Sky brings E.T. back to Earth for Christmas - the first time in 37 years

Christmas is always a time for people to reconnect. This year, Sky is continuing a timeless story of friendship by reuniting the beloved character of E.T. with Elliott’s 2019 family. The iconic characters from Universal Pictures’ E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial tell the story of their unbreakable connection using technology from Sky.

E.T. is back on Earth for a surprise visit with Elliott, who now has his own family. Although technology has changed our world since they last saw each other 37 years ago, their friendship remains strong and is a touching reminder of how important reconnecting is at Christmas. This story was made in connection with Universal Pictures, part of the Comcast and Sky family of companies.

• Stephen van Rooyen, CEO UK & Ireland, Sky said: 
"It’s an honour to bring E.T. back to Earth in this new festive short story, helping us to celebrate the magic of family time at Christmas and Sky’s part in bringing our customers together at this special time of year. “

• Lance Acord, Director: 
“More than anything, the whole story is about family.”

I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Friday 29 Nov preview (video)

The whole camp undertakes tonight's Bushtucker Trial - Sickening Circus

I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! continues Friday 29 November at 9pm on ITV

Leaving their plush pads and luxuries far behind, our celebrity campers will spend up to three weeks taking on the harsh surroundings of the Australian Jungle, with a whole host of brand new nasty surprises created just for them.

***

The celebrities heading into the Jungle for 2019 are:

Ex footballer and broadcaster – Ian Wright MBE
Pop star – Nadine Coyle
‘Rak-Su’ singer – Myles Stephenson
Radio 1 DJ – Adele Roberts
Comedian – Andrew Maxwell
Soap Star– Jacqueline Jossa
Capital Radio DJ – Roman Kemp
Olympian and TV personality – Caitlyn Jenner
Ex England rugby player – James Haskell
TV and radio presenter – Kate Garraway
Actor - Cliff Parisi
Actor - Andy Whyment

Interview with Glenda Jackson - Elizabeth is Missing - A poignant and compelling mystery based on the bestselling novel by Emma Healey

Two-time Academy Award winner Glenda Jackson makes a triumphant return to the screen after 27 years, in this poignant and compelling mystery based on the bestselling novel by Emma Healey.
When her best friend Elizabeth goes missing, Maud is convinced something terrible has happened. But her search to find Elizabeth unearths an altogether darker unsolved mystery: her sister’s disappearance, long buried in the recesses of her memory.

Can Maud discover the fate of both missing women before her dementia erases the clues and the answers are lost to her forever?

Interview with Glenda Jackson (Maud)

What initially interested you in the project, Elizabeth Is Missing?

Elizabeth Is Missing is about a subject that is of enormous importance. We, the human race, live longer and longer and there are always new illnesses coming to the fore. This story deals with a woman and her family who are going through the realisation of what Alzheimer’s really is and how terrible it is. It was interesting to explore a life lost and how society has tried to maintain those people whose health is also severely damaged.

It’s a great big black hole that’s opening up within western democracy at the moment. The overarching interest for me is this problem of how we deal with the fact that we are living longer. It’s a blessing and it can also be a curse. We don’t know how we are going to care for people who are no longer capable of caring for themselves. It’s going to cost money, so where are we going to get the money from?

How did it feel to be back filming after so long off screen?

It’s been decades since I last stood in front of a camera to make a film and the most remarkable thing for me has been the technological change. In my day, the cameras were enormous and they had to be physically moved around. You’d be ready to shoot but you’d wait for three hours. The camera seems to work off a battery, we had generators in my day. The only way people knew how the work had gone that day was when they’d see the rushes. Now the equipment is just astonishing. People are able to see what’s happening on the set by looking at a screen. I avoided it like the plague but for those people whose business it is to know, it must be invaluable.

Did you undertake any research in that area that has been key to playing the role of Maud?

When I first read the book and then the script, it sparked memories of when I was still a member of parliament and had to visit various day centres and old people’s homes. I wouldn’t say I am an expert in either Alzheimer’s or dementia but I have seen people and families who suffer from it.

I was also privileged to meet a doctor who specialises in dementia and she said the book was very accurate. She remarked, quite profoundly I thought, that it was presented as being so unsentimental. That was very useful to me.

Have there been any challenges in playing Maud?

It’s actually been a challenge to find Maud. The extremes of her experience are easy, but it’s her day-to-day and middle road existence that’s really difficult to pin down. That is of course what makes her so intriguing to play.

What does her friendship with Elizabeth mean to her?

Elizabeth, of the title, is Maud’s best friend. She is probably a decade younger than Maud but they’re both elderly. The Elizabeth story runs concurrently with an incident in Maud’s teenage years when her sister Sukey disappeared. Within the context of the script, Maud is going through the development of Alzheimer’s. She’s sometimes in the here and now, more often in the past and then sometimes very bleakly in the future. What she is, is a person.

Their friendship is another central part and informs the whole film. Now we’re all living longer, undoubtably there will be the terrible pitfall of loneliness. What essentially motivates Maud to continue along a track which she intensely believes in, despite her illness, is her friendship with Elizabeth. It’s not only because of her own sense of being alone but also because she cares for her friend. It’s been proven that loneliness can have a really detrimental effect on mental health. That in itself is something to think about very seriously.

What is Maud’s relationship like with her daughter Helen and her granddaughter Katy?

Maud’s husband died many years ago but she still has family. Her son, who is clearly her favourite child, is in Germany with his family so her closest people are Helen and Katy. Her relationship with Helen veers from being critically ignorant of her to being dependent on her. Maud isn’t ignorant of her being there but she ignores what she thinks and says. At the same time she’s very dependent on her, emotionally and physically. She has these flares of rage but it will be expressed against anybody that’s in the room. In a curious kind of way, it’s not personal. The illness takes away understanding on every kind of human being level. She can be very brutal to her granddaughter but it’s because she doesn’t recognise her as her granddaughter. I’ve seen that, I’ve seen people not recognising their family. However many times they’ve seen it, for the family member it is really desperately upsetting.

