FIRED UP: Melissa McCarthy, Kate McKinnon, Kristin Wiig and Leslie Jones are the new Ghostbusters team for 2016.

Ghostbusters

• Comedy; Cert PG, contains coarse language and some scenes that may scare very young children; 2hrs 5mins
• Starring: Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones and Chris Hemsworth
• Director: Paul Feig

REBOOTING the Ghostbusters franchise wasn’t a bad idea.

Switching the gender roles to include a dream cast of female comedians, led by the very funny Melissa McCarthy and Kristen Wiig, was also a smart move.

But making the whole shebang look almost identical to the original? Not so much.

It’s 2016. Making a film look as though it was made in the 1980s just doesn’t make sense – not when it’s bound to be unfavourably compared to the original.

While a few well-placed references to the 1984 Ghostbusters would have been ideal – the cameos by Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver, Ernie Hudson and Annie Potts are terrific – making the entire film look exactly like the original was going overboard.

The mistake is not just in ignoring the past 30 years of advances in special effects technology – I can see how some people might enjoy the whole retro style of the film – but the story and script shows a dire lack of originality. They could at least have come up with something a bit scarier than a green blob, ghost-wise, or a decent romantic attraction.

McCarthy plays Abby, co-author of a disasterous book on paranormal phenomenon. Erin (Wiig), her co-author, has distanced herself from the book in an attempt to gain tenure at a respected university.

However, she is reluctantly drawn into Abby’s ghosthunting antics when a psyhcopath attempts to open a portal to another dimension in New York city.

Director-writer Paul Feig also worked with McCarthy and Wiig on Bridesmaids and other Saturday Night Live alumni Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones and Neil Casey join the cast as the two remaining ghostbusters and the psychopath respectively.

Chris Hemsworth (Thor) flexes his comedy muscles in his second attempt at sending himself up. This worked well in his risque cameo in Vacation, but is a little ho-hum here.

While the female comedy actors are awesome and nerds with proton blasters are always fun, I can’t really imagine this film being strong enough to reboot the franchise in a significant way.

6/10

diane.mccarthy@whakatanebeacon.co.nz

TUCKED AWAY: A separate paved driveway leads to French doors leading to a new rumpus room in this two-storey Ohope home. Photo Troy Baker D3970-02

With views of White Island and beach access close by, this two-storey Ohope home is the perfect place to raise a family or for use as a holiday home.

THIS two-storey home with three bedrooms plus a rumpus room and two bathrooms offers lots of options for buyers.

Set on a fully-fenced back section with its own separate, paved driveway, it has a good-sized backyard that is very safe for small children to play in.

With views of White Island and beach access very close by, this house is the perfect place to raise a family or for use as a holiday home.

It also has the possibility of turning the upstairs and downstairs into separate units if you are looking for an extra income source.

Downstairs, the internal access garage has been fully lined and transformed into a rumpus room with French doors opening to the front.

A secure gate leads to a covered entryway and the front door opens to a slate-tiled hallway leading to the stairs.

Before heading upstairs, check out the extra-large downstairs bedroom, which fits two double beds with space left for a living area.

A bathroom with toilet and shower and a large laundry make up the downstairs.

Upstairs is the main living area. The open-plan lounge and dining rooms open onto a large, partially-covered balcony that wraps around two sides of the house.

The kitchen is partially separated from the dining area by a wall and has a double wall oven, benchtop hob and dishwasher.

Two large double bedrooms and a bathroom upstairs makes it almost self-contained, with only a laundry needed, which could easily be tucked away behind the kitchen.

The home has solar hot water heating and two heat pumps, one upstairs and the other downstairs. There are also two clothes lines, one on either side of the house, and a garden shed.

This is what beach life is all about so be sure to come and view this property this weekend.

First national real estate Whakatane

9A Eruini Street, Ohope

Agent: Shirley Brabant

Phone: (07) 3088222 or 027 767 6145

Price: $515000

Open home: Sunday, 2.30pm to 3.30pm

NEW CHARACTER: Sofia Boutella is Jaylah, easily the most interesting character in Star Trek Beyond, who rescues Scotty (Simon Pegg) and teams up with the crew of the Enterprise.

Star Trek Beyond

• Sci-fi; Cert M, contains violence; 2hr 2mins
• Starring: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Karl Urban, Simon Pegg, Zoe Saldana, John Cho, Anton Yelchin, Idris Elba and Sofia Boutella
• Director: Justin Lin

THE introduction of a new character is about the only part of Star Trek Beyond that raises it out of ho-hum status.

For the third film in the Star Trek reboot JJ Abrams relinquishes the director’s chair to Justin Lin. So far so good. However, writing of the screenplay was reallocated to less safe hands.

The team behind 2009’s Star Trek and 2013’s Into Darkness, Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtsman, have moved into writing television (Scorpion and Limitless) and they have been replaced by Simon Pegg, who also plays Scotty.

It’s a new genre for the British comedian, who normally writes laddish comedies that parody films like this. So I guess we should just be thankful there were no OK Corral gunfights or ancient Greek toga parties.

