This lovely home just along the road from Otakiri School is the perfect lifestyle property
for people who would still like to have a lifestyle.

THIS 3200-square metre block is a manageable size and has been set up for easy maintenance. It is surrounded by farmland, offering peace and privacy. Grazing areas around the house come complete with a couple of sheep to keep the grass down.

Situated amid a very caring and friendly community, families will love the beautifully-presented, four-bedroom character home.

Set well back from the road, the long driveway leads to a wide parking area in front of the separate garage, workshop and carport. A porch shelters the front door, but this is the countryside, so head around to the business-end of the house and step up onto the wrap around veranda to a warm welcome.

Despite its cute, cottage looks, this home is fully up-to-date when it comes to heating and insulation, and the roof of both the house and garage have been newly painted and weatherproofed.

Linger a while on the veranda to take in the huge backyard, with several storage sheds, a barbecue area with a pizza oven-style fireplace and large goldfish pond.

Just inside is a large utility area that includes laundry, storage space, a place to kick off your gumboots, and a handy extra toilet just off to the side. It even includes a kitchen sink, making it easily double as a scullery area. Head through to the big farmhouse kitchen and dining area warmed by a free-standing wood fire.

This fireplace has a wetback to heat water and a heat transfer system to spread the warmth throughout the house.

There are also heat pumps in the living room and the master bedroom to make life simple.

For those hot, summer months, all the windows are fitted with flyscreens so you can feel comfortable opening up the doors and windows.

The separate lounge opens out to the wrap-around north-facing veranda on two sides through French doors.

Along the hallway off the lounge are the three double and one single bedrooms. The single bedroom can be set up as an office as the double wardrobe opens up to a desk, or it would also be a great bedroom for a student or guest bedroom.

The bathroom is huge, with a wet area shower, bath, toilet and vanity. Terracotta coloured tiles on the floor and white tiling on the walls make this a hard-wearing and attractive space.

The owners have loved living here for the past 12 years but it is now time to downsize and pass it on to a new family to enjoy.

This property is being marketed as a set sale date. Offers need to be in by 4pm on April 4.

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Harcourts

678 Otakiri Road, Otakiri
Agent: Nigel Merry
Phone: 07 308 6359 or 027 476 8142
Price: Expecting interest above $470,000
Open home: Sunday, 3pm to 3.45pm

DON’T miss the opportunity to purchase this impressive home in one of Whakatane’s most prestigious neighbourhoods.

Situated above beautiful Otara-wairere Bay this elevated home has a massive 350-square-metre floor area arranged over two levels, with six bedrooms, three living areas and three bathrooms.

The north-facing home has been designed to optimise the extensive ocean views, which cannot be built out.

White Island takes a central pride of place in the ocean view and can be seen from most areas of the house.

Natural wood French doors, divided-light sash windows and a large, open brick fireplace combined with lavish chandeliers and window dressings give the home a style of rich, rustic opulence.

The main, open-plan living area, which includes lounge, dining and kitchen, is located upstairs and is flooded with sunlight from the north and east.

The French doors open to the upstairs veranda, which wraps around the home.

More French doors open from the separate formal lounge, which can be closed off for privacy, and the bedrooms.

The enormous kitchen is the hub of the living area, with wooden benchtops and breakfast bar, double wall oven, ceramic top stove and tiled splashback.
In-sink waste disposal, water filter and rangehood make for comfortable living.

The formal lounge area, which can be closed off for privacy around the brick fireplace.

A hallway runs the impressive length of the upstairs with five bedrooms, one with en suite bathroom, leading off it. It also has the main bathroom, complete with chandelier and claw-foot bath, a separate shower room, and two separate toilets, one at either end of the hallway leading off it.

Plenty of cupboard space is provided and near the back door is the large laundry room before we head out to the backyard filled with fruit trees and raised vegetable and herb gardens.

Fruit includes avocado, grapevines, apples, pears, peaches, nectarines and several varieties of citrus.

Downstairs is the sixth bedroom, with its own en suite bathroom and attached living room, making it perfect as a guest room for holidaymakers or for family members.

An internal access double garage has an extra high stud and a workroom with lots of natural light.

The 1452-square-metre section will accommodate campervans, boats and multiple off-road parking sites.

Situated between Ohope and Whakatane in one of the most naturally beautiful areas of New Zealand, with the nearby walking track down to Otarawairere Bay just a few metres away, this is a unique property that could put you on top of the world.

