Sunday, December 31, 2017

Selamat Tahun Baru


It's New Years in Bali, fireworks are going off at 7:30pm (Bali/Perth time), I am catching up on Glitch season two, seeing from our hotel room window Balinese locals on the beach starting 2018 right.

Not a great, safe way to start off 2018, however thanks to the Bali locals for getting us back to our hotel in record time on their scooters.

Again I know it's not the most safe way to bring in the new year and only my second time on a scooter in Asia (first was Saigon, fuck me that was insane) with a local driver.

Okay well as they say in Indo, Selamat Tahun Baru dear readers, another year gone, another over 200 posts here and over 300 on Flashing off the Record.

Good night dear readers, until 2018!

Saturday, December 30, 2017

Selamat Pagi from Bali


Let's ring in the new year in another country, where better than B-A-L-IIIIIII, yes it's my return trip to say fuck off to 2017 and hello 2018 in Bali.

A quick early happy new year dear readers, updates may be slow, however Flashing off the Record has plenty going on.

Happy New Year...

Friday, December 29, 2017

Silver Screen in 2017 {Downsizing}


Oh dear Matt Damon we have a problem, and I don't mean your recent statements around Mr Weinstein. Downsizing is almost in the category a week or so in as a box office bomb. It is the third Paramount Picture to be a massive stinker with audiences and critics alike. Mother! was insane, Suburbicon (despite having the fabulous Julianne Moore) looked horrid and I was told by a co-worker to avoid at all costs and now Paramount is stuck with the second Matt Damon bomb of 2017, Downsizing.

Look at times in this movie I wanted to like it, then Matt Damon reappeared on the screen as a fat, middle aged, uninspired, dull white guy who could have inspired Beck's 90's anthem Loser.



Spoiler alert, although I doubt most of you will waste your Summer seeing this film, Star Wars is still showing and Three Billboards is about to open (reviews here and here, you're welcome). Kristen Wiig vanishes halfway through the film like a few of my audience members did or maybe they were just in the wrong cinema, it was hot as fuck the day I saw this.

But really Hong Chau steals the show is up for a number of the awards and most impressively falls asleep whilst Matt Damon is talking to her. Worse still he launches in for a kiss, fuck man, you are gross Matt Damon, GROSS.

I sound like I am being hard on Damon, but honestly his movies are kind of lame these days, he is someone I wonder why Hollywood still cast as a lead? Also in marketing shots he is probably not the most sellable face on the big screen in 2017.

After seeing Damon struggle through the Chinese Great Wall in 2016, I think old mate needs a rest, a seat in the directors chair or just some time out, this is really not going well for Damon.

For Chau and Wiig running off on Damon I can give this 2 Stars, I actually really liked the idea, but it goes now and at times I think even the producers thought why did the studio ever invest in this.

Riverdale Season 2.


The first season of Riverdale was a hit for The CW and not to mention Netflix. Returning for a bumper 22 episode season up from it's debut season of 13 episodes, currently on break and returning to Netflix January 17th.



So popular has Riverdale been a Sabrina the Teenage Witch series was being developed as a companion series for The CW hit. Netflix have this month seen more faith in the series and 100% taken it on board for a two season order. Ten episodes each season it sounds like we could have a teenage success season on the way for Netflix.

Most Netflix series are aimed at a slightly more mature audience, House of Cards, Orange is the New Black, Sense8 although their large library of Marvel series and Riverdale has made Netflix appealing for the late teens - 20's.

Riverdale and it's slightly dark nature, murders, cover ups, seduction, teacher and student relations, there is a lot going on. There is a lot to like but at the same time will the series hold attention for 22 episodes as oppose to 13? 13 or a 10 episode season order is perfect in my eyes, these long winded US seasons get slightly exhausting. After constant breaks, weeks off, one loses interest and track of when the next episode will finally air.

Riverdale has mystery, romance and some fine music along the way, I for one am enjoying The CW (sort of) moving away from just DC Comic series. Although this is based on comic book characters, it feels more like Gossip Girl for 2017 in a much smaller and unattractive town.

Riverdale in Australia is on Netflix now, season one and nine episodes of season two. It's New Years get streaming and get on it!

Thursday, December 28, 2017

Christmas TICK, New Years here we COME


So people know I like a Christmas card but I dislike Christmas itself so for me Boxing Day is my favourite day (aside from the day after my birthday) of the year.

Christmas is now done for 2017, the lead up, the rush, the running around buying stupid shit for people is over. Now stores get there second piece of the pie with Boxing Day Sales, however stores like JB Hi-Fi have continued to roll out similar offers on products they have tried to lure customers in store with all year.

Australian retailers are now always on sale, not sometimes on sale ALWAYS on sale.

I worked in an industry where discounting was considered last resort to fill empty seats, try to make budget, however entertainment in Sydney (and other states, but Sydney has a massive issue) is always on-sale.

Retail, entertainment, your weekly groceries are always on sale. So are the Boxing Day sales still a thing? Or just an excuse to get away from the family for an hour or two?

So then next big event over this strange holiday period where it's 40 degrees one minute, cool on Christmas day the next. New Years Eve, it is almost here and venues, house parties, bottle shops are all preparing for the worst.

