expo

April 12-13

Melbourne Showgrounds

Website: supanova.com.au

Sword Art Online is available to own now on DVD, Blu-Ray and coming soon to digital platforms.

BTOOOM! is very much an anime version of The Hunger Games, which itself is an American version Battle Royale. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that this series is like a cross between Battle Royale and Bomberman because not only are the protagonists stuck on an island of certain death, but they only have a variety of bombs at their disposal. Based upon the manga series of the same name by Junya Inoue (available in English from Yen Press), it follows the source material pretty well to the letter, albeit out of order. That said, I'm currently only up to volume 5 of the manga.

Be careful what you wish for.

Ryouta Sakamoto has suddenly been transferred in to a deadly high stakes game. A game he is all too familiar with. Left on a mysterious island with a set of provisions, a bag of bombs and a strange crystal embedded into his left hand – this is the world of Btooom realized.

Beautifully replicated, this game of Btooom is an all out dog eat dog world, where to escape you will need to kill seven others before they kill you. But there’s a difference between a game and reality. When a death is a death and there are no second lives, Ryouta is about to learn the value of a life. - Hanabee

Visually, BTOOOM! is pretty good but not fantastic which is somewhat out of character for studio Madhouse. The character design is spot on throughout and perfectly mirrors those of creator Junya Inoue and the backgrounds add to the overall gritty feel to the series but inconsistencies in animation quality let it down a little. Also, the DVD release seems to suffer from a smattering of compression artefacts, especially in low-light situations, but not so much that it becomes annoying. Without the Blu Ray release for comparison it's difficult to know whether this is restricted solely to the DVD transfer.

One cool part in BTOOOM! is the exploration of human nature, cool but disturbing. Each and every person stricken to the island has some kind of issue in their past that they're now answering for, with some of those issues worse than others. Therein lies the beauty of BTOOOM. To survive, you need to band together with strangers and hope that they are on the island for being bad at their job, not because they're a murderer. Then we get to see whether our 'heroes' will become killers when surrounded on all sides by murder. Be forewarned, there are plenty of confronting scenes in this series that some may find hard to watch.

The problem with BTOOOM! and Battle Royale is that it can be difficult to establish an emotional connection with the characters because they're generally placed in these 'games' because they're jerks. BTOOOM! makes its way around this issue by including two main characters who are loathed by others for reasons which aren't overly deplorable or are understandable in the circumstances. Other characters promise intriguing back stories but they're not explored in the slightest. The major downfall of this series is that it just doesn't deliver. We don't get to know why these other characters are on the island, not even through brief exposition, and then we don't even get any real resolution at the end of episode 12. BTOOOM! could have been a fantastic exploration of humanity at its darkest but instead makes introductions with no pay off.

This series could have been something special and while it's still enjoyable, there's just no pay off which ends up making the whole experience feel like a missed opportunity. At a slight 12 episodes long I can't help but feel that this series should have had a longer run to enable more character development and to avoid the episode 12 rush for completion. Unfortunately too many questions are left unanswered and too many loose ends. We never learn the motives or back story of many of the combatants, the motives of the games organisers nor the outcome of the game. That said, the gimmicky bombs and a number of brutal 'dispatchings' make for some fun viewing.

- Ryan

BTOOOM! is available from Hanabee now on Blu Ray and DVD.

Thanks to our friends at Roadshow we've got 5 copies of THE FAMILY on DVD to give away.

In the dark action comedy The Family, a Mafia boss and his family are relocated to a sleepy town in France under the Witness Protection Program after snitching on the mob. Despite Agent Stansfield’s (Tommy Lee Jones) best efforts to keep them in line, Fred Manzoni (Robert De Niro), his wife Maggie (Michelle Pfeiffer) and their children, Belle (Dianna Agron) and Warren (John D’Leo), can’t help resorting to old habits by handling their problems the “family” way. Chaos ensues as their former Mafia cronies try to track them down and scores are settled in the unlikeliest of settings, in this subversively funny film by Luc Besson.

