Latest news with #TheSword
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
‘Predator: Killer of Killers' movie review: Thrilling trinity of ultra-violence is a new Yautja best
By all means, Predator: Killer of Killers had no business being as exhilarating as it is. On paper, the premise read like the (very real) sandbox fantasies of a twelve-year-old freshly chancing upon a dusty DVD with the cool, gun-toting muscle-man on the cover: What if the Predator fought a Viking? Or a samurai? Or a WWII pilot? In the deft hands of Dan Trachtenberg and Joshua Wassung, however, this page off an AskScienceFiction subreddit thread has instead shaped into a richly imagined R-rated animated spectacle that is ferociously stylish. Structured as a triptych of ultraviolent vignettes, Killer of Killers sidesteps the predictable bloat of franchise expansion. Clocking in at just over 80 minutes, each chapter feels like a beautifully illustrated poem of death, framed in a moody chiaroscuro. There's a sort of austere theatricality to its construction. A bit of Assassin's Creed meets Heavy Metal, with the gorgeous aesthetic sensibilities of Netflix's Blue Eye Samurai. Predator: Killer of Killers (Multilingual) Director: Dan Trachtenberg and Joshua Wassung Cast: Lindsay LaVanchy, Louis Ozawa Changchien, Rick Gonzalez, Michael Biehn Run-time: 87 minutes Storyline: A Viking raider, a ninja in feudal Japan, and a World War II pilot encounter the titular intergalactic hunter The three chapters — 'The Shield,' 'The Sword,' and 'The Bullet' — each pit a member of humanity's warrior class against one of the universe's most militant tourists: the Yautja, or what the less-unhinged fans commonly call 'Predators.' They are apex hobbyists, slicing their way across centuries in search of worthy opponents. 'The Shield' begins on the windy coasts of Scandinavia. Ursa, a shieldmaiden fueled by a Hamletian bloodthirst, storms an enemy stronghold in pursuit of revenge. Just as she triumphs, a cloaked interloper enters the stage, dispatching her comrades' heads from their bodies. The carnage is operatic, and choreographed with a balletic rhythm. Ursa's duel with this armour-less behemoth with a bionic sonic cannon is the stuff of legends. Rendered in Unreal Engine, the style blends 3D depth with hand-painted 2D textures, creating a look that hovers somewhere between graphic novel and moving fresco. The Viking sequence alone feels like Frank Frazetta's sketchpad sprung to life, full of fog-drenched fjords, flailing limbs, and the glint of bloodied steel. From there, we move east to feudal Japan. 'The Sword' follows twin brothers trained in the art of war, who find themselves entangled in a duel for succession. The Predator in this segment is stealthy and precise, cutting through shadows with a chain-sickle and cloaking tech that makes even a shinobi nervous. The storytelling is sparse and nearly silent, which lends it the air of a Noh play, though one in which the masks are eventually ripped off and the faces underneath are cleaved in two. The chapter comes to a beautiful, poetic bookend with the same haiku that opens it. Then, in 'The Bullet,' the film takes to the skies above the Pacific during the second World War. A chatty Navy mechanic-turned-pilot's cocky optimism is tested when his dogfight with Nazi planes is interrupted by something otherworldly. The Predator here is like a space pirate, complete with a cybernetic eyepatch and a ship that spits alien harpoons. Of the three stories, this one takes the longest to get airborne, weighed down slightly by its earnest backstory. But once it lifts off, it does so with a gory Top Gun-like panache. These segments are not connected by plot so much as by theme. Each hero is fighting their own war that's just as much against their interstellar enemies, as it is against the crushing weight of expectation, legacy, and self-worth. This makes Killer of Killers feel, unexpectedly (and unpretentiously), like a meditation on the cost of proving oneself. Even the Predators' motives are encoded in the title. They're hunting killers, to become better killers themselves, and that logic feels aptly circular. The final act brings these disparate warriors together for a last stand on Yautja Prime, and the tone pivots slightly toward the absurd. The physics get looser, the pacing accelerates, and the final battle is a delirious jamboree of swords, shields, and alien tech. But even here, the film never loses sight of its confidence. Perhaps the real shocker here is that Killer of Killers never once feels like a commercial for something else. Granted, there's a little nod to Trachtenberg's Prey, and a breadcrumb or two pointing toward his upcoming Predator: Badlands. But for once, the fan-service feels exciting, and that's only because Killer of Killers is a full-course meal under the guise of an animated amuse-bouche for bigger things to come. It knows exactly what kind of lean, mean and mercifully self-contained franchise extension it is, and like a perfectly executed decapitation, it's all the more satisfying for how clean the cut is. Predator: Killer of Killers is currently streaming on JioHotstar
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Princess Chelsea's Midwinter Ball Returns!