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Professionals

112 Otarawairere Road, Ohope
Agent: Trudy McKinnon
Phone: 07 307 0165 or 021 1223 044
Price: $1,485,000
Open home: Saturday and Sunday,
1pm to 2pm

Tomb Raider Action-adventure; Cert M, contains violence; 1hr 57mins Starring: Alicia Vikander, Walton Goggins, Dominic West, Daniel Wu, Kristin Scott Thomas and Nick Frost Director: Roar Uthaug IT’S debatable whether we really needed a Tomb Raider reboot. Considering it started life as a video game, I thought Angelina Jolie had pretty much nailed it. The […]

Death Wish Crime thriller; Cert R16, contains graphic violence and offensive language; 1hr 47mins Starring: Bruce Willis, Vincent D’Onofrio, Dean Norris, Elisabeth Shue and Jack Kesy Director: Eli Roth IN 1974, Death Wish, starring Charles Bronson, was denounced by critics for its support and glorification of vigilante justice. In 1974, Death Wish, starring Charles Bronson, was […]

WITH a fully self-contained, two-bedroom living area downstairs, and a three-bedroom home upstairs, this Ohope home offers plenty of options for a new owner.

This two-storey home is ideally located just a short walk from both Ohope Beach and Ohiwa Harbour.

Whether you want to live upstairs and keep the downstairs for a boarder or family member where they can enjoy the comfort of having their own space, or use it as bed-and-breakfast accommodation for guests, you can’t
go wrong.

The upstairs and downstairs each have their own separate power and hot water cylinders, full kitchen and living and outdoor areas.

Upstairs can be reached by stairs to the north-facing balcony running the full length of the front of the house, or by a second set of stairs leading to the trellis-shaded patio by the back door.

Whether you are wanting to soak up the sun on the north side of the house or escape the heat in the shade at the back, there is always a great
outdoor option.

As you step inside you are welcomed by a generously-sized open- plan kitchen, dining and lounge area.

Ranchsliding doors open from the lounge to the balcony, soaking the room with sun from the north and east.

A hallway leads to the bedrooms, which have good-sized built-in wardrobes.

The main bathroom has a bath and vanity while the shower is located in a second bathroom, which doubles as a laundry. The toilet is separate.

The self-contained living area downstairs has a covered-in carport with a garage door on the front.

This is presently set up to be used by the downstairs tenant, with a door connecting them.

The downstairs open-plan lounge and kitchen opens out to the attractive front lawn and patio area, sheltered by the upstairs balcony.

Two double bedrooms lead off this room. The kitchen is fully-equipped and includes a dishwasher. A bathroom also leads off the main living area.

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Ohope Beach Realty

166 Harbour Road, Ohope
Agent: Jenny Power
Phone: 07 3125005 or 027 491 8725
Price: Sale by auction

The Party

• Comedy, drama; Cert M, contains violence, offensive language and drug use; 1hr 11mins
• Starring: Timothy Spall, Kristin Scott Thomas, Patricia Clarkson, Bruno Ganz, Cherry Jones, Emily Mortimer and Cillian Murphy
• Director: Sally Potter

FINALLY, a film staring a mature ensemble cast of Britain’s acting royalty that isn’t a condescending, cutesy romantic comedy.

This sharp, suspense-driven black comedy provides a mystery that will keep you guessing until the final scene.

Kristin Scott Thomas (The English Patient) plays the host of the titular party, Janet, who is celebrating her appointment to shadow minister of health.

Already, we begin to see that the title of this film has more than one meaning.

The fact that the party is not going to end well is foreshadowed with an opening scene in which Janet opens the door pointing a gun at an unknown person. Hey, we’ve all had nights like that – right?

Timothy Spall is Janet’s husband Bill, who, for most of the film, is in charge of the jazzy soundtrack that plays an important role in the film.

Spall is just one of many characters bursting with secrets that are about to be revealed.
Patricia Clarkson (Pieces of April) plays Janet’s oldest friend, who announces early on that she and her yoga-loving husband (Bruno Ganz) are separating.

Emily Mortimer (The Newsroom) and Cherry Jones (24) play a lesbian couple who are pregnant with news.

Cillian Murphy, who arrives in a highly agitated state with a gun in hand is the catalyst that will set the drama in motion.