Trailer - Agent Jade Black - Starring Katie Burgess

Stephen Gallacher’s homeless hero out for payback in NOTHING MAN

She’s back in black!
Katie Burgess, star of The Jurassic Games, returns to the battlefield in Agent Jack Black, writer/director Terry Spears’ electrifying new action-thriller coming January 2020.

Atomic Blonde meets La Femme Nikita in a new film from High Octane Pictures and visionary new filmmaker Terry Spears.

Rescued from the international sex trade as a young girl and trained as a secret government assassin, Jade Black must go after a rouge former agent with the same background who has developed a biological weapon and plans to unleash it on the world, starting with the wealthy and powerful men behind the very same human trafficking operation they were both rescued from years earlier.
Connie D Franklin, Sydney Flack, Luke Wycoff, and Rane Thomason join rising screen siren Katie Burgess in the first great action ride of the new year, Agent Jade Black!

Agent Jade Black on DVD and On Demand January 7, 2020.
Amazon Link - Opens in a new window

WIN A DVD COPY OF STAR TREK: DISCOVERY: SEASON TWO OUT NOW ON BLU-RAY™ AND DVD FOR THE FIRST TIME!

To celebrate the return of the most iconic sci-fi television franchise in history: STAR TREK: DISCOVERY: SEASON TWO, out NOW on Blu-ray™ and DVD from CBS Home Entertainment and Paramount Home Entertainment, we’re giving you the chance to win your very own DVD copy!

“Certified Fresh” by Rotten Tomatoes, all 14 episodes of the CBS series’ latest season appear with brilliant sound and picture across four discs in both the Blu-ray™ and DVD formats. STAR TREK: DISCOVERY: SEASON TWO Blu-ray™ and DVD will include over two hours of exclusive, captivating special features, plus two episodes of SHORT TREKS that are related to STAR TREK: DISCOVERY: SEASON TWO: “Runaway” featuring Ensign Sylvia Tilly and “The Brightest Star” featuring Commander Saru.

After answering a distress signal from the U.S.S. Enterprise, STAR TREK: DISCOVERY: SEASON TWO finds the crew of the U.S.S. Discovery joining forces with Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount) on a new mission to investigate seven mysterious red signals and the appearance of an unknown being called the Red Angel. While the crew must work together to unravel their meaning and origin, First Officer Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green) is forced to face her past with the return of her estranged brother, Spock (Ethan Peck). STAR TREK: DISCOVERY: SEASON TWO also stars Doug Jones (“Commander Saru”), Anthony Rapp (“Lt. Commander Paul Stamets”), Mary Wiseman (“Ensign Sylvia Tilly”), Shazad Latif  (“Ash Tyler”), Wilson Cruz (“Dr. Hugh Culber”), Mary Chieffo (“L’Rell”), Tig Notaro (“Chief Engineer Reno”), Rebecca Romijn (“Number One”) and Michelle Yeoh (“Philippa Georgiou”).

Buy from Amazon Here - Link opens in a new window

For your chance to win a DVD copy of STAR TREK: DISCOVERY: SEASON TWO simply answer the following question:

COMPETITION CLOSED


STAR TREK: DISCOVERY: SEASON TWO is out now on Blu-Ray™ and DVD.


Terms and conditions
1. Closing date 09-12-19
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. Open to UK residents only.

IMAX Exclusive Art – Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

Today, IMAX has revealed its exclusive artwork for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, debuting in IMAX cinemas from 19 December 2019. The final chapter in the Skywalker saga will conclude the epic struggle between light and dark, Rey and Kylo Ren, and the Resistance and the First Order.

The IMAX release of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker will be digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality The IMAX Experience® with proprietary IMAX DMR® (Digital Re-mastering) technology. The crystal-clear images, coupled with IMAX's customized theatre geometry and powerful digital audio, create a unique environment that will make audiences feel as if they are in the movie.

Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker | Featurette

First look images of Dynamo in new Sky original Beyond Belief

Intrigue, master craft and mind-blowing magic are all at play in the first look images of new Sky original DYNAMO BEYOND BELIEF, released today.

From award-winning magician DYNAMO BEYOND BELIEF is a striking three-part special that blends gripping documentary with explosive magic as Dynamo takes viewers on a journey across the globe as he performs close-up miracles and heart-stopping magic. The first look images offer a glimpse into the incredible feats of magic attempted by Dynamo in his first ever show for Sky One.

Coming to Sky One and streaming service NOW TV in 2020, DYNAMO BEYOND BELIEF is co-produced by Phil McIntyre Television, Inner Circle Films and Motion Content Group.

I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Thursday 28 Nov preview (video)

Nadine Coyle, Ian Wright, Jacqueline Jossa and Roman Kemp undertakes tonight's Bushtucker Trial - Sinister Circus

I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! is back which can mean only one thing… the time has come for a brand new cast of celebrities to head down under and battle it out in TV’s toughest entertainment challenge.

Leaving their plush pads and luxuries far behind, our celebrity campers will spend up to three weeks taking on the harsh surroundings of the Australian Jungle, with a whole host of brand new nasty surprises created just for them.

***

The celebrities heading into the Jungle for 2019 are:

Ex footballer and broadcaster – Ian Wright MBE
Pop star – Nadine Coyle
‘Rak-Su’ singer – Myles Stephenson
Radio 1 DJ – Adele Roberts
Comedian – Andrew Maxwell
Soap Star– Jacqueline Jossa
Capital Radio DJ – Roman Kemp
Olympian and TV personality – Caitlyn Jenner
Ex England rugby player – James Haskell
TV and radio presenter – Kate Garraway
Actor - Cliff Parisi
Actor - Andy Whyment

A trio of new comedies from BBC Scotland to kick start 2020

The Scotts, Group and the Daly Grind make up a trio of new comedies from BBC Scotland, showcasing new and established comic talent, working in partnership with Screen Scotland to develop and deliver new comedy for Scottish audiences.

