Friday, January 30, 2015

#I'mNotDavidNorMargaret, Film Reviews My Way 2015


AMERICAN SNIPER, love it or loathe it Clint Eastwood just keeps churning out hit films and this films is now the highest grossing War film of all time. Taking out Saving Private Ryan.


This film is a little crazy long, however it does keep you on the edge of your seat for the most part. Bradley Cooper is actually crazy good as the lead and real life Navy Seal Chris Kyle. Sienna Miller is also good as Kyle's wife but the show does belong to Eastwood and Cooper.

This is not what you would usually expect from Cooper so I was surprised at how well he carried himself in this challenging role.

It's violent, it's Texas pride, it defends all the actions in the Iraq war but still I didn't have as big a issue with this film as I went in thinking I would.

It's not for the light hearted, it's not an easy to watch film and at times you just want to turn away (if you have seen the film there is a moment with a power tool which still disturbs me to think about it) and think of little cute puppies or Jai Courtney shirtless.

American Sniper is the latest in my war film marathon which has been going on for the last few weeks. It was good, not great and at times challenging I give this 3 War on Terror Stars.

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

#I'mNotDavidNorMargaret, Film Reviews My Way 2015


The third war film I have taken in, in almost three weeks and I am about to take in American Sniper, it's time for UNBROKEN the Angelina Jolie directed pictured film right here in Australia.



Was nice seeing the handsome Jai Courtney (a war film junkie at present - also being all handsome in the Water Diviner) shirtless again in this film. Other than that this film is long and after seeing two other war pictures I was beginning to think I was seeing this tale over and over again.

The leads black (dyed) hair was also a massive distraction, the UK actor formally of Skins Jack O'Connell was good at times however the family reunion was super random and almost felt a little forced.

Don't get me wrong I enjoyed the film, but after seeing the trailer multiple times I sat there check, every prisoner punches him in the face, check the are lost at sea, check, check.

Ok so the battle scenes are good and I did enjoy this on Australia Day, 3 Unbroken Stars. Not the best war film out there but it's alright.

Monday, January 26, 2015

#I'mNotDavidNorMargaret, Film Reviews My Way 2015


A 12 year film project equals an almost three hour mega drama, it's the critically acclaimed and multiple Golden Globe award winning film BOYHOOD.



I saw this movie on an extremely hot day in Sydney and the thought of a cold cinema and a well acted piece was a dream combo!

Ethan Hawke and Patricia Arquette were divine as the parents of Mason in this 12 year epic, a 12 year epic so big I have not seen anything like it since 12 Years a Slave.

What was my favourite element of the film?

1. The music used to match the year, Goyte even gets a look in.
2. The interaction between Mason and Samantha over the years
3. Ethan Hawke getting his groove back
4. Patricia Arquette and her use of the words "Horse Shit Attitude"

Overall this was a delight to watch, I really enjoyed every minute of this (almost) 3 hour marathon of a movie.

I usually dislike lengthy films but I give this two thumbs up, well done Boyhood rates a solid 4 growing pain stars, it's not easy growing up and some parts of this film made me uneasy, but that's a good thing.

Tomorrow... Unbroken reviewed, my way.

Saturday, January 24, 2015

#I'mNotDavidNorMargaret, Film Reviews My Way 2015


STILL ALICE is completely wonderful, so sad yet so brilliantly done.



Julianne Moore has to be one of my favourite actresses of all time. From her wonderful performance in Boogie Nights to Don Jon, Carrie (remake) and the new Hunger Games movies, Julianne Moore has done a lot. But this is just wonderful and there is no mistake that this film has so many award nominations under it's belt.

At the Golden Globes recently Moore has already picked up one major award with more to come (no doubt).

It was deeply sad but great to see young Kristen Stewart playing a fantastic role and Hunter Parrish was oh so handsome. It has been a while since I have seen him on the screen since Weeds wrapped up.

The ending pissed me off this near perfect film but I won't let that stop me giving this film a big wrap. Alec Baldwin is also great as Moore's husband and I have to say knowing a family member pass this way made the film even more real to me.

Still Alice is another outstanding film and around award season it reminds me why I love the movies so much. This rates an outstanding 4 solid Stars.

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

#I'mNotDavidNorMargaret, Film Reviews My Way 2015


The Award season is well on the way and BIRDMAN is currently a favourite and earning nominations galore along the way. It's great seeing Michael Keaton in a role he was almost born to play. After being the original 1989/1992 Batman of the main Batman franchise before Christopher Nolan made his Bale series.


Emma Stone is delicious in this role as Keaton's daughter/PA, whilst Edward Norton is wonderful as his co star. Great to also see Naomi Watts cast in another fab film after her awesome role in St Vincent.

So the cast is great, the story is great and all the award nominations are deserved. Short and simple for my first post back in a while, easily a 4 Star film.

