Detectives Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) investigate corruption within the Miami P.D. when their late Captain Conrad Howard is posthumously accused of being involved with the Cartel, but a setup turns them into fugitives, forcing them to work outside the law in order to solve the case.

The Bad Boys franchise has set the golden standard for over-the-top action filmmaking since 1995. Now, almost 20 years later, stars Will Smith and Martin Lawrence have returned for another mad dash of action that sees Detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett framed for a crime they didn’t commit and on the run from Maimi P.D. And as always, the gunfire, explosions, and sheer comical, craziness is on full display. The filmmaking team of Adil & Bilall again return to helm the production, and they fully invest in the muscular, neon-lit, sexy atmosphere of the Miami landscape that has become a signature of the Bad Boys franchise. Adil & Bilall keep the pace moving fast, and Bad Boys: Ride or Die is a picture that doesn’t slow up for a second.

Will Smith and Martin Lawrence bring their trademark bromance swagger into Bad Boys: Ride or Die once again, but this time, they’re changing it up, and the passing of time has taken its effect on both of them. With his trademark over-the-top humour, Lawrence’s Marcus suddenly finds himself with a new lease on life, and his Feng shui openness and Oprah-like musings lead to plenty of hilarious comedy that is certain to crack audiences up. Then there’s Will Smith as Mike, who has been the Alpha Male of the pair with his strutting swagger and badass cool, but who faces a crisis of confidence and has to find his way back to being a ‘bad boy’ one more time. Smith and Lawrence play against type with their characters this time, keeping things interesting for audiences and injecting a new sense of drama into the picture.

Bad Boys: Ride or Die also has a stacked supporting cast, which adds to the fun. Better Call Saul alumnus Rhea Seehorn steps up as US Marshall Agent Judy Howard, the daughter of the late Captain Howard, and she wastes no time in coming into conflict with Mike and Marcus. Jacob Scipio returns as Armando Aretas, Cartel soldier and Mike’s son, who is forced into an uneasy alliance with his father and Marcus, and he brings a dynamic sense of muscular action to the picture. Vanessa Hudgens and Alexander Ludwig return as Kelly and Dorn, the whiz kids of AMMO, who find themselves in a bold new environment, while Paola Núñez’s Captain Rita Secada faces all kinds of pressure thanks to her feelings for Mike and the predicament she finds herself in. Tiffany Haddish is an utter scene stealer as the salacious and wild Tabitha, and she’s got a bone to pick with Mike, while Eric Dane is all business as McGrath, a SpecOps soldier with a grudge who is ready to bring the heat to Mike and Marcus.

If you’re looking for action, well, you’ll get it with Bad Boys: Ride or Die, and Adil & Bilall do a fine job in keeping up with the legendary Michael Bay in their creation of an immense action spectacle of complete and utter chaotic fun! From firey car chases to full-on double-tap fun fights, a hell of collision course plane jacking, and a gnarly final bit of run and gun in an abandoned amusement park that’s best described as ‘Redneck Jurassic Park’, Bad Boys: Ride or Die has it all and then some. And you’ll be thoroughly wired. Cinematographer Robrecht Heyvaert employs an incredible level of innovation within his camera work to put audiences right at the heart of the action, and his flying camera moves will amp you up. Plus, credit must be paid to Dennis Mcdonald as Reggie, who, as a US Marine, gets to show his stuff…and finally gets one up on Mike and Marcus!

Bad Boys: Ride or Die is over-the-top cinematic action fun in all its explosive goodness, and if you’re looking for a rush with plenty of sharp comedy thrown in, you’ll be very happy with this picture.

Image: Sony Pictures

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Based on the true story that will inspire the world, Warner Bros. Pictures’ King Richard follows the journey of Richard Williams, an undeterred father instrumental in raising two of the most extraordinarily gifted athletes of all time, who will end up changing the sport of tennis forever. Driven by a clear vision of their future and using unconventional methods, Richard has a plan that will take Venus and Serena Williams from the streets of Compton, California to the global stage as legendary icons. The profoundly moving film shows the power of family, perseverance and unwavering belief as a means to achieve the impossible and impact the world.

Richard Williams is the man with a dream, a goal and a plan. A true visionary, he’s equipped with a 78-page plan, signs and grainy video rehearsal footage to boot. Legend tells Williams established this vision before the birth of Venus and Serena. We see his grit and determination to give his daughters the best chance at life beyond the ghetto and he’s going to do everything in his power to make sure this comes true. Director Reinaldo Marcus Green intimately captures the love and devotion of a father, who is epically portrayed by Hollywood legend Will Smith and who truly is the heart of this film. Coaching his daughters on a simple tennis court and making every effort to protect them from the dangers of the world they are growing up around. There is no limit to which he will go to see his daughters succeed and Smith brings all of his talents as an actor to the role.

