Sunday, May 31, 2015

Verdict - Stalker Finale/Series Completed


Well Dylan McDermott is definitely the kiss of death for his last two shows (first Hostages, now Stalker) however American Horror Story seems fine, maybe cause he only starred in two of the aired four seasons?

So Maggie Q and the team at Stalker are now on the US TV land unemployment couch. Lucky her and Dylan have a wedding (in real life) to plan. Yes joining the scrap pile of recent TV shows cancelled Stalker joins the massive list of shows that have been given there marching orders.

This show was extremely formulaic and written by the writer of Scream, I Know What You Did Last Summer, Dawson's Creek, The Following and the list goes on for Kevin Williamson. At least he still has Vampire Diaries as the majority of his works are now done and dusted.

And for the finale of Stalker, man what a half baked unresolved dull episode. Did season 2 beckon? Well CSI has lasted for 40 years (well it feels like that long but not really and it is finally ending too) and these crime scene, crime per episode plague American TV, Hawaii Five-O, Elementary, NCIS and there spin offs plus joining the list now CSI Cyber.



So could Stalker have lasted? Well maybe and the ratings were horrible but the reviews were. I steamed through all 20 episodes of this one season wonder and really compared to the Messengers (on the CW) also facing the axe after one season, this is not the worst thing on US TV.

In a time when Comic Book series, spin offs and other crime shows fill the US schedules it's getting harder to breakthrough. Unless your on Netflix of course.

So Stalker it's dead and buried and on the one season scrap heap, oh well here is hopping Scream the TV series on MTV is amazing and keeping the scream theme, Ryan Murphy's Scream Queen's is also getting heaps of hype. So stayed tuned for more Verdict's, more TV news and many more film reviews as the US Summer Blockbusters just keep coming...

Saturday, May 30, 2015

#I'mNotDavidNorMargaret, Film Reviews My Way 2015


Is a diaster film what the world needs now? After Nepal? Well maybe not but sometimes, just sometimes a disaster film really works and that is the case with SAN ANDREAS.



The Rock AKA Dwayne Johnson stars in this action pic of EPIC size. The opposite to the Rock in size, Miss Kylie Minogue also stars in a role almost as small as she is.

Aussie star Hugo Johnstone-Burt also stars as a cute distraction from the large disaster at hand. Having a little romance with Dwayne's daughter Daddario in the middle of a massive disaster in San Fran.

The world is having more and more freak weather so this film is scary that something may happen along (but not exactly) these lines.

Johnson is great as the action star of this film and as unbelievable as some of it is the effects and the size of this (on the big screen) is impressive. I also happened to see within 24 hours the great SPY film again (scroll down for last week's 5 Star review) so I remain grounded on how perfect a film can be.

Spy had something for everyone, great laughs, Rose Byrne, action, entertainment for days, whereas this film will not appeal to all. It is largely over the top check your brain at the door and go go go.

Popcorn films are great and this is one of them, San Andreas rates a solid 3 Stars, but leave you're expectations at the door and just enjoy the visuals. Oh and of course the large arms of the massive Rock.

Friday, May 29, 2015

Firass Friday!


I found this on the Herald Sun website yesterday (full feature HERE) FUCKING hell what a hottie, FirASS, yes please!

Happy Friday dear readers xOxO


Thursday, May 28, 2015

Wentworth is GREAT but Robbie Magasiva is DIVINE


Oh happy Thursday Ladies and Ladies, it's time to get moist. But real quick episode 8 of Wentworth this week, fucking hell, this show just gets better and better. However I will never forgive the producers, writers and creatives for allowing episode 7 (if my old and poor memory serves me) to go on with no Will Jackson AKA Robbie Magasiva.





Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Verdict - Supergirl Pilot


Leaking a new 2015-2016 show this early a good marketing effort or piracy on a large scale? Well since CBS don't seem bothered I think the CBS marketing team tried an old HBO/Showtime tactic to get some extra column inches and early support and reaction behind the pilot of one of their most anticipated new titles of the upcoming TV season.

Yes it's Memorial Day Long Weekend over in the US so plenty of people will be hitting the torrents for TV and material to view so this could not have happened at a better time. I blogged about the trailer a wee while ago (CLICK HERE) and I must say after watching it I was mostly impressed with the star cast (Calista Flockhart (major return to TV), Jeremy Jordan (fresh from Smash's cancellation) and even a Dean Cain appearance - cute) with Melissa Benoist (formerly of Glee fame) playing the main role of Supergirl.

Apparently the show is set to debut in November, meaning this show has leaked almost 6 months early, wow!

So what did I actually think? After talking up Marvel the other day DC Comics are also starting to fire up. Will it be a hit? Who knows there has been a lot of flops lately but also a lot of surprise successes so time will tell and let's be honest we have around another 6 months to see episode 2.

Supergirl it has promise, it looks amazing but will we be burnt out by super hero TV shows/movies by November? Who knows but if the Avengers sequel is anything to go by there is still loads of cash to be made in the super hero game.

I will be giving you more verdicts on more shows as a few more wrap up for their respective seasons or for good (looking at you Nurse Jackie after 7 seasons), so stay tuned dear readers. For now, GOOD MORNING xOxO

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Why the World Needs Eurovision and the Gift of Music


However if Russia had have won? Would that have been fair after all they have done in recent years, months? I won't dwell on that but I was worried after the first 20 countries voted. I kept thinking the song was terrible, it's Russia and well it's Russia.

Now to the great things Eurovision did, build bridges. In a time of a refugee crisis, large scale natural disasters are almost monthly, the death penalty still exists and we have a large number of right wing (FAR right wing) commentators preaching to Australia to make Australia more conservative, kept out dated traditions and continue along, just act oblivious, Abbott is doing fine, the world isn't warming or changing, just follow the leader.

Yes the world has it's issues but music and unity can heal and repair damages done by the rich and powerful, the church and the young lives they destroyed (thank god for the royal commission) and people power can make change, look at Ireland.