The plot has a very here-we-go-again feeling about it, lacking the epic feel of the first two movies.

The crew of the Enterprise, three years into their five-year mission, head off to rescue a ship stranded in a nebula. They are ambushed by a swarm of drones controlled by an alien named Krall (Idris Elba) bent on destroying the United Federation of Planets.

When they crash on Krall’s planet, Altamid, the crew are separated. They must reunite and stop Krall from using an artifact doohickey to blow up a Federation space station.

What this film does get right is putting Spock (Zachary Quinto) and Bones (Karl Urban) together for most of the movie, creating plenty of opportunity to play on the conflict between the two.

It also introduces a long overdue, strong female character who isn’t just someone’s girlfriend. The crew team up with Jaylah (Sofia Boutella), an inhabitant of the planet. Interesting, intelligent and tough-as-nails, I’m crossing fingers to see her back for the inevitable fourth episode.

7/10

diane.mccarthy@whakatanebeacon.co.nz

END OF THE ROAD: Wood accents combined with natural-toned cladding make this home fit beautifully into its native bush setting.

BEING the last house on Waiewe Street, this home has a gorgeous outlook over a forested valley between Hillcrest and Gorge Road.

To make the most of this view, the spacious three-bedroom home wraps around two sides of a triangular deck, creating an outdoor living area that is at once, spectacular, private and tranquil. Lit by ground lights at night, the view from this absolutely stunning.

The single-level home is clad in corrugated iron coloured in natural bush tones with many beautiful wooden features, including the asymmetrical portico, giving it a real Kiwi feel that fits well with its surroundings.

As you enter the home, the large, open-plan living room lies directly ahead with an office or small spare bedroom to the left.

The lounge is warmed by a freestanding wood fire and has wide, bi-fold doors opening out to the deck.

The kitchen and dining areas are to the left with slate-tiled floors and cabinetry in an attractive shade of dusky blue, offset by brushed stainless steel appliances.

The large kitchen looks as though it has been designed by a master chef – well provisioned with plenty of bench and cupboard space and smart-looking two-drawer dishwasher, wall oven, bench-top stove and rangehood.

To the right, a hallway heads off toward the bedrooms and opens onto the deck with another set of bi-fold doors.

All the bedrooms are doubles, with the master bedroom at the far end having a walk-in wardrobe, en suite bathroom and more bi-fold doors opening onto the deck.

The remaining two bedrooms share a large bathroom with shower and bath, the blue tiled floors matching those in the en suite and the laundry.

Even the laundry in this house has a great view over the forest canopy, through a landscape window, situated as it is, behind the internal-access double garage. Another door leads out to the deck.

A large space below the deck leaves you with plenty of sheltered storage space and opportunites to add value to the property if desired.

The house is surrounded by lawn, which is partially fenced, and the property continues several metres further into the bush. There is also a handy lock up shed on site.

The home is very low maintenance and the neighbourhood very peaceful and quiet. Perfect for someone who wants to be surrounded by nature while remaining close to town.

Professionals

96 Waiewe Street, Hillcrest

Agent: Trudy McKinnon

Phone: (07) 307 0165 or 021 1223044

Price: Expressions of interest

Open home: Sunday, 2pm to 2.30pm

LONG LOST COUSINS: Karmann Tresidder with her newly discovered second cousin Meriel Sweetnam, who recently travelled from Ireland and Mrs Tresidder’s son Linden Cunningham and his son 16-month-old Jude.

AN 80 year search has resulted in a reunion of long lost family from opposite sides of the world.

Whakatane’s Karmann Tresidder, nee Winn, thought she came from a small family – with no parents or grandparents living, one sister who lives in Australia, she felt she had few family connections besides her own children.

However, she recently found out she has a lot more relatives than she thought and they have been searching for her for a long time.

For Mrs Tresidder, it started when a friend told her Radio 1XX announcer Colin Magee was broadcasting that a family in Ireland were trying to find someone with her name in Whakatane.

Her first reaction was, “It can’t be me”.

Because Mrs Tresidder’s grandfather Harry Parkinson Winn, left home at 17, and always believed he was an only child, she never knew she had a large extended family in Ireland.

However, it turned out her grandfather, better known as “Wish”, had an younger brother he never knew about, Stanley Charles Winn.

Harry Winn left England on a Merchant Navy boat to America during the war. His boat was bombed and he eventually made his way to Australia. That was the last the family heard of him.

While he was in Australia, his parents had Stanley, but Harry never had any more contact with his family after his brother’s birth.

“The last known address they had for Wish was in Adelaide.”

Harry’s father, because of the depression, went to live in Dublin, Ireland, where he had work as a confectioner. His wife and youngest son stayed in England.

When his mother died, Stanley was left alone and also moved to Ireland to be with his father and came to be known as Wally, as he felt the name Stanley was “too English sounding”.

“While Wish never knew about Wally, Wally did know about Wish,” Mrs Tresidder said. “Because he had been told he had an older brother, he spent his whole life looking for his brother in Australia. Of course, Wish only lived there for a couple of years and then came to New Zealand.

