STACK #259 May 2026

YOUR

TO MOVIES, TV, MUSIC, GAMING & TECH TO MOVIES, TV,

ESSENTIAL GUIDE

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ISSUE 259 MAY ’26

STACK Issue 259 MAY 2026 “Good evening, and welcome to prime time.” WIN!

INSIDE:

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DIRECTOR EMERALD FENNELL TALKS “ WUTHERING HEIGHTS” 10 YEARS OF AMYL AND THE SNIFFERS

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CONTENTS

ISSUE 259 MAY 2026

GAMING 6 Take 5/Charts/Q5/Wham, bam, game exam! 8 Land of the Horizon Sun: Forza Horizon 6 preview 10 Book a date with Yoshi! Yoshi and the Mysterious Book preview 12 Bat's entertainment! LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight Q+A 14 Mum's in your thoughts? Go quartz! Razer Mother's Day roundup 16 What's out this month? MOVIES & TV 18 Take 5/Charts/Cinema highlights/ Bob J's Film Buff Bafflers 20 Ethan Hawke gets Hart in Blue Moon / Anemone : The Day-Lewis legacy 22 Origins of evil: Welcome to Derry / A wilder "Wuthering Heights" 24 Desert rave! A father's journey - Sir ā t / Going ape: Primate unleashed 26 Back in the ring: Raging Bull 28 Reel classics: New from Imprint Films 30 4K all the way MUSIC 36 Take 5/My first album 38 New albums: Michael Jackson - Michael / Yungblud - Idols (Complete) 40 New albums: Melanie C - Sweat /Amyl and the Sniffers - Giddy Up/Big Attraction 42 Vital vinyl: Augie March - Moo, You Bloody Choir (20th Anniversary Edition) 44-45 What's out this month? 32 What's out this month? 33 Game night starts here 34 Ani-May! 4-6 Your guide to smarter TV shopping 8 New RGB Mini LED tech explained 12-13 2026 TVs: LG 14-16 2026 TVs: Samsung 18-20 2026 TVs: Hisense 22-24 2026 TVs: TCL 26-28 The latest soundbars from LG and Samsung 30 JB Hi-Fi TV installation 32 Essential smart TV accessories 34 Smart rings vs. fitness tracker bands 36 The WHOOP tracker band difference 38 Master your laundry with LG 40-42 Hot new laptops out this month 44 Fold and flex with the OPPO Find N6 46 HONOR phones put power in your pocket 48-50 What's new in home hair care 52-54 Level up your latte with the latest coffee makers TECH FLIP MAG AND READ FROM BACK

WELCOME

When was the last time you upgraded your TV? Like most tech around the house, we tend to buy new when the old one dies or becomes incompatible with new standards. There have been huge shifts in TV technology in the last two years, let alone the last five. If your TV has seen better days, upgrading in 2026 is about stepping into a completely different viewing experience. The biggest shift is how ‘smart’ TVs have become. Modern sets now use AI technology to automatically adjust picture and sound in real time, analysing what you’re watching and optimising it scene by scene - no fiddling with settings required. That means clearer sport, richer movies, and even old content looking sharper thanks to advanced upscaling. Picture quality has also taken a noticeable leap. Brighter OLED panels and improved Mini LED technology deliver deeper blacks, higher contrast, and more vibrant colour – even in bright living rooms. It’s the kind of upgrade you notice instantly, whether you’re streaming, gaming, or watching free-to-air. Then there’s how we actually watch TV now. With streaming making up the majority of viewing, today’s smart TVs are built as entertainment hubs, giving you instant access to apps, live TV, music, and more in one place. Add in smoother motion for sport and gaming, bigger screen sizes becoming more accessible, and sleeker, wall-friendly designs, and the difference is hard to ignore. Upgrading your TV in 2026 isn’t just an increase in size – it’s an upgrade in how you watch, hear, and experience everything on screen. Paul Jones, Editor-in-Chief

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Founder Nic Short Editor-in-Chief Paul Jones Tech Editor Scott Hocking

Music Consultant Mike Glynn Marketing Manager Fleur Parker Chief Contributors Gill Pringle, Bob Jones, James O’Connor Contributors Jeff Jenkins, Billy Pinnell, Bec Summer, Dan Nicholson, Trista McConville, Michael Caverzan

Social Media Manager Glenn Cochrane Production Manager Craig Patterson Correspondence STACK editor@stack.com.au

Games & Online Editor Amy Flower Movie & TV Editor Glenn Cochrane Creative Director Gary Siewert Movies Consultant Kerrie Taylor Games Consultant Sachi Fernando

RATINGS GUIDE

Parental guidance recommended

Recommended for mature audiences

Not suitable for people under 15. Under 15s must be accommpanied by a parent or adult guardian

Restricted to 18 and over

General

Disclaimer STACK is published by Scribal Custom Pty Ltd (ACN 092 362 135). © Copyright Scribal Custom Pty Ltd, 2026 All rights reserved. All material appearing in this publication is copyright unless otherwise stated or it may rest with the provider of the supplied material or advertisement. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of Scribal Custom Pty Ltd. No responsibility is accepted for accuracy of advertisements or information. Whilst care has been taken in the research and preparation of this publication, the publishers, writers or anyone else associated cannot accept any responsibility for any loss, injury or hardship arising from the content contained herein or reliance therefrom, howsoever caused, and it remains your responsibility to evaluate the accuracy, completeness and usefulness of any such content. Views expressed are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher or the editor. By the very nature of this publication, things change daily and we cannot take responsibility for any changes or inaccuracies that occur subsequent to going to press.

5

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What’s your earliest video gaming memory?

BEST SELLERS at

Crash Bandicoot on the PS1. Love those classic sound effects! I really enjoyed that segment in Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End where you played classic levels of Crash on a virtual PS1.

APRIL 2026

MAY

What’s your all-time favourite game or game series?

’ s ROVING REPORTER

The Witcher . Give me The Witcher 4 NOW!