Entries close 11:59pm on Sunday 30th February 2014. Your details will not be used in any way other than for the delivery of your prize. Geek of Oz and Roadshow do not take any responsibility for the loss, damage or delay of/to prizes sent to winners (blame Australia Post for that one). The judges decision is final and no correspondence will be entered upon. One entry per person, subsequent entries will be void. Incorrect answers will be void. Prizes are not redeemable for cash or any other kind of trading currency such as creds, latinum, sen, kan, zeni, double dollars or Ankh Morpork dollars. Geek Of Oz take no responsibility for head explosions caused by utter awesomeness. This competition is only open to Australian residents. Any questions or queries can be submitted through the comment section at the bottom of screen. Good luck!

Thanks to our friends at STUDIOCANAL we've got a handful of double in-season passes to the adrenalin pumping, Liam Neeson action adventure, NON-STOP.

Liam Neeson kicked all sorts of arse in Taken but this tim he's kicking it at 40,000 feet. A weathered veteran Air Marshall, Bill Marks (Neeson) receives a number of text messages mid-flight demanding a ransom be paid or else one passenger will be killed every 20 minutes. The mystery unfolds leaving just one question to be answered "why did he have his phone on in-flight?".

All you have to do is fill out the form below and you're in the running to win yourself an in-season double pass. Don't forget, you can get yourself a bonus entry just by following us on Twitter or liking us on Facebook!

NON-STOP is in Cinemas from February 27

Entries close 11:59pm on Monday 25th February 2014. Your details will not be used in any way other than for the delivery of your prize. Geek of Oz and Beyond do not take any responsibility for the loss, damage or delay of/to prizes sent to winners (blame Australia Post for that one). The judges decision is final and no correspondence will be entered upon. One entry per person, subsequent entries will be void. Incorrect answers will be void. Prizes are not redeemable for cash or any other kind of trading currency such as creds, latinum, sen, kan, zeni, double dollars or Ankh Morpork dollars. Geek Of Oz take no responsibility for head explosions caused by utter awesomeness. This competition is only open to Australian residents. Any questions or queries can be submitted through the comment section at the bottom of screen. Good luck!

Lone Survivor, the latest film from Peter Berg (Welcome to the Jungle, Battleship), plays more like a recruitment video for the U.S Army than a film with any real depth. The film is an adaptation of former Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell’s account of the 2005 Operation Red Wing, a bungled covert operation in Afghanistan that sees four U.S soldiers are grossly outnumbered by a hostile enemy. Despite the jingoistic flavour, excessive torture porn and overly simplistic script, Lone Survivor has enough thrills to scrap through with a pass mark.

The film opens with a montage of actual Navy SEAL hopefuls being put through their paces. We see their fatigue, their determination, their will to be the best … yeah, yeah we get it, these aren’t normal every day soldiers. The sequence tells you all you need to know about the film: it’s an unabashed love letter to the military. The plot is kept pretty straightforward and the characters even more so. We meet each of Navy SEALs and get given a little personal detail on each (just to show that they are more than well-trained killing machines) before they are sent to kill an Al Qaeda baddie, because he killed 20 marines the week before last. It’s a not a complex formula for plot set-up: he’s bad, we’re good, let’s go.

The plot zooms along to a crucial sequence in which the soldiers are forced to make a decision which will ultimately change their lives forever. Unfortunately the film only spends a few moments with the soldiers as they debate the ethical aspects of their situation. I’m not going to spoil what happens, but I wish that the film invested more screen time on the moral quandary in question … but I guess this just isn’t that type of film.

The film has two prominent highlights: the cast and a protracted gun battle scene. While the characters are given fairly limited back stories, the chemistry between the four main troops is evident. This is ostensibly Luttrell’s (Mark Wahlberg) story, however the screen time is shared evenly between the quartet. Taylor Kitsch and Emile Hirsch both turn in solid performances, which is commendable considering they are both guilty of phoning in past efforts. Ben Foster (Ryan’s man crush) is in his element as a slightly unhinged soldier who just wants to do his duty. Mark Wahlberg impressed me with the more physically challenging aspects of his role. The supporting cast pretty much blends into the background without too many standouts.