I am gay and don't really care for marriage, I think the whole tradition is dying a slow death and divorce (now at times celebrated by divorce parties - what?) is on the rise. Marriage once the union between man and woman, a piece of paper, an expense day and in Australia a day most people get shit faced and end up having a family blue.

Eurovision was a giant party that celebrated the good, the bad and some woeful pop music. Guy Sebastian did Australia proud and has really grown on me. Not only has he grown into his looks, he has grown into his music. Idol often spat out and rejected it's alumni however Guy and Jess seem to have real staying power. And then are the outsiders like Lisa Mitchell and Matt Corby who were embraced by Triple J and the indie kids of this nation.

But mostly Eurovision is watched by over 2 million viewers, parties are held all around Europe and the world (it's not just the gays now in Australia that love Eurovision) and music is celebrated for one night. Much like the Hottest 100 in Australia, Eurovision is a musical institution and has stood the test of time for 60 years now.

We need more events like this that allow language barriers to be dropped, political agendas to be put aside and for the world to let their hair down and not take itself seriously for a night. Budget surplus, deficit is all fine and well but what about society and people's well being? Have we forgot the terrible stats in this nation for mental health and suicide.

So at the end of the day, music speaks all languages and fun and good times must be celebrated and more common place. It felt like forever we remembered a war from 100 years ago, we have journalists defending the un-defendable (I'm looking at you George Pell) and the budget woes continue. Life is short, so let's be thankful for Eurovision and the bridges they built in 2015, the year of un-winable wars and the divide between wrong and right, rich and poor and of course class warfare introduced by those smart folk in Canberra.

Monday, May 25, 2015

#I'mNotDavidNorMargaret, Film Reviews My Way 2015


When I first saw the trailer for MAD MAX: FURY ROAD, I thought to myself (and possibly out loud) PASS. However when I sat in on a full audience (very mixed, heavy on date night couples, yes on a Sunday) last night I found myself completely on that Fury Road.



The cast are fantastic, Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron lead Aussie and abroad actors in this wonderful apocalyptic road movie.

The action scenes are BIG, the stunts are mad crazy and the cars, oh the cars.

Mad Max is I'm going to say it, the BIGGEST Australian film of 2015, George Millers 4th film in this franchise now with the use of great effects will easily go down on your end lists as one of the best films of 2015.

It hasn't been a great couple of years for Aussie films lately and with George Brandis handing out the arts grants don't expect another great film anytime soon. We will get conservative period piece after period piece. Men expect to get yours rags on Brandis's taste.

So Mad Max Fury Road, whoever marketed this film did a great job as I had no interest at first but once it opened I could hardly wait to get my sorry and cold ass off to the cinema.

Mad Max: Fury Road, it's the fourth film in the franchise so fittingly it gets a solid sandy and mad 4 shiny stars.

Sunday, May 24, 2015

#I'mNotDavidNorMargaret, Film Reviews My Way 2015


Like The Best Exotic Marigold, some films are a great once off, but the sequel is just not as good, is this the case with PITCH PERFECT 2, well read on my pretties.



The whole were back Pitches campaign is AWESOME, however the writing is on the wall, where will film 3 go? Unlike Spy, Pitch Perfect has a largely young/teen following so a lot of the gross out R rated humour is off limits. Also with Spy you get the violence and fun that allows men to come along with their girlfriends or men to get along for the action ride too, Pitch Perfect it's girls and gays. I am the latter.

I liked the first film, but didn't love it, I liked Glee but didn't love it, I stayed with it for 6 seasons for the end game and I will stay with the Pitch Perfect series but it is definitely not perfect. And especially after seeing a high standard comedy like Spy the night before.

I had lower expectations than Spy, but still at times these were never meet. Rose Byrne is a wonderful export, Rebel Wilson (at times like Melissa McCarthy) is a major one trick pony. Labelling yourself as Fat Amy is a little too much. At least Melissa McCarthy makes fun of herself and appearance in a more mature Judith Lucy way.

I was mildly amused by the majority of this film (mainly ElizabethBanks (fab commentator (character) who is multi talented and also directs and produces the film & her co commentator the fab John Michael Higgins) and I do love Anna Kendrick she is totally fantastic and a lot better in this than "Into the Woods".

Look it worked on most levels it was just a shame I saw this after a totally flawless film. Pitch Perfect 2, it's not perfect but it is a damn sight better than the last few Glee outings and leaps and bounds ahead of that train wreck Smash Season 2.

Pitch Perfect 2, it's a solid 3 Star film, however for Anna Kendrick and Elizabeth Banks I am giving it 3.5 Stars. So if you have kids or want something less smutty than Spy this comedy is for you.

Saturday, May 23, 2015

#I'mNotDavidNorMargaret, Film Reviews My Way 2015


It's not often that I laugh, squirm, make irritating noises all in the name of comedy, but SPY wet my whistle in a very good way.



From the get go this film just nails it! Paul Feig completely returns to the form we once saw in Bridesmaids, yes Bad Teacher and The Heat had their moments but this is simply Bridesmaids funny.

Melissa McCarthy is on point but more surprisingly Rose Byrne is a complete machine. She is stunning and wildly funny whilst having one of the most horrid hairdo's of 2015.

Jason Statham and Jude Law are well in this action/comedy and both wok extremely well. Miranda Hart and Allison Janney are just BRILLIANT. Such a great range of amazing women in this film and yes conservative men out there, they..... SWEAR. Fuck me they swear and they let rip. I tricking love it.

This film if done well would always top my end of year lists and its all there, Byrne, McCarthy, Feig's fab writing and the delivery from all the cast including a cameo from 50 Cent is just bang on. I am nervous to see Pitch Perfect 2 now as I think it will be lame in comparison.

Oh SPY, this weekends MUST see film, I loved every minute of it, and I am going all over the top, a flawless, divine, laugh out loud as hell 5 Stars.