Press Release – Banished Music This winter, the Civic Wintergarden (ALL AGES) and Meow Nui (18+) Wellington will be transformed into a world of fantasy!Princess Chelsea's Midwinter Ball returns, this year with a new theme: SWORDS AND SORCERY – Fantasy on The Big Screen. With your esteemed host comedian Tom Sainsbury, and live performances from Princess Chelsea & The Dream Warriors in both centres, with Auckland guests The Circling Sun & Golden Axe, while Wellington will be treated to sets from Grecco Romank & Luke Buda. In the shimmering and VHS-heavy age of the early 1980s, a treasure trove of cinematic fantasy was thrust upon us. Gleaming swords and potent spells in Excalibur, the ethereal beauty and terror of Legend, valiant quests of The Sword and The Sorcerer, Ladyhawke, The Beastmaster, Willow, Dragonslayer, and the mighty & muscular quests of Conan The Barbarian. And let us not forget the timeless enchantments of pure fantasy with The Neverending Story, the delightful Princess Bride, the poignant Last Unicorn, and the unforgettable shape of Labyrinth. So, brave adventurers, will you join us to celebrate this golden age? How will you dress to impress as visions of enchanted lands and heroic feats conjure a costume fit for fantasy? Called by many as 'the show of 2024', last year's Twin Peaks themed Midwinter Ball was a revelation, and a dress up party for the ages. A sold out Wintergarden heaved with 650 guests dressed as Log Ladies, Agent Dale Coopers, and even a giant slice of cherry pie… and oh, so much more. Princess Chelsea and her band The Dream Warriors delighted the audience with a blazing set of originals alongside covers of Julee Cruise, Angelo Badalamenti and In Heaven from Lynch's Eraserhead. This wild and unforgettable night has been lovingly captured and presented as a four song tribute to David Lynch, due for imminent release. For 2024's Twin Peaks-themed ball, no expenses were spared on transforming the venue into the quaint town of Twin Peaks. Decoration which featured lasers, an indoor pine forest, a shrine to Laura Palmer and a replica of the infamous Red Room, we can only expect magic and mystery from 2025's fantasy- themed ball. ' I'm not giving too much away but obviously we will need a medieval sword fight ' – Princess Chelsea If last year's ball was anything to go by, I don't think she is joking – and further shenanigans will undoubtedly ensue. Expect the Civic and Meow Nui to be transformed into a world of fantasy. Earlybird tickets are on sale Friday at 10am. Book your evening, and swan down the red carpet dressed in your favourite fantasy-inspired outfits. Portraits will be taken on the night, and prizes for best dressed. ARTIST BIOS: Princess Chelsea & The Dream Warriors Cult producer Princess Chelsea has released five albums and developed a dedicated international following after her songs 'I Love My Boyfriend' and 'Cigarette Duet' exploded on YouTube and Tik Tok. Her most recent album 'Everything is Going To Be Alright' saw her win best alternative artist at the AMAs and the Taite Music Prize for outstanding creativity. Chelsea and her band the Dream Warriors have been described as one of the best live bands in the country and always give surprisingly dynamic and intense performances that surpass preconceived ideas how 'feminine' pop is presented. Tom Sainsbury Tom Sainsbury became a social media star with his irreverent comedy sketches amassing hundreds of thousands of views. You may know him from his characters Gingerbread, Fiona the wine reviewer or Boomer Dad, or you may have seen him on TV shows Wellington Paranormal, The Educators and the recent Spinal Destination. The Circling Sun Formed in the mid 2000's The Circling Sun is a sonic collective from Tamaki Makaurau focused on progressive Afrocentric inspired Jazz music. Featuring some of the finest talents in music from Aotearoa, members include : Ben Turua, Julien Dyne, J.Y Lee, Joe Kaptein, Ruby Walsh, Cameron Allen, Finn Scholes and Matt Hunter aka Kenny Sterling. Their critically acclaimed debut album 'Spirits ' was released on prestigious London label Soundway Records in 2023. Expect new music very soon! Golden Axe The pioneering synth-punk supreme team of Chris Cudby (Power Nap) & Daif King (Stälker), GOLDEN AXE are back for one show only — by special request from Princess Chelsea! Emerging from the apocalyptic city streets of Tāmaki Makaurau in the early '00s, their maximum energy live shows are straight up legendary + their hits such as 'Free Time', 'Dognapped', 'Catmaster', and 'Hot In The City' remain insanely catchy. Game-changers on a number of levels, you would be crazy to miss Golden Axe's first and ONLY live show in a decade wow. Grecco Romank Hailing from the dank corners of New Zealand's music scene, Grecco Romank is not your average band. This trio emerged from the most unexpected of beginnings: a bus driver, an opera singer, and a Greek filmmaker converging in a haunted primary school to record their debut album. Known for their ruthless and unforgiving live show, these AMA best alternative artist finalists latest album spawned student Radio hit 'DON'T GET CAUGHT' among other remarkable earworms. Luke Buda Luke Buda is a founding member of the The Phoenix Foundation, and also acclaimed and Taite Prize shortlisted solo artist in his own right. One of only a handful of New Zealand musicians to have made an appearance on BBC's Later… with Jools Holland, and recently made Morrissey quite angry when he contributed guitar to Everyone Is Horrid Except Me (And Possibly You) by Quilloughby feat. Lisa Simpson from the recent episode of The Simpson's 'Panic on the Streets of Springfield.'