“Funnily enough, he never tried to find his family. Harry never knew he had this younger brother. So my dad never knew, so that was never handed down to me.

When Stanley died in 1997 he asked his children, Brian and Hazel, to keep looking and that’s how the connection came to pass.

It was Brian who tracked Harry Wynn to Whakatane and thought to contact Radio 1XX to look for descendants.

“When I emailed him back he sent me all this information about my grandfather that I had no idea about.

“I had no idea he was buried here. And he was actually in the RSA cemetary. And so on Christmas day I went looking for him and found the grave and then Brian phoned from Ireland. He was ringing me and I was standing right by Poppa’s grave. It was too weird.”

From then on they kept in contact and Mrs Tressider became Facebook friends with Hazel’s two children, Meriel and Erica. Brian has five children who Mrs Tresidder also hopes to meet one day.

“Facebook is a wonderful thing,” Mrs Tresidder told the Bay Weekend.

Meriel Sweetnam, from Sligo in north-west Ireland came to New Zealand to meet her second cousin this month.

She said it had been an “incredibly emotional” reunion.

“It was like she was family. There was a connection. I took her to meet my son Linden and now I’m sure we’ll have lots more visits.

“Brian’s children are much younger than me. They are closer in age to Linden and now they know they can come to New Zealand and they have a base here.”

diane.mccarthy@whakatanebeacon.co.nz

BAKER: Jonathan Pryce plays baker Nat Dayan with Jerome Holder as Ayyash Habimana in Dough.

Dough

• Comedy; Cert M, contains drug use; 1hr 34mins
• Starring: Jonathan Pryce, Jerome Holder, Phil Davis and Pauline Collins
• Director: John Goldschmidt

THERE'S a wealth of British acting talent invested in this screenplay by Jonathan Benson.

However, while succeeding in being gently humourous and heartwarming, this well-meaning comedy-drama never really rises above mediocre.

Jonathan Pryce (Game of Thrones’ High Sparrow), plays Nat, a curmudgeonly English kosher baker clinging to his failing business.

Though long past retirement age, he nurses a grudge against his only son for not showing any interest in taking over the family business.

“Because what the world needs is another Jewish lawyer,” he remonstrates to his successful son.

When he reluctantly takes on a new apprentice – African Muslim refugee Ayyash, played by Jerome Holder – an unexpected friendship between the two melts their extreme racial prejudices.

However, Ayyash has a secret sideline selling marajuana to help support himself and his mother, and when he accidentally drops a bag into the dough mixer, sales go through the roof while causing no end of problems.

Pauline Collins brightens up an otherwise bleak story as a lonely widow, Joanna, who pursues Nat. Phil Davis (Sherlock, Poldark), meanwhile, is an almost comic-book-worthy caricature of evil as Mr Cotton, who wants to tear down Nat’s beloved shop for a carpark.

7/10

diane.mccarthy@whakatanebeacon.co.nz

LAKE LIVING: Situated on an elevated section overlooking Lake Rotoma, this home is perfect for all-year-round family living. Photos Open2View

WITH 360-degree views of Lake Rotoma, this three-bedroom, two-bathroom, three-garage home is perfect for  family and summer fun.

THIS home’s elevated position overlooking Lake Rotoma means it not only enjoys 360-degree views, but is also the first home along the lakefront to see the sun in the morning and the last to bid it farewell at night.

This is a big, sunny home, with lots of garaging, gorgeous outdoor living areas and a big backyard for friends and family to pitch their tents in summer.

Perfect for the tinkerer, this three-bedroom, two-bathroom home has three large garages, two of which are connected to the house and one with a 3.4-metre-roof.

The whole place is fitted with three-phase power as the present owner uses this high-stud garage for building high performance speed boats.

This garage would be equally suitable for parking a large boat or campervan.

One of the internal access garages could also be suitable for converting into a rumpus room or extra bedroom if you don’t require a lot of garaging.

A large, concreted area at the top of the driveway offers a lot of off-road parking.

One of the impressive features of this home is the enclosed balcony running the full length of the front of the house.

This is a fantastic entertaining area for enjoying the lakeside views. Because of the elevated position this is one of the few homes where you can see the lake’s foreshore right from your living room.

The master bedroom has an en suite and ranchsliding doors leading out to the balcony overlooking the lake.

The very spacious open-plan living area has exposed-beam ceilings and half-timber-panelled walls.

Panoramic views of the lake and surrounding native bush provide stunning views through large, picture windows.

A free-standing Kent fire warms the home.

Outside there is a very tidy greenhouse for the keen gardener.

The name Rotoma means clean or clear water and the lake lives up to its name,
being well known for its clean, clear
water.

Like many of the houses in the area, this house draws its water supply directly from the lake meaning there are no water rates to pay and no chemicals to spoil the taste of your favourite brew.

Rotoma has wonderful facilities, including petrol station, store and café and plenty to offer people who love the outdoors.

The lake provides wonderful trout fishing and is one of the few places in the area that contains the rare tiger trout.

With a boat mooring directly in front of the house, bush walks and a hot pool nearby there is a lot to recommend the location.

The 20-year lease renewed just a month ago makes this property very desirable.

