Latest news with #Bronson
Gizmodo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
‘Monster Island' Feels Like a ‘Predator' Movie Set During World War II
Near the end of World War II, a ship carrying POWs captured by Japan comes under attack. Somehow, despite being shackled together at the ankles, two prisoners manage to swim to a nearby island. Saito (Dean Fujioka) is Japanese, and Bronson (Callum Woodhouse) is British, which means they obviously clash at first. But survival requires them to work together—especially when they realize the island is… well, the movie's called Monster Island, so you know what's coming. With just enough backstory for these characters—the sensitive Saito has been branded a traitor, while the more brash Bronson is a known escape artist—and performances that quickly flesh them out into people who feel real despite the rather unreal circumstances they find themselves in, Monster Island clearly establishes what's at stake from the start. We like these guys, who go from trying to punch each other's lights out to realizing they make a good team pretty quickly. There's a language barrier, but the film gets around that by implying that Saito and Bronson have sort of an intuitive understanding. What they're trying to say to each other is mostly variations on 'Hey, let's do this' anyway, especially when a couple of fellow survivors stumble onto their beach, including Japanese officers still brandishing weapons. Seeing as how both soldiers have recently escaped from prison, they're in no hurry to be recaptured—but those worries are soon replaced by a much more vicious problem when the thing we've been sensing has been watching them makes its presence fully known. There's an almost Predator feeling to the build-up. We get stealth POV shots, a distinctive sound cue whenever the creature is lurking, and very early on we see a scaly arm try to grab Bronson. While the island is full of thick jungle, sheer cliffs, spiky trees, and at least one enormous alligator, its greatest threat is something far more cryptid in nature—or even mythological, as one of the men with the officers shrieks in fright as he realizes it's 'Orang Ikan!' Orang Ikan happens to be Monster Island's original title—clearly it was changed to be more universal, since many Shudder viewers likely aren't familiar with figures from Malay folklore. But a more recognizable touchstone stateside is another one of writer-director Mike Wiluan's acknowledged inspirations: The Creature From the Black Lagoon, which the Orang Ikan strongly resembles. The story setup is similar, too, as outsiders barge into an isolated habitat and disrupt the natural order of things, infuriating the resident monster holding down the top of the food chain. Just imagine the Gill-Man with many more razor-sharp teeth and claws, plus a spine-tingling vocalization, somewhere between a shriek and a wail, that echoes across the landscape. The war Saito and Bronson left behind was hell, but their new foe is just as gruesome. And once Monster Island rips the bandage off with its creature reveal, which happens early on, the monster fully becomes the third main character. There's no hiding in the shadows; we see it from head to toe and are made well aware of its violent power. The suit work and attendant special effects are fantastic, as the Orang Ikan chases the men around a wild environment that'd be treacherous even without a territorial sea monster. The terrors of the plot are further enhanced by the looming specter of war, which haunts both soldiers and has also left wreckage and other debris upon the island, letting us know this isn't the first time the creature has tangled with unwanted visitors. And while the Orang Ikan clearly the antagonist here, Monster Island also makes room to show us why it's behaving with such aggression—for reasons the viewer will certainly sympathize with, even if Saito and Bronson don't as they fight for their lives. At just over 80 minutes, Monster Island offers a fast-paced race to the end. You almost wish there wasn't a coda that contains flashbacks to scenes we just saw, but it also gives a conclusion that's both satisfying and leaves the potential for more. And for what it's worth, Return to Monster Island is definitely something we'd be interested in after this first visit. Monster Island streams on Shudder starting July 25. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what's next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
RNZ News
7 days ago
- RNZ News
Jet ski tragedy: Vincent Cornell-Cooke died after giving lifejacket to brother
