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MOVIES & TV PREVIEWS

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WHAT’S OUT THIS MONTH? With the silly season fast approaching, it’s time to start thinking about gifts and stocking fillers. This month brings plenty of exciting new releases for everyone. Beyond the titles featured elsewhere in this issue of STACK , here are a few more hot contenders to explore. Words Glenn Cochrane

M3GAN 2.0 AID RELEASE DATE: Nov 5 GENRE: Sci-fi horror FORMAT: 4K, BD, DVD M3GAN was a runaway hit for horror powerhouse Blumhouse – the mob behind Five Nights at Freddy’s and The Black Phone - and now New Zealand

THE KING OF KINGS Roadshow RELEASE DATE: Nov 12 GENRE: Family FORMAT: DVD

EDITOR’S PICK RELAY AID RELEASE DATE: Nov 5 GENRE: Thriller FORMATS: BD, DVD Director David Mackenzie, known for hard-hitting films like Starred Up , Hell or High Water and Outlaw King , returns with a gripping new thriller starring Riz Ahmed, Lily James and Joel Edgerton. The story follows a professional fixer who uses a relay service – originally designed for the deaf – to protect whistleblowers by concealing their identities. When he partners with a biotech scientist exposing a dangerous corporate secret, things quickly spiral out of control. Smart, suspenseful and eerily timely, fans of taut thrillers won’t want to miss this one. Don’t let it fly under your radar.

The King of Kings is Angel Studios’ first foray into animated filmmaking, following their acclaimed live action projects like Sketch , The Last Rodeo, and Sound

director Gerard Johnstone returns with M3GAN 2.0 , an ambitious, genre-shifting sequel that ventures into action-sci-fi territory with sharper tech satire and robo showdowns. The story follows roboticist Gemma as she revives M3GAN to take on a military android, AMELIA. Critics are divided: some praise the humour, spectacle and bold genre mash-ups, while others struggle with the tonal shift. That polarised reaction makes it a must-see, letting you judge for yourself. SMURFS AID RELEASE DATE: Nov 5 GENRE: Family FORMAT: BD, DVD The Smurfs are back! The classic 1950s comic book characters continue to charm new audiences, with what seems like a fresh Smurfs iteration for every generation. The new Smurfs features a stacked cast, including Rihanna, John Goodman, and Nick Offerman, bringing the tiny blue heroes to life once again. Directed by Chris Miller, ( Puss in Boots ), the film blends adventure, comedy and heart, keeping the franchise’s enduring appeal alive. With its colourful animation and family-friendly humour, it’s the perfect way for both longtime fans and newcomers to enjoy the Smurfs’ timeless world. BRIDE HARD AID RELEASE DATE: Nov 5 GENRE: Comedy FORMAT: DVD Simon West ( Con Air, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider ), the movie delivers high-octane thrills with an abundance of comedy. Rebel Wilson stars as a secret agent forced to juggle a top secret mission and her best friend’s wedding. Fun fact: Screen legend Colleen Camp also produced the film. Packed with action and unexpected twists, Bride Hard is a lot more fun that its fleeting cinema run might suggest. Bride Hard came and went quickly in cinemas, missing a lot of people’s radars, but it’s a wild, entertaining ride worth catching. Directed by

of Freedom . This epic retelling of the life of Jesus combines stunning animation with a stellar voice cast, including Uma Thurman, Oscar Isaac, Kenneth Branagh, Ben Kingsley, and Pierce Brosnan. The film blends reverence, adventure and emotional depth, bringing timeless stories to life in a fresh, visually striking way. With its rich storytelling and star-studded performances, The King of Kings is a standout debut that showcases Angel Studios’ expanding creative ambitions.

NORMAL PEOPLE Roadshow RELEASE DATE: Nov 12 GENRE: TV drama FORMAT: DVD

Normal People is a critically acclaimed, emotionally charged TV series based on Sally Rooney’s acclaimed novel. Following Marianne and Connell from their final

days in school through university, it explores love, identity, and the complexities of human connection with raw honesty. Daisy Edgar-Jones ( Where the Crawdads Sing ) and Paul Mescal ( Gladiator II ) deliver heartfelt performances, capturing the intensity and vulnerability of first love with remarkable nuance. With understated direction, sensitive writing, and naturalistic performances, Normal People offers a poignant, relatable portrayal of young adulthood and the lasting impact of relationships.

THE CO-ED KILLER Eagle RELEASE DATE: Nov 12 GENRE: TV documentary FORMAT: DVD The Co-Ed Killer (the story of serial killer Ed Kemper ) arrives at the perfect time for true crime fans, riding the wave of interest sparked

by Monster: The Ed Gein Story and the Mindhunter series. This unflinching, hardcore, R-rated thriller dives deep into the mind of the infamous serial killer, delivering chilling performances and intense, unsettling sequences. It’s a dark, uncompromising look at one of America’s most notorious criminals, designed strictly for devoted true crime enthusiasts – definitely not for everyone, but essential viewing for those drawn to the genre’s grimmer side.

HOSTILE TAKEOVER Eagle RELEASE DATE: Nov 12 GENRE: Action FORMAT: DVD

THE CUT Roadshow RELEASE DATE: Nov 12 GENRE: Thriller FORMAT: DVD The Cut stars Orlando Bloom in his second boxing role, following The Calcium Kid , delivering a gritty, adrenaline-fuelled performance as a fighter

Action movie stalwart Michael Jai White ( The Dark Knight, Undisputed II ) stars in this hard-hitting thriller in the vein of John Wick and

Nobody . He plays a sharp-witted hitman whose cover is blown when he’s caught at a workaholics meeting, sparking suspicion from his crime boss employer. Suddenly, he becomes the city’s most wanted, with assassins closing in from every corner. Over a taut 86 minutes, fists fly, bullets blaze, and tension never lets up. Stylish, relentless, and expertly choreographed, Hostile Takeover is a must-see for die-hard action fans.

navigating the highs and lows of the ring. The film also features John Turturro and Caitríona Balfe, adding depth and intensity to the drama. Directed by the award-winning filmmaker behind Cashback and Anthropod , The Cut blends sharp storytelling with visceral, hard-hitting fight sequences. With its mix of character driven drama and electrifying boxing action, it’s a knockout experience that will resonate with sports fans and cinephiles alike.

36 NOVEMBER 2025

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