Gran Turismo Review

Gran Turismo

Release Date: 3rd August 2023 - Australia

Production Companies

Columbia Pictures (presents)

PlayStation Productions

2.0 Entertainment

Michael De Luca Productions

Trigger Street Productions

TSG Entertainment (made in association with)

Distribution

Sony Pictures Australia

Genre: Action/Drama

Rating: M

Runtime: 134 minutes

Budget: $60,000,000

Box Office Gross: $122,101,055 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary

Through his gaming skills

after winning a series of

Nissan-sponsored video

game competitions, a

Gran Turismo player gets

his chance to become a

professional race car

driver.

Cast

Archie Madekwe - Jann Mardenborough

David Harbour - Jack Salter

Orlando Bloom - Danny Moore

Darren Barnet - Matty Davis

Geri Halliwell - Lesley Mardenborough

Djimon Hounsou - Steve

Mardenborough

Josha Stradowski - Nicholas Capa

Daniel Puig - Cody Mardenborough

Maeve Courtier-Lilley - Audrey

Pepe Barroso - Antonio Cruz

Niall McShea - Frederik Schulin

Nikhil Parmar - Persol

Takehiro Hira - Kazunori Yamauchi

Thomas Kretschmann -

Patrice Capa

Akie Kotabe - Akira Akiba

Sadao Ueda - Skeptical

Nissan Board Member

Wai Wong - Senior Nissan Executive

Jamie Kenna - Jack Man Jones

Royce Cronin - Capa Team Leader

Harki Bhambra - Avi Bhatt

Emelia Hartford - Leah Vega

Lindsay Pattison - Chloe McCormick

Mariano González - Henry Evas

Maximilian Mundt - Klaus Hoffman

Sang Heon Lee - Joo-Hwan Lee

Théo Christine - Marcel Durand

Joanne Heywood - Clothing

Customer

Cavan Jones - Kid Playing

at Gamer Cafe

Lloyd Meredith - Percy

Hannah Hornsby - Audrey's

Friend

Bence Bauer - Bonfire Guy

Ciarán Joyce - Ciaran Cochrane

John Carter - James Wallace

Niki Faulkner - Instructor

Rina Saito - Kaz's Translator

Peter Lundie - Race Coordinator, GT Academy

Andrea Vasiliou - Dubai Racing

Fan

Yoojin Lee - Dubai Racing Fan

Matthew Hirsch - Race Marshall

(Le Mans) (Cameo)

Jacques Jouffret - Race Official

(Le Mans) (Cameo)

Eszter Zavaros - Female Chef

Daijiro Yoshihara - Nissan

Corporate Driver (Japan)

Maya Murofushi - Nissan Desk Clerk

Bianca Bridge - Germany Reporter

Selin Cuhadaroglu - Sarah Eaton

Frédéric North - Helicopter

Pilot, GT Academy (Cameo)

Crew

Director - Neil Blomkamp

Story/Screenplay/Executive Producer - Jason Hall

Story - Alex Tse

Screenplay - Zach Baylin

Executive Producers - Matthew Hirsch, Herman Hulst and Kazunori Yamauchi

Producers - Carter Swan,

Asad Qizilbash, Dana Brunetti

and Doug Belgrad

Co-Producer/Stunt Driver: Archie Madekwe (Uncredited) - Jann Mardenborough

Co-Producer - Darren Cox

Casting Directors - Raylin Sabo

and Mary Vernieu

Production Designer - Martin Whist

Supervising Art Director - Justin O'Neal Miller

Set Decorators - Lauree Martell

and Adam Polgar

Costume Designer - Terry Anderson

Makeup Department Head - Tracey Wells

Director of Photography - Jacques Jouffret

Supervising Location Manager - Naomi Liston

First Assistant Directors - Martin Krauka

and James Bitonti

Stunt Coordinators - Steve Kelso

and Andrew Gill

Stunt Coordinator: HU - Domonkos Pardanyi

Supervising Picture Vehicle Coordinator -

Alex King

Picture Vehicle Coordinator - Dennis McCarthy

Picture Vehicle Supervisor - Elia Popov

Special Effects Supervisor - Gabor Kiszelly

Visual Effects Supervisor - Viktor Muller

Editors - Austyn Daines and Colby Parker Jr.

Co-Editor - Eric Freidenberg

Supervising Sound Editors - Kami Asgar

and Erin Oakley

Sound Designers - Charles Deenen,

James Evans and Nick Spradlin

Sound Recordists - John P. Fasal,

Bryan Watkins, Travis Prater,

Ed Walker, Watson Wu and Dustin Troyan

Re-Recording Mixers - Beau Borders

and Kevin O'Connell

Supervising Foley Artist - Gary A. Hecker

Music - Lorne Balfe and Andrew Kawczynski

Review

I vividly recall when Gran Turismo (GT) was a video game series for the PlayStation. I'm not sure if I played GT or not. Then again, it might have been only once (unless it's a different racing game) because I didn't have a PlayStation 3 or 4 at the time. While loosely based on the video games, this film retells a true story of how a young gamer transitioned from virtual racing to a professional racing career. Neil Blomkamp is one step ahead of his directorial comeback after taking a downturn with movies such as Elysium and Chappie, as he breaks the mould from his preferred sci-fi genre. He's never directed a video game adaptation, much less his unmade Halo movie.