By Hannah Bartlett, Open Justice multimedia journalist of Vincent "Vinnie" Cornell-Cooke, died while saving his brother during a jet ski incident on Lake Taupō. The coroner has released findings into his death. Photo: Open Justice / NZME When Vincent Cornell-Cooke saw his brother struggling to stay afloat after they had fallen off a jet ski, he told him he loved him, and handed him his lifejacket. The 35-year-old's "ultimate sacrifice" saved his brother Bronson's life, but resulted in the loss of his own. As Bronson clung to the one lifejacket they had between them, efforts were made to keep Vincent afloat in the choppy waters of Lake Taupō, but eventually he went under and disappeared. His body was found by a police dive squad seven metres underwater at 3.30pm the next day. After his death, a Givealittle page was set up to raise support for Vincent's wife and children. In it "Vinnie" was remembered as "an amazing and loving husband and father, who poured his heart and soul into his family". "His generosity, courage, and devotion to his family and friends will forever leave a legacy of love and kindness," the page read. Now, a coroner's findings have been released outlining the circumstances of the tragic death, and providing safety recommendations for other jet ski riders. On 18 January 2025, Vincent and his two brothers, Washington and Bronson, arrived in Taupō to celebrate Bronson's 30th birthday. They began celebrations with skydiving, followed by food and drinks at their hotel, before Vincent and Bronson went into town where they had "a significant amount of alcohol", and then caught a taxi back to the hotel. The next day, the three brothers headed to the lake to use Bronson's jet ski, taking it for a spin, one at a time. But about 12.30pm, Vincent and Bronson headed out on the jet ski together, with Vincent driving and wearing the one lifejacket they had between them. Neither of them could swim. As the water became choppier, they were thrown without warning from the jet ski. Vincent's lifejacket was not connected to the emergency safety engine cut-off switch, which meant the jet ski circled before drifting away. Bronson told the coroner the men were "freaking out", and he was struggling to stay afloat. Vincent took off the lifejacket, which Bronson reluctantly took. While Vincent struggled and eventually went under, Bronson managed to signal for help and people on the beach called emergency services. Police rescued Bronson about 1pm. A post-mortem listed Vincent's cause of death as drowning. A toxicology report did not detect any alcohol, but found methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) was present. The pathologist advised that "MDMA is a stimulant that can contribute to impaired judgment, and it may have impacted [Vincent's] ability to safely operate the jet ski". However, the coroner noted the analysis did not indicate when this was ingested or in what quantities. Coroner Ian Telford began his recommendations by acknowledging Vincent's death was tragic. He said the circumstances around it were "profoundly moving - an enduring example of someone making the ultimate sacrifice for their brother". However, he also said that while he didn't wish to add to the family's pain, he had assessed that Vincent's death was "highly preventable". Telford said Vincent's consumption of alcohol and recent ingestion of MDMA may have impaired his condition and judgment, but also noted, "while Vincent may not have been in optimal condition", it appears that the jet ski capsizing was, fundamentally, "an unforeseeable accident". "It could have been caused by random instability of the craft or roughness of the water. There is simply no way to determine the exact cause of the capsizing." The main factors the coroner considered relevant were that Vincent ended up without a lifejacket and couldn't swim; and a cord was not attached to Vincent's wrist or lifejacket, so the engine cut-off switch wasn't activated. "This prevented the brothers from being able to reboard the jet ski, or at least use it to aid their flotation." The coroner said Vincent's chances of survival would have been "considerably higher" had he been wearing a lifejacket and properly using the emergency safety engine cut-off switch on the jet ski. "By bringing this finding to the public's attention, it is hoped that other jet ski users will rediscover the lifesaving value of taking these small safety steps, and also recognise the potentially devastating consequences of neglecting them." Telford also urged people to refer to Maritime New Zealand's website and take note of its advice. Some of the key information he summarised was: This story originally appeared in the New Zealand Herald .