It's the time of the year everyone is fucked up! From music festivals. smaller boutique concerts, house parties, parties at venues etc.

The one question I hate being asked in the lead up is, what are your plans for New Years? Having a big night? I feel like saying fuck no after 17 as an adult most leave me disappointed, wanting to go to bed as soon as the clock strikes 12.

When I was younger my best wild nights out were always random mid year benders or nights that become something from nothing. The whole planning, expectations of New Years being the best night of your life will never be realised. Unless maybe you get to fuck Zac Efron.

So what are my plans for New Years? With any luck I will get me the fuck outta Sydney. We have a new music festival (good luck to them in this current climate of music festivals sinking and not swimming) happening in a park near my house and god knows what else happening in my neighbourhood.

I will hopefully be able to post for you some lovely posts from one of our nearest neighbours.

If you are looking for an ultimate NYE playlist however here is the first half of my 200 songs of the past year. I will post part two on New Years Day.

A quick thank you to those who did help me loose a bit of my bar humbug this silly season, although I really can't wait for the new year to kick in and we count down to the next controversial public holiday, Australia Day/Invasion Day....

THANK Y'ALL

Erin
Rene from QLD
Brooke
Heather
Lida
Citra
Scott
Marcus
Rachel - my Gay Church ruler :)
Jenny
Julie & the Global gang
Michelle

My family and family in-law

OK that is it for another year of me paying out on this little thang called Christmas and the retail saviour Boxing Day.

Stay tuned, I have been nailing some Netflix, Stan titles so more reviews on the way and some new US shows launching in 2018, excitement!

Take it easy on New Years and take this advice from someone who has had expectations, have none or very few on New Years, it's another night, you can drink, get loose March 19th, June 27th, August 30th, September 1st or even November 3rd, it's all the same, another night!

Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Silver Screen in 2017 {Star Wars: The Last Jedi}


Another year, another Star Wars film! Another Boxing Day movie season ruined by the film franchise. Last year we coped a spin off standalone story in the Star Wars galaxy, Rogue One. This topped my Best Films of 2016 post last New Years Eve.

Keen readers of this site would already realise I have posted my Best Movies of 2017 but there have been some developments and I may have to repost this list.

But will I redo the list adding in The Last Jedi? Time will tell.



The sequel in the new trilogy following the hugely successful The Force Awakens this film has divided Star Wars fans the world over.

Look I liked it, a lot happened but the middle of the film? It kind of lost the plot added too many plots and went a bit, well weird.

It's hard to criticise such huge beasts as Star Wars because rusted on fans will always defend it's flaws to the bitter end. And I call myself a serious Star Wars fan and The Force Awakens was outstanding, Rogue One was pure brilliance but this film just felt like it went for hours and hours and battles and battles.

Feeling a little like The Empire Strikes Back, nothing goes right for the Force however we have another film left in this trilogy and in May next year we will get the Solo standalone film. Yes Star Wars is here to stay.

I will give no spoilers, no plot points, the trailer gives you enough, who is bad, who is good? It's anyones guess but nice to see Laura Dern pop by the Star Wars galaxy and of course very sad seeing Carrie Fisher one last time.

Impressive stuff is the new Star Wars, watch the box office records tumble, 4 Stars.

Tuesday, December 26, 2017

The Other Guy (STAN)


I was never a huge Matt Okine fan when he was on Triple J but I saw his stand up once and I was sold. He is a good looking young man with a lot going on and his series The Other Guy on Stan is actually a great insight into what was going on when he was Triple J's breakfast host and a few insights into his rather personal life.

Written by Matt and fellow comedian Becky Lucas, there is a lot of swears, a lot of gags but also a lot of heart.

I binged the entire six 30 odd minute episodes over Christmas/Boxing Day and left the serious The Sinner behind in this catch up TV period. 2017 saw so many good series air week to week and so many Netflix/streaming series drop outta thin air.

The Other Guy was one of these. As Stan cemented it's place in the streaming game, with a hit in Wolf Creek and anticipation of Romper Stomper, The Other Guy drops the serious nature and brings some laughs to the streaming company.

No Activity looks mildly interesting and CBS seemed to be moist for it buying the rights and starting a US version this US TV season. So Stan could be a serious player in the Australian streaming/TV market.

The Other Guy is cute, funny and locally filmed for a Sydney (Inner West) bloke like me. Michael Hing is the unsung hero as the gay co-host with his shit together whilst Okine spirals sometimes outta control.

Okine's room mate (also featured on Stan's No Activity) Harriet Dyer is also a loose cannon, whilst Valene Kane as Okine's love interest is flawed, interesting but I never really related to her character.

The show ends on a slight comedy cliffhanger and as of this post there is no word on a second season, but for me this should be given more time to shine. Okine is a good looking (whoops I said that already), funny dude who hopefully will get more time to shine now he is no longer on the radio 6-9am weekdays.

The Other Guy, streaming now on Stan is well worth your summer viewing hours, predicted total duration, around 3 hours with toilet breaks.

