The new film by Japanese writer-director Kore-eda is an exquisitely slow and finely calibrated study of a family.

Scarlett Johansson sexes up the Iron Man franchise in her role as the femme fatale Black Widow.

Deft but downbeat, this drama is a classy piece of work thanks to a wonderfully deglamorised title-role performance by the lustrous de France.

Pick a palette like a true professional

Wynne Gray looks at possible replacements for the injured Sitiveni Sivivatu.

Given actor/writer Tim Balme's workload, it's amazing he answers interview questions so coherently and affably.

The sequel to the movie that raised Robert Downey jnr's star stocks to an all-time-high, arrives just two years after the original.

The Canberra Raiders haven't beaten the Warriors in Auckland since 2001 - a record the home side would like to maintain.

Winegrowers are increasingly fighting predators with predators, writes Jo Burzynska.

Woe betide anyone who went to Vampire Weekend without learning every single one of Ezra Koenig's incomprehensible lyrics.

The original five-piece, augmented by some ring-ins, made smart energetic work of their short, shallow back catalogue.

Take the mystery out of makeup matching, writes Janetta Mackay.

2010 might be known as the year of the off-the-wall Kiwi music tour.

Jacqueline Smith talks to the new Doctor Who, Matt Smith, about fashion and sexiness.

In an attempt to be this year's answer to The Hangover, Hot Tub Time Machine is another "guys gone wild" comedy.

Of course it would feature screechy stage voices, young girls punching the air and gyrating in ridiculous pointy bustier and fishnet costumes.

This prickly philosophy flick is overly cute, writes Peter Calder.

Fed up with vacuous celebrity scents, perfumer Geza Schoen is teaming up with beautiful minds to inspire his new fragrances.

Jacqueline Smith explains why she has a new opinion on John Mayer after last night's concert in Auckland.

Even something as mediocre as the most recent Hot Chip album would be interesting.

He may have won MasterChef New Zealand last night but Brett McGregor is sticking to teaching.

When the sad day comes for the barbecue to be stored, never fear, Ken Yakitori is here.

Gaylene Preston's family tale is a touching Kiwi wartime classic, writes Peter Calder.

An opponent of raising the drinking age says if John Key was 18 right now, he would be unlikely to support it.

Kati Kasza's father instilled in her a love of plants and the importance of seeking quality.