Although it may seem unconventional to adapt a racing game into a Hollywood feature (unless you count Need for Speed), GRAN TURISMO has a typical underdog story with an engaging setup. Admittedly, the film is not without its flaws, as it suffers from a predictable narrative and slow pacing. Even the dialogue is slightly weak in the first half, with many lines feeling cheesy and unoriginal. The editing could have been tighter if they trimmed down a few scenes and removed that useless romantic subplot. However, things improved as the film progressed, particularly the emotional moments near the end.

The actors delivered first-class performances with Orlando Bloom returning to the limelight as an idealistic motorsport executive who recognises the gaming community's potential. Archie Madekwe, a young and relatively inexperienced actor, shoulders much of the burden in this film, sharing the screen with some of Hollywood's biggest names. His character embodies a carefree, youthful spirit that mirrors Jann Mardenborough's real-life persona. David Harbour delivers a commanding performance as a former racing driver who coaches Jann.

The chemistry between Madekwe and Harbour is strong, capturing the mentor-trainee dynamic. However, Djimon Hounsou's performance as Jann's father emerges as the emotional centrepiece, despite his limited screen time. Also worth noting is that Geri Hariwell, one of the Spice Girls, plays Jann's mum. Interestingly, the real-life Mardenborough did all of his screen counterpart's driving stunts.

The racing sequences in GRAN TURISMO are spectacular, not to mention the stunning drone camerawork and engaging visual style. The latter ranges from the CGI recreation of the game's user interface display to the real-time breakdown of vehicles. It'll make you believe you're playing a video game. The sound design is superb throughout the film, with roaring engines, screeching tyres, and thunderous crashes that create an immersive experience.

GRAN TURISMO is an adrenaline-fueled combination of gaming and real-world motorsports culture. Although it doesn't offer anything new to the sports-drama subgenre, its heart-pounding race sequences and moving performances make it a worthy addition for fans of racing and inspirational stories alike. Anyone who has played the game or is a massive motorsport enthusiast should check it out.

Star rating: (7/10) Good Movie

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Snakes on a Plane Review

Snakes on a Plane

Release Date: 24th August 2006 - Australia

Production Companies

New Line Cinema (presents)

Mutual Film Company

Meradin Zweite Productions (in association with)

Eyetronics

H2L Media Group

Distribution

Roadshow Films

Genre: Action/Thriller

Rating: M (Not Suitable for Young Children)

Runtime: 101 minutes

Budget: $33,000,000

Box Office Gross:

$62,022,014 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary

FBI agent Neville Flynn

takes a plane from Hawaii

to Los Angeles to transport

a witness protected by the

government to a trial, in

the hope that the mob boss

will end up behind bars.

However, as soon as the

aircraft reaches an altitude

of 30,000 feet, several

hundred venomous snakes

burst out of the cargo and

attack everyone in sight,

causing violent mayhem.

With the help of a leading

snake expert from L.A.,

Flynn and a group of

terrified passengers and

crew must work together

to deal with the slithering

threat.

Cast

Samuel L. Jackson - Neville Flynn

Julianna Margulies - Claire Miller

Nathan Phillips - Sean Jones

Rachel Blanchard - Mercedes

Flex Alexander - Three G's

Kenan Thompson - Troy

Keith Dallas - Big Leroy

Lin Shaye - Grace

Bruce James - Ken

Sunny Mabrey - Tiffany

Casey Dubois - Curtis

Daniel Hogarth - Tommy

Gerald Plunkett - Paul

Terry Chen - Chen Leong

Elsa Pataky - Maria

Emily Holmes - Ashley

Tygh Runyan - Tyler

Mark Houghton - John Sanders

David Koechner - Rick

Bobby Cannavale - Hank Harris

Todd Louiso - Dr. Steven Price

Tom Butler - Captain Sam McKeon

Kendall Cross - Driver

Kevin McNulty - Emmett Bradley

Samantha McLeod - Kelly

Taylor Kitsch - Kyle

Ann Warn Pegg - Mrs. Bova

Byron Lawson - Eddie Kim

Darren Moore - Kraitler

Scott Nicholson - Daniel Hayes

Candice Macalino - Flower Girl

Yan-Kay Crystal Lowe - Autograph Girl

Agam Darshi - Dell Girl

Lisa Marie Caruk - Ken's Girlfriend

Jack di Blasio - Kid Fan

Darryl Quon - Man In Suit

David Neale - Navy Dad

Mi-Jung Lee - News Anchor

Kyle Alisharan - Airport Worker

Christopher Bachman - Lei Guy

Drew Wicks - Passenger

Crew

Director - David R. Ellis

Story - David Dalessandro

Story/Screenplay - John Heffernan

Screenplay - Sebastian Gutierrez

Associate Producers -

Jeff Katz and Tawny Ellis

Associate Producer/Unit Production Manager - Heather Meehan

Executive Producers - Stokely Chaffin, Toby Emmerich, Penney Finkelman Cox, Sandra Rabins and George Waud