Saturday, December 23, 2017

Silver Screen in 2017 {Call Me by Your Name}


A coming of age gay romance taking the awards world by storm and a Boxing Day release, but the big questions is it any good? Well the hype is huge, Armie Hammer's legs and chest are huge but this is a long shot away from the best film of 2017.

Timothee Chalamet is an interesting character as Elio and Hammer's enchanting Oliver from the USA to an Northern Italian house is compelling but not 100% interesting.



In long pauses and drawn out scenes this film does go over the long 2 hour mark and midway through the film you wonder when the two will ever get it on.

The tension and the building over there relationship is sweet but at times creepy with Hammer looking a lot older than his co-star.

With relationships with other girls throughout the film, the sexual experimentation in the film goes into overdrive with a scene with a fresh peach.

This will not be everyone's bag, I enjoyed it but I am not sure it will smash it this award season, I loved Three Billboards and left in such an inspired state, this movie didn't leave me with the same feeling.

3 Stars.

Friday, December 22, 2017

Wolf Creek Season 2.


An entire busload of tourists (and locals) are targets for Peter Dutton in series two, whoops did I say Peter Dutton leader of the cult group Border Force, I meant Mick Taylor.

Yes John Jarrett continues his wrath as Australian's best chance for 0 immigration in 2018. Two hit movies, the first a huge cult success and now has given Stan a hit series now in it's second season.

It's action packed and I crammed it all in on it's launch week. Yes when it launched last Friday I had all episodes down pat by mid this week.

Matt Day joins the crew along with the entire busload of unsuspecting travellers and shit gets real, real fast.

I enjoyed the suspense, the gore isn't as bad as some of the movies and Mick continues to be a force to be reckoned with.

Stan is kicking ass with Aussie content at present with Romper Stomper a look at One Nations core supporters launching on New Years Day. Whoops did I say One Nation I mean, like Wolf Creek another iconic Aussie film made into a series.

Wolf Creek is easy to watch, a good thriller and full of poor internationals stuck in the outback. Shark movies scare me out of staying in the ocean and Wolf Creek scares me from checking out the NT.

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

Please ALL Sign These to make a DIFFERENCE


Ok it's meant to be a FUN time of the year, but shit let's make Sydney GREAT again, start here:

SAVE THE HORDERN

NO to STADIUMS

Thanks all and Happy fucking Holidays.

BYE

Monday, December 18, 2017

Screen Actors Guild Awards Nominations | Predictions


The usual drill, my guesses in red and also BOLD.


Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role

JUDI DENCH / Queen Victoria – “VICTORIA & ABDUL” (Focus Features)
SALLY HAWKINS / Elisa Esposito – “THE SHAPE OF WATER” (Fox Searchlight)
FRANCES McDORMAND / Mildred – “THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI” (Fox Searchlight)
MARGOT ROBBIE / Tonya Harding – “I, TONYA” (Neon)
SAOIRSE RONAN / Lady Bird McPherson – “LADY BIRD” (A24)


Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role

TIMOTHÉE CHALAMET / Elio – “CALL ME BY YOUR NAME” (Sony Pictures Classics)
JAMES FRANCO / Tommy Wiseau – “THE DISASTER ARTIST” (A24)
DANIEL KALUUYA / Chris Washington – “GET OUT” (Universal Pictures)
GARY OLDMAN / Winston Churchill – “DARKEST HOUR” (Focus Features)
DENZEL WASHINGTON / Roman J. Israel, Esq. – “ROMAN J. ISRAEL, ESQ.” (Columbia Pictures)


Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role

MARY J. BLIGE / Florence Jackson – “MUDBOUND” (Netflix)
HONG CHAU / Ngoc Lan Tran – “DOWNSIZING” (Paramount Pictures)
HOLLY HUNTER / Beth – “THE BIG SICK” (Amazon Studios)
ALLISON JANNEY / LaVona Golden – “I, TONYA” (Neon)
LAURIE METCALF / Marion McPherson – “LADY BIRD” (A24)


Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role

STEVE CARELL / Bobby Riggs – “BATTLE OF THE SEXES” (Fox Searchlight)
WILLEM DAFOE / Bobby – “THE FLORIDA PROJECT” (A24)
WOODY HARRELSON / Willoughby – “THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI” (Fox Searchlight)
RICHARD JENKINS / Giles – “THE SHAPE OF WATER” (Fox Searchlight)
SAM ROCKWELL / Dixon – “THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI” (Fox Searchlight)


Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture

THE BIG SICK (Amazon Studios)
ADEEL AKHTAR / Naveed
HOLLY HUNTER / Beth
ZOE KAZAN / Emily
ANUPAM KHER / Azmat
KUMAIL NANJIANI / Kumail
RAY ROMANO / Terry
ZENOBIA SHROFF / Sharmeen

GET OUT (Universal Pictures)
CALEB LANDRY JONES / Jeremy Armitage
DANIEL KALUUYA / Chris Washington
CATHERINE KEENER / Missy Armitage
STEPHEN ROOT / Jim Hudson
LAKEITH STANFIELD / Andrew/Logan King
BRADLEY WHITFORD / Dean Armitage
ALLISON WILLIAMS / Rose Armitage

