STACK #149 Mar 2017

REVIEWS DVD&BD

Protect the bloodline. UNDERWORLD: BLOOD WARS

Party like your job depends on it. OFFICE CHRISTMAS PARTY

Release Date: 22/03/17

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Release Date: 15/03/17

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The Underworld franchise is as tenacious as its immortal vampires, having survived for 13 years and five films. The conflict between Vampires and Lycans heats up again in the aptly titled Blood Wars , which fortunately opens with a handy "Previously, on Underworld..." recap that brings us bang up to date. Selene (Kate Beckinsale) is recruited by the Vampire elders to train an army in the ways of the Death Dealers, in order to take the fight to a new and unstoppable Lycan leader. But the power-hungry

Every office-bound worker looks forward to the annual Chrissie party. A chance to let the hair down, and celebrate 12 months of a job (sometimes) well done. This expectation is keeping many at Zenotek going, but with their quarterly quota unmet, the Grinch is about to strike. She would be Carol Vanstone (Jennifer Aniston, rekindling her Horrible Bosses fire), who threatens to rain down layoffs, cut bonuses and – in true Alan RIckman style – cancel Christmas. Or at least the party. Her brother Clay (T.J. Miller), who also happens to be the

Samira (Lara Pulver) needs Selene's blood to take control of the coven, resulting in the Death Dealer fleeing to a Nordic hideout with new ally Thomas (Theo James). When it comes to vampire/werewolf conflict, we'll take Underworld over Twilight every time. SH

branch manager, has other ideas though, and the party to end all parties launches complete with sex, drugs, rock ’n’ roll and, erm, roly-poly snowman suits. Not for the prudish, this Office Christmas Party is a near- literal riot – and you’ll also hear ‘Gone Girl’ used as an adjective. AF

When you love someone you can't just throw it away. NOCTURNAL ANIMALS

Find your happy place. TROLLS

Release Date: 01/03/17

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Release Date: 15/03/17

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Nocturnal Animals unfolds through two distinct and different timeframes. In one, Susan (Amy Adams), a wealthy art gallery curator, is surprised to receive the proofs of a forthcoming novel written by her ex-husband Tony (Jake Gyllehaal). In the other, the novel's story plays out in Susan’s mind, with Gyllenhaal also taking on the role of the book’s lead character, who falls foul of some redneck psychos while on a road trip through the Texas badlands with his wife and daughter. Fashion designer turned filmmaker Tom Ford seamlessly knits the disparate

When Lisa Simpson tripped out at Duff Gardens and declared, “I can see the colours!” we suspect that she was hallucinating Trolls. The gaudily-hued little folk with backcombed hair that makes Robert Smith look comparatively hairless have existed for some 60 years, entertaining kids and often horrifying parents. There’s no need for the latter to freak out about Trolls the movie, however, as it’s a hearty – and very colourful, naturally – slice of relentlessly happy musical kiddie fun (with a few morsels for patient grown ups). The little guys even maintain good humour when a grumpy old

strands of the film together and his cool, fluid visuals provide the perfect counterpoint to the melodramatics that unfold on screen. A thoughtful treatise on revenge and the life choices we all must make, Nocturnal Animals comes highly recommended. JF (See page 30)

Bergen kidnaps their friends, embarking upon a rescue mission that’s both bold and, of course, colourful. Featuring original songs from Justin Timberlake, plus everybody from Simon & Garfunkel to The Notorious BIG getting covered, this could be the cheeriest movie ever. C’mon get happy – and colourful. AF

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