Thursday, March 31, 2016

Well, Reno Rumble SUX, but this won't FO SURE


Too Bad, so Sad Channel Nine, hopefully this means the Block is off the cards till 2020 and in the meantime well done to Foxtel for creating, real, outstanding Australian dramas. It's not often I give credit to a Murdoch brand, but credit due where credit is due. Congratulations one and all involved in this marvellous TV project.

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

That Movie Gay #2016


So this is what happened when I saw the first Olympus Has Fallen, a 1 Star review for all those too lazy to click the link and read an epic ass rant, so how did LONDON HAS FALLEN go in comparison?



In all honesty re-reading my review of the first film, I could copy and paste that and enter it in here for my dear readers, but I repeat y'all so here is so new content on how Americans and action movies imitating reality can be dangerous.

So Brussels happened, France happened, Pakistan happened, most recently, so what does Hollywood do, give Terrorists more ideas and goals, except for in this case as long as the President of the USA and Britain live all is fine. Spoiler Alert!

Wow re-reading a bit of my last review I really had the claws out and in a US election year some may wish this future on Trump or Cruz. Although they won't win will they?

Anyway all in all this film was such a stock standard US/Hollywood, big budget shot em up, Middle Eastern's are bad, we can use drones and kill who ever and then you retaliate so we look like the victims and then lets bomb some more, have more troops killed and we start this whole thing over again.

The world needs superheros and unfortunately this ain't no Superman, Batman or Captain America. Thank god for some of the corny humour and it also seemed like they didn't take themselves as seriously as the first film. I am going to give it more than one star but only just as some of the action and effects were pretty top notch.

Honestly this will appeal to a small percentage of people and when action, sequels, spin offs and not much else are on the cinema cards for the rest of 2016 this one will be filed under only if you have a spare 90 minutes PLUS ads.

That is why it gets 2 STARS, it kept it's running time down and it was better than the first one, still it's pretty lowest common denominator stuff, so if you like Kyle & Jackie O, read the Daily Telegraph and are one of the ten people watching Reno Rumble maybe give this one a go.

Bye...

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Last Moments in Asia (Bangkok to be exact) & the return of THAT MOVIE GAY (4D Edition)


Man O Man, so this basically wraps up the entire month of travelling through Asia, from the start of the month to an extended weekend in Bali (mainly Seminyak) to now travelling from Hong Kong to Da Nang (well Lang Co) and Saigon, down to Vung Tau and across to the final destination Bangkok.

I love Bangkok but in a different way to Hong Kong. I have always loved Bangkok and Thailand. Even as a child when my parents took me here I knew I loved it, from the Tuk Tuk's to the markets and the amazing food I remember as a little one being amazed.

Bangkok is beautiful and honestly since I was last here maybe around 2 years ago (or more or less, I loss track) it's so up and coming. The buildings are coming up left, right and centre, the streets are bustling, the high end shops are busy, the movies yesterday was jam packed. Hello Hollywood, along with China Thailand has an extreme thirst for Hollywood blockbusters and movies in general.

I will get to that movie Gay soon, with Batman V Superman, oh boy...

But Bangkok from landing, shopping, eating and observing, this city has a lot to offer, just behind Singapore and Hong Kong for a place for foreign folk to call a new home (Americans if Trump wins, this could be you're new home) and start up shop.

The locals are divine and the language seems easier on the foreign ear unlike the way some of the Mainland Chinese screamed on public transport last week in Hong Kong.

Asian cities are big business and Thailand has a shit load to offer, like Singapore and Hong Kong Westerns have all their home comforts, Starbucks, Pizza Hut, McDonalds, KFC, 5 Star chain Hotels, extremely amazing shopping centres with all the brands and amazing cinemas and that's just the superficial stuff.

Bangkok is really coming along with a population over 8 million this makes Sydney look like a country train, it's public transport is so far ahead of Sydney's but still it's traffic is a nightmare, but less scooters than say Saigon.

With Bangkok being the capital of this fine nation it has the most amazing and efficient airport under the sun and honestly out of peak traffic and a speedy cab driver, you're in the city for a little over 200 Baht (that's around $8, $9 AUD).

OK I am again sounding like a tourism board for a foreign country and I am only seeing the surface of this city and I am sure like Sydney it has loads of issues under the surface (however Sydney's issues like drunk and disorderly behaviour are news worthy and equally cringe worthy) but still I heart Bangkok hardcore.

Ok THAT MOVIE GAY 2016 within another post. As I was extremely busy with posts this holiday both here and on my Music Blog (with celebrates Aussie Music all April) this month I thought what the hell I saw this in Bangkok and honestly it does not deserve it's own post.

That said BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE has some things going for it, or maybe it was the fact I saw it in 4D and in Bangkok and someone else paid for it, and I had MOS Burger afterwards, anyway I am making excuses up for this RED HOT MESS of a film.