Brilliant, just BRILLIANT!

Friday, May 22, 2015

Why I love Fridays @ 6pm...


It's the most cherished time of the week for me, no more work, two full days ahead of me at my disposal, 2 sleep in mornings free of boot camp and soy lattes for days.

Yes Fridays at 6pm rock, it means time for me, time to do what you want to do, time to make a difference and starting this Winter I want to make some projects. So stay tuned, it's been a rather negative year lead by our dreamy Nope, Nope, Nope leader. When No is easier than yes, it's time to go all Optus on your ass and say YES.

Fridays at 6pm, they are heaven and time to get down Britney/Iggy style...

Thursday, May 21, 2015

I promised a piece on Marvel countless times &...


Here it is...

So Marvel currently has on rotation:

Agent Carter
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D
Daredevil

Still to debut:

A.K.A Jessica Jones
Luke Cage
Iron Fist
The Defenders

All the to debut are on Netflix and ABC Studios (in the States) has hinted on a spin off from Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D which has just finished Series 2 and Series 3 will commence later this year.

Agent Carter also got a sneaky green light for a second outing. Daredevil was an easy renewal for Netflix and I am sure when A.K.A Jessica Jones starts the show will easily get a second season.

But it's not just Marvel who are king of the comic books on the box, DC Comics are also killing it right now taking comic book stars to most US networks.

ABC & Netflix can have their Marvel but the CW are slaying it with their DC Comic book stars:

Arrow
The Flash
iZombie

and soon

Legends of Tomorrow

Fox have also commenced the early tales of Batman in Gotham, Constantine broke the mould of successful comic book shows and was recently axed after a series on NBC whilst CBS are about to launch Supergirl (I blogged the trailer previously) Fox will try their luck with Lucifer, taking Fox's DC Comic series count to two, whilst AMC & TNT have pilots ordered.

Not to mention in development another 6 or so series to various networks.

And apparently Fox have an Archie comic book series Riverdale in the works also. This makes comic book live action series in the US as common as badly produced, badly edited and poorly cast Australian reality shows.

Is the comic book (mostly Marvel world) bubble going to burst? Much like Pie Face, Fro Yo and Bubble Tea, we all indulged a little too much and therefore grew tired of these franchises. Will comic book series be the next over populated item to die in pop culture?

Well reality TV seems to be doing OK (if you count Reno Rumble and House Rules failing to barely get 1 million viewers a success) and these comic book shows seem to be doing solidly in the ratings and with critics alike.

This has also helped fill some rather lame schedules in the US. ABC has lost a lot of series recently and adding some Marvel titles helps boost their numbers and viewers in key demos.

Will Australia follow suit and do a comic book to TV series? I doubt it, Australia's attention to drama is piss weak at best at present. Wentworth and Love Child showcase great female leads whilst Wonderland has finally hopefully called it a day. It has hardly ever found an audience and it's beyond me why this got three seasons and Puberty Blues (critically acclaimed) only received two.

I am a HUGE Marvel fan at present after the wonderful Daredevil series and also the short run of Agent Carter. The Avengers sequel wasn't half bad and I am desperate for Ant Man. Should America be putting all it's eggs in one basket? I think like all things they need to ride out the wave, but solid production, acting and story lines like Daredevil displayed in series one will be key.

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

When will Andrew Bolt Learn?


The Bolt Report is currently the best comedy airing on Channel 10. Now I'm a Celebrity Get Me Outta Here is done, the most absurd program airing on the troubled network is The Bolt Report, get my point, it's out there, out dated and at times just plain weird.

I like to think I am progressive, helpful to other human beings (regardless of their colour, faith, blah blah blah) but it's shows like this that set us back a couple of decades.

His interview (or more likely his chat, he is no Leigh Sales, Emma Alberici or Tony Jones) with Malcolm Turnball on the weekend was a great laugh. Andrew really doesn't like Malcolm, he has written loads of pieces on his left leaning ways and belief of Global Warming that completely goes against his old school beliefs.

On a poll on great website TV Tonight, it currently asked who is the most biased interviewer? And surprise, surprise, Mr Bolt tops the list with 61%. Yes that's more than half the people who have bothered to have a crack at this survey.

The sad thing is Andrew Bolt always thinks he is right (right in more than one sense of the word), his blog readers seem to be some of the most unhinged people living and seem consumed by articles published in Murdoch tabloids like the charming Daily Telegraph, the ridiculous Courier Mail & The Herald Sun.

In a world of 24 news hour cycles it's dangerous when people only listen to/read one source. The Murdoch press has a campaign to bring down their biggest Australian competitor the ABC/SBS. The ABC publishes a wonderful website along with great additional FREE content. This is something Murdoch hates.

He also can not be a fan of the only decent free streaming service iView alongside the now falling Foxtel. With the introduction of Stan, Presto (owned by Foxtel) & Netflix it's hard for the once great Foxtel to remain a major player against these $10 a month, cancel anytime streaming services. Just BYO interest and you have a winter warmer pack for all shapes and sizes, young and old.

So with Mr Bolt's employer (well the Murdoch part) on the defensive and we all know about Channel 10 (thank god for Masterchef) it's no wonder he likes to make an example of success stories.

Channel 10 has to be one of the most unsuccessful media businesses in Australia (rivalled only by Southern Cross Austereo Radio - poor old Dan & Maz, no amount of outdoor advertising can rise them from a 3% audience share) with poor content and then the Bolt Report to boot.

I remember when Channel 10 was king, Melrose Place, 90210, E-Street, The Simpsons and a decent newsroom staff. Now look at them, The Project, 5pm news and that horrid Studio 10.

The Daily Telegraph, The Herald Sun and The Courier Mail aren't much better, making headlines in other media outlets, online blogs and socially dues to poor taste headlines and the backflip, front flips and Fair Go to the West campaign around Struggle Street is off the fucking chain.