Alongside Smith’s endearing performance as Richard Williams, are look-alikes Saniyya Sidney and Demi Singleton who make an impressive debut as Venus and Serena. Both Sidney and Singleton deserve full recognition for their portrayal of the future tennis superstars and we come to see the journey that they take to reach this lofty goal. Both young actresses interact well with Smith and it’s in these interactions that we see the often challenging dynamics that are present within the Williams’ household. While Smith portrays Williams as a devoted father, who is optimistic and enthusiastic in his moves to see them to a higher level, there’s also a competitive dark side to his conflicted character and when this side emerges it gives the film an edge. We come to learn how Williams own childhood impacted his drive for success and there is an interesting exploration of how childhood moments can come to define our lives and actions as adults.

Considerable praise also has to be levelled at actress Aunjanue Ellis who stars as Oracene “Brandy” Price, Richard’s wife and the mother of Venus and Serena. As Brandy, Ellis is a committed and strong-willed maternal figure who shares in her husband’s grand vision. But Richard’s intensity and dark side impacts their marriage at times and there’s a great deal of drama that exists between the two characters and Ellis certainly holds court with Smith on an equal playing field. Like Smith’s performance as Richard Williams, Ellis’ performance as Brandy allows us to see the influence that parents have on their children and how their actions shape them into who they are.

King Richard packs together moments of family drama, laugh-out-loud humour and intense suspense and this narrative will have you hooked from the opening frame. Those seeking some solid tennis action are also rewarded with some great footage courtesy of cinematographer Robert Elswit and he grounds the audience in the action that takes place out on the court. There’s also some solid 80s classic tunes thrown into the film for good measure, and you’re sure to find your groove as the narrative progresses and Venus and Serena move up the ranks.

King Richard is a film that the whole family will be enchanted with and it features some of the best performances you’ll see all year. It’s a touching story of how one family’s love and devotion to another lead to the achievement of an incredible dream and all who watch it are sure to come away inspired.

Image: Warner Brothers 

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The Bad Boys, Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett are back together for one last ride in the highly anticipated Bad Boys for Life.

Since 1995, Will Smith and Martin Lawrence have brought serious fly style to the big screen in the Bad Boys franchise, and now in the long-awaited third entry in the franchise, they bring that fly action style that has become a hallmark of the franchise. Up and coming directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah take control here and inject a new Millennial edge and flair to the franchise and ground the film’s rhythm in explosive new action sequences and fuse a connection between old war dogs Marcus and Mike, and a hotshot new team of youngsters designated AMMO, resulting in some wicked action set pieces. Action junkies will enjoy this one as the screen is filled with big guns, bigger explosions, some impressive vehicular set pieces and perfect comedic moments that cranks up the blockbuster experience.

Seeing Smith and Lawrence back together on screen is a lot of fun, and for these two lifetime partners and best friends things are about to change. For their entire careers Mike and Marcus have lived by their ‘ride together, die together, bad boys for life’ philosophy and these words, and the significance and meaning behind them, is tested more than ever before. Both men are at a point in their lives where the possibility of a different path lies before them, but when an unexpected tragedy strikes they’ve got to roll up their sleeves and go to work. Both actors get to have fun with their roles in Bad Boys for Life and long-time fans of the franchise will enjoy the thrills that come from seeing Mike and Marcus back together again.

Alongside the return of Mike and Marcus, Arbi and Fallah ground the film in a much more aggressive and assertive way and Bad Boys for Life has a considerable swagger that it throws up on the screen, both in regards to its action and its much more muscular Miami location. In terms of the viewing experience, Bad Boys for Life is loaded to the brim with action and it’s pretty damn gnarly as well. Bullets fly and bombs go off, and Will Smith gets in on the beat downs here. Of all of the franchise entries, Bad Boys for Life is the most intense and some pretty gritty moments will certainly make audiences jump back in their seats. It’s an intense experience and if you’re looking for a film that will crank up your adrenaline then you’ll certainly find it here in Bad Boys for Life.

Bad Boys for Life does one of action cinemas coolest franchises proud and long-time fans, along with those new to the franchise, will enjoy its testosterone-infused energy, along with the quintessential buddy cop cool that only Will Smith and Martin Lawrence can provide.

Image: Sony Pictures 

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A kind-hearted, thieving street urchin, Aladdin, is in love with Jasmine, the princess of Agrabah. To win her love, Aladdin is ordered by Jafar, the Grand Vizier to bring him a magical lamp, which wields the powerful Genie. Now it is upon Aladdin and Genie to stop Jafar and his evil intentions and marry the love of his life.

