Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Blood & Oil.


Most could easily compare this to the much better revival of Dallas a couple of years back (axed too soon by TNT and this will always be considered a crime against TV humanity and completion of plot points) and with the yummy Chace Crawford back on our screens one could also hope for a grown up more sexy Gossip Girl. Those looking for this, look elsewhere.

After viewing a few new shows pilots (from Supergirl to Blindspot, Lucifer and the Walking Dead prequel, Fear The Walking Dead) this is easily the WORST new show of the season. I thought Scream Queens rated badly however this must have rated worse, the dialogue, the characters the bad visuals (hello we can tell the paddocks they are standing in are just studio green screens) and not to mention did I care about one character? Well besides, Chace's character who I was just happy he got his shirt off once.

So after doing some quick digging it had over 6 million viewers in the USA tune in last night, I am predicting this to drop heavily next week, this show was beyond average and maybe the easiest show to cancel of the new season, juts terrible, plain terrible.

Sunday, September 27, 2015

OutsideIn 2015


Let's talk about DANCE, I know I keep all my usual music posts for Flashing off the Record, however today I will throwback to the early 00's for another Spring Music List. So right now I wanted to share a little about the wonderful festival at Sydney Uni yesterday OutsideIn Festival.

Now I am totally in love with Kucka and I featured her last month when I had an EP feature week. I loved Unconditional the first time I heard it on JJJ and I must say to have seen it live now was a real treat. What a brilliant track and the rest of her set was equally as sweet and fun, she was as sweet in mic breaks as her vocals were.

She also joined Cosmo Midnight on the Main Stage where people lost their shit earlier to a local and young producer Sable.

Cosmo Midnight were joined by the super sexy Nicole Millar and also Kucka gave an epic finale with Walk With Me. Easily one of the most catchy and brilliant pop songs on the radio right now.

Snare was also a crowd favourite and was super smooth and had the crowd body rolling all the way into Walk with Me.

The twins didn't impress me as much as young Kucka from Perth did however all in all this festival (right in my backyard) really impressed me and seeing the Manning Bar in full flight was great. Not since February 2009's The Big O with Bluejuice and Ben Lee had I been to a better event at the Manning Bar. Great use of the space and also such a wonderful and easy (well for me) venue to get to and leave.

This is a small boutique festival to watch and where I would like to see Festivals go in the future. Speaking of Festivals last week I blogged my list of 20 Festival Acts to watch this festival season, you can check it HERE.

Until tomorrow, Kucka I predict you will easily be a big Australian export in years to come, just brilliant.

Saturday, September 26, 2015

#I'mNotDavidNorMargaret, Film Reviews My Way 2015


After Narcos I have been completed astounded by drug cartels and the relationship between South America and North America so it was no wonder I found SICARIO such an inviting film. However I left feeling dirty and rather ambushed by the reality of these cartels.

This film is brutal and honest and the tension that builds is brilliant. Emily Blunt is beyond outstanding as was Josh Brolin and Benicio del Toro. The cast is completely outstanding and early reviews have been as outstanding as the cast.



The film relies on the tension built and the acting. There is no big budget action sequences, there is no razzle dazzle, it's just brilliant story telling.

The cartels are brutal and so are some of the scenes in this film. It all builds to that one moment and as I wrote in the intro I felt a little ill and off leaving the cinema. It's so real and when kids are involved, fucking hell.

Narcos lead me into this and I am so excited for the second series of that great Netflix series. Denis Villeneuve is a wonderful writer/director and after the brilliant Prisoners (with Hugh Jackman - currently in Pan) it was no surprise this was going to be equally excellent.

Sicario (meaning hit man in Spanish) is brilliant, it's no school holidays picture but who the fuck wants that, 4 BIG stars for this wonderful feature.

Friday, September 25, 2015

Empire Season Two.


What an opening, a strong ratings number too 16.18 Million US Viewers, when Season One commenced in January it opened to 9.90 Million. Such a wonderful return to form and with guest stars like Chris Rock this show is here to stay as a massive US ratings tour de force.