Filmed entirely in black and white, writer-director Sally Potter creates a clever, witty social satire that is made all the better by being half an hour shorter than your average film.

8/10

diane.mccarthy@whakatanebeacon.co.nz

This fertile grazing block is located in good-quality cattle-raising country with its own independent water supply. WELL-developed grazing properties in the Bay of Plenty are always in strong demand, but few good ones come to the market. Situated along Manawahe Road, halfway between Matata and Rotoma, this area has a reputation for good, strong country […]

THIS three-bedroom home in Kawerau would make a great starter home for a young family or a reliable rental property.

Situated on Grey Street, it is central to everything, including the central business district and schools.

The weatherboard home, with tiled roof is one of Kawerau’s original 1950s homes and built to last. With aluminium windows fitted throughout, you can’t go wrong. It has recently had new carpet and lino laid right through, from the laundry to the living room and newly-painted interior walls, it is bright and fresh, ready for a new family.

The backyard is fully fenced making it safe for young children and there is a mature lemon tree with lots of fruit.

There is lots of space on the front lawn as well, whether you want to turn it into a garden, keep it in lawn, or use it as an extra parking area.

The separate garage behind the house has a freshly-painted rumpus room or studio-office space attached.

The main entrance opens to the hallway off the kitchen, but a covered in porch at the back door is the perfect place to kick off your shoes and hang your raincoat before entering through the separate laundry.

All-day sun streams in the north facing windows to all three bedrooms and the open-plan living room, while the dining area and kitchen faces east for morning light.

The main feature of the living room is the free-standing log burner, which sits on a tiled platform and is backed by brick wall.

The kitchen features a stainless steel bench and has a good, old-fashioned two-door pantry and a rangehood over the stove.

The bathroom has been kitted out with a new vanity, mirror and a shower above the bath.

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Real Deal Real Estate

17 Grey Street, Kawerau
Agent: Wendy Peri
Phone: 07 307 1122 or 022 318 9004
Price: $229,000
Viewing: Sunday, 11.30am to 12pm

ONE person who has immersed herself in the redevelopment of Edgecumbe is former College Road resident Vicky Richards. She and her husband Joe had lived in their home for 22 years, raised their children there, and shared their home with Joe’s parents as they got older. When flood waters burst the stopbank across the road […]

ARLENE Watters was still in bed when the decision was made to evacuate homes on College Road, on the morning of April 6 last year. Living in one of the homes across the road from the breach in the stopbank, she was waiting for her caregiver to arrive to help her with her morning routine. […]

A Quiet Place

• Horror; Cert M, contains violence, horror scenes and content that may disturb; 1hr 30mins
• Starring: John Kasinski, Emily Blunt, Noah Jupe, Millicent Simmonds and Cade Woodward
• Director: John Krasinski

BACKGROUND sound takes a starring role in this film starring and directed by John Krasinski.

Barely recognisable from his best-know role as Jim from The Office, Krasinski is Lee, the rugged and beardy father of a family preyed on by otherworldly predators.

Set in the near future, in which Earth has been overrun by blind creatures that hunt by sound, the family have learned to survive by being very quiet.

Apart from being interesting due to the way the story has been layered in through use of sign language, whispers and visual cues such as newsclippings and, of course, background sound, this is fairly tame horror.

The quietness of the film does much to add to the suspense and give the jump frights more impact. Tension is orchestrated through a soundtrack by horror maestro Marco Beltrami.

There was some speculation that this could be the next sleeper episode in J J Abrams’ Cloverfield series, and it does have that sort of feel about it.

The monsters have a similar look about them to the dungeon dimension invaders from those films and I found myself looking for Cloverfield links even though I knew the film had no connection to Abram’s Bad Robot productions. You can just never be sure with Abrams.

Emily Blunt does superb work opposite her real-life husband as the heavily pregnant mother of three. But the real hero of the film is 15-year-old deaf actress Millicent Simmonds, who plays the couple’s oldest child, Regan.

Regan has a cochlear ear implant, which her father has been trying to fix and her profound deafness can be thanked for the family being able to communicate through sign language.

8/10

diane.mccarthy@whakatanebeacon.co.nz

Set in a private haven of professionally landscaped gardens, this home in
the popular area of Mokorua combines the best of Kiwi living with the latest
in European sophistication and technology.