What have you been playing most lately?

1 POKÉMON POKOPIA

Resident Evil Requiem . Leon can and will do anything for the ‘WOW’ moment. He’s aura farming his way into my heart! This game perfectly encapsulates both horror and action into a perfectly neat bow. Combining elements from previous RE titles, this game shocks and impresses with both game mechanics and story beats! 10/10 – Leon, I love you!

RYAN CICERAN @ JB Fyshwick, ACT

2 TOMODACHI LIFE: LIVING THE DREAM

3 CRIMSON DESERT

4 SUPER MARIO GALAXY + SUPER MARIO GALAXY 2

What’s the best thing about working in games at JB?

You can only have one games console from any era – what would it be and why?

5 RESIDENT EVIL REQUIEM

The enjoyment of working in a department that tailors to my specific interests. Keeping up to date about new releases and pre-orders is now part of my job!

PS5. Thank goodness consoles have 60fps now. Never going back!

6 DONKEY KONG BANANZA

7 MINECRAFT

Are you up to answering all eight of this month’s game related posers?

8 MARIO KART 8 DELUXE

1. Which edition of Forza Horizon was set in a condensed version of Australia? 2. Which Supermassive Games release was adapted into a 2025 movie? 3. In which Super Nintendo game did Yoshi make his debut? 4. In what year did LEGO Batman: The Videogame release? 5. The first ever 007 game was a text adventure, released in 1982. What was its name? 6. What was the name of the first Bluey game on consoles? 7. What was the name of the 2010 Disney game that reintroduced the character Oswald the Lucky Rabbit? 8. What was the name of the first game in the long-running Bandai Namco Tales series?

9 CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS 7

GAME EXAM

10 EA SPORTS FC 26

!

ANSWERS on page 16

1 What was the first game that you remember playing? It was probably a dedicated home Pong set that my brother brought over to my parents’ house. But I wasn’t truly bitten by the video game bug until I first encountered Space Invaders . 2 What’s your favourite video game of all time? I should say Robotron: 2084 , although I’m by no means super-skilled at it. It’s just such a perfect, brutal, elegant design. It’ll kick your head in again and again, but you’ll always come back for another go. It was technically amazing for its time, with lovely shattering explosions and more enemies onscreen than anything that had been seen at that time by far. Vid Kidz Jarvis/DeMar at their best. 3 What do you think is the most underrated video game of all time? I’d say the sequel to Robotron, Blaster . Not that it was a better game – it was decent, but not as good as Roby . It’s more the fact that it was *originally* made for 8-bit Atari hardware (the 5200), but Williams didn’t want to release a home version before an arcade version, so the Vid Kidz did a port of the game to arcade. I think back in the day I’d have just about peed my pants at the idea of an original game for the Atari from the creators of Defender, Stargate , and Robotron , my absolute heroes of game design and the single biggest inspiration to me in developing my own games. 4 Which of the games that you’ve created is your favourite? I’m always going to say Hover Bovver , because it was a collaborative design between me and my dad, and made at a time when everything was going really well and the games biz was just a fun and creative place to be. 5 What are you working on currently? I’m currently working on a multiuser VR light synth.

Creative force of Llamasoft since 1981 JEFF MINTER

MAY 2026

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GAMING FEATURE

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GENRE: Racing MULTIPLAYER: Yes

FORMAT:

LAND OF THE HORIZON SUN

Forza Horizon 6 speeds our way this month, and it’s bringing with it the most requested location in the series’ history – Japan. We had the opportunity to drive around a preview build, and there’s much to look forward to. Words Amy Flower

• Forza Horizon 6 is out May 19

A s is Horizon Festival tradition, scenic wonders to come, while driving a selection of vehicles that we’d never be able to afford in real life. As such, our Japanese adventure starts with a fang in a Nissan GT-R, and culminates in getting busy with this release’s cover star, the absolutely wild Toyota GR GT. While the final release will feature all four seasons, our demo time only let us play in spring, likely to show off the stunning cherry blossom infused scenery. From trees by the side of the road to streets strewn with the pink stuff, the Playground Games team have upped the visual ante once again, after the impressive graphics of Forza Horizon 5 . Limited to just a handful of different racing and showcase events in the demo, that Forza feel remains whether belting around racetracks, streets, or cross country. The classic speed traps, speed zones, danger signs, trailblazer and, of course, drift zones all beckon, with the latter very much a Japanese car lover’s staple. One interesting point is that Horizon Festival progression will return to starting at the bottom and gradually working our way up the pecking order via earning new wristbands. The map this time out is massive! Delivering a classic Forza-styled mishmash of Japan inspired areas, it blends the real with the fantastical. Taking Tokyo as an example, which is the largest urban centre yet in a Forza game, we encounter real-life locations like Tokyo Tower, Rainbow Bridge, and the Shibuya Scramble Crossing. Beyond the Tokyo streets there’s a huge map to explore, venturing through numerous regions, all of which, in classic Japanese style, have their own mascots. These may be things kick off with a spectacular prologue, showing off some of the

Speaking of discovery, the full map spans some 662-plus roads to find, dotted through 74 unique regions. As is the Forza way, you’ll likely set your in-game GPS for one spot on the map but get sidetracked along the way by any of numerous appealing distractions. On top of that which we’ve touched upon, the final release will deliver the expected homes to be purchased, which will offer customisable garages for players to show off not only their car collection, but also their various achievements in-game. Plus, cars can be upgraded with new wheel, body kit, and other aero options, on top of custom liveries that can now be applied to windows. And you’ll be able to show off your handiwork at the newly introduced car

The Tokyo City area is five times larger than any previous Forza Horizon city. DYK?

rice bowls, onigiri, or other mouthwatering Japanese delights, but in large, statue like form. There are 200 of

them to drive through as part of the collecting aspect of the game, along with 200 XP bonus boards. Travelling outside the city, we encountered small villages, open fields, forests, twisty mountainous roads,

meets, a Japanese motorhead staple. Motoring lovers, welcome to Japan!

a rocket base, various racetracks to play in (including new Time Attack events), and a whole lot more – while certain routes had us watched over by the majestic Mount Fuji. While we only got to

play with a handful of cars – the classic 1994 Toyota Celica GT-Four an instant favourite – the cutscenes reveal just some of the motoring marvels in the game, from the Civic Type R to classic Toyota Crown taxis. We’re promised over 550 vehicles ranging from modern day to

JDM classics in the final release, so there’ll be much motoring joy to discover.