Set to guest star this season (wait for it) Mariah Carey, Lenny Kravitz, Alicia Keys, Kelly Rowland, Pitbull and that's just for starters, so excited.

This show is the best music show in years. After NBC's musical fail Smash, Fox has seen Glee worked (both ratings wise and iTunes sales wise) and has really put 100% effort into this show.

After failing earlier this week with Scream Queens on Fox, Empire looks like commencing a second season in the same year (The Block has done this in Australia, however no one seems to bothered) and this second season is looking like sure fire hit, with a 99% chance of grabbing a Third Season.

Empire has a way with creating instant great one liners, catchy songs (via Timbaland) and Taraji P.Henson as Cookie is just terrific! Her one line zingers, her wigs, her weaves, GIRL! Brilliant, easily one of the best characters right now on television.

So my thoughts after all this ratings talk and guest star talk, I think this show, amid there being a lot going on (and I mean A LOT!) this show is all about a fab family and mostly a totally hot cast.

This show mixes music, fashion, real issues (as in the first episode featuring African American incarceration issues) and a great script to create an amazing almost soap opera drama for 2015. There is a lot of copy cat shit out there, reality TV and just general badly made TV, this is not it, Empire is back and better than ever, love, love, love IT!

Empire - it's back next week and my god it's my new Thursday obsession xo

Thursday, September 24, 2015

Scream Queens.


The latest FOX series by Ryan Murphy is one of the most hyped series of 2015-2016, the marketing for this show has been off the chain, the YouTube channel has been on fire and apparently twitter yesterday was over run by Pope in the USA and Screen Queen tweets.

Doing a double episode premiere can mean:

1. Build the hype
2. Burn off episodes quickly
3. Fill programming time

There is thirteen remaining episodes to air with some of the key players already killed off.

Now is this show any good? To be honest the show has been blown out of the water by Blindspot's pilot episode which rated a monster 10.61 million viewers (this being after the pilot leaked online months ago) finally NBC may have a hit on their hands. Not only is Blindspot on NBC but it has half the star cast that Scream Queens does, so according to Wikipedia the first two back to back episodes of Scream Queens was only watched by just over 4 million viewers.

In Australia this number would be heaven, in the US it's HORRID, to put it into context, Limitless (a horrid new series based on the shit Bradley Cooper film almost reached 10 million viewers), The Muppets also debuted on ABC (US network) the same night and also scored 9 million viewers. Therefore Scream Queens was seen by half the audience of other new shows airing this week.

FOX has a light at the tunnel tonight Empire season 2 returns and last year the pilot was a monster 9.90 million viewers, single sales on iTunes and a successful season one album. The main challenge for Scream Queens is to quickly build on this rather lacklustre start, their marketing campaign alone to lead in to this rather poor 4.04 million viewers would have not come cheap, however all the social activity and online chatter could save the show.

Ryan Murphy is still the king of fun pop culture references that he weaves into his programs, now that Glee is (finally) dead and buried, Nip/Tuck is a distant memory and he is on the dawn of launching American Horror Story: Hotel (another online hype success) and also American Crime Story will debut on FX. American Crime Story will commence in Feb 2016 and American Horror Story will start next month.

He is a busy man and has had great success in the past (excluding pretty/handsome which had no more than a pilot and The New Normal which ran one long season) however I unfortunately think this show might be one of the first casualties for the 2015-2016 season.

Unfortunately it's a cut throat world in the land of US TV and a debut like 4.04 million viewers is like a reality show in Australia sitting around 500K viewers (I'm looking at you TBL Families) it's not gonna last, or it could get moved to Friday/Saturday nights.

Looking forward Empire and the Affair are still to air this week, exciting! Both shows were either well received by critics and audiences or a little bit of both (in Empire's case).

Also returning on ABC is the blockbuster hit of earlier this year How to Get Away with Murder and the new (very similar to the re-make of Dallas) Blood & Oil.

Oh thank god a long weekend is on the cards, so much TV to catch up with.

