Spider-Man 2

The internationally acclaimed Spider-Man grossed more than $820 million world-wide in 2002. Its ending – left so wide open – demanded a sequel. So the same creative team that brought the classic Marvel Comic book superhero to life two years ago now brings us Spider-Man 2.

The original all-star cast is back, including Tobey Maguire as mild-mannered college student, Peter Parker. Struggling with his dual identities, Peter faces new challenges as he fights the urge to reveal his secret.

Peter’s friendship with Harry (James Franco) is threatened by the growing hostility Harry harbours towards Spider-Man over the death of his father.

While Peter’s feelings for life-long love MJ (Kirsten Dunst) intensify, even his beloved Aunt Mary (Rosemary Harris) seems to be having doubts about her nephew.

To complicate things further, a new danger is looming in the form of Dr Otto Octavius (Alfred Molina). Spider-Man must use all the powers at his disposal to try to stop this diabolical madman in his octagonal tracks, while he prevents his dearest relationships from falling apart at the seams. If you enjoyed the visual effects from The Matrix series and, of course, Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2 is sure to be every bit the match of its predecessor.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

The trio of young actors – Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint – is back in the third Harry Potter novel to be developed into a film.

It’s Harry’s third year at Hogwarts and he is joined by his best friends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley. Not too far behind are Harry’s arch-enemies, Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton) and co, and his dreaded Dark Arts teacher, Professor Snape (Alan Rickman).

An even more sinister danger looms in the shape of Sirius Black (Gary Oldman), a crazed, escaped prisoner from Azkaban Fortress – the Wizards’ Prison. Black could be after Harry next. Harry must unlock the key to his past and his connection to Sirius Black, and finally seek out the truth that will set him free.

Prepare to be captivated when the magic of imagination and a superb cast meet a stunning achievement in set design, costumes and special effects. Harry Potter fans will be delighted, as many of JK Rowlings’ creations from her award winning novel appear in the film.

Hero

If you only see one foreign film this year, let this be it. Moviegoers will be as entirely consumed by the magnitude of this fantastic film as they were by Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

Set in the height of China’s Warring Period, Hero centres on Qin, the most ambitious of the seven kingdoms into which the country was divided. Fighting each other for supremacy, the kingdoms endured decades of death and suffering.

The King of Qin, obsessed with conquering all of China, had long been the target of three legendary assassins: Broken Sword, Flying Snow and Sky.

To the one who defeated the assassins, the King promised great power and wealth. None had come close to claiming the prize, until the mysterious county sheriff, Nameless (Jet Li), came forth with the weapons of the slain assassins, and his story.

With only 10 steps between them, Nameless tells his story to the King. But within those 10 steps is an earth-shattering story of love, honour and duty. A story about what it means to be a hero.

New York Minute

New York Minute sees identical twins, Jane and Roxy (very grown up and very gorgeous Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen), whose looks are the only thing they have in common.

The twins must put their differences aside for a day and join forces to travel from their hometown of Long Island to New York for two very different reasons: Jane, the uptight over-achiever, to win a college scholarship, and Roxy, the rebellious rock-chick, to sneak backstage at her favourite band’s video shoot.

In the tradition of Ferris Beuller’s Day Off, things don’t go as smoothly for the twins as they had planned. Before long, they are accused of kidnapping a senator’s dog, and involved in a black-market deal, as they are chased by the over-zealous truancy officer played by Max Lomax (the father in American Pie).

Don’t be frightened off by the film’s perceived teenage appeal: New York Minute is a very funny movie for all ages. Watch out for cameos from Jack Osborne (Ozzy’s kid) and Bob Saget (the twins’ on-screen father from the sitcom Full House, which made them stars).

Laws of Attraction

Audrey and Daniel are two New York City divorce lawyers who have each seen thousand’s of worst-case scenarios in which love can go wrong. So they figure they might as well try it the other way around.

They get married first and hope the love will follow. But can they avoid the same problems that plague the couples they represent in court?