Airing on BBC One Scotland in the new year, the three 30-minute comedies are uniquely different with all of them offering development opportunities for both writing and acting talent. They have been made by The Comedy Unit, BBC Studios and Pirate Productions and commissioned by Gavin Smith Commissioning Executive Comedy, Drama and Entertainment for BBC Scotland who will also be the BBC executive producer.

The Scotts

Shadowing a typical Scottish family, this sitcom proves that if blood is thicker than water, no-one is thicker than the Scotts.

Showcasing the antics of the funniest fictional family in Scotland - and written and performed by Robert Florence and Iain Connell - the comedy revolves around siblings Henry (Connell) and Vincent (Florence) who have a love/hate relationship plus their wives Vonny (Shauna Macdonald) and Laura (Sharon Young) and their sister Colette (Louise McCarthy). The Scotts mixes comic scenes with candid pieces-to-camera capturing the petty squabbles, hidden secrets, mini triumphs and major disasters of an everyday Scottish family. The Scotts also stars Barbara Rafferty, Taylor Stewart, Amy Leith and Jamie MacDonald.

The Scotts is a Comedy Unit production.

Group

Everyone needs an audience. As a group of addicts comes together for a weekly session, there is warmth and solidarity, coffee and biscuits, tension and power games. Group is written and created by the critically acclaimed Annie Griffin and Denise Mina. Group stars Lois Chimimba, Bhav Joshi, Lucianne McEvoy, Grant O’Rourke, Sally Reid, Derek Riddell and Jonathan Watson.

Group is a Pirate Production.

Daly Grind

Fresh and fast-paced family comedy, the Daly Grind, centres on devoted mother - and expert multi-tasker - Tracey Daly struggling with the chaos of her daily routine. Set entirely in the Daly household, the comedy unfolds as Tracey wrangles with her three children - Katlyn, Liam and Lucy - alongside her husband Joe. Starring Scarlett Mack, Jordan Young, Rachel Doherty, Cameron Wilke and Bea Tena-Hutchinson, Daly Grind was written and created by brothers, John and Dominic Reynolds.

Daly Grind is a BBC Studios production.

People Just Do Nothing: Big In Japan starts shooting

Production is underway on the highly anticipated feature film adaptation of two-time Bafta winning BBC comedy series, People Just Do Nothing.

After five seasons of the cult mockumentary series on BBC and Netflix, People Just Do Nothing: Big In Japan has commenced shooting in Japan and the UK for six weeks and will be released in cinemas across the UK and Ireland in August 2020.

People Just Do Nothing: Big In Japan stars Allan Mustafa (MC Grindah), Hugo Chegwin (DJ Beats), Asim Chaudhry (Chabuddy G), Steve Stamp (Steves), Dan Sylvester (Decoy), Lily Brazier (Miche), Hitomi Souno (Miki) and Ken Yamamura (Taka).

Since the end of their pirate radio station, life has been quiet for the Kurupt FM boys, but everything is about to change. News reaches them that one of their songs has been used on a popular game show in Japan. They've made it! Their music is reaching hundreds of thousands of people! It's finally time for them to enjoy the fame and fortune that they've always known they deserved. Chabuddy G steps excitedly back into his management role as Grindah, Beats, Steves and Decoy begin their journey to international stardom... But is Japan really ready for Kurupt FM?

People Just Do Nothing: Big In Japan is written by Steve Stamp and Allan Mustafa, with additional material by Asim Chaudhry, Hugo Chegwin and Lily Brazier. The film is directed by Jack Clough (People Just Do Nothing, Skins) and produced by Claire Jones (Ghost Stories, The Festival) and Tim Sealey for Roughcut.

Craig David set to rock Big Ben this New Year’s Eve on BBC One

Craig David will be brightening up New Year’s Eve on BBC One in a very special live concert as the multiple award-winning and critically acclaimed singer songwriter performs a selection of his smash hits and much more besides to welcome in 2020.

As a much loved and respected figure in British music culture, Craig is responsible for a string of global hits including Fill Me In, 7 Days, Heartline and Do You Miss Me Much and will be kicking things off on the big night as he is joined on stage at London’s Central Hall Westminster by his legendary band.

As Big Ben strikes midnight, London’s famous fireworks will light up the night sky over the River Thames with a spectacular display choreographed to a specially edited medley of music. After that, the action switches back inside Central Hall Westminster as Craig returns one more time with one of his globally renowned TS5 sets as the party continues.

Craig David says: “I can’t think of a better way to see in the New Year and new decade than performing and celebrating with you all. It’s going to be a night to remember!”

Jan Younghusband, Head of BBC Music TV Commissioning, says: “Craig is famous for his blistering live sets, so I’m thrilled that he will be ringing in New Year by performing live for BBC One viewers.”

A limited number of tickets for the concert will go on sale on Thursday 28 November at 10am, visit bbc.co.uk/newyearseve for further details.

Shenmue 3 Review Reviewed by Kyle Hilliard on PlayStation 4

Shenmue 3 Reviewed by Kyle Hilliard on PlayStation 4. Also available on PC.

The story of Shenmue began 20 years ago, and for its time the original game was an undeniable marvel in video game storytelling and world-building. You lived Ryo Hazuki's life, developing relationships and maintaining a day job in your Japanese hometown, all while trying to track down your father's murderer so you could extract vengeance.

Time has not been kind to that original game, nor its 2001 sequel, as video game stories and performance capture tech have improved drastically. In many ways, Shenmue 3 is a stark reminder of the leaps and bounds developers have made in the last 20 years. That's not to say there isn't a compelling experience here - it just feels out of time and doesn't reward the Shenmue faithful with meaningful revelations in the story.

I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Tuesday 26 Nov preview (video)

I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Tuesday 26 Nov preview (video)

Andrew Maxwell undertakes tonight's Bushtucker Trial - Arc of Agony

I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! is back which can mean only one thing… the time has come for a brand new cast of celebrities to head down under and battle it out in TV’s toughest entertainment challenge.