Ok I have a love/hate thing with comic book shows, movies and the way they (like reality TV - only better) are taking over pop culture, America now has so many comic book conversion TV shows the CW almost only has one genre left. CBS, ABC, AMC have all joined the party too. ABC has green lit another season of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D whilst you would have read how much I thought Agent Carter Season 2 sucked some big hairy balls.

Netflix has also gone all Marvel on our ass with more realistic, dark and well received comic book conversions with Daredevil and Jessica Jones. Luke Cage is one the way and possibly two more titles. That is 5 original Netflix Comic book shows, 5 and all from the house of Marvel/Disney.

So DC Comics, ok they are the poor mans Marvel and missed the boat with the Avengers so now they are trying to recreate this. They have done so on the CW with the improving week on week Legends of Tomorrow and now in this film, let's look at the trailer.



OK just so you know, there are NO spoiler alerts, only my criticisms from here on in. Unlike the Avengers, this DOES NOT WORK, not on any level. It's a miss mash and a total cluster fuck of two comic books colliding and Ben Affleck being almost as bad as George Clooney as Batman, actually this is the second worst Batman film after Batman and Robin. Like don't get me wrong Batman Forever was pretty shit too but this was real bad.

Bruce Wayne and Ben Affleck, they are not alike, Ben you did so well in Gone Girl, WHY make this film????

Now the last Superman film (I re-read my review and I was kind of nice back in 2013) I remember thinking it was too long and a bit weird, as I said above I was pretty kind back then. This time around, man O man, it deserves every bad review it gets and I am scoring this based solely on experience at the Bangkok cinema I saw this at, because I will break it down:

Plot/Story lines - 0/5 (Too many characters (they even threw in Wonder Woman for good measure, cross promo much for next years Wonder Woman film, although it will star Robin Wright), another flash back to Bruce Wayne's family dying, YAWN, if we like Batman we know his family died when he was a kid, shock factor 0%)

Effects/Action Scenes - 1/5 - like the last film (Superman: Man of Steel) too much of the same throwing people in and through buildings, jumping up into the sky, a Ben Affleck GRIT series scene where he looks all buff and pulling tyres along the floor, what?

Cast - 1/5 - Too much can be TOO MUCH, an all star cast does not equal brilliance it can equal messy and not enough time (even though this film is over 2 hours in length) to make you care about them and forget introducing Aquaman and the Flash. Also it's kind of weird having a TV series of the Flash and then an upcoming movie and the actors are different. Just saying.

Experience in the Bangkok Siam Cinema - 5/5 - clean toilets, clean cinema, amazing 4D effects and really this made the film for me, cause as above it's a pile of Hollywood shit that shows DC comics need to lift there game, HARD. Marvel has the exact same concept landing next month (in some regions) so you're Suicide Squad better be off the chain good.

So my final score in this lengthy and final Asian March 2016 Holiday BLOG takeover 1.5 superhero fail Stars. Come on guys, you had a massive budget and you gave us this? Come on....

Monday, March 28, 2016

Vung Tau, Vietnam x Bangkok, Thailand


It's close to being the end of March is all about Asia and travel, sad face.

That sad I have had a wonderful time and it is time to return home and earn some more cash for the next holiday.

We spent the morning in Vung Tau eating the local breakfast food sensation Banh Koht, check out a video below.



Delicious and these were around 16,000VND = $1 AUD per plate, even more yum!

I love these great little regional Vietnam dishes, and Banh Knot is definitely a personal favourite. After Banh Knot it was time for yummy traditional Vietnamese coffee on Ice (it's hot) with condensed milk. Mmmmm sweet.

Coffee is one of the things I was surprised about in Vietnam, it's everywhere, from traditional Ca phe sua da to Starbucks and Highlands coffee.

After eating and drinking it was time for a $2 petty/manny and then off to the ferry terminal for a quick one hour trip (and 20 minutes) up the Saigon river up to Saigon for our trip from Saigon to Bangkok.

So the trip is winding up and Bangkok is the final stop ahead of returning home to Sydney post Easter long weekend, oh the memories, there may be more in Bangkok and I have already booked tickets to see Superman V Batman in 4D, yeah that's right 4D bitches!

So stay tuned for that full review soon.

Okay dear readers, it's onto the third and final city in my Asian March (fourth if you include Bali at the start of the month, oh how time flies!!).

Sunday, March 27, 2016

Saigon x Vung Tau


Man South Vietnam and Central Vietnam are different, Central is luscious, peaceful and misty, almost mystical with it's greenery and low lying clouds and South Vietnam is busy, filled with scooters, street food and shopping malls. Today (or yesterday as this is retrospective) we finished up in Saigon and I had my first motorcycle experience (not the last that day) to get to our shuttle stop from Saigon to the Coastal town Vung Tau.

We had a good shuttle trip down after I had a super average foot massage. Honestly Sydney does have some of the best Thai massage shops in the world. And not being mean but the Thai's are the king of massage. And that happens to be my next stop...

