Sunday, November 30, 2014

Rupert... Is a really nice guy?


NOT, if you have picked up the Australian, the Daily Telegraph or read one of his vile Right Wing employees take shot at anyone who isn't married with two kids, christian, lives in the suburbs and generally struggles to understand change and progress and mainly hates inner city folk who are educated past year 6.

It's fair to say Rupert Murdoch is one of the most powerful men in Australia (and parts of the world) with his media empire an absolute nightmare if you don't agree with him on major issues.

I read a fairly good piece on the play which explains more about it here and you can grab tickets here (discounted) or here full price. I know which one Rupert would choose :)

I know I bang on about press and media in the country a lot. But have you seen how many pieces opinion writers at the Telegraph have written on the ABC recently? As if Budget cuts weren't bad enough, they continue to bash them while they are down. All because the ABC publishes news (and of a lot higher quality) online for FREE. Well to be honest not for free as a tax payer I am happy to get good, balanced (yes it's more balanced than Fox News) news for free and also I am happy to keep the Chaser on TV.

So that said I am not a fan of Rupert or News Limited.

But if you like being told how to think and what to think about Climate Change maybe Rupert is a cool (climate change bad reference - shit I'm tired) dude.

So all in all great to see the divine Jane Turner live on stage, James Cromwell (a fucking legend of TV screen - American Horror Story and Six Feet Under were my personal favourites.) and my mate Scott Sheridan and the dreamy Bert LaBonte. Not to mention a fantastic young Rupert Guy Edmonds.

This is a great bit of fun with lot's of colourful swear words and a nice bit of history. Well it's not nice but history.

Rupert - see it today....



Saturday, November 29, 2014

We are Better Than This


Good luck Labor today in Victoria, it's high time a message is sent to Mr Abbott, Mr Pyne and that lazy Mr Hockey.


Full story can be found here.

Friday, November 28, 2014

Channel Ten actually did a good job with the ARIA's 2014


Look Channel Ten does not have a lot to cheer about, their programming is god awful and 2015 looks like another disgraceful year with poor programming choices and more reality on the way.

So yes well done Channel Ten the ARIA's were great on Wednesday night and for a rather average venue you made the Star Event Centre look not too bad.

Well done where credit is due.

Let's hope they do more in the way of event television and less of reality rubbish.

Thursday, November 27, 2014

When Streaming Music invades the Charts


So this past Saturday night when the ARIA charts went live, it was the first week streaming songs were incorporated into the week's official charts.  I read an article on this recently and was really interested to find out that not only the album itself was dying but now one does not even have to sell their music to chart? What?

Music and it's distribution have changed so many over the past few years and music itself is in such a different place. 2014 has been a great year for many artists but there are few albums which are truly excellent. On my other BLOG where I normally talk the international language of music I have 5 wonderful albums which have meet my strict guidelines to become an album of the year.

Sia, Vance Joy, Chet Faker & Pharrell have lead the way for solo acts in 2014 and The Preatures are killing it in the Groups department whilst groups like the Hilltop Hoods, Flight Facilities, Broods and more have delivered wonderful singles just not complete packages when it comes to albums. Azealia Banks did a Beyonce and drop a wonderful debut (almost 2 years late) and Clavin Harris continues to show he is so much better than David Guetta at getting guests on his album.

So will streaming hurt the charts? Will it show golden oldies start to return to the charts as many of us find ourselves saying "I Like Your Old Stuff Better Than Your New Stuff"? Or will new music win with new songs dropping what feels like every two minutes.

The world of music continues to grow, change and evolve however heading into a Summer without Homebake, Big Day Out or any major International acts touring the large football stadiums it's interesting to think, where will music be in 2015? Will a song like "Happy" from Pharrell become a worldwide hit and inspire thousands of YouTube tribute videos? Will an act like Sia get a worldwide number one album after refusing to tour or speak to anyone about the album? And perform with her back to the camera/crowd in every live performance?

2015 could be interesting, in January we can expect new music from Marilyn Manson, Pond, Kitty, Daisy & Lewis & the big one Mark Ronson.

Who knows what else to expect in 2015, will Big Day Out return for 2016? Will music festivals continue to be a thing? Will Australians continue to smash it overseas (Iggy, Sia, 5SOS)? and will some artists well past their used by (sorry Kylie that includes you and Madonna (PS - where is that new album?)) finally call it a day?