IF YOU LIKE THIS, YOU’LL LOVE THESE:

Forza Horizon 5, Screamer, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds

MAY 2026

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GAMING FEATURE

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The Yoshis are just going about their regular island business one day, when a talking, moustachioed encyclopedia, which introduces itself as “Mr. E”, drops from the sky. What to do? Well, Yoshi being the intrepid little dino that he is decides to dive – quite literally - into this chance to discover new things, by entering the pages of Mr. E. Here Yoshi encounters new creatures, for which he has several options. He can jump on them, eat them, or give them piggybacks, utilising their traits to further his progress. One example is an unnamed froglike creature – you get to name it later - that blows bubbles. Let it hop on Yoshi’s back, and it’ll leave a trail of bubbles, which Yoshi can use to access otherwise unreachable higher areas. Discover apples, let the creature eat one, and you’ll get bigger, stronger bubbles – this is just one example of the many discoveries in store. There are puzzles to solve and many levels to conquer, with each of Mr. E’s chapters revealing an array of new creatures for Yoshi to learn about and play with. The more that you discover about them, the more gold stars you unlock. The more gold stars that you unlock, the more you get to explore! What we’ve seen so far also hints at some familiar faces popping up, including Shy Guys and Baby Bowser. Now, what are they up to? What’s striking about Yoshi and the Mysterious Book is its graphical style, which emulates classic stop motion animation to brilliant effect, bursting into life with glorious colour everywhere you look. Welcome back, Yoshi! Yoshi and the Mysterious Book

Since making his debut in 1990’s Super Mario World , Mario’s dinosaur companionYoshi has become much more than a sidekick, going on to star in his own adventures.This includes new Switch 2 exclusive Yoshi and the Mysterious Book , out this month. Let’s take a quick look at the little guy’s history, and what to expect from his newest outing. Words Amy Flower T hat first adventure, on the Super Nintendo, saw Yoshi’s abilities, including flutter-jumping, producing eggs, and being gorgeous, handcrafted visuals. While sticking to the platformer brief, these games brought exploration and creativity to the fore and found an audience amongst kids and adults alike. Then there were more puzzle-based handheld GENRE: Platformer MULTIPLAYER: No BOOK A DATE WITH YOSHI! FORMAT:

able to swallow enemies, introduced, adding gameplay options that expanded the Mario platformer universe. His next appearance was on the Nintendo Entertainment System, in the 1991 puzzle game Mario & Yoshi , followed by tile-matching puzzler Yoshi’s Cookie on multiple formats, and the Super Nintendo Super Scope light gun game Yoshi’s Safari . It didn’t take long for the loyal and courageous Yoshi to become a fan favourite, and a bigger role for our dino pal was just around the corner... Yoshi landed a starring role in the 1995 sequel Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island . Introducing a unique crayon-like art style, and further refining gameplay – including egg-hurling puzzles and the role of protector of Baby Mario - the game was a huge success. Yoshi's Story on the Nintendo 64 followed, featuring a storybook aesthetic, while titles

adventures, including the wildly named Yoshi’s Universal Gravitation (2004, Game Boy Advance), and Yoshi Touch & Go (2005, Nintendo DS). Meanwhile, the Yoshi’s Island story continued in 2006’s Yoshi’s Island DS , and 2014’s Yoshi’s New Island on the 3DS. Cameos elsewhere started with Super Mario Kart and extended in ensuing years to such releases as Super Smash Bros . and its sequels, plus Mario’s many sporting exploits, from golf to tennis, and soccer to seeking Olympics glory. Almost as instantly recognisable now as Mario was then, loveable Yoshi’s popularity shows no sign of waning as he hits Nintendo’s latest hardware with his very own new adventure.

• Yoshi and the Mysterious Book is out May 21

such as Yoshi's Woolly World (2015) and Yoshi's Crafted World (2019) introduced

IF YOU LIKE THIS, YOU’LL LOVE THESE:

Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park, Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World, Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV

10 MAY 2026

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GAMING FEATURE

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FORMAT: GENRE: Action adventure MULTIPLAYER: Yes BAT’S ENTERTAINMENT!

the best way was via gameplay. We’re all big Batman: Arkham fans, so there’s inspiration from Rocksteady’s series as well as many of our favourite Batman movies and TV shows. Our goal has been to give players an experience that’s different from previous LEGO and LEGO Batman games. We’ve been able to make it work in our own, unique way, incorporating gadgets, combos, and co-op elements, along with accessibility, humour, and fun gameplay at the forefront. We also have stealth mechanics, and players will flow seamlessly from stealth to combat – depending on their preferred style of play. For the first time in a LEGO game there’ll be different difficulty levels – please, tell us more! We added them to offer players a more challenging combat experience, if they preferred. This was only possible because of the additional depth in our combat mechanics. The base difficulty is ‘Classic’ – this is a more traditional TT Games LEGO video game experience, with ample health, fewer enemy encounters, and fewer of the more challenging enemy types. ‘Caped Crusader’ increases the challenge by adding more enemies to encounters, having greater enemy variety, and a higher number of more challenging enemy types. So, combat encounters are different between the settings – it’s not just scaling enemy health. ‘Dark Knight’ is the toughest difficulty – it has the same higher enemy counts and variety as Caped Crusader, but you have less health, enemies are tougher to defeat, enemy speed and attack frequency is slightly increased, and you have a limited number of lives. If you lose all your lives, you'll get reset to the start of the encounter. So,