Beloved by many, Aladdin is a vital chapter of the Disney Renaissance and now director Guy Ritchie re-imagines it’s bold storytelling for the big screen in a magical and exotic fairy tale that really entertains. Known for his incredibly masculine sense of direction, Ritchie’s talents and narrative interests serve Aladdin well here, as he takes the story of a street kid named Aladdin and injects the film with his hard-charging sense of action cinema. This, mixed in with the fairy tale, fable magic that audiences expect from Disney, makes for a very thrilling adaptation. Aladdin represents both the familiar and the new for Ritchie, and he really invests himself in the project. As a father of five children himself you feel that he was making this film out of a desire to just entertain his kids, and in doing so the greater audience get a very fun treat.

Taking on the role of Aladdin is Canadian-Egyptian newcomer Mena Massoud, and this young actor really shines as the young street kid who wants to be more than he is. There’s an instant likeability to Massoud’s Aladdin, and he’s able to handle himself in the wide ranging role which stretches him in as a performer. Whether that’s as the happy-go-lucky street kid, daring parkour runner, smitten romantic or just being a straight up klutz after assuming his Prince Ali get up, Massoud has a great sense of himself as the character and you really buy into his journey as a good person who just wants to be more than he is  and who wants a shot at some kind of greater sense of happiness.

Standing next to Massoud is Naomi Scott as Princess Jasmine and the young actress does a terrific job of channeling one of Disney’s most beloved princesses to the big screen. As Jasmine she is a very modern woman in a fairy tale world who is trying to find her place, just as Aladdin is, and navigate the stringent and complicated rules of her life. Caring and compassionate, Scott’s Jasmine is invested in the lives of the people of Agrabah, and desires for a way to help them from the high palace that she finds herself locked away in. Scott also has a great chemistry that she shares with Massoud, and as their romance grows together, you can feel the love in the air. She also unleashes a phenomenal voice as Jasmine and her musical performances hold the attention of the audience in awe.

But if Aladdin does have a scene stealer than it is quintessentially Will Smith as the one and only Genie of the Lamp. Strutting over the cinema canvas with plenty of fly style and exuberant confidence, Smith’s Genie is the ringmaster of this exotic fairy tale and he has a ball with the role. Spinning with rap-music energy, Smith really brings his animated personality to the role and his life as a performer really helps inform himself as the character. But alongside this joyful self is also a deeper analysis of the Genie and what he ultimately would wish for himself: freedom. And it’s this desire, and Smith’s expression of it that gives the character real depth and significance.

Smith also gets to put his rap game to amazing use with plenty of incredible musical performances including the likes of ‘Friend Like Me’ and ‘Prince Ali’ (which just happened to be my favourite), and his 90s flair as the Fresh Prince definitely shines through. Ultimately, Smith makes the Genie his own, while also honouring the late, great Robin Williams at the same time, and I think Robin would be smiling with what we get here.

In terms of it’s location and cinematic style, Aladdin is a picture filled with exotic colours and rich textures and Ritchie and his team make this Middle Eastern world come to life in such a believable way that you feel like you could run your hands through the sands. Taking influences from a broad range of Middle Eastern cultures, production designer Gemma Jackson, who was responsible for the world building of Game of Thrones, brings to life the amazing locales of Agrabah. Her focus is on building an environment that is bright, foreign and incredibly inviting and magical. And she absolutely succeeds with what the audience sees on screen.

Ritchie’s fantastical cinematography captures all of it here, and again he’s able to focus in on some amazing compositions of colour and energy. This is particularly true for the film’s buoyant musical numbers, while the film’s action set pieces really get amped up thanks to his directorial eye. Incorporating advanced parkour free-running see’s Aladdin and Jasmine traversing the city of Agrabah with vibrant energy and the Cave of Wonders provides an incredible mystical environment, which with the aid of Ritchie’s kinetic style, realises the epicness of the Arabian Nights.

Like it’s 1992 forebear, music and sound play a massive part in the realisation of Aladdin, and the grand score and fantastical songs of Alan Menken and Howard Ashman are joined by new music composed by the whizz-kid combination of the noted Pasek & Paul, and the resulting soundtrack is a wish truly granted. Again, the score uses a strong Middle Eastern and culturally diverse range of sounds and musical structure to bring this fairy tale to life, and with the addition of Will Smith’s hip hop stylings you get something very different and unique for Disney audiences. The songs here are vibrant and packed full of passion and you’ll definitely be grooving in your seat.

From beginning to end Aladdin is a joy to watch and it’s mix of love, action, music and acceptance will appeal to audiences of all ages. It’s the perfect family watch, and you’ll be truly transported to a far away fantastical adventure that is everything you could wish for and more.

Image: Walt Disney Pictures

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Watch the all-new trailer below:

Here’s the full synopsis:

When noble Agrabahan street thief Aladdin (Mena Massoud) stumbles upon a magic lamp and the Genie (Will Smith) who lives inside of it he suddenly finds himself swept up into the adventure of a lifetime.