Leaving their plush pads and luxuries far behind, our celebrity campers will spend up to three weeks taking on the harsh surroundings of the Australian Jungle, with a whole host of brand new nasty surprises created just for them.

***

The celebrities heading into the Jungle for 2019 are:

Ex footballer and broadcaster – Ian Wright MBE
Pop star – Nadine Coyle
‘Rak-Su’ singer – Myles Stephenson
Radio 1 DJ – Adele Roberts
Comedian – Andrew Maxwell
Soap Star– Jacqueline Jossa
Capital Radio DJ – Roman Kemp
Olympian and TV personality – Caitlyn Jenner
Ex England rugby player – James Haskell
TV and radio presenter – Kate Garraway
Actor - Cliff Parisi
Actor - Andy Whyment

Shortlist for BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2019 revealed

Across the day the six contenders for this year's Sports Personality of the Year were announced exclusively by six different BBC outlets starting on the BBC Radio 1 Greg James Breakfast show and ending this evening on The One Show.

The contenders are (in alphabetical order):

Dina Asher-Smith (Athletics)
Lewis Hamilton (Formula 1)
Katarina Johnson-Thompson (Athletics)
Raheem Sterling (Football)
Ben Stokes (Cricket)
Alun Wyn Jones (Rugby)

The six sportsmen and women will compete for the public vote on the night of the live show on Sunday 15 December in Aberdeen at the P&J Live arena. Last year Tour de France champion Geraint Thomas took home the trophy, ahead of Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton and Tottenham Hotspur and England football player Harry Kane.

In addition to the main award, the other awards up for grabs on the night are World Sport Star of the Year, Greatest Sporting Moment of the Year, Team of the Year, Coach of the Year, Lifetime Achievement Award, Helen Rollason Award, Get Inspired Unsung Hero Award and Young Sports Personality of the Year.

Debbie McGee and Charlotte Dawson among celebs confirmed for E4’s Celebrity Christmas Come Dine With Me

Debbie McGee, Charlotte Dawson, Dick & Dom, Courtney Act and Stevo The Madman are confirmed as the celebrity contestants battling to win a cash prize for charity on Celebrity Christmas Come Dine With Me, which is brand new to E4 this December.

Celebrity Come Dine With Me is a new commission for E4, who have ordered 25 x 30” episodes from producers MultiStory Media, part of ITV Studios. The series kicks off with the Christmas Special, which is due to air from Monday 16th December to Friday 20th December at 7:30pm on E4. Further celebrity specials will follow throughout 2020.

The series will bring fresh talent together with familiar faces and see them flex their culinary muscles, or lack thereof, for a charitable cause.

Simone Haywood, Head of Factual at MultiStory Media and Executive Producer of Celebrity Come Dine With Me said: “We are delighted to be able to take our successful format to a brand new audience on E4, as part of our ever-growing slate of productions across the country and across every genre. Come Dine With Me has always been hugely popular with younger audiences and we’re excited to give it a fresh new twist with our Celebrity Specials.”

The cult cooking programme makes a welcome return to screens this festive season and will see showbiz royalty Debbie McGee, reality TV regular Charlotte Dawson, Drag performer Courtney Act, Snapchat star Stevo The Madman and BAFTA-winning presenting duo Dick and Dom go head-to-head in a week-long culinary challenge as Christmas fast approaches.

First to step up to the plate is Courtney Act. Best known for starring in RuPaul’s Drag Race and winning Celebrity Big Brother, the Drag Star hopes to wow with a pink-themed vegan menu.

Charlotte Dawson, daughter of comedy legend Les Dawson, is the self-proclaimed “Northern Soul of the North” and will plate up a suitably festive three-course spread for her dinner guests.

Later in the week, Debbie McGee will host a black-tie soireé, entertaining her guests with a professional ballroom dance demonstration inside a gigantic snow globe.

Rounding out the star-studded ensemble are legends of kids TV Dick and Dom, and self-titled ‘digital storyteller’ Stevo The Madman.

In the Line of Duty! - New Trailer

Buckle up for against-the-clock action as Aaron Eckhart stars in the explosive real-time thriller In the Line of Duty!
 
In the Line of Duty finds disgraced cop Frank Penny (Aaron Eckhart) on a rogue mission of redemption to find the Chief of Police’s abducted daughter. Trapped in a box that’s slowly filling with water, time is running out for the innocent captive, and Frank’s chances of rescuing her is quickly ebbing away…
 
With the girl’s chances of survival already slim, Penny makes a fatal mistake and kills the twisted abductor, eliminating their only lead as to the girl’s whereabouts. Now joined by ambitious reporter Ava (Courtney Eaton) who is live streaming the search, all hell breaks loose when the dead abductor’s brother (Ben McKenzie) arrives on the scene with a bloody thirst for revenge…
 
In the Line of Duty stars Aaron Eckhart (The Dark Knight), Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad), Ben McKenzie (Gotham, The OC) and Courtney Eaton (Mad Max: Fury Road). Directed by Steven C Miller (Escape Plan II, Marauders), written by Jeremy Drysdale and from the producer of Sicario and John Wick.

Signature Entertainment presents In the Line of Duty in Cinemas and on Digital HD 3 January 2020

Get ready for full throttle thrills and intense action in The Courier this December!

Get ready for full throttle thrills and intense action in The Courier this December!
 
Set against a gritty London backdrop, Olga Kurylenko plays a tough motorbike courier whose delivery is interrupted when she discovers one of the packages she's transporting is a bomb. The gas bomb she's carrying is set to kill Nick Murch (Amit Shah, Final Score), the only witness able to testify in Washington DC against ruthless crime lord Ezekiel Mannings (Gary Oldman, The Dark Knight).
 
As the British Police and FBI scramble to try and deal with the mess, the mysteriously well-trained and equipped courier teams up with unlikely partner Nick to evade Mannings' heavily armed goons and make sure that justice is delivered.
 