Brick fans rejoice, for this month brings us LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight , the latest in a long line of LEGO games. Mark Green, game director atTT Games, briefs us on what’s in store… Words Amy Flower

With its open world Gotham City, can you please give us an idea just how big this game is? Gotham City in LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight extends across four islands and over multiple levels, both high into the sky and deep underground. And it’s full of collectibles, puzzles, and challenges to solve, and, of course, crimes to stop! One moment you might be brawling with mimes to save a hapless citizen from having their wallet stolen, the next you’ll be attempting to solve the latest challenge from The Riddler. Additionally, as our story plays out across multiple decades, the city itself subtly changes over time, from shop fronts to vehicles on the road, to civilian fashion, so there's a scale in terms of time as well. With inspiration taken from all things Batman – comics, movies,TV, and beyond - what can you tell us about the story? The story follows the life of Bruce Wayne from the tragedy that befell his parents when he was a child up to his later years as an established crime fighting legend. Along the way, he'll train with the League of Shadows in Nanda Parbat, and he'll return to Gotham City to bring those responsible for the loss of his parents to justice. But “just one loose end” will lead him on an era spanning journey where he'll take on some of Gotham City's infamous supervillains such as The Joker, The Penguin, Poison Ivy, and Mr Freeze, as well as building a family of crime-fighting allies, including Robin, Batgirl, Catwoman, and more.

Can we look forward to reliving classic scenes from Batman’s history on various formats? If so, are there any that you’re particularly excited about? Fans will recognise a lot of famous movie and comic book moments, but remixed and reimagined into a brand-new story that holds plenty of surprises. It's always tough to pick favourites, but I think the section that takes place in Arkham Asylum, with references from both games and movies, will be a fan favourite. I also have a soft spot for the Flugelheim Museum scene that begins with The Joker's famous artwork defacing to the sounds of Prince's Party Man song, which some players will recognise from 1989’s Batman. Combat has also been changed up – how so? We wanted to take inspiration from all Batman media, including video games, and we felt that if we were going to reference video games,

managing your health becomes much more critical. You can change the difficulty at any time, so players can try out the different levels to see which best suits them.

• LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight is out May 19

IF YOU LIKE THIS, YOU’LL LOVE THESE:

LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, LEGO Horizon Adventures, LEGO Party!

12 MAY 2026

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GAMING FEATURE

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MUM’S IN YOUR THOUGHTS? GO QUARTZ!

RAZER KIYO V2 4K WEBCAM If you’re looking for a top-notch webcam, Razer raises the bar with the Kiyo V2, a pro-grade 4K webcam designed to make high-end streaming and video creation effortless. Built for creators who want to get on with creating, rather than faffing with settings, it combines powerful hardware with clever AI features, so you always look sharp, well-lit, and perfectly framed. At its core is crystal-clear 4K video capture at 30fps, which is powered by an 8.3 MP Sony STARVIS sensor for expert-level clarity. A brilliant feature is AI-driven auto-framing, powered by Camo Studio, which uses intelligent pan, tilt, and zoom to keep you at the centre of the frame. One-click image enhancement adjusts exposure, white balance, and noise reduction, while HDR enhances contrast and colour depth. An ultrawide lens adds flexibility, while uncompressed video encoding makes you look your best at all times. The built-in mic sounds crisp, while Synapse software enables DSLR level controls, background effects, and overlays. A twist to open/close privacy shutter completes the impressive package.

Looking for something cool to give your tech-savvy mum this Mother’s Day? Check out this ace gear from Razer, all of which comes in the attractive shade of pink that they call “quartz”. Words Amy Flower

RAZER BARRACUDA X WIRELESS MULTI-PLATFORM GAMING AND MOBILE HEADSET Always a superb option that supports numerous systems – PC, Mac, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Windows handhelds, and smartphones – the Barracuda X is a slick performer. RAZER

With impressive noise suppression, the Razer HyperClear cardioid mic delivers remarkably clear voice whether you’re gaming or taking a call. And with Razer’s SmartSwitch connectivity, you can connect wirelessly via Razer HyperSpeed (USB dongle) and Bluetooth on your phone, allowing seamless toggling between two devices. The Barracuda X weighs just 250g, making it ideal for extended gaming sessions or the daily commute – the mic even unplugs for a stealthier look. It’s comfy too, with memory foam ear cushions and swivelling earcups so it fits just right. Ultimately, sound is what it’s all about, and Razer’s three-part 40mm drivers provide plenty of separation of lows, mids, and highs, whether gaming or taking in tunes. Plus, with up to 50 hours of battery life, there’s plenty of power for the day.

RAZER KRAKEN KITTY V3 PRO WIRELESS RGB HEADSET WITH KITTY EARS If you’re after cracking headgear with extra personality, Razer has a purr-fect solution – the Kraken Kitty V3 Pro combines personality, performance, and practicality in a charmingly cute package. Razer’s iconic kitty-ear look gets a glow-up with full Razer Chroma RGB lighting in the ears and earcups, offering 16.8 million colours and reactive lighting that syncs with 300-plus games and hundreds of compatible devices. Connectivity is flexible, with ultra-fast Razer HyperSpeed Wireless (via USB dongle), Bluetooth 5.3, or USB wired mode, making it easy to

RAZER SEIREN V3 MINI ULTRA-COMPACT USB MICROPHONE

Razer’s Seiren V3 Mini USB mic packs an impressive array of features into its cute, ultracompact body.