Director Guy Ritchie (Snatch, Sherlock Holmes) has crafted something extraordinary here, and that sparkling Disney magic is alive and well in a film that will really entertain. Will Smith completely goes for all it with his full-on star power charisma and he really makes the Genie his own, while also throwing in his own tribute to the spirit of the late great Robin Williams.

Wrapped up with magnificent visuals, plenty of wonder and jiving music, including our first taste of reinterpreted classic songs including Never Had A Friend Like Me and A Whole New World, it’s very clear that this blockbuster take on Aladdin is going to be one incredible ride. Young stars Mena Massoud and Naomi Scott also have plenty of great chemistry as Aladdin and Princess Jasmine and their shared carpet ride is filled with that spot on Disney romance.

It doesn’t get much better than this all new trailer for Aladdin and brace yourselves for one fantastical cinematic experience when it arrives in cinemas on May 23.

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Making his first appearance in July 1950 in Batman #59, professional marksman and assassin Floyd Lawton aka Deadshot has long been a favourite for both creators and fans. Known for his proficient accuracy and use of firearms, Deadshot regularly boasts that he’s ‘the man who cannot miss.’ With a reputation in the DC Universe as a consummate professional who’ll go to great lengths to get the job done, he’s long been a favoured foe of DC vigilantes Batman and Green Arrow, and has been a Suicide Squad member multiple times.

As a larger than life character it’s not surprising that Ayer sought out superstar actor Will Smith to bring Deadshot to life. As one of the biggest stars on Suicide Squad’s roster, Smith brings charisma, skill, and personality to this feral rogue, and is sure to be one of the film’s highlights.

But it’s not all big guns and astonishing precision that we’ll get to see with Deadshot, as he’ll also be portrayed as a loving father trying to do right by his young daughter Zoe. This character development makes for a unique experience for cinema-goers, as they’ll get to see a villain of Deadshot’s calibre outside of his natural criminal playground.

Suicide Squad will be released in cinemas on August 4 in New Zealand and Australia and on August 5 in the US and UK.

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After watching a sneakily filmed but fuzzy version that’s been online for the last few days, fans finally have a crystal clear and ultra magnificent trailer to view.

The trailer is an absolute roller-coaster ride from beginning to end, establishing the scene with Viola Davis’ sly manipulator Amanda Waller suggesting the use of high functioning, and lethal supervillains to do the government’s bidding on highly controversial, and thus highly deniable black ops missions.

We get a look into the squad including the diabolically cute and twisted Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), the rough housed Deadshot (Will Smith), Aussie bruiser Captain Boomerang (Jai Courtney), goth princess/sorcerer Enchantress (Cara Delavegne), and the military-minded Rick Flag (Joel Kinnaman). The trailer is non-stop action and intriguing mood, before it introduces us to Jared Leto’s Clown Prince of Crime himself, The Joker, who’s all ripped, and tatted up, and offers us a glimpse at his psychotic new voice with the words “I’m not going to kill you, I’m just going to hurt you….really…really bad.”

With directors like Ayer and Zack Snyder, and properties such as Suicide Squad and Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, Warner Brothers and DC Comics are certainly re-writing what constitutes a comic book adaptation.

On August 4, 2016 prepare for justice with a hint of evil.

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When Nicky Spurgeon (Smith), a seasoned and professional con-man partners up with talented femme fatale Jess Barrett (Robbie), the stage is set for a serious scam. But Nicky’s elaborate con quickly begins to fall apart, and his suspicions turn to the seductive new partner who might just be playing him.

The Con Is On 

From Focus’s very first frame, the con is definitely on. With a clever and quick script, directors Glenn Ficarra and John Requa start the film off fast, and it doesn’t let up as audiences are introduced to our two thieves, established pro Nicky, and determined amateur Jess. In Focus nothing is as it seems, and in a marvelous turn which clearly showcases how much skill the filmmaking team possesses, the audience will come to feel that they themselves are just as much a victim of the con as the characters. One particularly awesome scene is when Nicky and Jess head to the Super Bowl, and the intense scene that follows is a masterclass in suspense. With Focus you’re never ahead of the thieves.

Style Is Substance 

The glamour and sophistication of Focus is very, very real, and results in a beautiful movie. Recalling classics of the 1960s such as To Catch A Thief, both Smith and Robbie are on top of their game, with Smith clad in beautifully tailored suits, and Robbie epitomizing the idea of feminine beauty, and harkening back to a very Grace Kelly look. Focus’s dual settings of New Orleans and Buenos Aires also add to the film’s hot and energetic atmosphere.

Focus is a crime caper that’s on top of its game with a great cast, powerful script, intense direction, and beautiful cinematography and costuming. It’s a film that absolutely wins, and audiences will not go away disappointed.

Image source: Roadshow Films.

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