Executive Producer/Unit Production Manager - Justis Greene 

Producers - Craig Berenson, Don Granger and Gary Levinsohn

Casting Director - Mindy Maren

Canadian Casting Directors - Coreen Mayrs

and Heike Brandstatter

Production Designer - Jaymes Hinkle

Art Director - John Alvarez

Set Decorators - Erin Boyd and Mary-Lou Storey

Costume Designer - Karen L. Matthews

Prosthetic Makeup Effects Designers &

Creators - Anthony Allen Barlow,

Ken Culver, Greg Johnson, Sarah Pickersgill,

Sam Polin, Brad Proctor, Dan Rebert,

Todd Masters and Jamie Salmon

Director of Photography - Adam Greenberg

Aerial Director of Photography - Hans Bjerno

"A" Camera Operator - Michael Ferris 

Second Unit Director/Stunt Coordinator - Freddie Hice

Stunt Coordinators - Annie Ellis and Scott Nicholson

Snake Handler & Coordinator - Jules Sylvester

Snake Handlers - Brad McDonald,

Marco Solis Chavez and Marissa Schwierjohn

Special Effects Supervisors - Alex Burdett

and Matt Kutcher

Visual Effects Supervisor - Erik Henry

Visual Effects Supervisor: CafeFX - Scott Gordon

Art Director: CafeFX - Peter Lloyd

Digital Effects Supervisor: CafeFX - Jeff Goldman

Lighting TDs: CafeFX - Mike Fischer,

Manuel H. Guizar, Nic Spier, William H. Ball,

Scott Harper, Kirk Cardette and Luis "Chico" Martinez

Modelling Lead: CafeFX - Steve Arguello

Compositing Supervisor: CafeFX - Edwardo Mendez

3D Matchmovers: CafeFX - Paul Hopkins,

Kevin Hoppe and Ondrej Kubrick

Software Development Supervisor: CafeFX - Robert Tesdahl

Editor - Howard E. Smith

Supervising Sound Editors - Tom Bellfort

and Dave McMoyler

Sound Designers - Harry Cohen and

Tim Walston

Re-Recording Mixers - Rick Ash,

Kevin E. Carpenter and Justin Jose

Production Sound Mixer - Michael McGee

Foley Artists - James Moriana and Jeffrey Wilhoit

Music - Trevor Rabin

Review

SNAKES ON A PLANE is about, well, you know how the title suggests, as it lives up to its name. Admittedly, it wasn't a typical mockbuster movie, as the plot was original. It happened before The Asylum started producing its mockbuster films. However, the film does have the hallmarks of a mockbuster, with its over-the-top story and action sequences.

Before its release, word of SNAKES ON A PLANE spread online, gaining a cult following due to its title and the decision to cast Samuel L. Jackson in the lead role. During production, several changes, including reshoots, led to the film being bumped from a PG-13 to an R rating to appease the online fanbase. The film's title was also briefly changed to Pacific Air Flight 121, but Samuel L. Jackson insisted on changing it back, stating the title was the only reason he accepted the role. Although the film underperformed at the box office at the time, it did turn a profit, and many people still remember it to this day.

Director David R. Ellis had his experience with outlandish stuff, considering he directed Final Destination 2 and, later, The Final Destination, where several people get killed in horrific, gruesome ways. He did a fantastic job of delivering an action movie that plays like a suspense thriller crossed with a comedy, a thrill ride that's a bit silly and even more fun. I'm sure you're well aware that this film had several issues.

While the premise is affectionately cheesy, it is part of its distinctive "B-movie" charm, along with its self-aware ridiculousness. However, by design, the film was clearly intended to be silly. Unfortunately, the plot is thin, the characters are stereotypical, and the CGI is laughably bad. What's worse is that it's clearly trying to copy old disaster movies from the 1970s, such as Airport and Earthquake.

All is not lost, as the acting was terrific. Despite the film's absurdity, nearly all actors and actresses were fully committed to their roles. However, the best actor in this film is certainly Samuel L. Jackson, who plays FBI agent Neville Flynn. L. Jackson did a terrific job with this role, as he knows how to be funny and serious. All in all, I enjoyed his performance, especially when he delivers that iconic line to the surviving passengers. Julianna Margulies is fine as Claire, the calm and collected stewardess who tries to keep the passengers safe.

For a "B-movie," SNAKES ON A PLANE is not as bad as it could have been. Clearly, the filmmakers had no intention of making a film that audiences would take seriously; they just wanted to entertain them, and, all things considered, they succeeded. Yes, they could have done a few things better, but it is a ridiculous yet enjoyable film to watch, as long as you don't take it seriously. Trust me, it's not for those who were terrified of snakes. And certainly not for those to watch it on a flight.