Andrew, dear man, we share the same name, but you have a lot to learn, your views are out of date, your show is more horrific than Catching Milat and if ever I need good laugh I head along to your blog and read your words of wisdom and then the hatred and outrage that comes from your readers in your comments.

I can't forget to mention you also love a little 2GB time. Good lord theres a funny bunch of crazed talk back callers, fucking hell, the rage stirred on that station is outrageous.

The word would be a better place if Andrew Bolt, Miranda Devine, Vile Kyle, David Koch, Tony Abbott and Chris Pyne were all sent on a Survivor mission, but then to never return. It would make awesome reality TV. Unlike House Rules which I caught some of last night. My mum and dad brought me up to never judge what I haven't experienced, watched, read, meet and I watched half an hour of House Rules last night and I now know I am different to the mainstream Australian who thinks reality TV is entertaining. I am passionate about excellence and House Rules is FAR from excellent, as is Andrew Bolt and that's where I sign off. Morning xOxO

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Love Child Season 2 - a Nine Favourite Returns


Channel 9 shows it can have strong female leads in a drama (like Wentworth) beside it's regular wall to wall boys club crap...

Love Child returns over a year since season one aired (a little like Puberty Blues on Ten - actually make that almost 18 months after the first season aired, season three still TBA, maybe we will see it in 2017) and rated pretty well for Australian made drama. Without the powerhouse Packed to the Rafters or a success Underbelly season (the later Underbelly series were real flops in comparison to the original) there is room on Free to Air for solid Aussie dramas. So much so Foxtel is stealing cancelled network series like A Place to Call Home.

Love Child is not a far fetched story, a super hero to TV series or Crime series but more a straight up drama about people with a few medical procedures thrown in for good measure (remember how well All Saints did?).

With Series Three already confirmed Love Child is proving to be a solid Aussie drama. Unlike so many other dramas around these days Love Child is sticking to a solid and easy to consume 8 episode order. In my eyes this is perfect (as long as we don't have to wait another 13 months for the shows return) and viewers can easily consume this and still be hungry for another instalment. Unlike US dramas (I'm looking at you Revenge) ain't nobody got time for a long winded often drawn out 23 episode order.

Audiences now are struggling to keep up with their favourite Netflix series (all loaded at the same time), movies, reality (if that's your bag - you are in for five nights of recaps and not much in the way of new footage) and news.

Aussies need homegrown tales and Aussies need good drama, it keeps the business moving along, unfortunately of late the TV market is drowned out by reality and news leaving little to no room for drama.

Unfortunately too the Australian drama landscape is what some would say, unhealthy.

For Wentworth it's easy being the top dog when your competition consists of:

Wonderland - Boring white people trying to recreate Melrose Place in a boring beachside suburb. One word review - LAME

Winners & Losers - One word review - LOSING

House Husbands - One word review - STALE

A Place to Call Home - One word review - WHY?

So other than Miss Fishers Murder Mysteries and Doctor Blake nailing it (with iView figures, averaging weekly 1 million viewers each) it's a pretty small market right now. With US dramas (mostly) rating terribly on Free to Air (there is a thing called downloads - what?) it's no wonder the networks consider drama a has been genre. That said if networks got in early delivered great content and promoted it well we could see this turn around.

Why on Earth Winners and Losers is still on TV is beyond me however Love Child is a refreshing and bold network television choice and I have to commend Channel 9 for staying with this one and developing it in the first place.

So come Australia let's get behind Love Child and stop complaining about Struggle Street and embrace some love.

Monday, May 18, 2015

#I'mNotDavidNorMargaret, Film Reviews My Way 2015


I barely watched all of UNFRIENDED as I was terrified, yes I held my scarf up to my eyes and hide, like an eight year old.



Yes I know Blair Witch Project, Paranormal Activity we have seen this all before and we all know how much I fucking hate social media. Well I knew little about Facebook and Skype but I now know enough to know I am glad to be on neither, I also know I am happily someone who has been bullied enough not to treat someone like the characters in this film treat the now deceased victim.

In a time of social media, 24 hour news cycles and almost everything and I mean EVERYTHING ending up on YouTube this movie comes at a good time to hopefully:

1. Deter bullies
2. Teach young folks how to use social media
3. Show that trolling people is mean and evil
4. Keep kids of their fucking PC's (or Mac's in this films case) 24/7

And that brings me to, if someone is trolling you via Skype why don;t you just leave the house and hightail it to the nearest cop shop?

Anyway for what I watched of this film, no characters were super likeable, it's a new style of thriller using technology, but along with the films that came before it's nothing super new.

I enjoyed what I saw and if it's aim was to scare you it got me creeped out, 3 ban social media stars to the young and impressionable children of the future.

Sunday, May 17, 2015

#I'mNotDavidNorMargaret, Film Reviews My Way 2015


When it comes to anything War, I'm done, but post war is OK, so A ROYAL NIGHT OUT was a fun afternoon at the cinema. Despite the average age of the people attending my session (I would say between the blind man with his boyfriend, the number of walking frames and walkers at the door) I could say I was easily one of the youngest watching this camp little English film.

It's not just camp because Rupert Everett is the Queen, I mean the King, and it's nowhere near as outrageous as the US series The Royals but there is still something slightly on the camp side with this film.



It is by no means the film of the year but I actually had a lot of fun and a few laughs to myself with this film. This is totally suitable for the pensioner club out there and anyone who has had enough of the run of the mill war films. This shows England post World War 2 having a frocking good time.

A Royal Night Out, it's more Royal fun and I give it 3 Princess grade Stars.

Saturday, May 16, 2015

Shonda Rhimes makes it 4 on ABC (USA)


Yep Shonda's back the Scandal, Grey's Anatomy and now How to Get Away with Murder queen has a new show and man does it look amazing! It's called the Catch and you can grab a little peak below....