Also starring Dermot Mulroney (Homecoming), William Moseley (Narnia) and Alicia Agneson (Vikings). From the producer of Darkest Hour. Directed by Zackary Adler.

Signature Entertainment presents The Courier in Cinemas and on Digital HD 20 December 2019

Women of Mafia and Women Mafia 2 - Coming to VOD

Patryk Vega’s smash-hit Women of Mafia tells the story of Bela (Olga Boladz), a former police officer, tasked with infiltrating a notorious criminal drug ring by the ABW (Poland’s counter-intelligence agency). For her mission to succeed, she must infiltrate this depraved and dangerous underworld, risking her own life in the process. The second highest performing film at the Polish box office in 2018, Women of Mafia has earned huge commercial success from its brutal and uncompromising gangland story.
 
The Women of Mafia are back in this ultraviolent sequel. After taking control of the mob empire, Daria’s (Agnieszka Dygant) notorious gang prepares for the largest smuggling operation in Poland’s history: importing one ton of cocaine from Colombia. But when the shipment mysteriously disappears, the cartel sets out on a violent rampage. Packed full of jaw-dropping moments, Women of Mafia 2 was unleashed in UK cinemas this year and was termed ‘genuinely shocking’ by The New Statesmen.

Cert: 18 (TBC)
Polish Film Club presents Women of Mafia and Women Mafia 2 on demand 16 December 2019

Amazon VOD - Women of Mafia (Kobiety Mafii)
Amazon VOD - Women of Mafia 2 (Kobiety Mafii 2)

StarDog and TurboCat - Poster and Trailer

An exciting new venture from award-winning studio Red Star 3D, StarDog and TurboCat - a fully UK-produced family animation with a huge star voice cast - hits UK cinemas this December!
 
Introducing the world to a new pair of loveable superheroes, Luke Evans, Nick Frost, Gemma Arterton and Bill Nighy star in this hilarious, feel-good adventure - a tale of friendship, heroism and belief in the human capacity for good that guarantees to keep the whole family entertained this Christmas.
 
Launched into space by his scientist owner in 1969, loyal dog Buddy (Nick Frost) crash lands in the present-day in a small town where pets are ruthlessly rounded up by animal-hating cop Peck. Desperate to be reunited with his owner, Buddy recruits genius millionaire cat Felix (Luke Evans) to help him on a madcap adventure across town. But when they encounter rabbit Cassidy (Gemma Arterton) and her misfit organisation of animal rights activists G.U.A.R.D., Buddy and Felix are forced to confront Peck and become the heroes they need to be…
 
StarDog And TurboCat stars Luke Evans (Beauty and the Beast), Nick Frost (Horrible Histories: The Movie, Hot Fuzz), Gemma Arterton (Their Finest, Clash of the Titans) and Bill Nighy (Love Actually), and is directed by Ben Smith.

Kaleidoscope Entertainment presents StarDog and TurboCat in Cinemas Nationwide 6 December 2019

Pre-Order the DVD here

THE PARTY'S JUST BEGINNING (Karen Gillan) - Cinemas 1 December, Digital 11 December 2019

The Party’s Just Beginning is a darkly humorous and moving coming-of-age story from debut director Karen Gillan (Jumanji, Doctor Who, Avengers: Endgame).
 
In the bleak Scottish winter, witty and sarcastic Liusaidh (Karen Gillan) is spiralling into a reckless, drunken, mid-twenties crisis. Filling her days and nights with casual joyless sex, junk food and a belief in ‘the power of positive drinking’ she’s plagued by visions of her best friend Alistair (Matthew Beard) throwing himself from a bridge. With bittersweet memories of the time spent with her friend, Liusaidh struggles to connect with anyone until a chance encounter with a stranger from out of town (Lee Pace).
 
Tackling a range of mental health and gender issues with a jet-black streak of Scottish humour, Karen Gillan crafts a bold, challenging and finely observed comedy-drama in this must-see debut work.
 
The Party’s Just Beginning is written and directed and stars Karen Gillan. Co-starring Lee Pace (The Hobbit series), Matthew Beard (The Imitation Game) and Paul Higgins (Victoria and Abdul).

Buy from Amazon

The Whistleblower - Poster and Trailer - This new Chinese action thriller is in UK & ROI cinemas 6th December

Synopsis:
From the acclaimed producer of global hits Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Lust, Caution, The Whistleblower is the new, must-see action-thriller of the year.

When a devastating natural disaster and mysterious plane crash both point to a major cover-up between global energy conglomerates, two reluctant heroes are forced on the run, fleeing danger at every turn, to expose a horrific truth. Only by working together and staying alive can they uncover an international conspiracy, which may cost them everything they hold dear.

With high tension, thrilling action and stunning visual effects, The Whistleblower stars Tang Wei (Dragon, Lust, Caution) and Lei Jiayin (The Wandering Earth, Brotherhood of Blades II), and is the must-see action spectacle of the year.

Cine Asia presents The Whistleblower in UK & ROI cinemas from 6th December 2019

Arizona Sunshine Launches December 5 On Oculus Quest

ROTTERDAM, NL – November 22, 2019: 
Vertigo Games and Jaywalkers Interactive are excited to reveal that Arizona Sunshine, one of virtual reality’s most played and award-winning titles, will make its way to new audiences on Oculus Quest on December 5, 2019, marking three years since its original launch in 2016. The VR shooter is now available for pre-order in the Oculus Store with a pre-order discount of 10% running up to December 2nd. Its DLC will arrive on Quest in the following months; a timeline and details will be announced shortly.

Over the weekend, Vertigo Games has reconfirmed that Arizona Sunshine on Oculus Quest does not support cross-platform multiplayer due to the nature of the game being rebuilt from the ground up for this completely new and different headset.

Arizona Sunshine was rebuilt in its entirety for Oculus Quest and puts up to four players in the midst of the VR zombie apocalypse that fans have come to love. Jump guns blazing into a southwestern America overrun by zombies anytime, anywhere in the unprecedented freedom offered by Oculus Quest and fight hordes of zombies coming at you from 360 degrees. Handle weapons with real-life movements, freely explore a post-apocalyptic world, and put your survival skills to the test in untethered VR - putting the undead back to rest is more thrilling than ever before.