Phone Bryan to view.

First national Real Estate Whakatane

471 State Highway 30, Rotoma

Agent: Bryan Wales

Phone: (07) 308 8222 or 027 481 2578

Price: By negotiation

Viewing: By appointment

JOYFUL: Members of the Patea Maori Club and Wellington break dancer Joe Moana, aka The Ngaruawahia Kid, recreate their hit song more than 30 years on.

Poi E: The Story of Our Song

• Comedy; Cert M, contains offensive language; 1hr 45mins
• Starring: The Patea Maori Club, Taika Waititi, Stan Walker, Jools and Lynda Topp and Dalvanius Prime (archival footage)
• Director: Te Arepa Kahi

Just as it was impossible to hear that song without humming it in your head for a week, you can’t walk out of this movie without your heart glowing with joy.

I was too young when Poi-E first hit the charts to really appreciate what a ground-breaking phenomenon the song was. I just thought it was cool.

In Poi E: The Story of Our Song, Mt Zion director Te Arepa Kahi mixes archival interviews with Dalvanius Prime alongside interviews with members of the Patea Maori Club, Patea meatworkers and Patea business owners, and puts them alongside commentary by Taika Waititi, Stan Walker and The Topp Twins, among others.

It describes how Prime, a United States-based soul singer, came back to his home town of Patea to reconnect with his roots, and in the process, changed the shape of New Zealand pop culture.

Woven together with warmth and a large helping of humour, this film engenders a new respect for Prime, the incredible barriers he overcame, from both Maori traditionalists and the Pakeha-dominated music industry – not to mention financially – to realise his vision.

9/10

diane.mccarthy@whakatanebeacon.co.nz

NEAR NEW: This brick-and-tile home on a large section is situated in a quiet cul-de-sac.
D4069-series

THIS nearly new brick-and-tile home situated in a quiet cul-de-sac is very low maintenance and has lots to offer.

Because it was just built in 2011, this three-bedroom house not only provides modern décor throughout, but also complies with all the latest building standards with excellent insulation in walls, ceiling and floors and double glazing throughout.

With a big 800-square-metre, fully-fenced section, children will love having the space to run free. There is plenty of room for a garage as well as scope for the keen gardener and lots of off-road parking in a big concreted area beside the driveway.

Outdoor entertaining is catered for with a large north-facing deck, which is fully sheltered and private.

This deck leads off the living room through ranchsliding doors. Warmed by a free-standing wood fire, the generous, sunny living area is open plan, flowing through to a spacious dining area and modern kitchen with breakfast bar.

With double oven, stainless steel rangehood and lots of cupboards and benchspace, this kitchen ticks all the boxes.

Along the hallway are three good-sized double bedrooms with built-in wardrobes. These share a bathroom with separate shower and bath and a vanity unit. The toilet is separate and there is also a separate laundry.

The car port incorporates an outside lock-up shed and is closed at the back with a door leading through to the backyard.

Within walking distance of this lovely, quiet street in Taneatua are a school, shops, sports facilities and even an art gallery and it’s all located just 10 minutes’ drive from Whakatane.

Viewings by appointment only.

Real Deal Real Estate

5 Hughes Place, Taneatua

Agent: Tia Henare

Phone: (07) 307 1122 or 027 973 1146

Price: $238,000

Viewing: By appointment

THE WHOLE CREW: Jane Horrocks, Julia Sawalha, Jennifer Saunders, June Whitfield and Joanna Lumley all return for Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie.

Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie

• Comedy; Cert M, contains offensive language, sexual references and drug use; 1hr 30mins
• Starring: Jennifer Saunders, Joanna Lumley, Jane Horrocks, Julia Sawalha and June Whitfield
• Director: Mandie Fletcher

I REALISED, watching this film, that either you’re a big Eddie and Patsy fan, or you’re just not.

Though I did enjoy the television series – back in the early 1990s, when it was different and fresh – I probably wasn’t ever going to like this schoolgirl reunion with the core cast reliving their glory days on the big screen.

The plot, what there is of it, involves the world’s worst publicist, an aging, fat and insolvent Edina Monsoon (Jennifer Saunders), chasing supermodel Kate Moss to be her latest client.

In doing so, she accidently pushes Moss into the Thames and ends up on the run from police on the French Riviera on suspicion of manslaughter.

Patsy (Joanna Lumley), the ever-loyal succubus, stumbles along in tow, not really adding much to the story.

Everyone is back, Jane Horrocks as my personal favourite, Bubble, Julia Sawalha as long-suffering shrewish daughter Saffron, and June Whitfield as the nameless “Mother”.

All the old hangers-on have also been resurected, including Celia Imrie, Kathy Burke, Christopher Ryan and Mo Gaffney. The cameos are too fabulous and many to list but they include Joan Collins, Dawn French, Jean Paul Gaultier, Barry Humphries, Rebel Wilson, Mark Gatis, Lulu and Jon Hamm. Not to mention, of course, Kate Moss.

Sadly, cameo spotting was the highlight of the film, and I was left with the feeling that Saunders hadn’t had any new ideas since the 90s.