Yeah it's going to be a BIG year of new shows and as they drop I will bring them to you, happy Weekends all xOxO

Friday, May 15, 2015

Thursday, May 14, 2015

The Following is FOLLOWING Revenge's footsteps


With the final double episode finale of the Following next week and like Revenge most people will ask why did this go on for so long? The last season (only it's second of the series) felt a little drawn out when someone who should have died, survived a new cult arose and the show just seemed to very quickly run out of steam.

Kevin Bacon held it together as best as he could whilst the body count and the number of stabbings just added up the show just went off the rails.



Next week sees another once great series wrap up and with Revenge and the Following is it time the networks limit the crazy. Revenge and the Following would have made great limited series runs, multiple series just means the madness gets insane.

Take Revenge one entire family was almost wiped out, Emily/Amanda had a new love interest each season (sounds like Sookie on True Blood, just less sexy) and Nolan went from male lover to female lover.

The Following always only had a limited storyline, once Joe Carroll was caught, killed or executed (I will leave it to the people who have already seen the show to know Joe's outcome) where was Ryan (Kevin Bacon) to go? A new serial killer introduced? A new Cult to follow maybe? Not easy for the writers. This would have made a great one season event, now three seasons on, viewers leaving the show in droves and the death count rising next week we can finally put this bad boy to rest...

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Verdict - Revenge Finale


Oh god Emily/Amanda whatever the fuck we should call her and Jack sail off into the Sunset, what? SPOILER ALERT. The Revenge series final played it's final hand. After 4 or so years Emily and Victoria have finally settled their scores, after numerous Grayson deaths, numerous "good" guy deaths, Courtney Love playing "White Gold" a deadly assassin and people returning from the dead (more than once - David Clarke and most recently Victoria) it's time to say goodbye.



This once great show is now in TV heaven along with Glee, Desperate Housewives, Lost and various other long running (and mostly staying way past their welcome) shows we once loved and waited till the various nights to sit up, have some chips and bitch away Googlebox style.

However Revenge ran out of puff seasons ago, you stopped caring about the main characters and a lot of the new characters were just serve irritations that stuck around for too long or were killed off without much explanation about why they were ever cast.

Jack grew hotter and through the seasons, it just shows some men grow into their looks. So maybe there is hope for me yet.


TO


TO


AND FINALLY, HELLO!


However Emily/Amanda grew more and more irritating per season, Nolan was just a frustrated gay man/bi man/married man, what was he in the end? And don't get me started on the forgotten Grayson's Charlotte and Patrick (Victoria's bastard son and one of Nolan's male love interests).

There were so many random characters (a bit like Game of Thrones at moments) and so many loose ends, however the finale did in a way (if not open the door for a Nolan spin off) tie up and round off most story lines.

I could hardly ever watch another episode of Revenge unless Jack and his partner Ben got it on (LOL), bit hard though as Courtney Love made nice work of poor Ben.

So it's goodbye Revenge and hello June with a load of returning series:

Devious Maids
Under the Dome
Mistresses
Hannibal

And I am sure some good new ones are on the way. I can hardly wait for Scream Queens however I believe that is September. MTV speaking of Scream is also developing a TV series based on the hit film franchise so look out for that. Also returning is the ever sexy Hit The Floor. So Revenger plenty more trash on the way.

That's it for today, catch you kids again real soon xOxO

Monday, May 11, 2015

The US TV Networks are BUSY!


Pre Mother's Day the USA networks were busy deciding the fate of a lot of our favourite programs, the news was good for some, but very bad for others.

ABC (US version) was feeling generous and renewed both Marvel series, S.H.I.E.L.D and Agent Carter whilst new series American Crime & Secrets & Lies also got the green light for a second series. All of Shonda Rhimes had three out of three renewed with Greys, How to Get Away with Murder and Scandal all getting another season. Revenge and that horrid Resurrection were the main big titles getting the axe.

CBS made it two out of two for Kevin Williamson for the cancellation list as his former Fox hit The Following was also cancelled. So Kevin Bacon is not on the unemployment couch.

The CW has renewed all major titles excluding newcomer The Messengers (which is woeful BTW) and after much chatter Hart of Dixie has also aired it's final episode.

Fox called it a day on Glee and as above The Following will finish up (in the US) in a few weeks. It looks like double episodes to wrap up this once brilliant thriller. Gotham was surprisingly renewed early on (the finale as a previous post was not brilliant) and the year's best new drama Empire was an easy early renewal and I am sure one that will do well on merch sales (both DVD's and single/album sales on iTunes) for Fox.

NBC renewed the rather dull The Blacklist whilst cancelling a number of new and returning shows. The network is struggling with any big name shows however the Blacklist and the Chicago shows seem to be keeping them afloat.

FX loved American Horror Story and The Americans so they will both return, they did however have a few big names show wrap this year, namely Sons of Anarchy.

HBO & Showtime were pretty nice to the majority of shows however HBO said enough is enough with gay San Fran drama series Looking. A TV movie will wrap the season. Date of airing TBC.

As we head into the US Summer a lot of new and Summer shows are returning. Can I hardly wait? Nope, Devious Maids and Mistresses (US Version) front the great trash whilst Hannibal is easily the best crime drama over the US Summer months. Whilst Australian TV (other than Wentworth and some ABC/SBS content) is shocking, it will be a good time to rug up and wait for Netflix to load Orange is the New Black season 3.

Until next time, Good Morning!

Sunday, May 10, 2015

East V West


One City, two totally different lifestyles. I had a SUPER Saturday (hence no post) and Struggle Street has remained with me, one Stephen Bali should stop getting garbage trucks involved in protests and do his job better, two Mt Druitt really needs help, it's a hell hole and three how is the East and West in Sydney so different.

Last night I ate at a restaurant in East Sydney and looked around, their was your drunk English backpackers/ex pats, young student group celebrating a birthday and another birthday group where all attendees (besides the one DUFF) looked like models out of a Country Road catalogue. After watching Struggle Street (and I know not everyone from Mt Druitt is under the microscope in this show) but what I saw was a largely white, overweight and uneducated group of individuals.