After our shuttle arrived in the beach town of Vung Tau, home to Front, Back and Pineapple Beaches, we travelled down to front beach, with little mountain and big mountain on opposite sides, the ferry terminal in the background and loads of fishing boats out to sea.

Vung Tau was beautiful and being taken around by scooter at night I saw all the beaches and felt the wind literally in my growing hair.

After a late night Lychee Crush by the beach it was time to hit the hay after another long day of driving, exploring and finally more swimming. After a surprising cold start in Hong Kong and Central Vietnam, it has hardly been the warm start to the trip I was expecting.

What a fun way to spend Easter, I could hardly imagine being in Sydney, over here you would hardly know it's Easter, everything is totally business as usual, love it!

Saturday, March 26, 2016

Saigon, Y'all!


After our longest stay in one hotel and one place (The Banyen Tree, Lang Co - close to Da Nang, Hue and Hoi An) it was a travelling day, first travelling via car transfer to Hue airport (so cute one gate and lot's of foreigner confusion, it really does help when you can count to ten in another language at an airport I noticed) and then a flight on the national carrier Vietnam Airlines to Saigon AKA Ho Chi Ming City.

The drive to the airport was honestly as long as our flight, Central Vietnam is huge, green and the streets are lined with cows, water buffalos and shops selling the dish famous in Hue, Bun Bo Hue.

The flight was easy I didn't even get to finish the latest Walking Dead episode :(

We then got a taxi through the crazy ass streets of Saigon (which I mastered crossing the road after a couple of attempts) filled with scooters, people, tour buses and taxis.

Saigon is crazy busy, but crazy good also and the food is spectacular, the wraps we had at Wrap & Roll were fantastic, sugar cane prawns, grilled beef, vermicelli and fresh greens, delicious.

We then had traditional Vietnamese pancakes (Banh Xeo) after a drink at the tallest building in Saigon's bar.

Honestly walking around the streets of Saigon, you could be in any large Asian city, it's bustling, their are markets, great old and new buildings, scooters zooming up the streets and at times the side walks. But Vietnam has this rich history that even gets included in it's street names.

Saigon is a must see and I am so glad I have seen another side of Asia on this trip, not only Saigon and Da Nang, but all it's surrounds, I think one could get lost in Vietnam from the South to the North and the picturesque Central in the middle, Vietnam has it all.

Friday, March 25, 2016

Lang Co (Central Vietnam)


Our final full day in Central Vietnam was a really exciting day, after cancelling a trip to Hue and the forbidden city we stayed around the hotel in the morning and afternoon whilst in the middle of day along with two teens from Norway we assisted teaching local kids English.

It was one of the most rewarding and fun things I have ever done abroad. The kids were so grateful and adorable that it was easily the most memorable part of this trip thus far.

I will never lose the memory of us all sitting around in a circle singing "If You're Happy And You Know It", fucking cute!

I also got my bike skills back, yes I rode a bike a few times around our lovely hotel ahead of their full moon cocktail reception party. Instead of drinking I found myself compelled to do a crafternoon and make a lantern. It was so fun and nowhere near as easy as it looks so next time you see some lanterns in a market stall, someone spent around 30 minutes to an hour depending on the detail on this item.

After finally having a swim today the weather in Central Vietnam was still rather chilly and the mountains looked beautiful covered in mist.

Tomorrow (or as I write this) it's time to check in with Saigon, my second last major city stop and my second last destination in Vietnam.

Bangkok is also on the way and the great news is today I booked 4D movie tickets to see Superman V Batman, so excited!!!

Enjoy you're Good Fridays xo

Thursday, March 24, 2016

Da Nang x Hoi An


After day another city and my Central Vietnam journey continues with a lengthy 1 hour, 40 minute car trip to Hoi An. A beautiful 1,000 year old city awaited me at the end of the lengthly car trip.


Once it was dark the river was filled with boats, tourists and locals and lots of water candles, the streets are lined with lanterns and the streets are busy with food carts, stalls and more than one seller selling these cute water candles for around 5,000 VND.

Along with the food, the water and the candles their are loads of street games like the blind drummer and the locals have a great time laughing and joking whilst the tourists join in on the traditional games.

The propaganda posters are also out in force in these region.


It is so interesting walking the streets, hearing the decent languages also enjoying a cooler day in Central Vietnam and taking in the local food and sights.

It's truly like a much more organised Bali without the bogan Aussie and their Bintang singlets. It's a shame really that Bali has become overrun by Aussies as it takes one to venture a bit further to escape the Aussie, Aussie, Aussie pride.

The locals here are so lovely and the hotel staff at Lang Co are just beautiful. We did some paddle boarding and other water sports yesterday and worst of all was me trying to ride a bike again, fail!

Speaking of Indonesia I just heard there will be no more VISA's, HOORAY!