Scoop
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Princess Chelsea's Midwinter Ball Returns!
This winter, the Civic Wintergarden (ALL AGES) and Meow Nui (18+) Wellington will be transformed into a world of fantasy! Princess Chelsea's Midwinter Ball returns, this year with a new theme: SWORDS AND SORCERY - Fantasy on The Big Screen. With your esteemed host comedian Tom Sainsbury, and live performances from Princess Chelsea & The Dream Warriors in both centres, with Auckland guests The Circling Sun & Golden Axe, while Wellington will be treated to sets from Grecco Romank & Luke Buda. In the shimmering and VHS-heavy age of the early 1980s, a treasure trove of cinematic fantasy was thrust upon us. Gleaming swords and potent spells in Excalibur, the ethereal beauty and terror of Legend, valiant quests of The Sword and The Sorcerer, Ladyhawke, The Beastmaster, Willow, Dragonslayer, and the mighty & muscular quests of Conan The Barbarian. And let us not forget the timeless enchantments of pure fantasy with The Neverending Story, the delightful Princess Bride, the poignant Last Unicorn, and the unforgettable shape of Labyrinth. So, brave adventurers, will you join us to celebrate this golden age? How will you dress to impress as visions of enchanted lands and heroic feats conjure a costume fit for fantasy? Called by many as 'the show of 2024', last year's Twin Peaks themed Midwinter Ball was a revelation, and a dress up party for the ages. A sold out Wintergarden heaved with 650 guests dressed as Log Ladies, Agent Dale Coopers, and even a giant slice of cherry pie… and oh, so much more. Princess Chelsea and her band The Dream Warriors delighted the audience with a blazing set of originals alongside covers of Julee Cruise, Angelo Badalamenti and In Heaven from Lynch's Eraserhead. This wild and unforgettable night has been lovingly captured and presented as a four song tribute to David Lynch, due for imminent release. For 2024's Twin Peaks-themed ball, no expenses were spared on transforming the venue into the quaint town of Twin Peaks. Decoration which featured lasers, an indoor pine forest, a shrine to Laura Palmer and a replica of the infamous Red Room, we can only expect magic and mystery from 2025's fantasy- themed ball. ' I'm not giving too much away but obviously we will need a medieval sword fight ' - Princess Chelsea If last year's ball was anything to go by, I don't think she is joking - and further shenanigans will undoubtedly ensue. Expect the Civic and Meow Nui to be transformed into a world of fantasy. Earlybird tickets are on sale Friday at 10am. Book your evening, and swan down the red carpet dressed in your favourite fantasy-inspired outfits. Portraits will be taken on the night, and prizes for best dressed. ARTIST BIOS: Princess Chelsea & The Dream Warriors Cult producer Princess Chelsea has released five albums and developed a dedicated international following after her songs 'I Love My Boyfriend' and 'Cigarette Duet' exploded on YouTube and Tik Tok. Her most recent album 'Everything is Going To Be Alright' saw her win best alternative artist at the AMAs and the Taite Music Prize for outstanding creativity. Chelsea and her band the Dream Warriors have been described as one of the best live bands in the country and always give surprisingly dynamic and intense performances that surpass preconceived ideas how 'feminine' pop is presented. Tom Sainsbury Tom Sainsbury became a social media star with his irreverent comedy sketches amassing hundreds of thousands of views. You may know him from his characters Gingerbread, Fiona the wine reviewer or Boomer Dad, or you may have seen him on TV shows Wellington Paranormal, The Educators and the recent Spinal Destination. The Circling Sun Formed in the mid 2000's The Circling Sun is a sonic collective from Tamaki Makaurau focused on progressive Afrocentric inspired Jazz music. Featuring some of the finest talents in music from Aotearoa, members include : Ben Turua, Julien Dyne, J.Y Lee, Joe Kaptein, Ruby Walsh, Cameron Allen, Finn Scholes and Matt Hunter aka Kenny Sterling. Their critically acclaimed debut album 'Spirits ' was released on prestigious London label Soundway Records in 2023. Expect new music very soon! Golden Axe The pioneering synth-punk supreme team of Chris Cudby (Power Nap) & Daif King (Stälker), GOLDEN AXE are back for one show only — by special request from Princess Chelsea! Emerging from the apocalyptic city streets of Tāmaki Makaurau in the early '00s, their maximum energy