The middle act of the film is basically one long fire-fight sequence, starting at the top of a mountain range and traversing its way into a rocky ravine. Peter Berg handles the action well, thanks to some quick editing and limited sound effects, except for the gun shots. This gave the sequence a gritty realism which I really enjoyed.

Whilst Lone Survivor has a few issues, the action should win over most fans who just want to see guys with guns running around the bush shooting at one another. This doesn’t have the emotional impact of films like Black Hawk Down or Saving Private Ryan but at least it’s not another Battleship from Peter Berg. Lovers of Gung Ho Rah Rah U.S military flicks will dig this; everyone else might want to wait for the DVD.

Lone Survivor hits cinemas this Thursday, if you see the film and agree or disagree with my thoughts feel free to drop a line below.

- Stu

Endless Love starring Alex Pettyfer (I am Number 4, Magic Mike) and Gabriella Wilde (The Three Musketeers, Carrie) is one of this year’s Valentine’s Day releases, along with Are We Officially Dating? (Zac Efron and Imogen Poots) and Winter’s Tale (Colin Farrell, Russell Crowe and Jessica Brown Findlay). Chances are a lot of you guys out there might end up seeing one of these films, and perhaps not by choice ....and you had better hope it is not Endless Love.

Endless Love is something like a romantic fantasy for teen girls with Everest level heights of drama. The story follows the bumpy romance of pretty-lovelorn simple-dreamer, David Elliott (Pettyfer who shall henceforth be called Prettyfer) and lonely, studious, also very pretty rich-girl Jade Butterfield (Wilde). Both have recently graduated from the same high school, with David looking to help his father in their Garage and Jade destined for a prestigious medical education at Brown University, obsessively encouraged by her father, Hugh Butterfield played by Bruce Greenwood (Star Trek, I,Robot).

The Butterfields are reeling from the loss of their son Chris. With each family member dealing with it in their own way, but father, Hugh, displaying the most exaggerated forms of grief. He keeps Chris’s room as a shrine and fixates on his daughter, rather than his other son, as the one with most chances of being an over-achiever, a gap which brother Chris left behind... and herein lies the problem. Jade’s newfound, intense romance with David threatens to derail the start to her promising medical career and Dad is not happy.

The major appeal for a film like this is the satisfaction of seeing gorgeous young things get together, and according to the film, young love looks something like a cross between a perfume and cola “summertime” commercial, complete with meadow walks, picking flowers, outdoor concerts and river swimming. There is believable chemistry between Prettyfer and Wilde, but mostly felt on a physical level as their characters do not run deep in personality. Prettyfer is sympathetic as David who is a “Mr Perfect” for teen girls. He is very attractive, sensitive and also the kind of complete romantic that publicly declares all he needs in life to be content is to love that special someone and have their love in return. We are also meant to believe that Jade was a shy, retiring, bookworm and Wilde has that sweet, innocent, wide-eyed kind of face complete with long flowing golden hair. But all we really see in the film is a girl fixated and in the throes of love, who prances around and teasingly flashes her pretty knickers under summer dresses...a gentle kind of nympho.

Their characters are essentially defined by their love, David’s in giving it and Jade’s in glowingly receiving it. And I have to admit, that on some base romantic level, I did root for them to get together, but the major problem with Endless Love is that it is so full of extremes, it becomes ridiculously silly and unintentionally funny. Jade’s controlling father is relentlessly cunning and intimidating in his attempts to sabotage their romance, teetering on psychopathic. There were a few times I could actually imagine him about to “off” David, particularly in one scene with the two isolated on a lake in a boat.