The size really strikes you as you unpack the four part device. There’s a solid base, a stalk, and the mic itself, plus the thoughtful addition of a colour-matched USB-C cable. Once assembled and plugged in, it doesn’t take long until the Seiren V3 Mini is ready to rock, with Razer’s handy Synapse software allowing easy access to advanced settings such as sample rate and stream mixing. It can easily be tilted towards you or

bounce between PC, console, and mobile. Razer’s free Synapse app lets you customise lighting and sound settings, and more. Audio-wise, the HyperClear Super Wideband mic captures voice clearly and naturally and is retractable, too. Meanwhile, 40mm TriForce titanium drivers bring rich, layered sound with excellent separation, enhanced by 7.1 channel THX Spatial Audio. Protein leatherette and memory foam cushions provide all the comfort and

away and features a handy tap-to-pause functionality – just give the top a quick touch and it toggles between listening and not, with an LED indicator that glows white for on and red for off.

isolation you could ask for, while the 390g design swivels flat for travel. And, with up to 70 hours of battery life, it’s built for long-haul sessions.

On the technical side, there’s a 14mm condenser mic with a supercardioid pickup pattern, which promises greater voice isolation – more you, less world around you, such as mouse clicks and keyboard clacks.

14 MAY 2026

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GAMING PREVIEWS

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WHAT’S OUT THIS MONTH? No matter what style of game is your vibe, there’s sure to be something to get excited about amongst these fresh releases heading to JB this month. Words Amy Flower

EDITOR’S PICK FORZA HORIZON 6 RELEASE DATE: May 19 GENRE: Racing FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: Yes If you asked any fan of the car worshipping Forza Horizon series where they’d most likely want to fling all sorts of automotive marvels around next, we reckon most would reply, “Japan”. With its rich motoring history, it’s the perfect candidate, and great news is that Forza Horizon 6 features Tokyo as its key city, with other Japanese locations including the island of Hokkaido to race around, and of course the majestic Mount Fuji will tower over proceedings. It’s the biggest map yet in a Forza Horizon outing, with 662-plus roads to discover, winding through 74 unique regions. We’ll also have more than 550 cars made available in our travels. Localised content includes smashing through regional food-based mascots such as onigiri and rice bowls, traditional car meets, and touge racing, and various racetracks dotted about the map allow for new time attacks. With all this and a return to classic wristband collecting progression, this looks set to be the greatest Forza Horizon adventure yet.

DIRECTIVE 8020 RELEASE DATE: May 12 GENRE: Survival horror FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: Yes Supermassive Games – the people behind Until Dawn and the Dark Pictures

007 FIRST LIGHT RELEASE DATE: May 27 GENRE: Action adventure FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: No When it comes to movie spies, he tops the list. Now, we’ll be privy to a new

Anthology games – return to give us a whole new bunch of scares… in space! With Earth dying, the planet Tau Ceti offers some hope for humanity’s survival. But when a colony ship crash lands, the crew members soon discover that an alien organism capable of mimicry is amongst them. Get ready for cinematic sci fi horror at its finest – and scariest!

James Bond origin story set before he became 007, in this spy adventure from the Hitman people. We’ll join the one-of-a-kind MI6 recruit as he tackles spectacular missions, uncovers a dangerous conspiracy, and teams up with a reluctant mentor to stop a coup, sneaking, fighting, bluffing, and blasting our way through iconic locations from movies past.

INDIANA JONES AND THE GREAT CIRCLE RELEASE DATE: May 12 GENRE: Action adventure FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: No The latest big Indy adventure – a single

BLUEY’S QUEST FOR THE GOLD PEN RELEASE DATE: May 28 GENRE: Adventure FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: No Prepare for adventure with everybody’s

player, first-person action-adventure game that’s set between the events of the movies Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade - hits the Switch 2! It brings a combination of action set pieces and puzzling riddles that takes us all over the world, from the Vatican, to Egypt, the Himalayas, and beyond. And, naturally, Indy’s legendary whip gets plenty of cracking in!

favourite blue heeler pup, as she stars in a game that promises a whole new way to experience her world. Bluey is busy drawing when Dad goes and takes her Gold Pen! We’re then transported into Bluey’s hand-drawn imagination, with Mum, Dad, and Bingo all helping to uncover hidden treasures, solve puzzles, and embark upon mini-quests to get back that treasured shiny writing implement.

YOSHI AND THE MYSTERIOUS BOOK RELEASE DATE: May 21 GENRE: Platformer FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: No Mario’s trusty sidekick Yoshi once again

STORY OF SEASONS: GRAND BAZAAR RELEASE DATE: May 29 GENRE: RPG FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: Yes Relive the DS classic remastered, as you

heads out on his own adventure, after a talking encyclopaedia named Mr. E plummets to Yoshi Island – natty moustache and all! Yoshi’s all-in, setting off to discover all sorts of wild creatures with varying capabilities to help him solve puzzles, and decipher Mr. E’s pages. The more you discover, the more that becomes discoverable in this platform-styled adventure for all ages.

revive the failing fortunes of Zephyr Town’s bazaar by creating a thriving farm – raising animals, growing crops, and crafting goods, all to sell at market. Work to customise your stall, unlock new services, and restore prosperity! You’ll connect with the charming local community, forming friendships and finding love, all while enjoying your fulfilling new rural life.

LEGO BATMAN: LEGACY OF THE DARK KNIGHT RELEASE DATE: May 19 GENRE: Action adventure FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: Yes Na na na na na na na na… it’s a whole

THE DISNEY AFTERNOON COLLECTION RELEASE DATE: May 29 GENRE: Various FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: Yes Be spirited back to the ’90s, when the

lot of LEGO Batman! This bricktacular treat – the fourth LEGO Batman game – is an original action adventure that’s been inspired by Batman through the ages, from comic books to TV, to movies and video games, and with other stops in-between. LEGO Gotham City has never looked so good, and we’ll hit it with a roster of seven playable characters.

games were super fun – and super challenging! This retro Disney game collection features a total of eight classics – DuckTales 1 and 2, Chip ‘n’ Dale Rescue Rangers 1 and 2, Tailspin , and Darkwing Duck for the NES all return, alongside the Super Nintendo brilliance of Goof Troop and Bonkers . All with modern features like rewind, save, boss rush, time attack, and more, too!