5/10

diane.mccarthy@whakatanebeacon.co.nz

SHIP SHAPE: This sunny, north-facing home is well set up to be comfortable in all weathers. Photos Matt Lowe Open2View

Situated in one of Coastlands most well-established and quiet cul-de-sacs,  this solid three-bedroom home is designed to make the best of all weathers.

An affordable home at the beach can be difficult to find but this low-maintenance 1980s, brick home has served its family well, and is ready to nurture a new generation.

Situated in one of Coastland’s most well-established and quiet cul-de-sacs, a previous winner of the Pride Whakatane Best Street Award, there is even a handy children’s playground just two doors down.

The solid, three-bedroom home with garage and workshop is designed to make the best of all weathers.

With a conservatory on the north-facing side creating the perfect winter sun trap, and a large, covered, outdoor living area on the south side, creating a retreat from the summer heat, there is always a perfect spot to relax, whatever the weather.

This cobblestoned courtyard, between the house and garage, is large enough for entertaining and very sheltered and private.

In between is a spacious open-plan living and dining room with a free-standing gas fireplace that can heat the whole home at the touch of a button.

The combination of aluminium joinery on all the windows and the brick cladding make this home very low maintenance, and near-new carpet and neutral-coloured painted walls have updated the interior.

The galley-style kitchen is well-equipped with a pantry, lots of cupboard space, double sinks, dishwasher and rangehood.

The bedrooms are also sunny and all have built-in wardrobes. A separate toilet and bathroom and large linen cupboards will come in handy for families.

Another handy feature of this home is the massive storage cupboard off the lounge, which can be locked. While this is set up for storage, it could also make a handy small office.

Two driveways, either side of the house, each with its own carport, makes it extremely convenient for the boat or campervan owner.

A fully-fenced backyard contains several outbuildings including a good-sized garden shed and half of the double garage is allocated to workshop space.

Phone Scott for an appointment to view.

Professionals

5 Alpha Avenue, Coastlands

Agent: Scott Jarrett

Phone: (07) 307 0165 or 027 493 8019

Price: Offers, guide $435,000

Viewing: By appointment

STOP MOTION: Beetle (Matthew McConaughey), Kubo (Art Parkinson) and Monkey (Charlize Theron) head out on an epic adventure.

Kubo and the Two Strings

• Drama; Cert PG, contains violence and scary scenes; 1hr 32mins
• Starring: Charlize Theron, Art Parkinson, Ralph Fiennes, Rooney Mara, George Takei and Matthew McConaughey
• Director: Travis Knight

IF it seems incongruous that Matthew McConaughey and Charlize Theron are starring in a story set in ancient Japan, this could be because the production is wholly American.

Despite being one of the greatest film-making nations in the world, the most Japanese input this film has is a small voice role by George Takei (Zulu from Star Trek).

Despite this, Kubo and the Two Strings is completely captivating from beginning to end. The stop-motion animation about a boy who can make his origami characters come to life by playing music on his shamisen is utterly magical and beautiful.

The main character of Kubo is voiced by Art Parkinson, (Rickon Stark from Game of Thrones).

Theron plays Monkey, a wooden charm brought to life by his mother’s magic to protect Kubo. McConaughey also comes to his aid as a confused samurai who has been turned into a beetle and had his memory wiped.

Kubo is pursued by his grandfather the Moon King (Ralph Fiennes) and a pair of evil aunties (Rooney Mara).

The ending is a little trite, and has clearly been tacked on so as not to upset the kiddies, but it’s a small quibble in an otherwise delightful film.

9/10

diane.mccarthy@whakatanebeacon.co.nz

PICTURE PERFECT: This Cape Cod-style three-level home is picture perfect with elevated views. Open2view Matt Lowe

THIS three-level, Cape Cod-style Coastlands home is situated on an elevated section at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac.

With three bedrooms, a rumpus room and great outdoor-living areas it will make a wonderful family home.

The well-established home receives all day sun, has three heat pumps, one on each level, and has been recently re-jibbed and re-insulated, making it very cosy in winter.

Starting on the top level. The spacious master bedroom with its cathedral-style ceilings has a generous-sized en suite bathroom, a walk-in wardrobe and the A-frame roof allows for plenty of storage cupboards.

A look out the window in the morning sets you up for the day as the views of White and Whale islands through the dormer windows are tremendous.

The second bedroom is also on this floor and has the same view through the front-facing windows, with the added bonus of views of Putauaki across the Rangitaiki Plains as well.

The main living areas are on the second floor, which has stairs leading up to a balcony at the front and opens directly onto the deck and lawn at the back. An open plan area has a tiled kitchen and dining area leading onto the deck.

An extra-wide oven, five-burner gas hob, self-closing drawers and cupboards and pull-out larder make it a great kitchen for the large family that likes to entertain.

The living area overlooks the front lawn, facing toward the beach and is warmed by a heat pump.

Along the hallway is the third bedroom. This room is a good-sized double and also overlooks Whale Island.

The main bathroom, with separate toilet, is also on this level. These are both fully tiled in white with red detailing.