Until tomorrow it's off to breakfast and I am so excited, we are off to a local school (hopefully if our booking is confirmed) to help locals learn English. But more importantly for them to teach me tieng Viet xo

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Da Nang


Second city, second country and second sop on my Asian round trip of Pre Easter. After a great time in Bali earlier this month and just now a wonderful few days in a wet and rainy Hong Kong it was time for Da Nang, Vietnam.

I had never travelled to Vietnam in all my years before of travel, living in Vancouver for almost a year and a half and now calling Sydney home.

We flew Dragon Air another first from Hong Kong and the mainland Chinese made the trip, trying to take extra meals from the cart as the trolley dollies passed through the cabin, almost coughing up spit balls and just generally following no rules set out by the cabin crew.

The best thing in Asia and flying is everyone just can't wait to get off the planes so last night was no exception, as soon as we landed (seat belt sign still on) people were up roaming around getting their bags and generally just out of their seat belts.

We had an hour drive to the Banyan Tree, Da Nang and saw the sights near the airport and had a smooth and pleasant drive. We passed a Monday night funeral and many local eating spots.

I was not sure what to expect in the morning as we arrived in the darkness of the night, but I think I'm going to be impressed, the hotel is beautiful and spacious unless the hotels in downtown Hong Kong.

Our room has a beautiful private plunge pool and the hotel boosts a massive 300 meter pool! Wow, take than on Thorpie!

So heres to the next few days here ahead of seeing more of beautiful Vietnam and finally a welcome return trip to Bangkok, so excited for that BTW.

Happy Pre-Easter if that's you're thing too btw xo

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Third Visit to Hong Kong and I Love this Global City Long Time


I was lucky enough to have a father working for an airline as a child and I travelled a lot, however I never went to Hong Kong so as an adult to visit Hong Kong three times now has been a treat. The city is wonderful, diverse and busy and just so easy to get around on public transport, Sydney take note.

Hong Kong has amazing dim sum, traditional Cantonese foods and loads of Western foods to smash you're way through, only the other day we gave Outback Steakhouse again and I must say since Bali one of the best steaks I've smashed.

Hong Kong is simply easy to walk down the amazing Nathan Road on the Kowloon side and check out all the sights and sounds this city has to offer. Malls and designer shops line Nathan Road as does local making interesting and at times delicious street food for locals and tourists a like.

I have always been a fan of short flights and none are better than coming to Hong Kong. I may sound like I am from Tourism Hong Kong but I am being honest in saying Hong Kong is one of my favourite Asian cities to visit.

Walking the streets and mainly looking up and down Nathan Road, the sights of Hong Kong are just so interesting, from the Island side to the Kowloon side, there really is something for everyone. And now moving to the Langham Hotel and smashing yet another Buffet Breakfast the countdown was on to visit my third Asian country this month.

After doing Bali earlier on this month (extensive posts below) I am extremely happy to again be taking on a few new (and old) Asian sights and sounds. Here is hoping in Bangkok I can experience the amazing 4D cinema again!

Ok Hong Kong, it's been real, but it's Vietnam (Da Nang to be exact) time!


Monday, March 21, 2016

April is Australian Music Month and the Month I get my Fitness back...


On my other BLOG Flashing off the Record, it's time again to go ALL Australian and on this site, it's time to go all Fitspo!

A term I learnt during Triple J and the ABC's body week. Yes I loved most of what Triple J did, however did question was I getting too old to listen to THIS:




Yes Triple J went to town with gimmicks for a bit but I have to say the nude thing I didn't mind as this honestly was a great week of radio and made me think.

I recently quit my boot camp and since I have been working here there and everywhere, dealing with a cold, fitness has been pushed to the lowest spot on my priorities and it's time to call it a comeback.

After a late Summer of walking 16km - 20km a day, boot camp and general just getting it done, holidays and life has gotten in the way so in April I am reclaiming my health and I will bring it to you in a Post Easter, Post first trimester of the year type comeback.

It's not going to be about selfies and lectures, it's going to be honest, straight up talk about trying to eat better and mix up my fitness routine. Because we all know fitness can get stale from time to time.

So come back in a bit, I know all the holiday talk is fun and all but hello!

Sunday, March 20, 2016

Wink, Under Bridge Spicy Crab and Michelin Star Dim Sum


Yeah all in one day in Hong Kong, between shopping, crossing the crazy streets with the 7 million other Hong Kong residents, visitors and ex pats and a lot of eating.

Hong Kong truly has fabulous food and it started with the best meal of the day, a beautiful hotel breakfast, yum. I am so lucky here at the Mandarin Oriental Landmark, it's just beautiful and amongst the busy city, it's nice to be somewhere quiet and you can just chill.

The crowds at times are intense, the underground train is honestly the best way to get around but sometimes the crowds, wow!

Hong Kong was a place I first visited and disliked, I returned and liked a little more and now I can honestly say like Singapore it's one of my favourite Asian cities. It's Asian but it's also a little Western, with lot's of ex-pats from around the place, there is everything from street food to Starbucks in Hong Kong.

