Thursday, July 30, 2015

Why Go Back to Where You Came From Is the Most Important (and only) worthwhile show on Commercial TV this week


Australian Commercial TV has hit another new low this week, two (almost) identical cooking shows and in similar vein to Masterchef (which has just aired over 60 LONG episodes) and MKR two new reality shows are on the scenes, the Bachelor is back, Dancing with the Stars is pulling it's worst numbers to date and coming up in September the US is about to bring back all it's big dramas, yes Australian networks DRAMA.

So it's refreshing from Tuesday to Thursday on SBS and SBS2 to see another gut wrenching and heartbreaking reality in Go Back to Where You Came From. An amazing and well told account of how our country will one day look back and be disgusted in the STOP the BOATS campaign.

I have no idea how Abbott, Morrison, Dutton and Brandis sleep at night. The Liberal government is almost the who's who of evil in Australian society. However the speaker of the house Mrs Bronwyn  Bishop can get away with anything she likes.

This show is what should be shown in schools to year 11 & 12 students as they are our future, our current and past leaders have been a massive failure and saying that stopping the boats saves drowning is a nice lie to tell the plebs so you can feel better about the horror at seas and in detention centres.

Both sides of politics are completely in the wrong. Thank god for the Greens to put pressure on the two major parties. I however will NEVER vote for Labor again and I would have NEVER voted Liberal if my life depended on it. The whole party name Liberal is a joke in itself.

I have to say Bill Shorten was a pathetic leader before he announced he would support Stop the Boats but now, I am disgusted and could never bring myself to vote Labor.

So to the leaders of our nation, hang your heads in shame, this show shines the spotlight on the poor job you are doing in the area of immigration, this is a World problem and all countries need to help, not shut the gates and hope it will go away. Can someone have the guts in power to stand up and say ENOUGH IS ENOUGH, I don't stand for this and I never voted for people to be treated like this.

Monday, July 27, 2015

#I'mNotDavidNorMargaret, Film Reviews My Way 2015


Seeing a film twice usually means for me that I have:

1. Seen everything (sometimes true)
2. Loved the shit out of it the first time
3. Was bored and ran out of HBO/Showtime series to smash at home
4. A friend also wanted to see it and seeing a movie twice is better than doing something in Winter

But I am not sure why I saw JURASSIC WORLD twice? It still is a 3 Star Film as rated back in JUNE - here, but this film has SLAYED it at the Box Office. So currently this film has done 1.5 Billion dollars, crazy right! In a world where nothing is selling and a whole heap of films are bombing at the box office (even Ant-Man hasn't done the usual BIG Marvel business) it's amazing this film continues to do well.

On a Sunday night screening when this film has been out for several weeks, my session was largely well attended. And the audience also laughed, screamed and enjoyed every Dino attack moment.



This film is everything a blockbuster should be, however I am sticking by my solid 3 Star rating on this one Jurassic World, the countdown is on for the 2018 sequel....

Saturday, July 25, 2015

#I'mNotDavidNorMargaret, Film Reviews My Way 2015


What's happened to Ryan Reynolds, it's like every shit film has one thing in common, his in it, and that continues in SELF/LESS. Oh the boredom with the intro, the film takes FOREVER to explain what simple plot we (the audience) are about to witness. And with every boring (predictable) twist another answer has to be simply explained in this sic-fi/thriller turd.

Critically and at the box office failing miserably this film is almost as woeful as ALOHA (almost I say), the saviour is Ryan Reynolds with his shirt off other than this, it's a dead waste of time and effort.

Again why would a studio green light this piece of shit???



So you've seen the trailer and that's really all you need to see as you can only shine a turd so much until you realise it's still a turd.

Ben Kingsley at the start sets the tone for this long drawn out episode that would have played out better as a Lifetime tele movie. Really this could have been a good tele movie or straight to DVD, two screen away whilst the shit unfolds, however they choose to open it against the truly supreme Train Wreck (RIP the folk in the USA - you guys really need strict gun laws, LIKE NOW!).

This will be a flop and be one of those movies that comes and goes and no one thinks twice about it, sad but true.

SELF/LESS, it takes movies like this to realise how outstanding Train Wreck was and how brilliant the writing, casting and acting were. Who needs sic-fi when sometimes the simple stories told are the most brilliant. This is far from brilliant, 1 Star (for Ryan Reynolds sexy hairy chest - Alanis your missing out babes).

Friday, July 24, 2015

#I'mNotDavidNorMargaret, Film Reviews My Way 2015


I didn't think we would have another great comedy like SPY so soon, well I was wrong TRAINWRECK is anything but a trainwreck.