Coming in JUNE

MONOPOLY: STAR WARS HEROES VS. VILLAINS (Jun11) THE ADVENTURES OF ELLIOT: THE MILLENNIUM TALES (Jun 19) RAYMAN: 30TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION (Jun 26)

Answers: 1. Forza Horizon 3 2. Until Dawn 3. Super Mario World 4. 2008 5. Shaken But Not Stirred 6. Bluey: The Videogame 7. Epic Mickey 8. Tales of Phantasia

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16 MAY 2026 MAY

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GAME EXAM

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5 CINEMA HIGHLIGHTS

Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition May 7

Mortal Kombat II May 7

MAY

Finding Nemo . It was the gateway of my love for both movies and collecting DVDs. It even led to my parents buying a separate DVD player and TV so that I

Pike River May 14

wouldn’t hog theirs all the time.

’ s ROVING REPORTER

What’s one of your all-time favourite movies, and why? The Blues Brothers . It’s one of the best comedies ever made. It’s sentimental, too, as my dad loved blues music growing up and played it in front of me. It’s a weird, wacky comedy that puts a smile on my face and brings back fond memories of watching it with him. It would have to be Superman & Lois . It’s a niche series but if you enjoy the Superman character or DC it’s definitely one that’s worth giving a try. Its dramatic storytelling is incredible for a series of its scale. It’s a different take on the iconic hero and while it has some goofy moments, it’s one that feels uplifting yet deeply emotional. Lately I’ve been doing “Western Wednesdays” and hitting up a lot of classic spaghetti westerns. The main ones I’d recommend are Clint Eastwood and Sergio Leone’s Dollars Trilogy ( A Fistful of Dollars, For a Few Dollars More, and The Good, The Bad and the Ugly ). It’s a simple and iconic masterpiece trilogy. What’s one of your all-time favourite TV series, and why? What have you been watching lately that you would recommend?

The Mandalorian and Grogu May 21

The Sheep Detectives May 7

CHARTS

JOHN COOPER @ JB Chermside, QLD

4K UHD BEST-SELLERS in APRIL 2026

What’s the best thing about working at JB? It has to be the friendly people you work with. I love talking about the different brands in each department and comparing what’s best and what would be best suitable for each customer . What’s a movie you saw as a child that has left a lasting impression on you?

1 THE RUNNING MAN (2025) 2 ANACONDA (2025) 3 SINNERS 4 THE HOUSEMAID 5 NUREMBERG

6 GREMLINS 7 THE MUMMY TRILOGY 8 PANIC ROOM STEELBOOK 9 ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER 10 F1: THE MOVIE

QUIZ

BLU-RAY BEST-SELLERS in APRIL 2026

Q3 Denzel Washington plays a high school football coach in which inspiring U.S. football movie? Q4 Which four movie artists founded United Artists in 1919? Q5 What was the first movie to be released in 3-D? Q6 Who gave Joseph Francis Keaton the nickname Buster? Q7 Who voiced the sultry Jessica Rabbit in Who

Framed Roger Rabbit ? Q8 Which infamous box office bomb movie ruined the career of director Michael Cimino? Q9 Who is the only actor ever to receive an Oscar nomination for acting in a Star Wars movie? Q10 Which movie holds the record for most Oscar wins (eight in total) without winning ‘Best Picture’?

1 ANACONDA (2025) 2 SONG SUNG BLUE 3 THE RUNNING MAN (2025) 4 THE HOUSEMAID 5 NUREMBERG

6 WICKED: FOR GOOD 7 FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDYS 2 8 SINNERS 9 GOOD BOY 10 SCOTT PILGRIM TAKES OFF: SERIES

Q1 Who is the only actor to have won three Academy Awards for ‘Best Supporting Actor’? Q2 Name the movie where Patrick Swayze plays a bar bouncer?

DVD BEST-SELLERS in APRIL 2026

1 ANACONDA (2025) 2 SONG SUNG BLUE 3 THE HOUSEMAID 4 THE RUNNING MAN (2025) 5 WICKED: FOR GOOD

6 THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SEARCH FOR SQUAREPANTS 7 FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDYS 2 8 COBRA KAI: SEASON 6 9 THE CHORAL 10 NUREMBERG

APRIL 2026 (Issue 258) ANSWERS - A1. Seven Samurai A2. Bernard Herrmann A3. Naval Commander A4. Spartacus (played by Kirk Douglas) A5. Gary Busey A6. Sunset Boulevard A7. A wristwatch A8. Edmond O’Brien A9. Mary Poppins A10. He directed the former and played the villain in the latter.

18 MAY 2026

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MOVIE FEATURE

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GENRE: Musical drama RUN TIME: 1h 40m

ETHAN HAWKE GETS HART IN BLUE MOON Ethan Hawke trades movie star charm for tragic genius in Blue Moon , vanishing into Lorenz Hart in a career-defining turn that’s earned him a fifth Oscar nomination.

Ethan Hawke and Margaret Qualley

I f we first fell in love with him 37 years ago as the tall handsome blue-eyed young star of Dead Poets Society , then Ethan Hawke, 55, is today unrecognisable as a short, balding, brown-eyed Broadway lyricist in Blue Moon . It’s a performance that earned him a fifth Oscar nomination – and not just because of the physical transformation, but much more for how he inhabits the very soul of this melancholic, fast-talking, alcoholic writer facing the final curtain of his career. Responsible for unforgettable songs such as Manhattan, My Funny Valentine and, of course,

Blue Moon , Lorenz Hart’s alcoholism led to the break-up of his partnership with Richard Rodgers, the film taking part over one evening where Hart is invited to the opening night party of Rodgers’ hit musical Oklahoma! – with his new lyricist Oscar Hammerstein. “So much is made of the winners in life but, with this, it’s like being at a wedding from the ex-wife’s point of view,” observes Hawke. Marking his ninth collaboration with director/writer Richard Linklater, Blue Moon has been almost a decade in the making, the