THIS 1980s home was completely stripped down and rebuilt in 2009-2010 by respected Whakatane builder Jamie Brunsden.

The result is a low maintenance, environmentally friendly and stunningly beautiful contemporary retreat.

Packed with more nifty features than can be mentioned here – from the concealed central heat-pump vents that invisibly warm or cool the interior, to the German-designed super energy saving, bi-directional UPVC windows and doors – a tour of the house is a series of revelations that show the intelligence and artistry that have gone into the renovation.

The garden, created by acclaimed landscaper Blair Dawson, combines terraces of native shrubs and grasses with screens of non-invasive clumping bamboo for privacy.

Stone retaining walls and paths, a walkway made from macrocarpa sleepers, a paved courtyard with romantically fabric-draped trellis and a Zen-like viewing platform overlooking it all creates a magical effect while remaining low-maintenance and a perfect environment for the many tui, kereru and other native fauna that inhabit it.

The home’s large, open-plan living area opens to the courtyard through two sets of French doors.

Inside, discreet technology means you’re in charge, subtly controlling zoned central heating and cooling and multimedia wiring throughout.

Recessed mood lighting leaves no disturbance to the clean lines.

If you prefer the rustic warmth of a wood fire, this is also catered for with a free-standing log burner.

Ideal for entertaining, the downstairs flows seamlessly from lounge to dining to the Pride-designed kitchen.

If you’re a foodie then you have arrived at your happy place: stainless-steel benchtops, African hardwood cabinetry and top-quality, integrated appliances such as a combined microwave and convection oven.

Well-spaced, industrial grade gas burners are moulded into the stainless-steel hob for serious cooking and ease of cleaning.

Behind the kitchen is a discrete butler’s pantry that leads through to the laundry and the garage, and outside to a raised vegetable garden.

The two-car, internal-access garage has a carport attached and extra off-street parking has also been recently added.

The upper level has four bedrooms and two bathrooms and extra storage space in the attic.

As well as a tiled en suite with walk-in floor-to-ceiling glass shower, the master bedroom has French doors leading out to a private and spacious deck.

Solar hot water heating makes the home even more economical to run.

This home is calm and beautiful – it’s one in a million, a must to view.

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Professionals

4 Tudor Rise, Whakatane
Agent: Andy Stretton
Phone: 07 307 0165 or 027 2888 8254
Set sale date: April 17, 1pm
Open home: Sunday, 2pm to 2.45pm

Rampage

•  Action adventure; Cert M, contains violence and content that may disturb; 1hr 47mins
• Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Naomie Harris, Joe Manganiello, Marley Shelton, Jake Lacy, Breanne Hill, Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Malin Akeman
• Director: Brad Peyton

IF you are looking for big, dumb fun these school holidays it doesn’t come any bigger, dumber or more fun than Rampage.

Dwayne Johnson’s traps are more overdeveloped and his tongue more firmly in his cheek than ever in this action adventure about giant mutant animals attacking Chicago.

He plays Davis Okoye, the primatologist in charge of George, an albino gorilla at a United States wildlife centre.

George is one of three animals that run amok after capsules of mutagenic gas falling from an exploded space station turn them into rampaging giants.

This film is action-packed from the first minute, which shows the destruction of the space station that gets the adventure rolling.

Johnson and his ape best friend are very cute together, until they are joined by Naomie Harris (Moneypenny from the most recent James Bond movies). She plays Dr Kate Caldwell, the genetic engineer who unintentionally created the gas and is trying to put things right.

Of course, being a former military special-ops soldier, Davis is able to jump into a helicopter and head after George to try to get him to calm down.

No such luck, as slavering corporate baddies (Malin Akerman and Jack Lacy) draw the giant ape to the centre of Chicago using radiowaves along with a similarly mutated wolf and alligator.

Jeffrey Dean Morgan (Negan from The Walking Dead) hams it up as only Negan knows how as a Government black-ops agent who has the whole shebang packed into an aircraft – apparently for the sole purpose of making the film even more fun.

It all adds up to the sort of absurdist adventure that will have you laughing in all the wrong places and loving every minute of it. It’s nice to see a few Chicago landmarks being smashed to pieces for a change. I guess New York has had all the giant apes it can handle.

Leave reason at the door and just enjoy the thrill ride. The kids will have a ball.

8/10

diane.mccarthy@whakatanebeacon.co.nz

THIS desirable property has been meticulously maintained and is presented to a very high standard.