live shows are straight up legendary + their hits such as 'Free Time', 'Dognapped', 'Catmaster', and 'Hot In The City' remain insanely catchy. Game-changers on a number of levels, you would be crazy to miss Golden Axe's first and ONLY live show in a decade wow. Grecco Romank Hailing from the dank corners of New Zealand's music scene, Grecco Romank is not your average band. This trio emerged from the most unexpected of beginnings: a bus driver, an opera singer, and a Greek filmmaker converging in a haunted primary school to record their debut album. Known for their ruthless and unforgiving live show, these AMA best alternative artist finalists latest album spawned student Radio hit 'DON'T GET CAUGHT' among other remarkable earworms. Luke Buda Luke Buda is a founding member of the The Phoenix Foundation, and also acclaimed and Taite Prize shortlisted solo artist in his own right. One of only a handful of New Zealand musicians to have made an appearance on BBC's Later... with Jools Holland, and recently made Morrissey quite angry when he contributed guitar to Everyone Is Horrid Except Me (And Possibly You) by Quilloughby feat. Lisa Simpson from the recent episode of The Simpson's "Panic on the Streets of Springfield."
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The Sword to Perform Warp Riders in Its Entirety on 2025 US Tour
The post The Sword to Perform Warp Riders in Its Entirety on 2025 US Tour appeared first on Consequence. The Sword are celebrating the 15th anniversary of their Warp Riders album with a Summer 2025 US tour that will see the reunited Austin band performing the LP in its entirety. The route runs mostly along the West Coast, kicking off August 17th in Phoenix and wrapping up August 30th in Los Angeles. Major stops on the 12-date trek include Denver, Seattle, San Francisco, and San Diego, with Rickshaw Billie's Burger Patrol and Pink Fuzz supporting all dates. Get The Sword Tickets Here Tickets are available via local outlets, and you can find more information via The Sword's website. Fans can also look for deals or get tickets to sold-out dates via StubHub, where your purchase is 110% guaranteed through StubHub's Fan Protect program. 'This is probably the only chance people will have to see us perform the entire album, so don't miss out!' commented singer/guitarist JD Cronise in a press release. Cronise previously teased the Warp Riders tour back in February when The Sword announced a pair of reunion shows in Texas. At the time, Cronise said more gigs were on the way — now that the band was back for good — including this run surrounding the anniversary of Warp Riders, a modern stoner-rock classic that was recently reissued on vinyl for Record Store Day. Check out The Sword's full list of tour dates, including a previously announced June run of European festivals, below. The Sword 2025 Tour Dates: 06/19 – Copenhagen, DK @ Copenhell Festival 06/21 – Netphen, DE @ Freak Valley Festival 06/22 – Nijmegen, NL @ Doornroosje 06/25 – Gothenburg, SE @ Monument 06/26 – Stockholm, SE @ Slaktyrkan 06/28 – Oslo, NO @ Tons of Rock Festival 08/17 – Phoenix, AZ @ Crescent Ballroom * 08/18 – Albuquerque, NM @ Sister Bar * 08/19 – Denver, CO @ Gothic Theatre * 08/20 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Metro Music Hall * 08/22 – Spokane, WA @ Knitting Factory * 08/23 – Seattle, WA @ Neumo's * 08/24 – Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theater * 08/25 – Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory * 08/27 – San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall * 08/28 – Pioneertown, CA @ Pappy & Harriet's * 08/29 – San Diego, CA @ Belly Up Tavern * 08/30 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Bellwether * * = w/ Rickshaw Billie's Burger Patrol and Pink Fuzz Popular Posts LAPD Releases Body Cam Footage of Shooting Involving Weezer Bassist's Wife Jillian Lauren Katy Perry Goes Viral for Cringe Choreography at "Lifetimes Tour" Kickoff Phish Snubbed by Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Despite Winning Fan Vote Jack Black's Minecraft Song "Steve's Lava Chicken" Sets Billboard Record for Shortest Hot 100 Hit Bruno Mars Adds New Dates to His Eternal Las Vegas Residency at Park MGM Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's 2025 Class: The White Stripes, OutKast, Soundgarden & More Subscribe to Consequence's email digest and get the latest breaking news in music, film, and television, tour updates, access to exclusive giveaways, and more straight to your inbox.