Amy Schumer is EVERYWHERE and I mean everywhere she even went all random in this Triple J interview below:



It's slightly awkward, it's slightly weird but that is her thang and she is killing it! With a sold out stand up show at the Arts Centre in Melbourne and a promo tour to end all promo tours this movie is going to be a HIT when it hits cinemas for advance screenings this weekend and opening soon.

It's already made it's budget back via the box office in the US and this woman is set for large things, watch this space.

Now the movie is packed with a killer cast and Schumer is born cinema star. Randall Park and Amy's co workers are fab, Brie Larson is super as Amy's sister and Bill Hader is great as the love interest.

I don't want to give too much of the plot away as the trailer for once doesn't give it all away nor does it give you all the bend over, cringe worthy laugh out loud moments.

Trainwreck is the MUST SEE comedy out now (soon) and definitely not suitable for anyone under 15, unless you want to answer questions about tampons and various sexual elements of adult life.

This is great I can't believe I am going there, 5 STARS, a certified HIT.

Monday, July 20, 2015

#I'mNotDavidNorMargaret, Film Reviews My Way 2015


Australian movies are hard to come by in 2015 and I was extremely excited about RUBEN GUTHRIE, a great play I saw a number of years ago at Sydney's Belvoir Street Theatre and always thought of fondly.



Now I have to say this first up, I LOVE Robyn Nevin & Alex Dimitriades, they are top notch Aussie talent and Alex D playing a gay too is fab. It took me back to Head On, Oh Head On.

So this play/movie explores Australia's obsession (and I mean obsession) with alcohol and the social suicide of anyone who chooses not to drink.

As a non drinker I have been there done that, when I finally gave up on the drink I gained a better perspective of life. I had a lot more meaningful relationships and I performed a shit load better than a lot of folk I work with on the drink.

So this film is a good Aussie effort, it could be my favourite Aussie film of 2015 (unless Holding the Man is smokin') not that there has been many Aussie films this year. Thanks George Brandis, Minister for the Arts, LOL

So Ruben Guthrie it's a stellar Aussie cast including screen legend Jack Thompson and Jeremy Sims (where on Earth have you been since Chances???) also I can;t forget the lead Ruben Patrick Brammall ABC star of Glitch and Upper Middle Bogan (where he also shares the screen with Nevin).

Ok so easily a 4.25 Star film, why not 4.5? There wasn't enough Alex D. Ruben Guthrie it's a SOLID 4.25 Star film.

Saturday, July 18, 2015

Birthdays are Cruel


Dear one and all:

Birthdays are cruel, I really hate mine and people from time to time think that is really strange however this past week when I turned the ripe old age of 33 I realised why I hate my BDAY.

It started off average, boot camp and an early outdoors in the July Arctic Vortex was not what the door ordered. I have found this Winter particularly cunted, and with photos zipping in from Europe and abroad I am only hating Sydney life more.

That was the start then my Aunty called which I thought would just be the usual Happy Birthday Mate, yada yada yada, not it wasn't I later learned my Mother had broken her left leg and left arm, whilst spraining her right ankle. I am a total Mama's Boui (Surry Hills restaurant reference where they have the hottest bar boy in the WORLD, and I mean the World) and was heartbroken, thinking my mother was in all sorts of pain away from home and uncomfortable was almost too much.

This was fairly on in the day, the day got worse I felt I was coming down with something but I have to say a huge thanks to my lovely friends who got in contact with me:

Zangers
Geeks
Kitty
Sara @ Mariners
Aunty Karen
Nan & Pa
Mum & Dad
Ashley
Nicole
Belinda
Chu Chu

And some random businesses too, I love an eDM from a company wishing you a happy birthday. It's kinda sad I was so excited about these this year:

Outback Steakhouse
Bay Tinh
Boost Juice
Park Run
Cellarmasters

A massive thanks however to my lovely work neighbour Zangers you are da bomb, my work pals are also super sweet and I have the most lovely flowers, nowhere near as many flowers though than my Mother (she has almost sold out the Gosford Hospital Florist!) in her hospital room and the ones me and Dad brought back to their house.

Anyway as I sit here typing hoping my antibiotics kick in and my pity party to end I have to say a big FUCK YOU Birthdays you can be a cruel mother fucker some years.

Thursday, July 16, 2015

#I'mNotDavidNorMargaret, Film Reviews My Way 2015


Following the latest Avengers and Guardians of the Galaxy the latest Marvel film opens today right around the nation. After school holidays has wrapped ANT-MAN is here to save the day..



Right after Comic Con here comes another superhero picture. And I don't meant to sound negative I have been all over Marvel, seen all the recent Marvel feature films (I think all at the cinema - by memory) and loved Daredevil recently on Netflix and think Agent Carter is just great for the lady superhero genre.

