OPINION: If you're looking for something good to watch this Easter, there are plenty of choices out there, which is probably a relief given how the weekend weather is not looking all that great.
From a monster smash to a new Kiwi film, these are the flicks that are worth your time over the Easter long weekend.
Kong x Godzilla: The New Empire (in cinemas)
Sometimes there's nothing better than check-your-brain-at-the-door entertainment and this monster movie from Adam Wingard is a great example of it.
From kaiju smackdowns to cheesy moments, it's the kind of film that was made for the big screen - no matter how forgettable it is.
Kung Fu Panda 4 (in cinemas)
In case you missed it, Jack Black is back and in New Zealand helping promote his latest panda animation.
Set eight years after the last film, Po the Dragon warrior (Black in exuberant, enthusiastic form) is sent on a quest with a troublesome fox (Awkwafina, displaying great chemistry) to save the Valley of Peace from new threat, the Chameleon.
Ideal family entertainment that won't tax the brain too much, and represents a passing of the torch for the franchise.
The Mountain (in cinemas)
A new Kiwi film is always worth your support. This debut from director Rachel House (who also stars in Kong x Godzilla) centres on a trio of kids who are determined to climb Mt Taranaki.
Dealing with weighty issues such as child cancer, errant parents and grieving families, The Mountain could have been bogged down with mawkishness. Make no mistake, it has heart and humour, but it plays fast and loose with what you'd expect of a movie like this.
Plus, Mount Taranaki looks incredible on the big screen.
Road House (Prime Video)
Jake Gyllenhaal is all muscly again in this remake of the '80s Patrick Swayze B-movie.
While there are minor tweaks from the original story, this one sets up Gyllenhaal's ex-MMA fighter Elwood Dalton as a bouncer in the Florida Keys, who finds his owner's bar and livelihood threatened by a gang of thugs who want the land for evil purposes.
More a guilty pleasure than a sweet, sweet remake, director Doug Liman's film is notable for actual MMA fighter Conor McGregor's OTT villain - who seems to think he's in a Looney Tunes movie judging by the scenery-chewing he's doing.
Ghostbusters Frozen Empire (in cinemas)
Busting may not make all of us feel good (we're looking at you, Kate Rodger) but the latest Ghostbusters film has a touch of nostalgia for fans of the original '80s movies.
When the 21st Century Spengler family head to New York and that iconic Ghostbusters HQ fire station, they find the city under threat once again thanks to a mystical orb that holds an ancient evil.
Ghostbusters Frozen Empire manages to make two hours fly by, and while it's not great by any means, it's a solid family choice for an outing over the long weekend.
Wicked Little Letters (in cinemas)
A delightful foul-mouthed funny treat, this apparently true story features Olivia Colman as a prim devout woman who believes her rough and ready Irish neighbour (Jessie Buckley) is behind a series of potty-mouthed poison pen letters sent her way.
It may be scabrous, but thanks to the wonderful Colman and Buckley's performances, this is a veritable laugh-out-loud film that's a real crowdpleaser.
Married at First Sight Australia (ThreeNow)
We're down to the knotty end of the social experiment that's seen so many twists, turns and tantrums over the past eight or so weeks.
But as the final couples head to their Final Vows, plenty of dirty laundry is about to be aired - and will probably be talked about at the watercooler for days to come.
Every episode so far is on ThreeNow to binge, so don't be afraid to indulge your inner voyeur - but maybe don't use these people as a basis to pass judgement on your own relationship...
Darren Bevan is Newshub's digital entertainment editor.