The film escalates in drama from thinly veiled threats and secret romantic rendezvous to verbal and physical threats, lies, deceit, run-ins with police, other lovers, car accidents and more...there is no limit to the obstacles thrown in Jade and David’s way. In the tradition of recent popular TV teen dramas such as The OC, Gossip Girl and Revenge, the film also plays into a fantasy of extreme wealth and this provides for attractive visuals such as the Butterfield’s mansion, their holiday home by the lake, nice cars and fashion. Even David’s hovering ex-girlfriend’s pouty lips and massive eyes are extreme, played with oddly creepy effect by young actress Emma Rigby.

A film like Endless Love, has its place in entertainment life, usually as a film that a group of teenage girls can go together to see, to be silly and enjoy some completely superficial attractiveness...and probably ogle Prettyfer. But it really is not very good and if you are looking for a romantic film to share with your partner, you would be better served by Disney’s Tangled or Frozen and more likely find something in it that you can both enjoy. Endless Love is in cinemas now.

If you see the film, please share your thoughts below.

- Emily

Before I jump into this review I feel I should come clean; I'm no TopCow fan. Although I've dabbled with some of their titles from time to time, their roster of characters have never really resonated with me. I blame this almost exclusively on my personal taste although the intimidating continuity of the TopCow universe has always been a turn off. This probably begs the question as to why on earth I am here reviewing Artifacts #34.

The answer is twofold; for starters it's a one-shot so is free from the entanglement of continuity but more importantly it's written by Eugene Ward and illustrated by Martin Gimenez, both of whom have never been professionally published before. It's always a real thrill to see new talent, something the incestuous comic book industry could always use more of.

Artifacts #34 is a self-enclosed tale starring Ian Nottingham, the bearer of the mystical artifact known as the Blood Sword. This 22 page thrill ride sees Ian carving a trail of death through the ranks of the Yakuza in some of the most creative deaths I've seen in a while.

The violence comes non-stop like it would in a Tarantino movie, barely pausing for breath. The bloodshed begins in a brutal splash three pages in and doesn't really let up at all until the closing pages of the book.

Ward and Gimenez dance a fine line between over-the-top ultra violence (the sort of thing we see in pretty much every creator owned work of Mark Millar) and a more believable grittier, stylized brand of violence. For the most part they pull off the latter, no doubt due in part to Gimenez's precise line work and Ward's believable dialogue. Ward also uses a desensitization by immersion approach in which the level of violence never really lets up so it comes across as more fun than shocking when a Yakuza goon meets their grizzly end. I found myself thinking 'Oh man I can't wait to see how Ian is going to waste these guys' rather than 'holy crap that guy just got sliced in half'.Which is always a good thing in my books.

Although not a horror story in the strictest sense, Ian certainly comes across as the murderous villain of a slasher flick, an image certainly not helped by his long unkempt hair. Apparently mass murdering psychopaths don't believe in haircuts.

Ward and Gimenez have not only placed a secondary player in a hard to grasp comic-book universe into the spotlight, they have also made it look effortless. Gimenez' art in particular looks like it was born from the hand of an industry veteran. His line work is tight and precise, containing a certain photographic quality that gives this book a cinematic edge. The panels that include cars or other machinery particularly impressed me with their attention to detail and reminded me of the artwork of Salvador Larroca on Invincible Iron man.

A big kudos to TopCow for giving a chance to these fresh but evidently very talented creators. As a newcomers to the industry you really have to stand out and I'm glad to say that in Artifacts #34 Eugene Ward and Martin Gimenez do just that and then some! It's bold, brutal and shows all the hallmarks of a creative team who both know and love comics.

- Christof

Nebraska,the latest film from Alexander Payne (Sideways, The Descendants), is akin to wandering around a quiet art gallery, sipping a coffee and just letting the pieces wash over you. It’s a beautifully crafted tale that left me quite moved by its simplistic good-natured themes and realistic down-to-earth performances. This is a special little film that I really hope you’ll make time to go out and see.