The shopping features all you're favourite US brands and Cotton On to boot and food wise there is just local Cantonese food for days, western Hard Rock Cafe's, McDonalds, even Mc Cafe, the place has it all.

Unfortunately the Aussie dollar is a bit of a bum note at present buying around $6 HKD which last time I was here was around $8 HKD to $1 AUD.

After a big meal at the The Under Bridge Spicy Crab eating Frogs legs it's was onto a funny gay bar named Wink. Never has such a simple name been so brilliant for a bar.

After a while walking the Streets of Hong Kong it felt less vibrant than less time in Central Hong Kong but still people of all natio's about, Americans and Canadians at the 7 Eleven, and being out with a mix of Germans, locals and us Aussies, it truly is a Global City, I Love You Hong Kong xo

Saturday, March 19, 2016

Hello Hong Kong


Yes it's ASIA again, my favourite part of the world, quick to fly to, great food, great people, amazing hotels and the streets are ALIVE. A little different to my home city, thanks Lee Li Chin


So arriving in Hong Kong after a terrific day flight over on Qantas (and I must say sorry Qantas), the flight compared with Jetstar (partner company of Qantas) and our flights to and from Bali.

I was lucky enough to catch up with the amazing 99 Homes film and then felt like some trash so I smashed three back to back episodes of the amazing Real Housewives of Melbourne.

I can you something for nothing I will be along with the new season of Daredevil (aired yesterday on Netflix) will be smashing the shit of this series. I had only heard good things, but man did I laugh, cringe and binge all three in flight episodes.



Finally we landed we have a FAB, shine, shine, shine room at the Landmark Mandarin Oriental and like Bali I have gained three hours back in my life - yay!

So it is time to Shine, Shine, Shine!

Thursday, March 17, 2016

ASIA tomorrow..


Later bitches...

Happy Easter and WARNING posts may be lighter than normal or they may even be more frequent. See y'all on the other side of Easter when Donald Trump and Hilary Clinton will get closer to that massive USA Votes 2016 showdown. Compared to Malcolm V Bill, can I get a Green Card and now???

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Spectrum Now Festival is what Sydney Festival fails to deliver Sydneysiders


After the Sunday Telegraph has published it sells around 400,000 more Sunday papers than it's Fairfax revival the Sun Herald it's a wonder this Fairfax Festival attracts much of a crowd. As reported HERE last year the festival was a bit of a, well FLOP.

However this year with the partnering of Secret Sounds to develop a better music line up we have seen the Domain alive with contemporary concerts. Missy Higgins, Birds of Tokyo along with Something For Kate and more have played to crowds in the heart of Sydney.

Also I was lucky enough to attend a night with charlie Pickering and the documentary makers behind the Netflix smash hit Making a Murderer. Now this kind of programming is smart and holding the majority of the events in the city it is a TRUE Sydney Festival and not a festival spread all over the shop with the most obscure unknown arts wanks this side of the Pacific Ocean.

Now look I have been a big critic of Sydney Festival, the festival comes and goes these days with little media coverage, excitement or build up. They have fallen on the sword the last few years with lacklustre headline acts and some of the worst creative I have seen in along time.

Spectrum Now has a big job to do, create a festival in-between a dull Sydney Festival and the now HUGE Vivid Festival which I believe some pretty huge names are on the way for the 2016 edition.

The sad thing about Sydney is there is choice and unlike Melbourne where an outdoor state. Melbourne is dull as fuck on the beach front but Sydney, beautiful, the harbour divine. So in January at our peak weather would you prefer to be stuck in a dark theatre hearing some women wearing no pants and her bush out talk about rape or would you and the family prefer to be at the beach?

I know where I would be and it's free.

OK, so as Spectrum now closes for it's second year, how will year three go? I will be extremely interested to see what it has in stall and if it continues to deliver a much more user friendly line up.

Monday, March 14, 2016

That Movie Gay #2016


Oh Maggie Smith, you are a dream boat and THE LADY IN THE VAN.



This movie (according to the Sunday Telegraph - so it could be right, most likely wrong) is the Number One film in this nation right now. Yes a movie aimed squarely at the over 50's (and most likely female) is the number one movie ahead of Deadpool and Star Wars.

This movie marks around 15 or so years of Alan Bennett's life where Miss Mary Shepard lived in his driveway in a Van, yes a Van making the film the Lady in the Van. The film is filled with great characters and Maggie Smith shining as Mary Shepard also known as Margaret Fairchild.

The film is amazing and so well done, a shame though the film was released in Australia almost 5 months after it's release in England, hello Piracy BBC films.

But I guess most movie pirates do not fall into the demographic this movie aims to please with laughter and good times. I as a mid 30's viewer really enjoyed this despite it's clear aim at the Downton Abbey gang.

The Lady in the Van is sweet, touching and mostly a true story and my second film for a Sunday double feature, rather enjoyable viewing, 3.5 Stars.