Education seemed the main thing lacking whilst watching Struggle Street, and instead of condoning a program that has given Mt Druitt the stage now, to improve, to accept help. Stephen Bali really needs to stand down if he was worried the wider population would see what is happening on our own doorstop he should have looked after his community better. It is embarrassing a community has been let down for so long.

I spoke to my Grandfather who said Mt Druitt has been like this for 50 years and would never change. I agree this is nothing new, I remember going there as a kid and thinking fucking hell I know the Central Coast is bad in pockets but this place is horrific.

I do unlike my Grandfather think Mt Druitt can change, with education and programs around getting the population of the area fit and active instead of sitting around smoking bongs or stirring trouble. To the lady working with the youth at the drop in with the gym and computers, you are a miracle worker. More of you are required to turn peoples luck around. Seeing a father struggle to feed his ten (mostly out of work) children and their children is heartbreaking.

That stayed with me whilst I had my tapas and watched the Country Road gang sip their cocktails and wine and probably not even be aware of the struggles happening just outside the City border. And that's what is happening, the City, Eastern Suburbs, trendy Inner West and Upper and North Shore have almost forgotten about Sydney's dirty little secret the West. The Western Suburbs are your biggest issue Mike Baird if you want to haveMiranda Devine and Co's approval you will need to fix it, cause if anything the gap is getting wider, the West are falling further behind whilst the rest of Sydney's housing prices and elite continue to surge.

I am looking forward to the 2 part finale of Struggle Street and say a big sucked in to the Media and the Mayor for trying to forbid the almost 1 million Australians who now are aware of the large issue that is Mt Druitt. My heart went out to many of the folks in the show and I wish I could do something to help at least one person from the show have a better life. If more people living under Clover Moore's lead felt this way maybe, just maybe a change for the better could happen out West.  

Friday, May 8, 2015

Bates Motel - Norman's Past is almost dull


A remake and a prequel all in one (like Gotham) to Psycho was always going to be interesting. As well making the show in the current time was always going to be a bit of a stretch with the film set years in the past.

Bates Motel has been a slow burn on the A&E network, never rating hugely, but always earning critical acclaim along the way and a huge Facebook following (1.4 million likes).

I have in the past enjoyed this series however the Norma/Norman mother/son relationship is just getting a bit random. Yes Norman has a mommy complex, yes Norma slightly leads her son on and treats him like a baby.

It's hard networks in the US keep shows on the books for last past their use by date nowadays (Glee, The Following, Revenge for example) and sometimes an idea just stretches on and on... A remake, a comic book conversation, a spin off all (usually) have a limited lifecycle. Dramas that are based on crimes, in hospitals, apartment blocks (oh Melrose) etc all have long lives due to multiple characters, stories to run. Shows like Weeds based on a weed dealing soccer mum or Nurse Jackie a drug taking Nurse, all have limited life cycles with Jackie's sober seasons, mixed with high seasons and Weeds and the same ground hashed out (lol) over and over, just becomes dull viewing.

Will I be watching Bates Motel if it gets a fourth series (and this is highly likely due to online talk that a fourth and fifth season have been planned), the simple answer is yes. I need to see the end game. Like Revenge I have held on to the very bitter end. And bitter it is. Now Victoria is back alive and Courtney Love has reentered, it has gone mental.

Unfortunately Revenge will be remembered for it's mad decline and it's ratings disaster and major fall from grace. How quickly a show can fall from grace. The Following was huge season one, and now in season three it's a ratings disaster.

Bates Motel Season Three, it's almost finale time but will a Fourth Series be worth watching? Time will surely tell.

Thursday, May 7, 2015

Gotham Season Finale - Not the greatest comic book show...


Gotham has had some good moments, some lame moments and a large cast only rivalled by Game of Thrones. At times this prequel to any other Batman movie of the last however many years has really just been one large set up.

Setting up the back stories and the growing up of Bruce Wayne (Batman), Selina Kyle (Catwoman) and various other Batman favourites.

Whilst the show has a large cast and most like Penguin, the Riddler, Poison Ivy and  Scarecrow are easy to follow however the large police force and random characters who get thrown in make the show a little hard to follow from time to time.

Unlike Daredevil being on Network television in the US they have to scale back the swearing, nudity and sex (however violence has never been an issue in the US on primetime shows) it almost feels a little teenage. It's not quite a kids cartoon but it's not yet a full on adult drama. A grown up comic book story on the small screen is hard to create. Daredevil through Netflix is the perfect platform, no dramas with content and a 13 episode tight season. 22/23 episode seasons (like the Flash and where it is at) can drag on and often have many filler episodes in between the meat of the season.

Don't get me wrong I have enjoyed Gotham (and at times the Flash - a little too teenage girl, flirty high school style drama at times) but I feel it may have benefited by being on a HBO or Netflix. Allowing the content to be less "Network" and more "Adult" would have created a series more in line with the Christopher Nolan landmark trilogy.

I will watch Season 2 and hope either they do a flash forward a few years to Batman actually getting introduced and some of the "Bad Guys" going real bad in Gotham City.

As promised this weekend when I have a second or later this week I will look at what else is happening in the world of comics, Marvel and big screen/TV projects. There are a lot of shows wrapping but a lot of new content incoming for the US Summer, hooray!

Bring back the Australian Summer PLEASE!

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Why are the fuckwits at the Daily Tele trying to make it..


The West Vs the Rest.

I have complained about this before, and again the Daily Tele loves to call out, that the poor West Sydney is always hard done by. Well Daily Tele, your head office is in prime inner city real estate Surry Hills first up, second up that Anzac Tweet by the SBS staff member, get over it, it's May now, Anzac Day was a couple of weeks again, and lest we forget the hours, columns, air time and online homage to an event that took place 100 years ago.