Time will tell and I will be interested to keep an eye on the charts that once required us to spend money and now this is no more. The youth have grown up with torrents and Napster so is music forever destined to be free?

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Film Freak 2014 - The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1


I don't know what to make about the latest instalment of the Hunger Games series, it was well made yes, but these books made into Part I & II's I just don't like it.

I am also having a real Hunger Games week featuring the soundtrack with a lot of help from New Zealand local Lorde over on Flashing off the Record. However you only hear the Lorde single "Yellow Flicker Beat" in the credits at the end of the film.


Jennifer Lawerence again is wonderful & although Liam Hemsworth wears too many clothes throughout the film he is good also.

It is one of Phillip Seymour Hoffman's last appearances (his actual final will be in Part II) and Julianne Moore proves woman can be strong leaders - sorry Alan Jones but it is possible women can be great world leaders/leaders.

I didn't love the ending, as above I think it's a sneaky money grab (mainly since part II is already in the can) making punters wait a whole year to see how it wraps up.

As far as whats on at this cinema right about now, you may as well see this film it's well done, just feels incomplete.

The latest Hunger Games rates 3 Mockingjays.

Sunday, November 23, 2014

Film Freak 2014 - Whiplash


I have only heard amazing things about this film and this weekend I finally caught up with the latest film starring rebooted Footloose highlight actor Miles Teller.

Whiplash is a wonderful film that explores Teller Vs J.K Simmons at a top New York music school and I must saw I was glued to the screen the entire film.

It has been so well reviewed I have to add another good, solid review to this outstanding indie hit.

It's been a fairly good year for film and after the wonderful Gone Girl this is just another wonderful film currently doing the rounds at your local cinema.



Miles Teller continues a good run of films and adds Whiplash to his hit list. Whiplash is all sorts of Jazzy good, and gets 4 drum the fuck out of that kit stars.

PS - Massive language warning on this film, hence I loved it.

Saturday, November 22, 2014

Another Reason Why the ABC is Fab


A real inspiring piece about a fantastic Triple J newsreader. Victorians next weekend is YOUR chance to stand up and defend the ABC, vote wisely so we don't end up only reading media from the likes of Mr Bolt and Ms Not So pretty terribly un Devine.

On a less serious note I hope to bring you another film review this weekend and it's almost the end of the year meaning end of the year wraps are just minutes away.

Chat soon dear readers x

Thursday, November 20, 2014

It's time we really talk seriously about what the ABC & SBS mean to real Aussies


1. It means real news, not cross promotion or what the latest fuck wit on Dancing with the Stars is up to, but real news. Well researched and well presented.

2. Drama that makes you think. Unfortunately drama has left the building on the big three commercial networks. Foxtel (not affordable for all) makes some great dramas Wentworth, Devil's Playground and in the past Love My Way etc. So for those Australians who cannot afford the luxury of Foxtel, and like drama, ABC and SBS are the only two places you will find this.

3. Comedy. ABC is the champion of Australian TV, again the networks have given up on trying to produce home grown comedy and opt to show Modern Family or the latest US trash.

4. iView. Unfortunately again piracy is massive in Australia and this is namely due to poor catch up services offered for Seven, Nine and Ten. iView brings families hours of entertainment for the kids, Peppa Pig, teenagers with ABC2 content and older Australians and the over 20's can yell at the TV to their hearts content with Q&A, Media Watch, great comedies to laugh out loud to as above, fantastic dramas and even more news and current affairs for one to get angry about.

5. Documentaries. Both stations champion this element of Australian entertainment.

6. No fucking shit house Coles ads.

7. The Chaser.

I am furious at Malcolm Turnball for recent cuts and pathetic defence of Mr Abbott. Australian tax payers, if you don't like the ABC you have the right to complain, if your a pensioner or someone not paying tax (like a lot of the dreamy Andrew Bolt readers) stop complaining, tax payers should say where they want their taxes to go and if 86% in a recent newspoll agrees with the ABC & SBS, I am sorry Mr Abbott good luck in the next election but you are sure pissing a lot of people off right now.