Buy from https://www.oculus.com/experiences/quest/2190353671014400/

Trolls World Tour - Official Trailer and Character Posters

Anna Kendrick and Justin Timberlake return in an all-star sequel to DreamWorks Animation’s 2016 musical hit: Trolls World Tour. In an adventure that will take them well beyond what they’ve known before, Poppy (Kendrick) and Branch (Timberlake) discover that they are but one of six different Troll tribes scattered over six different lands and devoted to six different kinds of music: Funk, Country, Techno, Classical, Pop and Rock. Their world is about to get a lot bigger and a whole lot louder.

A member of hard-rock royalty, Queen Barb (Rachel Bloom), aided by her father King Thrash (Ozzy Osbourne), wants to destroy all other kinds of music to let rock reign supreme. With the fate of the world at stake, Poppy and Branch, along with their friends — Biggie (James Corden), Chenille (Caroline Hjelt), Satin (Aino Jawo), Cooper (Ron Funches) and Guy Diamond (Kunal Nayyar) — set out to visit all the other lands to unify the Trolls in harmony against Barb, who’s looking to upstage them all.

Cast as members of the different musical tribes is one the largest, and most acclaimed, groups of musical talent ever assembled for an animated film. From the land of Funk are Mary J. Blige, George Clinton and Anderson .Paak. Representing Country is Kelly Clarkson as Delta Dawn, with Sam Rockwell as Hickory and Flula Borg as Dickory. J Balvin brings Reggaeton, while Ester Dean adds to the Pop tribe. Anthony Ramos brings the beat in Techno and Jamie Dornan covers smooth jazz. World-renowned conductor and violinist Gustavo Dudamel appears as Trollzart and Charlyne Yi as Pennywhistle from the land of Classical. And Kenan Thompson raps as a hip-hop newborn Troll named Tiny Diamond.

Trolls World Tour is directed by Walt Dohrn, who served as co-director on Trolls, and is produced by returning producer Gina Shay. The film is co-directed by David P. Smith and co-produced by Kelly Cooney Cilella, both of whom worked on the first Trolls. Trolls World Tour will also feature original music by Justin Timberlake, who earned an Oscar® nomination for his song for 2016’s Trolls, “Can’t Stop the Feeling!,” and a score by Theodore Shapiro (2016’s Ghostbusters, The Devil Wears Prada).

Trolls World Tour will be released in UK cinemas on 20th March 2020

Comedy series Shrill acquired by BBC Three

BBC Three has acquired the UK rights from Warner Bros. Television for the highly-successful comedy series Shrill.

The first series will be available as a boxset on BBC iPlayer from Sunday 15 December.

The 6x25 series stars Aidy Bryant (Saturday Night Live) as Annie, an overweight young woman who wants to change her life - but not her body. The series also features Lolly Adefope, who plays her best friend and roommate Fran, along with Luka Jones (Ryan), Ian Owens (Amadi), John Cameron Mitchell (Gabe) and Patti Harrison (Ruthie). It is executive produced by Lorne Michaels and Elizabeth Banks.

Annie is trying to start her career while juggling bad boyfriends, a sick parent, and a perfectionist boss.

Along the way, Annie will weigh the pros and cons of having a child with her hook-up buddy and the decision-making process will force her, with help from her best friend Fran, to figure out who she is and what she wants from her life. She will also write her first article, and she will finally ask for more from the people in her life than she has before. She hits a setback when an Internet troll appears and tries to drag her self-esteem back down where it started. But she will ultimately promote body positivity and explain exactly what it’s like to be a larger woman in today’s world.

Sue Deeks, Head of BBC Programme Acquisition, says: “Annie is such a relatable and engaging character, I am sure that BBC Three viewers will enjoy watching her navigate her way through life with warmth, humour and increasing confidence."

Shrillis a 6x25’ series produced by Broadway Video and Brownstone Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television. It was acquired by Sue Deeks, Head of BBC Programme Acquisition and Fiona Campbell, Controller BBC Three. Lorne Michaels, Elizabeth Banks, Alexandra Rushfield, Lindy West, Max Handelman and Andrew Singer, serve as executive producers. The series is inspired by Shrill: Notes From A Loud Woman by Lindy West.

After its successful airing in the US, a second season of Shrill has already been commissioned.

Competition: Win Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound on DVD

Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound [2019] is out now on DVD.

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

Synopsis
An incredible look at how sound is used in the filmmaking process and features notable film personnel including sound designers Walter Murch (Apocalypse Now, The Godfather) Ben Burtt (Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark) and Gary Rydstrom (Saving Private Ryan, Toy Story). Directors such as George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, David Lynch, Barbra Streisand, Sofia Coppola, Christopher Nolan and Ryan Coogler also feature.


Buy from Amazon by clicking here (Opens in a new window)

For your chance to win just answer the question below.

Who is the director of Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound?

Send your name, address and of course the answer to competition@beentothemovies.com

Terms and conditions
1. Closing date 09-12-19
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.

COMPETITION: Win our incredible Christmas Boxset Bundle

As a special treat and just in time for Christmas we have a HUGE competition for you courtesy of Acorn Media. We have Foyle’s War Complete Collection, Doc Martin Series 1-9 and Inspector Montalbano Complete to give away to one lucky winner.

The competition ends on December 16th, and the winner will receive the boxset in time for Christmas.