Laws of Attraction stars Academy Award nominee Julianne Moore and Pierce Brosnan as the mismatched lawyers in this year’s token romantic comedy. So, if you’re a lover of love and a sucker for Sleepless in Seattle-style flicks, then don’t miss this one.

Shrek 2

Long awaited by kids and adults everywhere, Shrek 2 – the sequel to the Academy Award winning Blockbuster, Shrek – reunites the original voices of Mike Myers as Shrek, Cameron Diaz as Princess Fiona, and Eddie Murphy as the hilarious Donkey, for a whirlwind of new adventures.

Battling fire-breathing dragons and conquering evil dwarf-lords were nothing compared to Shrek’s next challenge: meeting the in-laws. Already a trying task without throwing a spanner in the works. Their new son-in-law is an Ogre… and so is their daughter.

Accompanied by relentless Donkey, Shrek and Fiona set off to the Kingdom of Far, Far Away to meet the King and Queen, Fiona’s parents. The royal couple is played by award winners John Cleese (A Fish Called Wanda) and Julie Andrews (The Sound of Music).

The three are introduced to star-studded friends and foes, including: Antonio Banderas in a signature role of a sword-wielding bandit (although, this time, a cartoon cat) and Jennifer Saunders as the Absolutely Fabulous Fairy God-Mother.

The Return

In contemporary Russia, two young brothers, Audrey and Vanya, are shocked but ecstatic to arrive home one day to discover the return of their father after his 12-year absence.

To make up for their fatherless childhood, the boys had developed a deep attachment to one another. The attachment is tested when the brothers agree to go on what they believe to be a fishing vacation with their father.

Their close bond begins to strain under the weight of their reticent father’s awkward and increasingly brutal efforts to make up for lost time. And, while Audrey’s need to love the man he never knew grows stronger, Vanya’s doubts about his father escalate to sudden violence.

As the destination of their mysterious vacation unfolds so, too, does the heartbreaking conclusion of Vanya and Audrey’s harrowing father-and-sons journey.

Winner of the European Discovery Award 2003, this stunning feature film is the directorial debut of Andrei Zvyagintsov. The Return is a visually and emotionally powerful piece of cinematic excellence. Mysterious and haunting, this beautiful and captivating drama will have you searching for answers to questions you never knew you had.

Dawn of the Dead

First-time director Zack Snyder has wisely stuck to his own vision of a world overrun by undead, flesh-eating zombies. Dawn of the Dead is a gritty, witty, bloody remake of the original cult-classic from the 1978 gore-fest of the same name.

Barricading themselves inside the local shopping centre, the last few remaining survivors of the zombie plague that has swept across the planet plan their escape. As they plot and scheme to keep their lives, some amazingly gruesome special effects take place. 

Special movie offer

For your chance to win a double pass to Laws of Attraction, or a Dawn of the Dead prize pack, put your details on the back of an envelope and send it to Movie Comp, Police Journal (168).
Conditions: PASA members can enter for both films. A limit of one competition entry per person per film applies. Please clearly indicate the movie of your choice.
Smile if someone in the foyer shouts out “Cheese!” It could be our photographer taking a snap for the upcoming Police Journal social pages.

Lipizzaners With The Stars

An extraordinary event is taking place on Saturday June 26 at the Entertainment Centre. And you could be one our four lucky readers to experience it.

Lipizzaners With The Stars – something Australia has never seen before – is a magnificent display of music, dance, and, of course, Lipizzaners – a rare and beautiful breed of horse.

Known for their grace, intelligence, romantic history and great strength, 10 of the only 3,000 pure-bred stallions in the world will perform for a captivated audience.

The stallions will perform under the direction of Riding Master Rene Gasser. Thomas Pinchot will direct the world renowned Mozart Orchestra, which will back amazing soprano Merlyn Quaite.

Performances of such grandeur are rarely witnessed outside the famous riding schools of Spain and Vienna. So be sure to be one of the first to call Katarina on 8231 0755 for your chance to win a double pass to this amazing event. Alternatively, tickets can be purchased at Bass.