Located in sought-after Coastlands and built in the early 2000s, the house has recently been revamped with new gardens, stunning outdoor entertaining areas and full, internal makeover, including carpet and curtains.

With contemporary décor inside and out, it looks and feels like a new home.

The living area has a separate dining room and a family room with a central kitchen, which is the hub of the home. The kitchen is well-appointed with good bench and cupboard space and a lovely outlook over the living room to the fabulous outdoor entertaining area.

In addition, there is a formal lounge which opens out to both north and south-facing decks so the property has a great flow – a true entertainer’s delight.

The family home has three generously-sized bedrooms; the master has an en suite and the main family bathroom has a separate shower and bath. The internal access double garage has the laundry tucked away in the corner and there’s plenty of storage space throughout the home. Outside there are fruit trees scattered around the section and the property is fully fenced for the security of children and pets.

The section has been transformed into a gorgeous, beautifully-presented oasis, with privacy and entertaining the key features. The spa pool enclosure is a true delight and has been set up so you can soak in the spa all year round. The spa pool will stay for the new owners to enjoy.

The large deck is perfect for enjoying these pleasant nights and there are different spaces around the section to sit and enjoy your perfect sanctuary. On a practical level, there is a gate at the side of the section which allows off-street parking for the boat, campervan or caravan.

This Piripai house and section are just lovely – the desirable features and striking presentation of the home will suit all sectors of the market – from families, professional couples, retirees or even those looking for a holiday home in the beautiful Eastern Bay.

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XRealty

17 Bunyan Road, Whakatane

Agent: Pat Jarvey

Phone: 07 307 7274 or 027 736 8482

Price: $615,000

Open home: Sunday, 12 to 12.30pm

diane.mccarthy@whakatanebeacon.co.nz

I Feel Pretty

• Comedy; Cert M, contains sexual references; 1hr 50mins
• Starring: Amy Schumer, Michelle Williams, Emily Ratajkowski, Rory Scovel, Busy Philipps, Aidy Bryant, Naomi Campbell, Tom Hopper
• Director: Abby Kohn and Marc Silverstein

MUCH like anything Amy Schumer does, it is hard to know whether to come away from I Feel Pretty feeling offended or affirmed.

The brash comedian puts all of her acting skills into practice to play insecure young office worker Renee, who is obsessed with how she looks – or rather, how she doesn’t look.

Comparing herself to stick-thin fashion models, Renee lives a sad life believing she could only be truly happy and achieve her goals if she was skinnier and more beautiful.

This is until she is knocked unconsious one day and wakes believing she has magically transformed into the person she has always wanted to see in the mirror. This, of course, gives her the confidence to become what she always wanted to be.

Yes, this film is the latest of many to tackle the issue of negative body image and poor self esteem in a fun, lighthearted way. The fact that it does so by reinforcing every stereotype about what contitutes beauty by parading a lot of supermodels about the screen is probably a good reason not to see it if you actually have real issues.

If, however, you are simply a fan of Schumer’s brazen, cheeky humour you won’t be disappointed.

She is joined by Michelle Williams in one of her rare comedy roles. Barely recognisable with her frail beauty crushed under too-heavy make-up, she plays Renee’s boss, the managing director of a cosmetics company who is equally lacking in confidence for completely different reasons.

Williams gets her share of the laughs, showing she can do comedy as well as drama roles.

There are also cameos by Naomi Campbell, Lauren Hutton and other stars from the world of modeling.

Shumer is joined by a sprinkling of her comedy-circuit buddies, including Busy Philipps and Aidy Bryant as her misfit best friends and Rory Scovel as her love interest.

Schumer is her usual disarming mixture of self-depreciation and supreme confidence.

Whether viewers find her offensive, empowering or simply annoying will largely depend on themselves.

6/10

diane.mccarthy@whakatanebeacon.co.nz

THIS immaculate three-bedroom beachside home has been beautifully positioned to maximise ocean views that take in all the Eastern Bay.

YOU will always feel like you are on holiday in this 2000-built, two-storey home that has 180-degree views of the beach, yet is cleverly designed in a way that maintains privacy from neighbouring houses.

Upstairs are the main living areas and master bedroom with office, while the remaining two double bedrooms are downstairs.

This makes them perfect for visitors or older children still living at home.