Good luck and hopefully good riddance. The village idiot of the G20 summit was one of the best descriptions I have recently read about your recent public (locally and internationally) performance.

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

There needs to be more Wonderful shows like...


Getting On, this is just great in it's second year. I am loving the dry, dark and sometimes laugh out loud (rewind and play back) funny shit.

Good on you HBO, if only Foxtel here would churn out as much quality drama as you and Showtime (US) do it would be a much different TV landscape here.

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Brazouka Makes You Feel like Your on a Cruise Ship.....


or Rooty Hill RSL. Definitely not the normal show one would expect to see at the Enmore Theatre right in the heart of Sydney's Inner West, an idea of hell on Earth for poor old Andrew Bolt.

So the show. Well half the show I left at interval as a woman and her small child were filming the entire show on their iPad so no doubt it will be on YouTube before too long.



Look the show is OK but really it does belong on a cruise ship or better still the pub/rsl circuit. It started off strange and the last thing pre interval (which dance shows should never have - straight through 1 hour 30 minutes pleas producers out there) was just laughable. Braz asking his dad if he can dance in Paris, to a loud NO.

The costumes were colourful but on the cheap side and the cover versions of popular hits from MJ, Katy Perry and Rhi Rhi were like those horrible numbers that are spat out on Dancing with the D Grade Stars. Fuck that show is a train wreck. Like it's reality stable mate right now Big Brother both have struggled to find viewers and other than Daily Telegraph and News.Com.au coverage in intelligent media.

So back to Brazil, look if you want to see some handsome and pretty folk dance around a stage and can't wait to get a ticket on Lastix to Dirty Dancing when they start discounting, this is for you, it leaves Sydney now and moves to Brisbane and Melbourne. I'm sure it will go well head to head with Once in Melbourne which is currently also on the discount circuit.

For tickets and more info go here and the most surprising thing about this whole thing is Billy Connelly's wife is one of the producers, weird hey. Anyway Ok if you have had a few VB's and need to learn a few new dance moves for the work Christmas party.

Monday, November 17, 2014

Film Freak 2014 - Exists


Eduardo Sanchez co director and writer of the late 90's horror film The Blair Witch Project is back with Exists and it's kinda random.



Unfortunately due to large lines (again - I missed it the day before seeing The Drop (see review below) as I got in early, but today - FUCK) I missed the start of the film and basically I don't think I missed much but still, 3 staff working on a Sunday Event Cinema's, really? The line was like all the way out to George Street, literally Event Cinemas no wonder I have brand loyalty to Hoyts, Hoyts at least staffs accordingly.

So to the film and like the Blair Witch Project it's fairly basic but a decent film all the same. I applaud Sanchez for not being extremely gruesome, I applaud Sanchez for teasing us with the monster and only doing the main reveal at the films conclusion.

The cast is so super so so, they barely grow on you the viewer so you barely care when they are picked off one by one as they all make lame decisions and really make one think, how many horror films can be a parody of the genre.

Exists is not all bad and not all good, it's mostly average however this babe made it a little more watchable.

So Big Foot is back on the big screen and rates 2.5 pass mark stars whilst Event Cinemas George Street, hire some more fucking staff you $9.90 large popcorn mother fuckers.

Sunday, November 16, 2014

Film Freak 2014 - The Drop


Critically acclaimed and James Gandolfini's (The Soprano's) final film. Yes the Drop had me at times on the edge of my seat and the second film where the hero/lead had a cute little dog.



Opening this week to a reasonable number of screenings the Drop is the latest in a crime/gritty drama based in a shitty part of the USA.

Tom Hardy was wonderful and left his Bane (The Dark Knight Rises) role at the door. However at times his lines are a little hard to hear as he develops a Brooklyn mumble.

There is a major plot twist that I don't want to go into or it basically ruins the entire film, but this film whilst slow to start really kick starts itself around the halfway mark.

If on this (sort of) cold and wet day you find yourself with a spare two hours, this film is a cut above other crime/dramas around at present.

The Drop it's not perfect but I had a good time and the little puppy in this (unlike John Wick) is a great feature throughout the entire film, 3 Stars.