These box sets and many more are available on AcornDVD.com

Synopsis

Foyle’s War Complete:
This collectable boxed set features every episode of the acclaimed television series, digitally remastered to deliver the best possible quality, along with a rich array of behind-the-scenes features, cast and crew interviews and so much more. Michael Kitchen is Detective Chief Superintendent Foyle, a hard-working policeman in Hastings during the Second World War. Anxious to join the war effort, he has repeatedly had his applications turned down and has returned to the South Coast sidelined and frustrated; but it soon becomes apparent that his detective skills are vitally needed on the Home Front. As the stories of DCS Foyle progress through the war, in the final two series we find ourselves in a time of peace at last. But a new kind of war is beginning, one much darker and indistinct than the first; a war that doesn't officially exist: a Cold War. As Foyle is called into service once again, this time on behalf of MI5, he finds himself caught up in a world where integrity is only worth so much, often less than life itself. This boxed set contains:

Amazon Link

Doc Martin - Series 1-9

Described as 'one of the funniest and most entertaining shows on television' this boxset brings together every series to date of the much loved stories of Doc Martin. Starting with the arrival of Doctor Martin Ellingham, a respected surgeon from London, in the small fishing village of Portwenn in Cornwall, this fish out of water soon discovers that small village life can present some very big problems. Get on the wrong side of your receptionist and the world can turn against you. Let that same world know your greatest weakness, and it'll soon be used by those who love you and those who feel less inclined. None of these life lessons are easily learned by a man who is best known for his brusque bedside manner and his absolute lack of interpersonal skills. Portwenn itself is brought to life by its rich array of characters including the formidable Sally Tishell who runs the local chemist, Bert Large and his son Al, local policemen Mark Mylow and Joe Penhale, Doc Martin s aunt Dr Ruth Ellingham and, of course, the primary school teacher who fell for the man they thought had no heart, but she found it, Louisa Glasson who would become Louisa Ellingham. Doc Martin has been bringing a certain kind of joy to viewers around the world since 2004 and this collection of the complete Series One to Nine captures the very essence of why this is 'A tragedy stuck inside a comedy as so many fine British comedies have been at heart' The Observer

Amazon Link

Inspector Montalbano Complete 1-9

Featuring all 34 of the gripping, compelling and thoroughly enjoyable films based on the bestselling novels of Andrea Camilleri, starring Luca Zingaretti in the title role as the Sicilian detective operating within Italy's precarious justice system. Solving crimes in the Sicilian town of Vigata, he must contend not only with scheming and devious criminals, but also corrupt politicians, police bureaucracy, unreliable judges, lethal mafia families, femmes fatales and more, so much more. Thankfully he can turn to fine Italian cooking and his girlfriend Livia for comfort but even these small pleasures are often interrupted in the life and times of Inspector Montalbano.

Amazon Link


For your chance to win just answer the question below.

COMPETITION CLOSED

Terms and conditions
1. Closing date 16-12-19
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.

Competition: Win Anna and the Apocalypse on Blu-ray

Anna and the Apocalypse is out on Blu-ray on 2nd December.

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

Synopsis
What better way to celebrate the festive season than with a zombie apocalypse Christmas musical?

Anna and the Apocalypse  ‘A delightful Christmas/horror/comedy/musical hybrid, with a great cast and entertaining gore’ (IGN) directed by John McPhail.

A zombie apocalypse threatens the sleepy town of Little Haven - at Christmas - forcing Anna and her friends to fight, slash and sing their way to survival, facing the undead in a desperate race to reach their loved ones.

But they soon discover that no one is safe in this new world, and with civilization falling apart around them, the only people they can truly rely on are each other.

Buy from Amazon by clicking here (Opens in a new window)

For your chance to win just answer the question below.

Who is the director of Anna and the Apocalypse ?

Send your name, address and of course the answer to competition@mastersofhorror.co.uk

Terms and conditions
1. Closing date 09-12-19
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.

Competition: Win Anna and the Apocalypse on Blu-ray

Anna and the Apocalypse is out on Blu-ray on 2nd December.

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

Synopsis
What better way to celebrate the festive season than with a zombie apocalypse Christmas musical? Anna and the Apocalypse  ‘A delightful Christmas/horror/comedy/musical hybrid, with a great cast and entertaining gore’ (IGN) directed by John McPhail.

A zombie apocalypse threatens the sleepy town of Little Haven - at Christmas - forcing Anna and her friends to fight, slash and sing their way to survival, facing the undead in a desperate race to reach their loved ones. But they soon discover that no one is safe in this new world, and with civilization falling apart around them, the only people they can truly rely on are each other.

Buy from Amazon by clicking here (Opens in a new window)

For your chance to win just answer the question below.

Who is the director of Anna and the Apocalypse ?

Send your name, address and of course the answer to competition@beentothemovies.com

Terms and conditions
1. Closing date 09-12-19
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.

Competition: Win The Musical Anthology of His Dark Materials on CD

The Musical Anthology of His Dark Materials is out on CD on 6th December.

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

Synopsis
In this introduction to the Music from the Television Series, Composer Lorne Balfe delves into the series and character themes from His Dark Materials, the new adaptation of Philip Pullman’s acclaimed trilogy. Performed by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, the concept album has attracted a stellar cast of additional contributing recording artists.

For this concept driven release, Lorne Balfe has assembled a superb, diverse, and devoted cast of performing artists to present the exquisitely crafted new musical themes. Already fans of the book and wanting to contribute to the Series, the album connects singer K T Tunstall, drummer Chad Smith (Red Hot Chilli Peppers), cellist Tina Guo (Hans Zimmer Live and The World of Hans Zimmer), post modern composer-cellist Peter Gregson, steam punk influenced violinist and dancer Lindsey Stirling, classical horn player Sarah Willis, BAFTA award winning composer, multi instrumentalist Richard Harvey and Vanya Moneva’s Ethnic Bulgarian Choir.

Buy from Amazon by clicking here (Opens in a new window)

For your chance to win just answer the question below.

Competition Closed

Terms and conditions
1. Closing date 09-12-19
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.

First look at Robert Carlyle as the Prime Minister and Victoria Hamilton as his Chief of Staff in Sky Original drama COBRA

As the battle for power continues within Westminster and across the UK, Sky today reveals the first look trailer and images of its new action-packed, political drama, COBRA, written by Ben Richards.