LADY BIRD (A24)
TIMOTHÉE CHALAMET / Kyle Scheible
BEANIE FELDSTEIN / Julie Steffans
LUCAS HEDGES / Danny O’Neill
TRACY LETTS / Larry McPherson
STEPHEN McKINLEY HENDERSON / Father Leviatch
LAURIE METCALF / Marion McPherson
JORDAN RODRIGUES / Miguel McPherson
SAOIRSE RONAN / Lady Bird McPherson
ODEYA RUSH / Jenna Walton
MARIELLE SCOTT / Shelly Yuhan
LOIS SMITH / Sister Sarah Joan


MUDBOUND (Netflix)
JONATHAN BANKS / Pappy McAllan
MARY J. BLIGE / Florence Jackson
JASON CLARKE / Henry McAllan
GARRETT HEDLUND / Jamie McAllan
JASON MITCHELL / Ronsel Jackson
ROB MORGAN / Hap Jackson
CAREY MULLIGAN / Laura McAllan

THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI (Fox Searchlight)
ABBIE CORNISH / Anne
PETER DINKLAGE / James
WOODY HARRELSON / Willoughby
JOHN HAWKES / Charlie
LUCAS HEDGES / Robbie
ŽELJKO IVANEK / Desk Sgt.
CALEB LANDRY JONES / Red Welby
FRANCES McDORMAND / Mildred
CLARKE PETERS / Abercrombie
SAM ROCKWELL / Dixon
SAMARA WEAVING / Penelope


Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture
“BABY DRIVER” (TriStar Pictures and MRC)
“DUNKIRK” (Warner Bros. Pictures)
“LOGAN” (20th Century Fox)
“WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES” (20th Century Fox)
“WONDER WOMAN” (Warner Bros. Pictures)

The Television Nominees are:


Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series

LAURA DERN / Renata Klein – “BIG LITTLE LIES” (HBO)
NICOLE KIDMAN / Celeste Wright – “BIG LITTLE LIES” (HBO)
JESSICA LANGE / Joan Crawford – “FEUD: BETTE AND JOAN” (FX Networks)
SUSAN SARANDON / Bette Davis – “FEUD: BETTE AND JOAN” (FX Networks)
REESE WITHERSPOON / Madeline MacKenzie – “BIG LITTLE LIES” (HBO)


Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series

BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH / Sherlock Holmes – “SHERLOCK: THE LYING DETECTIVE” (WGBH/Masterpiece)
JEFF DANIELS / Frank Griffin – “GODLESS” (Netflix)
ROBERT DE NIRO / Bernie Madoff – “THE WIZARD OF LIES” (HBO)
GEOFFREY RUSH / Albert Einstein – “GENIUS” (National Geographic)
ALEXANDER SKARSGÅRD / Perry Wright – “BIG LITTLE LIES” (HBO)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series

MILLIE BOBBY BROWN / Eleven – “STRANGER THINGS” (Netflix)
CLAIRE FOY / Queen Elizabeth II – “THE CROWN” (Netflix)
LAURA LINNEY / Wendy Byrde – “OZARK” (Netflix)
ELISABETH MOSS / Offred/June – “THE HANDMAID’S TALE” (Hulu)
ROBIN WRIGHT / Claire Underwood – “HOUSE OF CARDS” (Netflix)


Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series

JASON BATEMAN / Martin “Marty” Byrde – “OZARK” (Netflix)
STERLING K. BROWN / Randall Pearson – “THIS IS US” (NBC)
PETER DINKLAGE / Tyrion Lannister – “GAME OF THRONES” (HBO)
DAVID HARBOUR / Jim Hopper – “STRANGER THINGS” (Netflix)
BOB ODENKIRK / Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman – “BETTER CALL SAUL” (AMC)


Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series

UZO ADUBA / Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren – “ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK” (Netflix)
ALISON BRIE / Ruth Wilder – “GLOW” (Netflix)
JANE FONDA / Grace Hanson – “GRACE AND FRANKIE” (Netflix)
JULIA LOUIS-DREYFUS / Selina Meyer – “VEEP” (HBO)
LILY TOMLIN / Frankie Bergstein – “GRACE AND FRANKIE” (Netflix)


Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series

ANTHONY ANDERSON / Andre “Dre” Johnson – “BLACK-ISH” (ABC)
AZIZ ANSARI / Dev – “MASTER OF NONE” (Netflix)
LARRY DAVID / Himself – “CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM” (HBO)
SEAN HAYES / Jack McFarland – “WILL & GRACE” (NBC)
WILLIAM H. MACY / Frank Gallagher – “SHAMELESS” (Showtime)
MARC MARON / Sam Sylvia – “GLOW” (Netflix)


Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series

THE CROWN (Netflix)
CLAIRE FOY / Queen Elizabeth II
VICTORIA HAMILTON / Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother
VANESSA KIRBY / Princess Margaret
ANTON LESSER / Prime Minister Harold Macmillan
MATT SMITH / Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