DYK? In addition to Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, other historical figures portrayed in the film include E.B. White (author of Stuart Little ), Stephen Sondheim (renowned songwriter), and George Roy Hill (director of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid ).

filmmaker waiting for his leading man to age into the character. Hawke knew he would have to shave his head for the role – Hart boasting just a few brown strands combed over his balding pate - but it wasn’t something he took lightly “At my age you’re like, ‘Wait a second, is this just a giant mistake?’” he smiles, admitting his fears about it growing back. But there’s very little he wouldn’t do for Linklater – the pair having

made memorable films Boyhood and the Before trilogy together. Though Hart’s

acerbic tongue could be off-putting to some, Hawke says, “I fell in love. I mean, there's no other way to put it. I saw myself in him.” Gill Pringle

• Blue Moon is out May 27

IF YOU LIKE THIS, YOU’LL LOVE THESE:

Song Sung Blue, Almost Famous, Amadeus, Elvis

GENRE: Psychological drama RUN TIME: 2h 5m

ANEMONE : THE DAY-LEWIS LEGACY H e may have won three Oscars but, at home, Daniel Day-Lewis, 68, is just Daniel Day-Lewis ends his decade-long hiatus with Anemone , a deeply personal father-son collaboration.

both of us were surprised to find that we had a story that we could then do,” “It was such a strange thing to see him, both as a dad, but then also as Ray at the same time.” says Ronan on working alongside his old man.

dad. And, like any parent facing an empty nest, he was eager to spend as much time as possible with his filmmaker/painter son Ronan Day-Lewis, 28, before the Yale graduate flew the coop for good. All those emotions would prompt father and son to co-write the drama Anemone , marking Ronan’s directorial feature debut while also marking Daniel’s own return to the big screen – almost ten years after his last major role in Phantom Thread . “We've worked on a lot of strange things over the years together, since he was a kid, and I had an anticipatory regret at the thought that Ronan was going to make films and I wouldn't be a part of them,” reveals the reclusive actor. “So, it was really just the impulse to try and find something together to do. And yes, absolutely, from the word go, I knew that I

“I've seen him work in the past, growing up, just more

Daniel Day-Lewis and Sean Bean

from a distance. And it was more of that kind of separation, when he was home.” Grateful for the opportunity to work with his dad, he adds: “We both felt strongly that the film

would act in it in some way,” he admits. Referencing his periodic

Daniel Day-Lewis with director Ronan Day-Lewis

career withdrawals, he knew the day was coming when he would have to put all that aside if his son’s project was to flourish. “It began with just that pure impulse of wishing to work with Ronan, and the writing took place over quite a long period of time. And, as we sort of edged closer and closer towards some kind of a conclusion, I think

was something that we wanted to do together. I knew that if I passed up the opportunity to work with him, it would’ve haunted me.” Glenn Cochrane

• Anemone is out May 13

IF YOU LIKE THIS, YOU’LL LOVE THESE:

The Thing with Fathers, Bring Them Down, The Lighthouse

20 MAY 2026

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ORIGINS OF EVIL: WELCOME TO DERRY GENRE: Horror RUN TIME: Series Derry’s darkest secrets rise to the surface in this stunning prequel that cements Stephen King’s grip on modern horror. Fun Fact: A younger version of Dick Hallorann, famously played by Scatman Crothers in The Shining (1980), plays a pivotal role in Welcome to Derry .

T he timing of Welcome to Derry couldn’t be better. It arrives as the perfect antidote to the post- Stranger Things void, and at a moment when Stephen King is dominating pop culture... again. Welcome to Derry arrives with built in mythology, spun from the terrifying world previously realised in Andy Muschietti’s blockbuster adaptations of Stephen King’s It (2017) and It: Chapter Two (2019). Developed by Muschietti alongside Barbara Muschietti and Jason Fuchs, the series expands the cinematic universe by travelling backwards, digging into the cursed history of Derry, Maine, and the cyclical evil that haunts it. Set decades before the Losers’ Club first encountered Pennywise, the show leans into the rich interludes of King’s original novel, dramatising the town’s past tragedies and the sinister patterns that repeat every 27 years.

Bill Skarsgård returns as Pennywise, maintaining continuity with the films while anchoring the series in familiar nightmare fuel. At the same time, the long-form format allows the creators to widen the lens, exploring Derry as a character in itself, shaped by generational trauma and buried secrets. For horror fans, the series is essential viewing, boasting some of the most horrific imagery conceivable. It’s true to King’s vision and is arguably amongst the best drama television in recent years, let alone horror. It’s a remarkable feat considering such a bumpy production period. Filming began in 2023 across Ontario, Canada, with Port Hope once again doubling for Derry, preserving the visual DNA established in the films. However, the SAG-AFTRA strike forced a shutdown, delaying the shoot and creating continuity challenges, particularly with younger cast members

Chris Chalk

Bill Skarsgård

ageing out of their roles. The creative team ultimately adjusted timelines and story elements, a testament to the production’s scale and ambition. The series lands at a moment when Stephen King is enjoying yet another cultural surge. In a short space of time, his stories of The Life of Chuck, The Long Walk, The Running Man, The Monkey, and The Institute are just some of the recent adaptations. Glenn Cochrane

• Welcome to Derry is out May 6

IF YOU LIKE THIS, YOU’LL LOVE THESE:

It, It: Chapter Two, The Stand, Mr. Mercedes, Chapelthwaite, Under the Dome.

A WILDER “WUTHERING HEIGHTS” GENRE: Romance RUN TIME: 2h 16m The director of Saltburn reimagines Wuthering Heights as a bold, provocative tale of love, cruelty, and obsession.