Saturday, November 15, 2014

Channel Ten's SHOCKING Upfronts for 2015


A miracle was needed for Channel Ten for their 2015 schedule, instead we got a predictable RED HOT MESS. The network is rarely placed any higher than fourth on a nightly ratings game (even the budget troubled ABC continues to offer up higher ratings and much better programming) and if SBS lifted their game I am sure Network 10 would slump to fifth.

Content is king online, on radio and free to air TV or pay TV and the below content is a disgrace.


Some articles like the SMH article are still giving hope to fan favourites Offspring & not so much a favourite but another Asher Keddie vehicle Party Tricks would maybe return in 2015.

Puberty Blues future also remains unresolved and to be honest their best show in years Secrets & Lies (US version to air soon on the ABC (US) network) can't return unless a whole new series/story arc is developed.

Channel 10 clearly didn't read a recent article on News.com.au, listing reality TV as something viewers have grown tired of, repeats and sticking to their schedules. 

In the day Channel 10 had visions, had some decent programming and now it is wall to wall shit, the worst news coverage on free to air television (remember all those redundancies) and a trail of shows which sucked from day one. The Breakfast show with that Kiwi C%^t, Wake Up (their second attempt at a Breakfast TV show), Studio 10 (why on Earth has this not been axed yet), REBOOT So You Think You Can Dance, Everybody Dance Now, I Will Survive and the list just continues. But looking at these titles one thing sticks out: REALITY!

Also any station with this tool on the pay roll I wish you every failure.


I'm sorry but Andrew Bolt is a complete redneck who spreads lies, and brings out prejudices in a modern Australia. Dear Mr Bolt, it's not 1950 anymore honey boo boo child. Wake up the world is changing, it's getting hotter and your opinions (everyone is entitled to an opinion - however) are poorly researched (like your 3AW radio friends - dudes seriously check your callers) and you just make it easy for Media Watch to make you look like a crazed right wing fanatic.

So Channel 10 another year looms, another year of being placed fourth. I know for one I am competitive, you sure must not be cause let's be honest you could do a lot better than the above plan, sorry but y'all really suck.

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Azealia Banks album Finally...


Drops.... yes after originally set for release in September 2012, it now finally sees the light of day. After splitting from her label and going out on her own and releasing this on an indie label it's a miracle it's finally here.

This album is currently my feature over at Flashing off the Record all this week. Yes this is music based posted and would normally live on my other blog but I can't get enough of this album. Since it randomly appeared on iTunes on Friday (much like U2's latest album appeared on all my Apple devices) I have not stopped listening to this wonderful release.

It took forever to come but now that it is finally here we can see how far Azealia has come since 212.

There are tracks fans would know, "212" (as above", "Luxury" from the Fantasea Mixtape, "Yung Rapunxel", "Heavy Metal & Reflective" & the latest cut "Chasing Time". But it's the great album cuts like the MJ Cole produced "Desperado", "JFK" features Theophilus London and "Wallace" finally sees the light of day after tweets and hints from Ms Banks.

A great album delivered in true Beyonce style, no warning but with a great result, it's already had critical acclaim and I am sure the true Azealia fans will rush out and grab this album.

Well done Azealia Banks, you may even be lucky to get an album of the year nod before this year (which is rapidly coming to a close) wraps up. Yes keep an eye on Flashing off the Record for all my end of year wraps and this blog will shine the spotlight on film and maybe even TV this year.

Til then, laters...


Monday, November 10, 2014

Which ad do You Prefer???


OMG vommit! So today Andrew Bolt wrote another vile piece on the ABC, dude give up, it's like me saying how shit reality TV is in this country and how your employer Channel 10 is one of the biggest pile of shit TV networks this country has.

To be honest if Network Ten pay you even $1 for your truly shit house program the Bolt Report I wish them every failure. Currently their shares are fetching $0.27, yes less than $1, wow you must be so proud of the Bachelor and Wonderland, pure trash on free to air. It's no wonder so many Australians download content.

So it's no wonder the Daily Telegraph is now a complete joke and won't even let YouTube viewers comment on this disgraceful TVC.


 OR



Thank god for this now defunct ABC show the Roast, The Daily Telegraph daily is a poor excuse for the news of the world, it's one of the main reasons we have a complete loser as our leader.

Conservative Australia, Bolt wants, well mate it's 2014 and shit has changed so deal with it, you and your Right Wing Hit Squad should all just piss off, your negative hatred of a modern world has past it's use by date.