Sunday, March 13, 2016

That Movie Gay #2016


It's so hard to examine, talk about or try to explain the premise of 10 CLOVERFIELD LANE without giving away major plot points, so let's view the trailer and then you'll get a super short, simple and spoiler free review plus star rating.



So I went into this film seeing only a teaser trailer, glancing over a review in today's paper and nothing else. So I was amazed J.J Abrams continued his absolute winning streak.

Another Star Trek is also on on the way for Abrams so one can only think he will have more box office success on the way. So after drawing out Lost for what felt like forever having a short run with Alcatraz it seems like Abrams is at home in the film world right now.

The tension built throughout this film is outstanding, Mary Elizabeth Winstead and John Goodman were pure brilliance in this thriller and with talks of a sequel on the way that is the only spoiler I will give.

I enjoyed this throughly and had a lot of fun with the suspense and tension that the team delivered, finally a quality and well thought out thriller, 4 Stars.


Saturday, March 12, 2016

That Movie Gay #2016


The latest Sacha Baron Cohen film is GRIMSBY, but is it any good? Or even funny?



It's been a long busy, international week and at the end of that and lastly seeing Triple 9 (great but fucking full on) at the cinema it was time to check the brain at the door.

Grimsby is actually a lot of fun and hallelujah an editor in the film business has kept a comedy to 83 minutes - HOLLYWOOD TAKE SOME NOTES!!

All the below are great movies but check out the run time:

Sisters - BRILLIANT - but 118 minutes, time for a toilet break or two
Trainwreck - Easily one of my favourite films but 124 minutes in 2015/2016, holy fuck balls
Bridesmaids - best film of 2011 and the reason why the above films were as big as they were and maybe as long 125 LONG minutes

Even Rebel Wilson's recent effort How to Be Single, 109 minutes.

So please Hollywood, this film ended on a high, started on a high and by the end it was like OMG there was no drawn out long under edited moments, brilliant.

So Mark Strong as a 52 year old man - HOT! Okay older men can be extremely buff, sexy and damn, just damn.

So it's funny, has a brilliant cast (already mentioned Aussie Wilson, joined by Baron Cohen's wife Isla Fisher, the brilliant Gabourey Sidibe and Penelope Cruz. What a Hollywood line up.

After 2012 Dictator sort of fell short and Bruno and Borat were basically the same thing just a different lead character and subject matter, this is a nice change and I was in for the James Bond spoof. Unfortunately Spy already did this well (but again was way too long) but being an all English outing I did love elements of this more.

Grimsby, not everyones cup of tea but my small but OK sized audience for Friday night (traditionally date night and this is NOT a date night film) at Fox Studios seemed to enjoy it and I did laugh out loud.

3 Stars for the latest Baron Cohen Film, well done.

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Australian Music Month 2016 V2.0 Coming Soon


To Flashing off the Record, more details to come ASAP, however it's not an April Fools Day prank, it starts Fri 1 April 2016.

In the meantime here is a choice Aussie jam to get you in the mood for next month :)

Tuesday, March 8, 2016

That Movie Gay #2016


Sometimes a film shocks you, challenges you and makes you think, oh god no more violence please and that type of film is TRIPLE 9.



Casey Affleck shines in this film as does a wonderful villain Kate Winslet who literally takes no prisoners.

These two are only part of this all star cast where violence in Atlanta seems so real and gruesome. Police, playing with the bad guys, good guys not being that good and that is where this film shines, the fine line between good and bad, authority and the disorderly.

Triple 9 is super violent, super fast paced and at times you wonder what was that last twist? But overall a damn fine thriller to see after an overnight flight from tropical paradise.

In a world filled with terror alerts and violence all over the world sometimes one needs to sit back and see how damaging and how full on the violence is. These gangs, these cops all walk a thin line in this film and take it to the extreme. Was good to see Casey Affleck in another fine film, the last great film I remember him in was Gone Baby Gone back in 2007.

This film is not to be watched by those who hate violence or high level tension in film, overall a quality thriller that left me thinking, is this what happens in the real world? 3.5 Compelling Stars ***

Monday, March 7, 2016

Bali Fourth & Final Day: Melasti (start of Nyepi), Another downpour of Summer Rain & Best Steaks EVA!


The start of Nyepi was the way my fourth and final entry of my BLOG posts for this 2016 Bali trip, never fear dear readers over Easter/late March I will take you all to Vietnam, Hong Kong and Thailand. It's Asia All Over this March 2016.




Nyepi is the Balinese day for Silence and it starts off with Melasti and it was super impressive to watch from the comfort of our resort.

Next up was another downpour of rain, followed by some of the loudest thunder I have heard it ages, the Melasti celebrations and formalities continued throughout and swimming in this tropical rain was amazing, I cannot remember swimming in the rain since I was a child.