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Mid Week Hello


So the Spring that promised warmer weather (in Sydney) has gone for a holiday and School Holidays have begun, ehhhhhhh but it's mid week, it's pay day and after forecasted rain for yesterday and today, it's actually sunny. So I am looking up, it's been a huge past few months for me, I have lost a family member, had a mother with three broken limbs and been made redundant so apologies if you are reading this out there and wondered where on Earth and WTF is Randy old Andy up too.

Well here's to a new start, heres to going to Bali on Halloween and having a few days in the sun, here is to a new year and new starts.

I can't say it hasn't been hard the past few months but I could be a lot worse off, I could be a refugee in Europe, I could have a life threatening illness, but truth be told without sweets in my life, I am at my fittest, best weight and feeling great. Clear thinking without shit food is a lot easier than eating badly with a foggy mind.

I don't want to get all Biggest Loser on your asses but really and truly you shit and drink shit you will probably feel shit, and that's for real. No scientific language no long winded explanation, it's simple, shit = shit.

So I am going to try and lay off the bad stuff for another month (September + October sweet free) and see the difference. I feel my mind is so much more open and free and let's be honest with only a few more weeks of work left I really need a clear mind to get something new to sink my teeth into.

Life is great if you make it great, we have a new PM in Australia (seeya laters Abbott, it was shit while it lasted), Summer is coming and you know how excited I am about all the new and great TV on the way. And how good was yesterday's Laneway line up. Over on Flashing off the Record I gave the spotlight to Festivals this last Sunday but here is an extension of that with my Laneway Hot 5:

1. Shamir - hailing from North Las Vegas, this mega talented 20 year old will hit the stage @ Laneway early next year.


2. The Internet - hailing from LA this gang of cool kids will so bring it next year and I plan I being up near the front of the crowd for this killer group during "Girl".


3. Hermitude - travelling down from Sydney's Blue Mountains, these dudes are all killer and no filler and easily on top of the Aussie dance scene right now!


4. Flume - Oh hail King Flume, he is back and I'm excited, his debut album was SO amazing and I am so excited to see this Northern Beaches youngster.


5. Grimes - hailing from my second home Vancouver, BC, Grimes will smash it on the Laneway stage.

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

The BIG Week in TV Starts NOW!


Gotham returns tonight and after watching the first episode I can say this show might be on it's last legs, yes it might be the start of season 2, but I am expecting this show to conclude at the end of this series. Also tonight is the big one Blindspot, the pilot leak all online a little while back and it is great. It is nothing new, cop shop with a new crime each episode but it's done well and has an Aussie lead.

Tomorrow Limitless (a TV version of the poor Bradley Cooper film starts - it's pilot has also leaked online btw) and Scream Queens start off as new hopefuls for the 2015-2016 TV season. And if you think Limitless is a stretch well just announced on NBC is a Prequel season to the film trilogy Taken. Oh boy and with Miniority Report TV series on the way except more Big Screen to Small Screen pilots/series.

Whilst America the only way is up (or down if your Gotham) Australia is sharing tonight from 7:30pm, the Biggest Loser - Families (yawn - they are also down to 500K viewers per night - DOA), The Block (struggling to hit the magic million - overkill much, HELL YES) and on Seven it's the X Factor.

Now I am a fan of the UK X Factor and used to enjoy Dannii as a judge but alongside Chris Issak and James Blunt, it's hard to stomach.

The UK X Factor is a bold and interesting series with some fun choices for judges in the past including the always entertaining Kelly Rowland. This year the X Factor has found some rather interesting talent and here is a quick peek:



Saturday, September 19, 2015

#I'mNotDavidNorMargaret, Film Reviews My Way 2015


Aussie Joel Edgerton has been busy, he writes, produces, directs and stars in THE GIFT.



The film with a relatively small budget of $5 million has already made (as of Mid September 2015) $45.1 Million. This is a good achievement on any film, however for an Aussie in Hollywood to do this, this is wonderful, well done Joel.

To Joel discredit though the film's trailer (above to view if y'all wish) really didn't sell the film to me, what did was a 10am session on a Saturday morning. The trailer is not perfect however the tension and pace of this film really work.