Star rating: (6/10) Fair Movie

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F1 Review

F1

Release Date: 26th June 2025 - Australia

Production Companies

Apple Studios (present)

Warner Bros. Pictures (present)

Monolith Pictures

Jerry Bruckheimer Films

Plan B Entertainment

Dawn Apollo Films

Distribution

Universal Pictures Australia

Genre: Action/Drama

Rating: M

Runtime: 156 minutes

Budget: $300,000,000

Box Office Gross: $631,527,111 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary

Sonny Hayes, often called

"the greatest that never

was", was Formula 1's 

most promising talent of

the 1990s until a near-

fatal accident on the track

threatened to end his

career. Now a freelance

racer-for-hire, he is

approached thirty years

later by his former

teammate, Ruben

Cervantes, who owns

a struggling Formula 1

team on the brink of

collapse. Ruben convinces

Sonny to return to Formula

1 for one final attempt

to save the team and

become the best in the

world. He'll drive alongside

Joshua Pearce, the team's

rookie sensation, who is

determined to set his own

pace. However, as the

engines roar, Sonny's

past dreams come back

to haunt him. He realises

that, in Formula 1, your

teammate is your fiercest

competitor and that you

cannot travel the road to

redemption alone.

Cast

Brad Pitt - Sonny Hayes

Damson Idris - Joshua Pearce

Javier Bardem - Ruben Cervantes

Kerry Condon - Kate McKenna

Tobias Menzies - Peter Banning

Kim Bodnia - Kaspar Smolinski

Sarah Niles - Bernadette Pearce

Will Merrick - Nickleby

Joseph Balderrama - Rico Fazio

Abdul Salis - Dodge Dowda

Callie Cooke - Jodie

Samson Kayo - Cash

Simon Kunz - Don Cavendish

Liz Kingsman - Lisbeth Bampton

Simone Ashley - Herself (Cameo)

Ramona Von Pusch - Liesl

Smolinski

Barney Smith - Kaspar's Son

Poppy Smith - Kaspar's

Daughter

Luciano Bacheta - Luca Cortez

Rosie Dwyer - Pippa Leguin

Martin Brundle - Himself

David Croft - Himself

Leigh Diffey - Daytona Race Broadcaster

Shea Whigham - Chip Hart

Patrick Long - Himself (Cameo)

Will Redmond - Young Engineer

Michael Aaron Milligan - Strategy Director

Kyle Rankin - Cale Kelso

Rachel Walters - Molly,

Sonny's Assistant

Steven Sean Garland - BMW

Driver

Avis-Marie Barnes - Diner

Waitress

Will Buxton - Himself

Rachel Brookes - Herself

Natalie Pinkham - Herself

Maria Thoma - Presenter

Tom Clarkson - Las Vegas Press Conference Presenter

Martin Savage - Las Vegas FIA Race Director

Zoe Oedekerk - Las Vegas

Fun Loving Clubber

Tiësto - Himself

Elena Rivers - Supper Club Hostess

Nancy Carroll - Abu Dhabi

Corporate Executive #1

Ankur Bahl - Abu Dhabi

Corporate Executive #2

Mohammed Alkhoori - Abu Dhabi Trophy Presenter

Salwa Al Hadhrami - Abu

Dhabi Podium Dignitary

Sal Lopez - Baja Old Timer

Darius De La Cruz - Baja

Mechanic's Son

Gabriel Rivas - Baja

Teenage Grandson

Alexander Albion - Himself (Cameo)

Fernando Alonso - Himself

(Cameo)

Oliver Bearman - Himself (Cameo)

Valterri Bottas - Himself (Cameo)

Franco Colapinto - Himself

(Cameo)

Nyck de Vries - Himself

(Cameo)

Jack Doohan - Himself (Cameo)

Pierre Gasly - Himself (Cameo)

Zhou Guanyu - Himself (Cameo)

Lewis Hamilton - Himself (Cameo)

Nico Hülkenberg - Himself (Cameo)

Liam Lawson - Himself

(Cameo)

Charles Leclerc - Himself

(Cameo)

Kevin Magnussen - Himself

(Cameo)

Lando Norris - Himself (Cameo)

Esteban Ocon - Himself (Cameo)

Sergio Pérez - Himself (Cameo)

Oscar Piastri - Himself (Cameo)

Daniel Ricciardo - Himself (Cameo)

George Russell - Himself (Cameo)

Carlos Sainz Jr. - Himself (Cameo)

Logan Sargeant - Himself

(Cameo)

Lance Stroll - Himself (Cameo)

Yuki Tsunoda - Himself (Cameo)

Max Verstappen - Himself (Cameo)

Zak Brown - Himself (Cameo)

Christian Horner - Himself (Cameo)

Guenther Steiner - Himself (Cameo)

Lawrence Stroll - Himself (Cameo)

Frédéric Vasseur - Himself (Cameo)

James Vowles - Himself (Cameo)

Toto Wolff - Himself (Cameo)

Stefano Domenicali - Himself (Cameo)