NZ Herald
7 days ago
- NZ Herald
Jetski tragedy: Vincent Cornell-Cooke died after giving lifejacket to brother, saying ‘I love you'
After his death, a Givealittle page was set up to raise support for Vincent's wife and children. In it 'Vinnie' was remembered as 'an amazing and loving husband and father, who poured his heart and soul into his family'. 'His generosity, courage, and devotion to his family and friends will forever leave a legacy of love and kindness,' the page read. Vincent "Vinnie" Cornell-Cooke died on Sunday, January 19, 2025 as a result of a jet ski incident on Lake Taupo. Photo / LinkedIn Now, a coroner's findings have been released outlining the circumstances of the tragic death, and providing safety recommendations for other jetski riders. A 30th birthday celebration On January 18, 2025, Vincent and his two brothers, Washington and Bronson, arrived in Taupō to celebrate Bronson's 30th birthday. They began celebrations with skydiving, followed by food and drinks at their hotel, before Vincent and Bronson went into town where they had 'a significant amount of alcohol', and then caught a taxi back to the hotel. The next day, the three brothers headed to the lake to use Bronson's jetski, taking it for a spin, one at a time. But about 12.30pm, Vincent and Bronson headed out on the jetski together, with Vincent driving and wearing the one lifejacket they had between them. Neither of them could swim. As the water became choppier, they were thrown without warning from the jetski. Vincent's lifejacket wasn't connected to the emergency safety engine cut-off switch, which meant the jetski circled before drifting away. Bronson told the coroner the men were 'freaking out', and he was struggling to stay afloat. Vincent took off the lifejacket, which Bronson reluctantly took. While Vincent struggled and eventually went under, Bronson managed to signal for help and people on the beach called emergency services. Police rescued Bronson about 1pm. A post-mortem listed Vincent's cause of death as drowning. A toxicology report did not detect any alcohol, but found methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) was present. The pathologist advised that 'MDMA is a stimulant that can contribute to impaired judgment, and it may have impacted [Vincent's] ability to safely operate the jetski'. However, the coroner noted the analysis did not indicate when this was ingested or in what quantities. Tragic, but 'highly preventable', says coroner Coroner Ian Telford began his recommendations by acknowledging Vincent's death was tragic. He said the circumstances around it were 'profoundly moving – an enduring example of someone making the ultimate sacrifice for their brother'. However, he also said that while he didn't wish to add to the family's pain, he had assessed that Vincent's death was 'highly preventable'. Telford said Vincent's consumption of alcohol and recent ingestion of MDMA may have impaired his condition and judgment, but also noted, 'while Vincent may not have been in optimal condition', it appears that the jetski capsizing was, fundamentally, 'an unforeseeable accident'. 'It could have been caused by random instability of the craft or roughness of the water. There is simply no way to determine the exact cause of the capsizing.' The main factors the coroner considered relevant were that Vincent ended up without a lifejacket and couldn't swim; and a cord was not attached to Vincent's wrist or lifejacket, so the engine cut-off switch wasn't activated. 'This prevented the brothers from being able to reboard the jetski, or at least use it to aid their flotation.' The coroner said Vincent's chances of survival would have been 'considerably higher' had he been wearing a lifejacket and properly using the emergency safety engine cut-off switch on the jetski. 'By bringing this finding to the public's attention, it is hoped that other jetski users will rediscover the lifesaving value of taking these small safety steps, and also recognise the potentially devastating consequences of neglecting them.' Telford also urged people to refer to Maritime New Zealand's website, and take note of its advice. Some of the key information he summarised was: Wear a lifejacket that is right for you and put it on before setting off Most accidents occur without warning, and there may be no time to grab a life jacket unless it is close to hand It is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to put on a lifejacket once you are in the water Avoid alcohol [and drugs] Hannah Bartlett is a Tauranga-based Open Justice reporter at NZME. She previously covered court and local government for the Nelson Mail, and before that was a radio reporter at Newstalk ZB.
Scottish Sun
16-07-2025
- Scottish Sun
Two men hacked XL Bully dogs with meat cleaver & knife in horrific attack in Scots street
Both dogs had significant injuries after the attack BLOODBATH ATTACK Two men hacked XL Bully dogs with meat cleaver & knife in horrific attack in Scots street Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A PAIR of thugs have admitted stabbing and punching two Bully dogs during a frenzied bloodbath attack. Jamie Seery, 36, punched XL Bully Bronson and screamed 'chop it, chop it' while Michael Keegans, 32, rained down blows with a meat cleaver and a knife. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Jamie Seery (pictured) admitted stabbing and punching the dogs alongside Michael Keegans Credit: PRESSTEAM 3 American Bully called Karma was injured in the attack (stock pic) Credit: Getty The incident in Bellshill, Lanarkshire, left Bronson and an American Bully called Karma with horror injuries. Police discovered both yobs with their hands covered in blood, while the weapons were also discovered in a garden. Keegans claimed his own Staffy, called Tyson, had been attacked, but no wounds were found on him. The dogs were given emergency treatment in January last year and their shocked owner left with a vet bill of £600. Seery and Keegans, both of Bellshill, appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court and admitted causing the dogs unnecessary suffering. Seery also admitted acting in a threatening or abusive manner and resisting arrest. She then heard Mr Seery shouting 'chop it, chop it', so ran out and saw both accused appearing to punch into her dog Bronson Depute fiscal Rebecca Clark Depute fiscal Rebecca Clark said: "Both men were at the address visiting Mr Seery's uncle and consuming alcohol. "At 2am the dogs were let out into the garden to go to the toilet, but later she heard her dogs barking and formed the impression that, in her words, a stramash was taking place. "She then heard Mr Seery shouting 'chop it, chop it', so ran out and saw both accused appearing to punch into her dog Bronson. "She did not see any weapons but police later found weapons within the garden. Baby is mauled to death by family dog after mom turned back to pick up laundry before desperately trying to stop attack "Both dogs were collected from the garden, and she could then see both dogs had significant injuries, described blood as 'squirting' and could see the dog's brain." The prosecutor added: "Police attended and both accused were noted to literally have blood on their hands and appeared under the influence. "Mr Keegans said, 'I'll tell you what happened, the dog attacked my dog, the knife was there and I had to defend my dog'." Scott Jones, defending Seery, said: "The Crown now accepts that he punched the dog and did not use a weapon." Sheriff John Hamilton KC deferred sentence on both men until next month for reports and continued bail.