Jason Bateman is good as the lead as is English actress Rebecca Hall. Joel Edgerton plays the creepy Gordo but the bad guy roles sort of changes halfway through the film. You need to watch it to find out how. And I do really recommend this film it's a rather good thriller and no blood and gore is required.

The Gift is a simple story but done well, this is the best Jason Bateman film I have seen in a while, 3.5 thrilling stars.

Friday, September 18, 2015

Thank God it's the Weekend


I was almost ready to lit my man hole on fire than work another day this week, you know weeks when you just want Saturday morning to hurry the fuck up. Well it's been one of those weeks. I have also had a hard run at boot camp this week and it's time now to CHILL.

After another Australia all over past few weeks it's time to bunker down in Sydney and not leave the couch unless it's for something I want to do. I can't bear the thought of a busy weekend this weekend. I feel the pre Christmas nightmare coming so it would be divine to squeeze in a nice quiet weekend.

After four big movies last weekend, it gives me not much to see this weekend except the fact that Sicario is doing advance screenings. This film (after watching Narcos Season 1) has had me interested since I first saw the trailer a few weeks back.

I am also excited about the big new and existing shows returning next week. Gotham has also appeared online with the first episode of season 2 being offered on Play Station or some online platform, therefore it's out there online. Not sure if this one will get a third series and with such a large cast I found I was pausing and checking on Wikipedia, who is that again?

Anyway so Gotham is out there for you comic book freaks if you want a sneak peek at the new 2015-2016 season.

Ok so be safe on the weekend and have a super time hey, remember be nice to others and treat them how you would like to be treated. So Malcolm Turnball play nice this weekend please x

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Week Commencing Mon 28 September (A NSW Long Weekend)...


Our first since the June Queen's Birthday Long Weekend...

Wow how long and harsh Winter was, oh boy did Winter suck a big one or what?

So last week I talked about what TV was hitting our screens on Sep 21, now let's look a week ahead at Sep 28. So now Blindspot has started (pilot online now), Gotham is back, we are three episodes in on Scream Queens, How to Get Away with Murder is murdering it again and Fear the Walking Dead is already wrapping it's short but sweet six episode season one, we welcome back...

THE BLACKLIST



Now in it's third season this James Spader series is back and they are crossing off even more bad guys this season, will Australia have to wait a year again for this season? Who knows but apparently it's all happening on Channel 7 this September.

HOMELAND

It returns for it's 5th season and I recently gave this a bit of a shout out in my last post. I am extremely excited for this season. So let's check out the trailer again, cause damn I need some more Claire Danes in my life.



THE LEFTOVERS

Another show back for it's difficult second outing and I have faith in the Leftovers. It's an interesting idea in the years of people returning from the dead, walking dead and graves opening up.



So there is another three shows to add to the Australian Summer/Spring viewing. Whilst our programming is winding down and reality TV is just all over the schedule it's heaven sent for some fab dramas to hit our screens.

Also following these three in coming weeks iZOMBIE and THE FLASH return on the CW for second seasons, AMERICAN HORROR STORY shows a HOTEL and introduces Lady Gaga to the small screen and the big show that kills it ratings wise over on AMC it's the sixth big season of THE WALKING DEAD.

What a massive few weeks ahead. Its drama, drama, drama on the way, love it...

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

The Honeymoon begins for Lana Del Rey, but ends for..


Tony Abbott, yes he is GONE, finally. I always though he would only see one term, but not even one term, OMG. Love it.

However over on my over BLOG Lana Del Rey has a new record that is about to drop, it's called Honeymoon and it's the feature all this week.


Lana Del Rey is not the only thing happening over on Flashing off the Record this week, Tame Impala's latest disc has just been announced as the Album of 2015 thus far on my Sunday Spring Music Lists. This Sunday I will post the 20 most exciting acts on Australian Festival Line Ups coming up.

It's been a big year for music and it's only going to get bigger as we head into the Summer/End of Year season.

Poor old Tony, leaving the Lodge, oh well I would like to say it's been real, but really it hasn't, bye bye. 

Sunday, September 13, 2015

BNE @ the Movies, all for $6, yeah you heard me, $6!