Roscoe - Himself

Crew

Story/Producer/Director - Joseph Kosinski

Story/Writer - Ehren Kruger

Casting Directors - Lucy Bevan and

Emily Brockmann

Executive Producer/First Assistant Director -

Toby Hefferman

Executive Producer/Unit Production Manager -

Daniel Lupi

Executive Producers - Tim Bampton,

Stefano Domenicalli, Ian Holmes

and Toto Wolff

Producers - Dede Gardner, Lewis Hamilton,

Jeremy Kleiner, Chad Oman and Brad Pitt

Co-Producers - John K. Campbell,

Emily Cheung, Melissa Reid and Penni Thow

Co-Producer/Unit Production Manager - Ben Piltz

Consultant - Will Buxton

F1 Consultants - Bernie Collins and Ruth Buscombe

Daytona Racing Consultant & Stunt Driver - Patrick Long

Production Designers - Ben Munro and

Mark Tildesley

Concept Artist - Charlie Cobb

Art Directors - Oliver Benson, Edd Cross

Hugh McClelland and Ketan Waikar

Art Director: U.S. Units - Daytona, Pismo &

Las Vegas - Timothy Moen

Car & Livery Design - Daniel Simon

Set Decorators - Reynan Castro Del Rosario,

Andrew McCarthy and Véronique Melery

Property Master: Pismo & Las Vegas Units -

Chris Call

Costume Designer - Julian Day

Hair & Makeup Designer - Denise Kum

Director of Photography - Claudio Miranda

A Camera Assistant - Dan Ming

Supervising Location Manager - Charlie Hayes

Second Unit Director/Stunt Coordinator - Adam Kirley

Action Vehicles Supervisor - Graham Kelly

Supervising Stunt Coordinator - Gary Powell

Lead Sequence Choreographer - Luciano Bacheta

Additional Sequence Choreographer - Craig Dolby

Aerial Coordinator/Helicopter Pilot: U.S. Units -

Daytona, Pismo & Las Vegas - Kevin LaRosa II

Special Effects Supervisor - Keith Dawson

Special Effects Supervisor: U.S. Units - Daytona,

Pismo & Las Vegas - Elia P. Popov

Visual Effects On-Set Supervisor - Edward Price

Visual Effects Supervisor - Ryan Tudhope

Visual Effects Supervisors: Framestore -

Nicolas Chevallier and Robert Harrington

Supervisor: BLIND Ltd - Andrew Booth

Editors - Stephen Mirrione and Patrick J. Smith

Supervising Sound Editor/Sound Designer - Al Nelson

Supervising Sound Editor - Gwendolyn Yates Whittle

Re-Recording Mixers - Juan Peralta and

Gary A. Rizzo

Production Sound Mixer - Gareth John

Original Score/Score Producer/Synth Programming -

Hans Zimmer

Additional Score/Score Producer - Steve Mazzarro

Music Mixer - Alan Meyerson

Review

Hollywood is in danger of losing its audiences due to its recent reliance on remakes, reboots, cash-grab sequels, and unsuccessful attempts at creating franchises, which threaten to undermine its standing. Thankfully, it's all about to change with the blockbuster release of F1, which embraces the classic storytelling conventions that Hollywood has forgotten. As you know, Formula One is the world's most popular motorsport. It has experienced a resurgence during the pandemic, thanks to the Netflix docuseries Drive to Survive. However, I was never a fan of this huge racing event, as I only watched the Bathurst 12 Hour and Supercar races at Mount Panorama.

Riding the wave of success from Top Gun: Maverick, Joseph Kosinski returns to deliver another thrilling spectacle in F1. Kosinski expressed interest in directing a racing film after the one about the 1966 Le Mans event, featuring Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt, fell through due to budget concerns. That movie later became Ford v Ferrari, directed by James Mangold and starring Matt Damon and Christian Bale. His regular collaborators from the previous film, including writer Ehren Kruger and producer Jerry Bruckheimer, return to assist him with this latest outing, thus reassembling the dream team. But one question remains? Will this movie offer a cinematic experience similar to Kosinski's 2022 offering? The answer is yes.

While the film is similar to the director's previous movie, it reminds me of Days of Thunder, as both films live up to the description of "Top Gun on wheels." Interestingly, Bruckheimer and legendary composer Hans Zimmer worked on that film before F1. Unfortunately, the biggest issue within F1 is its plot, which relies on familiar narrative beats from other inspirational sports movies, making it formulaic and predictable. However, its complex character moments, depth, and themes of resilience, redemption, the pursuit of greatness, and the power of teamwork make up for it. Lewis Hamilton's involvement as a producer is evident, with his guidance pivotal in ensuring the authenticity of the racing scenes. This commitment to accuracy extended even to subtle details, such as the gear changes made during cornering.

Acting legend Brad Pitt headlines the cast, lending his magnetic charm and effortless charisma as the veteran race driver Sonny Hayes. The two-time Oscar winner's passion for racing is evident in his character, whose enthusiasm for the sport is infectious. Like Tom Cruise before him, he is one of the last movie stars of his generation. Although he was 61, he still kept his rugged good looks for the part. Damson Idris excels as the overconfident young driver, Joshua Pearce, adding depth to the role with his precise facial expressions and an air of confidence that matches Sonny's. The chemistry between him and Pitt is explosive, with a "veteran versus rookie" dynamic that evokes the intensity of a high-speed race.

Javier Bardem shines as struggling team owner and former Formula 1 driver, Ruben Cervantes, a role that could have amounted to mere bravado. Kerry Condon steals the show as technical director Kate McKenna, the team's voice of reason. Additionally, the Irish actress shares on-screen romantic chemistry with Pitt. Formula One fans will recognise Hamilton and his peers, such as Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, and Lando Norris, in short cameo appearances during the off-track scenes.

