Featuring the voices of: Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Kate McKinnon, John Krasinski, Vanessa Bayer, Natasha Lyonne, Diego Luna, Marc Maron, Thomas Middleditch, Ben Schwartz and Keanu Reeves.
In DC League of Super-Pets, Krypto the Super-Dog and Superman are inseparable best friends, sharing the same superpowers and fighting crime in Metropolis side by side. When Superman and the rest of the Justice League are kidnapped, Krypto must convince a rag-tag shelter pack—Ace the hound, PB the potbellied pig, Merton the turtle and Chip the squirrel—to master their own newfound powers and help him rescue the superheroes.
Summary: Return to a world of two realities: one, everyday life; the other, what lies behind it. To find out if his reality is a construct, to truly know himself, Mr. Anderson will have to choose to follow the white rabbit once more.
Year: 2021
Cinema Release Dates: 26th December 2021 (Australia), 16th December 2021 (Thailand), 22nd December 2021 (UK), 22nd December 2021 (USA)
VOD Release Dates: 22nd December 2021 (USA)
Country: USA
Director: Lana Wachowski
Screenwriter: Lana Wachowski, David Mitchell, Aleksander Hemon
Cast: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (Morpheus/Agent Smith), Freema Agyeman (Astra), Daniel Bernhardt (Agent Johnson), London Breed (Calliope), Volkhart Buff (Kush), Andrew Lewis Caldwell (Jude), Gaige Chaturantabut (Donnie), Priyanka Chopra Jonas (Sati), Stephen Dunlevy (Agent Jones), Julian Grey (Brandon), Jonanthan Groff (Smith), Joshua Grothe (Funktion), Neil Patrick Harris (The Analyst), Jessica Henwick (Bugs), Ellen Hollman (Echo), Telma Hopkins (Freya), Erendira Ibarra (Lexy), Purab Kohli (Zen), Mumbi Maina (Ellster), Max Mauff (Quillion), Carrie-Ann Moss (Trinity/Tiffany), Toby Onwumere (Sequoia), Max Riemelt (Shepherd), Cooper Rivers (GJ), Andrew Rothney (Scott), Jada Pinkett Smith (Niobe), Keanu Reeves (Neo/Thomas Anderson), Christina Ricci (Gwyn de Vere), Leo Sheng (Bobbi), Brian J. Smith (Berg), Michael X. Sommers (Skroce), Chad Stahelski (Chad), Sabrina Strehl (Fiona), Amadei Weiland (Agent White), L. Trey Wilson (Hanno), Lambert Wilson (The Merovinigian)
Running Time: 148 mins
Classification: M (Australia), G (Thailand), 15 (UK), R (USA)
OUR THE MATRIX RESURRECTIONS REVIEWS
David Griffiths’ The Matrix Resurrections Review:
There is very little doubt that the original Matrix movie, released way back in 1999, changed cinema forever. For years directors like James Cameron and Steven Spielberg had been at the forefront of changing the visual look of the films that we went to see in cinemas. Suddenly this action film came from some unknown Australians that visually looked like something that had never been seen before. The film itself took the action style of Hong Kong martial arts films and mixed it with mind-bending special effects that quickly won over a legion of fans.
The thing about the original film, and something that became painfully obvious as the sequels were released in subsequent years was that while The Matrix looked good the storyline itself was a bit of a weakness. It is the kind of story that people either never fully understand or find themselves thinking about so much that they end up developing their own theories which may or may not be along the lines of the what the creators were hoping to achieve.
Now comes the fourth instalment in the franchise – The Matrix: Resurrections – and the general consensus among fans is the fact that they hope this film answers some questions from the past films while also helps them to forget some of the franchises’ shortfalls.
Directed and written by Lana Wachowski (Jupiter Ascending) the film finds Neo (Keanu Reeves – John Wick) working as a games developer and completely unaware of the Matrix and his involvement in it. In fact his only awareness of his past is what he thinks was a mental breakdown, something that he meets with his therapist (Neil Patrick Harris – How I Met Your Mother) to regularly talk about.
But soon his mundane life is turned upside down when he meets Bugs (Jessica Henwick – Game Of Thrones) and Morpheus (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II – Aquaman) and they begin to fill in some blanks that soon has him realising there may be more to the connection that he seems to have with a mysterious woman who he meets in his local coffee shop, Tiffany (Carrie-Anne Moss – Memento).
That plot-line does sound very thin and to be honest that is the biggest weakness of The Matrix: Resurrections. Once again we have a Matrix film that looks brilliant, but once again we also have a film where the plot is dangerously thin and at times is attempted to be fleshed out by exposition.