Poverty Porn - WTF! I am going to sit down tomorrow night with my lube, box of Klennex and rub one out to a bunch of Western Sydney folk and climax around 9:30pm? Hell to the no, I prefer to cum (in bucket loads to something like the below - a long way in my mind from poverty porn).


Sorry Blacktown mayor Mr Bali, I never wanked over Houso's and I can honestly say for the next three Wednesday's Struggle Street will be far from my wank bank.

$350,000 an episode, fuck that's a damn sight cheaper than some of the shit on Channel Ten, Nine & Seven and every show Channel Ten makes is risking their yearly losses to increase more and more.

And as the article continues it couldn't be a Murdoch press piece without some good old fashioned ABC bashing. Cool so the world without:

1. News - that is NEWS, no ad's, no fucking lame cross promotions, no sports bet odds for the upcoming football matches, just news, is it too much to ask for well researched reports on the days events and breaking items?

2. Programs with SOME substance - for years the commercial networks have flooded the market with reality series after reality franchise. The Biggest Loser, Big Brother, Idol, X Factor, MKR, The Block, The Bachelor, Farmer wants a Wife..... Thanks god for Miss Fischer's Murder Mysteries, Q&A, Media Watch (often picking up poor journalism @ News Limited) and the list goes on....

3. Radio Stations with real announcers. Forgot vile old queen Alan Jones, dirty and obese old Kyle & his long term partner in poor radio Jackie O, Ray Hadley, 3AW (Melbourne's worst station with some horrific records of putting people to air who may not be who they say they are) & who can forget the rest of the gang at 2DAY, or is it Hit FM? Who cares no one is listening now and then there is the bogans at the Grill Team? Strike me pink. Thank god for 702 Sydney, JJJ, JJ and the various other stations at the ABC that provide various demographics with great news, content (something the majority of commercial stations neglect - advertisers come first right? Who gives two shits about the listeners) & for Triple J, Double J & Triple J Unearthed music. Real music. Good, local and international artists who may appear on a Nova playlist in 10 years time.

4. Online - and interactive platform the ABC is smashing out of the ball park. News.com.au, The Daily Telegraph and smh.com.au all struggle to have as much amazing content as the wonderful one stop shop abc.net.au

I am sick to death of the Murdoch bashing of the ABC. Yes you may have had to finish year 10 to appreciate the finer things in life but fucking hell, life is hard enough without trying to make more difficulty in Sydney. An US vs THEM attitude towards certain people living in certain areas is horrific and again the morons who publish these columns (and their columnists - I'm looking at you Devine - shit piece by the way on drugs on the weekend honey, you really have no idea. I have even seen you walking around Surry Hills. So babe you should know, drugs are OUT OF CONTROL in Sydney, with or without what the Bali 9 may or may not have brought in) and what is called news is just horrific. At least Sydney is not yet at a Courier Mail standard, but we are on the way with the charming Daily Telegraph.

So feel free to try and create a divide, but I for one am not buying it. Keep enjoying your Surry Hills daytime life Daily Tele staff and I am sure a lot of you reside in the Hills district or Eastern Suburbs, so stop pretending you care about the West and what they go through, cause I for one, I'm bored.

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

#I'mNotDavidNorMargaret, Film Reviews My Way 2015


After seeing the romantic drama from Nicholas Spark the Longest Ride it was time for some Serena van der Woodsen I mean Blake Lively in THE AGE OF ADALINE.

After hearing bad review after bad review and people say to me why on Earth would you see this film by choice, I threw caution to the wind and had a wonderful time falling in love with Blake and her co-stars.

Adaline is a fantasy and set in the wonderful surrounds of San Fran we see her live for decades always remaining as beautiful as Blake is right this second.



Lively is wonderful and her outfits are simply sublime. She totally is banging and her co star is no younger Eastwood in the Longest Ride however Michael Huisman is not bad. He is a Dutch GOT dude who has had his (what I could see) first leading romantic lead. Look out you could end up in the next Nicholas Sparks film.

The Age of Adaline, it's completely unbelievable but as far as fantasy goes I had a grand old time seeing this picture.

Adaline rates a truly glamorous and divine 3 Stars, well done Blake, life after Gossip Girl does exist, XOXO...

Monday, May 4, 2015

The Only Royal baby I care about is if there is...


A royal birth on EW's trashy new hit the Royals. Unfortunately the news of a new Royal baby hardly excites me and like the whole Anzac "thing" I think people go over the top. Someone had a baby, hooray. If her brother dies she may become queen, boo.

News is important however this news bores the fucking pants off me.

Like many Australians I wonder how long the love affair with the Royals and the UK will continue for. We are old enough and ugly enough to look after ourselves now I think. Let's just hope her third goes relatively unnoticed, however I am not sure if we will be that lucky.

This said I am loving Harry and his activities lately, he actually seems genuine and in his past he seems to have loved the whole party scene and showed he was not perfect. No one is perfect whether you are a Royal or not.

People like Harry seem real, forget the whole conservative views of you must marry, have 2.5 kids, don't drink too much, never do drugs, be christian and continue out of date rituals and keep old fashioned traditions alive.

A conservative Australia is a backwards and out of date Australia, reading far right commentators pieces which reach hundreds of thousands of general punters raises real questions of what kind of Australia we are going for.

Andrew Bolt, Miranda Devine and Piers Akerman leading Australia, with a touch of Ray Hardley and Alan Jones, fucking hell what a BLEAK and disappointing future. Thank god they are all getting older and less and less relevant, newspapers circulation is shrinking and talk back radio is finally starting to die off.

So my message to you dear reader is get you news from various sources, don't believe everything you read or hear, seek and do your own research and live, truly live for the moment and don't live in fear like the major newspapers, media would like you to live. Remember a life lived in FEAR is a life HALF lived.