The extra-deep bath is perfect for relaxing and with a gas hot water system you can afford to soak to your heart’s content. A shower enclosed with curved doors and stylish vanity make up the picture. The laundry room opens out to the clothes line area at the back.

Downstairs there is a large rumpus room with a large, lockable cupboard under the stairs and a heat pump.

A double, internal-access garage provides plenty of space for a workbench or chest freezer.

Part of the downstairs level has been left as a storage space for kayaks, surfboards and other beach equipment, but has potential to be converted into a workshop or separate apartment.

The backyard has a large deck, fenced on all sides, making it private and sheltered. The backyard has concrete edging around the easy care gardens making them easy to keep tidy.

The front lawn is also fully fenced but a concreted parking bay has been added providing a convenient place to park the boat or caravan.

Professionals

29 The Glebe, Coastlands

Agent: Andy Stretton

Phone: (07) 307 0165 or 027 288 8254

Price: By negotiation - guide $545,000

Open home: Sunday 1.30 to 2.15pm

HOLD YOUR HORSES: Judah Ben-Hur (Jack Huston) in the chariot-racing scene made famous by the 1959 Acadeny Award-winning version of Ben-Hur.

Ben-Hur

• Drama; Cert M, contains violence; 2hrs 15mins
• Starring: Jack Huston, Toby Kebbell, Morgan Freeman, Nazanin Boniadi, Haluk Bilginer and Rodrigo Santoro
• Director: Timur Bekmambetov

IT takes a brave filmmaker to remake of an icon of Hollywood’s golden era like Ben-Hur.

There were always going to be unfavourable comparisons, but I don’t feel the movie deserves to be the epic box office flop it has been heralded as.

While critics have complained about too much CGI, lack of a personal touch and unoriginal ideas, I think where it really falls down is in its leading man.

Jack Huston (Boardwalk Empire), while a fine actor, simply doesn’t have the screen presence to carry the Charlton Heston role.

With Tom Hiddleston, the original choice to play Judah Ben-Hur, in the lead role, I feel the box office and critics may both have been a little kinder.

Toby Kebbell (Fantastic Four) as his adoptive Roman brother and ultimate nemesis, easily outshines Huston in just about every scene they share.

I was excited when I learned the New Testament biblical epic was to be directed by Russian Timur Bekmambetov, best known for supernatural thriller The Night Watch and its sequel, Day Watch.

Sadly, his unique style appears to have been swallowed up by Hollywood to give this film a very similar tone to the 59 version, which may also be what has many critics baying.

The film is enriched with a very international support cast, including Brazilian actor Rodrigo Santoro as Jesus, who has much more of a hands-on part in this story than in the 1959 version.

Stunningly beautiful Iranian-American actress Nazanin Boniadi plays Judah’s love interest Esther, while Israeli Ayelet Zurer plays his mother Naomi as a woman of great strength.

SERIOUS: Below, Morgan Freeman plays the Nubian sheik who rescues Judah from slavery.

It’s almost obligatory to include a Game of Thrones actor in any cast these days and here it is rising star Danish actor Pilou Asbaek (Euron Greyjoy) as Roman prefect Pontius Pilate. After landing such plum roles as these, I’m expecting to see much more of this actor in future.

Of course, no biblical epic is complete without Morgan Freeman and in Ben-Hur he plays the role of Sheik Ilderim, the Nubian businessman who rescues Judah from slavery and turns him into a chariot racer.

The chariot race set piece was always going to be the highlight of the movie and it would have been incomplete without lots high-action crashes. I’ll take CGI over cruelty to all those horses any day.

I found the race scenes far more convincing than Freeman’s very fake-looking dreadlocks.

6/10

diane.mccarthy@whakatanebeacon.co.nz

WEIGHING IN: Toby Salmon supervises the weighing of a boar at last year’s Waiohau Hunting Competition. Photos supplied

THE Waiohau Hunting Competition will be staged for the fourth time this week, starting on Friday and finishing on Sunday.

Organising committee member Paula Smith said hunters were coming from as far away as Taupo and Northland, and the event was growing every year.

Organised by the Waiohau Marae Reservation Trust, the competition raises funds to restore and renovate the marae.

Mrs Smith said Eastern Bay businesses had been generous with sponsorship and spot prizes.

After many years of contract milking around the Waikato-Bay of Plenty region, Mrs Smith returned to Waiohau with her husband to take over the family farm at the time the hunting competitions started.

A keen hunter, it was natural for Mrs Smith to become involved with organising the event.

Waiohau Marae Reservation Trust committee member Rob Hare said her input had been valuable.

“Paula’s married into the whanau down there. She’s been a great asset to us in terms of her networks within the hunting scene and also within sponsorship networks. She’s got some great ideas.”

He said other key members of the Waiohau hunt were the judging-scrutineers team of Toby Salmon, Jade Dimitro, Kotahitanga Dimitro and Toma Dimitro.

“Without them we would not have the certified expertise to judge the kills at weigh in.”

Mrs Smith said she expected this year to be bigger than ever. Although entries were still coming in, they were preparing to provide a hangi meal – free for all competitors – for between 150 and 200 people this year.