Metro
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Charles Bronson says 'you're now in hell' in message to people viewing his art
Charles Bronson has spoken of his 'empty and lonely existence' behind bars for an art exhibition featuring 50 of his creations. The notorious prisoner invited visitors to 'step into the cell' in a message recorded for the show in aid of a charity which he co-founded. He gave a bleak picture of his time doing 'porridge', which he is attempting to escape through a ninth parole bid due in October. In the message, Bronson says: 'Welcome to my world. 'A world of confusion, control, security, madness, soul-searching, violence, criminality and a very, very empty and lonely existence. 'Welcome to my art, my life, my true self. 'The man who rarely gets a chance to show off his true creations. 'Well, it is what comes out of 50 years of porridge. 'Art from the darkest place on Earth, art that frees my demons, art that screams out 'enough is enough'.' Bronson has spent 51 years in prison after first being jailed for armed robbery, before having his term repeatedly extended for attacks on prison staff and inmates. He was given a discretionary life term with a minimum of four years after taking a prison education worker hostage for 44 hours at HMP Hull in 1999. He has taken 10 other people hostage. But the art show's organisers, mother-and-daughter team Vanessa and Maisie Mcneice, arranged the exhibition in London to show the world through his eyes. Maisie, whose family connections to Bronson stem from Luton where he used to live, has become friends with the inmate and is campaigning for his release. 'I think he deserves a chance which no one has given him for so long,' she said. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video More than 500 people turned up at the Karma Sanctum Soho Hotel, where 50 of the prisoner's creations were on show. Entry was free with proceeds from sales of art and merchandise going to Born For Art, which Bronson co-founded. 'My art is my feelings, my sanity, my emotions, my passion,' Bronson says. 'My fight for survival, it's an anthology of my journey through the penal system. I despise prison, always have, always will.' Bronson, born Michael Gordon Peterson, says that at one time he was 'the No1 prison activist'. 'My life was fighting for prisoners' rights,' he says. 'Exposing their inhumanities, their barbaric treatment, and it's cost me my life, my freedom. 'Fifty years is no joke, believe me, but it's also made me an artist. 'I found my gift of life, my art now speaks for me.' The 72-year-old, who has changed his name to Salvador after one of his favourite artists, Salvador Dali, describes his work as a chance for people to enter his hellish world. He has produced hundreds of cartoon-style creations over the years, which are generally dark and disturbing takes on prison life laced with humour. Some of his work has sold for tens of thousands of pounds. In the message to visitors, Bronson says: 'Please enjoy and if you buy one, treat it with respect please, as it's a big part of me. 'I may never walk under these stars again. Some say I'll die in hell. I say what will be will be, at least my art is free and lives on for me.' Bronson says that 'my art is my therapy, my saviour, my hope, my dreams', and it has been getting deeper and more detailed over the years. He also describes his work as getting 'more desperate, more insane'. Bronson signs off: 'Step inside the cell, make yourself at home. 'Now you're in hell but you're lucky, you can walk out. I can't. 'My respect to everyone, adios amigos. Charlie. Who else?' More Trending Bronson, who is being held at HMP Woodhill in Buckinghamshire, is preparing for a ninth parole hearing in October. He is one of the UK's longest-serving prisoners. In September 2024, he told Metro that 'my soul is good' and 'I've got no regrets' as he made the case for his release. Do you have a story you would like to share? Contact MORE: Charles Bronson 'thrilled' to become godparent to girl, 6 MORE: Charles Bronson fumes at prison treatment and vows to 'walk not crawl out' MORE: High-tech 82ft laser shield could stop drones being flown into British prisons