Sunday, May 3, 2015

Felicity Huffman is FIERCE in American Crime


I did NOT want to get hooked on anymore series. I already have enough on my plate (Channel Ten - heads up some good shit here, unlike Masterchef, Biggest Loser and fucking hell Studio 10 - WTF):

Bates Motel - Almost incest has never been so intriguing...

Gotham - Not the best of the Superhero shows (more to come on Marvel I promise) but still Ben McKenzie is ageing nicely and I have also had a soft (sometimes hard) spot for Batman.

The Following - It has sort of gone to the dogs but still a lot more refreshing than The Block

The Flash - Better than Gotham but still lacks something, however easy to watch and gives the CW a glimmer of hope for a brighter future.

Wentworth - AUSTRALIA's best show in years. Foxtel, well done this is superb television. The cast are 5 star, the story lines amazing and the fresh approach to Women's prison, FAB.

The Blacklist - Like Revenge how long can this last? (Revenge - officially cancelled this week after 4 long Revenge seasons) How long is this fucking Blacklist? I do need however to see the end game play out.

The Red Road - Short Sundance season with the extremely handsome Kiwi national Martin Henderson.

The Messengers - The CW has followed the Leftovers and multiple other shows about the christian rapture. Sometimes it's great to watch amazing shows and have a shit show on the go too so you appreciate the good.

Game of Thrones - I told you I was watching a lot...

Nurse Jackie - Concluding this year  after almost running completely out of ideas. That said this show has had some wonderful moments over the 7 years it's been running, yes 7 years. Showtime it's time for some new, fresh programming.

Penny Dreadful - Random new-ish (2nd Season starts today - USA) series on Showtime, is it their new cult Dexter? Nope.

Revenge - as above finally ending in two weeks, how will it end? Victoria, Conrad and Daniel Grayson dead, Charlotte Grayson MIA, Nolan heartbroken, Jack WTF in LA with his shirt off all the time? Oh Revenge how did a once good show go for way too long without a single cause.

Secrets & Lies - Aussie remake from 6 episodes to a drawn out 10. Hardly any Ryan Phillippe shirtless scenes after Martin Henderson (The Red Road above) seemed to be near naked every episode. A second season looks likely with Juliette Lewis continuing her role with a new case. Has promise and if anything the ABC (US) needs a new hit, How to Get Away with Murder is massive but they need more than just one monster runaway hit.

Silicon Valley - intelligent HBO comedy, with a few laugh out loud moments.

So yeah I am watching a lot!

But American Crime, 4 episodes in is wonderful and so important right now with all what's happening in Baltimore...

Saturday, May 2, 2015

The Weekend Begins, another tragic storm and the fucking Logies


QLD/Southern NSW got smashed again by rain, storms and winds, tragically 4 people lost their lives. RIP and my thoughts are with your families. Terrible, you can find coverage here on the Guardians website.

So it has been a hard week and I want to go light today/this weekend and yes as the post's title suggests it's the fucking LOGIES again. Oh boo. Sam Smith out, The Script in. Oh boy bad start there already. The Script, who gives two shits. Sam Smith is one of the hottest and most celebrated artists right now, replaced by the Script. Oh dear.

Now the shows up for the awards:

Gold Logie - Please give it to Carrie Bickmore, the Project is average at best (too many ad's and sometimes they really miss the mark) but I love Carrie. And if Scott Cam win's this country is more bogan than I once imagined.

Acting - is not so bad, however most popular presenter, Karl from the Today really? Oh hell no.

Most Popular Programs - Home & Away, come on, does anyone really still watch this shit? House Husbands in the Golden Era of TV is completely and utterly embarrassing with poor story lines and anyone who has had some success in Australian TV thrown into the most random and uninspiring cast. All the reality TV shows up for nomination - pass me a cheese grater now, I would prefer to masterbate with a cheese grater than sit through any of these shows:

Big Brother - died in the early 00's. Once Kyle & Jackie Ho Bag stepped in, it died. Bring back Gretel.

The Block - white people complaining whilst thousands die around the world without clean water or food. A shocking and pathetic show.

Bondi Rescue - oh please, white surfie dudes rescuing international students and drunk English/Irish folk, yawn.

Bondi Vet - Bondi Rescue, Bondi Vet, Bondi illegal English Backpackers, Bondi Kale Recipes, Bondi Workout, enough said, I'm bored of Bondi.

MKR - the WORST thing on TV right now. Forget Dating Naked this is HORRIFIC!

Most Outstanding programs, let's hope Wentworth slays it, the comedy category thanks to ABC/SBS is actually really strong so well done and as usual the ABC leads the news awards. Good on the ABC too for the most nominations with 32 ahead of Nine on 25 nods.

You can catch it (why??) on Channel 9 tomorrow night.

Friday, May 1, 2015

The week that was, wasn't and the week some would really love to forget...


It's been an extremely strange week, one that some would like to erase from their minds. I for one have had an extremely up and down week and with all the rolling news coverage of multiple "bad" news items this week, it is any wonder I am saying "there is a God" now the weekend is here.

However the fucking rain is back and I fear for people who had near shocking experiences last down pour this time could be even worse with already soaked through soil which has had little time to dry out.

One can only hope May will be a much better month than the previous April. I have to say my weeks where I have time off Boot Camp when shit happens life just seems harder.

Exercise really is a wonderful thing. Some say it's like a drug with only positive side effects and I have to agree. Unlike heroine or ice, exercise is great for the mind and great for your body. A healthily mind and healthy body just make everything a wee bit better.

The hard thing is to beat the bad food and man I almost had it until Easter/Holidays and April in general. That feeling of being comfortable in all your clothes, a less bloated belly, HEAVEN!

OK rant over and I truly can't wait to wake tomorrow to the weekend, time to recharge, reflect and look ahead. It's been a rough week and my thoughts are with those in Nepal having a terrible time, to the families involved in the murders in Bali early Wednesday AM and to anyone still having issues with the weather, power problems or property damage.

Until next time, peace out and look after one another xOxOxO