The movie stands out for its consistently exhilarating racing scenes, which provide an adrenaline rush for racing fans and propel the narrative forward at top speed. Claudio Miranda's cinematography establishes the film's realistic visual style. Whereas the cockpit camerawork in Top Gun: Maverick is impressive, F1 takes it to the next level, delivering an immersive, high-impact viewing experience. The editing and sound design are top-notch, enhancing the racing sequences quite well, as are the film's striking visuals. Hans Zimmer, who incidentally composed the score for Rush, another Formula One movie, delivers a killer, heart-pounding, electric score featuring songs by Queen, Led Zeppelin, Ed Sheeran, and others.

Arguably, F1 is a full-throttle sensation for audiences that captures the visceral thrills of the motorsport and is close to dethroning Ford v Ferrari as the best racing movie. It's an absolute reminder of why I love popcorn movies. Whether you're into cars or not, this is a must-see film.

Star rating: (9/10) Excellent Movie

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The Flash Review

The Flash

Release Date: 13th June 2023 - Australia

Production Companies

Warner Bros. Pictures

DC Studios

Double Dream

The Disco Factory

Distribution

Universal Pictures Australia

Genre: Action

Rating: M

Runtime: 145 minutes

Budget: $220,000,000

Box Office Gross: $268,533,313 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary

Worlds clash when the Flash uses his super speed to travel back in time and change

the past. But he finds himself

stuck in a reality where General Zod has returned, intent on wreaking havoc when his attempt to save his family inadvertently alters the present. Without another hero to turn to, the Flash tries to lure a different Batman out of retirement and rescue a captured Kryptonian - but not the Kryptonian he seeks.

Cast

Ezra Miller - Barry Allen/

The Flash

Ben Affleck - Bruce Wayne/

Batman

Michael Shannon - General Zod

Michael Keaton - Bruce Wayne/Batman

Jeremy Irons - Alfred Pennyworth

Sasha Calle - Supergirl

Kiersey Clemons - Iris West

Maribel Verdú - Nora Allen

Saoirse-Monica Jackson - Patty Spivot

Ian Loh - Little Barry

Antje Traue - Faora-Ul

Ruby Mancuso - Albert Desmond

Isabelle Bernardo - Iris

Ian Loh - Little Barry

Ron Livingston - Henry Allen

Antje Traue - Faora-UI

Gal Gadot - Diana Prince/Wonder Woman

Sean Rogers - Gary

Luke Brandon Field - Al

Falcone

Temuera Morrison - Thomas

Curry (Cameo)

Andy Muschetti - Hot Dog

Reporter (Cameo)

Nicolas Cage - Superman (Cameo) (Uncredited)

Jason Momoa - Arthur Curry

(Cameo) (Uncredited)

George Clooney - Bruce

Wayne (Cameo) (Uncredited)

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau - Pizza Man (Cameo) (Uncredited)

Crew

Director - Andy Muschietti

The Flash Creators - Harry

Lambert and Gardner Fox

Barry Allen Version Creators - Robert Kanigher and Carmine Infantino

Superman Creators - Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster

Batman Creators - Bob Kane

and Bill Finger

Wonder Woman Creator - William Moulton Marston

Screen Story - John Francis Daley,

Jonathan Goldstein and Joby Harold

Screenplay - Christina Hodson

Executive Producers - Toby Emmerich,

Walter Hamada and Galen Vaisman

Executive Producer/Unit Production Manager -

Marianne Jenkins

Producer - Barbara Muschietti

and Michael Disco

Co-Producers - Michael Lerman

and Richard Mirisch

Co-Producer/First Assistant Director -

Michael Lerman

Production Designer - Paul D. Austerberry

Supervising Art Director - Jason Knox-Johnston

Art Directors - Julia Dehoff,

Steven Lawrence, Laura Mickiewicz,

Marco Anton Restivo and Adam Squires

Concept Artists - Dan Walker,

Julian Caldow and Magda Kusowska

Construction Manager - Ray Barrett

Set Decorator - Dominic Capon

Property Master - Terry Wood

Costume Designer - Alexandra Byrne

Costume Supervisor - Dan Grace

Costume Consultant - Bob Ringwood (Uncredited)