Probably the best way to approach the film is to see it as something that is visually going to wow you but isn’t going to win any awards for screenwriting. I would be lying however if I said that this film doesn’t draw you in – it certainly does that.
The most intriguing part of the film is watching Neo trying to put together all the jigsaw pieces in his head. And to Lana Wachowski’s credit that does work although perhaps it could have been done in a faster way. Like always although the plot itself is thin the script is convoluted and to be honest there are a number of scenes that feel like they shouldn’t even be there… especially given the long running time.
There are times throughout the film were the film almost seems aware of itself as the characters talk about reboots and franchises etc and while on the surface it appears smart after reflection it feels a little out of place, especially given that this film works best when it is delivering on action or the suspense of the ‘rescuers’ trying to recruit Neo and find Trinity.
As we have come to expect from this franchise the best thing about is the visuals. The action sequences captured by Wachowski and cinematographers Daniele Massaccesi (Under The Skin) and John Toll (Braveheart) are brilliant, creative and to be honest are the heart and soul of this film. While the screenplay maybe lacking the action set pieces certainly aren’t.
When it comes to acting Neil Patrick Harris steals the show. He is brilliant as The Analyst and not only does he steal every scene that he is in but he seems to find the best of a weak script and makes the character truly his and a remarkable villain. Jessica Henwick is also great as Bugs and she does such a good job that she is a character that needs to be explored more if we see more Matrix films.
As a bit of a downer though it does become obvious that this film is let down by the fact that Hugo Weaving and Laurence Fishburne don’t return to their iconic roles. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Jonathon Groff (Frozen) do an okay job in their roles, but it certainly isn’t the same and there is very little explanation given to the change in appearance of the characters.
The Matrix: Resurrections is one of those films that will wow you with its visuals but don’t expect anything special when it comes to plot or screenplay. The story is paper-thin and at times will have you thinking ‘huh?’ Sadly this is no better than any of the other Matrix sequels but hopefully it is setting us up for something special in the future.
Dave’s rating Out Of 5
Average Subculture Rating:
Other Subculture The Matrix Resurrections Reviews:
From visionary filmmaker Lana Wachowski comes “The Matrix Resurrections”, the long-awaited next chapter in the groundbreaking franchise that redefined a genre. The new film reunites original stars Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss in the iconic roles they made famous, Neo and Trinity.
In “The Matrix Resurrections,” return to a world of two realities: one, everyday life; the other, what lies behind it. To find out if his reality is a physical or mental construct, to truly know himself, Mr. Anderson will have to choose to follow the white rabbit once more. And if Thomas…Neo…has learned anything, it’s that choice, while an illusion, is still the only way out of—or into—the Matrix. Of course, Neo already knows what he has to do. But what he doesn’t yet know is the Matrix is stronger, more secure and more dangerous than ever before. Déjà vu.
Reeves reprises the dual roles of Thomas Anderson/Neo, the man once saved from the Matrix to become the savior of humankind, who will once again have to choose which path to follow. Moss portrays the iconic warrior Trinity… or is she Tiffany, a suburban wife and mother of three with a penchant for superpowered motorcycles?
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (“Candyman”, the “Aquaman” franchise) plays the wise and worldly Morpheus who, as always, serves as a guide to Neo while also fulfilling his own greater purpose on a very singular journey of self-discovery. Jessica Henwick (TV’s “Iron Fist”, “Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens”) plays the hacker Bugs, the proverbial white rabbit on a mission to discover the one who sacrificed himself for humankind–and willing to take any risk necessary in search of the legend she idolizes.
Jonathan Groff (“Hamilton”, TV’s “Mindhunter”), plays Thomas Anderson’s business partner, a slick, confident corporate type with insouciant charm, a disarming smile and an eye on the bottom line–everything Mr. Anderson is not. Neil Patrick Harris (“Gone Girl”) plays Thomas’ therapist, working closely with his patient to understand the meaning behind his dreams and to distinguish them from reality.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas (TV’s “Quantico”) plays a young woman with a wisdom that belies her years and an ability to see the truth, no matter how murky the waters. And Jada Pinkett Smith (“Angel Has Fallen”, TV’s “Gotham”) returns as Niobe, the fierce General who once fought for the survival of Zion and who now sees to the welfare of her people with a familiar fire in her eyes, despite a sense of disbelief and suspicion upon Neo’s return.