So if you've been getting my Flashing off the Record chart names I have been in Brisbane the last few days and caught a record 4 films in 3 days. Alright so one BIG ass Movie post, here goes team. Apologies for the delay and absence this week, it's been a big week right. So let's kick off this thing with my first film AMERICAN ULTRA.

Not the first film I would have chosen to see in my movie marathon week, but hey what the fuck.



Jesse Eisenberg and the cranky old bag Kristen Stewart team up for this stoner action film with a difference. Connie Britton and Bill Pullman also help out as does the wonderful Tony Hale from Veep. This film was random but I enjoyed aspects of it and it also did not outstay it's welcome.

A film keeping to a decent running time is a miracle in 2015, everyone seems to think three hours is acceptable, well guess what, it's not!

Ok so the first film in my massive weekend of movies gets a solid but only just passing 2.5 Stars, it had something but lacked something, I can't put my finger on it, but I really did enjoy this for the most part.

Next up MAZE RUNNER: THE SCORCH TRIALS.



Staying in the action/adventure genre it is the second film in the Maze Runner trilogy and back in 2014 (well only last year) I remember mostly enjoying the first film in the series. I am enjoying the series more as I write this as I have read the third and final book will only be one film and not two like the other cash grabbers out there.

This film at the start confused me as I sort of forgot how the first film wrapped. However this Teen action film really kept my interest, it wasn't great by any means by it was a lot of fun.

Ki Hong Lee is kind of cute too, but the rest of the cast are a little blah.

Overal I will give Maze Runner another pass mark of 2.5 Stars for this new release.

Third dil from my double feature yesterday the music film of 2015, yes I am calling it now, STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON.



NWA where ahead of their times, I love music and I love hip hop music. Kendrick Lamar is currently killing it at present with political inspired and deep lyrics but NWA paved the path for the Kendrick Lamar's of today.

So I bitched about long films above however I LOVED all 147 minutes of this wonderful film. Being a huge music lover, seeing the story of this group of highly talented musicians unfold was so amazing. Dr Dre, Ice Cube, MC Ren, Easy-E, DJ Yella & Arabian Prince all featured along with a bit on the side of 2PAC & Snoop, this was just amazing.

For all the swearing, naked ladies and gangster shit, I just left the cinema wanting to listen to "Fuck tha Police" and "Express Yourself" again.

This movie stands for something, it stands for a lot, it's been a MASSIVE box office smash in the USA, it's been critical praised and along with the new release from Dr. Dre, his Compton record (not an official soundtrack but a new release from Dr Dre) and other albums associated to this group and this solo acts have also been racing up the charts.

I can't flaw much of this film, some however was a bit dramatic Empire style but overall, just heaven and easy to watch, 4.75 Stars. GREAT stuff.

Last up THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E, this has been out for a while and I wanted to see it but just never got around to it, so catch up time.



Henry Cavil was sex on legs and Armie Hammer (fresh from his flop The Lone Ranger) were great in the US/Russian spy film. The two leading ladies were also brilliant and on point in this film. The fashion was outstanding and the Guy Ritchie direction, production and screen play was amazing.

This came out at a rough time coming up against the latest Mission Impossible film and you have to ask yourself how many spy films can be out in the marketplace. Not two but this was better than the recent Mission Impossible film. I did really enjoy all the good dialogue in this film and really if you get a chance see this beautiful looking film on the big screen.

4 Spy Stars.

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

I'm not Religious BUT...


I say a musical last night that made me think, is what I do for eight hours a day, five times a week worthwhile, after leaving at interval thinking did I just leave 1950 back at the Opera House Musicals are just not my thang.

Not only has this musical dated, lame and down right dull but it was the audience, one of those Opening Night audiences that makes you cringe. The fake laughter (kind of like canned laughter on US sitcoms), the darlings "Oh hello darling, how funny seeing you here", the air kisses the cheap wine. Well let me tell you I have seen my fair share of shows but really I took last night as a sign.

A sign that a new direction is coming for me soon.