The most eye-catching feature of this home is the elegantly curved ceiling over the kitchen and dining area, which leads out through French doors to the correspondingly curved balcony.

The curved timber ceiling grabs the eye and contrasts beautifully with the vaulted Cathedral ceilings of the living room and master bedroom to either side.

Windows in both of these rooms are positioned to frame perfect views of Whale and White islands.

Though the kitchen is at the rear of the open plan living area, the views can still be appreciated from here, while windows also provide views over the neighbourhood.

The kitchen has varnished timber flooring, an extra wide oven and white tile splashback behind the ceramic stovetop.

Other features are a dish drawer, double sinks and fridge integrated into the cabinetry.

The spacious master bedroom and has a door leading to the balcony and two double wardrobes.

Just next to this bedroom is an office and the upstairs bathroom. This bathroom has bath with overhead shower, stylish porcelain vanity and tiled floor and bath surround.

The toilet is in a separate room off the bathroom.

The downstairs bathroom has a shower but is otherwise similarly configured and the bedrooms are also generously-sized with double wardrobes.

The double garage has internal access. It includes the laundry and space for storage or a workbench and has a door to the backyard.

A large cupboard underneath the stairs provides plenty of storage.

The tidy, easy-care section is fully fenced although a gate provides access for a large boat, campervan or extra cars.

This is beach living at its best.

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Harcourts

102 Ocean Road, Ohope

Agent: David Marshall

Phone: 07 308 6359 or 027 499 8481

Price: $895,000

Open home: Sunday, 2pm to 2.45pm

The Breaker Upperers

• Comedy; Cert M, contains drug use, sex scenes, sexual references and offensive language; 1hr 21mins
• Starring: Madeleine Sami, Jackie van Beek, James Rolleston, Celia Pacquola, Rima Te Wiata, Cohen Holloway and Ana Scotney
• Directors: Madeleine Sami and Jackie van Beek

MUCH as I love a bit of Kiwi comedy I was a bit nervous about reviewing The Breaker Upperers.

With Opotiki hometown hero James Rolleston featuring, Whakatane film producer Ainsley Gardiner in the driving seat, and Taika Waititi in an executive role, a bad review is going to go down in the Eastern Bay like a cold porridge sandwich.

Luckily for me The Breaker Upperers is as irreverent, funny, honest and likable as its cast and crew.

With comedians Madeleine Sami and Jackie van Beek writing, directing and starring in this big screen comedy, laughs are guaranteed.

They play Mel and Jen, whose long-standing friendship was formed in the fiery cauldron of heartbreak.

Together they run a business that, as the title suggests, helps people get out of their relationships in the cleanest, most cowardly way possible.

This leads to all sorts of hilarious capers as the friends impersonate police officers, folk singers and a variety of other personas to carry out their deceitful business.

However, when Cohen Holloway, the man who broke both of their hearts, appears back in their lives, the women must reassess what is important to them.

I love that this movie challenges society’s assumption that any single woman is just marking time until a man – or alternatively, a same-sex partner – comes along.

This assumption is personified in The Breaker Upperers by the gorgeous Rima Te Wiata, who plays Jen’s Real Housewives of Auckland-style mum.

It was also awesome to see Rolleston return to the screen. His innate charisma shows through as a very young and naive client who falls for Mel, across a prohibitively wide age gap, after she helps him break up with the tough and scarey Sepa (Ana Scotney).

The highlights of the film are van Beek’s dance scenes, in which she tries to pass herself of first as a stripper and then as part of a hip hop crew. Both are hilarious.

8/10

diane.mccarthy@whakatanebeacon.co.nz

Isle of Dogs Animated adventure; Cert PG, contains violence and coarse language; 1hr 41mins Starring: Bryan Cranston, Bill Murray, Jeff Goldblum, Edward Norton, Bob Balaban, F Murray Abraham, Tilda Swinton, Scarlett Johansson, Harvey Keitel, Greta Gerwig, Frances McDormand, Liev Schreiber, Yoko Ono Director: Wes Anderson WES Anderson unleashed another world of whimsy in theatres last […]

Deadpool 2

• Action-comedy; Cert R16, contains violence, sexual references and offensive language; 1hr 59mins
• Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Josh Brolin, Morena Baccarin, Zazie Beetz, T J Miller, Brianna Hildebrand, Stefan Kapicic, Jack Kesy and Julian Dennison
• Director: David Leitch

THE first Deadpool movie was such a refreshing departure from the usual Marvel Studios fare that it was a huge hit with me – along with several billion other viewers, of course.