GAME OF THRONES (HBO)
ALFIE ALLEN / Theon Greyjoy
JACOB ANDERSON / Grey Worm
PILOU ASBÆK / Euron Greyjoy
HAFÞÓR JÚLÍUS BJÖRNSSON / The Mountain
JOHN BRADLEY / Samwell Tarly
JIM BROADBENT / Archmaester Ebrose
GWENDOLINE CHRISTIE / Brienne
EMILIA CLARKE / Daenerys Targaryen
NIKOLAJ COSTER-WALDAU / Jaime Lannister
LIAM CUNNINGHAM / Davos Seaworth
PETER DINKLAGE / Tyrion Lannister
RICHARD DORMER / Beric Dondarrion
NATHALIE EMMANUEL / Missandei
JAMES FAULKNER / Randyll Tarly
JEROME FLYNN / Bronn
AIDAN GILLEN / Petyr Baelish
IAIN GLEN / Jorah Mormont
KIT HARINGTON / Jon Snow
LENA HEADEY / Cersei Lannister
ISAAC HEMPSTEAD WRIGHT / Bran Stark
CONLETH HILL / Varys
KRISTOFER HIVJU / Tormund Giantsbane
TOM HOPPER / Dickon Tarly
ANTON LESSER / Qyburn
RORY McCANN / The Hound
STAZ NAIR / Qhono
RICHARD RYCROFT / Maester Wolkan
SOPHIE TURNER / Sansa Stark
RUPERT VANSITTART / Yohn Royce
MAISIE WILLIAMS / Arya Stark

THE HANDMAID’S TALE (Hulu)
MADELINE BREWER / Janine/Ofwarren/Ofdaniel
AMANDA BRUGEL / Rita
ANN DOWD / Aunt Lydia
O-T FAGBENLE / Luke
JOSEPH FIENNES / Commander Waterford
TATTIAWNA JONES / Ofglen #2
MAX MINGHELLA / Nick Blaine
ELISABETH MOSS / Offred/June
YVONNE STRAHOVSKI / Serena Joy
SAMIRA WILEY / Moira

STRANGER THINGS (Netflix)
SEAN ASTIN / Bob Newby
MILLIE BOBBY BROWN / Eleven
CARA BUONO / Karen Wheeler
JOE CHREST / Ted Wheeler
CATHERINE CURTIN / Claudia Henderson (Dustin’s Mom)
NATALIA DYER / Nancy Wheeler
DAVID HARBOUR / Jim Hopper
CHARLIE HEATON / Jonathan Byers
JOE KEERY / Steve Harrington
GATEN MATARAZZO / Dustin Henderson
CALEB McLAUGHLIN / Lucas Sinclair
DACRE MONTGOMERY / Billy
PAUL REISER / Dr. Owens
WINONA RYDER / Joyce Byers
NOAH SCHNAPP / Will Byers
SADIE SINK / Max
FINN WOLFHARD / Mike Wheeler

THIS IS US (NBC)
ERIS BAKER / Tess Pearson
ALEXANDRA BRECKENRIDGE / Sophie
STERLING K. BROWN / Randall Pearson
LONNIE CHAVIS / Young Randall
JUSTIN HARTLEY / Kevin Pearson
FAITHE HERMAN / Annie Pearson
RON CEPHAS JONES / William Hill
CHRISSY METZ / Kate Pearson
MANDY MOORE / Rebecca Pearson
CHRIS SULLIVAN / Toby Damon
MILO VENTIMIGLIA / Jack Pearson
SUSAN KELECHI WATSON / Beth Pearson
HANNAH ZEILE / Teenage Kate


Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series

BLACK-ISH (ABC)
ANTHONY ANDERSON / Andre “Dre” Johnson
MILES BROWN / Jack Johnson
DEON COLE / Charlie Telphy
LAURENCE FISHBURNE / Pops
JENIFER LEWIS / Ruby
PETER MACKENZIE / Mr. Stevens
MARSAI MARTIN / Diane Johnson
JEFF MEACHAM / Josh
TRACEE ELLIS ROSS / Dr. Rainbow Johnson
MARCUS SCRIBNER / Andre Johnson, Jr.
YARA SHAHIDI / Zoey Johnson

CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM (HBO)
TED DANSON / Himself
LARRY DAVID / Himself
SUSIE ESSMAN / Susie Greene
JEFF GARLIN / Jeff Greene
CHERYL HINES / Cheryl David
JB SMOOVE / Leon Black
GLOW (Netflix)
BRITT BARON / Justine Biagi
ALISON BRIE / Ruth Wilder
KIMMY GATEWOOD / Stacey Beswick
BETTY GILPIN / Debbie Eagan
REBEKKA JOHNSON / Dawn Rivecca
CHRIS LOWELL / Bash
SUNITA MANI / Arthie Premkumar
MARC MARON / Sam Sylvia
KATE NASH / Rhonda Richardson
SYDELLE NOEL / Cherry Bang
MARIANNA PALKA / Reggie Walsh
GAYLE RANKIN / Sheila the She-Wolf
BASHIR SALAHUDDIN / Keith
RICH SOMMER / Mark
KIA STEVENS / Tammé Dawson
JACKIE TOHN / Melanie Rosen
ELLEN WONG / Jenny Chey
BRITNEY YOUNG / Carmen Wade

ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK (Netflix)
UZO ADUBA / Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren
EMILY ALTHAUS / Maureen Kukudio
DANIELLE BROOKS / Tasha “Taystee” Jefferson
ROSAL COLÓN / Ouija
JACKIE CRUZ / Marisol “Flaca” Gonzales
FRANCESCA CURRAN / Helen Van Maele
DANIELLA DE JESÚS / Zirconia
LEA DeLARIA / Big Boo
NICK DILLENBURG / CO Blake
ASIA KATE DILLON / Brandy Epps
BETH DOVER / Linda Ferguson
KIMIKO GLENN / Brook Soso
ANNIE GOLDEN / Norma Romano
LAURA GÓMEZ / Blanca Flores
DIANE GUERRERO / Maritza Ramos
EVAN ARTHUR HALL / CO Stratman
MICHAEL J. HARNEY / Sam Healy
BRAD WILLIAM HENKE / Desi Piscatella
MIKE HOUSTON / CO Lee Dixon
VICKY JEUDY / Janae Watson
KELLY KARBACZ / Kasey Sankey
JULIE LAKE / Angie Rice
SELENIS LEYVA / Gloria Mendoza
NATASHA LYONNE / Nicky Nichols
TARYN MANNING / Tiffany “Pennsatucky” Doggett
ADRIENNE C. MOORE / Cindy Hayes
MIRIAM MORALES / Pidge
KATE MULGREW / Galina “Red” Reznikov
EMMA MYLES / Leanne Taylor
JOHN PALLADINO / Josh
MATT PETERS / Joel Luschek
JESSICA PIMENTEL / Maria Ruiz
DASCHA POLANCO / Dayanara Diaz
LAURA PREPON / Alex Vause
JOLENE PURDY / Stephanie Hapakuka
ELIZABETH RODRIGUEZ / Aleida Diaz
NICK SANDOW / Joe Caputo
ABIGAIL SAVAGE / Gina Murphy
TAYLOR SCHILLING / Piper Chapman
CONSTANCE SHULMAN / Yoga Jones
DALE SOULES / Frieda Berlin
YAEL STONE / Lorna Morello
EMILY TARVER / CO Artesian McCullough
MICHAEL TORPEY / CO Thomas Humphrey
LIN TUCCI / Anita DeMarco

VEEP (HBO)
DAN BAKKEDAHL / Roger Furlong
ANNA CHLUMSKY / Amy Brookheimer
GARY COLE / Kent Davison
MARGARET COLIN / Jane McCabe
KEVIN DUNN / Ben Cafferty
CLEA DUVALL / Marjorie Palmiotti
NELSON FRANKLIN / Will
TONY HALE / Gary Walsh
JULIA LOUIS-DREYFUS / Selina Meyer
SAM RICHARDSON / Richard Splett
PAUL SCHEER / Stevie
REID SCOTT / Dan Egan
TIMOTHY SIMONS / Jonah Ryan
SARAH SUTHERLAND / Catherine Meyer
MATT WALSH / Mike McLintock

Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Comedy or Drama Series

GAME OF THRONES (HBO)
GLOW (Netflix)
HOMELAND (Showtime)
STRANGER THINGS (Netflix)
THE WALKING DEAD (AMC)

Sunday, December 17, 2017

She's Gotta Have It Season 1.


Wow is all I can say, Spike Lee's 1986 is now an awesome Netflix series with an awesome fitting soundtrack. Over the ten episodes we get jams from Jill Scott, Maxwell, The Roots, Solange and Prince. The final track in episode ten by Prince is life changing, so damn good!

I loved this series and in between all my regular viewing watched it over about a week. It was seriously funny, relevant, political and hip.

Netflix is really upping the game and one can only think the Fox/Disney sale is a white flag in the Golden Age of streaming. The Golden Age of TV is well on the way but not it's all about the streaming.

She's Gotta Have It is just exceptional viewing, DeWanda Wise is just delicious as the equally deliciously titled Nola Darling.

Her three lovers are diverse and interesting and the sex early on in the series is passionate and intense. For our Summer/Holiday viewing this is one of my top picks. I know a few people are moist for The Crown (which I need to catch up on) but I am super behind.

She's Gotta Have It is a fun look at modern day romance, with a twist, catch the trailer below, BYE!

 

Thursday, December 14, 2017

Silver Screen in 2017 {Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri}


Why on Earth did I publish the Best Movies of 2017 before seeing Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. I know it's not out until January 1, 2018, however I was lucky enough to score tickets to a preview in downtown Sydney last night.

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri is now up for 6 Golden Globe Awards and receiving HUGE critical acclaim, and Blueprint Pictures are you ready for some more, this is dead set a 5 Star film. Yep 5 BIG fat Billboard sized stars.



Frances Mc Dormand is terrific in this role as Mildred Hayes and Woody Harrelson is also terrific. Aussie Abbie Cornish is also sensational as Woody's wife.

This movie is drama at it's best, I could even see this on stage at say a Sydney Theatre Company season. It's an actors dream, a script like this, dark but extremely funny and raw.

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri is pure brilliance and in the week of Star Wars release this will need some help in the aftermath of Star Wars release. Boxing Day and New Years Day movies kind of mean nothing up against the Last Jedi.

As above this is a Five Star film, OUTSTANDING, YASS!