Lana Wachowski directed from a screenplay by Wachowski & David Mitchell & Aleksandar Hemon, based on characters created by The Wachowskis. The film was produced by James McTeigue, Lana Wachowski and Grant Hill. The executive producers were Garrett Grant, Terry Needham, Michael Salven, Karin Wachowski, Jesse Ehrman and Bruce Berman. Wachowski’s creative team behind the scenes included “Sense8” collaborators: directors of photography Daniele Massaccesi and John Toll, production designers Hugh Bateup and Peter Walpole, editor Joseph Jett Sally, costume designer Lindsay Pugh, visual effects supervisor Dan Glass, and composers Johnny Klimek and Tom Tykwer.
Featuring the voices of Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Kate McKinnon, John Krasinski, Vanessa Bayer, Natasha Lyonne, Diego Luna, Marc Maron, Thomas Middleditch, Ben Schwartz and Keanu ReevesLeague Of Superpets is due in Australian cinemas on May 19th.
Summary: Once again it is up to Bill and Ted to save the world – this time they have to travel through time and work out how they wrote the perfect song in the future. With a task so big though this time they may need their daughters to help them.
Year: 2020
Cinema Release Dates: 28th August 2020 (Australia), 16th September 2020 (UK), 28th August 2020 (USA)
VOD Release Dates: 28th August 2020 (Australia), 28th August 2020 (USA)
Country: Bahamas, USA
Director: Dean Parisot
Screenwriter: Chris Matheson, Ed Solomon
Cast: Brigette Nicole Andrews (Cleopatra), Linda Ayliff (Amelia Earhart), Jared Bankins (Jesus/Young Ted), Diana Barnes (Frida), Jillian Bell (Dr. Taylor Wood), Beck Bennett (Deacon), Artis Burney (Buddha), George Carlin (Rufus Hologram), Anthony Carrigan (Dennis Caleb McCoy), Georgia Cohran (Harriet Tubman), Jeremiah Craft (Louis Armstrong), Daniel Dorr (Mozart), Doug Gagnon (Bartholomew), Sharon Gee (Ling Lun),Kallie Glidewell (Flapper), Mickey Gooch Jnr. (Clete), Dave Grohl (himself), William E. Harris (George Washington), Erinn Hayes (Elizabeth), Miles Hendler (Judas), Kid Cudi (himself), Hal Landon Jnr. (Chief Logan), Xavier Leblanc (Phaoroh), Reece Loustalot (Babe Ruth), Jeff Pagano (Noelle Redding), Brigette Lundy-Paine (Billie), Jayma Mays (Joanna), Piotr Michael (Rufus (voice)), Patty Anne Miller (Grom), Kharismisa Morris (Josephine Baker), Keanu Reeves (Ted), Eliana Ruiz (Indira Gandhi), William Sadler (Death), Kristen Schaal (Kelly), Billy Slaughter (Young Bill), DaZMann Still (Jimi Hendrix), Amy Stoch (Missy), Kimberley Stockton (Queen Elizabeth), Holland Taylor (The Great Leader), Samara Weaving (Thea), Peter Wick (Zenny), Alex Winter (Bill), Tommie Wong (Kubla Khan), Ned Yousef (Gandhi)
David Griffiths’ Bill & Ted Face The Music Review:
I can still remember the first time I saw a Bill & Ted film. I was in Primary School and while at my friend’s place he shoved this pink and purple VHS into my hands and said “Dude, we need to watch this.” From that moment I was hooked with these likable idiots. I wanted to be them so much that they are probably one of the reasons why I love hard rock and I’d be lying if I didn’t say I used some of the things I learned from the film when it came to History at High School.
Yes, I wanted to be Bill and Ted but then I grew up. I graduated, went to College, got married and bought a house… like adults do. But according to what we find in the new instalment of the Bill & Ted franchise people don’t change – they are the same forever. Yes, it is ridiculous to think that way but that is what any audience going into this film is expected to think.
Set nearly thirty years after the originals Bill And Ted Face The Music find Bill (Alex Winter – Grand Piano) and Ted (Keanu Reeves – John Wick) completely washed up but the fathers of two daughters – Thea (Samara Weaving – Guns Akimbo) and Billie (Brigette Lundy-Paine – The Glass Castle). The two’s music careers are over and their marriages are in tatters – in general their lives are a mess.
Then out of the blue Kelly (Kristan Schall – The Muppets) turns up from the future to tell them that the world is about to end if Bill and Ted can’t create the perfect song. The two travel through time to try and find how they wrote the perfect song while being pursued by a deadly assassin named Dennis Caleb McCoy (Anthony Carrigan – Gotham). Meanwhile Thea and Billie begin their own journey through time in a bid to build the perfect band for their fathers.