Wake up Jones, Devine & Bolt, your fan club consists of pensioners who don't even pay tax (funding the great ABC) and bigots who feel their prejudices are valid when opening up the truly fucking horror publication known as The Daily Telegraph.

I work near this publication and god help me if Surry Hills is not one of the maddest places in Sydney.

Sydney choose another paper or like most just read shit online, cause honey boo boo supporting Bolt and crew is almost as bad as voting for another term from Mr Abbott. Free education only if it's for my daughter. Shame on you Mr Abbott and shame on you the Daily Telegraph.

Saturday, November 8, 2014

Film Freak 2014 - Let's Be Cops


The latest film to be released months ahead of Australia in the USA (US release date - 13 Aug 2014), Australian release date - 13 Nov 2014. Thing is, the DVD/Blue Ray comes out in the USA around the exact same time as the Australian release date. How will the Australian box office go with this movie all up and online with decent copies available for download instead of just the usual cams.

With George Brandis going on Q&A suggesting too that online pirates will not be targeted by metadata retention this makes for an awkward position this film is in. It coming out months in cinemas here after the US is just strange. With online BLOG's/Twitter and Facebook also suggesting this film is either great or shit can also make or break the film. Bad reviews overseas = instant bad word of mouth over here.

So now to Let's Be Cops, with piracy against it, how does the latest R Rated (US rating) stand up???



So this film is actually totally lame, it's easily a DVD or iTunes rental or whatever it is these days that you do at home. As much as I have a wee thang for Damon Wayans Jr, not even his sexy ass could save this diabolical comedy doomed for bad reviews and pimple infested teenage screenings. Cause this will only appeal to teenagers who are yet to experience fine comedy.

Sex Tape was this year's biggest disappointment in the comedy department as Cameron Diaz has been on a bit of a roll, however this will stand beside Sex Tape as one of the years least funny films. Thank god for Rose Byrne and her wonderful effort alongside Zac and Seth in Bad Neighbours, still easily one of the best comedies of 2014.

Coming soon to this BLOG a full list of winners for the year in film and let's just say it's been a very hit and miss year for the big screen this year. Here is high hoped for the holiday season and 2015.

Let's be Cops, hows about let's NOT be Cops, 2 Stars, mainly for Wayans.

Friday, November 7, 2014

Film Freak 2014 - Interstellar


The latest Christopher Nolan flick is a departure from the rebooted Batman series (which I totally loved FYI) and is an exploration into Space & Time. Much like Inception it totally left me a wee bit confused and although this film has a massive running time, it moves at a rapid pace and with my usual wee break mid way through I think I missed about 6 major plot points.



McConaughey continues his great run of roles and after loving him sick in True Detective this role again shows how versatile he has become as an actor. For years he did some very average films, The Wedding Planner, Gold Rush & Sahara. But everyone loves a comeback.

Interstellar is a return to blockbuster film making and the return to pure cinema gold. After the wonderful and flawless Gone Girl, the movies are back with some great films, some smart films and not just your run of the mill super hero reboot, action, romance or R Rated comedy.

Interstellar may have confused the pants off me at the end of the film but overall it's pretty alright. I give it a sold scientifically proven 4 Stars. Well done Nolan.

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Film Freak 2014 - John Wick


First up this movie was one on my wish list to see and basically I am happy it was on my list and I am totally happy I have now seen it. After having a bad tummy all this week the violence was so fake and so fast (or just plain stylised as described by David & Margaret on At the Movies this week) that it barely bothered me. And I can say from experience violence now as a 32 year old sometimes bothers me.

John Wick was fast moving and well done on Keanu's behalf, he was wonderful and that poor little puppy.



This film was definitely a lot better than your average action film of 2014. I now know why this has been getting better reviews than your average action thriller of the year. It's hard to cut through in such a crowded market of other films of similar nature or the constant super hero releases.

John Wick is not a superhero but a man out for good old fashioned revenge. It doesn't work so well for Emily on Revenge anymore but John Wick likes revenge served thick and fast.

John Wick rates a Wick-ed 3.5 Stars.

Now to the other highlight today, again Tony Abbott publicly booed. This is not the first time in recent months, the man is clearly out of sorts with the general public.