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Golden Globes 2018 Nominations | Predictions


My predictions in bold and red/blue (as usual, if you are a regular reader):

Best film – drama

Best film – musical or comedy

Best film – animated

The Boss Baby
The Breadwinner
Coco
Ferdinand
Loving Vincent

Best film – foreign language

Best performance by an actress in a film – drama

Jessica Chastain, Molly’s Game
Sally Hawkins, The Shape of Water
Meryl Streep, The Post
Frances McDormand, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
Michelle Williams, All the Money in the World

Best performance by an actor in a film – drama

Timothée Chalamet, Call Me by Your Name
Daniel Day Lewis, Phantom Thread
Tom Hanks, The Post
Gary Oldman, Darkest Hour
Denzel Washington, Roman J Israel Esq

Best performance by an actress in a film – musical or comedy

Judi Dench, Victoria & Abdul
Helen Mirren, The Leisure Seeker
Margot Robbie, I, Tonya
Saoirse Ronan, Lady Bird
Emma Stone, Battle of the Sexes

Best performance by an actor in a film – musical or comedy

Steve Carell, Battle of the Sexes
Ansel Elgort, Baby Driver
James Franco, The Disaster Artist
Hugh Jackman, The Greatest Showman
Daniel Kaluuya, Get Out

Best performance by an actress in a supporting role in a film

Mary J Blige, Mudbound
Hong Chau, Downsizing
Allison Janney, I, Tonya
Laurie Metcalf, Lady Bird
Octavia Spencer, The Shape of Water

Best performance by an actor in a supporting role in a film

Willem Dafoe, The Florida Project
Armie Hammer, Call Me by Your Name
Richard Jenkins, The Shape of Water
Christopher Plummer, All the Money in the World
Sam Rockwell, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Best director – film

Guillermo del Toro, The Shape of Water
Martin McDonagh, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
Christopher Nolan, Dunkirk
Ridley Scott, All the Money in the World
Steven Spielberg, The Post

Best screenplay – film

The Shape of Water
Lady Bird
The Post
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
Molly’s Game

Best original score – film

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
The Post
Phantom Thread
The Shape of Water
Dunkirk

Best song – film

Home – Ferdinand 
Mighty River –Mudbound
Remember Me – Coco
The Star – The Star
This Is Me –The Greatest Showman

Best TV series – drama

Best TV series – musical or comedy

Best limited series or TV film

Best performance by an actress in a limited series or TV film

Jessica Biel, The Sinner
Nicole Kidman, Big Little Lies
Jessica Lange, Feud: Bette and Joan
Susan Sarandon, Feud: Bette and Joan
Reese Witherspoon, Big Little Lies

Best performance by an actor in a limited series or TV film

Robert De Niro, The Wizard of Lies
Ewan McGregor, Fargo
Geoffrey Rush, Genius
Jude Law, The Young Pope
Kyle MacLachlan, Twin Peaks

Best performance by an actress in a TV series – drama

Caitriona Balfe, Outlander
Claire Foy, The Crown
Maggie Gyllenhaal, The Deuce
Katherine Langford, 13 Reasons Why
Elisabeth Moss, The Handmaid’s Tale

Best performance by an actor in a TV series – drama

Sterling K Brown, This is Us
Freddie Highmore, The Good Doctor
Bob Odenkirk, Better Call Saul
Liev Schreiber, Ray Donovan
Jason Bateman, Ozark

Best performance by an actress in a TV series – musical or comedy

Pamela Adlon, Better Things
Alison Brie, Glow
Issa Rae, Insecure
Rachel Brosnahan, The Marvelous Mrs Maisel
Frankie Shaw, SMILF

Best performance by an actress in a TV series – musical or comedy

Anthony Anderson, Black-ish
Aziz Ansari, Master of None
Kevin Bacon, I Love Dick
William H Macy, Shameless
Eric McCormack, Will and Grace

Best performance by an actress in a supporting role in a series, limited series or TV film

Laura Dern, Big Little Lies
Ann Dowd, The Handmaid’s Tale
Chrissy Metz, This is Us
Michelle Pfeiffer, The Wizard of Lies
Shailene Woodley, Big Little Lies

Best performance by an actor in a supporting role in a series, limited series or TV film

Alfred Molina, Feud
Alexander Skarsgard, Big Little Lies
David Thewlis, Fargo
David Harbour, Stranger Things
Christian Slater, Mr Robot

Sunday, December 10, 2017

Silver Screen in 2017 {The Disaster Artist}


Have you ever gone into a movie, expecting nothing and midway through thinking to yourself, fuck this is good, well that was my eureka moment during The Disaster Artist.

James & Dave Franco star in this star studded film with one of the best soundtracks of 2017. I think this even had better music than Baby Driver.

Now unfortunately I already posted my Best Movies of 2017 early Friday morning so I may need to revise this after The Disaster Artist, also Star Wars opens this Thursday.



James Franco as real life Tommy Wiseau and film creator of The Room is really neat stuff. The Room is a cult hit, Franco does a sensational job recreating the 90's with Corona, Kylie and Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch blaring out of the cinema speakers.

The Franco brothers are so god damn good in this film you find yourself in the Room and in the mood at the end of the film wanting more.

