Simon Morris
The Lancaster bombers of World War Two
World War II has probably inspired more films, plays, novels and documentaries than any other 6-year period in history. But there's no substitute for the accounts of the people who were there. Now… Video, Audio
Review: Quant
A new documentary looks back on the career of the fashion designer Mary Quant, who more than anyone created the look of Swinging London in the mid 1960's. Directed by actor and fashion designer Sadie… Video, Audio
At the Movies: The Conference
The Conference - a German film about Nazi officials meeting to, essentially, plan the Holocaust - is an uncomfortable watch, which is a compliment to its accuracy. Video, Audio
At the Movies: Gloriavale
Gloriavale is the first ever big-screen documentary about a secretive, fundamentalist commune on New Zealand's West Coast. The film struggles to find a new angle on the story that we haven't heard… Video, Audio
At The Movies for 24 August 2022
Simon Morris reviews three films that all re-tell rather familiar stories - two documentaries and one German docudrama. Gloriavale is the first big-screen documentary about the secretive… Audio
Review: Nope
Nope is the latest from the Twilight Zone world of writer-director Jordan Peele. It blends sci-fi, westerns and showbiz into a unique whole. Stars Daniel Kaluuya (Get out!) and Steven Yeun (Minari). Video, Audio
Movie review - Employee of the month
Employee of the month is a French smash hit comedy about a civil servant determined to keep his job - no matter where they send him. Audio
Review: Good Luck to You, Leo Grande
Emma Thompson stars in a comedy drama - Good Luck to You, Leo Grande - about a 60-something widow who hires a sex worker to show her what she's missed in an uneventful life and marriage. Features… Video, Audio
At the Movies for 17 August 2022
Simon Morris reviews three films with one thing in common - none of them are remakes, sequels or adaptations. Nope is the latest from the Twilight Zone world of writer-director Jordan Peele. It blends… Audio
TV and movie drama are booming in New Zealand
Here's a question. How many major film dramas - including top-end TV series - are currently being shot here at the moment? Eight? Twelve? Not even close! By our reckoning there are over 30 - from… Audio
At The Movies - Bullet Train
Brad Pitt stars in an action comedy romp, set on a high-speed Japanese express - Bullet Train. Co stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Kick Ass), Michael Shannon (The Shape of Water) and Brian Tyree Henry… Audio
Review: Bullet Train
Brad Pitt stars in an action-comedy romp, set on a high-speed Japanese express - Bullet Train. Co stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Kick Ass), Michael Shannon (The Shape of Water) and Brian Tyree Henry (Ete… Video, Audio
Review: Ruby's Choice
Ruby's Choice is an Australian comedy drama about a family coping with grandmother Ruby as she slips into dementia. Starring Jane Seymour. Video, Audio
At The Movies for 10 August
Simon Morris wonders when A List directors turned to streaming services like Netflix, while decidedly B List movies get picked up by the cinemas. He checks out three of the latter. Audio
Review: The Princess
The Princess is yet another documentary about the late Princess Diana, with the emphasis this time on the changing attitudes of the media and the public at the time. Video, Audio
Developing our feature films - Leanne Saunders
It's been a good year for New Zealand film-makers - Dame Jane's Oscars, Taika topping the charts with the new Thor epic, Sam Neill back where he belongs in a Jurassic movie, and Thomasin McKenzie… Audio
Review: The Gardener
The Gardener is a love-letter to the late Frank Cabot and the Quebec garden he devoted much of his life creating, Les Quatre Vents. Video, Audio
Review: The Card Counter
Martin Scorsese produces the new film by writer Paul Schrader (Taxi Driver). The Card Counter stars Oscar Isaac (Dune, Star Wars) as a poker player trying to forget his past. Featuring Tiffany Haddish… Video, Audio
At The Movies for 3 August 2022
Simon Morris looks at three films that about veteran artists - a documentary about one of the great modern garden designers, Hollywood favourite Ron Howard's dramatization of a famous rescue, and… Audio
At The Movies - Thirteen Lives
Thirteen Lives is another film about the rescue of a Thai schoolboy football team that had the world in suspense for weeks. Directed by Ron Howard (Apollo 13) and starring Viggo Mortensen and Colin… Audio