Before heading to Denpasar airport it was just enough time to smash another amazing steak at Petitenget down the road from our hotel. The Angus steak there is so gosh damn good, I had it back in November and it was time to smash it once more.


I cannot say enough good things about this restaurant, great service, not too busy, free from the bogans in Kuta and well priced.

So that brings me to the end of bringing you Bali via this very BLOG. Never fear readers if you need more reading, Flashing off the Record has a load of lady posts in light of International Women's Day on Tuesday - so GO HERE

Until just after St Patricks Day this BLOG will be back bringing you Movies, House of Cards and my thoughts on the upcoming US election, until then, see you soon bye...

Sunday, March 6, 2016

Bali Day Three: A Barber Shop Shave, Terror Level Travel Warning & Taxi Drivers & a Big Dump of Rain


Anyone who knows me I truly hate to shave and anyone who also knows me knows I love to pay other people to wax, laser hair removal me, shave me, massage me or just generally touch me so a haircut and barber shave all in one is divine.

I'm not even joking this shop is the SHIT, I love it sick, I found it by accident late last year and vowed to return, today I did just that.



All the staff are beyond talented, careful and amazing with every cut, shave and treatment they start and finish. The shop is extremely busy so Google them and book NOW, this is the best a man can feel for around about 100,000 Rupiah.

The travel warnings issued in Australia recently for Bali and recent warnings on the Daily Telegraph front page hit home today when I got in a Taxi and the driver was telling me about the lack of Sydney visitors, his income for the day and the fact the streets of Bali for this time of the year were empty.

He commenced worked at 9am and by 3pm when he collected me he had made 50,000 Rupiah (equally around $5 AUD) and taking out lunch 15,000 Rupiah he was left with 35,000 ($3.50 AUD). This is the reality for workers who find themselves on an island relying 100% on tourism (and most of that tourism from Australia). Yes the three hour Perth travellers are still coming but it's the rest of the country that has turned it's back on this little island paradise after a series of unfortunate events.

Most of Indonesia's issues directly effect Bali but the decisions and behaviours are not the choices of the Balinese. 

So the reason for my taxi drive (which was a little heartbreaking - to earn less than $1AUD an hour, man that is tough) was an island paradise has moments of huge rain downpours and anyone who has been here knows cover on the streets is virtually non existent.

So the rain fell, passed and it was back to the pool for more Sun, the Kuta Beachwalk got a look in again with security at a much larger presence than last November.  And after having a feed at Bubba Gump near the wonderful watermark WaterBom it was back in a cab and I swear I saw security with machine guns along a popular night street in Seminyak.

So yes security and safety of the tourists seems to be Number One right now in Bali, so if you're thinking of an Easter escape, or next School Holidays trip, Bali is beautiful, Bali has delicious food and the people, the business owners (a lot are Aussie too), the taxi drivers (even the Uber drivers who are popping up now too), the restaurant and beauty shop workers need U.

It's back home tomorrow with one final post then and hopefully I can return to the cinema, man it's been a while...

Saturday, March 5, 2016

Bali Day Two: Body Scrubs, a Vegan lunch & Sun, Sun & more Sun..


I always love a massage and Bali Spa really do it right, a two hour session including a one hour relaxing massage (in disposable panties), a full body scrub and then a yoghurt scrub plus rose bath to finish off, so nice, so relaxing and so adorable over here in lovely Bali.

Yes the terror threats are high online but so far so good and security around our hotel is much tighter than my last visit in October/November 2015.

Vegan food and vegetarian options always help my little old stomach along and with the threat of Bali Belly always in the back of my mind finding a delicious Vegan restaurant/food store close by Bali Spa was a real find late last year.

Zula in Seminyak is just divine, so quite, good music in store and fast and friendly service, what more could you want on a hot day in downtown Seminyak.



There you have it a food suggestion for you're next trip.

Today and yesterday was all about the sun, food and relaxation. Last night we ate at Sarong and man did I leave full!

The sample dessert plate was AMAZING but huge as fuck. Great meal however.

My other favourite thing here is a morning walk along the beach with the locals, tourists and mad stray dogs. It makes for a wonderful start to ones day and a swim in one of the three hotel pools tops it all off.

Oh well another day in paradise awaits, until my next Asia 2016 entry Ciao Bella!

Friday, March 4, 2016

Bali Day One: Drunken Irish Lassies, Jetstar & a return to the Alila Seminyak


So I couldn't get enough of Bali last time I was stuck here whilst a volcano was spewing it's volcanic ash all over the place last October/November so it was time to start my March tour of our nearest neighbours Asia 2016.

I do love Bali but I don't love Jetstar as much as the national Indo carrier Garuda Indonesia and I love the riff raff (including my good cheap self) who travel on this airline, from the six drink Irish girls in front of me who ranged from playing with the kids in the row in front of them to screaming like banshee's across the cabin "fuck off Mary" and "Bridgy wake up it's time to murder a ciggie at the airport" to families with downright fucking annoying children.