Woody Grant (Bruce Dern) is a millionaire, or so says the letter he has just received from a sweepstakes company. All he has to do is head a few thousand miles across the country to pick up his winnings and come hell or highwater he’s getting his money. Woody’s family are more than a little concerned about his mental wellbeing because they know the sweeps are a scam preying on the gullible. Woody’s wife Kate (June Squib) is at her wits' end, since every time she turns her back, Woody takes off on foot to claim his prize. Eventually Woody’s son David (Will Forte) decides to drive his father to Nebraska, resulting in a chance for the two to spend some good ol father and son time together with mixed results.

Set in the Midwest of America and presented in black and white, Director Alexander Payne paints a bleak portrait of what has become of the heartland of America, devastated by economic changes and seemingly being left well behind the rest of the country. Shooting the film in black in white had a transformative effect; in that it felt as though I was able to see the Midwest in all its glory, like looking at a photo of my grandparents when they were children. The sweeping shots of the countryside give way to images of people and buildings both clinging tightly to yesteryear. I enjoyed the shots of the landscapes as they were reminiscent of the works by Ansel Adams.

Without doubt this is Bruce Dern's show. The veteran character actor imbues Woody Grant with a beautiful mix of stubbornness and apathy yet somehow tempers him with moments of genuine feeling. I thoroughly enjoyed watching Woody come in and out of conversations, choosing when to care and when to suddenly switch off. Will Forte is fantastic as David, a man struggling with his own issues but still full of compassion for his father. Forte is known mostly for his comedic chops but here he really impressed me with his ability to land the dramatic punches. June Squib is the grandmother we all wished we had; she swears, gossips and protects her family, although she is a little too willing to share the gory details of her sexual conquests. Just as he did in last years Spectacular Now, Bob Odenkirk has a small but impactful role as Woody’s other son.

The film tackles so many issues whilst maintaining a fairly straightforward narrative. This has long been a strength of Payne as a storyteller: he keeps his stories simple yet populates them with complex characters. These types of films aren’t being made often enough for my liking - smaller scale productions which have a lot to say about the world. In the big bad world of corporate film making I’m so happy that these little gems make their way through to us.

This is a gorgeous film for any one who wants to run away with some uber-talented character actors for a few hours. It’s full of laughs yet has its share of quieter moments which will surprise you. Nebraska is another reason why 2014 is one of the strongest years for cinema that we’ve been blessed with for quite some time. Don’t let this one pass you by.

Nebraska is in select theatres now, if you see the film and agree or disagree with my thoughts feel free to drop a line below.

- Stu

Let's be honest, feature films based on hit shonen series can sometimes be a little bit lackluster in both appearance and story. They can feel like a cheap cash-grab doing little to further the storyline or flesh out characters. Strong World, the 10th film in the One Piece franchise changes that.

20 years after his escape from Impel Down, the legendary pirate Shiki "the Golden Lion" reappears causing massive upheaval to the Marines. During his long seclusion, he was able to come up with a scheme to bring the World Government to his knees. On his way to execute the plan, Shiki crosses paths with the Straw Hat Pirates and becomes so impressed with Nami's knowledge of meteorology that he abducts her to forcedly enlist her into his crew. Luffy and the gang end up on a strange land populated with monstrous beasts as they desperately search for Shiki and Nami. - Madman

Created to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the blockbuster anime series, One Piece: Strong World benefits from having its original creator, Eiichiro Oda, on board to maintain the look and feel that we've become accustomed to. Not only does having the manga creator on writing duties give the story a little more credibility straight off the bat, but it also assists in delivering a story which builds upon what has come before it and essentially becomes canon. During its meaty 2 hour run time not only do we see Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates battling all sorts of crazy creatures, but we also see their interactions which, after 10 years, are suitably strong. Of course Chopper is still idealistic, Luffy bullheaded and Sanji lovesick but Nami who is usually so strong and independent shows a softer, vulnerable and more caring side.