And this little gem from 2013, GO Seniors, GO!

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

My Movie Wish List


I am deeply suffering from missing my weekly film visits or double or triple features so I take this time (mainly to remind myself) of the current films I wish to see.

So here they are:

1. The Best of Me
- Low priority, but man how hot does James Marsden look and the young Aussie James Marsden character is not half bad too :)



2. Interstellar
- Only opens this weekend so I am sure I have time to catch the next Christopher Nolan blockbuster. To me this one looks interesting.



3. John Wick
- I do like a Keanu film, however session times look limited after only one week at the cinemas. Might have to catch this on DVD. However still on my list. It has got to be better than Boxtrolls right?



4. Tammy
- Really and truly if I get a free ticket and their is a good session time to suit me, I'm in. However Melissa McCarthy needs a new act me thinks.



5. This is Where I Leave You
- Was meant to see this yesterday however thanks to a bad stomach and a virus going around I missed it. However I am really keen on this one. Hopefully the weekend I will be 100% again.



6. A Walk Among the Tombstones
- Looks like every other Liam Neeson film, but hey I do love em and at present I am in film lust.



7. Whiplash
- Slightly more indie than the above films and has had extremely good reviews.



8. Son of a Gun
- Lack of screenings around town means I will proablly miss this Aussie film, there has been very little support for Aussie films at the major cinemas this year. Session times are generally all held for international blockbusters with local films pushed to the side and therefore people wonder why no one locally watches Australian films.

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

I recently read...


The below titled article:

TV networks asking ‘where have all the viewers gone’ as shows fail to break the one million viewer barrier

I read this and thought well the answer is simple and something I have written about countless times. Scrap the reality and start from day one again. The three major networks have completely lost their way, the ABC is always (well generally) ranked third behind Nine & Seven and Channel 10 just floats around aimlessly at fourth.

My main issue in the first part of the article is the "non ratings period", honey boo boo, first problem here, it might be Summer, it might be warmer (and Daylight light savings in some states) but seriously, in a 24/7 news cycle world their is NO room for a lazy two months of programming.

Radio is allowed to try out new announcers, ditch the chat and play a few additional tunes over Summer (well at least JJJ does the others will through on a few more adds and some best bits (or 2DAY FM's case - worst bits) segments which give Summer announcers time to race out and order an iced latte.

TV on the other hand this is not an excuse to through on Golden Girls, Two & a Half Men re runs and hope to god when the "ratings period" ends and 2015 kicks off (in most states this country comes back alive in February) people return to the networks that have treated them like brain dead corpses for the last two months,

As we are in opposite seasons to the USA and the UK these stations are firing at all cylinders with new programs and returning favourites. Gotham and The Flash are leading the way for the super hero shows whist The Walking Dead is continuing to score massive ratings. Unfortunately for Australia Revenge fans will have to wait until around Feb/Mar to see a show which is already onto it's 6th episode, the same goes for fans of Scandal who must be champing at the bit for her new show How to Get Away with Murder which is currently smashing it ratings wise.

Whilst Australia's wait for these shows to return/start we will have days of re runs, extended news bulletins and the shows held back from the regular season that were predicted failures ahead of screening.

The second part, of course Australia's are bored with what's on offer, new reality series, badly written dramas (Party Tricks - the first episode was dreadful) and American dramas which have already appeared on Foxtel or aired in the states a while ago. Even the US is struggling to launch new reality shows with the BIG budget series Utopia on Murdoch's Fox cancelled very early on in the piece.

The problem with reality TV is, it's getting boring, the casting is sloppy and every era of TV has a time to go (no Big Brother pun intended). The Golden Era of TV has said to be shows like The West Wing, Six Feet Under, Dexter, True Blood and surprise no reality shows make this list.

Drama is key for the three Aussie networks and not shit like Party Tricks cause let's face it when you look at Veep or House of Cards this is just a poor man's copy. Veep is funny, quick and smart, House of Cards is gripping, edge of the seat stuff, Party Tricks is neither of these. The ABC did well with the Code however it's ratings were not steady.

The third part US dramas, they all need to be fast tracked and put on at reasonable times. Not 9:09pm after a long and drawn out Dancing with the C grade Stars, 8:30pm on the dot and try not too load too many ad's in each break.