So Paul Rudd does he cut it as a lead in a super hero comic book adaption? Yes and Yes and he also got a bit buff. YUM!

Like all Marvel pictures they get together a great group of actors (this time Michael Douglas, T.I, Michael Pena & Evangeline Lilly) and the action scenes and battle sequences are off the chain!

Look there is nothing new here but really and truly it's half way between the recent Avengers and Guardians of the Galaxy, it's got action and some good comedy along the way. It's smart and stupid comedy all at once.

I would be upset if there wasn't a sequel to this film as I do believe this had a lot more going for it than some of the Captain America films and some of the moments in the Thor features were extremely questionable. Despite how handsome the Hemsworth boy is.

OK so a rating, Ant-Man is fun and silly all at once, whilst also having some amazing action scenes, well done Marvel this is great, 4 Stars.

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

#I'mNotDavidNorMargaret, Film Reviews My Way 2015


MAGIC MIKE XXL

Oh where do I start, do I start with the fact that Childish Gambino (AKA Donald Glover) is a total babe and nails this role or do I start with the bad acting and the great dance/strip routines. Well I am going to gloss over a lot of this film, as the plot is largely glossed over and we get an all stripping, all six pack fest no sugar eating man O man feast. And very multicultural now with the addition of Gambino/Glover.
Look this won’t be everyone’s cup of tea (i.e. straight males and lesbians) however Channing Tatum is awesome. He can move, he is all American and handsome and then there is Alcide or Joe whatever his Italian surname is. Look this is a straight out popcorn film, sit back and think thank god school holidays is over and hello boys. I was asked by a mother of three if she should book a babysitter and drop everything and the answer is no but if you are a stay at home mum this might get you in a puddle so caution ladies.
The inclusion of Nine Inch Nails classic song Closer and Gambino rounds this very average film out to a 3 out of 5 flesh-a-ton.

Monday, July 13, 2015

NIMA Awards - Form Guide & Playlist


Rounding off Naidoc Week which wrapped yesterday here is a quick look at the NIMA Nominations for 2015...

National Artist of the Year
Dan Sultan
Briggs
Thelma Plum
Jessica Mauboy

National Song of the Year
'How Much Does Your Love Cost?' - Thelma Plum
'Young In Love' - Thelma Plum
'Bad Apples' - Briggs
'Dirty Ground' - Dan Sultan
'Black Woman' - Emma Donovan

National Album of the Year
Briggs - Sheplife
Emma Donovan and Putback - Dawn
Frank Yamma - Uncle
East Journey feat. Yothu Yindi - The Genesis Project

National New Talent of the Year 
Philly
Lucky Luke
Tjintu Desert Band

National Cover Art of the Year
Briggs - Sheplife
East Journey feat. Yothu Yindi - Song of Arnhem Land
Radical Son - Cause N Affect
Frank Yamma - Uncle

National Film Clip of the Year
Dan Sultan - 'Dirty Ground'
Briggs - 'Bad Apples'
East Journey - 'Song of Arnhem Land (Salas/Moore Mix)'
B2M - 'Parlingarri'
Radical Son - 'Human Behavoiur'

Community Clip of the Year
Breath In, Breath Out
Produced By: Indigenous Hip Hop Projects was proud to partner with Katherine West Health Board and Bulla Camp

Got a lot Going On - Yarn Safe
Produced By: Indigenous Hip Hop Projects and Indigenous creative agency Gilimbaa 

Uncle Alfred's Mens Group - Spear of Destiny
Produced By: Desert Pea Media 

Cairns Murri Crew - Built To Last
Produced By: Desert Pea Media

Tagai Buway - Two Worlds
Produced By: Desert Pea Media

Call On Me
Produced by: Indigenous Hip Hop Projects was proud to partner with Broome Regional Aboriginal Medical Service and St. Mary's College

After wrapping up another great week across the two BLOG's (my other - Flashing off the Record) last week it's back to normal here from tomorrow with a look tomorrow at Magic Mike XXL from over the weekend and later Ant Man.

In the mean time let's take in some final NIMA nominated artist music to start off another long cold week...





Friday, July 10, 2015

Naidoc Week: Friday {YUNG WARRIORS}


Brilliant Aussie Hip Hop (with meaning) out of Melbourne, Victoria. Standing Strong was one of my favourite tracks a few years back and I couldn't get enough of their production and their strong vocals.

As Naidoc Week comes to a close it's time to hear and see some more of what this great country has to offer below.