HOD Costume Modelling/Prop

Manufacturing - Pierre Bohanna

Makeup Designer - Victoria Down

Director of Photography - Henry Braham

Supervising Location Manager - Amanda Stevens

First Assistant Director - Michael Lerman

Second Unit Director - Robert Alonzo

Stunt Coordinator - Eunice Hurhart

Fight Coordinator - Mike Lambert

Special Effects Supervisor - Dominic Tuohy

Visual Effects Supervisor - John 'D.J.' Des Jardin

Visual Effects Supervisor: DNEG - Andrew Lockley

Visual Effects Supervisor: Weta FX - Kevin Andrew Smith

Visual Effects Producer - Tamara Watts Kent

Visual Effects Consultant - Emma Norton

Additional Visual Effects Supervisors - Bryan Hirota

and Jeremy Burns

On-Set Supervisor: DNEG - Thomas Proctor

Animation Supervisors: Weta FX - Simeon Duncombe

and David Clayton

CG/FX Supervisors: Weta FX - Alexia Cui,

Dana Peters and Imre Tuske

Visualization Supervisor: Day for Nite - Kyle Robinson

Editors - Jason Ballantine and Paul Machliss

Supervising Sound Editor/Sound Designer/

Additional Re-Recording Mixer - John Marquis

Supervising Sound Editor/Sound Designer -

Nancy Nugent

Sound Designer - Brandon Jones

Additional Sound Designers - Tobias Poppe

and Tim Walston

Re-Recording Mixers - Michael Keller

and Tim LeBlanc

Additional Re-Recording Mixer - John Marquis

Foley Artists - Alyson Dee Moore

and Chris Moriana

Music/Score Producer & Mixer - Benjamin Wallfisch

Music Supervisor - Kim Baum

Review

After numerous production delays and controversies (due to director changes, COVID-19, and Ezra Miller's legal problems), THE FLASH zooms into the big screen. However, it is the end of an era for the Snyderverse as a new age of the DC Movie Universe begins, with James Gunn spearheading its development. Looking back, I've read a few comics of the Scarlet Speedster and watched the Justice League cartoons and the TV series. However, it's about time the Flash got his movie, which is what fans would want. Unfortunately, it's anything but a standalone big-screen adaptation.

The film suffered from several issues, including flawed CGI, a convoluted, messy plot, excessive fan service, and poor time logic. Even the third act is a non-stop action scene with less opportunity for the audience to relax. The problem with the movie was that it was more interested in mining nostalgia for other DC films than in adapting the titular character to the big screen, which slowed the film down. While he has little experience with the superhero genre, having explored only horror with the two chapters of It, director Andy Muschietti recaptures the sense of fun and energy that Zack Snyder's DCEU films (especially Man of Steel and Batman v Superman) have been missing in the past several years.

Despite the ongoing turmoil and controversy that ended their acting career, I don't mind seeing Ezra Miller again as the Scarlet Speedster, even though the actor needs all the help they can get and does deserve a second chance. After 31 years, Michael Keaton returns as the legendary Caped Crusader, only as an older alternate version. His performance adds a new layer of depth and nostalgia to the film, but sadly, his rendition has gone to waste. Sasha Calle didn't get a chance to shine as Supergirl, and her role didn't save this movie. The rest of the cast, such as Michael Shannon, returns as General Zod, albeit in a less prominent role.

While far from a satisfying send-off to the DC Extended Universe, THE FLASH remains an average film. Unfortunately, it wasn't the best DC movie, nor the best comic book film of all time. However, some DC fans can enjoy the movie on their preferred streaming platform and DVD/Blu-ray, while everyone else will see it only once.

Star rating: (5/10) Average

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Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Review

Sonic the Hedgehog 3

Release Date: 26th December 2024 - Australia

Production Companies

Paramount Pictures (presents)

Sega Sammy Group (in association with)

Original Film

Blur Studio

Marza Animation Planet

Sega (based on the video game from)

Distribution

Paramount Pictures Australia

Genre: Family/Action/

Adventure/Comedy

Rating: PG

Runtime: 110 minutes

Budget: $122,000,000

Box Office Gross: $492,162,604 (Worldwide)

Plot Summary

Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles

are up against a mysterious

new enemy with powers

beyond anything they

have ever faced: Shadow

the Hedgehog. Outmatched

in every way, the trio must

seek an unlikely alliance

with Dr Robotnik to stop

Shadow and protect the

planet, but the risks

increase when Robotnik

reunites with his long-

lost grandfather, Gerald

Robotnik, who appears

to have his sights on

Shadow.

Cast

Ben Schwartz - Sonic the Hedgehog (Voice)

Jim Carrey - Ivo Robotnik/Gerald Robotnik

Keanu Reeves - Shadow the Hedgehog (Voice)

Idris Elba - Knuckles the

Echidna (Voice)

Colleen O'Shaughnessey -

Miles "Tails" Prower (Voice)

James Marsden - Tom

Wachowski

Tika Sumpter - Maddie Wachowski

Natasha Rothwell - Rachel

Adam Pally - Wade

Shemar Moore - Randall

Lee Majoub - Agent Stone

Krysten Ritter - Director Rockwell

Alyla Browne - Maria

Tom Butler - Commander Walters

Jorma Taccone - Kyle

Lancebottom

Sofia Pernas - Gabriella

Cristo Fernández - Pablo/Juan

James Wolk - Young Walters

Brett Tutor - Prison Guard

Richard Sutton - G.U.N. HQ Security Guard

Will Austin - G.U.N. Heli Pilot

Bola Okun - Military Man

Reggie Banigo - Rockwell's Assistant

Barry Calvert - 70s G.U.N. Soldier

Brendan Murphy - Robotnik

Proxy

Toru Nakahara - Japanese

News Reporter

Crew

Executive Producer/Director - Jeff Fowler

Story/Screenplay - Pat Casey

and Josh Miller

Screenplay - John Whittington

Executive Producers - Tommy Gormley, Tim Miller, Haruki Satomi and Shuji Utsumi

Producers - Neal H. Moritz,

Toby Ascher, Toru Nakahara

and Hitoshi Okuno

Co-Producers - Tyson

Hesse, Dmitri M. Johnson,

Andrew Riach, Nicole Monter,

Dan Jevons and Matt Gustafson

Co-Producer/Second Unit Director/Visual Effects Supervisor - Ged Wright

Casting Directors - Sophie Holland, Janelle Scuderi and Tricia Wood

Production Designer - Luke Freeborn

Artistic Consultant - Jim Carrey

Sonic Character Supervisor:

Sega - Takashi Iizuka

Supervising Art Director - Tom Still

Senior Art Directors - Su Whitaker

and Joe Howard

Art Directors - Claire Fleming,

Sarah Ginn and Laura Miller

Construction Manager - Ray Barrett

Set Decorator - Anna-Lynch Robinson

Costume Designer - Eleanor Baker

Costume FX Designer - Pierre Bohanna

Prosthetics Makeup Designer - Mark Coulier

Digital Makeup Designer - Bill Corso

Director of Photography - Brandon Trost

Supervising Location Manager -

Christian McWilliams

Second Unit Director - Peter Lyons Collister

Stunt Coordinator - Eunice Huthart

Fight Choreographer - Mike Lambert

Special Effects Coordinator - Sarah Pearce

Special Effects Supervisor - Hayley J. Williams

Visual Effects Supervisor: Lola VFX -

Edson Williams

Visual Effects Producer - Paul V. Molles

Senior Animation Supervisor - Clement Yip

Editor - Al LeVine

Supervising Sound Editors/Sound Designers -

Erik Aadahl and Ethan Van der Ryn

Sound Designer - Darren Maynard

Production Sound Mixer - Paul Munro

Re-Recording Mixers - Ron Bartlett and

Anna Behlmer

Music - Tom Holkenborg

Review

It is the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025. What better way to cap off this year than watching the fireworks and SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 3? Let me tell you, each movie of the franchise gets better as the speedy blue hedgehog always wins the race. SONIC 3 builds on the success of its predecessors, reducing the excess baggage and concentrating more on the well-known Sega characters. For example, the human characters (minus two Robotniks) have less screen time, the pacing is much tighter, and the pop-cultural references are minimal. Not to mention, there are no useless subplots like the wedding in Sonic 2.

Added to the cast of characters in the film series is Sonic's rival, Shadow, whose dark past propels the plot forward and has already appeared in the mid-credits scene of the second instalment. The introduction of this character deepens the film, turning it into an emotional rollercoaster as it examines themes of grief, vengeance, and redemption. Interestingly, the movie's director, Jeff Fowler, had previously worked on the animations for the 2005 platformer Shadow the Hedgehog, so he returns to his connections with Sega's gun-toting villainous hedgehog.

Unlike the earlier Sonic movies, which were family-friendly romps, SONIC 3 takes a darker tone, upping the stakes for Sonic and his friends. Whereas the first two instalments borrowed elements from the classic Mega Drive games, SONIC 3 owes much to Sonic Adventure 2 on the Dreamcast. What makes SONIC 3 a more deliberate video game adaptation than its predecessors is the distinct duality it establishes between Sonic and Shadow. The film never ceases to amaze me with its awe-inspiring visuals and dynamic action scenes, culminating in a climax reminiscent of Dragon Ball Z's iconic battles. The humour is well-balanced, with sufficient laughs for children and moments that will make adults laugh. There are even Easter eggs and references to the games in the film that fans can recognise.

As always, Ben Schwartz shines as Sonic's voice, lending his boundless enthusiasm and charm to the blue hedgehog. Idris Elba and Colleen O'Shaughnessey deliver great performances as Knuckles and Tails. Individually, they contribute to the trio's chemistry. Keanu Reeves was an inspired choice to play Shadow. No one expected the legendary action star to play someone as dark and brooding with a tragic backstory and a thirst for revenge (similar to the titular character he portrayed in the John Wick series). That said, Reeves did an incredible job of bringing edginess to the character, perfectly capturing his dark nature.

Remember what I said in my Sonic 2 review that Jim Carrey is considering retirement after he finishes playing Dr Robotnik in the second instalment. He's back for the third time as Carrey pulls double duty in a dual role. Not only does the legendary comedian portray the wacky mad scientist, but Carrey also gets to play his even more sinister grandfather. While he outdoes himself as two generations of Eggman, he hasn't lost the quirkiness we've come to anticipate from Jim Carrey.

While a significant step up from the first two instalments, SONIC 3 is the best entry in the movie franchise and one of the better video game film adaptations. It features a compelling story, striking performances, and stunning visuals that will appeal to audiences of all ages. For those who have watched its predecessors, now is your chance to see the third outing.

Additionally, there are two post-credit scenes at the end of the film that fans should keep an eye out for. These scenes could be a hint about the upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog 4, scheduled for release in 2027. I can't wait for the impending sequel when it'll be as good as the third instalment.

Star rating: (10/10) Best Movie Ever

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