The six-part Sky Original drama will launch on the 17 January on Sky One and NOW TV.

Set in the heart of government during a time of national crisis, the series stars Robert Carlyle as Prime Minister, Robert Sutherland, and Victoria Hamilton as his Chief of Staff, Anna Marshall. The first look images and high-octane trailer shows them fighting for control as they deal with an unfolding national emergency after catastrophic events literally throw the nation into darkness.

Under the name COBRA, a team comprised of Britain’s leading experts, crisis contingency planners and the most senior politicians must now assemble to help bring society back from the brink of collapse.

Joining the Prime Minister and his Chief of Staff are Fraser Walker, played by Richard Dormer, one of the best crisis contingency planners the country has ever known, and Home Secretary, Archie Glover-Morgan, played by David Haig – who will seize any opportunity for more power if such a chance presents itself.

Together they are all forced to contend with impossible political decisions, as well as their ferociously pressured family lives, as the fate and protection of the people of Great Britain is left in their hands.

Writer Ben Richards (Spooks, Strike: The Cuckoo’s Calling) said: ‘In a culture which predominantly holds politicians and public servants up for mockery and ridicule, I wanted to make a show that showed them as real, complex human beings dealing with life or death issues. We have been so lucky to have a cast that has been able to bring that aspiration to life."

Goran Višnjić and Robert Glenister to appear in series 12 of Doctor Who

Buy Series 11 from AMAZON - Link opens in a new window.

With the countdown well and truly underway for the return of Doctor Who, television and film stars Goran Višnjić and Robert Glenister are set to appear in an episode of series 12 as the show makes an explosive return in early 2020.

After previously starring in Doctor Who over three decades ago, Robert Glenister is no stranger to the TARDIS and as he takes on a new character, it’s safe to say emotions will be charged as he meets the Doctor and her friends...

Making his Doctor Who debut, Goran Višnjić has plenty of experience around doctors after playing Luka Kovač on the television series ER, but how will he fare when he comes face to face with the Time Lord?

Robert Glenister says: “I first appeared in Doctor Who in The Caves of Androzani at the tender age of 24 in 1984. Thirty five years later I got to be in it again at the not so tender age of nearly 60. How time flies!”

Speaking ahead of his debut Doctor Who appearance, Goran Višnjić, says: "I’ve always been a huge fan of Doctor Who, so when the offer to play one of my favorite people in history came, it made me so happy to be part of the show and it turned into this awesome, dream job!"

Matt Strevens, Executive Producer, says: “One of the great joys of Doctor Who are the legendary actors who want to come and join in the Doctor’s adventures. We were thrilled to welcome Goran and Robert, whose worked we’ve loved and admired for years. They create two iconic characters who are going to delight and entertain.”

Doctor Who will return in early 2020.

Jodie Whittaker will reprise her role as the Thirteenth Doctor alongside Tosin Cole (Ryan) Mandip Gill (Yaz) and Bradley Walsh (Graham) who are all returning for their second series.

You can catch up on Doctor Who Series 11 with the series 11 complete set for less than £20 from
AMAZON - Link opens in a new window.

Google Stadia Review

Stadia, Google's new streaming service is here and it works, but it still has a lot of missing features and a long road ahead of it.

The service is integrated with YouTube, and its "state share" feature allows viewers of a Stadia stream to launch a game on the service on the same save state as the streamer. This has been used as a selling point for the service. It is compatible with HID class USB controllers, though a proprietary controller manufactured by Google with a direct Wi-Fi link to data centers is available alongside the service. Stadia is not similar to Netflix, in that it requires users to purchase games to stream via Stadia rather than pay for access to a library of games. While the base service will be free, a Pro tier monthly subscription allows users to stream at higher rates for larger resolutions, and the offer to add free games to their library.

Known in development as Project Stream, the service was debuted through a closed beta running Assassin's Creed Odyssey in October 2018. Stadia was publicly released on November 19, 2019 in selected countries and received a mixed reception from reviewers. 

ITV commissions three part drama, Des - with David Tennant as Dennis Nilsen

ITV has announced the commission of Des, a three part drama which follows the arrest and trial of serial killer Dennis Nilsen, known as Des.

Written by Luke Neal and developed by Luke Neal and Lewis Arnold, the drama is based on material from the book Killing for Company by Brian Masters, which focuses on one of the most infamous cases in UK criminal history, that of serial killer Dennis Nilsen.

Told through the prism of three men – Dennis Nilsen played by David Tennant (Good Omens, Broadchurch), Detective Chief Inspector Peter Jay played by Daniel Mays (Line of Duty, Temple) and biographer Brian Masters played by Jason Watkins (The Crown, The Lost Honour of Christopher Jefferies) – the series will explore the personal and professional consequences of coming into contact with a man like Nilsen.

Nilsen murdered boys and young men in his flat from 1978 to 1983. He was undetected for five years, and it was only when DCI Peter Jay was called to 23 Cranley Gardens on 9 February, 1983, to investigate human fragments of flesh and bone clogging the drains, that the police realised they had a serial killer on their hands. 

Dennis Nilsen was arrested and convicted at the Old Bailey of six counts of murder and two of attempted murder. He was sentenced to life imprisonment, which was replaced by a whole life tariff in 1994. He died in May 2018.

Told from both the police and Masters’ point of view, Des will explore how a man like Nilsen was able to prey on the young and vulnerable in 1980s Britain.  The series will not only highlight the police investigation and trial but also the effect of the media coverage on public perceptions of the victims at the time, raising questions of just how far have we really come since then?

Additional cast include Ron Cook, Faye McKeever, Chanel Cresswell, Barry Ward, Tony Way, Bronagh Waugh, Laurie Kynaston, Ross Anderson, Ben Bailey Smith, Jay Simpson, Silas Carson, Stuart McQuarrie, Jamie Parker, Lex Shrapnel, Gerard Horan, Joel Morris, Jonathan Coy, Amy Booth-Steel, Ken Bones, Andrew Woodall and Amaka Okafor.