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Fred Nile - YOU absolute DISGRACE


Reading this article on the Guardians website today made me even more anger at Fred Nile than I normally am.

Fred is no stranger to making dick comments and in March this year, you can make a difference. If you think Fred Nile and his 1950's party the CDP, should stay well in the 1950's, please make sure you vote for someone with some intelligence or at least some relevance.

If we have learnt anything from recent events there is NO ROOM for religion in politics, believe what you want but I (personally) don't want to hear about. No religion is better than another, you can believe in nothing or something whatever gets you to sleep at night but please don;t force your views on others.

Fred Nile, I have no idea how you and any of your other VILE CDP members sleep at night, the messages you give off show that at your age you should stick to the lawn bowls and leaving decision making to people who haven't completely lost their marbles.

Monday, January 12, 2015

#I'mNotDavidNorMargaret, Film Reviews My Way 2015


Oh thank god INTO THE WOODS was a stellar film, after the horrors of Taken 3 it was a real treat watching a stunning cast play out this Fairytale mash up of sorts and really have a good time with their individual material.



Meryl Streep was fab, Johnny Depp (despite having a small role) was great, Emily Blunt  James Corden were both wonderful and Anna Kendrick (a personal favourite of mine) was lush as Cinderella.

Speaking of Cinderella bloody Disney have a stand alone Cinderella picture out in a matter of months, cool way to get a cash grab Disney.

Anyway I have said before musicals are usually average on the big screen, well Annie and Into the Woods have been pleasant surprises recently so well done all involved.

I was tough on Taken 3 but one cannot be tough on this film it was really entertaining (although a little long) and the musical numbers didn't feel to out of place and Glee like (musical) for the sake of being musical and over the top.

Camp yes, fun yes, for children, maybe not the kids in the sold out mid Sunday matinee session I attended with with rather rowdy and seemed bored at the over 2 hour duration.

Into the Woods, a breathe of fresh air for 2015 cinema, let's hope there are only a few Taken 3's, 3.75 Stars.

Sunday, January 11, 2015

#I'mNotDavidNorMargaret, Film Reviews My Way 2015


Where do I begin with the finale in the Taken series, it's TAKEN 3.

Fuck me Liam Neeson, this is really not a high point of your career, the first Taken film was amazing, a great action picture and the return of Liam Neeson. The second one, well it sucked but I had high hopes for the third to bring home the franchise.



However Taken 3 or the corny Tak3n in some lame ass marketing campaigns was just plain dreadful. Famke Janssen gets killed off early on leaving two family members to resolve their lame story lines.

Maggie Grace as Kim is fine but bores me to tears after a while as she continues to play a victim and her new boyfriend has as much screen presence as a grenade thrown into a cleaning closet at her uni.

The whole movie I heard fake laughs, people groaning and the death of a good action franchise.

Taken proves sometimes sequels are a SUPER bad idea, let's just hope today's Into the Woods is a better outing. I am rating films a little more harshly this year as with the absence of David & Margaret someone has to keep the film studios honest. Taken 3 is DREADFUL, I can only give it half a star for the promise of the first word Taken. The original was great but everything following Taken FML, pure crap.

Saturday, January 10, 2015

Empire - Hits the mark with almost 10 million viewers


So it wasn't spectacular but it was fun and if you are unaware of what Empire is, it's Fox answer to Glee wrapping up this year:



Will episode two rate as well as the Pilot? Probably not, first episodes of series usually get the most attention, then it gets into a steady routine.

Speaking of ratings, Agent Carters two episodes both rated just under the 7 million mark.

Both shows make it easier to farewell Glee and I am almost 100% sure Revenge will get cancelled this year and I am sure a few more of my other favourites will go the way of Dallas (tragic cancellation last year).

So Empire, it's here, with great one liners, music by Timbaland, eye candy and a bit of good old fun.

Until tomorrow, it's onto Glee's double episode final season debut.

Thursday, January 8, 2015

Agent Carter - A Fresh new start to TV in 2015


Wow a nice new eight part series has started on the ABC (USA) and I enjoyed the double episode start to the season:



I am yet to watch the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D as 22 episode seasons seem a little too hard work when you have a full time job and all. But in the meantime give this one a go, it's kind of cute and really easy to watch. And let's be honest 8 episode seasons, show me a challenge.

Next up I will take a look at the new Fox drama starring the one and only Courtney Love, it's Empire.

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

QLD Election Called - 31 Jan 2015


Australia is set for another election and this time it's QLD's time around.

Campbell Newman has been an extremely unpopular premier and currently the polls are super tight in QLD so could this be another one term LNP government? It happened in VIC and it will most likely happen Nationally for our next Federal election with young Tony Abbott's approvals as low if not lower than old Julia G's.

Australia and the media will be a buzz with some excitement at this non news worthy period of the year.