Please if you see one movie this end of year madness period make it The Disaster Artist, honestly it was so good, it gave me faith again in the movies after a so so year on the big screen.

What are your favourite films of 2017? Does this make your list? Speaking of lists all Summer long Flashing off the Record is celebrating music lists, today it's Summer Festival acts, check it out now...

So this golden Summer film, 4.5 double the Franco fun Stars.

Friday, December 8, 2017

Best Movies of 2017


BEST hyped film of 2017 - Joint Winners: War for the Planet of Apes & Dunkirk

BEST jump out of the seat film - Joint Winners: Get Out & IT

BEST Teen drama/coming of age/comedy blah - The Edge of Seventeen

BEST film of 2017 - For my love of comedy, Girls Trip and love of action, Kong: Skull Island

BEST small (budget) film - Happy Death Day

BEST 3D movie - Wonder Woman

BEST Aussie Movie - Lion

BEST Music film - Patty Cake$

BEST controversial film of 2017 - A Bad Mom's Christmas

BEST Drama - Hidden Figures

Thursday, December 7, 2017

Silver Screen in 2017 {Justice League}


The latest superhero collabration film is Justice League. Take a look..



So we get a glimpse at Superman at the start of the film through some weird mobile phone footage. Didn't he die in the last epic DC film (which critics hated, I didn't mind it, but it made a shit load of film) Batman V Superman? I won't spoil it but in this film we also get...

The Flash (not the same actor as in the TV series)
Aquaman (solo film being filmed in the Gold Coast and out in 2018)
Cyborg
Wonder Woman (best solo superhero film in the past, review HERE)
Batman

Now it was only in June this year I took in Wonder Woman and still Gal Gadot is so far ahead of Ben Affleck in this superhero gig.

Erza Miller takes the geeky Barry Allen to a way more over the top version than the CW TV series and at times it misses the mark.

I enjoyed the action sequences however the enemy/bad guy/ major plot was paper thin and I would have preferred a Joker character as a villain, or a Penguin or one of the enemies either of these five main characters face.

Look I think the audience is growing tired of these films, with Star Wars Last Jedi incoming, this could struggle to make more cash at the box office, because this film is one of the most expensive films ever. Well that's what I read and $300,000,000! Shit!

Ok so how does it rate, look it's passable and that only, sorry DC, nothing new or fresh here 2.5 Stars.

Monday, December 4, 2017

Silver Screen in 2017 {Only the Brave}


It felt like a while since I had checked into the cinema, or at least seen something half decent, so it was refreshing seeing Only the Brave.

Based on a horrifying true story the 20 (19 passed away) fireman in Arizona, USA.



Look this is a true story and anyone who has read about the Yarnell Hill fire knows how this goes down, unfortunately it's heartbreaking.

The characters are introduced to you throughout the film and the cast is amazing. Jeff Bridges, Miles Teller, Josh Brolin, Jennifer Connelly & Australian Alex Russell.

It was impressive and powerful, and to be honest I didn't watch the trailer or read much before checking out this stunning film.

A good review is a quick review, done 4 Stars.

Sunday, December 3, 2017

SIA | CHARLI XCX


Over a year after the North American leg of Nostalgic for the Present Tour from Sia lands exclusively in Sydney and Melbourne. Melbourne received shocking reviews and a full pit stop in Auckland is planned this coming week.

Sydney decided to put on an evening of rain and for the second day of Summer a very cool evening. Not ideal.

Not to mention I missed the first two acts Amy Shark (fresh from the ARIA awards) and MO from Sweden.

Now it was clear maybe the weather kept people at home and discounts ahead of the show exploited Sia was not the stadium sell out I thought she was. The stadium in some parts was extremely empty and in a time that Gladys feels 2.5 billion dollars should be spent upgrading Sydney stadiums, well honey boo boo you don't need more seats, you need to fix the mess around the stadiums.

Sia is outstanding, she holds my album of the year in 2014 for 1,000 Forms of Fear an album of the year nomination for This is Acting last year and I have been a big fan since 2001's album Healing is Difficult. When I heard Taken for Granted I knew she was a star!

Unfortunately last night was not her night to shine. The stadium didn't work, the weather didn't help, the set list was a year out of date as this tour did start back in September 2016 and the videos on the side screens were horrible.

Years ago when I saw Sia at the Enmore and another time at the Metro Theatres respectively Sia's interaction was the best part of the show. Last night there was 0% engagement with the audience.

I hate to say this is the first time I have paid to see Sia and if it wasn't for half of Charli XCX's terrific set beforehand this would have been a bitterly disappointing evening out. Catching the tale end of her fourth hit Boys, Charli XCX had a great uptempo set. Including recent collaborations with David Guetta to Mura Musa, this was all killer no filler.

Sia also tipped her hat to David Guetta's massive hit Titanium, however another piano ballad as she ditched the dance original for more ballad version.

At times the concert in the cold and wet, along with a pile of empty seats felt like a snooze fest. I'm sorry Sia but this was just not great. I know you're reserved now and not quirky like the old days, and I hate to be an old fart but I prefer you're old stuff better than you're new stuff. Sorry.