I conoclastic filmmaker Emerald Fennell turned to Australians Margot Robbie, 35,

Margot with director Emerald Fennell

DYK: The title’s stylised quotation marks represent Fennell’s flexible interpretation, as it was her intention to recreate the feeling of being a teenage girl reading the book for the first time.

and Jacob Elordi, 28, in bringing her brave new vision of Emily Bronte’s 1847 novel Wuthering Heights to the big screen. A daring interpretation of one of the greatest love stories of all time, it’s surely louder, sexier, and more provocative than any of its predecessors.

and Margot is able to encapsulate all of this. Likewise Fennell was impressed by Elordi, having already directed him on Saltburn . “Heathcliff is the archetypical, Byronic hero, a despicable love interest. He’s defensive, angry, cruel, dangerous, but he’s also one of the most devastatingly moving characters in literature. Gathering all of those things together is tough and, like Cathy, it required an actor who could make us love the unlovable. “Jacob is extraordinary in that way, I knew he could communicate the tenderness, the depth of

Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi

Expectations , or Scarlett O’Hara from Gone with the Wind . She's spoiled, capricious, and fierce, like a movie star stuck in the middle of nowhere with no audience. “She’s deeply feeling, funny, her emotions are gigantic, but Brontë is very specific and says again and again in the book that Cathy likes to hurt people, she enjoys pushing to see how far she can get away with something and still be forgiven: she’s something of a sadist. She needed to be played with someone with their own dangerous, life-ruining beauty and charisma,

Fennell – celebrated for her films Promising Young Woman and Saltburn - had long been fascinated by Wuthering Heights , but couldn’t conceive of making the film without first finding the perfect couple. “Margot is absolutely extraordinary,” she says of the Barbie star. “The thing about casting is finding the root of this person and what do they make you feel and how can that be used and subverted in an interesting way as this character? “For me, Cathy is like Estella from Great

feeling, the loneliness of Heathcliff, as well as his copious flaws. Gill Pringle

• Wuthering Heights is out May 13

IF YOU LIKE THIS, YOU’LL LOVE THESE:

Saltburn, Hamnet, Emma, The History of Sound, Die My Love.

22 MAY 2026

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GENRE: Thriller adventure RUN TIME: 1h 55m

Directed by Oliver Laxe, the Oscar nominated Sir ā t is not your typical narrative movie. Instead, it’s more of a journey - a strange hypnotic experience where you’re drifting through a dream (or nightmare) alongside the characters. T he story follows a father named Luis, played by Sergi López, who travels explores themes of the individual versus the collective during times of unbearable tension DESERT RAVE! A FATHER’S JOURNEY – SIRĀT

Bruno Núñez and Sergi López

ready to join this family of mutilated people.” Sir ā t opens with an epigram taken from Arabic scripture, referring to a mythical bridge conjoining heaven and hell. It’s also a term meaning “the path” or “the way,” hinting at routes both physical and metaphysical. “I like this idea that to get to paradise, sometimes you have to go through hell,” says Laxe. “This is the essence of the movie – that heaven and hell are not these closed or separate rooms; you have to go through one to get to the other, something Luis experiences on his own journey.” Gill Pringle

into the Moroccan desert searching for his missing daughter. She was last seen at a rave, and that’s where the film really begins to unfold. If you’re expecting a straightforward “missing person” story, Sir ā t will probably surprise you. The plot is deliberately loose. Instead of focusing on clues and investigation, it drops the audience into a nomadic, almost otherworldly rave community of people living on the fringes. An uncompromising visionary, Laxe’s film taps into the tumultuous and terrifying times we are living through. A hero’s journey turned inward, he

and turmoil, embracing transcendence whilst also offering hope, connection and perseverance in dark times. “ Sir ā t addresses the war that is looming large in our world, one in which we will be obliged to ask ourselves what it means to be human,” says Laxe. “As cultural walls and class distinctions erode, Luis – who hails from a different social context as the ravers he meets - discovers he is just as wounded and broken as his companions. “But the ravers I have known, and the ravers that inspired and appear in this film, are already in dialogue with their wounds. Luis, for his part, must decide whether he’s

• Sir ā t is out May 6

IF YOU LIKE THIS, YOU’LL LOVE THESE:

It Was Just an Accident, The Way My Way, The Last Journey, Leave No Trace

GOING APE. PRIMATE UNLEASHED! GENRE: Horror RUN TIME: 1h 29m

It’s been a long time since a killer chimp has terrorised the screen. Enter Primate , the jarring new chiller from director Johannes Roberts ( The Strangers: Prey at Night ).

T aking place over the course of one night at a swanky clifftop mansion in Hawaii, the story follows a pet chimpanzee infected with rabies that unleashes hell upon his owners and their friends. It’s a tense, gruesome, suspense driven exploit that will have you gripping the armrest. You might assume Roberts is paying tribute to classic horror movies like Monkey Shines or Link . However, his direct point of influence was actually the 1983 adaptation of Stephen King’s Cujo . “For me, it opened up a whole new kind of horror based in real situations, not vampires and monsters,” Roberts explains. “I instinctively understood the way that the director Lewis Teague and the

cinematographer Jan de Bont were manipulating the audience. I knew right

then that I wanted to direct films like that.” When conceiving

Primate , Roberts began thinking about other kinds of family pets that might develop an appetite for

Troy Kotsur

a name for himself with films like F, 47 Metres Down, and Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City . It’s a genre he feels at home in, permitting him to flex his creative muscle. “I love the horror genre, both as a director and a movie fan,” he says. “As an audience member, I love being scared in a safe environment. As a filmmaker, it allows me to play in a fantasy world that is a lot of fun,

where the director’s job is manipulating the audience. The goal is to get them to jump and scream all together. It’s a very communal, theatrical

killing. Chimps have a reputation for abrasive and violent tendencies, giving him the perfect candidate. “Chimpanzees can be evil, terrifying creatures in real life. They hunt other animals and even other chimps for food. They fly into rages,” he says. “The more research I did, the darker the picture became.” Primate is Roberts’ latest in a long line of horror movies. He made

experience.” Glenn Cochrane

• Primate is out May 6

IF YOU LIKE THIS, YOU’LL LOVE THESE:

Cujo, 47 Metres Down, Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City.

24 MAY 2026

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