The animation that Toei Animation provides for this film in particular is a real step up in quality from the norm. Instead of looking like an extended episode, this looks and feels like a self-contained, full budget adventure. Small elements of the animation, such as the colour fade in Nami's hair, the CGI of Shiki's ship, individual blades of grass and fully realised backgrounds all contribute to the overall aesthetic quality of the film. Add to this some wonderfully kinetic, manga inspired battle sequences and you've got the makings of a spectacular action adventure.

Madman's Blu Ray release is gorgeous. The animation, being as top quality as it is, really pops off the screen with vivid colours, intense clarity and not a single artifact to be seen. Unfortunately the special features are a little bit scant but that's easily forgiven when the overall package is so good. If you're not a fan of One Piece there's probably no real reason to grab this release. You may find yourself a little lost if you try to dive in 10 years after the fact. For the rest of us, however, this is a whole bunch of fun and gives hope that we'll eventually see a Funimation/Madman release of One Piece: Film Z which is the first film to take place in the "New World".

One Piece Movie: Strong World really feels as though a new benchmark has been set. There' no longer any excuse for average animation or meaningless plot lines from the likes of One Piece, Naruto or Bleach. It will be interesting to see whether these newly introduced creatures such as the 6-legged sabrecat, a GIANT angry octopus and Billy mild-mannered electric duck-thing will make an appearance in future releases. Just like Luffy's powers, the One Piece franchise has really kicked it into third gear!

For more on One Piece, head over to Madman and check out my One Piece Feature - "A Cabin Boy's Guide to One Piece".

- Ryan

One Piece Movie: Strong World is available now from Madman on Blu Ray and DVD

The greatest news team to team up to tell the news is back and they're backer than ever.

If you were a fan of the absurdity of ANCHORMAN 2: THE LEGEND CONTINUES, you're in for a real treat with over 4 HOURS of bonus features and 763 NEW JOKES included on the Blu Ray super-sized version. That's an increase of 5.33 jokes per minute, one of the highest JPM averages ever!

Being heralded as "funny" by SMH and "a sequel" by FilmInk, ANCHORMAN 2: THE LEGEND CONTINUES will be released on DVD and Blu Ray on the 9th of April and through digital channels on the 26th of March (Australian time).

Check out the full list of special features below and word to the wise, Blu Ray is where it's at.

ANCHORMAN 2: THE LEGEND CONTINUES – BLU-RAY SUPER-SIZED VERSION

(2 Discs)

Super-Sized Version in High Definition

Blu-ray widescreen enhanced for 16:9TV’s

Running Time Feature Film: 118mins Bonus Disc with Supersized Version: 143mins

Special Features

Behind-The-Scenes

Anchorman 2: The Musical
RV
Baxter & Doby
News Fight

Deleted Scenes

Ron Leaves
Linda Leaves
Courtroom
Posse: Fanny
Posse: Funny
A Side Of Lime
Disconnecting With Walter
Connecting With Walter

Extended / Alternate Scenes

Horse Piss
Dolphin Show
Champ Chicken
Fantana Cat
Garth Wants In
Meet Jack Lime
Launch
Porn Fired
Apartment
More Graphics
Brick Butter
Brick Has A Date
Crack Report
Post Arrest Linda
Laundromat Date
Synergy
Cab To Dinner
Cab From Dinner
A Walk In The Park
Boner Time
The World Of The Blind
Dishwasher Fire
Stonewall: Soul
Stonewall: Heaven
Wedding Vows

Previsualizations

RV
Shark Attack
News Fight

Auditions

Meagan Good "Linda"
Alternate Universe: From The Vault 2003-
Dylan Baker “Ed Harken“
Amy Poehler “Veronica”

Benefit For 826LA: “Spoiler Alert”
Trailers
Easter Egg

ANCHORMAN 2: THE LEGEND CONTINUES SINGLE DISC DVD

Running Time 114min

Special Features

(Feature) Commentary: Adam McKay, Judd Apatow, Will Ferrell, Steve Carell, Paul Rudd and David Koechner
Gag Reel
Welcome To The Dolphin Show
Catfight
News-O-Rama
Kench-O-Rama

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