As I posted the other day (apologies I'm off sweets, was feeling unwell, and it was fucking hot) but really who else is over the holiday period and school holidays.

Anyway I will be very keen to keep an eye on this snap decision and let's just hope for the people of QLD they (all parties) don't waste too much tax payer/taxes on their dodgy ass election campaigns.

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Oh Azealia!


Some of this is meaningful, some is just plain ranting babe, I love you and Broke with Expensive Taste, easily one of the best records of 2014. But girl like our PM the dear Tony Abbott sometimes when baited you just need to zip it.



I will never stop loving you and by the number of views you have on this little thing, a lot of people now (if they didn't already - 212 blew up years ago) and maybe love you or will at least check out your tunes.

Azealia girl keep it up and like the host says use your energy through your music cause your a star xo

Monday, January 5, 2015

The Slow Start and Holiday Hangover


If you're like me it's been a weird holiday period. Work hasn't slowed (well to a degree), Christmas commitments left one saying fuck or cunt a little too much, New Years Eve was just another night, the heat that followed left one physically buggered and the Summer Slack period known as early Jan to Australia Day is in full swing.

There is something almost more challenging about the gradual return of normality to work and a new year. The lead up to Christmas is vile one cannot argue but there is something about the time that follows after New Years where families spilt holidays to deal with the monster Summer Holidays, Cricket and Tennis dominate the Free to Air TV schedules and any hopes of getting shit done pre Australia Day is almost a mission impossible even Tom Cruise would just say "fuck it".

Australia loves Summer, but also loves to take their time in getting into the new year, it makes it super hard for those who have shit to do/have deadlines or just don't give a shit about School Holidays, Summer Sport, the Sydney to Hobart, the Boxing Day test, Australian Open or any other Summer events.

Poor old Sydney Festival it's almost forgotten nowadays (unless you live out West where Parramatta seems to be the only area rejoicing in the very average programming from Sydney Festival), Summer Music Festivals are all but dead, Homebake gone, Big Day Out pretty much dead and buried, Shore Thing NYE gone and vertically forgotten and the usual big Summer concerts, where the fuck those be at.

Summer really is turning into a time when one watches those shows that were most blogged about, stay cool in air con, watch the third and final run of the Taken series or just collapse at the end of the day like me today and think how did the dead end of the past year, float almost all of the first month of the year.

January it's almost a dead loss month and for me my only resolution is to make this year's Christmas less stressful, not bother at all for NYE 2016 and to plan to getaway for January 2016, it's a slightly strange part of the Australian Calendar and a time of the year I no longer have time for. A time I used to countdown to for the Big Day Out after enjoying a day at Homebake and counting down the Hottest 100. Whereas now I look at the JJJ Hottest 100 and think with Social Media and all this new shit, when will the list leak or those naughty Warmest 100 post a predicted list.

Will Sia make it or will her track (which avoided airplay in 2014, yet much chart success) even make the Hottest 100?

Time will tell. Only 21 sleeps until Australia Day so bring it on folks, I want Australia out of the January slumber, it's to to wake the fuck up....

Saturday, January 3, 2015

#I'mNotDavidNorMargaret, Film Reviews My Way 2015


The first film for 2015 surprise, surprise was actually recently in November in both the UK & the USA making it the first of the War films (see the Water Diviner review) to be released in this crowded War film period.

The film I'm reviewing today, THE IMITATION GAME and at first glance and first time I saw the trailer I was not super keen but don't let the below put you off.



So I am enjoying a final weekend pre Summer Slack on the Central Coast and I was the youngest person but at least 30 years at this screening and I had a ball. The tension, the drama, the great story from War World II.

I must admit seeing two of the current war films it makes me think I will end up seeing Unbroken just so I can rank all three. This one is definitely a better film than Crowe's The Water Diviner but that said this film just packs a punch.

Benedict Cumberbatch, Matthew Goode & Kiera Knightley are all just perfect in this historical thriller and with it's 5 Golden Globe nods I am sure it will not go home empty handed.

This is a wonderful time for films with the award ceremonies about to be fully ripe and I just can't wait for a number of the buzz films to hit our screens. Shame they don't do international release dates but you know any help the pirates can get right?

So a score for this early masterpiece in 2015, I liked it a lot and I am trying my best to help fill the shoes of David & Margaret all this year. So I give it a solid 4 Stars in acting 101.

Thursday, January 1, 2015

A Big Happy New Years to You Too


Another year, another year of hard hitting film reviews, a look at what's going on in and around Sydney and also what is pissing me off. I can't wait to share it all with you again this year.

Until my first REAL post for 2015, Happy New Year and for those attending the Sold Out Field Day today, take care of yourself and your friends, for those who have a extra long weekend, you lucky little things and everyone else, GOOD MORNING x