The first Deadpool movie was such a refreshing departure from the usual Marvel Studios fare that it was a huge hit with me – along with several billion other viewers, of course. Ryan Reynold’s irreverent, fourth-wall-breaking asides as the titular character, and meta humour – in which characters reveal an awareness that they are fictional – set it apart from both the Avengers and the more serious 20th Century Fox X-men films.

The trouble with being successful in a new and different way is that, in the world of movie executives, the immediate reaction to success is to order half a dozen more just like it.

Herein lies the flaw with Deadpool 2. It is no longer new and different. It does not push through any new boundaries. It is Deadpool rehashed with more violence and a few new characters.

That’s not to say that people won’t enjoy it. It is still the most violent and most wisecracking  of the Marvel Universe movies I have seen so far. Deadpool’s inability to die has given filmmakers free rein to submit him to torture that turns even my stomach.Of course, Deadpool’s instant healing abilities don’t apply to injuries of his heart, which form the core plot of this film.

The laughs roll in as well, with Deadpool recruiting a new band of sidekicks who he brands X-force. The new recruits include Domino (Zazie Beetz), whose superpower is luck, which turns out to be not nearly as lame as it sounds.Josh Brolin seems to be Marvel’s latest go-to guy for the relatable villain after his appearances as Guardians of the Galaxy bad guy Thanos. As the futuristic Cable, he adds himself to Deadpool’s force.

One area in which this film does break new ground, is in the appearance of young Kiwi actor Julian Dennison (Hunt for the Wilderpeople), not only making it big in Hollywood, but doing so playing a recognisably Kiwi  character.

He plays a young mutant, Firefist, who Deadpool tries to mentor to stop him becoming a supervillain.In the famously zenophobic world of American audiences, it is groundbreaking that he doesn’t even have to fake a mid-western American accent, being openly accnowledged as a New Zealander – a phenomenon I personally attribute to The Taika Effect.

7/10

This three-bedroom home with 20 acres of prime grazing land comes with multiple outdoor living areas, a garage with studio linked to the main home and the ultimate man cave.

SITUATED just outside the Edgecumbe township, this rural property offers seclusion, modern, executive-style living, plenty of land to play with and the perfect work-play space for the man of the family.

As you approach along the electronic-gated driveway, the cedar-clad home is revealed, surrounded by covered decking with several large cobblestone courtyards and paths making the most of the ample space available.

Standing at the end of the driveway, as you look back toward Edgecumbe, your view takes in the 7.9 hectares (20 acres) of prime grazing land included in this property.

Inside, there is a light, open feeling to the home’s open-plan living areas, enhanced by the high ceilings and north-facing aspect, with plenty of French doors opening to the deck and fully-fenced backyard.

A free-standing wood fire in the dining area is complemented by a heat pump for instant warmth and cooling in summer.

The kitchen has a perfectly-framed view of Mount Putauaki from its sliding windows.

Other features include a five-burner gas hob and extra-wide oven.

Past the grand entranceway with lead-light windows is an office, the large, family bathroom with bath and shower, and three bedrooms.

The master bedroom comes with its own en suite bathroom, entered via the walk-through wardrobe.

More French doors open out to the north-facing deck and courtyard. The home has a separate laundry. A covered walkway leads to the main double garage.

This has a room attached that is a wonderful space for a rumpus room or work from home studio or office.

French doors lead off this to a partially walled “secret garden” with masses of potential.

Further from the house is a large, high-stud building with a drive- through garage, a shower and toilet, plenty of workshop space, and two large rooms.

One of these is presently used as a gym, while the other is set up as a relaxing area with a bar, a kitchen sink and French doors leading to a north-facing courtyard.

While the bar itself is not for sale, it is easy to see the potential enjoyment to be had in this space.

The home also has a large double carport and a couple of smaller sheds.

The vendors are expecting interest over $880,000 (plus GST – if any). Make a date to come and view it this weekend.

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Professionals

1031 Matata Road, Edgecumbe
Agent: Maurice Butler
Phone: 07 307 0165 or 027 4514 395
Price: Interest over $880,000 plus GST (on land
value if any)
Open home: Sunday, 1pm to 1.30pm