To be honest this was probably one of the most disappointing films I have watched in a long time. I wanted to see the filmmakers, director Dean Parisot (Galaxy Quest) and his screenwriting team, doing something really special with this film; instead I got something that was slightly insulting to my childhood. Not only is the film plain dumb and feature nothing ‘spectacular’ that I was hoping for but the film seems to be ill thought out. I get that Bill and Ted are losers whose lives have never reached the potential that they should have; you know what as a fan of Jay and Silent Bob I can deal with that. What I can’t deal with or even believe is that they are so juvenile that they still speak like stoners so much later in their lives… it is so ridiculous that nobody can comprehend it.
Likewise the film does nothing ‘special.’ Despite a few moments that might make you chuckle Bill and Ted’s journey is this film is lacklustre and nowhere near as exciting as the journey in their original film. I can’t help but wonder why the writers didn’t do more things like the brilliant Dave Grohl cameo – this film needed to be epic not the lacklustre yawn fest that it became.
There are times during this film that the script is so stupid that I swear Keanu Reeves looks uncomfortable. We know what a brilliant actor he is but there are times during the film where his ‘stoner’ language and laugh seem to be ‘forced’ and you can see his mind asking “why did I sign up for this?” Despite the quality of the performers in the film, including Samara Weaving, this is not a film that is going to end up a highlight on anyone’s acting resume.
There will be a lot of people out there who go out and watch Bill And Ted Face The Music simply because of the nostalgia factor. As a fan of the original movies though I have to warn you that you will be sadly disappointed.
Dave’s rating Out Of 5
Kyle McGrath’s Bill & Ted Face The Music Review:
Kyle McGrath’s Rating Out Of 5:
Average Subculture Rating:
IMDB Rating:
Other Subculture Bill & Ted Face The Music Reviews:
Well, loyal Subculture fans we know that you have eagerly been anticipating the arrival of John Wick 2 in Australian cinemas…. we know because we read all the emails that you sent us asking when it when open. Well know we have something very special you… thanks to our good friends at Studio Canal we are giving away three double passes to John Wick 2.
To be in with a chance to win a double chance simply go to our Facebook page and LIKE the page and LIKE the John Wick 2 giveaway post.
JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2
In cinemas May 18
In this high-octane sequel to the 2014 hit, legendary super-assassin John Wick (Keanu Reeves) is forced back out of retirement by a former associate plotting to seize control of a shadowy Italian assassins’ guild. Bound by a blood oath to help him, John travels to Rome where he squares off against some of the world’s deadliest killers in an adrenaline-fueled thrill ride that takes the non-stop action of the original to a whole new level.
Also starring Ruby Rose, Common, Laurence Fishburne and Ian McShane, JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 hits cinemas May 18.
It’s Day Four of Monster Fest and there is so much going on before Mr Reeves and Mr Roth close out the festival tonight. So join us for the Monster Fest Official Podcast as we preview Day Four.
You can listen to or download the Monster Fest Official Podcast right here.
The last few years has seen Monster Fest become Australia’s premiere horror film festival. Well this year Monster Fest is back bigger and better than ever… plus they have something to offer to music lovers as well as cinephiles.
As part of the first wave of announcements Monster Fest, which will be held at The Lido Cinemas in Hawthorn from the 26th-29th November, was the fact that a big part of this year’s festival will be Munsterpalooza, which is pretty much a rooftop concert hosted by the legendary Butch Patrick who played Eddie Munster in the hit television series The Munsters.
The bands announced to be performing at Munsterpalooza are Melbourne rockabilly outfit The Mighty Kings, punk rockers Murder Rats and the band that have best described as The Misfits vs The Ramones – Coffin Carousel. The unique thing about this concert, aside from the presence of Butch Patrick is of course that this will be held on the rooftop of one of Melbourne’s newest cinemas The Lido in beautiful Hawthorn.
Another band that has been announced to play at Monster Fest this year are the very unique The Tarantinos. A band who have made a name for themselves playing the tracks that have made the soundtracks of Quentin Tarantno movies like Pulp Fiction a must have for every music lover’s collection over the years. The Tarantinos will be playing at the Monster Fest closing night party which will follow one of the first Australian screenings of Keanu Reeve’s new film Knock Knock.
If you need more information about this year’s Monster Fest and Munsterpalooza just check out the https://www.facebook.com/events/163109424024746/ . Tickets for Musterpalooza are $50 and are available from the same event page.