Getting over the magic million viewers, it will happen but you need to treat your viewers with respect. Leave shows not the same time each week, don't change your schedule, don't run your shows late, don't have a show on one week, have a week off and then resume. It's simple treat your viewers how you would like to be treated. You can read the full article here, but my point is the three networks have to change or stick to one thing:

Channel 7 - Bogan friendly reality giant station. Local content 100% reality.
Channel 9 - Your mans and conservative station. Lose Big Brother and other titles which don't suit the demographic ASAP.
Channel 10 - Drama for the youth (well 16-39). Channel Ten could be great but you need to lose The Biggest Loser, Masterchef, any ideas of ever bringing back Australian Idol, So You Think You Can Dance or any new reality junk, leave it to Seven, they do it better and their audience enjoys that shit.

Each stations currently like a Gemini has split personalities, they need to stick to the above and leave it, grow and once again develop and reward their audiences. Channel 7 could continue to be on top if they just aired wall to wall reality junk, Channel 9 would win some nights with it's sports broadcasts or more conservative dramas and Channel 10 may eventually beat ABC every night if they continue dramas locally like Offspring and Puberty Blues and international dramas that have some smarts and not the run of the mill shit which tends to get the axe one year in.

Channel 7, 9 & 10 programming and marketing departments WAKE UP you're stations are currently super shit, it's no wonder downloads are so high in Australia and the ABC and iView are institutions in a lot of folks homes.

Sorry to the major networks but the future looks bleak unless you embrace some change - ASAP.

Sunday, November 2, 2014

Film Freak 2014 - Pride


Now for a film for the older generation, but like the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel sometimes these films are completely engaging. So without revealing too much it's a great story of the struggle of the miners supported by a group of Gays & Lesbians. It's touching and fun filled and such an easy watch.



Whilst watching this film I thought this had musical written all over it (think Billy Elliot plus gays) and with a little reading of Wikipedia, yes a musical is likely to be on the way.

So after a few weeks away from the comfort of the cinema and a hot (almost Summer's) day, this was perfect. The acting was amazing and the script was fun and to think the world is currently going through another conservative nightmare.

Pride is so full of heart it was hard not to smile ear to ear, I love a UK film at the grey rinse crowd, I have to give Pride four fully gay as stars, just wonderful.

Saturday, November 1, 2014

Ronny Chieng..... Is an extremely Nice Guy


After seeing Ronny Chieng's recent show Chieng Reaction I sat their realising this man (29, 3 years my junior) has made a real impact on the Sydney Comedy scene. Along with fellow JJJ presenters, ABC types Ronny is ticking a lot of boxes and proving he is consistently funny and a great story teller.

A long way away from the previous venue I saw the wonder Mr Chieng (Sydney's Comedy Store - now taken over by Cirque and it's latest Totem) but the charming and fun Riverside Parramatta was my Friday (Halloween) destination for Ronny.

A good sized crowd had come in to see the wonderful talent and he had mostly good reactions from the crowd. It was a different room to the Comedy Store but after previously seeing the wonderful Britney Spears the Cabaret in this room, comedy works and Ronny worked the room well.

It's good for Sydney and good for Comedy if venues like Riverside and the Concourse (out at Chatswood) are utilised to get more crowds into local Comedy. Let's face it the Comedy Store is great but Fox Studios is not super friendly for people to travel to if their is a footy or cricket or Cirque also on.

Recently Ronny & Nazeem hosted Drive on JJJ for a couple of weeks and after years of the Doctor fumbling his way through 2.5 hours Mon-Fri it was such a relief to have two talented folks on the airwaves at those hours of the day when you just can't wait to go home.

I really hope JJJ management give these two a go for the spot next year when we finally see the end of the Doctor. Unfortunately for the Doctor his announcement seemed to backfire as not the joke he intended it to be but a load of criticism for him not leaving earlier. So please JJJ, please.

Ronny will also be in Newcastle tonight so if you keen, click on this.


A big thanks for the foyer photo too Ronny.

Unfortunately he lost out to this sex bomb for the Cleo Bachelor for 2014 but at least a personal trainer and an all round nice guy (but the looks of things) won.


Now bring on the weekend and I look forward to hopefully bringing you a film review ASAP.