For the adult hunters the focus will be on boars and stags, with first, second and third-place cash prizes for the heaviest boar and heaviest stag, first and second prizes for best measured tusk, and a $1000 average-weight boar prize.

Children are not forgotten and there are prizes for the seven- to 12-year-old who catches the heaviest possum, hare or rabbit, or, alternatively, the most possums, hares or rabbits.

Mr Hare said the competition was an annual fundraiser. Enough had been raised now to enable a start to be made building a new wharekai (dining room and kitchen).

Mr Hare said the trust planned to open the new building in November, however, it also planned to continue the competition as it was so popular and there was still a lot more fundraising to be done.

He said the wharekai was the second stage of the renovation. The first was a new ablution block in 2011. The third stage would involve restoring the tipuna whare (ancestral meeting house).

Weigh-in for the three-day hunt will be at the Waiohau Rugby Club on Sunday, September 4, between 11am and 3pm.

diane.mccarthy@whakatanebeacon.co.nz

SOLID IN BRICK: This solid home is situated in a very quiet street with lots of green space. Photos Matt Lowe Open2View

This two-bedroom home is a great find for someone looking for an entry-level property in a town where the housing market is set to grow.

Forsyth Street is a popular area of Opotiki, with the banks of the beautiful Waioeka River, with its popular whitebaiting spots, just across the road.

There’s lots of green space and a walkway along the stopbank right on your doorstep.

The supermarket is practically next door and the town centre is within walking distance, yet the vibe is practically rural.

Located on a fully-fenced rear section, the house is very private.

Solidly structured with brick cladding and aluminium windows, this home is low maintenance and perfect for someone looking to downsize.

With a carport attached to the house, a compact section and shady trees, this would equally make an ideal spot for someone looking for a first home.

The interior has been decorated in neutral tones for an up-to-date, modern look.

The open plan living area has a ranchsliding door leading outside from the dining area.

Frosted glass windows make it a very light, sunny space.

The two bedrooms are good-sized doubles with built in wardrobes.

There is great potential for improvements to the well-cared for property.

Don’t hesitate on this one, call today to book a viewing.

Harcourts

48A Forsyth Street, Opotiki

Agent: Barry Hennessy

Phone: (07) 315 5245 or 027 4158 629

Price: $179,000

ALBUM RELEASE: Ricky Gervais is David Brent, musician.

David Brent: Life on the Road

• Comedy; Cert M, contains offensive language, sexual references and content that may offend; 1hr 36mins
• Starring: Ricky Gervais, Ben Bailey Smith, Jo Hartley
• Director: Ricky Gervais

RICKY Gervais seems to have lost some of his caustic edge in his old age.

But then, perhaps this is just what he is like without his old writing partner, Stephen Merchant.

First it was Derek, a television series where he played his most sympathetic character yet. Now, in David Brent: Life on the Road, he revisits the character that first lifted him to fame in television show The Office – and somehow makes him likeable.

Though just as pathetically deluded and nail-bitingly socially awkward as ever, Brent somehow manages to win the viewer’s sympathy as he strives for greatness.

Life on the Road catches up with him a few years after The Office. Brent is financing a tour with his newly formed band, Foregone Conclusion Mark II. They are basically a bunch of session musicians he is paying to play his songs.

The film is a bit like watching a comedian dying on stage for 90 minutes. But if you are familiar with Gervais, you’ll know that he’s laughing enough for everyone – just not for the cameras.

The highlight of the film for me is the soundtrack. With about eight new original songs Gervais has written with Andy Burrows, who plays the drummer for Foregone Conclusion, including Please Don’t Make Fun of the Disabled, and Native American, it is truely cringe-worthy.

7/10

diane.mccarthy@whakatanebeacon.co.nz

TIDY: This well-presented, as-new home is situated on 4.6 hectares of flat pasture in Awakeri.
Open2view Matt Lowe

THIS modern three-bedroom home, set on a 4.6-hectare lifestyle property in Awakeri, is beautifully presented and perfectly adapted to its setting.

Surrounded by the flat, fertile, well-fenced pasture Awakeri is known for, this property comes with a well-established orchard that includes apricot, cherry, nectarine, plum, pinenut and citrus trees, amongst others.

The home is well situated to make the most of the sun and outlook, with peaceful rural views extending over the surrounding dairy farm and beyond.

Whale Island can be seen from the north-facing deck, while a large outdoor living and barbecue area on the southern side makes a superb retreat from the heat of summer.

The home has open-plan dining and lounge areas with access to outdoor living areas on either side of the house.
Ranch sliding doors opening from the lounge, the master bedroom and even the garage are all fully screened so there are no flies on this home.

Carpets, walls and drapes throughout are all in new condition and the dining area has a fitted dresser.

The kitchen is modern, bright and easy to work in, featuring a gas cooking hob, pantry and views to the west. The master bedroom, to the west of the living area, has large wardrobes and storage cupboards and an en suite with toilet and shower.

The remaining two bedrooms are at the far end of the house, providing privacy.