When I looked around as I left at interval and overheard all the fake chatter I realised that my love is music, new music, music festivals and most importantly relevant new music with a message. Kendrick Lamar, the Weeknd, Florence and the Machine, Tame Impala, Hermitude, Airling, FKA Twigs, Robyn amongst all my other favourite current artists all have something to say.

Kendrick is pushing boundaries with his lyrics, FKA Twigs is changing the face of the music video, Tame Impala are just plain killing it on a Global level and The Weeknd is making people sexual active again. The Musical I saw last night made me wish time to pass so fast that I could be home and in bed in Star Wars light speed time.

Depressing as it is realising 40 hours a week could be spent on something more beneficial for society and my global friends. So today marks an exciting new chapter in my life, my love of music is strong, my love of all things creative is stronger than ever and don't get me wrong new works, plays (especially the STC one next year with Rose Byrne, yes motherfuckers ROSE BYRNE) and dance all excite me. It's remakes, revivals, old stale and dull works are just not for me, sorry world but it's 2015 (I know in Australia Abbott would like to think it's 1950) and it's time to move forward (thanks Julia G for that one) and challenge ourselves, get creative, take a leaf out of Netflix, HBO and Showtime's book be bold, be different and challenge viewers/audience members.

To the Musical last night, thanks for making me realise that life is great and should be celebrated, our past is our past and sometimes should be kept in the past. History repeats itself (particularly after a bad meal) but there is some much room right now for good new works, musically, on the stage and on the screen, let's get creative.

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Week Commencing Mon 21 September


So I have been super negative about some of Australia's worst TV shows this year however I am here to tell you about a week of TV (out of the US) that will change your life. First off though super excited this Thursday that the Chaser boys are back with Media Circus this Thursday night on ABC. Super Pumped right now.

Anyway starting Tuesday our time, Monday their time:

Blindspot



The pilot has already leaked and let me tell you it was DAMN good, an early favourite for best new series of 2015/2016.

One of the most disappointing new series from last season also returns Gotham is back for series two and here is hoping it's a little more refreshing than the last outing. That said the cast is great and it's a cut above the Block.



US Tuesday we see another Ryan Murphy series hit the screen it's time for one of the most plugged new series Scream Queens. It commences with a double episode and stars some of the hottest talent around, how will this debut? I am expecting big things from this new one.



Thursday (our Friday) one of the biggest and most talked about series from last year returns for the tricky season 2, How to Get Away with Murder. I loved season one, however a long season (after a mid season extension) meant I was a little tired off all the drama by episode 12 and this season will also be a 15 season marathon. At least they are not trying to be Revenge and hanging around for 23 long winded episodes. Will be interesting to see where the story goes in season two. Watch this space.



And Sunday (our Monday, so cheating into week commencing 28 September) Ray Donovan ends as we prepare for Homeland season 5. Ray Donovan has been consistently decent this season and I must say I will be sad to see it go from my screen and Homeland, how will this fair in it's fifth German based season. Will Carrie still be bat shit crazy??? Time will tell, good work Showtime continuing (like HBO) to bring us outstanding alternative content.



So where does this leave new season of the X Factor (Australia), The Block and the Peter Allen Mini Series? Well I have to say Australian Networks you are on notice, now is the time Foxtel, streaming services and online pirates will really test you chances of ever getting that magic million viewers. Sorry Channel 7, Channel 9 and Channel 10, it's time to lift yo game.

Sunday, September 6, 2015

Sunday


Thank god for the day where one can totally chill out, the day you can get a massage, the day you can catch a film and the day after a few days of driving doing all sorts of family stuff you get a day to yourself.

I know it's Father's Day and I spent 48 hours straight with mine, we hung out, he got a card, a gift and we shared multiple meals. Fun times. So Happy Fathers Day to all the dads reading out there.

Fathers Day is kinda like a poor mans Mothers Day, people really don't take Fathers Day as seriously as Mothers Day, the shops only sell random shit like Car Washing kits, bikini model calendars and shit from Bunnings.