Oh the Irish at least they can make you laugh, the kids on the other, ehhhhhhhhhh...

So we arrived after an interesting flight where the in flight entertainment was not free (by accident) like last time so I decided to re-watch the amazing HBO Game Change TV movie with the flawless Julianne Moore as Sarah Palin during the John McCain campaign. Oh America and now with Donald Trump and Hilary, it's another HBO movie in the making.

I also re-watched the finale of Making a Murderer as I am lucky enough to be see the doco makers and Charlie Pickering do an hour chat at Sydney's Star Event Centre. So excited for that and it's part of the Spectrum Now festival, a festival with programming that actually suits Sydneysiders, listen up Sydney Festival you may have a revival seeing as your insignificance is now at an all time high.

So Bali it is and waking up to the beautiful sounds of waves and the view (after a delightful upgrade for returning to the same property within 6 months) it's a dream come true. High terror alert my ass in Sunny Seminyak. This property is beautiful and I must say I am 100% glad to be missing Sydney Mardi Gras this weekend and the fights over how the lockout laws and these projected crowds will work.

Till tomorrow xoxo

Thursday, March 3, 2016

Andrew Bolt was likeable for 2 minutes and then went back to his MOST hated ways...


Still hated here...


But then... HERE for VIDEO and words

But then he changed his mind again, HERE, wow this guy really knows how to piss off the world.

Like most conservative columnists he likes to go against whats popular and say he is being honest and won't be brought out by anyone. That said he works for News Corp AKA Rupert Murdoch.

This said their is still NO plans for the Bolt Report to return to Free to Air TV which is damn fine news in my book. The program completely paid for from New Corp is nothing short of throwing money down the toilet, for a small number of viewers and the least watched Sunday morning News/Current Affair program.

Like Miranda Devine the George Pell supporters are few and far between and it's not that I dislike the entire Catholic Church (well I sort of do) but these institutions have been avoiding paying tax, being accountable for their actions and always run scare campaigns. In 2016 institutions like this seem more outdated and more irrelevant than ever.

Well I am off to Bali to escape the Royal Commission, Super Tuesday and the madness of Bill Shorten vs Malcolm T. You would hardly know it's an election year in Australia with the Australian politicians just hanging around like farts in lifts giving us more dribble than ever.

Happy Thursday dear readers, see you on the other side of the weekend back in Australia...

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Is Vinyl everything that The Get Down Promises


Oh dear did Baz just get beaten to the post by critically acclaimed series Vinyl on HBO? The Get Down is due to deliver 6 episodes (yes only 6) on August 12th. But is there room on TV in this the Golden era of TV for two music dramas based in the 1970's?

I must admit the first LLLLOOOOONNNNGGGG episode of Vinyl was a bit tricky to get into but now I am in, I am hooked, Bobby Cannavale is brilliant and the music is raw and shot extremely well.

Mick Jagger, Scorsesse, Rich Cohen and Terence Winter are all behind the scenes on this A Team HBO production. HBO needs a new hit (to go with it's jewel in the crown fantastic breakaway smash Game of Thrones) with Girls wrapping up next year, The Newsroom wrapping after three seasons and The Leftovers also concluding next year after three up and down seasons.

I am excited to see the remaining 7 episodes of Vinyl this season and the good news is a second season is already on the way - yay!

Will Baz be able to beat the haters? Will the critics cream the jeans as much as they have over Vinyl? Time will tell in this the Golden era of TV. Shame in Australia we have Wanted and Here Come the Habibs. So sad right?

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Does Australia have a problem with the Sauce? I think so..


The short answer is yes, yes it does and hence one of the main arguments for Sydney's tough lockout laws. Brisbane and the greater lands in Queensland will also face these laws shortly and no doubt other States in Australia will follow suit. But is staying out and/or closing everything down at a certain time helping with a drinking culture that has been in this country for decades?

Growing up the NRL was all about Ciggies and then it had beer as main sponsors and if you went to a football game in NSW you were sure to have some drunken yob spill beer on you in the grandstand as they passed you to get to their beer drenched liar.

As I grew up I made the decision that drinking wasn't for me, my gut wasn't great and I was also a morning person and we all know a morning is not a good morning with a monster hangover. And honestly other than people at parties or events looking down their noses at me and saying "you don't drink, you must do pingers or coke or something right?" my life is better off without the wine and beer.

What sorrows do I have to drink my life away? I am off on two holidays this month, life is good.

I wish really and truly that Australian's didn't need to get smashed every weekend and every special occasion but who am I to change Australian culture? And after working through the Rocks on Sunday at midday, almost every pub I passed there were people with beer, wine and children what a mix.

So Premier Baird you are facing you're toughest moment now (lucky you just won an election right) what will you do continue to close down businesses or educate young Australians on the harm of drink driving, binge drinking and drug use. It's all about education as every bar or pub you say can close at X time, another warehouse party, large house party or secret gig pops up. It's up to you Baird.