The main bathroom is located close to the back door with a bath with overhead shower, lots of linen storage, a separate toilet and separate vanity-hand basin area. Perfect for guests.

A heat pump and double glazing on the upper windows keeps the home comfortable in all weathers.

An internal-access double garage provides space for a workshop or storage area and also houses the laundry. There is plenty of concrete-paved parking and turnaround space.

Vendors are seeking offers for this very attractive lifestyle property and have given $620,000 plus gst on the land value (may be zero rated) as a guide for prospective buyers.

Professionals

52b Awakeri Road, Awakeri

Agent: Maurice Butler

Phone: (07) 307 0165 or 027 451 4395

Price: Offers - guide $620,000 plus gst
on land value

Viewing: Sunday 2pm to 2.30pm

GREAT KIWI: Richie McCaw is only really interesting when he is on the rugby field. Photos supplied

Chasing Great

• Documentary; Cert G; 1hr 45mins
• Starring: Richie McCaw
• Director: Justin Pemberton and Michelle Walshe

I WAS hoping one of the rugby fans in our office was going to step up to review Richie McCaw Chasing Great.

As probably the only New Zealander who has never sat through 80 minutes of rugby in his life, I felt distinctly unqualified.

That’s not to say I am not in awe of King Richie. This is someone who represents every quality deemed valuable in a Kiwi man – strong-minded, hard-working, understated, respectful – and a little bit shy.

It would just be nice if attainments in other arenas were lauded as much as chasing a ball around a field.

I’d love to tell you this film is not just about rugby – that it is about success, and what it takes to attain it. But really, it’s mostly about rugby.

There are not even any great revelations. As someone who knows less about rugby than anyone else I know, it’s saying something that I didn’t learn anything I didn’t know before.

As McCaw’s life did, the film starts with opening landscape shots of mist-shrouded Canterbury countryside. We watch home videos of McCaw as a child, goofing around with younger sister Joana, climbing mountains, living an idylic rural New Zealand childhood.

We learn via voiceover that from the age of about 13 he remembers feeling the determination to be the best at whatever he did. However, what inspired that desire is not revealed.

YOUNG RICHIE: Home video footage of Richie McCaw as a young rugby player.

Was it in his upbringing? Was it something his parents instilled in him? Is it simply genetically imprinted from birth? I still don’t know.

One of McCaw’s best-loved attributes is his natural shyness, and this awkwardness in front of the camera comes across strongly in the early parts of the film. This can best be described as adorable.

It’s not the greatest sports documentary every made. As girlfriend Gemma Flynn puts it, “The extraordinary thing about Richie is how ordinary he is”. And while that’s great for him, and great for New Zealand rugby, it doesn’t make for the best movie fodder. The only place McCaw is interesting is on the rugby field.

So this is really just an opportunity for fans to bask in his glory for the best part of two hours and reminisce over the pivotal moments of his career. It’s not unpleasant. McCaw looks great on the big screen.

However, there is inspiration to be found and lessons for young players about goal setting and what it takes to be a winner.

6/10

diane.mccarthy@whakatanebeacon.co.nz

SUNNY: Sun-drenched decks face the sea off the upstairs living area.

With ocean views, four bedrooms and two living rooms, this two-storey family home has lots to offer for those looking for a beach lifestyle.

WITH four bedrooms and two living rooms this two storey family home has lots to offer.

Situated beside a beach access path at the end of Esplanade Rise, an off-shoot from Captain’s Cove cul de sac, this modern home is perfect for those looking for a beach lifestyle.

Ocean views can be enjoyed from the wide, upstairs deck, which stretches the front of the house.

With the north-facing aspect Whale Island almost seems to be at your feet. The open-plan main living areas open onto this deck through two sets of bi-fold doors.

Beautiful tiled floors throughout the main traffic areas fit perfectly with the beach lifestyle.

The stylish kitchen with black marble benchtops, island bench and gas hob is ideal for entertaining. The sun-drenched dining and lounge areas open onto the deck.

Two of the four bedrooms are also upstairs, one of which would make a convenient and spacious office or nursery. This home doesn’t stint on bathrooms and the upstairs one has a luxurious spa bath and a glassed- in wet area shower.

Downstairs the front door opens to a tiled entranceway with a door leading to the internal access double garage. The two downstairs bedrooms have double wardrobes and share the generous downstairs bathroom, which has another wet-area shower and a bath. The downstairs living room or rumpus room has a double wardrobe as well and ranch sliding doors providing separate outdoor access.

The home is kept warm in winter and cool in summer by a heat pump and heat transfer system and gas hot water heating makes it economical on electricity. This home is also wired for entertainment with Xantech audio-video receiver systems fitted thoughout the house, upstairs and down.

The easy-care sections includes space to park a boat or campervan and plenty of turn around area – great for a family with multiple vehicles.

This is a terrific opportunity for a family wanting plenty of space and beachside luxury living.

Professionals

5 Esplanade Rise, Coastlands

Agent: Dean Cole

Phone: 07 307 0165 or 027 2808 927

Price: Offers - guide $650,000

Open home: Sunday, 2pm - 2.30pm