Thursday, July 9, 2015

Naidoc Week: Thursday {MICROWAVE JENNY}


From my old neck of the woods it's Mircowave Jenny, hailing from the Sunny old Central Coast this duo is divine and a current favourite on Triple J.

Have a listen to there amazing music as we celebrate Naidoc Week all this week.


Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Naidoc Week: Wednesday {BRIGGS}


Well yesterday we had some soulful rock from Dan Sultan, today's it's raw and honest Aussie Hip Hop with Briggs.

Briggs has three records under his belt with his album from last year Sheplife getting the most attention.

Bad Apples was a big hit as was a great little collaboration with another indigenous legend. Take a listen below (and a wee look) below:





More local legends tomorrow and over on Flashing off the Record this week we are featuring new local release from TUKA.

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Naidoc Week: Tuesday {DAN SULTAN}


What a gosh damn LEGEND, love ya work Dan Sultan...





And if Blues & Roots, indigenous music is your thing, stream the latest Roots n All show with the dreamy Sarah Howells on JJJ.

Monday, July 6, 2015

Dance Week Ends, Naidoc Week Commences


Well I danced a kilo or two away last week and I hope you did too, this week though it's all about Naidoc week. Although with Film Reviews and my usual nonsense I will post some of the nations best indigenous artists across the week.

It's also the week we see dance take stage, well strip dancing in Magic Mike XXL, I to be honest can hardly wait!

So today let's shine the spotlight on the divine and amazing taken THELMA PLUM. I have loved her work since I first heard "Father Said" on JJJ. Happy Naidoc Week all.





Sunday, July 5, 2015

#I'mNotDavidNorMargaret, Film Reviews My Way 2015


Sometimes a franchise needs a reboot, and then again sometimes it doesn't. The last Terminator film Salvation was beyond woeful, I sat through it thinking why has this been made? The TV series was around the same time cancelled and I remember Sam Worthington being hopeless.

The new film TERMINATOR GENISYS operates around an operating system, like Maverick for Apple products and uses San Fran as it's back drop. To be honest the trailer had me hook, line and sinker in, so check it...



I am slightly nervous with this opening around the massive success of another reboot Jurassic World, this film will struggle to make budget. Apparently two sequels are on the way but this could have been so much more. You have the biggest (still standing) character from GOT takes on the machines with some help from the sizzling Jai Courtney, Arnie and J.K. Simmons. Lee Byung-hun also adds to the hot actor he is one man ageing exceptionally well.

So the film, the special effects and tricks are 10/10 easy and look that is enough for some action movie goers but now after recent X-Men films and other action instalments we (as an audience) want, almost demand more. More storyline, more character depth, this just lacked that.

However the helicopter, car chases and Byung-hun scenes and fight scenes were great. I have seen loads of action films lately and still am hanging for the new Mission Impossible film and I will definitely check out the new Terminator film but this just wasn;t top shelf.

It's a good School Holidays film for the second week of 13 (or mature 12) year olds to check out, but if your after another amazing X-Men or Mission Impossible - Ghost Protocol then maybe look elsewhere. I mentioned Jurassic World earlier and to be honest both of these films rely on tricks more than content and can carry these off well, so that said, it's an even pass mark of 2.5 Stars.

Saturday, July 4, 2015

#I'mNotDavidNorMargaret, Film Reviews My Way 2015


TED 2 has an epic cast and is the sequel to 2012 original, however I am not really sure why they felt the need to make a sequel to a foul mouthed stoner Teddy Bear but hey anything with Marky Mark in it is a hit in my books. And boy is he busy lately with his cameo (speaking about the Ted films actually) in the critically panned Entourage film and also being one of the producers on the new HBO Rock series Ballers.



Look this is not great but Seyfried and Walhberg are really great together and all the mentions of Black Cocks really did amuse the 12 year old boy inside this almost 33 year old.

So if you want a bit of a laugh and check your brain at the door kinda shit this is probably for you.

Ted 2 it's the High School Student School Holiday comedy film of the Winter School Holidays, however if you are not a pot head, Marky Mark, Morgan Freeman, Seth MacFarlane or Amanda Seyfried fan this film might not be for you. 2.5 Inner 12 year old stars for this crude n rude little Teddy Bear sequel.

Friday, July 3, 2015

Best Dance Videos from around the interwebs


It's finally Friday and we have been celebrating dance all this week, it's time for some fun dance videos from around the Net. Dance week continues over the weekend so stay tuned y'all....





Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Hump Day Bump n Grind


Like Matt & Alex on JJJ, it's hump day and it's time to HUMP n GRIND with some hot mid week dance/RnB basically anything you can shake ya thang to.

Happy Mid Week of the Dance week phenomena that has everyone dancing...