Sundays, the joys are just divine, long Breakfasts, heaps of coffee and time to recharge those batteries after 3 boot camp sessions, a film, a launch for STC and a family funeral. Life is full on and that's why when I wake on Sunday I want to make the most of every available minute to me. I love to get up early, either run, smash the latest series I am smashing (right now - Narcos (SO GOOD)) or just plain chill.

Next weekend I will be in the lovely city of Brisbane and can hardly wait to not have any chance to drive anywhere, enjoy some quiet time and hopefully get in some exercise.

Oh yeah and it's god damn Sugar Free September AGAIN! Let's see how my jeans feel after this month.

Ok well rant and random post out, I hope to check in with a film this week. Until then later fuckers...

Friday, September 4, 2015

UnReal.


So the Bachelor is shit, but why is UnReal so unreal and so god damn addictive. Like Narcos UnReal is a real gem of a show I am just simply loving, unlike Narcos there is no history to learn, there is no life lessons, just pure bitches and bastards.

There is always a place for over the top and outrageous characters on Dramas and UnReal features a whole load of off the chart characters who viewers will love and hate equally.

Thank god Lifetime have renewed this terrific Summer series for a second instalment as I can hardly wait for it to return next year as it's quickly becoming one of my favourite dramas.


Good on you Lifetime UnReal is a REAL winner, thanks heaps x

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Narcos.


Netflix has done it again, yes enough AMAZING series on the now leading streaming service in Australia. With cray numbers and take up in Australia, Commercial TV you are on notice, X Factor, The Voice and The Block just don't cut it anymore.

The fourth series of the Voice hit new lows for viewers of the finale and this will only drop as seasons pass by and no stars are born for this draining series.

The X Factor has just commenced again in the UK and with the news their biggest ever export (One Direction) has called it a day. Or they are calling it hiatus but really, we know they are down.

Now down to Narcos, the excellent new series which started streaming (all 10 episodes) last week and has already had the critics praising it. With Netflix's reach almost over taking Foxtel in Australia (1.89M Netflix VS 2.34M Foxtel) and the figure of 1.89M being higher than any show on free to air TV last night (Nine News topped the ratings with 1.14M) the old magic million is getting harder for free to air shows to reach.

Narcos shows that Netflix are paying a premium for their content (TV & Film) in 2014 they spent $3BN and this year reportedly spending even more. So good TV isn't cheap, but it's changing the game, the distribution and way it's consumed is different, people want to watch what they want and when they want, on whatever device they want.

So Narcos is like Underbelly on speed, it's a history lesson, it's compelling and it's just the latest in a long line of Netflix success stories in 2015. Following Bloodline, Sense8, Daredevil, Narcos is just plain amazing. I am one episode deep and totally down for more, I can't wait to see where this is all headed.

And with another one of my Summer Series falling onto the axe (Under the Dome) there is always room for another new show.

Summer in the USA is a time for new shows to be test run or throw on some that just can't compete with the likes of How to Get Away With Murder or Empire. In Australia we air sport, shitty re-runs and shows that failed during the ratings period, sad huh.

So let's take a look at Narcos and get on it NOW! You won't regret it xo

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

#I'mNotDavidNorMargaret, Film Reviews My Way 2015


Where do I start with VACATION? Fucking hell man if it wasn't for films like Trainwreck and Spy that are well written, well acted and just around amazing. However this poses a problem for films like Vacation. A few years ago this would be ok, however now it's rather average and well a little shit actually.



Christina Applegate is an awkward choice as a leading lady and Ed Helms is just plain awkward. The kids (teenager and kid) are the real fun ones with young Steele Stebbins clearly the highlight of this rather bleak and non laugh out loud film.

Chris Hemsworth played this random relative with a big cock and an extremely random scene where I have not seen such a fake cock in a film as the one Marky Mark had in Boogie Nights.

So to say I was disappointed with this film would be an understatement. I loved the old National Lampoon films, they were a staple at every Christmas time with family. But man has Chevy Chase let himself go, shit the Biggest Loser or TBL can't come soon enough.

So down to the review and the star rating, look if it wasn't for young Stebbins I would have no shame in failing this film however he does steal the show. 2.5 Non Laugh Out Loud like Cats that Make you LOL on Channel 7. Shit.